The New Light of Myanmar (Thursday, 21 March, 2002)

[Ok Kar <okkar66126@xxxxxxxxx>]

The New Light of Myanmar (Thursday, 21 March, 2002)
-------------------------
1. Maj-Gen Ye Myint inspects regional development
   in Mandalay Division
2. The Press Statement released by the Ministry of
   Foreign Affairs
3. Plenary Meeting of State Sangha Maha Nayaka
   Committee concludes successfully
4. - Parade columns practise marching from Myoma
     Grounds to Resistance Park
   - Health Minister receives guests
   - Cooperatives Minister tours Chin State
5. - Maj-Gen Aung Htwe inspects regional development
     in Monghkat, Kengtung
   - Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development

     Council inspects tax-free markets
6. - CEC member U Aung Thaung meets with USDA
executives
   - Communication facilities inspected
7. - Myanmar-Thai Joint Trade Commission meeting held
   - Contract signed on construction of digital
     auto-exchanges
   - Minister inspects Paunglaung Multi-purpose
     Dam Project
   - Myanmar Industrial Development Committee meets
8. - Seminar on BIMST-EC Energy Data and Information
     Systems held
   - H & T Minister inspects exhibition booth
   - Railroads, bridges inspected in Ayeyawady,
     Bago Divisions
   - Cash donated to Zawtikayon Pariyatti Sarthintaik
     in Mayangon
9. - 2nd leg of New Generation Age Group Golf
     Tournament held
   - Phensedyl bottles seized in Mandalay

---------

( 1 ) Maj-Gen Ye Myint inspects regional development
in Mandalay Division

Yangon, 20 March- Member of the State Peace and
Development Council Maj-Gen Ye Myint of the Ministry
of Defence, Deputy Minister for Progress of Border
Areas and National Races and Development Affairs
Brig-Gen Than Tun and officials of the State Peace and
Development Council Office and the Ministry of
Agriculture and Irrigation yesterday inspected
regional development in Mandalay Division. Maj-Gen Ye
Myint and party, accompanied by Chairman of Mandalay
Division Peace and Development Council Commander of
Central Command Brig-Gen Ye Myint, Mandalay Mayor
Brig-Gen Yan Thein, Deputy Commander Brig-Gen Nay Win
and departmental officials, inspected the site of
Meiktila-Mandalay section of the six-lane
Yangon-Mandalay Highway near Nyaungbingyi
Village-tract.

The road section is being undertaken by Hong Pang Co.
Maj-Gen Ye Myint inspected installation of machinery,
construction of a bridge at Nyaungbingyi Village
junction, paving of the road and production of
concrete pipes. Maj-Gen Ye Myint, the commander and
party inspected construction site of Ayeyawady Bridge
(Mandalay). Deputy Superintending Engineer U Htay
Myint of Ayeyawady Bridge (Mandalay) construction
project reported on progress of work. Maj-Gen Ye Myint
gave instructions and inspected construction of piles
for the approach structure on Mandalay side. The
Ayeyawady Bridge (Mandalay) is being constructed near
Sagaing (Innwa) Bridge.

 The main structure will be built of steel trusses and
the approach bridge of reinforced concrete. The
four-lane bridge is 5,614 feet long and 49 feet wide.
Maj-Gen Ye Myint and party inspected construction of
Mandalay Kandawgyi ring road and gave instructions.
Maj-Gen Ye Myint and party also inspected construction
of circular road by Mandalay City Development
Committee and construction of Shwekyin Creek Bridge
near Kyweyegon Village.

Member of MCDC U Saw Lwin reported on construction of
the bridge. Maj-Gen Ye Myint and party inspected
construction of the circular road with the use of
heavy machinery. Member of Panel of Patrons of the
Union Solidarity and Development Association Maj-Gen
Ye Myint met executives of Division, District and
Township USDAs at the Division USDA Office. Present
were Patron of Mandalay Division USDA Chairman of
Mandalay Division Peace and Development Council
Commander of Central Command Brig-Gen Ye Myint, Deputy
Minister Brig-Gen Than Tun, Secretary of Division USDA
U Tin Maung Oo and executives of Division, District
and Township USDAs. Secretary U Tin Maung Oo reported
on organizational set-up of the association,
membership, activities, organizational matters and
tasks to be undertaken for rural development. Maj-Gen
Ye Myint said the five rural development tasks that
are the most basic factors in building a new modern
developed nation were formulated in the future tasks
of USDA. He called for cooperation with local people
for success of the rural development tasks as national
duty. He then fulfilled the requirements.
___________________________

( 2 ) The Press Statement released by the Ministry of
Foreign Affairs

 Press statement issued in connection with " Nation "
editorial in reference to Wa people

