The New Light of Myanmar (Tuesday, 4 December, 2001)(1/2)

[Okkar66126@xxxxxxx]

The New Light of Myanmar (Tuesday, 4  December, 2001)(1/2)
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1. Secretary-1 attends dinner to mark Kachin Traditional Inlon-innan
   New Harvest Festival in Myitkyina, Kachin State
2. Secretary-1 inspects regional development, human resources
   development tasks in Bhamo, Myitkyina
3.- Regular press conference held
   - Thai cultural group leaves
4.- Minister receives Malaysian guests
   - Chief of Armed Forces Training meets Indian counterpart
5. -  MMCWA observes World AIDS Day
   - CPT Minister inspects communications stations in Sagaing
     Division, Kachin State
6. - Minister attends opening ceremony of training course
   - Certificate Course in Basic Diplomatic Skills opens
7. - Minister inspects preparatory work of TMPC
   - Workshop on civil engineering held
8. - Prize-presentation ceremony held
   - Time-table for Matriculation Exam
9. - Drug control training course opens
   - 40th C-in-C's Cup soccer final match held
   - C-in-C's Shield volleyball competition opened

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( 1 ) Secretary-1 attends dinner to mark Kachin Traditional Inlon-innan New
Harvest Festival in Myitkyina, Kachin State

Yangon, 3 Dec- Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen
Khin Nyunt attended the dinner to mark the Kachin Traditional Inlon-innan New
Harvest Festival hosted by Nyein Foundation on the lawns of Malikha Yeiktha
in Myitkyina, Kachin State, at 7 pm yesterday.

Also present on the occasion were ministers, the Chief of Staff (Air), deputy
ministers, Myitkyina Airbase Commander Brig-Gen Bo Kyi, Deputy Commander of
Northern Command Brig-Gen San Tun and senior military officers, officials of
the State Peace and Development Council Office, departmental heads, the
Ambassador of Japan, the charges d' affaires ai of embassies in Yangon,
resident representatives of UN agencies, state, district and township
authorities, national race leader U Za Khun Ting Ring of Kachin State Special
Region-1 and members, national race leader U La Mon Tu Jaing and members of
Kachin State Special Region-2, Chairman of Nyein Foundation Reverend Dr Sabwe
Jum and members, priests, officials of the church and national races. Before
the ceremony, the Secretary-1 and members and guests were welcomed with a
display of fireworks. Daw Zon Hnyaw and Daw Dashi Khawsin, masters of
ceremonies, declared the ceremony open. Father Gregory gave blessings for the
Traditional New Harvest Festival. Afterwards, Chairman of Nyein Foundation
Reverend Dr Sabwe Jum extended greetings. Next, K Jar Nu, Kaw Maing and G Zon
Ki sang the song " Perpetual Prevalence of Peace".

 In his address, the Secretary-1 expressed his pleasure for having a chance
of participating in Inlon-innan new harvest festival, a lovely traditional
festival of Kachin nationals. He said Kachin nationals invite him every year
to Inlon-innan new harvest festival and he attends the festival every year as
if visiting his brethren.

He said that he understands that Kachin traditional new harvest festival is
to pay respects to devas and celestial beings, heads of community and elders
and to say prayers for a bountiful supply of food. He expressed his belief
that the festival involves paying respects to heads of community, meeting
with relatives and makeing a wish for plenty of food.

He added that making a wish for the prosperity of Kachin State and the entire
Union at this festival will bring wealth, happiness and all forms of
auspiciousness to all the national races of the Union including Kachin
nationals. As national races such as the Kachin, the Kayah, the Kayin, the
Chin, the Bamar, the Mon, the Rakhine and the Shan have been residing in the
Union for thousands of years, they cannot be separated. The term " Kachin
national " will be meaningless if such races as the Janephaw, the Maru, the
Rawan, the Lisu, the Lacheik and the Azi are excluded from Kachin nationals.

 In the same way, the Union will lose her interests provided that the
interests of one of the races  the Kachin, the Kayah, the Kayin, the Chin,
the Bamar, the Mon, the Rakhine and the Shan  are lost. Therefore, the
solidarity and concerted efforts of all the national races are of paramount
importance for the peace and progress of the Union. Based on the spirit of
national solidarity and Union Spirit, priority is to be given to the
interests of the entire Myanmar people.

 Only when all the national people born in the Union work hard in unity and
harmony, will the nation be able to stand tall in the world. The essence of
solidarity and living together involves the flourishing of traditions and
cultures of national races, and the co-existence of their faiths. The
cultures and traditions of national brethren exist in respective regions and
the characteristics of their races are different. However, they were born in
the Union and have been living together for years. Their cultures and
traditions seem different, but they are similar in essence.

Therefore, they have been able to preserve the tradition of peaceful
co-existence. In fact, like colourful flowers in full bloom in a big garden,
traditions and cultures which have fundamental elements in common, are the
things which make the garden called the Union of Myanmar more beautiful and
pleasant. Therefore, the government has been safeguarding the cultures and
traditions of national brethren which have been flourishing in the course

of history. Freedom of faith has been encouraged as well. Every faith places
emphasis on loving-kindness, loyalty, patience and justice. They can make
individuals possess pure moral character and strong morale and can help
dispense loving-kindness. They also have the power to create a peaceful and
fair human society.

