THE NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR (Thursday October 31, 2002)

[Ok Kar <okkar66126@xxxxxxxxx>]

THE NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR (Thursday October 31, 2002)


1.  State Peace and Development Council Chairman
    and Prime Minister Senior General Than Shwe
    to attend ASEAN Summit in Cambodia
2.  Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt receives
    Ambassador Joseph Verner UN Under
    Secretary General, United Nations
3.  Efforts required to refute slanderous
    accusations of western media and inform
    international community about nation's
    anti-HIV/AIDS drive
    National Health Committee holds 36th meeting
4.  Secretary-1 previews preparations
    for UN Poster Exhibition
5.  Lt-Gen Ye Myint visits Moe Ma Ma twins
6.  Lt-Gen Ye Myint tours Magway Division
7.  Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than inspects development
    works of An, Rakhine State
8.  Local authorities, departmental personnel
    urged to strive for success of State's plans
    Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than meets officials in Rakhine
State
9.  Wai Family Gems Company donates K 2m to MWVO
10. Armed Forces Day Management Committee meets
12. Text Books Publishing and Distribution Committee
meets
13. Commander meets secretaries & executives of USDAs
14. Work coord meeting of MNWCWA held
15. Rural development projects inspected in Mandalay,
S
    againg and Magway Divisions
16. Appointment of Ambassador of Kuwait agreed on
17. Yunnan delegation concludes visit
18. PRC Journalist delegation leaves
19. Cash donated for repair of ancient pagodas in
Bagan
20. Myanmar gets 3 gold, in disabled athletes games
21. Performing Arts Competitions continue for 12th day
22. 142 lots of jade fetch over US$ 1.3 million
______________________________________

1.  State Peace and Development Council Chairman
    and Prime Minister Senior General Than Shwe
    to attend ASEAN Summit in Cambodia

Yangon, 31 Oct - At the invitation of His Excellency
Samdech Hun Sen, Prime Minister of the Royal
Government of Cambodia, His Excellency Senior General
Than Shwe, Chairman of the State Peace and Development
Council and Prime Minister of the Union of Myanmar
will attend the First Greater Mekong Subregion Summit,
the Eighth ASEAN Summit and Meetings of the ASEAN
Heads of State/Government and Heads of
State/Government of the People's Republic of China,
Japan and the Republic of Korea and ASEAN-India Summit
scheduled to be held in Phnom Penh in the near future.


______________

2.  Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt receives
    Ambassador Joseph Verner UN Under
    Secretary General, United Nations

Yangon, 30 Oct - Secretary-1 of the State Peace and
Development Council General Khin Nyunt received
Ambassador Joseph Verner Reed (Under Secretary General
of United Nations) at Zeyathiri Beikman on Konmyinttha
this morning.

_____________

3.  Efforts required to refute slanderous
    accusations of western media and inform
    international community about nation's
    anti-HIV/AIDS drive
    National Health Committee holds 36th meeting

Yangon, 30 Oct - The National Health Committee held
the 36th meeting at the meeting hall of National
Health Committee at the Ministry of Health at 5 pm
today, with an address by Chairman of National Health
Committee Secretary-1 of the State Peace and
Development Council General Khin Nyunt.

Speaking at the meeting, Secretary-1 General Khin
Nyunt said the western countries are interested in
Myanmar's efforts to fight against the HIV/AIDS.
Despite the government's earnest efforts to control
the disease, these efforts are not known by the
international community. Taking advantage of this,
some news agencies of the west are making accusations
that Myanmar does not pay attention to the control of
HIV/AIDS. Efforts will have to be made to refute the
slanderous accusations and inform the international
community about the nation's anti-HIV/AIDS drive while
striving to accelerate the HIV/AIDS control projects
and to systematically implement the plans jointly
launched by the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of
Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement. In accord
with the guidance of Head of State Senior General Than
Shwe, the National Poison Control Centre has been
established. Thus, projects should be laid down to
carry out the task effectively.

Myanmar is achieving greater success in controlling
the leprosy. In honour of Myanmar's leprosy
eradication campaign, the WHO countries have asked
Myanmar to host the third world conference on leprosy
elimination in 2003. It has uplifted the dignity of
Myanmar. By hosting the international conference,
Myanmar's efforts to eliminate the disease will be
known most widely and the delegates to the conference
will be able to see the objective conditions of
Myanmar with their own eyes, thus assisting the
country to refute the slanderous accusations of the
western media. In accord with the guidance of the Head
of State, production of vaccines for the six major
diseases in Myanmar is achieving success. Thus,
efforts are required to maintain the success.

The nation will make continued efforts to wipe out the
infectious diseases at the border areas in cooperation
with the neighboring countries. The sector of
traditional medicine is developing significantly at
present. Thus arrangements should be made to hold the
Myanmar Traditional Medicine Practitioners Conference
and the Myanmar Traditional Medicine Exhibition on a
grand-scale this year. Preparatory measures will have
to be taken to control the outbreak of diseases at the
start of winter. The Ministry of Health and all the
health-related ministries are required to make
collective efforts for further success of the health
care endeavors.

Secretary of National Health Committee
Director-General of Health Planning Department Dr Kyi
Soe reported on implementation of resolutions of 35th
meeting of NHC and interim meeting of NHC.

