The New Light of Myanmar (Thursday, 4 July, 2002)

[Ok Kar <okkar66126@xxxxxxxxx>]

The New Light of Myanmar (Thursday, 4 July, 2002)
-----------------------------------
1. State Peace and Development Council Chairman
   Senior General Than Shwe sends felicitations
   to USA
2. Myanmar society has been very good environment
   for Myanmar women
3. Preservation and enhancing of cultural
   heritage, traditions and cultures must be
   carried out constantly as national duty
4. Myanmar has never interfered in internal
   affairs of other nations
5. - Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung
     sends felicitations to USA
   - Delegation from Republic of Nauru arrives
6. Maj-Gen Ye Myint meets industrialists in
   Mandalay Industrial Zone
7. - Minister inspects river water pumping
     projects, cultivation tasks in Sagaing
     Division Minister inspects bridge
     construction work
   - Information Minister visits Book Fair
8. Deputy Minister leaves for Indonesia
9. - Drug traffickers sentenced deterrent
     punishments
   - Stimulant tablets seized

---------

( 1 )  State Peace and Development Council Chairman
Senior General Than Shwe sends felicitations to USA

Yangon, 4 July - Senior General Than Shwe, Chairman of
the State Peace and Development Council of the Union
of Myanmar, has sent a message of felicitations to the
Honourable George W Bush, President of the United
States of America, on the occasion of the Anniversary
of the Independence Day of the United States of
America which falls on 4 July 2002.

___________________________

( 2 ) Myanmar society has been very good environment
for Myanmar women
Myanmar women have never been discriminated against;
enjoy equal rights with men

Yangon, 3 July - The ceremony to mark the Myanmar
Women's Day (2002) was held at International Business
Centre on Pyay Road at 10.30 am today, attended by Daw
Kyaing Kyaing, wife of Chairman of the State Peace and
Development Council Commander-in-Chief of Defence
Services Senior General Than Shwe and with an address
by Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development
Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt.

First, Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt delivered an
address. He said:

First of all, I would like to say every Myanmar
citizen has recognized that Myanmar women have their
own attributes and have served the interests of their
own race, religion and Sasana together with men
throughout the long history of Myanmar.

In honour of Myanmar women who have such noble
attributes, "Myanmar Women's Day" has been designated.
This is the best way of honouring the fine tradition
and noble attributes of the entire Myanmar women.

Myanmar women are polite, gentle and outstanding, and
they have a very high IQ and they are as competent as
men. This is due to the results of Myanma social
system which gives equal rights to both men and women.


Myanmar women have had such good attributes and
enjoyed such rights, not in this age only but since
the beginning of Myanmar history.

In Myanmar society, Myanmar women have never been
discriminated against. And in some cases, they are
even given respect and priority over men.

Therefore, Myanmar society has been a very good
environment for Myanmar women. Development
opportunities for Myanmar women have always been open,
there have emerged outstanding Myanmar women
entrepreneurs in religious, economic, social and
cultural fields throughout Myanmar history.

Myanmar women have formed various women's associations
concerning religious, social, cultural and national
matters since the time of national independence
struggle and lent themselves to the development of the
nation.

The Government is endeavouring, with the united force
of the entire people, for the nation to be able to
keep abreast of other nations and to become modern and
developed. Therefore, the Government, being aware of
the force and power of the mass of Myanmar women, is
encouraging their cooperation in its endeavour for
national development.

The mass of Myanmar women, on their part, have been
actively taking part in national development
undertakings, keeping their fine tradition.

Myanmar women are also taking part in social
organizations such as Union Solidarity and Development
Association, Myanmar Red Cross Society and Auxiliary
Fire Brigade.

Furthermore, such separate organizations as Myanmar
Maternal and Child Welfare Association, Myanmar
Women's Sports Federation, the Women's Chapter of
Myanmar Medical Association, Myanmar Women
Entrepreneurs' Association and Myanmar Nurses
Association emerged and they are actively
participating in nation-building endeavours under the
leadership of the Government.

