[myanmar_information] The New Light of Myanmar (Thursday, 17 October, 2002)

[Ok Kar <okkar66126@xxxxxxxxx>]

The New Light of Myanmar (Thursday, 17 October, 2002)
------------------------------------
1. - Vice-Senior General Maung Aye inspects 
     construction of roads, meets with industrialists
     in Shan State 
2. - The 2002 World Food Day
   - Secretary-1 attends opening of new school 
     building of Hline BEPS No 3 
   - Central Committee for Observance of the 55th 
     Anniversary Independence Day for 2003 meets  
3. - U-21 Tatmadaw soccer tournament ends
   - Minister inspects electronics factory
   - Regional development and agricultural tasks 
     inspected in Htantabin Township 
4. - False allegations of sexual violence against 
     women in Shan State briefed  
5. - Deputy Minister leaves to attend 7th 
     Conference of AMRI
   - MMPE Managing Director leaves for PRC
   - F & R Deputy Minister back from PRCY 
6. - SEAMEO Governing Board Meeting ends
   - Message of the FAO Director-General for 
     World Food Day 2002  
7. - NNCC donates seeds for cultivation of 
     poppy-substitute crops in Kokang region, 
     Shan State
   - Myanmar hands over drug fugitive to China  
8. - KNU explodes bombs in Myawady 
9. - Raw opium seized in Mongshu 

---------------------


( 1 ) Efforts being made for ensuring smooth transport
between Shan State (North) and Shan State (South) 
Vice-Senior General Maung Aye inspects construction of
roads, meets with industrialists in Shan State


Yangon, 16 Oct - Vice-Chairman of the State Peace and
Development Council Deputy Commander-in-Chief of
Defence Services Commander-in-Chief (Army) Vice-Senior
General Maung Aye, arrived at the local battalion in
Leikha on 14 October afternoon. 

At the briefing hall, Lt-Gen Aung Htwe of the Ministry
of Defence reported on projects in upgrading the
important roads in Shan State (North) and Shan State
(South), and conditions of road sections to be
undertaken by Shan State (North) and Shan State
(South) region-wise; Commander Brig-Gen Myint Hlaing,
on situations of 24 miles long Mongyai-Namlaung Road,
53 miles and two furlongs long Hsipaw-Namlan-Ton-law
Road and 55 miles long Tangyan-Mongkaung-Mong-hsu
Road, arrangements being made for upgrading them and
tasks on constructions of roads section-wise by
Tatmadaw members; Commander Brig-Gen Khin Maung Myint,
on situations of 102-mile
Loilem-Leikha-Mongkai-Pankaytu-Tonlaw Road, 46-mile
Leikha-Mongnaung Road, 52-mile
Mongnaung-Kehsi-Pankaytu Road, 77-mile
Kholan-Wanhsing-Mongnaung-Pachee (Phakhee)-Monghsu
Road, 27-mile Pachee
(Phakhee)-Wanhaing-Kenglun-Nam-laung Road and 16-mile
Kehsi-Nampok Road, arrangements being made for
upgrading them and tasks on construction of the roads
sections by Tatmadaw members; Minister for
Construction Maj-Gen Saw Tun, on assistance to be
rendered by Public Works in construction of roads; and
Minister for Energy Brig-Gen Lun Thi, on providing
fuel and tar. 


Then, the Vice-Senior General said that efforts were
to be made for upgrading the roads to a become
ll-weather ones ensuring smooth transport between Shan
State (North) and Shan State (South). He pointed out
the priority to be given to upgrading
Loilem-Leikha-Mongkai-Pankaytu-Tonlaw-Hsipaw Road to a
tarred one as soon as possible. He attended to the
needs. The
Loilem-Leikha-Mongkai-Pankaytu-Tonlaw-Hsipaw Road will
be upgraded to a 12 feet wide tarred road with only
Tatmadaw members of local battalions and units under
the North-East Command and the Eastern Command. 

After that, the Vice-Senior General and party
inspected the maps showing the special development of
important roads in Shan State (North) and Shan State
(South). They left for Taunggyi by helicopter later in
the afternoon. Vice-Senior General Maung Aye and party
met with entrepreneurs of Ayethaya Industrial Zone in
Taunggyi Township yesterday morning. Minister Brig-Gen
Lun Thi reported to the Vice-Senior General on points
of the zones, saying that chairman of the Central
Committee for Industrial Development Vice-Senior
General Maung Aye gave instructions to officials
during his visit to the zone in May this year. 

 
The Industrial Zone Supervisory Committee and the
industrialists are collectively striving work in
accord with the instructions. The zone has projected
to produce 50 12-hp power-tillers in the current
fiscal year, and has almost completed assembling 30
power-tillers. It has also assembled 94 Shan State
Jeeps against the target of 100. In accord with the
instruction given by the Vice-Senior General to
produce Double Cab Shan State Jeep cars, the
industrialists are making efforts and now a double cab
Jeep car has been successfully produced and assistance
is being closely rendered for development of the
industrial zone.

Then, Secretary of the Supervisory Committee for
Development of the Industrial Zone Director of Shan
State Industrial Coordination and Inspection
Department of the Ministry of Industry-1 U Myint Thein
reported on production of the double cab Jeep cars;
Leader of the Committee for Production of Farm
Equipment U Soe Oo, on production of Taungpawkywe
power-tillers; Member of the Committee for Production
of Farm Equipment U Ko Latt, on construction of edible
Thitseint (Terminalia Belerica) oil mill; and U Kyaw
Soe Win of the Water Pumping Project, on production of
turbine pumps. 

Vice-Senior General Maung Aye said Ayethaya Industrial
Zone was one of the successful industrial zones the
State has established for national industrial
development. The zones has already assembled 94 Shan
Star Jeep cars this year, and also made a Double Cab
brand car under its test project. The zone is worthy
of honour, for, it is the first zone that produces the
Double Cab. Moreover, the zone is manufacturing more
and more machines including farm machinery, rural-used
pumps, oil millers. It is required to accelerate its
momentum of success. The industrial zones have been
established at proper places to systematically regroup
the factories spreading in the wards for progress of
the private industries. The government will continue
to render necessary assistance for further development
of the industrial zones. 