 US Charge d'Affaires expresses Washington's regret
over confusion caused by inaccurate testimony of US
Assistant Secretary of State on United Wa State Army

Yangon, 20 March-a The Central Committee for Drug
Abuse Control held a Press conference related on
endeavours of narcotic eradication in Myanmar at the
Drug Elimination Museum at the corner of Hanthawady
and Kyundaw Streets in Kamayut Township this morning.
Present on the occasion were Chairman of the CCDAC
Minister for Home Affairs Col Tin Hlaing,
Vice-Chairman Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung,
Minister for Labour U Tin Winn, Deputy Minister for
Information Brig-Gen Aung Thein, Deputy Minister for
Home Affairs Brig-Gen Thura Myint Maung,  Diplomatic
Corps Ambassador of the Lao People's Democratic
Republic Mr Ly Bounkham and ambassadors, Charge
d'Affaires of embassies, military attaches, officials
of UNDP and UNDCP, departmental heads, Deputy
Director-General of Myanmar Police Force Police
Brig-Gen Zaw Win, officials of the Ministry of
Information, Kyodo News Agency correspondent U Sein
Win, Patron of Myanmar Foreign Correspondent Club U
Hla Htwe, President U Sao Kai Hpa and correspondents
and guests. First, master of ceremonies
Director-General U Win Mra of International
Organizations and Economic Department explained the
purpose of holding the Press conference.

Then, CCDAC Vice-Chairman Minister for Foreign Affairs
U Win Aung explained the Press Statement on 20 March
2002 released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
(Reported separatedly) Next, Ms Priscilla A Clapp,
Charge d'Affaires ai of the US Embassy said that the
Foreign Minister in his statement referred to the
testimony given in Washington by the Assistant
Secretary of State  Mr Rand Beers.

 When I saw the transcript, personally I myself
questioned Washington to clarify the statement that we
viewed the United Wa State Army as a terrorist
organization. I received clarification from Washington
and I would like to enter it into record here that
Washingtion regrets the confusion caused by the
inaccurate statement, testimony. We do not view the
United Wa State Army as a terrorist organization. We
do remain concerned about the activities, the drug
trafficking activities. As I said Washington regrets.
Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung said that he
thanked for the clarification and the Press conference
came to an end.

Irresponsible remarks of Chat Thai Party Deputy Leader
Mr Kobsak blatantly attack on sovereignty and
territorial integrity of Myanmar

Myanmar will not allow any interference in its
internal affairs or any intrusion on its territory
that will compromise the country's sovereignty

Myanmar genuinely committed to eradication of narcotic
drugs and making significant progress in all these
efforts

Yangon, 20 March - The following is the press
statement released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
here today. We are totally shocked by the Editorial of
the Nation dated 12 March 2002 which quoted Chat Thai
Party Deputy Leader Mr Kobsak Chutikul as saying " the
US should not rule out military option in the fight
against one of the world's largest drug armies,
operating freely along the Thai-Burmese border"  a
clear reference to the Wa People of Myanmar.

According to the Nation's Editorial, Mr Kobsak was
further quoted as saying that " surgical air strikes
against the Wa Army would be in line with the emerging
world order ". It is equally shocking that a reputed
newspaper like the Nation has blindly endorsed the
remarks. Knowing full well the dangerous implications
of such remarks, the endorsement by the Nation is, in
our view, most unethical and highly unprofessional.

The irresponsible remarks of Mr Kobsak, endorsed in
the editorial of the Nation, and made under the
pretext of feigned concern about narcotic drugs are,
in fact, a blatant attack on the sovereignty and
territorial integrity of Myanmar. It is a well known
fact that Myanmar is a peace loving country, which
has, since independence, defended its sovereignty and
territorial integrity while at the same time fostering
friendly relations with other countries, particularly
its neighbours. In line with this stance, Myanmar will
not allow any interference in its internal affairs or
any intrusion on its territory that will compromise
the country's sovereignty, however plausible the
reasons may be.

 At a time when the bilateral relations between the
Myanmar and Thailand have, as a result of sincere
effort by both countries, recognizably improved, it is
most tragic and even incredible that a high ranking
politician of a neighbouring state could be so
imprudent and impulsive as to suggest military attacks
on a sovereign friendly country. These suggestions
have the potential to undermine the traditional
relations of friendship and cooperation between the
two countries in particular and the regional peace and
security in general. While every attempt is being made
by the Myanmar Government to combat narcotic drugs in
cooperation with its neighbours in the region and
UNDCP, Mr Kobsak, apparently unaware of these
energetic efforts, has blown out of proportion a
non-issue, and to our consternation, recommended the
most violent means which is incompatible, with the
universally accepted norms of behaviour in
international relations. We, therefore, categorically
object to these intrusive suggestions.