At a time when the entire mass of Myanmar women are
taking part in national development undertakings with
nationalist outlook, the Government formed the Myanmar
National Committee for Women's Affairs in 1996 with a
view to all-round development of Myanmar women and
enabling them to systematically operate as a united
force on a nation-wide scale.

The committee is made up of high-ranking officials of
the Government, those representing social
organizations and other women's associations and
outstanding persons of education, health, management
and social fields. Moreover, the Myanmar National
Working Committee for Women's Affairs and State and
Division, District and Township Working Committees
have been formed. Thus, WCWAs at different levels are
now able to operate systematically on a nation-wide
scale.

The MNCWA has been undertaking:
- to promote Myanmar women's rights which have been in
existence throughout Myanmar history,
- to ensure the all-round development of women's
sector,
- to make sure that women's sector develops right on
the national path in accord with the State's
objective,
- to nurture Myanmar women to become a united and
capable force, and
- to combine the development endeavours of Myanmar
women's sector with the movements of international
women's affairs.

The 3rd of July on which the MNCWA which is very
beneficial to the entire mass of Myanmar women was
born has been designated as the Myanmar Women's Day
deservingly.

The third of July is designated as Myanmar Women's Day
in the light of not hailing a particular woman but
hailing the entire mass of women who are serving the
national interest. In the world today, women's affairs
activities are ranging from demanding equal rights for
women, recognizing the importance of women's sector in
the national socio-economic development. Women's
emancipation activities are launched with the
objectives of developing the women's sector, equality
and peace. To convince the international community
that women in Myanmar have been enjoying equal rights
as men throughout the history and to combine the
active women's affairs activities of Myanmar with the
international movements for developing women's sector,
systematic cooperations are being made nowadays.
Myanmar has been taking part in the global activities
of women's sector. A Myanmar delegation attended the
Fourth World Women's Conference held in Beijing, the
People's Republic of China in 1995. Myanmar also
approved the Beijing Declaration and future tasks.
Consequently, Myanmar has laid down the Myanmar
National Action Plan for Advancement of Women and been
implementing it. In 1997, Myanmar signed the agreement
of CEDAW (Convention on the Elimination of all Forms
of Discrimination Against Women).

At present, the National Committee for Myanmar Women's
Affairs (MNCWA) is leading the Myanmar National
Working Committee for Women's Affairs (MNWCWA) and
eight work committees in implementing the women's
development programmes successfully. At present, the
MNWCWA is cooperating with UN in implementing the
United Nations Inter-Agency Project: Trafficking of
Women and Children in the Sub-Mekong Region). In this
connection, training courses are provided in States
and Divisions.

The MNCWA is actively cooperating with international
women's organizations, UN agencies, and the
international social organizations on women's affairs.
As a result, harmonious successes are being achieved
in education, health, economic and social sectors.
Especially, it is very beneficial to the endeavours
for wiping out wrong ideas and attitudes among young
women, providing health knowledge and protecting the
young women from insinuation of unscrupulous persons.

Research works are carried out for preventing women
from violent acts. Based on research findings,
educative talks and seminars are held and counselling
centres are kept open. Talks on provision of legal
protection for women are also held to ensure the life
security of women.

Today alien cultures are trying to infiltrate our
culture. However, the tradition of safeguarding the
lineage, maintaining the mode of dress and conducting
gentle and polite behaviour of Myanmar women are being
preserved and flourished. We can take pride in it.

Head of State Senior general Than Shwe's wife Daw
Kyaing Kyaing herself attended the Myanmar Women's Day
commemorative tree planting ceremony and provided cash
donations. It reflects the dedication of the
Government for developing the women sector. The MNCWA
is making arrangements to hold the Exhibition on
Myanmar Women's Movement which will reflect the
endeavours for developing the women's sector.
Officials concerned are to make all-out efforts for
holding the Exhibition on a grand scale.

