The New Light of Myanmar (Monday, 4 March, 2002)

[Ok Kar <okkar66126@xxxxxxxxx>]

The New Light of Myanmar (Monday, 4 March, 2002)
-----------------------------
1. Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt meets staff,
officials and
   townselders in Loilem
2. Myanmar youth team arrives back from Malaysia
3. Minister makes field trip of Bago Division
4. Second meeting of MGE central committee held
5. Rural development tasks undertaken in Hlegu
Township
6. Six Nations Basketball Friendly Contest continues

---------

( 1 ) Government will continue to work for development
of Union based on collective strength of national
people, opposing all forms of internal and external
disturbances

 Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt meets staff, officials
and townselders in Loilem

Yangon, 3 March -Chairman of the Work Committee for
Development of Border Areas and National Races
Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council
Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt, accompanied by ministers, the Chief
of Staff (Navy), the Chief of Staff (Air), deputy
ministers, officials from the State Peace and
Development Council Office, departmental heads and
officials, left here for Namhsan in Shan State (South)
by Tatmadaw aircraft and arrived there at 12.15 pm on
1 March.

The Secretary-1 and party were welcomed at the airport
by member of the State Peace and Development Council
Maj-Gen Aung Htwe of the Ministry of Defence, Chairman
of Shan State Peace and Development Council Commander
of Eastern Command Brig-Gen Khin Maung Myint,
Commander of Namhsan Station Brig-Gen Kyaw Aung and
military officers and civilian officials. Secretary-1
Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt viewed Panglong Agreement Monument
in the Union Monument Ground in Panglong. Then, the
Secretary-1 and party arrived at Loilem.

The Secretary-1 met with members of Shan State, Loilem
District and Township Peace and Development Councils,
district/township level departmental officials,
township executives of the Union Solidarity and
Development Association, members of social
organizations and townselders at Narawat Hall in
Loilem at 8 am on 2 March.

Also present on the occasion were Maj-Gen Aung Htwe of
the Ministry of Defence, Commander Brig-Gen Khin Maung
Myint, the Chief of Staff (Navy), the Chief of Staff
(Air), deputy ministers, officials from the State
Peace and Development Council Office, members of Shan
State Peace and Development Council, departmental
heads, the chairman and members of Loilem District
Peace and Development Council, chairmen and members of
Township Peace and Development Councils in the
district, Shan State/district/township level
departmental officials, members of USDA and social
organizations, chairmen and members of village/ward
Peace and development Councils and townselders.
Commander Brig-Gen Khin Maung Myint reported on the
tasks to be carried out according to the guidance of
Head of State Senior General Than Shwe.

Then, Chairman of Loilem District Peace and
Development Council Lt-Col Myint Tin reported on
development tasks including agriculture, education and
health care tasks being carried out in the district.
The Secretary-1 then made a speech. The Secretary-1
said that his visit to Loilem District where Panglong,
the historic place in the national independence
struggle, is located, is aimed at bringing benefits to
Panglong region as well as Shan State.

 In accordance with the guidance of the Head of State
to honour Panglong region where the Panglong Agreement
which kindled the Union Spirit was signed, one
university and two colleges will be opened there and
the district hospital will be upgraded to a 200-bed
one. As for the Union, Panglong is a place of great
significance; in other words, it is the land of
victory for the Union.

The leaders of the national races evinced Union Spirit
on 12 February 1947, which led to emergence of the
Panglong Agreement. Consequently, independence was
regained on 4 January 1948. Hence, Head of State
Senior General Than Shwe, immediately after the
Government took over the State responsibilities in
1988, gave guidance that Panglong region was to be
honoured one day. However, due to various reasons, the
guidance could not be effectively implemented before;
now that favourable conditions such as prevalence of
peace and tranquillity and stability and participation
of national race leaders have emerged, arrangements
can be made to implement it.

 The Secretary-1 said that he arrived at Panglong the
day before and chose suitable sites for construction
of the university and colleges. The university and
colleges will be built as soon as possible; Loilem
Hospital upgraded to a 200-bed one. As Panglong
Hospital was a 16-bed one, it will also be upgraded to
a 25-bed one.

The State Peace and Development Council has made
relentless efforts in the interests of the nation and
the people without caring for self-interests. As a
result, the entire nation is peaceful and stable,
economic good foundations are gained, every area
including border and rural regions are achieving
development and socio-economic lives of the people are
promoted. These are the undeniable achievements in
development endeavours. In Shan State, motor roads,
railroads, river-crossing bridges, hospitals, rural
health care centres are built.

Extended opening of universities and colleges for
human resources development have been carried out with
might and main in northern, eastern and southern Shan
State. In addition, border areas and national races
development activities have been carried out since
1989 to date in border areas and rural regions. Now,
Shan State has become peaceful and stable and the
Secretary-1 and party arrived Panglong to honour it by
fulfilling the requirements in human resources
development and keeping the people healthy and fit as
guided by the Head of State.