The industrial zones will have to strive in
competition and emulate each others' success and
innovations. He then cordially greeted the
industrialists. The Vice-Senior General and party
inspected the Shan Star double cab Jeep car, which was
produced at a cost of K 16.3 million. It uses a gallon
of petrol for 40 miles and it can move 60 or 70 miles
per hour. Next, the Vice-Senior General and party
inspected Taungpawkywe power-tillers and 75 to 150
kilo watts turbine pumps. Minister Brig-Gen Lun Thi
and officials reported on spare parts of farm
equipment and cars and presented a demonstration on
production machines. 

The Vice-Senior General and party then inspected
different kinds of lather wares, production of packing
materials, plastic wares, fertilizers and traditional
medicines. Later, the Vice-Senior General and party
left the industrial zone for Heho Airport. They
arrived back here in the evening. 

___________________________

( 2 ) Myanmar continues to include in world's ten top
rice producers and leading SEA countries in beans &
pulses production and exports 
Ten-year rural water supply project covering over
23,000 villages in entire Myanmar including over 8,000
villages in dry zone
 Agriculture and forestry-based highland cultivation
project being implemented 
under farsighted guidance of Head of State 

 
Yangon, 16 Oct - The 2002 World Food Day was observed
at the International Business Centre on Pyay Road here
at 9 am today, with an address by Secretary-1 of the
State Peace and Development Council General Khin
Nyunt. 

At the ceremony, Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt
delivered an address. He said: I wish the ministers,
the diplomats, the representatives of the UN agencies,
the heads of department and the specially invited
guests attending the ceremony to be blessed with
happiness and be able to strive for the emergence of a
peaceful world with sufficient supply of food for all
the global people and serve the interests of mankind.
"Food sufficiency" is the most basic requirement for
the emergence of a peaceful and prosperous world
always assured of fulfilling the entire global
people's hopes of continued existence. 

With profound respects, the nations on this planet are
annually honouring the Food and Agriculture
Organization founded with the lofty aims of enabling
the world countries to join hands for securing food
sufficiency on the earth. Myanmar is also observing
the World Food Day with the same conviction. In accord
with the conviction, the Union of Myanmar is holding
the ceremonies in commemoration of the World Food Day,
keeping in the fore the determination to cooperate
with the respective nations of the world in fulfilling
the food requirements of the entire mankind. Despite
the rise in the global food production resulting from
the attention given by the majority of nations to
secure food sufficiency under the organization of the
FAO, over 800 million people are still suffering from
hunger and malnutrition. 

The world nations are required to strive in harmony
and unison to end the sufferings, enabling the world
peoples to equally share the social joys and to
produce sufficient amount of food, and in addition, to
have a fair share of food among the peoples and to
eliminate poverty. Especially, all the developed and
developing countries will have to strive hand in hand
to narrow the gap between the rich and the poor and to
bridge the technical divide confronted by a large
number of the world nations for the emergence of a
peaceful and pleasant earth for the entire mankind.
Only when we all make collective efforts to keep the
planet free from undesirable situations such as
environmental deterioration, terrorism, wars and
racial discrimination, and build a peaceful and
pleasant world where justice, constructive outlook and
cooperation prevail, will the entire mankind be able
to enjoy all the social happiness's including
sufficient food, clothing and shelter needs with peace
of mind. 

Possessing a favorable climate and rich soil and water
resources, the Union of Myanmar is an agricultural
country; hence, it is in a position to fulfill food
requirements of the country and the region. As Myanmar
is working hard to realize the national economic goal
based on agriculture, it has laid down work strategies
and given priority to developing the farming and
forestry sectors and ensuring all-round development of
the rural areas which constitute the source of the
agricultural business. The three sectors, namely, the
agriculture, the forestry and the livestock and
fishery sectors are the production businesses on which
65 per cent of the nation's population of 52 million
rely for their living, and also the reliable sources
for the long-term national economic development. 

Myanmar, which has been a country enjoying surplus
stockpiles of food in the successive eras, has laid
down plans to boost food production in accord with the
growing population, with the agriculture, forestry and
livestock and fishery sectors as the core. Because of
the systematic progress made in the agriculture
sector, Myanmar continues to include in the world's
ten top rice producers and is also leading the
Southeast Asian countries in the beans and pulses
production and exports. The nation has laid down the
three aims to produce surplus paddy to ensure
sufficiency in domestic consumption, export the
surplus and fulfill the requirements of the world
nations; to achieve sufficiency in edible oil; and to
boost beans and pulses production for export and
extend cultivation of industrial crops and accordingly
it is employing the methods, namely, total or full
utilization of land, water and other natural
resources, extended use of machinery, and application
of advanced techniques and pedigree strains. Growth in
the agriculture sector has contributed 34 per cent of
the gross domestic products (GDP) with the 23 per cent
performance in the export sector. 

As utilization of the land resources has been
extended, of the 45 million acres of the nation's
cultivable land, 25 million acres has been put under
crops. Due to extension of the private sector's
participation in land reclamation and production of
multiple crops, the agriculture and livestock breeding
enterprises are achieving a significant growth. The
State has laid down and implemented the six methods of
water supply with the aims of tapping the water
resources and extending the agriculture business.
Although three-fourths of the world's surface is said
to be covered by water, the volume of fresh water is
much less.

Limited use of water has gradually hampered food
production. Seventy per cent of the world's available
water is being used in agriculture. Thus, systematic
and effective use of water plays a greater role for
producing sufficient amount of food required by the
growing world population. This year's World Food Day
motto "Water, Source of Food Security" is most
appropriate for the present situation, and it also
serves as a clarion call on the governments of the
countries around the world, civil organizations and
the people of the agriculture sector to efficiently
use water for ensuring food security. 