While the entire nation is making strenuous efforts
for national development on self-reliance basis, the
active participation of Myanmar women mass is very
important.

Hence, the entire mass of Myanmar women are to
systematically strive for development of women's
sector by utilizing the eminent qualifications of
sharpness, high intelligent level, politeness and
gentleness. Only when the nation can stand
prestigiously among the world's nations, the dignity
of Myanmar women can be perpetuated. Earnest efforts
are to be made for keeping alive and dynamic the
spirit of safeguarding the lineage, cherishing and
preserving traditions and cultures. The Union Spirit
and the nationalist spirit for safeguarding the
sovereignty are also to be kept alive and dynamic.

In conclusion, he urged the women mass to enhance the
prestige of Myanmar women in hailing the Myanmar
Women's Day; to accelerate the development momentum of
women's sector by enhancing the women's rights which
have been enjoyed by Myanmar women all along the
history; to mobilize the strength of women and utilize
it in nation building and national development tasks
effectively; and to make collective efforts for
keeping alive and dynamic the spirit of safeguarding
the lineage, the spirit of cherishing and preserving
traditions and culture, patriotism, nationalist spirit
and Union Spirit.

He also wished the women mass to achieve prosperity
and successes under the leadership of the MNCWA.

Then, Daw Kyaing Kyaing presented prizes and
certificates of honour through MNCWA to social
outstanding woman midwife Daw Thein Yi who was awarded
Florence Nightingale Medal by International Committee
of the Red Cross for her noble performance for saving
a child from a burning house at the risk of her life
in the outbreak of fire, from Homalin Township,
Sagaing Division and U Thinzar Oo who stood second in
the whole Myanmar with five distinctions in the 2001
Matriculation Examination, from Basic Education High
School No 4 in Taunggyi.

Daw Mya Mya San presented prizes and certificates of
honour through MNCWA to social outstanding woman
village WCWA member U Ni Ni Htwe who saved two men
from Thanlwin River at risk of her life, from Tayokhla
Model Village, Hpa-an Township, member of Wundwin
Township Red Cross Battalion Ma Aye Thida Myint who
was awarded the outstanding prize for USDA Annual
Meeting 2001 and the outstanding Red Cross member
award (division level) on 2001 Myanmar Women's Day.
Vice-Chairperson-1 of the Work Committee for Holding
the Myanmar Women's day 2002 members of MNCWA and
MNWCWA Dr Daw Khin Shwe presented prizes and
certificates of honour through MNCWA to outstanding
Fire Brigade member Daw San San Win for her
performance in 500 times of rescue demonstration from
danger of fire at 100 feet and above high buildings,
outstanding woman disable athlete Ma Aye who won 5
gold, 3 silver and 6 bronze in the First ASEAN Sports
Meet for Disabled and the sports meets for disabled
held in China, Thailand and Malaysia, Coach Daw Nyunt
Nyunt, on behalf of outstanding athlete Ma Swe Swe
Thant who won 4 gold, 5 silver and 2 bronze in the V
Asian Wushu Championship and the VI World Wushu
Championship and the certificate of honour on the 4th
place in the world.

After the ceremony, Daw Kyaing Kyaing and guests
viewed documentary photos, books and magazines on
activities of women's affairs at the parlor of IBC.
___________________________

( 3 ) Preservation and enhancing of cultural heritage,
traditions and cultures must be carried out constantly
as national duty
Myanmar Traditional Performing Arts Competitions held
annually for preserving traditional arts and culture
In preserving and enhancing national characters,
culture and traditions, Traditional Cultural
Performing Arts Competitions play vital role

Yangon, 3 July - The first work co-ordination meeting
for organizing the Tenth Myanmar Traditional Cultural
Performing Arts Competitions took place at the
National Museum on Pyay Road at 5.30 pm today,
attended by Patron of the Leading Committee for
holding the competitions Secretary-1 of the State
Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt.

