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The New Light of Myanmar (Tuesday, 10 April, 2001) (2/2)

The New Light of Myanmar (Tuesday, 10 April, 2001) (2/2)
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1. Senior General address graduation parade of 3rd Intake
   of Defence Services Technological Academy
2. Yangon South District traditional medicine practitioners
   express their desire to take guidance of Senior General
   Than Shwe and guidelines of Secretary-1 as working norms
3. Myanmar-Japan Cultural Exchange Variety Dance Show opens
4. Press conference on Myanmar?s efforts on drug control
5. Commander inspects development and agricultural matters
   in Taikkyi
6. - U Nyunt Maung Shein presents credentials to ROK President
   - Myanmar delegation leaves for China
7. - Fund-raising Committee of Lawka Chantha Abhaya Labha Muni
     image meets
   - Buddha Pujaniya held at Shwesandaw Pagoda in Twantay
   - Supreme Court Justice inspects courts in Kayin State
   - Respects paid to the elderly at Auditor-Generals office
8. - Energy Minister inspects drilling of oil test-well
   - Deterrent Punishment Sub-committee holds coord meeting
9. - Basic education middle and primary level completion
     certificates presented
   - Observance of Thingyan festival coordinated

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( 4 ) Press conference on Myanmar?s efforts on drug control

Yangon, 9 April-  A Press conference on Myanmar?s efforts to control hard drugs was held at Tatmadaw Guest House on Inya Road this morning.

Present were Heads of Office of Strategic Studies Col Thein Swe and Col Kyaw Thein, Director-General of Myanmar Police Force Police Maj-Gen Soe Win, senior officers of the Ministry of Defence and MPF, members of the Central Committee for Drug Abuse Control, President of Foreign Correspondents Club U Sao Kai Hpa and correspondents and local and foreign newsmen.

Head of Office of Strategic Studies Col Thein Swe spoke on the occasion.

Head of Office of Strategic Studies Col Kyaw Thein gave clarification on government?s efforts to control hard drugs. He said that drug problem is an evil legacy of imperialists and it not only tarnishes the prestige of the State and social norms but also poses a danger to mankind of the world. The problem is related to honest national races from hills. Therefore the government with deep consideration is making arrangements for them. The drug issues exist not in a nation; there are cases of illicit trafficking of hard drugs in other sovereign nations. Therefore, the government has placed emphasis on launching the anti-drug campaign as a national task in conjunction with non-governmental organizations, UN agencies, neighbouring countries and those in sub-region.

In particular, the countries in South-East Asian region including Myanmar are faced with opium and opium-related narcotic drugs, heroin, Amphetamine Type Stimulants (ATS), Ecstasy, Cannabis and Volatile Substances.

According to the opium yield survey jointly conducted by Myanmar and the US, the yield of opium in Myanmar has been dropping considerably since 1997. Opium cultivation in 1999 declined to 31%; opium yield to 38%. It was the lowest decline after 1988. It is expected that opium yield this year would be less than that of the previous year due to destruction of 21,242 acres of opium under the arrangement of the respective commands in 2001 and establishment of opium free zones by national armed groups, bad weather, scarcity of rain and insects. According to Base Line Data conducted as a nationwide movement in 1998, opium yield fell down yearly. The prices of raw opium and heroin went up two or three times than those of the previous years.

Drug trafficking is generally undertaken in China-Myanmar and Thai-Myanmar far-flung border areas where transport is inaccessible. Especially in Thai-Myanmar border areas, Kuominton group, Kyauksit Su Laing group from remnant MTA, Maha San group of WNA group, SURA Ywitsit group and KNPP group continue to do drug business with terrorist acts. A large amount of precursor chemicals including Ephedrine which is needed for production of ATS and Acetic Anhydride for heroin refinery are produced in India and China for use in industry. They are imported from Thailand. Precursor chemicals an controlled chemicals from other industrialized nations came to border areas illegally. Before 1996, Acetic Anhydride came to Myanmar via neighbouring countries and Ephedrine, ATS producing equipment and Caffeine also came from Thailand.