 It is learnt that two high officials of the United
States Administration, in their testimony before the
Senate Committee on Judiciary and Law Enforcement
Affairs, have mentioned " The United Wa State Army "
as a " terrorist group " with links to drug
trafficking around the world. It is regrettable that a
respectable newspaper like the Bangkok Post has found
it newsworthy to repeat this statement, regardless of
its implications. Myanmar is against all acts of
terrorism. Out of twelve international instruments on
terrorism, Myanmar has already signed six conventions.

 Moreover, Myanmar has submitted its report on
counter-terrorism efforts in the country to the
Counter-Terrorism Committee of the Security Council.
In view of Myanmar's active cooperation with the
international community in combating drugs and
terrorism, these remarks are regrettable. Contrary to
these remarks, the Wa people are one of the national
races of Myanmar who have renounced their past policy
of armed insurgency against the government and
wholeheartedly made peace with and are fully
cooperating with the Government for the development of
their region. They have totally renounced their
involvement in the cultivation of opium poppy and
production and trafficking of narcotic drugs.

 The Wa leaders have, in fact, even pledged to totally
rid their region of the narcotic drugs by the year
2005, and they are making every effort in
collaboration with the government to achieve that goal
as targeted. Very recently, the Yangon based diplomats
have paid a visit to Wa region and they have witnessed
first hand the genuine efforts of the Wa people to
combat the narcotic drugs. To eradicate narcotic
drugs, the Government of Myanmar is implementing
various projects and programmes in the Wa region in
cooperation with the United Nations International Drug
Control Programme (UNDCP).

The most significant was the Wa Alternative
Development Project from 1997 to 2001, which was
implemented in southern Wa Region. There is also the
on-going " Wa Symbiotic Development (WSD) Project " in
Mongpauk and Mongmaw townships being funded by a
Japanese Non-Government Organization " Karamosia
International ". In addition, there is also a project
in Wa Special Region 2 north of Namtit, aimed at the
eradication of narcotic drugs in Northern and Southern
parts of Wa region. In this regard, the UNDCP is
collecting baseline data for the entire Wa region.

 The United States Drug Enforcement Administration has
carried out 9 opium yield surveys since 1992,
including the Wa region. The last survey was conducted
from 25 February to 1 March 2002. Under the
Alternative Development Project, funded by the
Japanese Government, the experimental 4 acres of
buckwheat have expanded to over 4,000 acres. At
present, other substitute crops such as Longan, Honey
Orange, Coffee, Tea and Rubber have been successfully
grown over thousands of acres in the Wa region.
Because of crops substitute programmes, opium
production in the country has significantly decreased
over the past several years.

A United States narcotic agency, comprising officials
from the US State Department, has in its latest report
on Myanmar for 2001 has confirmed that the opium
production in the country has decreased about 60 per
cent over the past 5 years. Together with these
accomplishments, stepped up law enforcement measures
have led to more significant seizures of narcotic
drugs. In 2001, over 1,622 kilos of opium, 95 kilos of
heroin and over 32 million tablets of stimulant were
seized. The above-mentioned anti-narcotic efforts and
accomplishments clearly indicate that the Government
of Myanmar is genuinely committed to the eradication
of narcotic drugs and making significant progress in
all these efforts. We, for our part, will continue to
cooperate fully and steadfastly with the international
community in the efforts to combat these twin evils of
narcotic drugs and terrorism.
___________________________

( 3 ) Plenary Meeting of State Sangha Maha Nayaka
Committee concludes successfully

Yangon, 20 March-The Fourth 47-member Plenary Meeting
of the Fifth State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee
continued the second day session at Wizaya Mingala
Dhamma Thabin Hall on Kaba Aye Hill this morning and
the meeting concluded in the evening.

Present were Secretary of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka
Committee Abhidhaja Maha Rattha Guru Abhidhaja Agga
Maha Saddhammajotika Magway Sayadaw Bhaddanta Kumara
and member Sayadaws, Minister for Religious Affairs U
Aung Khin, Adviser to the State Peace and Development
Council U Arnt Maung, Director-General U Sann Lwin of
Department for Promotion and Propagation of the
Sasana, Director-General Dr Myo Myint of Religious
Affairs Department and officials. Vice-Chairman of the
Committee Agga Maha Pandita Agga Maha Sad-dhammajotika
Myitkyina Sayadaw Bhaddanta Silavnamsa presided over
the meeting and Joint-Secretary Agga Maha Pandita Agga
Maha Saddhammajotika-dhaja Yenangyoung Saya-daw
Bhaddanta Tejaniya acted as master of ceremonies. Agga
Maha Pandita Bhaddanta Kitti, Agga Maha Pandita
Bhaddanta Sunanda and Agga Maha Pandita Bhaddanta Siri
discussed work done on Vinicchaya affairs from the
report of the Fifth State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee
(second branch), religious affairs and education
matter respectively.