The Secretary-1 delivered a speech. In his address,
the Secretary-1 said the Myanmar Traditional
Performing Arts Competitions are held annually with
the aims of preserving and uplift of the traditional
arts and culture; and ensuring the spiritual
development among the youths to be able to cherish and
preserve the traditional customs and culture. To
ensure success of those Traditional Performing Arts
Competitions, all-out efforts were made under the
leadership of the Government, cooperation of doyen
artistes and active participation of contestants
including student youths. As a result, arrangements
are now being made to hold the Tenth Traditional
Performing Arts Competitions. In line with the
tradition of successfully holding such competitions
every year, it is believed that preparatory measures
have been taken to successfully hold the Tenth Myanmar
Traditional Performing Arts Competitions with full
national essence. It is a national prestige for a
nation to be able to preserve own traditions, customs
and culture as well as to flourish own traditional
arts and crafts.

Only when the national prestige is preserved and
enhanced conscientiously and constantly, one's own
nation and people can be able to stand prestigiously
in the international community. Especially in this
globalization period, the big nations which have upper
hand in terms of economic progress and technology are
trying for their customs, traditions and social norms
through the most modern media to infiltrate into the
cultures of developing nations. It is needed for all
to be aware of the fact that if we cannot take
preventive measures with national consciousness, our
culture will fade away and it will lead to extinction
of the race and the nation will fall under the
influence of other countries.

In preserving and enhancing the national characters,
cultures and traditions, the Traditional Performing
Arts Competitions play a vital role. As the
Competitions held every year are meeting with
successes, the spirit of cherishing our own traditions
and cultures and the spirit of love for the nation and
the people are flourishing among the youths. It is
very heartening to see that today's youths are firmly
dedicated to safeguarding the nation, the people and
sovereignty at the risk of their lives. In this
favourable circumstances, the Tenth Traditional
Performing Arts Competitions are required to be held
successfully with full national essence as well as
essence of art.

Last year, mandolin contest was introduced in the
competitions. This year, arrangements have been made
to add guitar contest in the competitions. In the
drama contest, Ramayana text will be prescribed for
the third time. In the marionette contest,
Thuwunnathama text is to be prescribed. It is a good
chance for the participating troupes to exhibit their
skills and talent in theatrical and marionette arts.
As regards the harmonious development of performing
arts, the doyen artistes have provided reviews. It is
learnt that more emphasis should be laid on Maha Gita
competition. As regards Maha Gita competition, some
States and Divisions had less participants. In this
regard, I instructed last year on sending veteran
artistes to those States and Divisions for providing
training to the contestants of amateur level and
professional level. Similar arrangements are now being
made this year. The professional level contestants of
this year's dance competitions should be intimated
that they are to lay emphasis on mode of dance.
Myanmar dance is based on the unique style and way
like Myanmar curlicues to be performed gently. Though
the timing, tango and beat are fast, the performing
dance must be in gentle way.

As constant preservation and enhancing of cultural
heritage, traditions and cultures is a national duty,
all responsible personnel and veteran artistes are to
collectively strive for ensuring success of the Tenth
Myanmar Traditional Performing Arts Competitions which
are to be held soon on a grand scale. The commander
presented reviews on efforts made for successfully
organizing the ninth competitions and experiences of
the competitions. He reported on plans to be carried
out for successfully holding the tenth competitions.

Then, Director-General of the Fine Arts Department U
Kyaw Win reported on formation of the committees and
fixing of date, venue, levels and categories for the
competitions, Thuwunnathama Jataka for marionette
competition (professional) and Ramayana Jataka for the
drama competition, presenting prizes and approval of
songs, followed by a general round of discussion.

Afterwards, the meeting came to an end with the
concluding remarks by the Secretary-1.

After the meeting, the Secretary-1 accepted K 500,000
donated by the Ministry of Transport for holding the
tenth competitions from Minister Maj-Gen Hla Myint Swe
and K 500,000 by Myanma Music Asiayon from Chairman
Accordion U Ohn Kyaw.

