The New Light of Myanmar (Sunday, 19 May, 2002)

[Ok Kar <okkar66126@xxxxxxxxx>]

The New Light of Myanmar (Sunday, 19 May, 2002)
--------------------------------------------
1. - Secretary-1 addresses opening of Myanmar
     Overseas Seafarers Association
   - Secretary-1 inspects construction of buildings
     for human resources development
   - Secretary-1 and wife offer exercise books,
     stationery to members of the Sangha and nuns
2. UMEHL gem and jade sales conclude
3. - Minister inspects roads, bridges in Ayeyawady
     Division
   - Health Minister attends 55th World Health
     Conference
   - Information Minister attends anniversary of
     Naing-Ngan Gonyi Magazine
   - Minister visits Indagaw Industrial Zone
4. - Minister inspects repair of the Sittoung Bridge
   - Mines Minister inspects industrial zones
   - Minister inspects agricultural and livestock
     breeding works
   - Ninth Archdiocesan Youth Day celebrated
5. - Sanitation works carried out to clear drains
     in Yangon
   - Commander attends consecration ceremony,
     coord meeting
   - Bago Division launches programme for getting
     school-age children enrolled
6. Myanmar delegation arrives back from Thailand
7. Seminar on Internet Strategies for Business and
   Customer Relationship Management held
8. 24,678.34 acres of poppy fields destroyed
9. Drug traffickers sentenced

---------

( 1 ) 15,000 Myanmar seamen work on foreign vessels
annually earning more than US $ 80m
Secretary-1 addresses opening of Myanmar Overseas
Seafarers Association

Yangon, 18 May - The inauguration ceremony of Myanmar
Overseas Seafarers Association was held at Sedona
Hotel on Kaba Aye Pagoda Road at 9 am today, with an
address by Secretary-1 of the State Peace and
Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt.


First, Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development
Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt delivered an address. He
said: Firstly, I firmly believe that with the
establishment of the Myanmar Overseas Seafarers
Association, Myanmar Seafarers will be able to
contribute towards a strong nationalistic manpower;
thereby, benefiting both the seafarers and the
economic development of the country.

Nowadays, International Maritime Services are playing
a vital role in the world trade by transporting
merchandize cargo of all kind, oil an gas. In
addition, foreign going ships, luxury liners and
holiday cruises have become popular thereby enhancing
shipping services. To provide these services, it has
become necessary to have skilled and highly competent
sailors, officers, and engineers. Therefore, young
people who like to venture out into the world become
more interested in this trade. Eastern countries are
competing with the rest of the world to produce more
experts in this field.

>From generation to generation, Myanmar seamen have
enjoyed working in international maritime service with
well-known attributes of competence, sense of
responsibilities and discipline. In Myanmar today,
there are approximately 53,000 registered maritime
workers, of whom about 15,000 serve on foreign vessels
annually earning more than 80 million US dollars each
year in salaries and wages. In the Philippines, an
ASEAN member country, about 300,000 sailors earn more
than 1 billion US dollars a year.

Therefore, Myanmar needs to make endeavours in order
to become a maritime nation that ensures the all-round
development of maritime workers and that produced
greater numbers of capable and competent seafarers, so
that Myanmar will be competitive in maritime labour
markets, not only in terms of quality but also in
terms of quantity. To this end, the government has
upgraded with both the quality and quantity of the
production of international level officers and
engineers for maritime commerce through the
development of human resources competent in maritime
activities at the Maritime Institute.

In addition, preparatory work for the establishment of
the Myanmar Maritime University has been completed and
soon the University will begin offering training,
programmes to produce highly qualified human resources
such as specialists in maritime commerce, maritime
engineers, and shipbuilders. Moreover, Myanmar
Merchant Shipping Acts have been amended to be
compatible with the Conventions of the International
Maritime Organization (IMO), and the stipulations of
the Conventions have been fully observed.

Therefore, Myanmar trained officers and seamen are in
great demand, with the result that Myanmar now stands
together with the other 95 countries as a white-listed
country. Surely, with opportunities open on all sides,
the skills and dignity of Myanmar sailors have been
improved. Accordingly, Myanmar sailors must unite to
form a strong, nationalistic labour force. As the
Myanmar Overseas Seafarers Association protects the
rights and privileges of the Myanmar Overseas
Seafarers fully; they in turn must contribute to the
development of the national economy; never losing
sight of the interests of the seafarers and their own
country by observing the policy of the government,
obeying existing rules and regulations and helping
each other with a nationalistic spirit.