Next, Minister for Health Maj-Gen Ket Sein reported on
matters on hosting of the third world conference on
leprosy elimination of Health Ministers of WHO member
nations, Director-General of Traditional Medicine
Department Dr Thein Swe on formation of executive
committee of Myanmar traditional medicine
practitioners association, Deputy Minister for Health
Dr Kyaw Myint on holding of the third Myanmar
Traditional Medicine Practitioners' conference and
Myanmar Traditional Medicine and Exhibition and Deputy
Minister Dr Mya Oo on enacting of the blood and blood
equipment law.

Those present took part in the discussions. Minister
for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement Maj-Gen
Sein Htwa reported on preparations for health care
service if found persons infected with HIV-AIDS in
cooperation with the Ministry of Social Welfare,
Relief and Resettlement and the Ministry of Health.

Director-General Dr Kyi Soe reported on the
resolutions for approval. In his discussions, the
Secretary-1 said the government opened rural health
sub centers and rural health centers and 16-bed
hospital for regional development and promotion of
public health care service. It also upgraded the
hospitals to special hospitals.

He spoke of the need to lay down systematic human
resource management plans for producing health staff
such as doctors and nurses. In accord with the Head of
State, more institutes of medicine were opened.
Efforts are to be made for systematic arrangements for
producing health staff including doctors. The meeting
then came to an end.

_______________

4.  Secretary-1 previews preparations
    for UN Poster Exhibition

Yangon, 30 Oct - State Peace and Development Council
Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt this evening previewed
the United Nations Poster Exhibition to be held from 1
to 8 November at Tatmadaw Convention Hall on U Wisara
Road here. The Secretary-1, arrived at the hall at
7.15 pm. The Secretary-1 inspected the posters and
preparations for the exhibition and left instructions.


____________

5.  Lt-Gen Ye Myint visits Moe Ma Ma twins

Yangon, 30 Oct - State Peace and Development Council
Member Lt-Gen Ye Myint, visited separated conjoined
twins Moe Ma Ma Aung and Moe Pa Pa Aung at Mandalay
Children's Hospital on the 79th day after the
operation of the twins successfully.

They heard the report on health of the conjoined twins
by Medical Superintendent Dr Tin Aye Kyi, specialists
and nurses. The children are in good health and eat
well. For ensuring original situation of intestines of
the children, operations will be performed in
November. The two children can sit well and they are
being treated by the Physiotherapy Group for
rehabilitation of the twins beginning 23 October.

________________

6.  Lt-Gen Ye Myint tours Magway Division

Yangon, 30 Oct - Member of the State Peace and
Development Council Lt-Gen Ye Myint of the Ministry of
Defence, inspected the trees planted for the greening
of Pakokku Station on 28 October morning.

Lt-Gen Ye Myint and party visited Sasana Beikmandawgyi
and presented offertories to the Sayadaws in Pakokku.
Ovadacariya of Pakokku Maha Wizaya Yama Kyaungtaik
(East) State Ovadacariya Sayadaw Abhidhaja Maha Rattha
Guru Bhaddanta Mala Lankara administered the Five
Precepts. Members of the Sangha recited Metta
parittas. Lt-Gen Ye Myint and departmental heads
presented offertories to the Sayadaws. Then, the
merits gained were shared. Lt-Gen Ye Myint and party
visited Pakokku Thihoshin Buddha Image and made cash
donations there.

Lt-Gen Ye Myint inspected Hsugyipan Buddha Image on
Hsugyipan Hill in the same township and viewed the
greening of the township and the dams of the water
supply project of Pakokku Development Affairs
Department from the hill. He also inspected
construction of a refectory near Nikaya Aung Mingala
Shwe Kyaungdawgyi. They later visited Shwegu Buddha
Image and observed the Dage (ornamental backdrop of a
throne). Lt-Gen Ye Myint and party proceeded to the
garment factory project of the Ministry of Industry-1
near Kywede Village. At the briefing hall, officials
reported on the target of construction and tasks being
carried out.

Lt-Gen Ye Myint looked into the buildings under
construction and left necessary instructions. They
inspected the river water pumping project of the Water
Resources Utilization Department near Shwetanttit
Village. Officials reported on irrigation of 5,000
acres of land, cultivation of summer and monsoon paddy
and other crops and per acre yield of 105 baskets.
Lt-Gen Ye Myint inspected pumping of water to the main
dam and thriving paddy fields and left necessary
instructions. Lt-Gen Ye Myint and party visited
Shwetanttit Thayetkhan Buddha Image in the same
village and made cash donations. They then met with
members of Pakokku Industrial Zone Supervisory
Committee and industrialists at the zone and attended
to the needs. Officials reported on allotment of plots
to the industrialists, types of the industries,
condition of the production, arrival of raw materials,
and Efforts being made in accord with the rules and
regulations adopted by the State for industrial
development.

Lt-Gen Ye Myint gave instructions on tasks to be
carried out for ensuring better roads, cooperation of
industrialists, respective authorities and the
development affairs department for drinking water
supply, supply of full electricity to the zone in the
daytime and to homes and water pumping projects in
night-time, transforming of the industries in the town
to the zone as soon as possible, development of the
industrial zone, paying tax in full and ensuring
production of quality automobiles. After the ceremony,
Lt-Gen Ye Myint and party viewed traditional
medicines, garments, farm equipment, foodstuff and
jeeps produced in the zone.