 To ensure better transportation for the people
residing in Panglong and surrounding areas, two
flights per week are plying between Namhsan and
Yangon. Moreover, the Namhsan-Hsiseng-Taunggyi
railroad is expeditiously being built. Those Union
Solidarity and Development Association members present
at this meeting are to collectively strive for sooner
completion of the constructions of the universities
and colleges here. It is to convince the local people
of Panglong region that there are 14 States and
Divisions in the Union and the Government has been
paying attention to develop all States and Divisions
equally.

 In view of enabling far-flung and rural areas of
States and Divisions not to lag behind in development,
the border areas development projects are being
implemented and the five rural development tasks are
being carried out. Emphasis is laid on border areas
and rural areas development works in northern, eastern
and southern parts of Shan State. Motor roads,
river-crossing bridges, airports, hydro-electric power
stations, telecommunication stations, TV
re-transmission stations, commercial-scale
plantations, livestock breeding stations, schools,
hospitals, dispensaries and other socio-economic
promotion facilities have been built based on the
financial strength of the nation. Now, the Panglong
region in Loilem which can be called as central part
of Shan State will be facilitated well for not lagging
behind in development. On the other hand, it is aimed
at honouring the victory land of the Union.

The Government is fulfilling the requirements for
ensuring equal development of all regions of the Union
with the genuine goodwill and attitude of the parents
upon their siblings. The residential national brethren
are to join hands with the Government and participate
in the regional development works and five rural
development tasks. Members of USDA and well-wishing
social organizations are also needed to take leading
role in making efforts for those development works.

The Government, without taking external assistance,
has made endeavours on self-help basis with own
financial strength and all are to make efforts for
preventing loss and wastage and for ensuring
effectiveness. The Government's regional development
works will be very beneficial to Loilem District
especially Panglong region. Regional development
endeavours could be made by participation of local
people hand in hand with the government thanks to
national leaders. While I am about it, I would like to
explain national unity and Union Spirit in line with
national history.

For a Union like Myanmar which is home for over one
hundred national races, spirit of national unity and
Union Spirit play vital role in making the Union stand
tall. In other words, long existence of the Union
completely depends on eternal unity of national
brethren as well as consolidation of Union Spirit
among them. It is natural for every nation and people
to have desire for the nation to exist as long as the
world exists. But, we can clearly see for several
times ill fate of many nations that disintegrated due
to lack of protection and safeguard of national
interest with national outlook during a period of half
of century.

Although Union of Myanmar is a developed country which
is rich in physical wealth, to have a look at mental
richness, it is a country where national spirit of
preserving cultural heritage, spirit of national unity
of national brethren and Union Spirit of living in
harmony firmly exist. There is historical tradition
that national people live in union throughout the
history of thousands of years. There were also
historical examples that national people fought
against external disturbances.

This land of Panglong is a firm evidence that mutual
respect reliability and mutual interest among national
people always prosper. To have a look at history of
Union of Myanmar there was firm historical evidences
that the country has past through old stone age, new
stone age, bronze age, iron age, city stage age since
human being first came to existence. In the territory
which would later become the Union of Myanmar, the
national races went round looking for greener pasture
in groups and later became the national races such as
Kachins, Kayins, Chins, Bamars, Mons, Rakhines and
Shans, etc with own traditions, customs and specific
racial characteristics in the respective regions.

Along the history, as the national races have lived in
unity, the Union has gained the status of a strong
nation for three times which was respected by the
neighbours. In those times when the national unity was
weak, the status of the nation declined and it had to
experience external aggressions and invasions. Thus,
it is important for all to take note that the spirit
of national unity and Union Spirit are vital for
enhancing the national prestige and integrity. When
the national unity was weak and the nation lagged
behind in development and modernization in comparison
with world's nations, she had to encounter foreign
aggressions and invasions. After waging three
aggressive wars, the nation fell into servitude.
During the colonial period, the colonialists by
knowing the might of unity of the national brethren,
practised the divide-and-rule system by sowing racial
discord among the national brethren and applying
different administrative systems in main land and
hilly regions.

 It can vividly be found in administrative records of
the colonialists that in some places, poppy
cultivation was introduced, deliberate attempts were
made for creating development gaps and discord was
sown among the national peoples. However, throughout
the colonial period, the national peoples constantly
antagonised and fought against the colonialists. The
nationalist spirit and patriotism were rekindled and
the colonial administration was opposed in various
ways and means. But, there can be found many instances
that if the national spirit and patriotism in
diversity could not achieve success in the national
independence struggle. Hence, there had been many
times that patriotic persons strove to mobilize the
entire national peoples with the nationalist spirit
and patriotism.