Especially, the Myanmar Overseas Seafarers Association
represents all the seamen of this country,
internationally; to strive for the good of the
country; to uplift and protect the dignity of the
Myanmar people as a non-governmental organization.
Today, there exist elements that are striving against
the interests of the state and the people for their
own private gain. They even make use of expatriate
Myanmar in their anti-Myanmar activities.

The seafarers must be aware of these detrimental
activities; must see the true picture and discharge
their duties with loyalty and responsibility. All
seafarers serving under this association must unite
with one accord, and refrain by their words and
actions from harming the State and the people. They
should strive to uplift the dignity and sovereignty of
their country. In addition, Myanmar seafarers must
promote their fame and expertise; fulfilling their
duties; observing law and order and working
diligently.

In conclusion, I would like to urge all seafarers
serving under the Myanmar Overseas Seafarers
Association banner to join together for the
development of the motherland; keeping abreast with
the nations of the world for the sustained development
of the national economy; increasing the foreign
exchange earnings of the nation; and uplifting the
standard of living of the people.

The Myanmar Overseas Seafarers Association, on its
part, must strive for the betterment of the country
and safeguard the interests of the seafarers. May this
association become strong, unified and long-lasting.
Then, Minister for Transport Maj-Gen Hla Myint Swe
presented the souvenir in commemoration of the opening
ceremony to the Secretary-1. At 10 am, the meeting of
the Myanmar Overseas Seafarers Association was held.

Director-General U Soe Win of Directorate of Marine
Administration gave a speech. Those present elected
Captain Myint Zaw Min as the chairman of the
association, Captain Soe Min Aung as the secretary and
11 executive committee members.

Next, Chairman Captain Myint Zaw Min extended
greetings.

Afterwards, members of the association took part in
the general round discussions and the meeting came to
an end in the morning.

Secretary-1 inspects construction of buildings for
human resources development

Yangon, 18 May - Chairman of Myanmar Education
Committee Secretary-1 of the State Peace and
Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt,  the Ministry
of Education in Htantabin township.

At the briefing hall, Minister for Education U Than
Aung, the deputy ministers, departmental heads and
officials reported to the Secretary on progress of
construction work, collection of teaching aids, plans
for academic matters and regional development
endeavours such as upgrading of roads, electrical
work, measures for availability of drinking water and
proper drainage system.

The Secretary-1 fulfilled the requirements for future
tasks and gave instructions on timely completion of

 work. He then inspected the construction work. Later,
he inspected measures undertaken for road safety at
the junctions of Hlaingthaya-Htantabin and
Hlaingthaya-Shwepyitha and left there.

Secretary-1 and wife offer exercise books, stationery
to members of the Sangha and nuns

Yangon, 18 May - Chairman of the State Peace and
Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt and wife Dr Daw
Khin Win Shwe and family donated 1,350 exercise books
and stationery to 1,100 trainee members of the Sangha
and 250 trainee nuns attending the fourth summer
Dhammacariya course at Aungmyay Bodhi Yeiktha
Alodawpyi Kyaungtaik in Tamwaylay Ward, Tamway
Township, this afternoon.

The fourth summer Dhammacariya course was conducted by
missionary Alodawpyi Sayadaw Maha Ganthavacaka Pandita
Maha Saddhamma Jotikadhaja Agga Maha Saddhamma
Jotikadhaja Pariyatti Sasana Hitadhara Bhaddanta
Ariyavamsa.

The Secretary-1 and party received the Five Precepts
from Masoeyein Taikthit Pali Lexicographer Sayadaw
Bhaddanta Sucittabhivamsa.

Then, the Sayadaws and members of the Sangha recited
parittas. The Secretary-1 and wife Dr Daw Khin Win
Shwe offered alms to the Sayadaw of Masoeyein
Taikthit. The Sayadaw of Masoeyein Taikthit delivered
a sermon, and the Secretary-1 and party shared merits.


Afterwards, the Secretary-1 and party donated exercise
books and stationery to the trainee members of the
Sangha and trainee nuns individually. The summer
Dhammacariya course, which will last 45 days, began on
24 April 2002 and will end on 9 June.