Lt-Gen Ye Myint and party inspected Pakokku Airfield
Construction Project north of Pakokku. Officials
reported on facts about the project. Lt-Gen Ye Myint
gave instructions on meeting the set standard and
timely completion of the project. They inspected the
work-site and left necessary instructions. Lt-Gen Ye
Myint and party looked into the model plot of Myanma
Agriculture Service near mile post 5/4 on
Pakokku-ChaungU Road. Officials reported on the
research on cultivation of green gram and pigeon pea
for the first phase and sesamum and pigeon pea for the
second phase.

In the afternoon, Lt-Gen Ye Myint and party visited
Sithushin Buddha Image in Pakhangyi Myohaung, Yesagyo
Township, and made cash donations. They then met
departmental officials at the office of the township
Peace and Development Council. The chairman of the
council reported on geographical facts about the
township, rural development tasks undertaken,
departmental officials, on the targets and progress in
implementing them department-wise.

Lt-Gen Ye Myint said that the government was striving
for building a modern developed nation after
designating 24 development zones. He added that at the
same time, the five rural development tasks are being
carried out in accord with the guidance of the Head of
State for equitable development of rural and urban
areas. These tasks are to be carried out by the staff
with a sense of duty. Endeavours are to be made for
meeting success. Service personnel are to make field
trips down to the grassroots level. In conclusion, he
urged all to make zealous efforts and with Union
Spirit to cooperate with social organizations to take
organization measures for ensuring participation of
the public in carrying out the tasks.

Lt-Gen Ye Myint and party headed for Minywa Rive Water
Pumping Project near Shinphyushin Bridge in Yesagyo
Township. At the briefing hall, officials reported on
progress in implementing the project, which could
irrigate some 3,000 acres of land with the use of
water from Chindwin River.

After inspecting the main canal, Lt-Gen Ye Myint left
necessary instructions. They spent the night in
Mandalay.

________________

7.  Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than inspects development
    works of An, Rakhine State

Yangon, 30 Oct - Member of the State Peace and
Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than of the
Ministry of Defence and party, left Myebon on 28
October and arrived at Tettaung of An.

Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than and party then went to the rice
mill of An Station of Western Command Headquarters and
inspected it. Commander Brig-Gen Maung Oo and
officials reported on milling the paddy of Myanma
Agricultural Produce Trading to raise the fund of the
regiments and units. There are three rice mills which
can produce two tons of rice per day.

Afterwards, Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than attended the
opening of the multimedia teaching centre held at No 2
Basic Education High School in An and unveiled the
signboard. It was also attended by Commander Brig-Gen
Maung Oo, senior military officers of the command,
departmental officials, members of the School Board of
Trustees, teachers and students. First, Chairman of
School Board of Trustees Col Myint Swe and
Administrator of the school Maj Hlaing Myint formally
opened the centre. Then, the outstanding students
unveiled the stone inscriptions of Myanma Education
Goal. Later, Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than unveiled the
signboard of the centre of the school.

Then, Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than and party inspected the
computer application & e-mail room, the computer aided
instruction room, the language lab, the electronic
media (video system) and (audio system), the printed
media (reading corner), the domestic science room, the
art room and the music room and skill demonstration of
the students. Next, the opening ceremony of the
multimedia teaching centre was held at the school. Maj
Hlaing Myint reported on opening of the multimedia
teaching centre and Col Myint Swe on efforts made for
emergence of the multimedia teaching centre.

Then, Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than delivered an address. He
said that the multimedia teaching centre was opened
with installation of modern teaching aids in the short
period as a result of harmonious efforts of local
authorities, members of the School Board of Trustees,
teachers and townselders. Continued cooperation is
needed for installation of more advanced teaching
aids. The Government is implementing education plans
for development of human resource with a view to
turning out intellectuals and intelligentsia who are
required in building modern and developed nation.

Therefore, the Government has been opening basic
education schools and higher learning institutions in
States and Divisions and multimedia teaching centers
have been opened in the various regions in cooperation
with local people and well-wishers. Universities and
colleges on specific subjects have been opened in
States and Divisions to see that every who comes of
age becomes a graduate. Teachers are urged to produce
outstanding students, and local authorities, members
of SBT and local people are to continue to cooperate
for further progress of the school.

After the ceremony, Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than, Commander
Brig-Gen Maung Oo, officials and students had the
documentary photo taken. At An Township Peace and
Development Council Office, Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than met
with local authorities, departmental officials, social
organizations and local people and gave instructions
on development of An Township. Township Chairman U Tun
Kyi reported on the location, area and climate of the
township, cultivation of monsoon paddy in 2002-2003,
target for cultivation of cold season crops and summer
paddy, tasks for local sufficiency of rice, growing of
perennial plants, construction of dams and reservoirs,
poultry farming tasks, conservation of the forest and
undertakings of health, education and social matters.

Then, Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than gave a speech. He said it
was his second visit to An during the year. During the
previous visit, he gave instructions on efforts to be
made to achieve success in undertaking the plans laid
down by the State and regional development tasks.
Today, he would like to reiterate the call for equal
development of the agriculture and livestock breeding
sectors. In addition, local authorities and
departments concerned are to organize local farmers to
cultivate summer paddy, pulses and beans and other
crops after monsoon paddy. For extension of the
fishery sector, local authorities and departments
concerned are to supervise digging of fish and prawn
ponds in the livestock breeding sector. Especially,
departmental personnel are to discharge duties of
mother units and regional development plans of Rakhine
State. An he stressed the need to pay emphasis on
practising thrift and minimizing of loss and wastage.