Then, the meeting passed decisions on Vinicchaya
affairs. In the afternoon, the Sayadaws discussed
reports  of the Sayadaws of the State Central Working
Committee of the Sangha, the matter on approval for
agenda of the second meeting of the Fifth State
Central Working Committee of the Sangha, criminal
cases excepted for observation of Fifth 47-member
Plenary Meeting of the Third State Sangha Maha Nayaka
Committee and tasks to be carried out under Section 56
(c), Chapter 7 of Vinaya Dhammakam regulations.
Joint-Secretary Sayadaw Agga Maha Pandita Agga Maha
Saddhammajotikadhaja Bhaddanta Tejaniya supplicated on
decisions for the report of the State Sangha Maha
Nayaka Committee (second branch) during the second
period. Then, the meeting approved the report.

Next, the Sayadaws made decision on the selection and
invitation of State Vinayadhara Sayadaws for the fifth
four-monthly period and general matters. The Fourth
47-member Plenary Meeting of the Fifth State Sangha
Maha Nayaka Committee concluded in the afternoon.
__________________________

( 4 ) Parade columns practise marching from Myoma
Grounds to Resistance Park

Yangon, 20 March - Parade columns which will take part
in the 57th Anniversary Armed Forces Day parade,
practised marching from Myoma Grounds to the
Resistance Park from 6 am to 10 am today. Under the
leadership of Parade Commander Brig-Gen Hla Tun and
Reserve Parade Commander Col Than Htay, Tatmadawmen,
members of Myanmar Police Force, Fire Services
Department and Red Cross Society from Anawrahta Column
led by Col Thaung Shwe, Kyansittha Column led by Col
Tin Hla, Bayintnaung Column led by Col Khin Maung Win,
Nawade Column led by Col Han Sein, Aungzeya Column led
by Col Khin Maung Latt, Hsinbyushin Column led by Col
Myo Thant, Bandoola Column led by Col Aung Min,
Myawady Column led by Col Hla Moe and Aung San Column
led by Col Thaung Zin practised the parade drills.
Chairman of the 57th Anniversary Armed Forces Day
Observance Management Committee Commander of Yangon
Command Brig-Gen Myint Swe, Vice-Chiefs of Armed
Forces Training Maj-Gen Win Myint, Brig-Gen Aung Kyi
and Brig-Gen Thein Swe, Chairman of Best Company
Selection Work Committee Vice-Adjutant-General
Brig-Gen Maung Nyo, Chairman of Security Work
Committee Deputy Commander of Yangon Command Brig-Gen
Hsan Hsint, senior military officers and officials
inspected the parade drills of the military columns.

---------

Health Minister receives guests

Yangon, 20 March - Minister for Health Maj-Gen Ket
Sein received Israeli Ambassador to Myanmar Mr Yaacov
Avrahamy at 1.30 pm and Nepalese Charge d' affairs Mr
Harishchandra Ghimire of the Royal Nepalese Embassy at
2.30 pm at his office on Pyidaungsu Yeiktha Road in
Dagon Township today. Also present at the calls were
Deputy Ministers for Health Prof Dr Mya Oo and Prof Dr
Kyaw Myint, and officials.

---------

Cooperatives Minister tours Chin State

Yangon, 20 March-Minister for Cooperatives Lt-Gen Tin
Ngwe, accompanied by officials, arrived in Falam on 15
March. The minister inspected Weaving Training School
of Cottage Industries Department. Then, the minister
met with personnel of Falam Township Cooperative
Department and gave instructions. On 16 March, the
minister, accompanied by Chairman of Chin State Peace
and Development Council Col Than Win and officials,
went to Marao Livestock Breeding Cooperative Ltd in
Thantlang Township and viewed wild ox breeding. The
minister met departmental personnel at Thantlang
Township Peace and Development Council Office. In
Haka, the minister inspected Seinpanpya Trading
Cooperative Ltd and Chin State General Trading
Cooperative Ltd. He then met with departmental
officials, chairmen and personnel of cooperative
societies. Later, the minister inspected the tea
plantation at the Chin State Cooperative Department
and construction of the office.
__________________________

( 5 )  Maj-Gen Aung Htwe inspects regional development
in Monghkat, Kengtung

Yangon, 20 March- Member of the State Peace and
Development Council Maj-Gen Aung Htwe of the Ministry
of Defence and officials inspected People's Hospital
in Monghkat Township in Shan State (East) on 17 March.
Maj-Gen Aung Htwe was welcomed by Tactical Operations
Commander of Triangle Region Command Col Soe Thein,
departmental officials and nurses. Maj-Gen Aung Htwe
visited patients at the hospital. He then inspected
medical store, operation theatre and fulfilled the
requirements.