___________________________

( 2 ) UMEHL gem and jade sales conclude

Yangon , 18 May - The 15th Gems and Jade Sales of the
Union of Myanmar Economic Holdings Limited continued
at Myanma Gems Emporium on Kaba Aye Road here this
morning, attended by member of the State Peace and
Development Council Maj-Gen Tin Aye of the Ministry of
Defence, Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Pyi Sone and
Minister for Mines Brig-Gen Ohn Myint.

 Then, the managing director made a speech. The master
of ceremonies explanted the rules and regulations of
the bargain system. Afterwards, the managing director
formally opened the sales. The 15th Gems and Jade
Sales successfully ended at 7 pm. A total of K 665.92
million and US $ 1.75 million were realized from the
sales of 327 gem lots while 144 jade lots fetched US $
1.75 million at the 15th Gems and Jade Sales.

Managing Director Brig-Gen Win Hlaing and officials
presented gifts to those who bought gems and jade at
the highest prices.

___________________________

( 3 ) Minister inspects roads, bridges in Ayeyawady
Division

Yangon, 18 May - Minister for Construction Maj-Gen Saw
Tun, accompanied by Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Myint
Thein and officials, left here along Yangon-Pathein
Highway by car on 16 May afternoon.

The Yangon Division superintending engineer and
officials reported on progress of construction work in
Yangon Division on Yangon-Pathein Highway and future
tasks. On arrival at Bo Myat Tun Bridge, the minister
and party were welcomed by the Ayeyawady Division
superintending engineer and engineers of Road Special
Group-4 and Group-16.

Then, officials reported on completion of their
respective sections and tasks to be done. Next, the
minister and party left the bridge and went along
Pantanaw-Shwelaung Road. The Maubin District engineer
reported on construction of Pantanaw-Shwelaung Road
and arrival of gravel. Next, they arrived at Shwelaung
Bridge where they were welcomed by officials. The
minister called on engineers to inspect the bridge
regularly and gave instructions on tasks to be carried
out so that the bridge exists for a long time.

Then, the minister and party inspected
Shwelaung-Wakema Road and went to Wakema Bridge.
Yesterday evening, the minister and party saw over
construction of Wakema-Kyonmange Road. They then
arrived at the site for construction of Lanthamaing
Bridge on Wakema-Kyonmange Road. Lanthamaing Bridge
will be 220 feet long and its lower structure will be
built of reinforced concrete bolte piles and its upper
structure of reinforced concrete and steel frames.

The clearance of water under the bridge will be 40
feet wide. Afterwards, the minister and party went
back to Wakema Bridge. The deputy superintending
engineer reported on progress of work, tasks to be
undertaken and requirements of heavy machinery. The
minister asked engineers to control quality of the
construction tasks, and gave instructions on supply of
heavy machinery and timely completion of the work.

---------

Health Minister attends 55th World Health Conference

Yangon, 18 May - Minister for Health Maj-Gen Ket Sein
arrived back here by air yesterday evening after
attending the 55th World Health Conference held in
Geneva, Switzerland. Myanmar delegation led by the
minister attended the pre-coordination meeting of
Southeast Asian Countries in Geneva on 12 May.

It was attended by health ministers of member
countries in Southeast Asia, Director of Southeast
Asia Region Dr Uton Muchtor Rafei and officials of
WHO. Myanmar delegation led by the minister attended
the opening ceremony of the 55th Conference of WHO on
13 May.


On 14 May, the minister attended " Risk to Health"
round table discussion and discussed communicable
diseases which are harmful to health and combating of
infectious diseases caused by way of life in Myanmar.
In his speech delivered at the assembly on 16 May
morning, the minister elaborated on health projects
being systematically carried out in Myanmar, rural
area development endeavours, measures being taken for
combating of malaria, tuberculosis and AIDS and health
promotion endeavours.

While attending the conference, the minister met with
Director of Communicable Diseases Control Dr Maria
Neira and discussed combating of leprosy, diseases
caused by worms and elephantiasis, sectors assisted by
WHO in combating TB and AIDS with Director of
Communicable Diseases Control David Heyman and
Myanmar's participation in combat AIDS with Deputy
Director Kathaleen Cravero.