Next, they paid homage and donated provisions to seven
members of the Sangha led by Chairman of An Township
Sangha Nayaka Committee MyoU Kyaung Sayadaw Bhaddanta
Pannadhika at the Myatswedaw Dhammayon on
Dhammarekkhita Hill. Afterwards, Lt-Gen Khin Maung
Than and party inspected development tasks in An. On
29 October, Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than delivered an
address at the opening ceremony of Hinywet Dam in An
Township.

At An Airport, Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than heard reports on
construction of the runway of An Airport, progress of
work, annual tasks and requirements. Senior Engineer U
Thin Aung of Yangon-Sittway Highway Construction
Project reported on earth work of the bypass of An
Airport. They then inspected the runway, the taxi way
and the apron. Later, they left An by air and arrived
back here in the afternoon.

______________

8.  Local authorities, departmental personnel
    urged to strive for success of State's plans
    Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than meets officials in Rakhine
State

Yangon, 30 Oct - Member of the State Peace and
Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than of the
Ministry of Defence, officials of the State Peace and
Development Council Office and departmental officials
arrived at Sittway Airport on 26 October.

Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than and party and Commander
Brig-Gen Maung Oo inspected development of
Yangon-Sittway Highway. Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than and
party met chairmen of State, District and Township
Peace and Development Councils and members, officers
of regional battalions, departmental heads, officials
of social organizations and townselders at the city
hall in Rakhine State and discussed regional
development. Commander Brig-Gen Maung Oo reported to
Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than on location and area,
cultivation and harvesting of monsoon paddy for
2002-2003, cultivation of monsoon crops for 2002-2003,
designation of special crop zones, agriculture,
livestock breeding and regional development of Rakhine
State, cultivation of pepper, maintenance of dams,
breeding of fish and deep sea water prawn, production
of shrimp fry, export of marine products, cultivation
of Thitseint trees (Bellaric Myrobalan) and border
trade in Sittway and Maungtaw townships.

Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than said he was there to fulfill
the requirements for development. Rakhine State is
rich in natural resources and it has prospects for
development. It is also a fertile region for
development of agricultural and fisheries sectors.
Efforts are to be made for more progress of
agricultural and fisheries sectors and other
production sectors. He spoke of the need to reclaim
fallow and virgin lands and low-lying areas depending
on the conditions for agricultural development,
increase of sown acreage and double cropping. He also
spoke of the need to make arrangements for increase
per acre yield and minimizing loss and wastage.
Townships in the Rakhine State are suitable for
cultivation of beans and pulses and pepper. Plans are
to be undertaken for cultivation of marketable beans
and pulses and pepper.

Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than spoke at length on cultivation
of double and mixed cropping, cultivation of 300,000
acres of beans and pulses, establishment of 100 acres
and above agricultural zones and efforts to become the
largest pepper-producing state, equal development in
fisheries and agricultural sectors, breeding of fish
and prawn and raising of poultry on commercial scale
from manageable scale. Development of agricultural,
fisheries and other production sectors will bring
about benefits for both Rakhine State and the nation,
he said. The government has laid down the plans for
economic progress and is implementing them while
building a peaceful, modern developed nation. It has
opened more and more high schools and multimedia
classrooms and universities and colleges. Special
education projects including the programmes of school
enrolment for every school-going age child and every
grown-up to become graduates are being implemented. He
called on officials concerned to participate in those
projects and rural development projects with sense of
duty.

Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than and party inspected development
of Sittway. Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than and party left
Sittway jetty for Minbya and arrived there at 6 pm and
they were welcomed there by Brig-Gen Myint Aung of
Kyauktaw Station and officials, the chairmen and
members of Minbya Township Peace and Development
Council, departmental officials, members of Union
Solidarity and Development Association, members of
Maternal and Child Welfare Association and local
people welcomed them. At the meeting hall of Minbya
Township Peace and Development Council Office, Lt-Gen
Khin Maung Than and party met with members of Township
Peace and Development Council, township level
departmental officials, those of social organizations,
townselders and gave instructions on development of
the township.

First, Chairman of Minbya Township Peace and
Development Council U Nyunt Hlaing reported on the
location and area of the township, land utilization,
production of monsoon paddy for 2002-2003,
arrangements for cultivation of summer paddy and cold
season crops, raising of RIR chicken and breeding of
deep sea-water prawn, planting of trees, cultivation
of Thitseint trees (Bellaric Myrobalan) and plantation
of pepper and cashew. Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than explained
the State's plans to develop and modernize the nation,
the need for the local authorities and departmental
personnel to strive for success of the plans,
extension of sown acreage, cultivation of multiple
crops, boosting the per acre yield, efforts to reduce
agricultural wastage, boosting of catch at sea,
extension of the fish and prawn breeding ponds, the
pepper cultivation plan in Rakhine State, development
of Minbya and implementation of the five rural
development tasks.

On 27 October, Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than and party paid
obeisance to Kyeintaung Pagoda and presented books on
the Three Pitaka and offertories to members of the
Sangha. At Maylwan Village in Minbya Township, they
cordially met with the local people. In Myebon
Township, they held a meeting with local authorities,
departmental personnel, members of social
organizations and local people. Officials reported to
them on points of the township.