In paying special attention to the vital role of water
in food production, the FAO has designated 2003 as
"The International Year of the Water Resource"
arrangements have been made to hold the Third World's
Water Conference in Japan. When the world is trying to
solve the problems resulting from the water resources,
Myanmar can still effectively use the water resources
not only in the agriculture sector, but also in the
activities for social and economic progress at
present, as the country, endowed with large and small
natural watercourses and underground water resources.
This has been due to the efficient water management
systems employed throughout successive eras. 

In Mynmar, over 870 million acre-feet of water is
flowing in the natural watercourses annually. Up to
the present, only 30 million acre-feet or six per cent
of the water in the rivers and streams are being used.
It means that irrigation has covered only 19 per cent
of the total sown acreage of 25 million. From 1988 to
this date, 138 dams have been built in the entire
country, irrigating two million acres of crops.
Moreover, 262 river water pumping projects and 7,478
underground water tapping projects have been
implemented. Thus, there is 157.17 per cent rise in
crop production at present when compared with the
production of fiscal 1988-89. 

In addition, the five rural development tasks are
being implemented in accord with the guidance of Head
of State Senior General Than Shwe for development of
villages which are the home to the majority of the
nation's people. The project covers developing the
rural transport, improving the health and education
standard of the rural people, developing the rural
economy including the agriculture and livestock
breeding businesses and supplying water for
agriculture and drinking purposes. Beginning,
2000-2001, a ten-year rural water supply project,
covering over 23,000 villages in the entire Myanmar
including over 8,000 villages in the dry zone where
water is scarce, has been implemented. 

The project is achieving greater success than expected
as the public is participating in it under the
leadership of the State. During the short period from
fiscal 2000-2001 to the end of September 2002,
tube-wells have been dug in 5,496 villages and 8,028
water supply tasks undertaken. Myanmar is making
systematic efforts for development of the livestock
and fishery sector which is one of the important
sectors contributing to food production. The livestock
and fishery sector is developing due to effective
utilization of the 2,800 kilometer-long coastline and
rivers and creeks and inland lakes of the nation. The
task to develop the livestock and fishery sector is
being carried out in accord with the policy including
exploitation of fish, prawn and water resources in
accord with the rules and regulations, extended
distribution of quality strains, application of new
and advanced methods, production of surplus amount of
fish and meat, boosting exports, promotion of
investments in the livestock and fishery sector,
extension of fish and prawn breeding, protection and
preservation of sea and fresh water fish and prawns,
and raising the economy of fish and prawn breeders. 

Hence, fish and prawn breeding enterprises are
developing in leaps and bounds. With a view to
supporting the rural development undertakings and
developing from manageable scale farming to commercial
scale, pedigree strain distribution project, the
project to disseminate breeding methods and
vaccination projects are being systematically
implemented. The forestry sector continues to support
the social economy of the rural people and helping
maintain the environment; it is also a natural force
contributing to national economic development,
stability of the natural environment and balancing the
climate and ecology. 

The government is extending forest conservation at
watershed areas for lasting use of the irrigation
facilities, establishing forest plantations and
implementing the dry zone greening project, thereby
helping to ensure a balanced climate and boost food
production. Under the farsighted guidance of Head of
State Senior General Than Shwe, the agriculture and
forestry-based highland cultivation project is being
implemented with the aim of ending evil consequences
of the slash-and-burn cultivation practices
environmental deterioration, forest depletion and
severe changes in the climate and in consideration of
the miserable nomadic life of the people practicing
the method. 

As Myanmar is laying down and implementing the correct
policies in all sectors to fulfill not only the
national food requirement, but also the global need,
we believe that the nation will be able to contribute
to food security of the people of the world. I would
like to reaffirm that Myanmar, a member of the FAO,
has already made the resolution to actively work
individually and in cooperation with the international
organizations to help realize the goal to reduce the
number of people facing hunger due to food
insufficiency by half in 2015 which was laid down at
the 1996 FAO Conference and build a world which has
sufficient food for everyone. In conclusion, I would
like to urge all the countries of the world to join
hands and unitedly strive in accord with the motto
"Water, Source of Food Security" with the aim of
ending the sufferings resulting from hunger and
malnutrition to provide full basic humanitarian rights
in food, clothing and shelter, ensuring sustainable
development in the agriculture and livestock breeding
sectors, and realizing the goals of the rural
development projects. 


Then, Resident Representative Mr Bhaskar Barua of Food
and Agriculture Organization read out the message sent
by the Director-General of FAO. 

Next, the video tape on World Food Day was showed to
the audience. Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation
Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin presented first, second and third
moon paddy production awards to Hinthada Township of
Ayeyawady Division, Nyaunglebin Township of Bago
Division and Kyauktan Township of Yangon Division
respectively and U San Myaing (U Mya Maung) of
Zayutkwin Village-tract of Kyaunggon Township,
Ayeyawady Division, U Aung Lwin of Thanatpyin
Village-tract of Hlegu Township, Yangon Division and U
Maung Thein Tun of Nankyar Village-tract of MraukU
Township, Rakhine State respectively; and first,
second and third summer paddy production awards to
Shwebo Township of Sagaing Division, Mawlamyinegyun
Township of Ayeyawady Division and Taikkyi Township of
Yangon Division respectively.

  
Minister for Livestock and Fisheries Brig-Gen Maung
Maung Thein presented fresh water fish production
award to U Thein Win of Kabingyi Village-tract of
Twantay Township, Yangon Division, sea water fish
production ward to U Hla Than of Myeik Township of
Taninthayi Division, fresh water prawn production ward
to U Myint Soe of Tawlati-Tawlate Village of Taikkyi
Township, Yangon Division, sea water prawn production
ward to U Htay Myint of Yuzana Co in Ayeyawady
Division, marine fish capture award to U Htay Myint of
Annawa Fisheries Holdings Ltd of Pazundaung Township,
Yangon Division, and fishery products export ward to U
Tin Soe of Thida Co of Lanmadaw Township, Yangon
Division respectively. Then, the ministers, the deputy
ministers an guests viewed the booths at the 2002
World Food Day Exhibition at the hall of IBC. 

