The New Light of Myanmar (Tuesday, 26 March, 2002)

[Ok Kar <okkar66126@xxxxxxxxx>]

The New Light of Myanmar (Tuesday, 26 March, 2002)
----------------------------------
1. - Senior General Than Shwe sends felicitations
     to Bangladesh
   - Senior General Than Shwe inspects booths at
     Defence Services Museum
2. Minister for Foreign Affairs sends felicitations
   to Bangladesh
3. A mass rally to hail the Government's Project
   for Development of Panglong Region
4. - Maj-Gen Ye Myint inspects renovation of
     Bhamo-Myitkyina road
   - Maj-Gen Ye Myint inspects regional development
tasks
   - Maj-Gen Tin Aye inspects cement plant projects
   - CD hailing the Armed Forces Day comes out
5. Second Meeting of Fifth State Central Working
   Committee of the Sangha concludes
6. Education goal stone inscriptions unveiled in
   Panglong and Loilem
7. - Military columns practise marching from Myoma
     Grounds to Resistance Park
   - Literary and Arts Exhibition for 57th Anniversary

     Armed Forces Day opened
8. Cash and kind donated to parade columns
9. Early Childhood Development Centre holds variety
show

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( 1 ) Senior General Than Shwe sends felicitations to
Bangladesh

Yangon, 26 March -On the occasion of the Anniversary
of the Independence Day of the People's Republic of
Bangladesh which falls on 26 March 2002, Senior
General Than Shwe, Chairman of the State Peace and
Development Council and Prime Minister of the Union of
Myanmar, has sent messages of felicitations to His
Excellency Prof AQM Badruddoza Chowdhury, President of
the People's Republic of Bangladesh and to Her
Excellency Begum Khaleda Zia, Prime Minister of the
People's Republic of Bangladesh.

---------

Senior General Than Shwe inspects booths at Defence
Services Museum

Yangon, 25 March -Chairman of the State Peace and
Development Council Commander-in-Chief of Defence
Services Senior General Than Shwe inspected
preparations for opening booths in commemoration of
the 57th Anniversary Armed Forces Day, at the Defence
Services Museum this morning.

Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council
Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General
Than Shwe, accompanied by Vice-Chairman of the State
Peace and Development Council Deputy
Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services
Commander-in-Chief (Army) General Maung Aye,
Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council
Chief of Office of Military Intelligence Lt-Gen Khin
Nyunt, member of the State Peace and Development
Council Maj-Gen Thura Shwe Mann of the Ministry of
Defence and officials arrived at the Defence Services
Museum on Shwedagon Pagoda Road in Yangon at 9 am.
Senior General Than Shwe and party were welcomed by
members of the State Peace and Development Council
Maj-Gen Soe Win, Maj-Gen Ye Myint and Maj-Gen Khin
Maung Than of the Ministry of Defence,
Adjutant-General Maj-Gen Thein Sein,
Quartermaster-General Maj-Gen Thiha Thura Tin Aung
Myint Oo, Chairman of Leading Committee for Observance
of the 57th Anniversary Armed Forces Day Chief of
Armed Forces Training Maj-Gen Kyaw Win,
Commander-in-Chief (Navy) Vice-Admiral Kyi Min,
Chairman of Management Committee for Observance of the
57th Anniversary Armed Forces Day Commander of Yangon
Command Brig-Gen Myint Swe, Chief of Staff (Air)
Brig-Gen Myat Hein, ministers, the Yangon Mayor,
deputy ministers and senior military officers.

The Senior General and party inspected the booth of
the ministries at the entrance hall of the museum,
where record books and booklets on the tasks
undertaken by the respective ministries were
displayed. Then, the Senior General and party also
inspected the 12 State objectives booth. Director of
Defence Services Museum and Historical Research
Institute Col Ye Htut conducted the Senior General and
party round the booth. Afterwards, the Senior General
and party inspected the booths of the directorates of
the Ministry of Defence. The Senior General left the
museum later in the morning after giving necessary
guidance to the officials.
___________________________

( 2 ) Minister for Foreign Affairs sends felicitations
to Bangladesh

Yangon, 26 March - On the occasion of the Anniversary
of the Independence Day of the People's Republic of
Bangladesh which falls on 26 March 2002, His
Excellency U Win Aung, Minister for Foreign Affairs of
the Union of Myanmar, has sent a message of
felicitations to His Excellency Mr M Morshed Khan,
Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic
of Bangladesh.

___________________________

( 3 ) A mass rally to hail the Government's Project
for Development of Panglong Region

Yangon, 25 March -A mass rally to hail the
Government's Project for Development of Panglong
Region where Union Spirit was conceived with a view to
further consolidating the national unity and
strengthening Union Spirit and Panglong Spirit,
sponsored by the Union Solidarity and Development
Association, was held at the Panglong Monument Grounds
in Panglong, Loilem District, Shan State (South),
yesterday morning. Those who attended the ceremony
laid down the Panglong Pledges.

Present on the occasion were secretaries and
executives of State and Division USDAs, those of
Leikha, Mongkai, Kehsi, Mongshu, Namgsan, Kunhing,
Mong-nai, Linkhe, Maukmai and Mongpan Township USDAs
in Loilem District, those of Taunggyi, Hopong,
Nyaung-shwe, Hsihseng, Yaksawk, Kalaw, Pindaya,
Ywangan, Pinglaung and Phekhon Township USDAs in
Taunggyi District, the secretary, executives and
members of Loilem Township USDA, USDA members of four
wards in Panglong Town, members of local cultural
troupe and local people totalling over 3,000.