In his address, Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than stressed the
need to develop the agriculture and livestock breeding
sectors, find means ways to develop the production
sector, extension of beans and pulses cultivation, the
pepper cultivation project of the state, development
of the town and implementation of the five rural
development tasks. During the inspection of the
Township Hospital, he visited the wards and the x-ray
room and met with the staff.

Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than, Brig-Gen Maung Oo and
officials then presented the books on the Three Pitaka
and offertories to members of the Sangha at Taikkyi
Monastery. The congregation shared the merits gained.
Later, Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than and party met with the
secretary and executives of Township USDA and
inspected the USDA Office. They then inspected the
police station of the town.

Police should strive to reduce the rate of crime and
ensure the rule of law and peace and stability, Lt-Gen
Khin Maung Than said. They also inspected the town
development undertakings.

_____________

9.  Wai Family Gems Company donates K 2m to MWVO

Yangon, 30 Oct - Wai Family Gems Company donated cash
to members of Myanmar War Veterans Organization at
MWVO Headquarters on Pyay Road in Mayangon Township at
2 pm today, attended by Member of the State Peace and
Development Council Chairman of MWVO Central
Organizing Committee Adjutant-General Lt-Gen Thein
Sein.

Adjutant-General Lt-Gen Thein Sein accepted K 2
million donated by Managing Director U Tar Wai of Wai
Family Gems Co and presented a certificate of honour
to the wellwisher. Then, Lt-Gen Thein Sein spoke words
of thanks and the ceremony came to an end.

______________

10. Armed Forces Day Management Committee meets

Yangon, 30 Oct - The Management Committee for
Observance of the 58th Anniversary Armed Forces Day
held the first coordination meeting at the meeting
hall of the Resistance Park this afternoon, with an
address by Chairman of the Management Committee
Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development
Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Myint Swe.


First, Chairman of the Management Committee Commander
Maj-Gen Myint Swe delivered an address. He said that
for observing the 58th Anniversary Armed Forces Day
ceremony on a grand scale, tasks laid down by the
Leading Committee are to be carried out beginning
today. And members of the Management Committee and
working groups are urged to undertake tasks of their
respective sectors in time. Then, Secretary of the
Management Committee Staff Officer (Grade-I) (A)
Lt-Col Min Naing reported on forming of the Management
Committee and working groups.

Next, chairmen and officials of the working groups
reported on tasks to be carried out in their
respective sectors. Similarly, officials of Myanmar
Police Force, Fire Services Department, Myanmar Red
Cross Society and Yangon City Development Committee
took part in the discussions.

Later, Commander Maj-Gen Myint Swe coordinated
necessary matters with those present and gave the
concluding remarks.

________________

11. Lt-Gen Maung Bo attends opening
    of oil mill in Dawei


Yangon, 30 Oct - Member of the State Peace and
Development Council Lt-Gen Maung Bo of the Ministry of
Defence attended a ceremony to open multimedia
classrooms of affiliated basic education high school
of Dawei Station, Dawei, Taninthayi Division on 27
October morning.

Headmaster U Phyu Win and Chairman of the school board
of trustees Lt-Col Khin Maung Hsint formally opened
the ceremony. Lt-Gen Maung Bo then unveiled the
signboard of the multimedia classrooms and they
inspected the classrooms. At the school hall, U Phyu
Win explained the endeavours for opening of the
multimedia classrooms.

Lt-Gen Maung Bo gave instructions on matters relating
to education promotion programme conducted by the
State. Commander Brig-Gen Tha Aye spoke words of
thanks. After the ceremony, Lt-Gen Maung Bo cordially
met with teachers and students of the school.

Next, Lt-Gen Maung Bo and party this morning arrived
at Nyin Thway Village on Dawei-Yay Road, Yebyu
Township, Dawei District, where authorities reported
on arrangements for the cultivation of summer paddy
and production of monsoon paddy. After hearing the
reports, Lt-Gen Maung Bo gave instructions on
cultivation of monsoon and summer paddy, and
dissemination of agricultural techniques to local
farmers. In Yebyu Township, monsoon paddy has been
sown on 33,600 acres of land, and arrangements have
been made to sow summer paddy on 3,490 acres of land.

Lt-Gen Maung Bo and party also attended a ceremony to
open Kaunghtet Palm Oil Mill at U Thein SeinÕs oil
palm farm in Okthayan village-tract, Yebyu Township.
Brig-Gen Tha Aye and Managing Director of Myanma
Perennial Crops Enterprise U Myint Oo formally opened
the mill. Lt-Gen Maung Bo unveiled the signboard of
the mill and delivered an address. He said in Myanmar,
the annual yield of such edible oil crops as sesamum,
groundnut and sunflower seeds is 0.2 million ton. With
the gradual increase in population, 190,000 tons of
edible oil are being imported for the local
sufficiency in edible oil. The Head of State gave
guidance on cultivation of edible oil crops to ensure
the local sufficiency in edible oil.

Vice-Chairman of State Peace and Development Council
Vice-Senior General Maung Aye himself , on his tour of
Taninthayi in 1999, invited national entrepreneurs and
asked them to make a survey of lands suitable for
cultivating edible oil crops on a commercial scale
along the motorway from Kawthoung to Dawei. Oil palms
have been grown on over 70,000 acres of land in
Taninthayi Division to this day. Of them, over 50,000
acres of land belong to national entrepreneurs, and
over 20,000 acres of land belong to organizations and
private farmers.