Resident Representative of FAO Mr Bhaskar Barua
presented first, second and third summer paddy
production outstanding farmer wards to U Lay Kyi of
Tabogon Village-tract of Kyaiklat Township, Ayeyawady
Division, U Kyan Yit of Kawthat Village-tract of
Kyaikmaraw Township, Mon State, and U Sai Yi Aye of No
1 Quarter of Namkham Township, Shan State (North)
respectively; prizes of honour to Madaya Township of
Mandalay Division and U Moe Hsaung of Htaunglaung
Village-tract of Shwekyin Township, Bago Division, for
the groundnut production; Magway Township of Magway
Division and U Aung Bo of Magyigwa Village-tract of
ChaungU Township, Sagaing Division, for the sesame
production; Pwintbyu Township of Magway Division and
Daw San of Sittapin Village-tract of Kyauktan
Township, Yangon Division, for the sunflower
production. 

Deputy Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation
Brig-Gen Khin Maung presented prizes of honour to
Zalun Township of Ayeyawady Division and U Khin Latt
of Kanthar Village-tract of Nattalin Township, Bago
Division, for the black gram (matpe) production;
Thongwa Township of Yangon Division and U Saw Win of
Paukpin Village-tract of Kayan Township, Yangon
Division, for the green gram (Pedisein) production;
Mahlaing Township of Mandalay Division and U Nyunt
Maung of Daungoh Village-tract of Myaing Township,
Mandalay Division, for the Pigeon pea (Pesingon)
production. 

Deputy Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation U Ohn
Myint presented first, second and third pre-monsoon
cotton production awards to Pyawbwe Township, Yamethin
Township and Myittha Township of Mandalay Division
respectively and U Shwe Mann of Kyaydawwa
Village-tract of Pyawbwe Township, U Tun Thar of Kanbe
Village-tract of Yamethin Township and U Kyin Maung of
Kanbe Village-tract of Yaminthin Township, Mandalay
Division respectively; first, second and third
late-monsoon cotton production awards to Kyaukse
Township of Mandalay Division, Singaing Township of
Mandalay Division and Monywa Township of Sagaing
Division respectively and U Kan Tin of Meethwebok
Village-tract of Singaing Township, Mandalay Division,
U Hlaing Ye of Sitsanoe Village-tract of Minhla
Township, Magway Division and U Tun of Meethwebok
Village-tract of Singaing Township, Mandalay Division,
respectively. 

Managing Director U Myint Maung of Myanma Jute
Enterprise presented first, second and third sugarcane
production wards to Lewe Township of Mandalay
Division, Pyay Township of Bago Division and Toungoo
Township of Bago Division respectively and U Htwar of
Yedashe Township, Bago Division, U Shwe Win of Lewe
Township, Mandalay Division and U Kyaw Aye of Yedashe
Township, Bago Division respectively.; large, medium
and small plantations awards in the rubber production
to U Myint Han of Thaton Township of Mon State, U La
Bya Naw of Myitkyina Township of Kachin State and U
Hla Kyi of Palaw Township of Tanintahyi Division
respectively. 

Managing Director U Tun Than of Myanma Agriculture
Service presented large, medium and small plantations
awards in the oil palm production to U Htay Myint of
Kawthoung Township of Taninthayi Division, U Myat Cho
Win of Myeik Township of Taninthayi Division and U
Than Sein of Yebyu Township of Taninthayi Division
respectively; and large, medium and small plantations
awards in the cashew production to U Khin Maung Win of
Ottwin Township of Bago Division, U Maung Nyunt of
Thabaung Township of Ayeyawady Division and U Tin Aye
of Thabaung Township of Ayeyawady Division
respectively. Managing Director Dr Thein Htay of
Myanma Cotton and Sericulture Enterprise presented the
prize of honour in the rubber production ward to Palaw
Township of Taninthayi Division; the prize of honour
in the cashew production award to Thabaung Township of
Ayeyawady Division; prizes of honour in the jute
production ward to Wakema Township of Ayeyawady
Division and U Aye Han of Trankyun Village-tract of
Wakema Township, Ayeyawady Division; and the prize of
honour in the jute production extension education
centre to Myitwa Centre of Pantanaw Township,
Ayeyawady Division. 

Managing Director U San Myint of Myanma Farms
Enterprise presented first, second and third prizes to
N Too Hsai of Patheingyi Institute of Agriculture,
Maung Saw Kyaw Lin of Myaungmya IA and Maung Nan Win
of Shwe IA in the Institute of Agriculture Level Essay
Competition respectively; Maung Aung Hmu Ko of
Pyinmana IA, Maung Kyaw Maung of Myaungmya IA and
Maung Min Kyaw Htin of Thaton IA in the Institute of
Agriculture Level Poster Competition respectively.
Deputy Minister for Livestock and Fisheries U Aung
Thein presented the traditional marine products export
award to AAA Co Ltd of Thiri Mingala Road in Kamayut
Township; the Myanmar aquarium fish export award to U
Tin Win of Hein Ornamental Fish Co Ltd of Sangyoung
Township, Yangon Division; the expansion of shrip
farms award to Rakhine State Shrimp Culture
Development Supervising Sub-committee; the development
of shrimp culture award to Ayeyawady Division Shrimp
Culture Development Supervising Sub-committee; the
best initiations and activities in the development of
shrimp culture award to Yangon Division Shrimp Culture
Development Supervising Sub-committee; and the award
for reclamation of the fish breeding ponds to
Ayeyawady Division Fish Culture Development
Supervising Sub-committee. 

Director-General U Than Tun of Fisheries Department
presented the award for the activities and
achievements during the fish farming development
project period to Kayah State Fish Culture Development
Supervising Sub-committee; the expension of fish farms
award to Yangon Division Fish Culture Development
Supervising Sub-committee; the highest production,
stock and distribution of fish seed award to Mandalay
Division Fish Culture Development Supervising
Sub-committee; and the award for the introducing of
fresh water fish cage culture system in the river to
Magway Division Fish Culture Development Supervising
sub-committee. 