To attend the ceremony hailing the Government's
Project for Development of Panglong Region where the
Union Spirit was conceived, Anawrahta Column
comprising over 1,000 members led by U Than Shwe
representing Loilem District, Kyansittha Column
comprising over 350 members led by U Aye Kyaw
representing Ward 1 of Panglong Town, Bayintnaung
Column comprising over 350 members led by U Law
representing Ward 2 of Panglong, Aungzeya Column
comprising over 350 members led by U Aung Hti
representing Ward 3 of Panglong and Hsinbyushin Column
comprising over 350 members led by U Sai Thein Oo
representing Ward 4 of Panglong, took the designated
places in the Panglong Monument Grounds in Panglong.

Executive U Sai Lon Kyaw of Shan State (South) USDA
presided over the meeting together with members of the
panel of chairmen Executive U Myint Naing of Shan
State (East) USDA and Secretary U Sai Maung Hlaing of
Muse Township USDA in Shan State (North). Panglong
Town USDA members Daw Nang Khin Myo Myo Aung acted as
master of ceremonies and Daw Nang Yein Wa Tein as
co-master of ceremonies.

Chairman of the meeting Executive of Shan State
(South) USDA U Sai Lon Kyaw said Myanmar is a pleasant
and beautiful home to the national races living
together in unity and in weal or woe. In other words,
it is like a garden where multicoloured flowers are in
blossom.

As a saying goes "Blood is thicker than water"(In time
of test family is best), all the national brethren
have warded off all the dangers against the State;
they have safeguarded the sovereignty with Union
Spirit and patriotism.

Despite many rivers and streams dividing the land and
high mountain ranges posing as barriers, the national
races have lived in unity and amity since time
immemorial. The villages and wards have been formed
into townships; the townships, into districts; the
districts, into states and divisions; and the states
and divisions, into the Union of Myanmar, that has
been standing tall among the nations of the world.

Over 100 national races have been living like brothers
born of the same womb in unity and harmony in all
parts of the Union. Since the time of forefathers,
there has been no region in the country where only a
single race has resided.

For example, various national races are living in Shan
State. The population of Shan State is over 4.4
million. Out of this, over 1.5 million are Shans;
nearly 500,000, Bamars; virtually 309,000, Pa-Os; over
300,000, Danus, more than 380,000, Was; approximately
180,000, Lahus; about 140,000, Kokangs; about 170,000,
Kachins; almost 120,000, Inthas; nearly 200,000,
Taungyoes; about 100,000, Akhas; approximately 70,000,
Lwelas; and more than 50,000, Kayahs. They are living
in unison and amity.

In Kachin State, more than 400,000 are Kachin, Rawan,
Jinghpaw and Lisu races; over 320,000, Bamars; over
260,000, Shans; and about 8,000, Chins are residing
together in harmony. In Kayin State, over 700,000 are
Kayins; over 220,000, Mons; more than 190,000, Bamars;
and about 40,000, Shans. They are dwelling in concord.


In Mon State, over 800,000 are Mons; more than
790,000, Bamars; and over 340,000, Kayins. They are
residing in unity.

In Yangon Division where the capital of the State
lies, nearly 250,000 Kayins, almost 10,000 Chins,
approximately 60,000 Rakhines, about 24,000 Shans are
living together with Bamars and other national races.

These provide clear evidence for the fact that various
national races are residing in concord in all the
regions of the Union. A study of the history of the
national races shows that the nation was powerful and
strong, and earned respects of her neighbours during
the periods when there was strong national unity.

The national races had lived in unity, amity and peace
and with mutual understanding for one another for so
many years. The colonialists launched three aggressive
wars in 1824, 1852 and 1885, and enslaved the nation.
The colonialists made attempts to break up national
unity and to cause dissension among national races
with every intention of prolonging their subjugation
of Myanmar.

Taking account of the past experiences, the Government
has, since assumption of the State duties, striven to
restore national unity. For example, 17 armed groups
have returned to the legal fold and are joining hands
with the State. Panglong is the land of victory where
Union Spirit and spirit of national unity were
inspired and independence was conceived.

All the national races, together with the State, are
keeping in the fore Our Three Main National Causes.
They are giving top priority to ensuring
non-disintegration of the Union, non-disintegration of
national solidarity and perpetuation of sovereignty,
bearing in mind that they are the national brethren
living on the same land and pertaking of water from
the same source and they must be united in times of
emergency.

National unity and Union Spirit is the soul of the
nation. He expressed his belief that those in
attendance, on behalf of over 18 million USDA members,
joined the mass rally with the spirit of national
unity, patriotism and Union Spirit. The USDA is a
national organization formed to serve the interests of
all the people of the Union in cooperation with the
State. Thus, the mass rally should lay down
Ònon-disintegration of the Union, non-disintegration
of the national solidarity and perpetuation of
sovereigntyÓ as the Panglong Pledge with national
outlook.

The USDA will have to lay the foundation to achieve
historic victory at this land of victory of the Union
where Union Spirit is the will of the national races
to accept themselves the citizens of Myanmar
regardless of their stock, race and the regions they
are living in We pledge to strive for ever developing
of the Union which has already been constituted with
14 States and Divisions, with Union Spirit national
unity was forged and the struggle for independence
launched. If the good foundation of the Union are
assessed, it can be seen that it has good geographical
condition, sound origin of the citizens, rich economic
resources, sound social system, and good time and
conditions. The Union of Myanmar has existed since
time immemorial. Since the time of their ancestors,
the national races have lived in unity and amity.