The most significant point is that the national race
leaders got united into oneness and they consolidated
the national spirit and Union Spirit at the historic
Panglong Conference. We can take pride that the seed
of Union Spirit sown at this Panglong Conference later
bore fruit of national independence. Hence, the
Panglong region which conceived the struggles for
independence can be assumed as the victory land of the
Union. However, after regaining independence, the
national unity was disintegrated due to racism and
suspensions among the national races caused by the
colonialists. Armed insurgencies were emerged as evil
heritage. Due to acts of instigation by the
colonialist, armed struggle remained for over 40
years, and the nation had to suffer its consequences,
and lagged behind others in development. The people
had to live in a state of panic for over 40 years. All
the people will not be able to forget that experience.


There are many occasions in which the Union was on the
verge of collapse, the Union was faced with foreign
invasion, and the Union was near disintegration in
1988 when administrative machinery came to a grinding
halt and acts of anarchy were rife. And things came to
such a pass that there was imminent foreign military
invasion. Therefore, the Tatmadaw had to take over the
duty of the State under unavoidable circumstances.
These are lessons which cannot be deleted from the
memory of the people. Therefore, all the national
people need to adopt the attitude that patriotism and
nationalistic spirit alone are not enough to
perpetuate the Union; national solidarity and Union
Spirit need to flourish; moreover, the nation needs to
be able to stand shoulder to shoulder with others and
overcome acts of instigation in unity.

 This concept, belief and conviction have been
conceived throughout the history of building the
nation and safeguarding independence and sovereignty.
Therefore, in the time of the present government, top
priority has been given to national reconsolidation
with the aim of building up national solidarity and
Union Spirit. As a result, armed struggle which lasted
over 40 years came to an end, and armed groups
returned to the legal fold. Regional development tasks
are gaining momentum. Today, national unity based on
mutual understanding, consideration, honesty,
forgiveness, trust and mutual reliance has been built
up. Consequently, the Union is enjoying stability,
peace and tranquillity and development.

At that time, the Government managed to undertake
tasks for development of border areas and national
races, and border areas where national races reside
are thriving, and the living standard of local
national people is improving. In striving for the
development of border areas and national races, the
Government has implemented plans for development
infrastructure pertaining to roads, bridges, energy
and communication, social infrastructure related to
education, health and public relations and economic
infrastructure concerning agriculture, livestock
breeding, irrigation, forest and minerals. The
Government has spent K 23,078.93 million on tasks for
development of border areas and national races since
1989. The total amount will increase if the
expenditure of each ministry is added to it. About K
12,208.5 million has been spent on construction of
roads and bridges in border areas. So, there are 39
big bridges, 626 medium-sized bridges and 16 small
bridges. In border areas, 40 dams have been built, and
17 are in course of construction.

 In the agriculture and livestock breeding sector, 31
agricultural offices, 113 agricultural stations, 19
livestock breeding farms and 41 veterinary clinics
have been established. There are 177 towns which get
electricity and eight towns which get hydroelectric
power. Eighty-five TV relay stations have been built.
In the communication sector, 53 postal offices, 54
telephone exchanges, 45 telegraphic offices and 11
satellite communication stations have been
established, and 45 radio telephones and 21 carrier
machines installed. In the education sector, 366 basic
education primary schools, 48 middle schools and 19
high schools have been opened. In the health sector,
46 hospitals, one station health centre, 74 health
clinics, 18 rural health centres and 30 rural health
clinic branches have been opened.

 Today, in accord with the guidance of Head of State
Senior General Than Shwe, rural development tasks are
being undertaken to expedite development of border
areas. Therefore, the entire nation including border
areas will develop before long. The Government is
undertaking the tasks for development of border areas
and rural areas with the aim of promoting equitable
development of the regions of the Union and national
races and ensuring the further flourishing of the
sense of national solidarity and Union Spirit among
national brethren. The Government is working hard with
pure goodwill to improve the living standard of all
the national people, to promote the economic
development of the nation and to enable the Union to
keep abreast with other nations.

Efforts for the development of the nation and the
people are being made not for the long-term existence
of the Government but for the improvement of living
standard of the nation and the people and development
of socio-economy among national brethren. Today,
national solidarity is becoming stronger and Union
Spirit is flourishing. At this time, all the national
people need to join hand with one another to keep
these good results in perpetuity. However, some big
nations, which are advocating democracy and human
rights for Myanmar, are disturbing the nation-building
endeavours of the people. There are still internal and
external disturbances and pressure with the use of
distorted facts and information so that the plans of
the Government to fulfil the needs of the people and
develop human resources cannot meet with success.