Director-General U Maung Maung Nyunt of Livestock,
Breeding and Veterianary Department presented first,
second and third poultry breeding awards to Ohnbinsu
Village of Taikkyi Township, Yangon Division, Phanaing
Village of Matupe Township, Chin State, and Shwetaw
Village of Hpa-an Township, Kayin State, respectively;
first and second commercial poultry breeding awards to
Taikkyi Township and Myitkyina Township and joint
third prizes Bago Township and Taunggyi Township
respectively; the pig breeding awards to Kalay
Township, Kyaunggon Township and DaikU Township
respectively; the award for mass scale production of a
new vaccine for fowl cholera to Research and Biologies
Section (Insein); the award for mass scale production
of thermos table vaccine for newcastle disease of
village chicken to Regional Laboratory of Mandalay
Division; the poultry breeding award to Livestock
Breedings and Fisheries Department Supervising
Sub-committee of Magway Division; the commercial
poultry breding award to Livestock Breedings and
Fisheries Department Supervising Sub-committee of
Mandalay Division; and the pig breeding award to
Livestock Breedings and Fisheries Department
Supervising Sub-committee of Magway Division. 

Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Khin Maung presented first,
second and third awards for greening the dry zone to
Supply Fuelwood Plantation (150 acres) of Taungshawkan
Village, Meiktila Township, Supply Fuelwood Plantation
(100 acres) of Sinka Village, Chauk Township and
Mountain Ranges Plantation of Sagaing-Minwun Taung in
Sagaing Township respectively. Director-Genral U Shwe
Kyaw of Forest Department presented awards for
agroforestry plantation in special teak plantation to
U Lu Taw of Sayyopin Village, Hlegu Township, U Aung
Tun of Seinye Village in Ottwin Township, U Win Hlaing
of Banbwegon Village in Nattalin Township, U Ba Khin
of Leaingkyee Village in Saw Township, U Aung Win of
Kyauksekan Village in Kanbalu Township, U Paw Lon of
Chatpin Village in Lewe Township and U Myint of
Makyibindwin Village in Ingapu Township respectively. 

___________________________

Secretary-1 attends opening of new school building of
Hline BEPS No 3 

Yangon, 16 Oct - Under the supervision of the
Department of Human Settlement and Housing Development
of the Ministry of Construction and sponsorship of
Olympic Co Ltd, a ceremony to hand over the new school
building of Basic Education Primary School No 3 in
Hline Township to the education department was held at
the school in Ward 14 of Hline Township at 10 am
today, attended by Chairman of Myanmar Education
Committee Secretary-1 of the State Peace and
Development Council General Khin Nyunt. 

At the ceremony, Deputy Minister for Construction U
Tint Swe, Deputy Minister for Education Brig-Gen Soe
Win Maung and wellwisher U Aik Tun formally opened the
school building. Then, the Secretary-1 formally
unveiled the signboard of the new school building.
Next, the handing over ceremony of the school building
was held at the hall of the building. 


First, wellwisher U Aik Tun handed over documents
related to the school building to No 3 Basic Education
Department Director-General U Tin Win. Deputy
Director-General Col Tin Tun of DHSHD also handed over
documents on the plot for the school building to No 3
Basic Education Department Director-General U Tin Win.
Then, Wellwisher U Aik Tun presented K 840,000 for the
staff welfare to Headmaster U Soe Myint. 

Afterwards, wellwisher U Aik Tun presented K 35
million for the cost of repaving the 2,500 feet long
and 14 feet wide road linking Bayintnaung and Baho
Roads to Chairman of Hline Township Peace and
Development Council U Kyaw Tint. The headmaster
accepted K 30,000 for the school donated by Daw Nu and
family; 15 wall clocks by the commandant of No 1
Transit Centre and families of Tatmadawmen; and K
20,000 by the commandant and Tatmadawmen families of
No 1 Provost Company. The new school building is
located on the 0.43 acres of plot in the Myananda
Housing Estate Compound, constructed by Olympic Co
Ltd. The two storey school building was built of
concrete. The building, 194 feet long and 24 feet
wide, has 14 classrooms, one office for the headmaster
and one recreation room for teachers, totaling 16. 


Olympic Co Ltd has spent K 76.5 million on
construction of the building and donated one computer
set, a TV, a VCR, a cassette and four water coolers to
the school. 

___________________________

Central Committee for Observance of the 55th
Anniversary Independence Day for 2003 meets 

Yangon, 16 Oct - The Central Committee for Observance
of the 55th Anniversary Independence Day for 2003 held
its meeting at Zeya Thiri Beikman on Konmyinttha this
evening, with an address by Chairman of the Central
Committee for Observance of the 55th Anniversary
Independence Day Secretary-1 of the State Peace and
Development Council General Khin Nyunt. 

In his address, the Secretary-1 said every year the
Independence Day is observed on 4 January on which the
Union of Myanmar regained her independence from the
colonialists in accord with the objectives with full
national essence. This year, the Independence Day will
be observed with four lofty objectives for all the
national people to collectively safeguard the national
independence and perpetuation of sovereignty, for all
the national people to collectively strive for
building of a new modern developed nation, for all the
national people to be united to ensure
non-disintegration of the Union and non-disintegration
of national solidarity and for all the national people
to strive for emergence of an enduring State
Constitution. Due to the united efforts of the entire
people Myanmar became independent. 


Owing to the better results of the independence, the
Union of Myanmar has been in existence as a sovereign
state among the nations of the world. All the national
people especially the youths should understand and
value that fact, he said. Being an independent and
sovereign country, endeavors are being made for
emergence of a peaceful, modern developed nation which
is the national goal, he said. He said it is necessary
for the new generation youths to be imbued with the
spirit to safeguard independence and sovereignty of
the nation when they discharge the State duties in the
future. Every citizen is responsible for safeguarding
independence and sovereignty of the State. 

It is important to hand down the spirit from
generation to generation. The social organizations and
the public are in the process of harmoniously striving
to safeguard the independence and sovereignty, for
national development and serving the interests of the
State and the people under the leadership of the
government. Recently, the results of the obvious
harmony and unity among the State, the social
organizations and the people were able to refute all
the slanders to break up the Union. Because of the
oneness and unity, all attempts to divide the national
solidarity are in vain. 