He then quoted the Patron of USDA as saying, "Thanks
to our forefathers who have lived in unity,
togetherness and farsightedness, the nation has never
broken up into small states, instead, it has existed
as a united and consolidated Union since over 2000
years ago. We will have to inherit the historical
heritage to firmly build the national solidarity and
to protect and safeguard the Union till the end of the
world."

The national races residing in the nation sacrificed
lives and blood with the Union spirit during the
anti-colonialist struggles, the anti-Fascist struggles
and the national independence struggles from 1885 to
1948.

The colonialists tried to leave out the hill regions
in granting independence to Myanmar. But the national
races, never accepted the colonialists" sinister
scheme. Instead, they firmly laid the foundation of
the independence struggle by signing the Panglong
Agreement.

Concerning Union Spirit, the Patron of the association
said "The Union Spirit is the will of the national
races to accept themselves the citizens of Myanmar
regardless of their stock, race and the regions they
are living in."

The State is carrying out the national development
endeavours to narrow the development gap between rural
and urban areas and to ensure their proportionate
progress.

At present, peace and stability is prevailing in the
Union. Due to the cooperation of the national race
leaders, the government is able to implement the
national and rural development programmes with greater
momentum.

During his visit to Panglong on 1 March, Secretary-1
of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin
Nyunt said that in accord with the guidance of the
Head of State and Patron of USDA, the development
projects for the whole Panglong region where Panglong
is located will be launched soon.

In honour of the Panglong region, the Panglong
University, the Panglong Technological College and the
Panglong Computer Science College will be set up in
the region. The Loilem People's Hospital will be
extended to a 200-bed facility. The Panglong Station
Hospital will be upgraded from 16-bed facility to a
25-bed one.The State will also implement the Panglong
region development projects.

The USDA heartily hails the Panglong region
development projects which will begin in the near
future.

In conclusion, he read out the Three Panglong Pledges
as follows:

* "We pledge to safeguard the heritage of the Union of
Myanmar which has been in existence since time
immemorial where our ancestors have lived together in
unity and harmony.

* "We pledge to discharge as national duty the Three
Causes - non-disintegration of the Union;
non-disintegration of national solidarity and
perpetuation of sovereignty - as historic duty.

 *"We pledge to strive for ever developing of the
Union which has already been constituted with 14
States and Divisions, with Union Spirit.

" Daw Nang Yu Yu Lwin/NLM 11/NO Member of Panglong
USDA of Shan State (South) Daw Nang Yu Yu Lwin said
that Union Spirit means the spirit of regarding the
entire Union as a family. To be exact, it encompasses
the spirit of regarding Union-born national races such
as Kachin, Kayah, Kayin, Chin, Bamar, Mon, Rakhine and
Shan as national brethren, the spirit of living on the
same soil and partaking of water from the same source,
the spirit of helping one another in times of
emergency, the spirit of sharing joys and sorrows, the
spirit of inspiring unity in times of emergency and
the spirit of regarding the plans and the hills as the
same.

So far, the Union of Myanmar has stood tall in the
world. It can be attributed to the fact that the
national races of the Union live together through
thick and thin. As is known to all, the Panglong
Agreement, which evinced the unity of the national
races in wresting the nation free from subjugation, is
the foundation for independence.

She then expressed her pleasures for having an
opportunity to speak at the ceremony hailing the
Government's project for development of Panglong
region sponsored by the USDA.

Shortly after the regaining of independence, those who
fought for independence together entertained different
ideologies due to sectarianism. Then, there was
dissension among national brethren, and national unity
collapsed. Consequently, armed struggles broke out in
the nation, and the living standard was low.

After assumption of duty under unavoidable
circumstances, the Tatmadaw got down to a national
reconsolidation task.As the Government strove with
patience to achieve peace and unity, 17 armed groups
entered the legal fold and has been working together
with the Government. Since stability and peace and
tranquillity were achieved in the nation, the
Government has built economic infrastructures with
added momentum. There are signs of development all
over the nation.

Only when the effort to build a peaceful, modern and
developed nation is based on Union Spirit, will the
nation be able to exist for ever. In retrospect, among
those who fought valiantly at the risk of their lives
against colonialists were Shan women. They did so
because of Union Spirit.

The colonialists drove a wedge among national races
and arranged to set aside the hills when independence
was about to be granted. Without accepting the scheme
of the colonialists, the national races laid down the
foundation for independence with the Panglong
Agreement. Therefore, whether one was born in any
state or division or of any race, one would like to
regard oneself as Myanmar.

A study of construction work in each sector of the
Union of Myanmar shows that after 1988, there are 132
dams including Bawbin Dam opened in Gyobingauk
Township, Bago Division, in the agriculture sector.
The acres of irrigated areas have increased from 2.5
million acres to 4.9 million acres by 2.5 million
acres. In addition to dams, there are 262 river-water
pumping projects and underground water tapping
projects. As a result, 15.5 million rural people get
drinking water. As more dams, the agricultural
infrastructure, have been constructed, the total acres
of cultivated land have increased from 2.8 million
acres in 1988 to 37.14 million acres. Moreover, motor
roads, railroads, ports and airports have been
upgraded and extended.

New motor roads and railroads have emerged as Union
Highways, which now serve as a link of friendship
among the national races.