The per acre yield of edible oil is 300-600 viss.
Winning the first prize in running a small oil palm
farm, U Than Sein, the owner of the mill, brought
honour not only to Dawei District but also to
Taninthayi Division. Then, Brig-Gen Tha Aye also spoke
on the occasion. U Than Sein explained matters related
to the edible crops farm and the construction of the
mill; Engineer U Maung Maung Sein, to production
process of the mill. Later, Lt-Gen Maung Bo and party
viewed round the mill. The edible oil mill opened
today is the first of its kind in Dawei region.

Afterwards, Lt-Gen Maung Bo and party paid homage to
Zarli East Monastery Sayadaw U Kelasa and members of
the Sangha at Saddhamma Yanthi Kyaung in Kalein Aung
Village, Yebyu Township, and presented offertories.
They also paid homage to Kalein Aung Pagoda and
donated cash through the pagoda board of trustees.
Lt-Gen Maung Bo and party inspected the medical
treatment given to the people of Yaphu Village by
officials of Dawei District People's Hospital at the
basic education middle school of the village.

Then, Lt-Gen Maung Bo and party also provided the
rural health department and Yaphu BEPS with medicines,
exercise books and sports equipment through officials.
At 4 pm, Lt-Gen Maung Bo and party arrived at Mahlwe
Taung at the border of Taninthayi Division and Mon
State. They were welcomed there by Chairman of Mon
State Peace and Development Council Commander of
Southeast Command Brig-Gen Thura Myint Aung and
division level departmental officials. On arrival at
mile post 105/4 on Yangon-Myeik Road in Yay Township,
Lt-Gen Maung Bo and party heard reports on progress in
the construction of road and bridges between the mile
post 2/6 and 115/4.

Brig-Gen Thura Myint Aung made additional reports.
Lt-Gen Maung Bo gave instructions on maintenance of
the roads and timely completion of the bridge under
construction. Lt-Gen Maung Bo and party arrived at Yay
Creek Bridge Construction Site at 6.30 pm. Deputy
Minister for Rail Transportation U Pe Than and
officials welcomed them. Lt-Gen Maung Bo then
inspected the site. At the briefing hall of the site,
after Lt-Gen Maung Bo had heard reports on
construction of Yay Creek Bridge, U Pe Than made
supplementary reports.

Lt-Gen Maung Bo gave instructions on timely completion
of the bridge, work site safety and husbanding the
fuel oil. Yay Creek Bridge is 857 feet long and 23
feet wide and is of concrete reinforced type. On
completion of Thanlwin Bridge (Mawlamyine), there will
be direct rail service between Yangon and Dawei.

________________

12. Text Books Publishing and Distribution Committee
meets

Yangon, 30 Oct - The second work coordination meeting
(2003-2004) of Text Books Publishing and Distribution
Committee was held at the Ministry of Information on
Bo Aung Kyaw Street this afternoon, with an address by
Chairman of the committee Minister for Information
Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan.

In his address, Minister Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan called on
timely publishing of the text books by 15 April 2003
and distribution of the books before opening schools
and the first priority to be given to distributing the
text books to far flung areas in cooperation with the
Ministry of Information and the Ministry of Education.


Next, Managing Director of Printing and Publishing
Enterprise U Myint Thein read out the minutes of
previous meeting. The deputy ministers explained
arrangements being undertaken. The minister made
concluding remarks.

____________________

13. Commander meets secretaries & executives of USDAs

Yangon, 30 Oct - Patron of the Union Solidarity and
Development Association of Yangon Division Chairman of
Yangon Division Peace and Development Council
Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Myint Swe met with
secretaries and executives of
division/district/township USDAs at the meeting hall
of the association in Bahan Township at 8 am today and
gave instructions on regional development tasks.

The commander said the Head of State gave guidance on
low-cost single unit housing projects to be conducted
by the Ministry of Forestry for enabling the rural
people to live in appropriate houses. The project also
cover suburban areas of Yangon Division. Therefore, it
is necessary for USDA members to conduct a census of
those who are not government employees and those who
do not own a house. Afterwards, the meeting came to an
end.

_____________________

14. Work coord meeting of MNWCWA held

Yangon, 30 Oct - The work coordination meeting
(3/2002) of Myanmar National Working Committee for
Women's Affairs was held at MICT Park in Hline
Township this afternoon.

Deputy Minister U Hlaing Win made a speech. Next, Vice
Chairperson-2 Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe and Secretary of
MNWCWA Secretary of the work committee for holding the
exhibition Director-General of Social Welfare
Department U Sit Myaing explained the arrangements for
the exhibition. Then, Director of the Department of
Cultural Institute Daw Nu Mra Zan and persons in
charge of the booths for the exhibition reported on
their arrangements.

Those present took part in the discussions and the
meeting ended with concluding remarks by the deputy
minister.

______________________

15. Rural development projects inspected in Mandalay,
S
    againg and Magway Divisions

Yangon, 30 Oct - CEC Member of the Union Solidarity
and Development Association Minster for Information
Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan, from 26 to 29 October made a tour
of the townships and villages in Mandalay, Sagaing and
Magway Divisions and inspected rural development
activities of the USDA and the Ministry of
Information' s information, educative and
entertainment works.

