The New Light of Myanmar (Friday, 12 July, 2002)

[Ok Kar <okkar66126@xxxxxxxxx>]

The New Light of Myanmar (Friday, 12 July, 2002)
---------------------------------------
1. 2002 World Population Day observed
2. - Tasks of National Poison Control Centre
     coordinated
   - New products and technology demonstrated
3. - Sagaing Division Police Force holds work
     coord meeting
   - Monsoon tree planting ceremony held in Lashio
4. - Work coord meeting of Ayeyawady Division
     GAD held
   - Commander inspects oil palm plantation in
     Thayetchaung Township
5. - Fukuoka-bound students tour Yangon
   - Cash donated to MCWA of Ministry of Industry-2
6. Title recipient Sayadaws and lay persons honoured
7. - MMU and MAEU to open on 1 August
   - New SHARP products introduced
8. - Inter-stations soccer tourney opened
   - National Basketball Championship opened
9. - 15.02 gms of heroin seized
   - Marijuana trafficker gets 15 yrs

---------


( 1 ) Myanmar with full food security can contribute
regional and international food requirements

 2002 World Population Day observed

Yangon, 11 July - The World Population Day for 2002
was observed at the International Business Centre on
Pyay Road here this morning and Secretary-1 of the
State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt
delivered a speech on the occasion.

First, Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt delivered a
speech. He said: Every year nations of the world
cele-brate the World Population Day on the 11 of July
and I am delighted to have this opportunity to address
this auspicious gathering on the occasion of the
Commemoration of World Population Day. This is the
thirteenth successive year that Myanmar has been
observing the World Population Day, underlining our
commitment to the goals, objectives and activities of
the United Nations. The population of the world in
2002 is estimated to be over 6.1 billion. It is
expected to grow to 7.8 billion by the year 2025 and
9.3 billion by the year 2050. Moreover, the most rapid
population growth is taking place in developing
nations.


This increase in population has exacerbated the
economic and social problems facing these nations. It
is indeed appropriate that the theme for this year is:
" Poverty, Population, and Development " as poverty,
population pressure and economic development are
deeply intertwined. Poverty is usually regarded as an
indicator of the deprivation of the economic
well-being of an individual or a household. But it can
also indicate broader deficiencies. In fact, poverty
is not only in the context of income but also includes
lack of education, health care, personal safety,
adequate food and shelter.

Today, over 1 billion people in the world are
subjected to extreme poverty. While, the percentage of
people living in extreme poverty had declined slightly
in the mid 90s, the actual numbers have increased.
Although most of the less fortunate people live in
rural areas, poverty in urban areas is also on the
rise. More than 800 million people in the world are
facing chronic hunger and over 200 million children
are not able to attend school.



The growing HIV/AIDS epidemic is also threatening the
fragile health and social fabric of societies. In
striving to alleviate poverty, developing countries
while endeavouring for economic progress must also
practice prudent population policies that are in
keeping with the objective conditions in the country.
It is also incumbent on the United Nations and the
international community to provide assistance and
support to developing nations. Linking development
assistance with extraneous issues and imposing
sanctions for political and other motives are
counter-productive and only cause hardship for the
ordinary people. Myanmar, with a land area of over
260,000 square miles and a population of 51.4 million,
can be said to have a favourable population to land
ratio. As the population density is only 197 persons
per square mile, there is little population pressure.
Myanmar also has an abundance of natural and human
resources including arable land.

Out of the 45 million acres of arable land, only about
26 million acres are under cultivation, thus a huge
potential for increased agricultural production
remains to be tapped. Myanmar has full food security
and is able to contribute to regional and
international food requirements. The Government is
working day and night for establishing peace and
stability; for the emergence of a united, modern and
developed nation; for the promotion and preservation
of the sprit of patriotism and love of cultural
heritage and national character. It is also
endeavouring for development of all regions and to
narrow the gap between urban and rural areas.

In its endeavours, the Government devotes special
attention to the development of remote border regions,
where the national races reside and has already
utilized more than 25 billion kyats towards this end.
As a result, there have been dramatic improvements in
the standard of living of the national races in the
last decade. Similarly, a five-pronged strategy
consisting of deve-lopment of rural transportation
infrastructure, ensuring availability of water
resources, improving education standards, providing
adequate health care and developing agriculture and
livestock and improving economic conditions is being
successfully implemented in the rural areas where over
70 per cent of the population live. Recently, Myanmar
has intensified its efforts to implement rural water
supply programmes aimed at providing sufficient water
to water-scare areas.