The government has placed emphasis on development of border areas and reconsolidation of national solidarity. Seventeen armed groups, giving up their armed struggle returned to the legal fold. The government undertook anti-drug measures with their participation. From September 1988 to March 2001, 31,014 kilos of opium, 4,548 kilos of heroin, 34,634 litres of Phensedyl, 312,602 litres of acids and chemicals, 17, 630 kilos of Ephedrine and 82,586,607 tablets of Methamphelamine were seized and 128 opium refineries and 111,645 acres of opium were destroyed. The seized narcotic drugs were destroyed in Yangon for the 14 times and in border areas for 20 times.

>From 23 October 2000 to 19 March 2001, the Tatmadaw columns cleared Haymoelon region in northern Shan State and exposed five opium refineries and two ATS laboratories and seized 1,729,500 tablets of ATS, 433 kilos of Ephedrine, 33 kilos of Phenyl Acetic Acid, 265.5 kilos of opium, 46.171 litres of acid and 19,726 of chemicals, ATS producing equipment and other related precursors. Acting on tip-off, the Tatmadaw columns cleared the west region of Tawnay Village in Lashio Township and exposed eight refineries and seized 7,168 litres of alcohol, 690 litres of hydrochloric acid, 9.8 litres of Acetic Anhydride, 204 litres of loizaw, 400 kilos of Ammonium chloride, 400 kilos of bone charcoal, 75 flasks and others.

At a time when Myanmar can control successfully drug problem related to opium, it faces with ATS problem. ATS problem started during the past decades. It was a major problem for neighbouring India and Thailand. Myanmar began to face it after 1996. During this year in Yangon, 61,400 stimulant tablets were seized? 24,000 stimulant tablets in South Okkalapa Township on 19 January and 37,400 stimulant tablets in Mingaladon Township on 9 March. Chemicals, equipment, electricity and skill are needed to produce stimulant tablets. The above-mentioned paraphernalia are illegally brought to the country in various ways and means from neighbouring countries. Regarding the ATS, Myanmar promoted her cooperation with neighbouring countries and those in Sub-region. Myanmar has laid down the plans to prevent spread of ATS in the country and is implementing them.

A total of 15,607 kilos of Ephedrine, 5,022 kilos of Caffeine and 28.571 millions of ATS tablets were seized? 5.916 million of ATS tablets in 1996, 2,420 kilos of Ephedrine and 5.028 million of ATS tablets in 1997, 3,819 kilos of Ephedrine and 16.026 million of ATS tablets in 1998, 7,052 kilos of Ephedrine and 28.753 million of ATS tablets in 1999, 2,316 kilos of Ephedrine, 2,022 kilos of Caffeine and 22.643 million of ATS tablets in 2000, 3,000 kilos of Caffeine and 4.205 million of ATS tablets in 2001 and three laboratories were exposed in 2000.

The world today is facing with the threatening of Transnational Organized Crime Groups. The groups involve transnational crimes and drugs and became rich. They get millions of US dollars yearly. Out of transnational crimes, the common problem in Asia and the Pacific region is illicit trafficking of narcotic drugs and psychotrophic substances. In order to control the drug problem, it is necessary to take measures for the nation-wise control part through balance approach, to promote cooperation at basic level, to lay down plans for eradication of narcotic drugs and to undertake measures for substitute crops and earning substitute income. Opium and marijuana can be used as narcotic drugs. But they are produced with the combination of chemicals for efficacy. Therefore no precursors no drugs. It is also necessary to take measures for control of chemicals and cultivation of narcotic plants.

The government?s efforts on drug control were presented with the aid of projector.Officials replied to the queries raised by newsmen.Those present at the press conference viewed documentary photos and maps on drug control.
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( 5 ) Commander inspects development and agricultural matters in Taikkyi

Yangon, 9 April? Member of the State Peace and Development Council Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than, accompanied by Brig-Gen Saw Hla Min of Phugyi Station, Secretary of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Kyaw Tint and officials, visited Taikkyi Township this morning and inspected regional development and agricultural tasks in the township.

On arrival at Kanthaya Village of Taikkyi Township, the commander inspected construction of the 40-mile-long development road linking East Kya-in Village in Hlegu Township and Taung-nyo Village in Taikkyi Township. Superintending Engineer U Soe Nyunt of Yangon Division Public Works reported on progress of work. The commander urged the officials to strive for timely completion of the road.

Then, the commander inspected the construction of the road near Bantpwegon Village. He gave instructions on quality of the road, timely completion of construction work and arrangements to be made for paving laterite on the road.

The commander and party also inspected the construction of the earthen road between the construction site of Okkan Creek Bridge near Kywebok Village of Taikkyi Township and Kywebok Road.