Thus, the entire nation is continuously striving to
maintain the tradition of collectively striving for
further strengthening of the national solidarity and
safeguarding the independence and sovereignty. Thus,
all will have to harmoniously make efforts for
observing the 55th Anniversary Independence Day in
accord with the objectives. Next, Secretary of the
Central Committee for Observance of the 55th
Anniversary Independence Day Director-General of
Government Office U Soe Tint reported on formation of
various subcommittees. The meeting approved the
formation of ten subcommittees. 

Then, the chairmen and officials of the subcommittees
reported on tasks to be undertaken. The Secretary-1
took part in the discussions and the meeting came to a
close.

___________________________

( 3 ) U-21 Tatmadaw soccer tournament ends


Yangon, 16 Oct - The final match of the 18th Defence
Services Commander-in-Chief's Trophy Under-21 Tatmadaw
(Army, Navy & Air) soccer tournament 2002 took place
at the Youth Training Centre (Thuwunna) this
afternoon. The South-East Command team beat the
South-West Command team 2-1. 


After the final match, Chairman of Defence Services
Football Committee Col Htein Lin presented third and
second prizes to No (99) Light Infantry Division team
and the South-West Command team, Vice-Adjutant-General
Brig-Gen Maung Nyo first prize to the South-East
Command team and Chief of Staff (Navy) Rear Admiral
Soe Thein the best player awards and the fair play
award to the South-West Command team. Chairman of
Defence Services Sports and Physical Education
Administration Committee Adjutant-General Lt-Gen Thein
Sein presented the Defence Services C-in-C's trophy on
behalf of the Defence Services Commander-in-Chief, to
the first prize winning South-East Command team. 

___________________________

Minister inspects electronics factory

Yangon, 16 Oct - Minister for Industry-2 Maj-Gen Saw
Lwin arrived at South Dagon Industrial Zone of the
ministry in Dagon Myothit (South) Township this
afternoon. 

He inspected dry cell, bolts and nuts and battery
workshops and power control rooms of the electrical
and electronics factory, Myanma Machine Tool and
Electrical Industries. Managing Director of MMTEI U
Kyaw Win and factory General Manager Daw Lei Lei Win
reported to the minister on production situation and
use of electricity. 

Then the minister gave instructions on boosting
production of products that are in demand, using the
natural light during daytime in manufacturing the
products and efficient use of electricity. 

___________________________

Regional development and agricultural tasks inspected
in Htantabin Township

Yangon, 16 Oct - Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and
Development Council Commander of Yangon Command
Maj-Gen Myint Swe, inspected regional development
tasks and agricultural tasks in Htantabin Township,
Yangon North District, this morning. 

The commander and party arrived at the Kyun-ngu river
water-pumping project on Kokkowa river in Htantabin at
11.30 am. They were welcomed there by division staff
officer U Myint Soe of the Water Resources Utilization
Department, Chairman of Yangon North District Peace
and Development Council Lt-Col San Matu and officials.
U Myint Soe reported to the commander on repairs of
pipes and pumps, which are being used at the Kyun-ngu
river water-pumping project for growing summer paddy. 

The commander then gave instructions on finishing the
repair work in time for cultivation of summer paddy.
Next, the commander met with local farmers and gave
instructions on cultivation of monsoon and summer
paddy and cold season crops. On arrival at Lamutan
river water-pumping project on Bawle Kyun, the
commander and party inspected the Yangon Division
WRUD's arrangements for pumping river-water. After
hearing reports presented by officials, the commander
gave instructions on timely completion of the tasks
and attended to the requirements of farmers. 

Later at the hall of Htantabin Township Peace and
Development Council Office, the commander met with
township-level departmental officials, members of the
Union Solidarity and Development Association, Red
Cross, Fire Brigade and Maternal and Child Welfare
Association, and local people, and explained matters
related to the roads, the river-crossing bridges and
the western university constructed by the Government
for Tatthit Kyun and Bawle Kyun regions of Htantabin
Township, implementation of the five rural development
tasks, assistance to be rendered by Yangon Division
Peace and Development Council for the development of
Htantabin Township, cultivation of monsoon and summer
paddy and winter crops for the economic development of
local people, raising of living standard of the local
people through successful agricultural work, and joint
efforts for regional development. 

Chairman of Htantabin Township Peace and Development
Council U Thaung Han then reported to the commander on
tasks being carried out for the development of the
township and agricultural matters. Officials and local
people also reported on work requirements. Then, the
commander fulfilled the needs. The ceremony ended with
concluding remarks by the commander. The commander
later went to the basic education high school of
Htantabin Township, where he inspected the multimedia
classrooms and gave instructions to officials. 

The commander also went to the People's Hospital in
the township, where he inspected the construction of a
new building for X-ray room, the medicine storeroom,
the operation theatre and the wards. After comforting
the patients under medical treatment, the commander
left the hospital. 

___________________________


( 4 ) False allegations of sexual violence against
women in Shan State briefed 


Yangon, 16 Oct - A briefing on the false allegations
of sexual violence against women in Shan State was
held for the Heads of Diplomatic Mission and UN
agencies in Yangon by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
in Wunzin Minyazar Hall, Ministry of Foreign Affairs,
at 11 am today. 

At the briefing, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs U
Khin Maung Win stated that on the instruction of the
government, the National Intelligence Bureau formed
combined investigation teams made up of personnel from
various securities branches and initiated
investigations from the 1st of August. As the Shan
Human Rights Foundation and the Shan Women's Action
Network, anti-government organizations operating from
a neighboring country, published the so-call "License
to Rape" report alleging that 173 instances of rape
were committed between 1996 and 2001, the combined
investigations in each and every allegation contained
in the report. 


The combined teams conducted personal interviews and
enquiries at all the military units involved in the
allegations as well as the local authorities, police
personnel, court officials and villagers. In the
course of the investigations, the combined teams
visited 241 villages in 21 townships in Shan State and
interviewed 865 people including military personnel.
As a result of thorough and extensive investigations,
it has been found that out of the 173 allegations,
there were only 5 instances which had similarities
with the allegations, The military units of the
Myanmar Tatmadaw have been in various areas of Shan
State since 1953 when military campaigns were launched
against the KMT troops. 