On 18 March, Maj-Gen Aung Htwe paid respects to
Sayadaw Bhaddanta Siha and members of the Sangha at
Maha Bodi meditation centre in Monghkat. The
congregation received the Five Precepts from the
Sayadaw. Maj-Gen Aung Htwe and party presented
offertories to the Sayadaw and members of the Sangha.

The Saya- daw delivered a sermon, followed by sharing
of merits. Maj-Gen Aung Htwe met departmental
personnel and members of social associations at the
Township Information and Public Relations Department.
Chairman of Township Peace and Development Council U
Ko Ko Aung reported on transport, agriculture,
livestock breeding, education and health, Chairman of
Kengtung District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col
Khin Maung Kyaw and officials on measures undertaken
for regional development. Maj-Gen Aung Htwe called for
harmonious cooperation for regional development.

 Maj-Gen Aung Htwe and Deputy Commander of Triangle
Region Command Brig-Gen Myint Swe inspected
construction of Kengtung-Monghkat section of 73-mile
Kengtung-Monghkat-Mongyang Road Project near Tattaung
Village in Kengtung Township. The project is being
implemented by special region-2 of Shan State (East).
Shan State Superintending Engineer of Public Works U
Thaung Htay and officials reported on the work.
Maj-Gen Aung Htwe fulfilled the requirements. In the
evening, Maj-Gen Aung Htwe inspected summer paddy
plantation in Yan Law Village Tract. Altogether 1,635
acres of summer paddy are grown in Kengtung Township.

---------

Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development
Council inspects tax-free markets

Yangon, 20 March- Chairman of Yangon Division Peace
and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command
Brig-Gen Myint Swe inspected tax-free markets here
this morning and fulfilled the requirements. The
commander arrived at the tax-free market at the corner
of Hanthawady Road and Kyundaw Road in Kamayut
Township.

 The commander was welcomed by Commander of No 3
Military Region Col Yan Naing Oo, Chairman of Yangon
West District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col
Maung Maung Shein and officials. The commander and
party inspected vegetable shops of the Ministry of
Home Affairs, the Ministry of Energy, Yangon City
Development Committee, regiments and battalions of
Yangon Command, Indaing Station, Yangon North District
General Administration Department, Hmawby Township
Peace and Development Council and Nyaunghnapin
vegetable cultivation and poultry farming special
zone, meat, fish and egg shops of the Union of Myammar
Economic Holdings Ltd, the Ministry of Livestock
Breeding and Fisheries, YCDC, Yangon Command and
Myanmar Livestock Breeding Federation, sea fish shops
of Mann Myanmar Co Ltd, Annawa Fisheries Holdings Lt
and Pyi Aung Yadana Co Ltd and central model fish
market in Kyimyindine Township, edible oil shop of the
Union of Myammar Economic Holdings Ltd, rice shops of
Yangon Division Peace and Development Council and
Myanmar Rice Wholesale Dealers Association and shops
of the Ministry of Industry-1. The commander had a
cordial conversation with customers. He also fulfilled
the requirements. The commander and party also
inspected the shops at the tax-free markets in Yankin
and Tamway Townships.
___________________________

( 6 ) CEC member U Aung Thaung meets with USDA
executives

Yangon, 20 March - Secretaries, executives and ward
and village organizers of Mandalay Division, District
and Township Union Solidarity and Development
Associations held a meeting on five rural development
tasks at the Division USDA at 5 pm on 18 March.
Present were Mandalay Division USDA Patron Central
Command Commander Brig-Gen Ye Myint, USDA CEC member U
Aung Thaung, Division USDA Secretary U Tin Maung Oo,
secretaries and executives of district and township
USDAs and village and ward USDA organizers. Mandalay
District USDA Secretary U Tin Thein reported on
progress in carrying out the five rural development
tasks, future tasks and community welfare tasks being
implemented. Then, CEC member U Aung Thaung assessed
matters related to carrying out the five rural
development tasks.