On 26 October, the minister presented offertories
donated by his family, and families of the staff of
the ministry to Yaydaw Sayadaw Agga Maha Saddhamma
Jotikadhaja Bhaddanta Pannavamsa and members of the
Sangha and offered "soon" to members of the Sangha.
Then, the minister inspected Sarpay Beikman Library of
the ministry on the first floor of Mandalay Yadanabon
Market and gave instructions on effective use of the
electronic library room, maintenance of books and
periodicals, efficient use of electricity and
following of guidelines of the ministry.

In the afternoon, he inspected the Information and
Public Relations Department in ChaungU, Sagaing
Division, and left necessary instructions. The
minister visited Bawdi Tahtaung Kyaungtaik in Monywa
and paid reverence to Bawdi Tahtaung Sayadaw Agga Maha
Saddhamma Jotikadhaja Bhaddanta Narada. The minister
and wife Daw Kyi Kyi Win and family donated K 200,000
for renovation of 222 feet long Shwethalyaung
Reclining Buddha Image and U Thein Myint and wife Daw
Moe Sanda Tun and family, K 200,000 to the Sayadaw.

Then, they viewed the renovation of the image. The
minister inspected the TV retransmission station near
the Phayagyi Hill and gave necessary instructions. The
minister met with the staff of the Information and
Public Relations Department, Myanma Radio and
Television and film enterprises in Monywa District at
the IPRD in Monywa. Then, he laid down tasks for
becoming active, sharp and highly qualified ministry,
carrying out these tasks with goodwill and bright
ideas and four outlooks, making field trips down to
the grassroots level for carrying out information
tasks, ensuring arrival of newspapers at every
villages and opening of rural libraries. On 27
October, the minister met with the officials and
discussed water supply at Tebin Village in Yinmarbin
Township and presented gifts to the local people.

The minister attended the ceremony to unveil the
billboard bearing "Build modern developed nation
through education" at Yinmarbin Village Basic
Education High School. The minister looked into the
IPRD in the township and left necessary instructions.
At the hal1 of the township, the minister presented
gifts to the students who won the matriculation exam
(2001-2002) with distinctions and K 50.000 for school
uniforms of the teachers. He also presented exercise
books to the primary students and clothes, foodstuff
and others to USDA members. Then, Managing Director of
Ayeya Min Thein Construction Co in Mandalay U Thein
Myint presented cash awards to the blood donors (50
times and above) and two-distinction winners.

The CEC member met departmental officials, members of
the USDA, NGOs, the staff of the ministry, students
and their parents and discussed tasks for development
of the township and rural area and clarified the
guidance of the Head of Statestriving for promotion of
the' education standard of the students, and all-out
efforts to be made for building a modern  developed
nation through education.

Then, the minister attended the opening of Lin Yaung
Chi Library of Lepauk Village, Yinmarbin Township and
presented books to the library and gifts to the
villagers. He dealt with the State's rural development
projects and national duties  being carried out by the
USDA. He urged the people to take part in these tasks.
He visited Magyidan USDA village, Hnawkan USDA
village, Thabyegon USDA village and U Hnauk USDA
village and presented gifts to the villages and
fulfilled the requirements. He explained the low-cost
housing project being implemented by the State for
rural development. In the afternoon, he attended the
ceremony to unveil the billboard bearing "Build Modern
Development Nation through Education" held at
Mintaingbin BEHS in Pale Township. Later, he headed
for Kyaukphyakan USDA village and presented gifts to
the villagers and attended to their needs.

____________________

16. Appointment of Ambassador of Kuwait agreed on

Yangon, 31 Oct - The Government of the Union of
Myanmar has agreed to the proposed appointment of Mr
Ali Hussain Al-Sammak as Ambassador Extraordinary and
Plenipotentiary of the State of Kuwait to the Union of
Myanmar in succession to HE Mr Mohamad Ahmad Al-Mijrin
Al-Roomi.

Mr Ali Hussain Al-Sammak was born on 6 October 1953.
He obtained Bachelor of Arts in Law from Kuwait
University in 1974. He also obtained Diplomas in
public and private International Law from the
International Court of Justice in the Hague. He joined
the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kuwait in November
1974 and has served in various capacities at the
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and at the Kuwaiti
Embassies in Brussels and the Hague.

At present, he is serving as Ambassador the State of
Kuwait to Bangladesh. Mr Ali Hussain Al-Sammak will be
concurrently accredited to Myanmar with residence in
Dhaka. Mr Ali Hussain Al-Sammak is married and has two
sons and a daughter.

__________________

17. Yunnan delegation concludes visit

Yangon, 30 Oct - The 6-member delegation led by
Vice-Governor Mr Chen Xunru of Yunnan Province, the
People's Republic of China, left here by air this
afternoon after its visit here at the invitation of
the Ministry of Mines. The delegation was seen off at
Yangon International Airport by Deputy Minister for
Mines U Myint Thein, officials of the departments and
enterprises under the Ministry of Mines, Chinese
Ambassador to Myanmar Mr Li Jinjun and embassy staff.

________________

18. PRC Journalist delegation leaves

Yangon, 30 Oct - The journalist delegation of the
People's Republic of China led by Deputy Director Mr
Zhang Liang of International Department left for home
by air this afternoon.