Throughout these years, complaints about sexual
misconduct by the Myanmar troops have been very rare.
It is well known that the government is endeavoring
wholeheartedly for the development of the border areas
and the restoration of national unity. Therefore, to
say that the government is undertaking measures that
would sow discord among the national races is
completely illogical. It is clear that the allegations
made by the two anti-government organizations are
totally groundless and were aimed solely at tarnishing
the image of the country and the Myanmar Tatmadaw. 

Experiences have shown that whenever they faced
difficulties militarily, insurgent organizations like
the SURA and the KNU tried to deceive the
international community by spreading false and
fabricated allegations through the allied
organizations that are operating abroad. The present
allegations also underline the unscrupulous aim of the
insurgent group and their ally to harm and obstruct
the gaining momentum of national unity. 

Afterwards Brig-Gen Than Tun of NIB explained in
detail the work carried out by the combined
investigation teams. 

The briefing ended with Deputy Minister U Khin Maung
Win replying to questions raised by the Heads of
Mission and UN agencies and the viewing of the
displayed documents by the Heads of Mission. 

___________________________

( 5 ) Deputy Minister leaves to attend 7th Conference
of AMRI

Yangon, 16 Oct - The Myanmar delegation led by Deputy
Minister for Information Brig-Gen Aung Thein left here
for Bander Seri Begawan, Brunei, to attend the Seventh
Conference of ASEAN Ministers Responsible for
Information - AMRI this morning. 

The delegation was seen off at Yangon International
Airport by Minister for Information Brig-Gen Kyaw
Hsan, Director-General of Myanma Radio and Television
U Khin Maung Htay, Director-General of the Information
and Public Relations Department U Chit Naing, Managing
Director of the Printing and Publishing Enterprise U
Myint Thein, Managing Director of the News and
Periodicals Enterprise U Tin Kha, Head of Office U Soe
Aung and officials. 

Assistant Director of the Information and Public
Relations Department U Ya Khant accompanied the deputy
minister. 

___________________________

MMPE Managing Director leaves for PRC

Yangon, 16 Oct - At the invitation of the film
technicians association of the People's Republic of
China, under the promotion of exchange and cooperation
programme between China and Myanmar movies, the
Myanmar delegation led by Managing Director U Bo Kyi
of the Myanma Motion Picture Enterprise of the
Ministry of Information left here for PRC by air this
morning. 

The Myanmar delegation comprises Vice-Chairman-2 of
Myanmar Motion Pictures Asiayon U Hla Myo (A-1 Maung
Hla Myo), member of MMPA U Win Naing Oo (a) U Ye Aung,
member of MMPA Film Director Daw Lay Kyi Phyu (a) Daw
Kyi Phyu Shin and Director (Mechanical) U Aung Soe Min
of the MMPE. 

___________________________

F & R Deputy Minister back from PRCY

angon, 16 Oct - Deputy Minister for Finance and
Revenue Brig-Gen Than Tun and Vice-Governor of the
Central Bank of Myanmar U Than Lwin attended ASEAN+3
High Level Seminar on Management of Short-term Capital
Flow and Capital Account Liberalization held in
Beijing, the People's Republic of China, on 11 October
2002. 

Heads and officials of International Payment Bank,
European Central Bank, Asian Development Bank,
International Monetary Fund and World Bank discussed
forms and experience of Asian nations in capital flow,
protection local money market from the capital flow
and its disadvantages, management on financial sector
and private organization through systematic capital
flow and preconditions on easy flow of capital at the
seminar. Participants at the seminar paid a courtesy
call on Chinese Premier Mr Zhu Rongji at the State
House. 

The deputy minister and party met Vice-Minister of
Finance of the PRC Mr Li Yong, Director-General Mrs
Sai Danxia of the Ministry of Foreign Trade and
Economic Cooperation of PRC, Deputy Minister of
Finance of the Republic of Korea Mr Kim Yong-Duk and
Assistant Governor of Central Bank of China Mr Li
Ruogu. They discussed matters of mutual interests. The
deputy minister and Vice-Governor of Central Bank of
Myanmar U Than Lwin arrived back here on 14 October
evening.

___________________________


( 6 ) SEAMEO Governing Board Meeting ends

Yangon, 16 Oct - The last-day meeting of the 48th
SEAMEO-SEARCA Governing Board co-organized by the
Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation and SEAMEO
Regional Centre for Graduate Study and Research in
Agriculture and hosted by Myanmar was held at Mindon
Hall of the Sedona Hotel on Kaba Aye Pagoda Road at 9
am today. 

The delegates from the member countries attending the
meeting discussed and approved the reports. They made
a decision to hold the 49th meeting of SEAMEO-SEARCA
in the Lao People's Democratic Republic. Then,
SEAMEO-SEARCA Governing Board Chairman Mr Sam Oeun May
made a concluding remarks and the ceremony came to an
end. 

___________________________

Message of the FAO Director-General for World Food Day
2002 

Yangon, 16 Oct - The following is the message of the
FAO Director-General on the World Food Day 2002. Water
is central to the survival of humanity. It is a matter
of great concern to all, because a limited resource
shared by a growing population.

Water has political, economic, social and ecological
implications. But it is above all linked to food, for
agriculture is responsible for about 70 percent of all
the freshwater withdrawn. In a world with diminishing
supplies of drinking water, how are we to ensure that
all have the water they need to feed themselves
without harming other sectors, without destroying our
environment? This is first and foremost a challenge
for agriculture. The production chain must produce
more with less water, and small farmers need to play a
part. 

They must therefore be trained and actively involved.
A new water policy is needed, with priority to
solutions that avoid waste. More effective solidarity
should call on the cooperation of all development
partners in resolving potential conflicts and
mobilizing financial resources. The conditions are all
needed for the economic management and fair
distribution of water. Greater mobilization of civil
society and farmers' organizations is fundamental if
we are to tackle the water crisis and finally achieve
our objective of "Food for All". Closer monitoring is
needed, especially in countries and regions that are
affected by drought, so that famine and conflict can
be avoided. 