As a result, today 4,496 villages have been equipped
with water supply systems. In the endeavours to
develop the border and rural areas, attention is paid
not only to the emergence of sound economic and
infrastructure foundations but also to the promotion
of education and health sectors as well. The literacy
rate in the country stands at 91.4 per cent, making it
one of the highest in the region. Even though primary
school enrolment is high at 92.1% , mass activities
are still being undertaken in order to get all the
school-going-age children in school. As for higher
education, it may be recalled that in 1988 there were
only 32 universities and colleges in the whole
country.

Today this figure has increased to 150. Moreover,
doctoral courses are being offered in the country.
Likewise, there have been considerable improvements in
health care. The Government has added 119 new
hospitals, 99 dispensaries and 65 rural health centres
to the existing health facilities. As most of these
facilities are in rural and border areas, it can be
said that health care is now available in every corner
of the nation. Keeping the interests of the people in
mind and relying mainly on own resources, the
Government, the people and the Tatmadaw are working
diligently for the benefit of the whole nation. As a
result, Myanmar has been able to achieve significant
economic progress and raising the standard of living
of the people. Extreme poverty is relatively unknown.

Moreover, the gap between different regions of the
nation as well as between urban and rural areas has
narrowed significantly. While engaged in its own
nation-building tasks, Myanmar will be
enthusiastically cooperating with the international
community in global issues such as poverty reduction,
economic development and population. Myanmar is
determined to continue playing and active role in
collaboration and cooperation with all nations with
the United Nations and its relevant Agencies as well
as local and international NGOs.

To conclude, allow me to express out hope that all
nations of the world, working in conduction with the
United Nations, will be able to meet the noble aims
and objectives of this year's World Population Day
motto: " Poverty, Population and Development".


Next, Dr Agostino Borra, United Nations Resident
Coordinator a i read out World Population Day message
from Ms Thoraya Obaid, Executive Director of UNFPA.
Then, prize presentation continued. Secretary-1 Lt-Gen
Khin Nyunt presented the first prize for Open Class of
the World Population Day Poster Contest to U Ye Aung
Myat of Thingangyun Township; the second to U Aung Moe
of South Oakkalapa and the third to Mg Hla Han of
South Dagon Myothit, Yangon Division.

 The Secretary-1 then presented first prize for Level
IV of the World Population Day Poster Contest (Age
group 16-18) to Mg Nanda Aung, Tenth Standard Basic
Education High School No 1, Latha Township; the second
to Mg Sithy Aung, First Year (Eco), University of
Distance Education, Dagon and the third to Ma Po Po
Kyi, First Year, University of Foreign Language
(German).

Then, Minister for Immigration and Population Maj-Gen
Sein Htwa presented first prize for Level III of the
World Population Day Poster Contest (Age group 13-15)
to Mg Win Myat Thu, BEHS No 3, Tamwe Township; the
second to Mg Thant Zin, BEHS No 1, Latha Township and
the third to Mg Kaung Myat Min Soe, Practising School
of University of Education, Kamayut, the first prize
for Level I (Age group 9-12) to Ma Su Myat Noe,
Practising School of University of Education; the
second to Ma Thin Zar Lwin, BEHS No 2, Latha and the
third to Mg Ye win Thein, BEHS No , and the first
prize for Level I (Age group 6-8) to Ma Myat Noe
Yadanar San, Basic Education Primary School No 18,
Tamwe Township; the second to Ma Su Myat Noe Nwe, BEHS
No 2, Dagon Township, and the third to Mg Aung Thura,
BEHS No 1, Aungmyaythazan, Mandalay and the ceremony
went into recess. Later, the secretary-1 and party
viewed documentary photos, books, posters and essays
displayed at booth of the commemoration of 2002 World
Population Day.

 Then, the second part of the prize presentation
continued. U Maung Aung, Deputy Minister for
Immigration and Population, presented first prize for
the World Population Day Essay Competition (High
School Level) to Mg Mg Ye Zin Zin, DEHS No 1, North
Oakkalapa Township; the second to Ma Yamin Aye, BEHS
No1, Mingaladon Township and the third to Ma Win Le
Htet Mon Oo, BEHS No 16, Chanayethazan Township,
Mandalay, and the first prize for World Population Day
Essay Competition (Middle School Level) to Mg Phyo
Paing Thaw, BEMS No 1, South Oakkalapa Township; the
second to Mg Phyo Myint Zin, BEHS No 1, Lanmadaw
Township and Ma Mi Mi Ko, BEMS No 10, Chanayethazan
Township, Mandalay.