 On 19 March morning, Minister for Industry-1 U Aung
Thaung inspected the No 3 Paper Mill (Paleik) of the
Myanma Paper and Chemical Industries in Paleik,
Singaing Township, Mandalay Division, and gave
instructions on systematically carrying out preventive
measures against fire. After inspecting the mill, the
minister left instructions on exceeding the set
target. Later, member of the Central Organizing
Committee of the Myanmar War Veterans Organization
Leader of the Organizing Work Group of Mandalay
Division WVO Supervisory Committee (Outside MCDC Area)
of the Organizing Work Group 11 Minister U Aung Thaung
met with members of WVO Supervisory Committees of
Mandalay Division, Mandalay, Kyaukse, Myingyan,
PyinOoLwin and Yamethin districts and Kyaukse,
Myittha, Singaing and TadaU townships at the Paleik
Textile and Finishing Plant. After hearing reports
presented by chairmen of the respective supervisory
committees, Minister U Aung Thaung attended to the
needs and gave necessary instructions.

---------

Communication facilities inspected

Yangon, 20 March-Minister for Communications, Posts
and Telegraphs Brig-Gen Thein Zaw, accompanied by
officials of Myanma Posts and Telecommunications,
arrived in Hpa-an on 17 March. He called on Kayin
State Peace and Development Council Chairman Col Maung
Shein and discussed matters on telephone lines
installation in rural areas of Kayin State and
extension of communication tasks.

 On 18 March, the minister went to Mon State and
inspected the telephone lines installation being
carried out in Arutaung Village of Ye Township. He
also inspected progress in construction of
auto-exchange in Ye as well as auto-exchange and
microwave station in Thanbyu-zayat. Yesterday,
South-East Command Commander Brig-Gen Thura Myint Aung
and the minister went to Kyaikmaraw and gave
instructions on installation of public phones and
tasks to be carried out for convenience of trunk call
facilities. Next, they inspected post offices and
telephone exchanges in Mawlamyine, Mottama, Paung,
Zinkyaik and Yinnyein. In the afternoon, the minister
inspected the post office and the telephone exchange
in Waw.
___________________________

( 7 )  Myanmar-Thai Joint Trade Commission meeting
held

Yangon, 20 March - A Myanmar delegation led by
Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Pyi Sone attended the
Third Myanmar-Thai Joint Trade Commission meeting on
18 and 19 March in Bangkok at the invitation of
Minister of Commerce of Thailand Dr Adisai Bodharamik.


The ministerial-level meeting is held annually to seek
means to promote trade between the two countries. The
Myanmar delegation visited Burirum in the dry region
of Thailand on 19 March and studied rice cultivation,
rice milling and domestic courses to uplift the life
condition of the farmers who are the grassroots of the
region. The ministers from the two nations delivered
addresses at the meeting which was held at 3 pm on 19
March. The minutes of the meeting was signed and
exchanged. The delegation arrived back here yesterday
evening.

---------

Contract signed on construction of digital
auto-exchanges

Yangon, 20 March- A ceremony to sign the contract on
building 13,500-line-capacity digital auto-exchanges
was held at the Communication and Postal Training
Centre on Lower Pazundaung Road this morning. Present
were Minister for Communications, Posts and Telegraphs
Brig-Gen Thein Zaw, departmental heads and guests.
Managing Director U Maung Maung Tin of Myanma Posts
and Telecommunications and Export General Manager Mr
Guo Jian of China National Electronics Import & Export
Shenzhen Company (CEIEC SZ) gave speeches. Then,
Managing Director U Maung Maung Tin and Export General
Manager Mr Guo Jian signed the contract and exchanged
the documents. New digital auto-exchanges will be
built at a cost of US$ 6.5 million in Meiktila and 11
other towns. After signing the contract, machines will
be installed within 18 months.

---------

Minister inspects Paunglaung Multi-purpose Dam Project


Yangon, 20 March - Minister for Agriculture and
Irrigation Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin visited the work site of
the Paunglaung Multi-purpose Dam Project being
implemented near Kyitaung Village, east of Pyinmana,
Yamethin District, Mandalay Division, on 18 March
morning. Accompanied by officials, the minister
inspected progress in construction of stone-reinforced
main embankment of the dam. After meeting with
engineers of the Irrigation Department, he laid down
the future tasks. At the briefing hall of the project,
Director of the Construction Group 5 U Win Maung
reported on construction of the earth embankment and
spillway, progress in carrying out feasibility study
and soil test for construction of a diversion weir,
strength of heavy machinery, progress of work and
future tasks. Then, Director of the Hydro-electric
Power Department U Soe Myint reported on work being
carried out for building two diversion tunnels and the
intake structure.