While in Geneva, the minister met Director-General of
WHO Dr Gro Hanlam Brundtland and discussed matters
related to health projects jointly implemented by the
Ministry of Health and WHO. Emphasis was placed on
cooperation in combat AIDS, TB and malaria. In
addition, matters related to running for the post of
Chairman in the executive board of WHO from Myanmar
was coordinated. The minister also met with Director
of Southeast Asia Region Dr Uton Muchtor Rafei and
discussed establishment of e-health information
network system in the Ministry of Health.

He met with Chairman of Nippon Foundation Mr Sasakawa
and discussed combating of leprosy and promotion of
rehabilitation work as the number of patients
decreases. He also met with Director of Vaccination Dr
Daniel Torantola and immunization and vaccination work
in Myanmar and drawing of National Health Account with
Policy Affairs Managing Director Dr G J Murry.

Moreover, the minister met with Health Minister of
People's Republic of China Dr Zhong Wenhang and
discussed matters related to sending of students for
further study under the programme of cooperation in
economy and technology between PRC and Myanmar already
agreed by leaders of the two countries and supply of
medical equipment. Delegation member Director Dr Pe
Thet Tun of Foreign Relations Department also arrived
back here on the same flight.

The delegation was welcomed back at Yangon
International Airport by Minister at Chairman of the
State Peace and Development Council Office Brig-Gen
Abel, Minister for Cooperatives Lt-Gen Tin  Ngwe,
Deputy Minister for Health Dr Mya Oo,
directors-general of departments under the ministry,
Acting Resident Representative of WHO in Yangon Dr
Stephan Jost and relatives of the delegates.

---------

Information Minister attends anniversary of Naing-Ngan
Gonyi Magazine

Yangon, 18 May - The ceremony to mark the anniversary
of Naing-Ngan Gonyi Magazine was held at the hall of
Sarpay Beikman Press on Pyay Road at 5.15 pm today,
attended by Minister for Information Maj-Gen Kyi Aung.



First, Patron of Naing-Ngan Gonyi Magazine Minister
for Information Maj-Gen Kyi Aung gave a speech. Then,
MWJA Chairman U Hla Myaing (Ko Hsaung) extended
greetings and the Chief Editor reported on matters
related to the magazine. Next, the Chief Editor
presented K 1.1 million hailing the Third MWJA
Conference to the MWJA Chairman. Naing-Ngan Gonyi
Magazine donated cash to the MWJA annually and the
magazine have donated K 3.6 million in three times.

The magazine has presented K 3,434,350 in honorarium
to writers and artists to date. Therefore, the
magazine contributed K 7,034,350 to the scholars and
MWJA. Afterwards, the Chief Editor presented gifts to
patrons of the magazine Minister for Information
Maj-Gen Kyi Aung, Deputy Ministers U Thein Sein and
Brig-Gen Aung Thein, Deputy Minister for Culture U Soe
Nyunt and MWJA Chairman U Hla Myaing (Ko Hsaung).

Minister Maj-Gen Kyi Aung presented gifts to writers
of the magazine Daw Saw Mon Nyin, Sayagyi Paragu, U
Myo Thant (Maung Hsu Shin), Daw Khin Sein Hlaing
(Yuwady Khin Sein Hlaing), Dr Yi Yi Hla (Yuwady Khin
Oo), U Kyaw Hsan (Thu Khi Aung), Dr Ma Tin Win, U Mya
Thein (Moe Htet Myint-Delta), U Sein Hlaing (Thura
Zaw) and artist Aung San Myint. Similarly, the MWJA
Chairman presented gifts to the magazine committee and
editors.

Writer U Kyaw Hsan (Thu Khi Aung) spoke words of
thanks. After the cere-mony, guests were served with
dinner and entertained with songs.

---------

Minister visits Indagaw Industrial Zone

Yangon, 18 May - Minister for Industry-2 Maj-Gen Saw
Lwin inspected the industrial zone (Indagaw) in
Indagaw Region, Bago Division, this morning.

Then, the minister and party inspected progress in
building Inlet and Exhaust Valve Plant of Myanma
Automobile and Diesel Engine Industries, forging shop
of the power tiller engine factory of Myanma
Agricultural Machinery Industries and gave
instructions on installation and running of the
machinery as soon as possible, and planting of shady
trees on either sides of the lanes of the factories.