The commander then went to the construction site of Wooden Okkan Creek Bridge. Deputy Director of Taikkyi Township Development Affairs Department U Aung Kyaw Nyein reported on progress of construction work. Afterwards, the commander inspected construction work near Kywebok Village.

The road linking between Kanthaya and Kywebok villages in Taikkyi Township will be 13 miles long. The earth work of the road will be completed at the end of April.

Then, the commander arrived at the agricultural site of Fortune International Ltd in Magari and Tabuhla regions of Taikkyi Township. In the briefing hall, the officials of Fortune International Ltd reported on progress of land reclamation in Magari region and cultivation matters.

Factory Manager of Okkan Sugar Mill U Tun Aung Kyaw reported on sugar production and construction of the road running from sugar-cane plantations to the mill.

Fortune International Ltd has planed to reclaim 11,481 acres of land in Magari and Chaungsauk Tabuhla regions. Out of the targeted 8,030 acres of land in 2000-2001 year, 1,200 acres of land have been put under monsoon paddy and 6,530 acres under other crops. In this sugarcane season, Fortune International Ltd has sent over 5,000 tons of sugarcane to the sugar mill.

The commander inspected sugarcane cultivation in Magari region.At Ywatha Village of Taikkyi Township, Superintending Engineer U Soe Nyunt reported on progress of construction of Ywatha-Tawlati-Yebawthoung Road and paving laterite on the road.

The work to pave laterite on Ywatha-Tawlati-Yebaw-thoung Road in Aingka-laungkyun has been completed. Therefore, local people from Bawlekyun region, Yebaw-thoung, Kyudaw and Myochaung in Htantabin Township can easily reach Yangon City through Yebawthoung Bridge and Myochaung Bridge.

Under the arrangements of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council, buses are running on
the route with a view to ensuring smooth transportation for local people of Aingkalaungkyun and Baw-lekyun.
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( 6 ) U Nyunt Maung Shein presents credentials to ROK President

Yangon, 10 April-U Nyunt Maung Shein, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Union of Myanmar to the Republic of Korea, presented his credentials to His Excellency Mr Kim Dae-jung, President of the Republic of Korea, on 4 April 2001, in Seoul.

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Myanmar delegation leaves for China

Yangon, 9 April- At the invitation of Minister of Information Industry Mr Wu Jichuan of China, a Myanmar delegation led by Minister for Communications, Posts and Telegraphs Brig-Gen Win Tin left here by air this noon to attend the China-ASEAN ICT Seminar to be held in Shangxin, the People's Republic of China, from 10 to 12 April and to observe research and development tasks in Shanghai on 13 and 14 April.

The minister and party were seen off at Yangon International Airport by Minister at the Prime Minister's Office U Than Shwe, Minister for Livestock and Fisheries Brig-Gen Maung Maung Thein, Ambassador of China Mr Li Jinjun, departmental officials and relatives. The minister was accompanied by Pro-Rector of Mandalay University of Computer Studies U Kyaw Swa Soe and Chief Engineer U Tint Lwin of Myanma Posts and Telecommunications.
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( 7 ) Fund-raising Committee of Lawka Chantha Abhaya Labha Muni image meets

Yangon, 9 April-The meeting of the Fund-raising Committee of the Lawka Chantha Abhaya Labha Muni image was held at the briefing hall of the image at Mindhamma Hill in Insein Township this afternoon, attended by Chairman of the committee Vice-Chairman of Yangon City Development Committee Vice-Mayor Col Maung Pa, Vice-Chairman Secretary of YCDC Col Myint Aung and committee members, departmental officials and members of Pagoda Board of Trustees. Chairman Col Maung Pa made a speech. Then, the attendance discussed matters related to fund-raising for all-round renovation of the image, and the meeting came to a close with the concluding remarks by the Chairman.

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Buddha Pujaniya held at Shwesandaw Pagoda in Twantay

Yangon, 9 April - The Buddha Pujaniya of Shwesandaw Pagoda in Twantay was held at the pagoda on 4 April morning. Present were Chairman Sayadaw of Township Sangha Nayaka Committee Bhaddanta Kusala and Ovada?ariya Sayadaws of Shwesandaw Pagoda, township authorities, the chairman and members of the pagoda board of trustees, departmental personnel, families of the local battalion and members of Township, Ward and Village Union Solidarity and Development Associations. The congregation took the Five Precepts, and the Sayadaws recited Parittas. The congregation were treated to cold drinks. Buddha Pujaniya was held till 2nd Waning of Tagu.