A study of roads shows that there were 13,635 miles of
roads in 1988-89. Now there are over 17,874 miles. The
total length of roads has increased by 4,239 miles.

Shwenyaung-Taunggyi-Saikhaung-Monhsit-Namsan Railroad
and Namsan-Mohne Railroad contribute significantly to
regional development.

Emergence of a peaceful, pleasant, modern and
developed nation is the goal both of the Government
and the people. Security and stability are essential
for peace and tranquillity of the nation. The basic
requirement for pleasantness is fulfilment of needs of
food, clothing and shelter.

To modernize the nation, measures are to be taken to
ensure that the nation lags behind others and to keep
pace with time. The requirement for development is
knowledge, skill and experience, and they are to be
made best use of in developing the nation. Efforts to
build a peaceful, modern and developed nation are
gathering momentum. Motor roads and railroads have
been built all over the nation, and in this way, the
transport sector has been improved. Mandalay
International Airport and Hanthawady International
Airport have emerged. Before 1988, there were only six
airports where jets could land. Now there are 12
airports where jets can touch down. Another six
airports are under construction.

The Government has promulgated a law for progress of
border areas and national races. The Central Committee
for Progress of Border Areas and National Races, the
Work Committee and subcommittees have been set up. The
Ministry for Progress of Border Areas and National
Races and Development Affairs has been constituted.
There are more and more benefits which national races
born in the Union including Shan State can enjoy.

Altogether K 12,188 million was spent till the end of
2001 on construction and repairs of roads and bridges
in the border areas including Shan State. In the
education sector of border areas, after 1988, 366
primary schools, 48 middle schools and 19 high schools
have been opened. To enable poor and needy national
youths in border areas to pursue education, 17 youth
training schools have been opened. Altogether 12
domestic science schools for women have been opened. A
study of provision of health care for the people in
border areas shows that after 1988, 46 hospitals, one
station health centre, 74 clinics, 18 rural health
centres and 30 rural health branches have been opened.

 In addition, eight hydro-electric power projects have
been implemented; 85 TV relay stations, post offices,
telegraph offices and satellite stations have been
built; radio telephones have been installed. To
expedite agricultural development in border areas, 31
agricultural offices, 113 agricultural stations, 40
dams, 17 dams to be built, four canals and 11 tractor
stations have been opened.

As the Union of Myanmar is made up of various national
races, national unity is the lifeblood of the nation.
Internal peace and national reconsolidation, which
could not be achieved in the time of previous
governments over 40 years from 1948 when independence
was regained up to 1989, have now been achieved.

Panglong region is a land of victory where Union-born
national races pledged their unity to fight for
independence.

In conclusion, she said that at the Panglong Meeting,
a pledge is to be made to strive for peace and
tranquillity and development of the Union upholding
Our Three Main National Causes- non-disintegration  of
national solidarity and perpetuation of sovereignty.

Executive of Namhsam Township Union Solidarity and
Development Association U Sai Laung Kham said the
government is making efforts for emergence of a
peaceful, modern developed nation, the main objective.

The government carried out the tasks for harmonious
development of townships and villages in various parts
of the country and it also upgraded hamlets in the
border areas into towns. Progress has been made
because of national solidarity and peace and stability
in the State.

National unity was consolidated at the Panglong
Conference so that the Union of Myanmar became an
independent and sovereign State.

After regaining independence, nation-building tasks
could not be implemented according to the set
objectives. Despite the rich natural resources in the
country, internal armed struggle occurred due to
instigations of the imperialists. Many lives and
property were lost. Therefore, the State lagged behind
in development in the absence of peace and stability.

 It is found that it was the divide-and-rule policy of
the colonialists that caused disintegration of
national solidarity at that time.

 Shan, Kachin, Chin and Kayah regions were governed
separately by the colonialists. They discriminated the
plains and hilly regions and instilled narrow racism
in the national people, sowing distrust and doubt
among them. The colonialists enacted and practised law
restricting border crossing in order to break up
amicable relations among the national people. They
schemed to cause destruction to national solidarity,
encouraging national races to live in isolation and
entertain suspicions.

 Though Myanmar regained her independence, there was
no national unity and there emerged armed groups in
the country due to the imperialist scheme. Successive
governments made efforts to end armed oppositions and
tried to build national reconsolidation, but without
success.

The Tatmadaw government with sense of duty that is
always loyal to the State assumed the State duties in
1988. The government forged national solidarity and
reconciliation as a historic task and as a result 17
armed groups have returned to the legal fold and are
now participating in national development tasks. It
was put on record as historic undertakings in Myanmar
history. The government has been building roads,
bridges, schools and hospitals for all-round
development of the majority of the national people. In
connection with the national development tasks, the
government built roads, railroads, major bridges,
general hospitals and rural dispensaries in Shan State
starting from 1989 and also built a great number of
universities, colleges and institutes for human
resources development.

 He elaborated on construction of 471 miles of rural
gravel road and 531 miles of earth road, 173 small
bridges, construction of 865 miles of earth roads,
899.4 miles of gravel road and 98.4 miles of tarred
road, construction of Tarhsan Bridge and Namhsam
Airport in transport sector for progress of border
areas.

Twenty diversion weirs, 8 dams, two canals, 53
embankments and other 13 dams were built for
agricultural development.

 Concerning hydro-electric power generation, power
plants were built at Zawgyi-1 and Zawgyi-2,
Pakyauk-maw, Hnamhmyaw, Nam-hsanchaung and
Namsaung-paung regions.