Tomorrow's world will have enough water if we start
managing it prudently today. That is the meaning of
the message of World Food Day: "Water: source of food
security".

___________________________

( 7 ) NNCC donates seeds for cultivation of
poppy-substitute crops in Kokang region, Shan State

Yangon, 16 Oct - Under the Myanmar-China narcotic
drugs control programme, the NNCC of the People's
Republic of China donated cold season crop seeds to
cultivate poppy-substitute crops in Shan State Special
Region 1 of Kokang region at a ceremony held at the
Drug Elimination Museum in Laukkai, Kokang, yesterday
morning. 

Col Than Win said that Tatmadaw, departmental
personnel and members of Kokang Special Region 1 were
joining hands in carrying out tasks for drug
elimination and regional development in Kokang region.
Projects are being implemented after laying down the
plan for elimination of opium cultivation by
2002-2003. 

Officials concerned are making field trips down to the
grassroots level holding educative talks for giving up
poppy cultivation, entrusting poppy seeds and
organizing the people. From August 2001 to August
2002, Tatmadaw and the Special Region 1 exposed 27
drug-related cases and seized 5.47 kilos of heroin, 13
kilos of morphine, 198.124 kilos of raw opium, 64,462
amphetamine tablets, 19 different kinds of arms, 2,120
rounds of ammunition and 28 hand grenades and arrested
86 culprits. 

In cultivation of poppy-substitute crops in 2002
monsoon, 22,448 acres of land were put under maize and
15,228 acres under paddy. Seeds and fertilizers were
distributed for cultivation of 2,125 acres of maize
and 1,880 acres of buckwheat. Furthermore, seeds are
being distributed for cultivation of 684.6 acres of
beans and pulses. 

He thanked the NNCC for conducting short-term course
on agricultural methods two times for farmers in the
region. He urged officials concerned to expedite
implementation of projects for drug elimination and
regional development in Kokang region under the
friendship between Myanmar and China. 

Then, Police Brig-Gen Zaw Win, Mr Wangan and
Vice-Governor of Linchan Region Mr Hluoyinwun made
addresses. After the ceremony, national race leader U
Phon Kya Phu of Kokang Special Region 1 accepted seeds
of 11 tons of potato, 600 kilos of China lablab bean
and 400 kilos of green peas and spoke words of thanks.

Then, the representatives of both countries observed
the perennial crop plantation in Yanlonkyaing, the
agricultural and livestock breeding farm in Kokang,
the Myanmar-Kokang poultry farm, and the model
poppy-substitute crop plantation of Kunming Gele Co of
China. They left Laukkai in the afternoon. 

___________________________

Myanmar hands over drug fugitive to China 


Yangon, 16 Oct - Under the Myanmar-China drug Control
Programme, the ceremony to hands over a Chinese drug
fugitive to the People's Republic of China by the
Union of Myanmar was held at the hall of the Border
Area Public Relations Department in Chinshwehaw,
Myanmar, yesterday morning. 
 
On the occasion, Deputy Director-General of MPF Police
Brig-Gen Zaw Win made a speech. Then, Deputy
Director-General of the NNCC Mr Yong Xin spoke words
of thanks. 

The delegates from the two countries signed in the
documents to hand over the drug fugitive Li Jint Kam
to China and Myanmar officials saw them off at
Namphahaw border gate in Chinshwehaw. Li Jint Kam, 35,
son of U Li Yon of Tinpachin Village in Phonchin
District, Yunnan Province, China, together with other
four accomplices, carried 12.62 kilos of heroin in 19
packets in Yonte District, Monton. He escaped the
arrest on 15 April 2002 and lived in Myanmar.  

Due to the efforts of Myanmar authorities, he was
arrested at Fuhtan Village in Laukkai on 19 September.
At the request of the NNCC, Myanmar has arrested the
fugitive criminals from China seven times including
this one and handed over them to China.

___________________________

( 8 ) KNU explodes bombs in Myawady

Yangon, 16 Oct - Although the State is making efforts
on all fronts to build a modern developed nation, KNU
terrorist group is committing destructive acts such as
jeopardizing the community peace, causing destruction,
and murdering innocent people mercilessly. 

At the time when Myanmar-Thai border checkpoints
reopened, two time bombs planted by the KNU terrorist
group exploded in Myawady at 10.40 am yesterday and at
6.05 am today. There was no casualties nor damages in
the two bomb blasts. Today also, an American-made M 16
A1, an anti-personnel mine was planted to be detonated
by remote control near No 3 Basic Education Middle
School, No 3 Ward, Myawady. However, the authorities
concerned discovered it in time and managed to defuse
it. 

Similarly, a car carrying a monk of Aungtheikdishin
Monastery in Thamanya was destroyed in the blast of a
bomb planted by KNU terrorist group at an access to
Myawady at 7.30 am yesterday. The car was on its way
from Kawkareik to Myawaddy. Yesterday, the KNU
terrorists group was systematically scheming to commit
terrorists acts to panic the people, to delay flow of
commodities, and to jeopardize Myanmar-Thai normalized
relations.

___________________________

( 9 ) Raw opium seized in Mongshu

Yangon, 16 Oct - A combined team comprising members of
the local intelligence unit and Taunggyi Special
Anti-drug Squad, acting on information, searched the
house of Hao Jein Shi of Hosai Village-tract, Mongshu
Township, on 8 March 2002 and altogether 18.6154 kilos
of raw opium were seized. 

Action was taken against Hao Jein Shi, 61, son of U
Haw Li of Hosai Village-tract, Mongshu Township, and
Aik Sam, 61, son of U Kyaw Hong of the same village
under Section 15/19 (A)/ 20(A)/ 21 of Narcotic Drugs
and Psychotrophic Substances Law by Lwehsaunghtauk
police station. Loilem District Court handed down 30
years' imprisonment each under Section 19(A) on Hao
Jein Shi and Aik Sam on 15 August 2002.

---------------------------

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