 Next, Dr Agostino Borra, United Nations Resident
Coordinator presented the first prize for the World
Population Day Article Competition (in Myanmar) to a
representative on behalf of Dr Hla Pe, Mandalay; the
second to Ko Hmu (Institute of Medicine) (Dr Aung Kyaw
Htay), Kamayut Township, Yangon, and the third to U
Kan Myint (Kan Myint), Yankin Township, Yangon, the
first prize for the World Population Day Article
Competition (in English) to a representative on behalf
of Daw Khine Wint Phyu, Bahan Township, Yangon; the
second to Daw Khaing Khaing Soe, Thanlyin Township,
Yangon, and the third to Ma Aye Aye (Daw Khin Aye
Kyin), Yankin Township, Yangon. Afterwards, the Deputy
Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement U
Hlaing Win presented Certificates of Honour to the
artists Accordion Ohn Kyaw, Hinthada Myint Ngwe, Daw
Yadanar Oo and Daw Soe Sanda Tun for their
contribution to commemoration of World Population Day
and the ceremony came to an end. After the closing
ceremony, the guests viewed the exhibition to mark for
2002 World Population Day.

___________________________

( 2 ) Tasks of National Poison Control Centre
coordinated

Yangon, 11 July - A co-ordination meeting on tasks of
the National Poison Control Centre of the Ministry of
Health was held at the Medical Research Department
(Lower Myanmar) on Ziwaka Road in Dagon Township,
here, this morning. Deputy Minister for Health Prof Dr
Mya Oo attended the meeting and delivered an address.

 First, Deputy Minister for Health Prof Dr Mya Oo
delivered an address. In his address, he said that a
sound health system is required for sustainable
development of a nation and the system includes clean
drinking water and food free from toxin. In addition
it is required to have air, water and land
intoxicated. It is also important to utilize dangerous
poisons and chemicals carefully and properly and to
cure cases of toxicity. The National Poison Control
Centre is to be established under the Ministry of
Health. The centre will also cooperate with
international organizations through information
networks. Then, those present at the meeting took part
in the discussions. Then, the Deputy Minister gave
necessary instructions. Next, they inspected units,
laboratories and information gathering room of the
National Poison Control Centre.

---------

New products and technology demonstrated

Yangon, 11 July - A ceremony to demonstrate the new
products and new technology of Telrad Networks Co of
Israel was held at the Communications and Postal
Training Centre of Myanma Posts and Telecommunications
under the Ministry of Communications, Posts and
Telegraphs this afternoon. It was attended by Minister
for CPT Brig-Gen Thein Zaw, the managing director of
the MPT, heads of departments, chief engineers and
engineers. Vice-Chairman of the company Mr Ruven
Avital extended greetings, and the officials presented
facts about the digital auto telephone exchanges and
technology.

up
___________________________

( 3 ) Sagaing Division Police Force holds work coord
meeting

Yangon, 11 July - Sagaing Division Police Force held
its work co-ordination meeting for the year 2002 at
the Division Myanmar Police Force commander's office
in Sagaing yesterday morning.

The commander delivered a speech on the occasion. In
his address, the commander called on those present to
make collective efforts for jointing hands with the
people in carrying out tasks for community peace,
prevalence of law and order and fight against the
danger of narcotic drugs. In the afternoon, the
commander addressed the opening ceremony of the course
on giving health care services to family members with
the use of Myanma traditional medicines for housewives
jointly conducted by Division Maternal and Child
Welfare Association Supervisory Committee and the
Traditional Medicine Department at the Town Hall in
Monywa

. Then, traditional medicine entrepreneur Daw Htwe of
Gawmotta Medical House in Sagaing Division presented K
100,000 for carrying out rural health care services
with the use of traditional medicines and for
developing medicines; U Tin Maung Kyi-Daw Hla of Aye
Nyein Thida Medical House K 70,000; U Bo Gyi-Daw Tin
Nu of Yokepyo traditional medicine production (Shwebo)
K 50,000; U Tin Aung-Daw Mya Sein of Shwe Hintha
medical production K 30,000; U Kyaw Kyaw Khaing-Daw
Khin Khin Chit of Kyaw medical house K 10,000 and Daw
Tin May Myint and son Ko Chan Hein (Piti Thukha) K
10,000 to the commander and officials. Head of
Division Traditional Medicine Department U Myint Aung
explained the purpose of the course and spoke words of
thanks. Altogether 68 trainees are attending the
course.