__________________________

( 4 ) Minister inspects repair of the Sittoung Bridge

Yangon, 18 May - CEC member of the Union Solidarity
and Development Association Minister for Rail
Transportation U Pan Aung inspected repair of the
Sittoung Bridge yesterday and fulfilled the
requirements.

U Pan Aung delivered a speech at the opening of
Executives Management Course (Multiplier) Course No
5/2002 organized by Waw Township USDA. He accepted
1,520 membership applications. CEC member of USDA U
Pan Aung inspected construction of 223 feet bridge
linking Minywa Village and Kokodan Village in
Thanatpin Township.

The bridge is being constructed by Thanatpin Township
USDA in cooperation with local people. U Pan Aung
greeted donors of the bridge and inspected manual
switch board for communication in Minywa Village. U
Pan Aung went to Bago Division USDA Office and
delivered speeches at the conclusion of the Executives
Management Course (Multiplier) Course No 10 and
traditional medicine and music courses.

He presented prizes to outstanding trainees. The
trainees entertained the guests with songs. In the
evening, U Pan Aung inspected all-round renovation of
Maha Zedi in Bago.

---------

Mines Minister inspects industrial zones

Yangon, 18 May - Minister for Mines Brig-Gen Ohn
Myint, accompanied by departmental officials, arrived
at North Okkalapa Industrial Zone yesterday afternoon
where the chairman of the zone and officials reported
on fitting of pipes.

Next, the minister inspected production of coffeemix
at the Gold Roast Coffeemix Factory and gave necessary
instructions. The minister then proceeded to
Shwepaukkan Industrial Zone and inspected production
of spare parts for agricultural use such as pumps,
nets and exhaust pipes at Forward iron smelting plant.
Then, the minister also inspected production of
personal goods at finished wood product factory of
January Co and fulfilled the needs.

Later, the minister met with the chairman of the zone
and entrepreneurs at Shwepaukkan Industrial Zone
Management Office and gave necessary instructions.

---------

Minister inspects agricultural and livestock breeding
works

Yangon, 18 May - Minister for Progress of Border Areas
and National Races and Development Affairs Col Thein
Nyunt, accompanied by directors-general of the
departments and officials concerned, this morning
inspected the agricultural and livestock breeding
works undertaken by the ministry and departments under
it at the Nyaunghnapin region in Hmawby Township.

First, the minister and party inspected digging of
fish ponds, cultivation of vegetables, land
preparation and gave necessary instructions to
officials. Next, the minister and party saw over
vegetable patches of departments. He also inspected
digging of fish ponds from the observation tower.



At the briefing hall, directors-general and officials
reported to the minister on agricultural tasks
undertaken by respective departments, tasks to be
done, construction of lanes and power supply.
Vegetables and kitchen crops are being cultivated in
the patches of respective departments of the ministry
and fish ponds are being dug at the places where
agricultural tasks could not be carried out.

Vegetables and kitchen crops are distributed to
tax-free markets.

---------

Ninth Archdiocesan Youth Day celebrated

Yangon, 18 May - The Archdiocesan Youth Apostolate
(Yangon) held the Ninth Archdiocesan Youth Day
Celebration at Summit Parkview Hotel on Ahlon Road at
7 pm today.

Present were Minister for Religious Affairs U Aung
Khin, deputy ministers, the Vice-Adjutant-General,
ambassadors of foreign missions, departmental heads,
the Archbishop and Youth Chaplain and member youths of
the Archdiocesan Youth Apostolate (Yangon) and guests.


Deputy Minister for Religious Affairs Brig-Gen Thura
Aung Ko read out the message sent by Secretary-1 of
the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin
Nyunt. Then, Minister for Religious Affairs U Aung
Khin and Deputy Minister for Forestry Col Thaik Tun
gave speeches.

Next, Youth Chaplain Father Edwin David spoke words of
thanks. Later, Archbishop Gabriel Thohey Mahn Gaby and
Youth Chaplain Father Edwin David gave blessings and
the ceremony came to an end.
__________________________

( 5 )  Sanitation works carried out to clear drains in
Yangon

Yangon, 18 May - Tatmadawmen, members of Myanmar
Police Force, personnel of Yangon City Development
Committee, members of Fire Brigade and Red Cross
Society, the Union Solidarity and Development
Association and city dwellers this morning
collectively carried out sanitation work and cleaned
up drains to prevent roads in Yangon from being
flooded in the rainy season. Chairman of Yangon
Division Peace and Development Council Commander of
Yangon Command Maj-Gen Myint Swe visited the sites and
attended to the needs.