 In health sector, the government built 17 township
hospitals, seven station hospitals, 62 rural
dispensaries and 25 rural health care centres and
upgraded eight 16-bed hospitals to 25-bed ones and
three 25-bed hospitals into 50-bed ones. It also built
border region development hospitals and nurses
training schools.

 In education sector, five new high schools, nine new
middle schools and 139 new primary schools were
opened. Under the border areas development programme,
one high scools, five middle scholl and five primary
schools were opened. Kengtung Degree College, three
Government Technical Colleges and three Computer
Colleges were also opened.

In livestock breeding sector, 12 offices of Livestock
and Veterinary Department were built. In communication
sector, the government opened 12 post offices, 10
telegraph offices, six radio telephone offices, 12
local exchange units, 12 satellite communication
stations and 56 miles of trunk call lines. Moreover,
it also built a Drug Elimination Museum.

 Tube-wells were sunk in 30 villages in 15 Townships
and 58 other water supply facilities were implemented
at a cost of K 17.7 million.

Aungban, Shwenyaung, Heho, Pwayhla, Naungtaya, Tikyit
and Kyauktalon Villages and other 15 hamlets were
upgraded to urban regions under the arrangements of
the government.

 In Shan State, Mandalay-Lashio-Muse Road,
Hsenwi-Kunlong-Chinshwehaw Road and Laukkai Road were
built as the Union Highways.
Thazi-Shwenyaung-Taunggyi-Hseikkhaung-Namhsam-Monai
railroad was under construction. These measures are
the goodwill of the State towards development of Shan
State.

The government built Namhsam airfield for ensuring
smooth transport in the country including Shan State
and there are now flights twice a week. Kengtung and
Tachilek airports were extended to handle jet
aircraft.

 New roads and railroads were built for regional
development in Shan State. Upgrading of roads
contributes toward the development of Panglong-Loilem
region. He thanked for construction of Namhsam airport
and operation of the flight.

 Under the guidance of Patron of USDA Senior General
Than Shwe, universities, colleges and hospitals will
be built soon honouring Panglong where the Union
Spirit was conceived. He expressed his pleasure for
efforts for development of Panglong region.

 The government is making concerted efforts for
harmonious development of 14 States and Divisions.
Because of the Union Spirit, efforts are being made
for development of the motherland.

 The government is simultaneously implementing the
national development tasks, five rural development
tasks and border area development tasks.

 The USDAs held mass rallies to support the national
development tasks and five rural development tasks in
States and Divisions. At the rallies, the resolution
calling for USDA participation in the national and
rural development tasks was passed.

 The Panglong region development tasks were stated
during the Loilem inspection tour of Secretary-1
Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt in accord with the guidance of
Patron of USDA Senior General Than Shwe. Members of
USDA are to participate in Panglong region development
tasks.

 The government is implementing the development tasks
for Panglong region to honour it where the Union
Spirit was born. Let's dedicate ourselves at this
Panglong mass rally for turning the Union of Myanmar
which has been constituted with 14 States and
Divisions, into a peaceful, modern and developed
nation.

 Then, meeting chairman Executive U Sai Lon Kyaw of
Shan State (South) USDA announced the Three Panglong
Pledges:

"-We pledge to safeguard the heritage of the Union of
Myanmar which has been on existence since time
immemorial where our ancestors have lived together in
unity and harmony,

-"We pledge to discharge as national duty the Three
Causes' non-disintegration of the Union,
non-disintegration of national solidarity and
perpetuation of sovereignty"as historic duty, and

-" We pledge to strive for ever developing of the
Union which has already been constituted with 14
States and Divisions, with Union Spirit.

All the representatives present at the meeting also
committed themselves to the Three Panglong Pledges.

Next, USDA representatives at the ceremony chanted
slogans hailing the Government's Project for
Development of Panglong Region. Those who attended the
ceremony laid down the Panglong Pledges.

Afterwards, local people performed cultural dances to
the audience.

Then, the ceremony to hail the Government's Project
for Development of Panglong Region concluded with
releasing of coloured gas balloons.

Festivities hailing the Government's Project for
Development of Panglong Region where the Union Spirit
was conceived were held on a grand scale at the Myoma
Sports Grounds in Panglong, Loilem District, Shan
State (South), from 22 to 25 March.

The flags representing States and Divisions, USDA
flags and miniature flags were put up around the
Panglong Monument Grounds where the multi-coloured
lights were illuminated. Similarly, the banners
bearing "We hail Development of Panglong Region where
the Union Spirit was conceived"were put up at Panglong
Market, along the Panglong Myoma Road and at the exits
of Panglong to Leikha and Loilem.

 In the evening, departmental buildings, offices,
schools and roads were illuminated with multi-coloured
lights. No 1 Mobile Public Relations Unit presented
dances, songs, Anyeint and magic show to the local
people at nights from 22 to 24 March and Taunggyi
branch of Documentary Film of the Ministry of
Information csreened the film entitled
Pan-myaing-le-ga Uyinhmu on 22 March,
Bagan-hmar-tha-de-la on 23 March night and
Thu-kyun-ma-khan-byi on 24 March. Similarly, local
cultural troupe and vocalists presented cultural
dances and songs on 23 and 24 March nights. On 24 and
25 March nights, entertainments were performed by
Mandalay Thein Zaw Drama troupe.