--------

Monsoon tree planting ceremony held in Lashio

Yangon, 11 July - A monsoon tree planting ceremony was
held at Lashio Degree College in Lashio, Shan State
(North) on 7 July morning. After the commander and
those present collectively planted trees at designated
places in front of the college, the ceremony ended.
Then, the commander viewed round the tree planting
activities at the government computer college and the
technological college in Lashio. At the activities, a
variety of flower plants and shady trees totalling
3,000 were grown. The commander then provided 207
teachers serving at respective colleges with school
uniforms.
__________________________

( 4 ) Work coord meeting of Ayeyawady Division GAD
held

Yangon, 11 July- A work coordination meeting of
Ayeyawady Division General Administration Department
for 2002 was held at Eya Shwewa Hall in Pathein on 10
July.Commissioner of Division GAD U Than Win reported
on work undertaken. The commander called for
successful implementation of objectives of GAD.

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Commander inspects oil palm plantation in Thayetchaung
Township

Yangon, 11 July- Chairman of Taninthayi Division Peace
and Development Council Commander of Coastal Region
Command Brig-Gen Tha Aye, Col Soe Thet of Dawei
Station and officials inspected oil palm plantation of
Annawa Soemoe Co in Aukthayetchaung Village in
Thayetchaung Township on 29 June.

 The commander also inspected mixed cropping and gave
instructions on cultivation of full acreage and
arrangements for cultivation of oil palm. The
commander then fulfilled the requirements. Annawa
Soemoe Co cultivated 200 acres of paddy, one acre of
pesinngon, 0.5 acre of custard plants and 20,000
pineapple plants.

__________________________


( 5 ) Fukuoka-bound students tour Yangon

Yangon, 11 July - Altogether 10 Myanmar students who
will attend the 14th Get-together of children of Asia
and the Pacific Region to be held in Fukuoka, Japan,
accompanied by supervisor teachers, arrived at the
Drug Elimination Museum at the corner of Hanthawady
and Kyundaw Streets in Kamayut Township this morning.

Officials explained facts about the museum. The
students viewed round the museum. Afterwards, they
proceeded to Myanma Radio and Television on Pyay Road
in Kamayut Township. At the Studio-A, Deputy
Director-General Lt-Col Thein Aung of MRTV extended
greetings and explained facts about the MRTV with the
use of video tapes. Then, officials conducted the
students round the studios. At 12.30 pm, the students
went to Yangon Zoological Gardens where officials
conducted them round the zoo. Next, the students
visited Shukhintha Amusement Park in Thakayta
Township.

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Cash donated to MCWA of Ministry of Industry-2

Yangon, 11 July - Toyohashi Economy and Research Group
and Silver Wave Trading Ltd donated cash to the
Maternal and Child Welfare Association of the Ministry
of Industry-2 at a ceremony held at the meeting hall
of the ministry on Kaba Aye Pagoda Road yesterday
afternoon.

 Mr Go Kondo, Toyohashi group leader, explained the
purpose of the donation. Then, Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe
accepted the donation of K 1 million presented by Mr
Go Kondo and Silver Wave Trading Ltd Managing Director
U Min Min Aung. Later, Director-General of Directorate
of Myanma Industrial Planning U Khin Maung spoke words
of thanks after which, the ceremony ended.

___________________________

( 6 ) Title recipient Sayadaws and lay persons
honoured

Yangon, 11 July-The ceremony to honour religious title
recipient Sayadaws and lay persons of Mandalay was
held in conjunction with the rice offering at Maha
Atula Waiyan Kyaungdawgyi in Aungmyethazan Township,
Mandalay, on 9 July.

 The ceremony was opened with three-time recitation of
Namo Tassa and then the Waso Sayadaw administered the
Eight Precepts. Members of the Sangha recited the
parittas. Afterwards, Vice-Chairman of the State
Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee Abhidhaja Maha Rattha
Guru Bhaddanta Sirindabhivamsa Masoeyein Sayadaw
recited Sammo-daniya Katha. The commander supplicated
on religious matters.

 Then, the commander and the wellwishers presented
offertories to members of the Sangha and the
commander's wife, to Maha Ganthavacaka Pandita Title
recipient Nun Daw Metta Theri. Next, the commander
presented certificates to four Thiha Thudha-mma
Manizawtadara and Thudhamma Manizawta-dara Titles
recipient men, and the commander's wife, to two
Thudhamma Theingi Title recipient women.