__________________________


( 4 ) Myanmar has never interfered in internal affairs
of other nations
The people will surely make immediate response to any
encroachments upon sovereignty and territorial
integrity

Yangon, 3 July - A ceremony to support the national
people's mass rallies denouncing SURA and KNU
insurgents, who are undermining security and peace in
border areas, and to show respect for sovereignty of
the Union of Myanmar was held at the Division sports
ground in Dawei, Dawei District, Taninthayi Division,
at 7.30 am on 1 July.


Present at the meeting were members of the Union
Solidarity and Development Associations of Dawei,
Launglon, Yebyu and Thayetchaung townships in Dawei
District, Red Cross Society, Auxiliary Fire Brigade,
War Veterans Organization, Myanmar National Committee
for Women's Affairs, Maternal and Child Welfare
Association, departmental personnel, teachers and
students of basic education high schools, trainees of
the Nurses Training School and local residents of
Dawei District.

People of Bayintnaung column from the Government
Technological College gathering point, Alaungphaya
column from the Town Hall gathering point and
Hsinbyushin column from the Forestry Department
gathering point marched to the mass rally and took
positions at the sports ground.

Before the meeting, local nationals, showing their
respect for sovereignty of the Union of Myanmar,
hoisted the State flags at the offices, departments,
residences, markets and buildings in the townships in
Dawei District.

Executive of Dawei Township USDA U Thein Oo, master of
ceremonies, read out the agenda of the meeting.

Those present at the meeting saluted the State Flag.


Then, Executive of Taninthayi Division USDA Daw Kay
Lwin explained the purpose of holding the mass
meeting.

She said: Since early 2001, SURA and KNU insurgents,
with the support of a neighbouring country have
attacked border areas. The entire patriotic people got
angry and felt that they should not remain indifferent
when the insurgents are encroaching on security and
peace of border areas and sovereignty of the Union of
Myanmar with the support of Yodaya. They held the mass
rallies denouncing the insurgents in Kengtung on 1
June and in Taunggyi on 2 June.

At a time when the government is building a peaceful,
modern and developed nation, KNU and drug-trafficking
SURA with the support of Yodaya are harming
sovereignty of the State and security. National people
in Kengtung and Taunggyi oppose and denounce the
drug-trafficker destructive insurgents and so do we in
Taninthayi Division. National people in the division
support the mass rallies in Kengtung and Taunggyi. To
show respect for sovereignty of the State, the State
Flags are hoisted at offices, markets, schools and
houses.

It signifies the people's respect for sovereignty. At
the same time, the entire people support the
Tatmadawmen who are fighting against the enemy along
the Yodaya-Myanmar border at the risk of life, blood
and sweat for safeguarding sovereignty of the State
and territorial integrity.

On 20 May this year, SURA drug-trafficking insurgents
with the assistance of Yodaya army attacked
Panmongsun, Yanpaingsun, Nyaungbingon and Pangangaw
outposts in our territory in Myanmar-Yodaya border.
The Tatmadaw between 16 and 21 June recaptured those
outposts lost to the insurgents. Together with the
Tatmadaw, people's militiamen of Shan, Wa, Akha and
Lahu nationals took part in the battles. It showed the
unity of national races. Fifty Tatmadawmen sacrificed
their lives in safeguarding sovereignty and
territorial integrity. They have thus safeguarded
independence and sovereignty. We pay tribute to the
fallen Tatmadawmen.

The Tatmadawmen are safeguarding the border areas so
that Myanmar will be able to stand tall among the
world's nations. Like the Tatmadawmen, all the
national peoples must uphold Our Three Main National
Causes and keep nationalistic spirit alive to crush
the external and internal dangers.