Only when the Union can keep pace with others in
development and its national economy is strong, will
the people be able to live the life of high standard.
And a democracy which is free from influence of others
will emerge. Therefore, believing in the collective
strength of the national people and opposing all forms
of internal and external disturbances, the Government
will continue to work for the development of the Union
and improvement of national economy and living
standard of the people. If there are no internal and
external disturbances, the goal of the State will be
achieved in a short time.

 In the event of internal and external disturbances,
the Government and the people have to try to overcome
them, and as a result, the goal will not be able to be
achieved in a short time. Therefore, the national
people need to be united under the leadership of the
Government and to work hard with Union Spirit so that
such good things as peace and tranquillity, unity,
honesty and mutual understanding can be maintained.
All the national brethren need to cooperate in
safeguarding against acts of sowing discord and
interference and disturbance while striving for the
further flourishing of national solidarity and Union
Spirit. The Secretary-1 urged local people and those
from NGOs such as the Union Solidarity and Development
Association and others to cooperate in building
Panglong University, Panglong Technological College
and Panglong Computer College.

 In conclusion, the Secretary-1 called on local
authorities, departmental employees and local people
to cooperate with the Government in striving for
regional and economic development and improvement of
living standard of the people, to strive to be able to
keep national solidarity and Union Spirit flourishing
among national people, to make concerted efforts for
the perpetual existence of the Union and emergence of
a discipline-flourishing democracy, and to cooperate
with the Government in striving for the development
and prosperity of Panglong region and emergence of
Panglong University, Panglong Technological College
and Panglong Computer College from whatever roles
assigned to them.

On 1 March afternoon, the Secretary-1 and party went
to the Union Monument Ground in Panglong. In the
briefing hall, Chairman of Loilem District Peace and
Development Council Lt-Col Myint Tin reported on
maintenance of the Union Monument and the historic
place where the Panglong Agreement was signed. Meeting
with townselders and local national people, the
Secretary-1 said that Panglong region is an important
place of the Union where Union Spirit was conceived.
In 1947, the unity of the Union-born national races
was evinced in Panglong region, which led to the
regaining of independence. In addition, it is in
Panglong region where all the national brethren
opposed the act of sowing discord by the colonialist,
and succeeded in building the Union unanimously.

Therefore, since 1988 when the Tatmadaw assumed the
duty of State, it has been thinking of appropriate
arrangements to honour Panglong region deservedly.
However, as the Government has been making efforts to
strengthen national economy and develop the nation,
and constant attention has been paid to stability and
peace and tranquillity of the nation and development
of border areas where national races reside, the aims
set for Panglong region has not yet been implemented.
The Secretary-1 added that as the development of the
entire nation including border areas is today gaining
momentum and the national economy has become strong to
some extent, he came to the region to implement the
plans of honouring Panglong region according to the
guidance of Head of State Senior General Than Shwe.

According to the plans, Panglong University, Panglong
Technological College and Panglong Computer College
will be built; Loilem People's Hospital, upgraded to a
200-bed hospital; and Panglong Station Hospital to a
25-bed hospital. Therefore, the national people in
Panglong region will become strong and healthy; their
children, academicians and technicians. They will
serve the interests not only of Panglong region but
also of the entire Union. There is a regular flight to
Namsang, and a new railroad is being built to link the
region with Taunggyi. So, the plans of the Government
for Panglong will materialize in the not-too-distant
future, and Panglong region will develop all the more.


Later, the Secretary-1 and party viewed the Panglong
Agreement Monument. On 1 March evening, the
Secretary-1 selected the 240-acre site for
construction of Panglong University at the exit of
Panglong to Leikha and gave instructions on
construction work. The Secretary-1 and party arrived
at Loilem and inspected the 40-acre site chosen for
construction of Panglong Computer College at the exit
of Loilem to Panglong. Next, the Secretary-1 inspected
the 40-acre site chosen for construction of the
technological college on the pine hill beside
Myakantha Lake at the exit of Loilem to Namsang.
Afterwards, the Secretary-1 and party arrived back to
Loilem.

On 2 March evening, the Secretary-1 and party went to
Loilem District Hospital. The Secretary-1 inspected
condition of construction of new buildings for the
upgrading of Loilem District Hospital to a 200-bed
hospital. Then, he inspected the patient wards. In the
hall of the hospital, Medical Superintendent Dr Maung
Maung reported on the location and area of the
hospital, the lay-out of the hospital, strength of
staff and treatment. peaking on the occasion, the
Secretary-1 said that with a view to ensuring
development of Loilem District and emergence of
high-qualified human resources in the future, plans
have been made for construction of one university and
two colleges so as to honour the Panglong region where
is the origin of the Union. Moreover, the Loilem
District Hospital will be upgraded into the specialist
hospital (200-bed).