The commander arrived at the site of Myanma Gonyi
Street in Mingala Taung-nyunt Township at 6 am. YCDC
Vice-Chairman Vice-Mayor Col Maung Pa, No 4 Military
Region Commander Brig-Gen Myo Myint, Yangon Division
Peace and Development Council Secretary Lt-Col Kyaw
Tint, Yangon East District Peace and Development
Council Chairman Lt-Col Aung Pyi and officials
welcomed him. Then, the commander and party inspected
the clean-up of the main drain of Myanma Gonyi Street
and gave instructions. Then, the commander and party
proceeded to the site of Banyadala Street in Tamway
Township.

They were welcomed by No 2 Military Region Commander
Col Tin Oo Lwin and officials. The commander and party
inspected the clean-up of Moemakha drain and gave
necessary instructions to officials concerned. The
commander also inspected the cleaning up of Myinsay
Lake near the junction of East Myinpyaingkwin and
North Myinpyaingkwin Streets in Tamway Township and
Yaypaukkyi Creek to ensure the proper flow of water
near the junction of Parami Road and the circular
train railroad and left necessary instructions.

Later, the commander, the Vice-Mayor and party
inspected cultivation of 2,242 teak saplings being
undertaken by YCDC on either side of the approach road
of Bayintnaung Bridge in Mayangon Township and gave
instructions.

Afterwards, the commander and the Vice-Mayor inspected
construction of Bayintnaung jetty and left necessary
instructions to the officials concerned.

---------

Commander attends consecration ceremony, coord meeting


Yangon, 18 May - The consecration and merit-sharing
ceremony of Thayaung Maha Zedidawgyi in Phayagyigone
Village, Pathein, Ayeyawady Division, was held at the
pagoda on 15 May morning.

It was attended by Chairman of Division Sangha Maha
Nayaka Committee Presiding Sayadaw of Konetha
Kyaungtaik Agga Maha Pandita Bhanddanta Vilasa and
members of the Sangha, Chairman of Ayeyawady Division
Peace and Development Council Commander of South-West
Command Brig-Gen Htay Oo and wife Daw Ni Ni Win,
Deputy Commander Brig-Gen Tint Swe, local authorities,
departmental officials, members of social
organizations, wellwishers and guests. The Sayadaw and
members of the Sangha consecrated the pagoda.

Then, the merit-sharing ceremony followed. After the
reciting of Parittas by members of the Sangha, the
commander and officials donated offertories to members
of the Sangha. The commander and officials accepted
cash donations of wellwishers and the ceremony came to
a close with the three-time recitation of Buddha
Sasanam Ciram Titthatu. The commander attended the
opening ceremony of Kyitha Model Village Library.

The commander and wife, and wellwishers donated books
to the library. Then, the commander and wife made
speeches at the educative talks on women's affairs
organized by Ayeyawady Division Working Committee for
Women's Affairs at the meeting hall of Pathein Glass
Factory. At 1.30 pm, the commander made a speech at
the meeting of Ayeyawady Division Supervisory
Committee for Boosting Agricultural Productivity held
in conjunction with a coordination meeting on GDP of
Ayeyawady Division.

The meeting came to a close with concluding remarks by
the commander.

---------

Bago Division launches programme for getting
school-age children enrolled

Yangon, 18 May - A ceremony to launch the programme
for sending school-age children to school in Bago
Division was held at the hall of Toungoo District
Peace and Development Council Office at 12.30 pm
yesterday.

It was attended by Chairman of Bago Division Peace and
Development Council Commander of Southern Command
Brig-Gen Aung Min and wife, Deputy Minister for
Education Brig-Gen Soe Win Maung, Director-General of
No 1 Basic Education Department U Tin Nyo and
officials, Secretary of Bago Division Peace and
Development Council Lt-Col Aung Min,
division/district/township level officials, township
education officers, teachers, members of the Union
Solidarity and Development Association, social
organizations and guests.