Next, executive of Myeik District USDA U Win Swe
reported on the present meeting held in support of
mass rallies denouncing SURA and KNU insurgents who
are encroaching on security and peace of border areas.
He said the mass meeting shows nationalistic spirit
and patriotism of Myanmar. Myanmar has always been
abiding by the Five Principles of Peaceful
Co-existence in international relations and promoting
good relations with neighbouring countries. It has
never interfered in internal affairs of other nations.
However, the entire national people cannot remain
indifferent when the national sovereignty and
territorial integrity are harmed. The national people
will surely make immediate response to any insults or
encroachments. At present, while Myanmar is behaving
well as a good neighbour in line with the principle
"Let amity be enduring and enmity ephemeral" , Yodaya
is behaving as a bad neighbour by encroaching upon our
sovereignty.

Since early 2001, the drug trafficking SURA insurgents
taking footholds in Yodaya, have attacked us with the
use of heavy weapons along the border. In fact, it is
an encroachment upon the national soverignty. The
entire people of Myanmar have known who has been
raising the insurgents for what purpose. It is obvious
that Yodaya is still lying as in the case of covering
the elephant carcass with a goat's hide. Yodaya's
provision of shelter, food and arms to the insurgentrs
who could survive only at border areas, is, in fact,
sort of encroachment upon the regional security and
stability at border areas. To be frank, it is a scheme
to hinder the Government's endeavours in consolidating
the national unity and developing the border areas.
Yodaya assumes that prevalance of peace and stability
and development achievements in Myanmar will lead to
harming the interests of Yodaya. Hence, we all must be
aware of the fact that Yodaya's attitude and act pose
as the national threat to us.

Myanmar has no wish to intrude into other nation's
territory and to encroach on any other nation's
sovereignty. At the same time, we will crush any
enemies who encroach upon our national sovereignty.
During the period from 6 to 21 June, the Tatmadaw had
recovered all its lost outposts and people's militia
camps such as Yanpaingsun, Panmongsun camp and police
station, Nyaungbingon, Pangangaw. The entire people
are taking pride in the Tatmadawmen who have fought
bravely to safeguard the sovereignty and territorial
integrity at the risk of their lives, blood and sweat.
It also shows that patriotic people will not allow any
encroachment upon sovereignty and they are awalys
behind the Tatmadaw.

In the history, Taninthayi Division was on the road to
marching toward Yodaya. The people in the division
wish to show patriotism and Myanma blood after
realizing Yodaya's lack of good-neighbourly practices.



Therefore, I would like to urge all the national
peoples, hand in hand with the tatmadaw, to bravely
and conscientiously crush any encroachment upon the
sovereignty with a view to maintaining the prevalence
of peace, the national security and development.

Then, led by Township USDA Executive U Thein Oo, the
people collectively shouted the slogans
"Non-disintegration of the Union - our cause, our
cause", "Non-disintegration of the national solidarity
- our cause, our cause", "Perpetuation of sovereignty
- our cause, our cause" and the mass meeting came to a
close later in the morning.


__________________________


( 5 ) Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung sends
felicitations to USA

Yangon, 4 July - U Win Aung, Minister for Foreign
Affairs of the Union of Myanmar, has sent a message of
felicitations to the Honourable Colin L Powell,
Secretary of State of the United States of America, on
the occasion of the Anniversary of the Independence
Day of the United States of America which falls on 4
July 2002.

---------

Delegation from Republic of Nauru arrives

Yangon, 3 July - A delegation led by Minister for
Education, Transport, Telecommunications, Economic
Development and Environment (Acting President) of the
Republic of Nauru Mr Remy G Namaduk and Minister for
Health and Sports Mr Nimrod Botelanga arrived here by
air this evening.

The delegation was welcomed by Minister for Foreign
Affairs U Win Aung, Director-General of the Protocol
Department Thura U Aung Htet, Director-General of the
Political Department U Thaung Tun, and responsible
officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at
Yangon International Airport. The visiting Ministers
were accompanied by Economic Consultants of the
Republic of Nauru Mr Phillip Au and Mr Ray Chu.