Therefore, extended construction will be carried out
in upgrading the Loilem District Hospital and
specialists, modern surgical equipment and devices for
medical treatment will be provided. Implementation of
the regional development plans will contribute to the
improvement of social and economic sectors of the
whole Loilem District. The Secretary-1 urged the
surgeons and health staff of the district hospital to
strive for uplift of health care service to enable the
local people to enjoy the flourishing of regional
development.

On 1 March afternoon, the Secretary-1 attended the
opening ceremony of multimedia teaching centre of
Namhsan Basic Education High School in Loilem
District. Also present were member of the State Peace
and Development Council Maj-Gen Aung Htwe of the
Ministry of Defence, Chairman of Shan State Peace and
Development Council Commander Brig-Gen Khin Maung
Myint, the ministers, the Chief of Staff (Navy), the
Chief of Staff (Air), the deputy ministers, Commander
of Namhsan Station Brig-Gen Kyaw Aung, officials of
the State Peace and Development Council Office,
departmental heads, local authorities, departmental
personnel, members of USDA, social organizations,
wellwishers, the Shan State Education Officer and
party, members of the School Board of Trustees and
Parent-Teacher Association, Headmistress Daw Tin
Nyunt, teachers, students and dance troupes.

 Headmistress Daw Tin Nyunt and Chairman of SBT U Sai
Kyaw Myint formally opened the multimedia teaching
centre. Then, Chairman of Myanmar Education Committee
Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt unveiled the signboard
of the multimedia teaching centre. Next, the
Secretary-1 and party inspected the language lab, the
computer skill room, the computer aided instruction
room, the audio visual room and the reading corner and
learning of the students at the centre. Afterwards,
the Secretary-1 inspected the art room and the
domestic science room.

 Then, the Secretary-1 viewed performance of the
students at the music room. The opening ceremony of
the multimedia teaching centre followed at the hall of
the school. On behalf of all students, matriculation
standard student Ma Nang Su Han spoke on the occasion.
Headmistress Daw Tin Nyunt reported on construction of
the multimedia teaching centre and Chairman of SBT U
Sai Kyaw Myint on efforts made for emergence of the
multimedia teaching centre.

Then, the Secretary-1 accepted K 500,000 for Namhsan
BEHS donated by Commander Brig-Gen Khin Maung Myint, K
300,000 by U Aung Win of Narai region development
group and K 165,000 by U Maha Gyar of Homein region
development group. Maj-Gen Aung Htwe of the Ministry
of Defence and Commander Brig-Gen Khin Maung Myint
accepted K 250,000 by people of Ward 2 in Namhsan, K
250,000 by U Sai Leik of Ward 2 in Namhsan, K
2,662,550 donated by people of Namhsan and K 100,000
by Daw Nang Kyar Yon (Chanmyay family) of Ward 2 in
Namhsan.

 Afterwards, the headmistress accepted sports gears
for the school presented by Chief of Staff (Air) Col
Myat Hein through the Ministry of Sports. Next, the
Secretary-1 presented teaching aid tapes for the
school to the Headmistress. Chairman of Myanmar
Education Committee Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt
said. Promotion of education of youth students who
will take future responsibilities plays a key role in
building modern developed country.

 The Head of State Senior General Than Shwe has given
a guidance that education promotion of youths is to be
carried placing priority for a nation cannot be set up
with nonentities. In accordance with the guidance of
the Head of State, education promotion programmes,
special four-year national education promotion plan
and long term programmes are being implemented at
different levels. Owing to active participation of the
people, educational plans and objectives of the State
are achieving success. At present, to accelerate
development of the country from grassroots level, five
rural area development tasks are being implemented in
accordance with the guidance of the Head of State.
Education promotion of rural areas is one of these
tasks. The State is making endeavours for development
of all sectors including education sector in all
regions regardless of their location in the Union
formed with 14 states and divisions where national
people live in harmony.

 In doing so, active participation of local people
help gain fruitful outcomes. He called for making
concerted efforts for emergence of peaceful, modern
and developed nation and prevalence of the State by
speeding up existing cooperation. Then, the ceremony
came to a close. After the ceremony, the Secretary-1
and party posed for documentary photograph with
members of the school board of trustees, wellwishers,
headmistress and teachers and students. Similarly,
Chairman of Myanmar Education Committee Secretary-1 of
the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin
Nyunt attended opening ceremony of multimedia teaching
centres held at BEHS Panglong, Loilem Township on 1
March evening.

 Also present were Chairman of Shan State Peace and
Development Council Commander Brig-Gen Khin Maung
Myint, members of Loilem District and Township Peace
and Development councils, service personnel, members
of USDA, social organizations, wellwishers, the
education officers of Shan State and members, the
school board of trustees, wellwishers, headmistress,
teachers, students, the band and dance troupes.
Headmistress Daw Khin Shein and Chairman of the school
board of trustees U Sai Ohn Myint formally opened
multimedia teaching centres of Panglong BEHS.