 The town was alive with songs on the national unity
beginning 22 March. The local people visited the
festivities at the Myoma Grounds every night.
__________________________

( 4 ) Maj-Gen Ye Myint inspects renovation of
Bhamo-Myitkyina road

Yangon, 25 March - State Peace and Development Council
member Maj-Gen Ye Myint of the Ministry of Defence,
currently in Bhamo, accompanied by Kachin State Peace
and Development Council Chairman Northern Command
Commander Brig-Gen Maung Maung Swe, Deputy Minister
for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and
Development Affairs Brig-Gen Than Tun and officials,
inspected construction of Bhamo Degree College in
Bhamo on 23 March morning. Bhamo District Peace and
Development Council Secretary U Hla Myint reported
matters on construction of four lecture halls and
staff housing quarters and roads in the college
compound.

He also reported matters on installation of electric
power and telephone lines as well as construction of
the lane linking Computer College and the Technical
College. Maj-Gen Ye Myint and party inspected round
the construction sites and gave necessary
instructions. Afterwards, they proceeded to the model
plantations of edible oil crops such as groundnut,
sunflower and maize by the Myanma Agriculture Service.

Officials concerned reported on the work progress so
far carried out and Maj-Gen Ye Myint fulfilled
requirements. Next, they inspected extension of runway
at Bhamo airport being undertaken by Thanlwin Highway
Co Ltd. Officials reported on work progress and
Maj-Gen Ye Myint inspected the construction of the
runway with use of heavy machines. They proceeded to
Myitkyina along Bhamo-Myitkyina road. Along the route,
Maj-Gen Ye Myint and party inspected bridges and road
conditions.

At noon, he inspected Nanhsanyan Creek diversion dam,
reclamation of 300 acres of land near Bandawnyan
village and construction of rural earthen road linking
Bhamo-Myitkyina road and Bandawnyan region. Irrigation
Department Director U Khin Maung Tin showed them round
the construction sites. At the briefing hall,
Commander Brig-Gen Maung Maung Swe reported matters on
reclamation of 300 acres of land in Bandawnyan region.


Next, Myitkyina District Peace and Development Council
Chairman Lt-Col Hla Thaung also reported on the work
progress. Officials concerned also reported on the
implementation of works. Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Than
Tun reported on allotment of land. Maj-Gen Ye Myint
gave instructions for soonest undertaking of
agriculture on allotted plots, extension of the
existing rural earthen roads and cultivation of
suitable oil crops in addition to paddy. Afterwards,
Maj-Gen Ye Myint and party proceeded to Maliyan bailey
bridge.

They inspected the road construction works of Jade
Land Co near the bridge. At the briefing hall of the
company at Shwenyaungbin camp at mile post 468 of
Bhamo-Myitkyina road, officials concerned reported
them on work progress. Maj-Gen Ye Myint gave necessary
instructions. He arrived back in Myitkyina at 7 pm. On
24 March, Maj-Gen Ye Myint and party left Myitkyina
for Yangon by air.

---------

Maj-Gen Ye Myint inspects regional development tasks

Yangon, 25 March- State Peace and Development Council
member Maj-Gen Ye Myint of the Ministry of Defence,
accompanied by Kachin State Peace and Development
Council Chairman Northern Command Commander Brig-Gen
Maung Maung Swe, Deputy Minister for Progress of
Border Areas and National Races and Development
Affairs Brig-Gen Than Tun and officials, went to
Nantmong Creek bridge in Mabein on 22 March morning
and inspected it which was destroyed by erosion.

 Officials concerned reported matters on substituted
wooden bridge and rebuilding a new suitable one. Next,
Maj-Gen Ye Myint and party inspected Moemeik Township
Hospital. Afterwards, they proceeded to Nantmeik Creek
at the exit from Moemeik to Mabein and inspected the
site for building a suitable bridge for the region.
They also inspected Moemeik-Mabein Road and bridges
along it. They next inspected Shweli Ferry Jetty. They
arrived Mabein at 10 am. At the Mabein Township Peace
and Development Council Office, Maj-Gen Ye Myint met
with township level officials and gave instructions on
regional development.

Also present at the meeting were Northern Command
Commander Brig-Gen Maung Maung Swe, Deputy Minister
for PBANRDA Brig-Gen Than Tun, Tactical Operations
Commander Col Aung Nyein, local authorities and local
people. Officials concerned reported on geographical
data, undertakings for regional development, upgrading
of bridges and roads and requirements. The deputy
minister discussed matters relating to assistance to
be provided to rural development tasks in Mabein
region. He urged the local people to participate in
the tasks being undertaken by the Development Affairs
Department.

Deputy General Manager U Kyaw Hlaing of Myanma
Agriculture Service reported on extended cultivation
of suitable crops for the region. Next, the commander
gave a supplementary report. Afterwards, Maj-Gen Ye
Myint gave necessary instructions. He said that the
Government is carrying out rural development tasks
with momentum. He was assigned duty to make inspection
tours all over the country. Roads are being built for
ensuring smooth transportation of the region. The
local people are to safeguard and maintain the roads.

He urged all to make efforts for achieving success in
implementing five rural development tasks, conserving
reserve forests and maintaining roads and bridges. He
called for local people to participate in endeavours
for development of the State with the Union Spirit
while undertaking the regional development tasks.
After the ceremony, he inspected Mabein Township
Hospital. Officials conducted them round the hospital.
Next, they inspected Mabein Power Plant of Myanma
Electric Power Enterprise. Afterwards, Maj-Gen Ye
Myint and party inspected Mabein BEHS.