___________________________

( 6 ) Maj-Gen Ye Myint meets industrialists in
Mandalay Industrial Zone

Yangon, 3 July - Member of the State Peace and
Development Council Maj-Gen Ye Myint of the Ministry
of Defence, accompanied by Chairman of Mandalay
Division Peace and Development Council Commander of
Central Command Brig-Gen Ye Myint, Chairman of
Mandalay City Development Committee Mayor Brig-Gen Yan
Thein and officials of the State Peace and Development
Council Office, departmental officials and local
authorities, met with industrialists of Mandalay
Industrial Zone 1 and Zone 2 at Kanaung Hall in the
zone-1, Pyigyidagun Township, yesterday afternoon.

Chairman of Mandalay Industrial Zone Supervisory
Committee Chairman of Mandalay District Peace and
Development Council Lt-Col Tin Tun reported on
resettlement of factories and workshops from the
downtown to industrial Zone 1 and Zone 2, drawing of
the five-year plan for annual assembling of Super
Mandalar Jeep and tasks to be undertaken, arrangements
made for power supply in the zones, technological
training to be given to entrepreneurs and
communication equipment to be fulfilled to the
industrialists. The industrialists reported on
machines to be provided to assemble the jeeps, power
supply and availability of raw materials.

Commander Brig-Gen Ye Myint gave a supplementary
report. Maj-Gen Ye Myint gave necessary instructions.
Afterwards, they went to Oscar Lathe Workshop in the
Zone 2 and inspected installation of machines of the
soap factory. At U Soe Myint & brothers workshop, they
viewed manufacturing of the farming equipment. At the
Mandalar Power-tiller Factory of Good Brother
Machinery Co Ltd, they viewed tipper hydraulic body
garbage truck manufactured by the factory and heard
reports on assembling of the cars by the owner of the
factory.

Then, Maj-Gen Ye Myint and party inspected Oxygen
Plant. Next, they went to Pamokhayana Monyway
Kyaungtaik in Hteingon Ward, Pyigyidagun Township.
They then paid homage and donated provisions to
Sayadaw Bhaddanta Pamokkha.

___________________________

( 7 ) Minister inspects river water pumping projects,
cultivation tasks in Sagaing Division

Yangon, 3 July - Minister for Agriculture and
Irrigation Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin, accompanied by
departmental officials, viewed EM bokershi natural
fertilizers being made by farmers in Chinthaylet
village, Ngazun Township, on 1 July and discussed
cultivation of crops and water supply.

Then, they arrived at Kyauktalon river water pumping
project. Officials reported on supplying water to
2,500 acres of land from Ayeyawady River, power line
installation for Kyauktalon extended river power
pumping project for supplying water to the benefited
acres, construction of the feeder canal and canals,
supporting work for development of crops cultivation
in villages of Ngazun Township, construction of the
embankment for Ayeyawady River, the sluice gate and
the benefited farmland. The minister inspected
cultivation of hybrid sunflower and gave necessary
instructions.

Next, the minister, together with Chairman of Sagaing
Division Peace and Development Council Commander of
North-West Command Brig-Gen Soe Naing and officials,
viewed harvesting and winnowing tasks at the summer
paddy special zone in Ywathagyi village, Wetlet
Township.

In the afternoon, the commander, the minister and
party proceeded to Magyisauk Village River Water
Pumping Project in Ayadaw Township and discussed water
availability together with local farmers. Officials
reported on the project area and the benefited area.
Director-General U Kyaw San Win of Irrigation
Department reported on the Kindat right canal and
tributary canals of Thaphanseik Multi Purpose Dam, the
river water pumping projects in Ayadaw region and
irrigated areas.

The minister laid down the tasks to be done. The
minister then inspected thriving of summer paddy
fields near Magyisauk village, and extension of Ayadaw
canal. At the briefing hall near Nyeinsan village in
Ayadaw Township, officials reported on advantages of
Thaphanseik Dam and Kindat Diversion Weirs. In the
evening, the minister and party inspected new strains
of long staple cotton plantations near Zeedaw village
in Ayadaw and Shwebo Townships and gave necessary
instructions to officials.