 Then, the Secretary-1 formally unveiled the signboard
of multimedia teaching centres. Afterwards, the
Secretary-1 and party inspected teaching the students
at the computer aided instruction room, the computer
skill room, the language lab, the audio visual room,
the printed media room and the domestic science room.
Later, the Secretary-1 and party viewed skill
demonstration of the students at Arts Room. The
Secretary-1 presented a computer set and video tape
teaching aids to the headmistress for the school.

Next, the Secretary-1 accepted K 500,000 presented by
the commander and K 800,000 by townspeople for the
school. Then, the Secretary-1 and party posed for
documentary photograph with members of the school
board of trustees, wellwishers, headmistress and
teachers and students. The Secretary-1 proceeded to
Panglong Station Hospital where he met with medical
superintendent Dr Sao Than Nyunt and the staff. The
Secretary-1 and party arrived back here in the evening
after inspecting regional development work in Shan
State (South) on second and third March.

 On second March, General Secretary of USDA Minister U
Than Aung, Secretary Minister U Thaung and CEC members
Minister Brig-Gen Pyi Sone, Minister Col Tin Hlaing
and Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Khin Maung met with
secretaries and executives of USDAs from 11 townships
in Loilem District and Township at Loilem District
USDA Office. First, Secretary of Loilem District USDA
U Sai Pa reported on organizational matters. Then,
General Secretary of USDA Minister U Than Aung and CEC
member Minister Brig-Gen Pyi Sone gave instructions on
organizational tasks, welfare tasks for the people and
regional development works.

Excerpts from the speech of Secretary-1 Lt- Gen Khin
Nyunt

- As for the Union, Panglong is a place of great
significance; in other words, it is the land of
victory for the Union.

- Head of State Senior General Than Shwe, immediately
after the Government took over the State
responsibilities in 1988, gave guidance that Panglong
region was to be honoured one day.

- Due to various reasons, the guidance could not be
effectively implemented before; now that favourable
conditions such as prevalence of peace and
tranquillity and stability and participation of
national race leaders have emerged, arrangements can
be made to implement it.

- It is long ago that fourteen states and divisions
constituted the Union; the Government, without
discriminating among states and divisions, has paid
constant attention to equitable development with the
aim of bridging the gap among them.

 - The guidance given by the Head of State out of pure
goodwill is implemented with the aim of ensuring that
Panglong region in Loilem District which can be called
the central part of Shan State is not behind other
regions in development and honouring the region, the
land of victory of the Union.

- The national brethren from this region need to
cooperate with the Government in undertaking regional
development tasks.

- Efforts for the development of the nation and the
people are being made day and night on humanitarian
grounds and with a sense of patriotism not for the
long-term existence of the Government but for the
improvement of living standard of the nation and the
people and development of socio-economy among the
national brethren.

- There are still internal and external disturbances
and pressure with the use of distorted facts and
information so that the plans of the Government to
ensure the easy livelihood of the people and turn out
highly-qualified human resources cannot meet with
success.

-Only when the Union can keep pace with others in
development and its national economy is strong, will
the people be able to live the life of high standard.
And a democracy which is free from influence of others
will emerge.

-If there are no internal and external disturbances,
the goal of the State will be achieved in a short
time.

- As for the Union, Panglong region is the land of
victory where Union Spirit was conceived.

- It is in Panglong region where all the national
brethren opposed the act of sowing discord and
pursuasion by the colonialist and succeeded in
building the Union unanimously.

 - Since 1988 when the Tatmadaw assumed the duty of
State, it has been thinking of appropriate
arrangements to deservedly honour Panglong region, the
land of vicotry of the Union.

- Panglong University, Panglong Technological College
and Panglong Computer College will be built; Loilem
People's Hospital, upgraded to a 200-bed hospital; and
Panglong Station Hospital, upgraded to a 25-bed
hospital.

 - So, the plans of the Government for Panglong where
the Union was born, will materialize in the
not-too-distant future, and Panglong region will
develop all the more.
___________________________

( 2 ) Public and fans accord tumultuous welcome to 22
victorious footballers

Myanmar youth team arrives back from Malaysia

Yangon, 3 March- The Myanmar football team led by
Deputy Director-General U Thein Aung of Sports and
Physical Education Department arrived back here by air
at 3 pm today. The Myanmar youth team took part in the
First ASEAN U-17 Youth Football Tournament held in
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from 19 February to 2 March
and won the championship trophy and the fair play
award.