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Supreme Court Justice inspects courts in Kayin State

Yangon, 9 April-Supreme Court Justice U Khin Myint, from 2 to 7 April together with officials, inspected the state court, district courts and township courts in Kayin State and gave instructions on policies of judicial power, prevalence of law and order, disposing of cases as soon as possible with right decisions and avoiding of committing bribery and corruption. The Supreme Court Justice met with the chairmen and members of State/District/Township Peace and Development Councils, justices, law officers, officials and attended to the needs.

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Respects paid to the elderly at Auditor-Generals office

Yangon, 9 April-Auditor-General Brig-Gen Tin Aye, officials and staff paid respects to the elderly who are retired persons at Auditor-General's office on Lower Kyimyindine Road in Ahlon Township on 6 April afternoon. First, 47 retired persons of 75 years and above were introduced one by one. The Auditor-General presented cash as token of respects to them. Afterwards, those present paid respects to them.
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( 8 ) Energy Minister inspects drilling of oil test-well

Yangon, 9 April-Minister for Energy Brig-Gen Lun Thi, accompanied by Commander Brig-Gen Ye Myint of No 101 LID, inspected drilling of test-well No 39 at Kyaukkhwet-Letpanto natural gas area in Pakokku, Mandalay Division on 7 April and gave necessary instructions. Then, the minister inspected completion of drilling of Thagyitaung oil test-well No 1 in Pauk Township. The minister also inspected the site chosen for Sabay test-well No 1 near Sabay Village in Pakokku Township. The minister attended the opening of tube-well presented by the ministry built at a cost of K 200,000 at Htanzin (North) Village in Htangwa Village-tract, Natogyi Township yesterday. The minister explained the donation. Director U Sein Hlaing of Myanma Oil and Gas Enterprise and Chairman U Hla Hsaung of Village Peace and Development Council formally opened the well which produces 1,600 gallons of water per hour. Also present on the occasion were the chairman and members of Natogyi Township Peace and Developme!
nt Council, members of Township USDA and MMCWA and departmental officials.

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Deterrent Punishment Sub-committee holds coord meeting

Yangon, 9 April- The Deterrent Punishment Sub-committee of the Crime Reduction, Education and Information Committee held No 14 coordination meeting at the Yangon Division Police Commander's Office this noon. Present were Chairman of the sub-committee Deputy Attorney-General U Khin Maung Aye, Vice-Chairman Commander of Yangon Division Police Force Police Col Tin Win, directors of the Supreme Court and the Attorney-General's Office, the division judge, the division law officer, officials of Prisons Department and Immigration and National Registration Department, the Secretary of the sub-committee the Deputy Commander of Yangon Division Police Force and officials. Chairman Deputy Attorney-General U Khin Maung Aye and Vice-Chairman Police Col Tin Win gave speeches. Then, members of the sub-committee took part in the discussions.
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( 9 ) Basic education middle and primary level completion certificates presented

Yangon, 9 April-A ceremony to present the basic education middle and primary level completion certificates of No 7 Basic Education Middle School, Yankin in Yangon Division was held at the school this morning. First, the students sang the National Anthem and "The flowers are in full bloom" song. Then, Headmaster U Tin Maung Tun presented middle school level completion certificates to 135 students and primary school level completion certificates to 91 students.

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Observance of Thingyan festival coordinated

Yangon, 9 April-Work coordination meeting of Committee for Preserving Tradition and Awarding Prizes in Traditional Water Festival for 1362 ME was held at the city hall of Yangon City Development Committee this morning, attended by Chairman of the committee Chairman of YCDC Mayor of Yangon U Ko Lay. Also present were Deputy Minister for Culture U Soe Nyunt, Deputy Minister for Information Brig-Gen Aung Thein, departmental officials, officials of various organizations and guests. First, the mayor made a speech. Afterwards, Secretary of YCDC Col Myint Aung reported on plans to present prizes under the sponsorship of YCDC. Deputy ministers and officials took part in the discussion. The meeting came to a close with concluding remarks by the mayor. After the meeting the mayor and guests viewed rehearsal of variety dances at the city hall.

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