---------

Minister inspects bridge construction work

Yangon, 3 July - At 8.30 am today, Minister for
Construction Maj-Gen Saw Tun, accompanied by Deputy
Minister Brig-Gen Myint Thein and officials, inspected
the maintenance works of No 2 highway and the six-lane
section of Yangon-Mandalay road to be carried out in
the rainy reason.

Afterwards, the minister and party proceeded to
Nyaunglebin Township and inspected the construction of
Yenwe Creek Bridge. Next, the minister and party went
to the Baingda Bridge construction site on
Yangon-Mandalay road. At the briefing hall, officials
concerned reported to him on progress of the piling
works, necessary materials, and conditions of the
machinery.

The minister, after giving instructions on timely
completion of the project, speedy completion of the
piling works after the rainy reason, supply of
necessary machinery, and careful use of construction
materials, inspected round the site.

---------

Information Minister visits Book Fair

Yangon, 3 July - The Book Fair, which is being held in
commemoration of the Third Conference of Myanmar
Writers and Journalists Association, continued at the
Sarpay Beikman Press compound near the Hanthawady
Roundabout on Pyay Road here today.

Minister for Information Maj-Gen Kyi Aung arrived at
the Book Fair at 11.45 am. He was welcomed there by
Vice-Chairman of the Committee for Holding the Book
Fair U Chit Naing (Chit Naing-Psychology), Secretary U
Myint Kywe (Maung Myint Kywe) and officials. The
minister viewed the book shops and left the fair in
the afternoon. The book fair was teeming with monks
and the public, and today's sales of books amounted to
K 1,024,200. VCDs and tapes of Maha Vamsa Myat Buddha
(part I) composed by Aenda Swe are being sold there.

The book fair, where various kinds of books are
available at one place at fair prices, is extended up
to 7 July for the convenience of the people who
cherish literature.

___________________________

( 8 ) Deputy Minister leaves for Indonesia

Yangon, 3 July - The Myanmar delegation led by Deputy
Minister for Energy Brig-Gen Thein Aung left here for
the Republic of Indonesia by air this morning to
attend the 20th ASEAN Energy Ministers Meeting to be
held in Bali on 5 July.

The delegation was seen off at Yangon International
Airport by Minister for Energy Brig-Gen Lun Thi,
Deputy Minister U Tin Tun, departmental heads,
officials and their family members. The deputy
minister was accompanied by Executive Officer of
Myanma Oil and Gas Enterprise U Than Oo.

___________________________

( 9 ) Drug traffickers sentenced deterrent punishments


Yangon, 3 July - At 11.15 am on 27 October 2001, a
combined team comprising members of the local
intelligence unit and Tachilek Anti-Drugs Squad,
acting on information, searched the house of Daw Mei
Fong of Lunkyaing village in Tachilek and found
440,000 stimulant tablets, 600 grams of ephedrine
powder and 3.4 kilos of caffeine powder.

Daw Mei Fong, 46, daughter of U Jia Suo, and Aik Sam,
40, son of U Lauk Aye of Tangyan, were filed according
to Section 15/16(b)/19(a)/21 of Narcotic Drugs and
Psychotropic Substances Law by Tachilek police
station. On 7 May 2002, Daw Mei Fong was sentenced to
seven years' imprisonment under Section 16(b) and 25
years' imprisonment under Section 19 (a); and Aik Sam
to five years' imprisonment under Section 15, seven
years' imprisonment under Section 16 (b) and 25 years'
imprisonment under Section 19 (a). The sentences are
to serve separately.

---------

Stimulant tablets seized

Yangon, 3 July - A combined team comprising members of
the local intelligence unit and the local police
force, on a tip-off, inspected Myo Thu on Thanthuma
Road, Sanpya Ward, Thingan-gyun Township, and found
660 stimulant tablets weighing 66 grams on him.
Thingangyun police station is taking action against
Myo Thu, 34, son of U Tin Myint of (20) Ward, Dagon
Myothit Township (South) under Section 15/19(a)/20(a)
of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Law.



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