The selected Myanmar youth team was welcomed back at
Yangon International Airport by Chairman of Myanmar
Olympic Committee Minister for Sports Brig-Gen Thura
Aye Myint, Yangon Mayor U Ko Lay, Deputy Minister for
Information Brig-Gen Aung Thein, Deputy Minister for
Hotels and Tourism Brig-Gen Aye Myint Kyu,
Vice-Chairman of MOC Vice-Adjutant-General Brig-Gen
Maung Nyo, leading patrons of the Myanmar Women's
Sports Federation, presidents, secretaries and
executives of sports federations, athletes and the
people. At the airport, the team was accorded a
rousing welcome by athletes of Sports and Physical
Education Institute, artistes and fans.

When the plane of Myanma Airways carrying the Myanmar
youth team arrived back at the airport at 3 pm,
selected Myanmar youth footballer Tun Min Oo descended
the plane carrying the Union Flag. Then, the team
leader, coaches and players disembarked the plane.
They were cordially greeted by the MOC Chairman
Minister for Sports, the Mayor, the Deputy Minister
for Information, the Deputy Minister for Hotels and
Tourism, the leading patrons of the MWSF and officials
of the Ministry of Sports. Next, the team leader, the
coaches and the selected youth players left Yangon
International Airport. Chairman of Myanmar Olympic
Council Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development
Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt welcomed them in front of
Yangon University.

The team was accorded tumultous welcome along the
route by members of the Union Solidarity and
Development Association, Red Cross and Auxiliary Fire
Brigades, Maternal and Child Welfare Association, film
stars and artistes, students and soccer fans of
Mayangon, Kamayut, San-gyoung, Dagon, Lanmadaw and
Latha townships. In front of Marlar Hostel, officials
of Kanbawza Bank Ltd also welcomed the players.

Then, the ceremony to honour the victorious selected
Myanmar youth football team was held at Aung San
Stadium at 4.45 pm. Present on the occasion were
Chairman of Myanmar Olympic Committee Minister for
Sports Brig-Gen Thura Aye Myint, Deputy Minister for
Information Brig-Gen Aung Thein, Deputy Minister for
Hotels and Tourism Brig-Gen Aye Myint Kyu,
Vice-Chairman of MOC Vice-Adjutant-General Brig-Gen
Maung Nyo, leading patrons of the Myanmar Women's
Sports Federation, presidents, secretaries and
executives of sports federations and soccer fans. The
leading patrons presented flower baskets to the
players and the players were introduced to the
audience. Then, the team leader presented the
championship trophy and the fair play award to the
President of Myanmar Football Federation. Next, MFF
President Director-General U Thaung Htaik of SPED
handed over the championship trophy and the fair play
award to the Minister for Sports. Afterwards, the MOC
Chairman Minister for Sports delivered an address.

The minister expressed his pleasure for the winning of
the championship and fair play award by the Myanmar
youth team in the first ASEAN U-17 Youth Soccer
Tournament. In retrospect, the Myanmar youth team won
the championship in the Lion Cup Soccer Tournament in
Singapore in 1992, and it is for 10 years that the
Myanmar youth team did not win the ASEAN championship.

 The Lion Cup Soccer Tournament is just an ordinary
youth soccer tournament. In the regional soccer
tournaments, Myanmar soccer teams have not won any
championship for about 30 years. The Myanmar football
team emerged champion two times in Asia soccer
tournament in 1966 and 1970, five times in South-East
Asia Secretary-1 presents US$ 500  soccer tournament
in 1965, 1967, 1969, 1971 and 1973, three times in
Merdecar soccer tournament in 1964, 1967 and 1971,
three times in Patchonhee soccer tournament in 1971,
1972 and 1973 and three times in Jakatar annual soccer
tournament in 1971, 1973 and 1974. In 1972, the
Myanmar youth team stood first in the Asia zone-2
Olympic qualifier match, and won fair play award at
Munich World Olympic.

Afterwards, the Myanmar soccer team did not have any
achievement. Now the Myanmar youth team has won the
championship of the ASEAN Youth Soccer Tournament. It
can be said this achievement is a new step taken to
restore the golden era of Myanma soccer. The Myanmar
youth team stood third in the U-23 soccer tournament
of the 21st SEA Games held in September 2001, second
in the first U-20 soccer tournament held in January
2002 and first in the ASEAN (U-17) soccer tournament.
The standard of the Myanmar soccer team is gradually
improving. Therefore, all need to continue to strive
to win the Asian championship. A study of the success
of the Myanmar youth (U-17) soccer team shows that the
team possesses swiftness, team spirit, a sense of
discipline and obedience, tenacity and perseverance.