 The minister gave instructions and fulfilled the
requirements. Afterwards, the minister and party
inspected tasks being carried out and progress of
work. The minister then attended the meeting on
dissemination of agricultural methods organized by the
Agricultural Research Department under the Myanma
Agriculture Service and the Agricultural Education
Centre at the Pyinmana Yezin Agricultural Research
Department. Also present were Managing Director of MAS
U Tun Than and general managers, agricultural experts
and those in-charge of Division, District and Township
Agriculture Education Centres. Speaking on the
occasion, the minister said that efforts were being
made for extended cultivation of crops and boosting
per acre yield in order to meet the local demand. He
gave instructions on dissemination of the results of
the research works to farmers. He spoke of the need
for agricultural staff to disseminate agricultural
methods to the farmers regionwise.

Dissemination of agricultural techniques, research
works and agricultural education activities were to be
carried out in harmony, he added. The minister
inspected the Agricultural Research Department. He
also inspected the results of the tests and findings
for the best period to cultivate Lone-thwehmwe paddy
strain and production of humus, and gave necessary
instructions. Next, the minister proceeded to the No 5
Sugar Mill (Myohla) under the Myanma Sugarcane
Enterprise. The manager of the Mill reported on
conditions of cultivation of sugarcane and production
of sugar. He met with managers of the sugar mills in
Bago Division (East) and discussed cultivation of
sugarcane and sugar production this year and sugarcane
cultivation for coming sugarcane crushing season.
Then, the minister inspected the sugar production
process at the mill. Later, the minister inspected the
No 6 Sugar Mill (Yedashe) and gave necessary
instructions to those in-charge.

---------

Myanmar Industrial Development Committee meets

Yangon, 20 March - The Myanmar Industrial Development
Committee held meeting on progress of the industrial
zones at the Ministry of Industry-1. Present at the
meeting were Chairman of MIDC Minister for Industry-1
U Aung Thaung, Chairman of Myanmar Industrial
Development Working Committee Minister for Industry-2
Maj-Gen Saw Lwin, Minister at the State Peace and
Development Council Chairman's Office Lt-Gen Min
Thein, Minister for Transport Maj-Gen Hla Myint Swe,
Minister for Rail Transportation U Pan Aung, Minister
for Energy Brig-Gen Lun Thi, Minister for
Communications, Posts and Telegraphs Brig-Gen Thein
Zaw, Minister for Science and Technology U Thaung,
Minister for Electric Power Maj-Gen Tin Htut, Minister
for Mines Brig-Gen Ohn Myint, Minister for Livestock
and Fisheries Brig-Gen Maung Maung Thein, the deputy
ministers, members of MIDC, chairmen of nine
subcommittees, industrialists and officials of the
industrial zones.

The MIDC chairman and the MIDWC chairman gave
speeches. Members of the subcommittees and officials
of the industrial zones took part in the discussions.
Ministers Maj-Gen Hla Myint Swe, Maj-Gen Tin Htut,
Brig-Gen Lun Thi, U Thaung, Brig-Gen Thein Zaw and
Lt-Gen Min Thein and Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Kyaw Win
gave suggestions. The meeting ended with concluding
remarks by Minister U Aung Thaung.
___________________________

( 8 ) Seminar on BIMST-EC Energy Data and Information
Systems held

Yangon, 20 March -The ceremony to open the seminar on
BIMST-EC Energy Data and Information Systems was held
at the hall of the Ministry of Energy this morning,
attended by Minister for Energy Brig-Gen Lun Thi,
Deputy Minister U Tin Tun, directors-general and
managing directors of the departments and enterprises
under the ministry and officials. The seminar was held
to establish the BIMST-EC Energy Information Centre at
the ministry. Minister Brig-Gen Lun Thi made an
opening speech. Then, Research Officer Mr Renukaradhya
of the Tata Energy Research Institute of India briefed
on orientation programme, arrangements, objectives and
future tasks. Two experts from the Tata Energy
Research Institute and Myanmar experts on oil & gas,
electric power, coal, forestry and science &
technology sectors took part in the discussions at the
seminar which continues till 22 March.

---------

H & T Minister inspects exhibition booth

Yangon, 20 March - Minister for Hotels and Tourism
Maj-Gen Saw Lwin, accompanied by Deputy Minister
Brig-Gen Aye Myint Kyu and officials, inspected
documentary photos of the activities of the ministry,
scale models of hotels which are conducted with
foreign investment, scale models of hotels under
Myanma Hotels and Tourism, tourist map of Myanmar and
documents, leaflets, photos and exhibits related to
tourism displayed at the booth of the ministry at the
Defence Services Museum in commemoration of the 57th
Anniversary Armed Forces Day this afternoon. Next, he
gave necessary instructions to the officials. Then,
the minister and party viewed the booth of Northern
Command, exhibits to be displayed by the ministry at
the booth of nation-building tasks and the booth of
twelve State's objectives.