Officials concerned conducted them round computer
skill room, language section, computer aided
instruction room and audio lab. Maj-Gen Ye Myint
attended to their needs. Later, Maj-Gen Ye Myint and
party left Mabein for Bhamo and inspected Nantpaw
Bridge which was destroyed by erosion near Hsipein
village and other bridges on Mabein-Mansi-Bhamo Road.

---------

Maj-Gen Tin Aye inspects cement plant projects

Yangon, 25 March -Member of the State Peace and
Development Council Maj-Gen Tin Aye of the Ministry of
Defence inspected Hsinmin-1 Cement Plant and Hsinmin-2
Cement Plant Projects near Nwalegauk Limestone Hill,
Yephyadaw Village, Kyaukse Township, Kyaukse District,
Mandalay Division, on 22 March. Maj-Gen Tin Aye
arrived at Mandalay International Airport at 7.30 am
on 22 March, and was welcomed by Deputy Commander of
Central Command Brig-Gen Nay Win, Tactical Operations
Commander Col Thein Hlaing and officials.

Maj-Gen Tin Aye and party proceeded to the project
site. They were welcomed by Project Director Lt-Col
Shwe Moe, project engineers, departmental officials
and members of the Union Solidarity and Development
Association. Maj-Gen Tin Aye and Commander of Central
Command Brig-Gen Ye Myint inspected construction of
Nwalegauk Limestone Hill Development Road, project
sites and machinery to be used at the cement plants.
The project director and the project engineers
reported on their work. Maj-Gen Tin Aye attended to
the requirements of the projects, and gave
instructions on construction of the cement plants,
security and fire prevention and worksite safety.

---------

CD hailing the Armed Forces Day comes out

Yangon, 25 March- The record CD of the speech
delivered by Chairman of the State Peace and
Development Council Patron of Union Solidarity and
Development Association Senior General Than Shwe at
the USDA Special Meeting (2002) held on 19-2-2002,
came out today in hailing the 57th Anniversary Armed
Forces Day. It was recorded by the Ministry of
Information and published by USDA headquarters
(education division).

__________________________


( 5 ) Second Meeting of Fifth State Central Working
Committee of the Sangha concludes

Yangon, 25 March - The third and final day session of
the Second Meeting of the Fifth State Central Working
Committee of the Sangha continued at 8 am today at
Maha Pasana Cave on Kaba Aye Hill and concluded in the
late afternoon. Present on the occasion were the
Chairman Sayadaw of State Central Working Committee of
the Sangha Chairman of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka
Committee Abhidhaja Maha Rattha Guru Abhidhaja Agga
Maha Saddammajotika Myingyan Koesaungtaik Sayadaw
Bhaddanta Sobhita, Secretary Sayadaw Abhidhaja Maha
Rattha Guru Abhidhaja Agga Maha Saddammajotika Magway
Sayadaw Bhaddanta Kumara and member Sayadaws of SSMNC,
Minister for Religious Affairs U Aung Khin, Deputy
Minister 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 of International Theravada
Buddhist Missionary University Dr Hla Pe and
officials.

Kaba Aye Kyaung Sayadaw Agga Maha Saddhammajotika
Bhaddanta Sirindara of Ayeyawady Division, Brahmmamin
Kyaung Sayadaw Agga Maha Saddhammajotikadhaja
Bhaddanta Arsabha of Mandalay Division,
Mahavi-suddhayon Taikthit Zeyamaydini Waso Kyaung
Sayadaw Abhidhaja Maha Rattha Guru Bhaddanta Agghiya
of Mandalay Division, Myatheintan Kyaung Sayadaw Agga
Maha Pandita Agga Maha Saddhamma-jotikadhaja Bhaddanta
Sobhana of Yangon Division and Zeyawady Kyaung Sayadaw
Agga Maha Pandita Bhaddanta Sandavunsa were chosen
Ovadacariya Saya-daws of the meeting. Sayadaw
Abhidhaja Maha Rattha Guru Bhaddanta Panindabhivamsa
chaired the meeting, and Joint Secretary Sayadaw Agga
Maha Pandita Agga Maha Suddhammajo-tikadhaja Bhaddanta
San-dima acted as master of ceremonies.

The Emcee Sayadaw announced the meeting open. At the
meeting, the Sayadaws submitted matters relating to
Tipitakadhara Selection Examination rules and then
decisions were passed. The meeting later went into
recess. When the meeting resumed, Joint Secretary
Sayadaw Agga Maha Pandita Agga Maha
Saddhamma-jotikadhaja Bhaddanta Tejaniya sought the
approval of the meeting for the annual report. Next,
the presiding Sayadaw presented vinaya-dhura
certificates to member Sayadaws of State Vinic-chaya
Committee. Afterwards, work done at the meeting was
documented by the respective Sayadaws. The Sayadaws
present at the meeting then heard the Ovada Katha of
the Chairman Sayadaw Bhaddanta Sobhita.

___________________________

( 6 ) Education goal stone inscriptions unveiled in
Panglong and Loilem

Yangon, 25 March - Member of the State Peace and
Development Council Maj-Gen Soe Win of the Ministry of
Defence attended ceremonies to unveil Myanma Education
Goal stone inscription at Panglong Basic Education
High School in Panglong region, Shan State (South),
and No-1 and No-2 Basic Education High Schools in
Loilem this afternoon. Also present on the occasion
were Chairman of Shan State Peace and Development
Council Commander of Eastern Command Brig-Gen Khin
Maung Myint, ministers, deputy ministers,
directors-general, departmental officials, headmasters
and headmistress, teachers, members of the school
board of trustees and students.