During their stay in Myanmar, they visited Myanma
cultural heritage and industries. The delegation was
seen off at Yangon International Airport by Director
(News) of the News and P'eriodical Enterprise U Hla
Tun, officials of PRC Embassy and officials.

_______________

19. Cash donated for repair of ancient pagodas in
Bagan

Yangon, 30 Oct - A ceremony to present cash to the
renovation of Bagan ancient pagodas and the Htidaw and
Seinbudaw hoisting of the Lawkananda Tooth Relic
Pagoda took place at Kambawza Yeiktha on Kaba Aye
Pagoda Road this morning.

Minister for Culture Maj-Gen Kyi Aung attended the
ceremony and presented certificates of honour to
wellwishers.

A total of nine wellwishers made cash donations of K
198.5 million for the maintenance of pagodas in Bagan
- K 180 million by Chairman of Ruby Dragon Co U Nay
Win Tun and wife Daw ye Aye Myint; K 4.5 million by U
Aung Zaw Myint and Daw Khin Toe Yin and family of
Winner Computer Group; K 3 million by Capt Win Tint
(Rtd) and Daw Khin Mya Mya and family; K 1 million by
Thukhitayama Sarthintaik Sayadaw and his laity; K 1
million by U Khin Maung Gyi and Daw Hla Hla Than and
family; K 750,000 by U Ohn Myint and Daw Myint Myint
and family; K 600,000 by Daw hin Khin Thein (Kyaukse)
and family; K 300,000 by Daw Yin Yin May and family;
and K 100,000 by Daw Chulam (Canada) and family.

Similarly, a total of five wellwishers made cash
donations of K 11.5 million for the Shwehtidaw - K 5.2
million by Daw Khin Thet Tin and family; K 2.7 million
by U Maung Maung Lwin (Lwin Family Construction) and
Daw Sein Sein and family; K 1.7 million by U Tin Aung
and Daw Hla Hla Nwe ( Win Yadana Tour) and family; 1.2
million by U Tun Aye and Daw Ni Ni Win and family; and
K 700,000 by U Tin Htut and Daw Thin Myat Myat Win and
family.

Likewise, a total of eleven wellwishers also donated K
1.92 million for the Lawkananda pagoda - K 620,000 by
Ashin Vinaya and yogis of Kaba Aye Sunlungu Kyaung; K
300,000 by Lt-Col Min Lwin and Daw Khin Thida and
family; K 200,000 by U Lin Teik Whee and Daw Wati and
family; and K 100,000 each by U Maung Kyin and Daw
Khin Than Myint and family, Daw San San Nwe and
family, U Kyaw Nyunt and Daw Ohn Kyi and family, U Ni
Zhan Lian and Daw Zin Win Khaing and farnily, U
Thurein and Daw Mya Mya and farnily, Ko Tin Nu and Ma
San San Nwe and family, U Thaw Zin and Daw Khin Oo
Thwin and family, and Ambassador U Maung Maung (7) and
Daw Khin Myint Myint and family.

Maj-Gen Kyi Aung later presented certificates of
honour to the wellwishers.

 ______________

20. Myanmar gets 3 gold, in disabled athletes games

Yangon, 30 Oct - The 8th Far Eastern and South Pacific
Nations Disabled Athletes Games continued at Busan,
the Republic of Korea, in which 43 countries are
taking part. In the games, the Myanmar team won 3
gold, 7 silver and 2 bronze and secured the eleventh
position. In the men's volleyball tournament, Myanmar
team beat Sri Lankan team 3-0, it is learnt.

______________

21. Performing Arts Competitions continue for 12th day


Yangon, 30 Oct - The 10th Myanmar Traditional Cultural
Performing Arts Competitions continued for the 12th
day at the respective places today.

At the National Museum, altogether 16 persons took
part in the amateur level (men's) religious song
contest and 16 in the basic education level (aged
10-15) girls' old/modern song contest. On 31 October,
the amateur level (women's) classical song contest and
the basic education level (aged 10-15) boys' classical
song contest will be held at the same venue. At
Kanbawza Theatre, 15 contestants participated in the
amateur level song composing contest. The song
composing contest continues at the same venue
tomorrow.

At the National Theatre, five competitors took part in
the professional level (women's) xylophone contest and
seven in the basic education level (aged 15-20) boys'
xylophone contest. On 31 October, the higher education
level Ozi contest and the basic education level (aged
10-15) Ozi contest will be held. At Padomma Theatre,
six persons of States and Divisions participated in
the professional level dobat contest, and seven in the
basic education level (aged 10-15) dobat contest.

On 31 October, amateur level (men's and women's) harp
contest and the basic education level (aged 5-10)
boys' and girls' harp contest will be held at the same
venue.

________________

22. 142 lots of jade fetch over US$ 1.3 million

Yangon, 30 Oct - Mid-Year Myanmar Gems Emporium, 2002,
continued for a second day today and lots of jade were
being sold this morning through competitive bidding.
Local and foreign gem merchants purchased 142 lots of
jade worth US $ 1,304,856 today. Merchants purchased
38 lots of jade worth US $ 275,466 from 5 pm to 7 pm
yesterday. Yesterday alone, a total of 202 lots of
jade worth US $ 2,047,919 were sold. And the jade
sales continued in the evening. Competitive bidding of
jade lots will continue tomorrow.

____________________________

www.myanmar.com/nlm/

__________________________________________________
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