---------

Railroads, bridges inspected in Ayeyawady, Bago
Divisions

Yangon, 20 March- Minister for Rail Transportation U
Pan Aung, accompanied by officials, inspected the pier
of Myokwin Bridge and bank erosion and gave necessary
instructions on 18 March. The minister inspected
maintenance tasks on the railroad section between
Ingapu Station and Kany-inngu Station. Then, the
minister supervised repair of the railroad at mile
post No 181/24 between Duyingabo and Pyalo stations.
On 19 March, the minister inspected earthen work being
carried out at Hmawza Junction Station and gave
instructions on tasks to be undertaken as soon as
possible for direct transport from Shwedagar Station
to Aunglan railroad section. Afterwards, the minister
visited Bridge No 427 and left necessary instructions.


---------

Cash donated to Zawtikayon Pariyatti Sarthintaik in
Mayangon

Yangon, 20 March- The family of Ministry of Education
donated cash for setting up the funds at Zawtikayon
Pariyatti Sarthintaik was held at the Sarthintaik on
Thukha Street in Ward 5, Mayangon Township, this
afternoon, attended by Minister for Education U Than
Aung and wife Daw Win Shwe. Also present were Deputy
Ministers Brig-Gen Soe Win Maung and wife Daw Myint
Myint Wai and U Myo Nyunt and wife Daw Marlar Thein,
directors-general and chairmen of departments and
boards and staff. Presiding Nayaka of the Sarthintaik
Maha Ganthava?aka Pandita Agga Maha Ganthava?aka
Pandita Bhaddanta Sutalankara administered the Five
Precepts. Then, the minister, the deputy ministers and
officials donated K 1,706,000 to the funds. Next, the
Sayadaw delivered a sermon, followed by sharing of
merits gained.

___________________________

( 9 ) 2nd leg of New Generation Age Group Golf
Tournament held

Yangon, 20 March -The second leg of Han Golf Masters
New Generation Age Group Golf Tournament, organized by
Myanmar Golf Federation and sponsored by Pan-West
(Myanmar) and Han Golf Masters Pte Ltd, and 57th
Anniversary Armed Forces Day Commemorative Golf
Tournament 2002 was held at Myanmar Golf Club on Pyay
Road at 9 miles here this morning. Present on the
occasion were General Secretary of MGF U Aung Kyi and
executives, invited guests, golfers and fans. After
the first round, Nyan Lin Thant was leading the
tournament with 46 strokes, followed by Ye Zaw Aung
with 50, Ye Myat Win with 52 and Thein Than Htay and
Yan Myo Aye with 53 each at aged-10 and under event (9
holes). Than Zaw Htaik stood at the first position
with 76 strokes, Kaung Myat Win and Lwin Maung Maung
with 77 each the second, Lin Moe Tun with 78 the third
and Nay Bala Win Myint with 80 the fourth at aged
11-12 event (18 holes). Thein Naing Soe scored 83
strokes for the first position, Phyo Teza Aung 86 for
the second and Yan Myo Aye and Min Thura Aung 87 each
for the third at aged 13-14 event. Naing Naing Lin
stood first with 81 strokes at aged 15-17 event. The
runners-up were Phyo Kyaw Kyaw, Bo Bo and Min Min
Thein. Hnin Marlar was leading the tournament with 95
strokes, followed by Sandhi Toe Saung with 108 and
Khine Mon Kyaw with 125 at aged 18 and under girls'
event. Loi Hein Co Ltd, Wilson, Rapier (Golf
Australia), Canon, Star Ice-cream, Teddy-C and Begesic
also co-sponsored the tournament.

---------

Phensedyl bottles seized in Mandalay

Yangon, 20 March - Members of the local intelligence
unit, acting on information, while waiting near
Myitnge Village, Amarapura Township, Mandalay, seized
67 bottles of phensedyl labelled JJ Brand weighing 6.7
litres on 10 March this year. However, the drug
trafficker managed to escape. The authorities were in
hot pursuit and then arrested Ma Khin Mar Yee,
daughter of U Kyaw Min of Nyaungpintha Ward, Region 8,
Kale Township, and her accomplices Ma Win Mar,
daughter of U Tin Maung of Waba Village, Dabayin
Township, and Ma Cho Wai Lwin (a) Ma Nge Htwe,
daughter of U Tin Aye Swe of Bo Aung Zeya Ward, YeU
Township, in Chan-myathazi Township, Mandalay, on 11
March. Action was taken against them in accord with
the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Law by
the police station concerned.

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