The ceremony to unveil the stone inscription of
Panglong BEHS was held in front of the school at 1 pm.
First, students of the school sang the National Anthem
in chorus and saluted the National Flag. Then,
outstanding students of the school formally unveiled
the stone inscription. The ceremony came to a close
with singing of a song by the students. Similarly,
Myanma Education Goal stone inscription of No-1 and
No-2 Basic Education High schools were formally
unveiled at the respective places. Then, the
collective programme of ceremonies of the three
schools was held at the Nawade Hall of No-1 BEHS in
Loilem. Minister for Education U Than Aung made a
speech at the ceremony. Tenth standard student Ma Nan
Hnin Oo Wai of BEHS-2 Loilem read out the twelve
Myanma education goals and on behalf of the school
heads, Headmistress Daw Khin Shein of Panglong BEHS
spoke words of thanks.

___________________________

( 7 ) Military columns practise marching from Myoma
Grounds to Resistance Park

Yangon, 25 March- The military columns which will
participate in the 57th Anniversary Armed Forces Day
Ceremony practised marching from Myoma Grounds to the
Resistance Park from 6 am to 10 am today.

 Under the control 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, Kyan-sittha
Column led by Col Tin Hla, Bayintnaung Column led by
Col Khin Maung Win, Nawade Column led by Captain Han
Sein (Navy), 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 parade drills.

 Chairman of Management Committee for Observance of
the 57th Anniversary Armed Forces Day 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.

---------

Literary and Arts Exhibition for 57th Anniversary
Armed Forces Day opened

Yangon, 25 March - A ceremony to open the Literary and
Arts Exhibition for 57th Anniversary Armed Forces Day
was held at the Tatmadaw Convention Hall on U Wisara
Road this morning. Chairman of the Leading Committee
for Observance of 57th Anniversary Armed Forces Day
Chairman of the Committee for Holding Literary and
Arts Competitions Member of the State Peace and
Development Council Chief of Armed Forces Training
Maj-Gen Kyaw Win formally opened the exhibition.

 Also present on the occasion were chairmen of
respective work committees, subcommittee members,
winners of respective competitions and guests. General
Staff Officer (Grade II) Maj Aung Naing Oo of the
Commander-in-Chief (Air)'s Office acted as master of
ceremonies.

After Maj-Gen Kyaw Win unveiled the Centre Piece
Painting in the exhibition, the opening ceremony came
to an end. Later, Maj-Gen Kyaw Win and officials,
together with prize-winners of respective
competitions, had a documentary photo taken before the
Centre Piece Painting. Afterwards, Maj-Gen Kyaw Win
and officials viewed round the works of respective
work committees and prize-winning literary and arts
works and handsome sculpture works, displayed in the
exhibition. The exhibition will be kept open daily for
the public till 4 April from 9 am to 5 pm, and
admission is free.

___________________________

( 8 ) Cash and kind donated to parade columns

Yangon, 25 March - Hailing the 57th Anniversary Armed
Forces Day, a ceremony to donate cash and kind for the
third time to Tatmadawmen who will participate in the
57th Anniversary Armed Forces Day Parade was held at
the Defence Services Museum on Shwedagon Pagoda Road
at 2 pm today. Present were Chairman of the Leading
Committee for Observance of the 57th Anniversary Armed
Forces Day member of the State Peace and Development
Council Chief of Armed Forces Training Maj-Gen Kyaw
Win, Chairman of Management Committee for Observance
of the 57th Anniversary Armed Forces Day Commander of
Yangon Command Brig-Gen Myint Swe, Vice-Chiefs of
Armed Forces Training Maj-Gen Win Myint and Brig-Gen
Thein Swe, Parade Commander of the 57th Anniversary
Armed Forces Day Brig-Gen Hla Tun, senior military
officers, wellwishers and invited guests.

The donations were K 3 million by Chairman of Kanbawza
Bank Ltd U Aung Ko Win and wife Vice-Chairperson Thiha
Thudhamma Theingi Thiri Thudhamma Theingi Agga Maha
Thiri Thudhamma Theingi Daw Nan Than Htwe (Medalist
for outstanding performance in social field-first
class), K 700,000 by U Aik Lin-Daw San San Ngwe of
Great Nine Gems Co and K 5,000 and 100 shady saplings
by U Win Myint (Retd) of the Ministry of Industry-1.
Maj-Gen Kyaw Win accepted the donations. Next, on
behalf of the wellwishers, Managing Director of
Kanbawza Bank Ltd U Zaw Win Naing explained the
purpose of the donations. Then, Maj-Gen Kyaw Win spoke
words of thanks and the ceremony came to an end.

___________________________

( 9 ) Early Childhood Development Centre holds variety
show

Yangon, 25 March - The Early Childhood Development
Centre of the Myanmar Maternal and Child Welfare
Association held a variety show for concluding the
course for 2001-2002 academic year at the hall of
MMCWA at the corner of Parami and Thanthuma roads in
South Okkalapa Township this morning. Present on the
occasion were Chairperson of MMCWA Prof Daw Kyu Kyu
Swe, Vice-Chairperson Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe, CEC
members, honourable patrons, members of Supervisory
Committee for the centre, teachers, students and
invited guests. The chairperson made an opening
speech. Then, the chairperson and the vice-chairperson
presented certificates to the students through
in-charge teachers. The students presented
entertainment to the audience and the ceremony came to
a close.
---------------------------

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