Commander Brig-Gen Aung Min made a speech on the
occasion. Next, Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Soe Win Maung
elaborated on five tasks of the national education
programme and Director-General U Tin Nyo reported on
implementation tasks for sending school-age children
to school.

Then the ceremony came to an end.
___________________________

( 6 ) Myanmar delegation arrives back from Thailand

Yangon 18 May - Myanmar delegation headed by Myanma
Radio and Tele-vision Director-General U Khin Maung
Htay arrived back here by air this morning after
attending the 2002 Thaicom International Users'
Seminar held in Bangkok, Thailand, from 15 to 18 May.

The director-general was welcomed back at Yangon
International Airport by Deputy Minister for
Information Brig-Gen Aung Thein, Man- aging Director
of the Printing and Publishing Enterprise U Myint
Thein, Deputy Director-General of MRTV Lt-Col Thein
Aung, departmental officials and families of the
delegation.

MRTV Deputy Chief Engineer U Myint Aung and Lashio TV
Relay Station Assistant Engineer U Win Myint Oo also
arrived back here on the same flight.
___________________________

( 7 ) Seminar on Internet Strategies for Business and
Customer Relationship Management held

Yangon, 18 May - Seminar on Internet Strategies For
Business and Customer Relationship Management,
organized by Myanmar Computer Federation and Asian
Institute of Technology (AIT) and jointly sponsored by
Asia Wealth Bank Ltd, Bagan Cybertech, Yoma Bank Ltd,
Win Win Wah Media Co Ltd (Myanmars Net) and Myanmar
Universal Bank, was held at MICT Park in Hline
Township this morning.

It was attended by Vice-President of MCF U Thein Oo,
General Secretary U Tin Win Aung and executives,
executives and members of Myanmar Computer Scientists
Association, Myanmar Computer Industry Association and
Myanmar Computer Enthusiasts Association, IT
industrialists, business entrepreneurs and guests.

MCF Vice-President U Thein Oo made an opening speech.
Then, Associate Professors of Asian Institute of
Technology (AIT) Dr Clemens Bechter and Dr
Vatcharaporn Esichaikul, Sale Manager of Bagan
Cybertech U Ye Htut explained The Internet Revolution,
e-Marketplaces, Building An Online Shop (DEMO), Bagan
Net Presentation, e-Government, Online Marketing
Search Engines, Online Purchase, Mobile Commerce
(M-Commerce) and The New Wave For The Software
Industry, and replied to quarries raised by those
present. The seminar continues tomorrow.

___________________________

( 8 ) 24,678.34 acres of poppy fields destroyed

Yangon, 18 May - A combined team comprising
Tatmadawmen of local battalion, members of the
Military Intelligence, Township Police Force,
Myitkyina Special Anti-drug Squad, KIA and NDAK
destroyed 474 acres of clandestine poppy fields Sadon
Region in Waingmaw Township, Kachin State, from 1 to 6
April this year.

The acreage of poppy fields destroyed up to April this
year during the 2001-2002 poppy cultivation season in
Kachin State totaled 4775.66 acres and that of all
over Myanmar is 24678.34 acres.

___________________________

( 9 ) Drug traffickers sentenced

Yangon, 18 May - A combined team comprising members of
the local intelligence unit and Mandalay Special
Anti-drug Squad, acting on information received,
intercepted a motor vehicle with number plate
Nange/4493 at Yinmabin camp on 13 June evening in the
year 2000 and seized 2098 packages of orange-coloured
stimulant tablets bearing WY letters, hidden in the
floor and a secret drawer in the fuel tank. With each
package containing 1900 stimulant tablets, total
amount of seized tablets was 358.758 kilos and
3,986,200 tablets.

Action was taken against Ainamt, 30, son of U Hsanlu
and Saikhwet,46, son of U Nyimon of region 19 ward 12
in Lashio, and owner of the stimulant tablets Kyaphe
(a) Ahsein, 31, son of U Chinmhi of 43rd street in
region 13 ward 5, Lashio under section 15/19 (A)/21 of
the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Law.
Meiktila District court handed down 25 years'
imprisonment under section 19 (A) and 5 year's
imprisonment under section 15 on Ainamt to serve
separately and 25 years' imprisonment each under
section 19 (A) on Saikhwet and Kyaphe (a) Ahsein on 10
April this year.

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



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