After that, the commander and those present shared
merits gained. After the ceremony, the commander,
battalions and units under Mandalay Station,
departmental officials and wellwishers presented rice
and offertories to members of the Sangha. In the
evening, the commander hosted a dinner in honour of
the trainees of Myanmar Affairs and International
Studies Course No 5, who are on an excursion tour of
Mandalay, at the office of Division USDA. On behalf of
the trainees, one trainee representative presented a
commemorative pennant to Executive of Division USDA U
Kyaw, who then presented a gift to him. Trainee Dr Daw
Thuza Win, on behalf the trainees, spoke words of
thanks. Later, the commander hosted the dinner to the
trainees and then had a cordial conversation with
them.
___________________________

( 7 ) MMU and MAEU to open on 1 August

Yangon, 11 July - As Myanmar Maritime University under
the Ministry of Transport and Myanmar Aerospace
Engineering University under the Ministry of Science
and Technology of the Union of Myanmar will open as of
1 August 2002, students who have gained admission to
the two universities are to enrol in the university
concerned from 22 July.

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New SHARP products introduced

Yangon, 11 July- A ceremony to introduce new SHARP
products manufactured with the use of the state of the
art technology, organized by the Prime-Boss
Electronics Co Ltd, was held at the Traders Hotel this
morning.

Present on the occasion were guests, entrepreneurs,
electronic technicians and observers. Chairman of the
Company U Aye Thant made a speech. General Manager of
SHARP Electronics Asia Appliances Marketing Centre Mr
Naoya Takahashi explained salient points about the new
products. Then, the officials replied to the queries
raised by those present. At the ceremony, LCD TV,
Plasrna Cluster Ion Technology products and digital
multifunction copiers were introduced.

___________________________

( 8 ) Inter-stations soccer tourney opened

Yangon, 11 July - The opening ceremony of the year
2002 Coastal Region Command Commander's Shield
inter-stations soccer tournament was held at Myoma
Sports Ground in Myeik on 5 July afternoon.

Among the spectators were Taninthayi Division Peace
and Development Council Chairman Coastal Region
Command Commander Brig-Gen Tha Aye, Deputy Commander
Brig-Gen Tin Latt and senior military officers,
commanding officers of battalions and units in Myeik
Station, local authorities, departmental officials and
guests. The commander made a speech. Then, the
commander and those present watched the match between
Myeik Station (A) team and Dawei Station (A) team. A
total of 10 football teams from respective stations
are taking part in the tournament.

---------

National Basketball Championship opened

Yangon, 11 July -The National Basketball Championship,
organized by Myanmar Basketball Federation, was opened
at the Kyaikkasan Basketball Gymnasium this morning.
Among the spectators were General Secretary of Myanmar
Olympic Committee Director-General U Thaung Htaik of
Sports and Physical Education Department, President of
Myanmar Basketball Federation Professor Dr Sein Myint,
Vice-President U Thet Oo (Ayeya Myay), General
Secretary U Maung Maung Myint, executives and guests.

President of Myanmar Basketball Federation Professor
Dr Sein Myint gave an opening speech. After the
opening ceremony, Central Command team beat One Star
team 87-57 in the men's senior division. NIP team beat
90¡ team 40-31 in the men's under-20 division. SKY
team beat Yangon Division team 61-58 in the second
match of the men's senior division. Two women's
matches, one men's senior division match and two men's
under-20 matches will be held tomorrow.

___________________________

( 9 ) 15.02 gms of heroin seized

Yangon, 11 July - When a combined team comprising
members of the local intelligence unit, the Border
Area Inspection Centre (HQ) and the Bamo Special
Anti-drug Squad, acting on information, searched the
house of Mayit Too (a) Mayit Phaw Yao Too of Manmon
village, Mansi Township, on 10 June, 0.02 gram of
heroin was found on him, and 15 grams in his compound,
totalling 15.02 grams were seized. Action is being
taken against Mayit Too, 30, son of U Htein Nan, under
Sections 15/19(A) of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic
Substances Law.

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Marijuana trafficker gets 15 yrs

Yangon, 11 July - A combined team comprising members
of the local intelligence unit and the Bago Special
Anti-drug Squad, acting on information, searched Lay
Myint (a) Lay Maung at the corner of Pabedan and
Tayoktan Streets in Pyay at 9.15 pm on 8 January this
year, and seized 28.57 grams of marijuana. Pyay No-1
Police Station filed Lay Myint (a) Lay Maung, 32, son
of U Tin Maung of No-359, Shwethway Pagoda Street,
Sandaw Ward, Pyay, under Section 15/19 (A)/20 (A) of
Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Law. Pyay
District Court handed down 15 years' imprisonment on
him under Section 19 (A) on 20 June.

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