The most outstanding characteristics of the players
are the spirit of regarding any other teams as no
match for them and the strong spirit of beating any
other teams. Therefore, it managed to win every match.
In conclusion, the minister called on all to strive to
win the Asian (U-17) qualifier match in which Myanmar,
Hong Kong and Singapore will take part. Then, the
Secretary-1 presented US$ 500 each for 22 victorious
football players through the MOC Chairman Minister for
Sports who met the players individually. At 5.30 pm,
the victorious team met with officials of periodicals
and sports writers at the meeting hall of Aung San
Stadium. At the ceremony, the team leader, the chief
coach, officials and players answered the queries
raised by officials of periodicals and sports writers.
___________________________

( 3 ) Minister makes field trip of Bago Division

Yangon, 3 March - Minister for Labour and for Culture
U Tin Winn, accompanied by Chairman of Social Security
Board U Aung Ba Kyi and Director-General of the
Department of Archaeology U Nyunt Han, inspected a
clinic of the SWB in Nyaunglebin on 1 March morning
and met staff of the Labour Department, the Factories
and General Labour Laws Inspection Department and SSB
of the township at the SSB office. At the meeting the
minister gave instructions on health care for workers.
Then, the minister proceeded to Pyu and inspected a
clinic of SSB and left instructions on staff welfare.

Afterwards, the minister, together with Chairman of
Bago Division Peace and Development Council Commander
of Southern Command Brig-Gen Aung Min, went to the
ancient city in Zeyawady. They visited NanOo monastery
in the ancient city and paid homage to the Sayadaw.
Officials at the ancient city reported the minister
and the commander on brief history of the ancient
city. Then, the minister and the commander viewed the
ancient city. The ancient city was the palace of King
Bayintnaung in 912 ME. At 7 pm, the minister met staff
of the department, the board and the committee under
the Ministry of Labour in Toungoo and left necessary
instructions.
__________________________

( 4 )  Second meeting of MGE central committee held

Yangon, 3 March - Chairman of the Central Committee
for Myanma Gems Emporium Deputy Minister for Mines U
Myint Thein and the central committee members viewed
jade lots, gem lots, pearl lots, jewellery and jade
figurines exhibited at the 39th Myanma Gems Emporium
2002 at the hall of Myanma Gems Emporium on Kaba Aye
Pagoda Road this afternoon. Then, the second meeting
of the Central Committee for 39th Myanma Gems Emporium
was held. Chairman of the central committee Deputy
Minister U Myint Thein made an opening speech at the
meeting. Also present at the meeting were
Joint-Secretary of the central committee Director of
Myanma Gems Enterprise U Thein Swe and central
committee members. Respective sub-committees reported
on progress of work and replies of merchants to attend
the gems emporium. The chairman and members of the
central committee fulfilled the requirements and the
meeting came to a close with concluding remarks by the
chairman.
__________________________


( 5 ) Rural development tasks undertaken in Hlegu
Township

Yangon, 3 March- Member of the Central Executive
Committee of the Union Solidarity and Development
Association U Aung Thaung, accompanied by officials
from Yangon North District USDA and Hlegu Township
USDA, met with villagers of Wayonsun Village, Hlegu
Township, for rural developmental reasons at 2 pm
today. Organizers from USDAs of Wayonsun and Swelat
Villages, on behalf of villagers, presented 600 USDA
membership applications to U Aung Thaung. U Hla Myint,
on behalf of the people of Wayonsun Village, reported
to the CEC member on their economic, health, education
and transportation matters.

Then, CEC member U Aung Thaung fulfilled their
requirements and gave instructions. He said the Head
of State had urged to pay special priority to the
development of rural regions. Laying down the policies
for the development of rural regions in sectors such
as transportation, water supply, agriculture and
livestock breeding, education and health, the
association is making field trips to rural regions. As
it is required for the rural people to be rich in
knowledge, the association has been conducting
non-stop courses on languages and multiplier courses
with the aim of improving the human resources. Taking
rural development affairs as a national concern,
people of rural regions, joining hands with members of
the association, should carry out the five tasks for
faster growth in regions, he stressed. Afterwards, CEC
member U Aung Thaung presented K 100,000 to the
headmaster for repairs of a village primary school.
___________________________

( 6 )  Six Nations Basketball Friendly Contest
continues

Yangon, 3 March - Under the arrangements of the
Ministry of Sports, the Six Nations Basketball
Friendly Contest for 2002, organized by Myanmar
Basketball Federation and sponsored by Ayeya Myay
group of companies, continued at the National Indoor
Stadium-1 in Thuwunna at noon today. Among the
spectators were President of Myanmar Basketball
Federation Professor Dr Sein Myint, Vice-President U
Thet Oo (Ayeya Myay group of companies), General
Secretary U Maung Maung Myint, executives and guests.
In the men's event, Singapore team beat Brunei team
64-27 and Malaysia beat Singapore 70-30 in the women's
event. The tournament continues at noon tomorrow at
the same venue. Cambodia and Myanmar will meet in the
men's event, Myanmar and Malaysia in the women's event
and Brunei and Laos in the men's event.

___________________________


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


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