In addition, the essence of all the faiths  loving-kindness, loyalty and
consideration  is relevant to the character and spirit of Myanmar people.
Whatever faith they belong to, all the national races born in Myanmar have
typical Myanmar spirit. Due to religious teachings, national unity is
flourishing all the more.

 Already recorded in the history of Myanmar are strenuous efforts for the
peace and tranquillity of Kachin State of leaders of Christian who hold
loving-kindness and forgiveness in high regard. They also indicate existence
of freedom of faith in Myanmar. Therefore, at the auspicious time when all
the national brethren meet one another, prayers are to be said for the more
flourishing of loving-kindness, the spirit of national solidarity and Union
Spirit, and the further strengthening of ties among national brethren.

In conclusion, the Secretary-1 said " May the entire Union including Kachin
State be peaceful and tranquil for ever! May all the national brethren be
able to strive for the perpetuation of the Union blanketed with unity and
loving-kindness as long as the world exists! May all the national brethren be
able to keep the spirit of national solidarity and Union Spirit in perpetuity
through cooperation, amity, mutual respects and consideration.

The Nyein Foundation served the Secretary-1 and party, national race leaders
and guests with Kachin traditional food Magunlit. Afterwards, Rev U Laing Maw
Gam gave blessings at the dinner. Then, the Secretary-1 and party, national
race leaders and guests enjoyed the meals of the festival together with
national races. During the dinner, the cultural troupe members presented
Kachin traditional songs. After the dinner, the Secretary-1 presented a
flower basket to the cultural troupe. After the ceremony, the Secretary-1
cordially met with Kachin national races and guests.

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( 2 ) Secretary-1 inspects regional development, human resources development
tasks in Bhamo, Myitkyina

Yangon, 3 Dec- Chairman of the Work Committee for Development of Border Areas
and National Races Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council
Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt, accompanied by the ministers, the Chief of Staff (Air),
the deputy ministers, officials of the State Peace and Development Council
Office, departmental heads and officials, left here by Tatmadaw aircraft
yesterday morning and arrived at Bhamo, Kachin State, at 10.30 am.

The Secretary-1 and party were welcomed at Bhamo Airport by Deputy Commander
of Northern Command Brig-Gen San Tun and military officers, district and
township authorities, departmental officials and members of Union Solidarity
and Development Association. In the hall of the airport, Minister for
Transport Maj-Gen Hla Myint Swe, Deputy Minister for Construction U Tint Swe
and officials reported to the Secretary-1 on extension and renovation of the
runway of the airport, width of the runway and its condition and target of
the extension work. Chairman of Shwe Thanlwin Co U Kyaw Win also reported on
data of the runway extension project of Bhamo Airport and arrangements to
extend the runway to be 8,000 feet long and 100 feet wide one by phases.

The Secretary-1 gave instructions on the runway to be built in accord with
the proposed designed and set standard. Then, the Secretary-1 and party
arrived at the construction site of Bhamo Degree College in Namhphakyungon
Village, Bhamo Township. Deputy Minister for Education U Myo Nyunt reported
on academic and management matters of the degree college and arrangements for
the opening and teaching tasks. Managing Director U Chit Khaing of Aden
Groups Co Ltd also reported on matters related to the degree college
construction project and progress of the construction tasks.

 Afterwards, the Secretary-1 inspected the plots for buildings of the degree
college from the observation tower and gave necessary instructions. Next, the
Secretary-1 met chairmen of District and Township Peace and Development
Councils and members, departmental officials and USDA members at Teingyar
Minkhaung Hall. Chairman of Bhamo District Peace and Development Council
Lt-Col Myo Swe and chairmen of Township Peace and Development Councils
reported on power supply, telephone communication, education, health, roads
and bridges, target and cultivation of monsoon paddy, rice sufficiency in the
district, cultivation of edible oil crops, livestock breeding tasks and
requirements. The Secretary-1 said that the purpose of his visit is to fulfil
requirements for the regional progress and human resources development in
Bhamo District.

 According to the reports of local authorities, agricultural tasks in Bhamo
District are successful. Agricultural tasks need to be extended to ensure
sufficiency of rice in townships. It is also necessary to extend sown acreage
and cultivate good strains of paddy in the regions where there are only
limited acres of cultivable lands.

 With regard to cultivation of oil crops, such perennial crops as Thitseint
trees are to be grown. Ministries concerned are required to render assistance
for agricultural tasks and regional economy. Departmental personnel are
required to carry out organizing work and provide necessary assistance for
the extension of agricultural tasks such as growing of pepper which can
augment family income. Departments are to provide assistance to ensure that
manageable scale livestock breeding work develops into commercial scale
livestock breeding work. Only when poultry farming and fish breeding work can
be extended in the region, will the living standard of local people improve.

 In Bhamo region where border trade is thriving, production work is to be
carried out extensively with the aim of promoting export. Local authorities
are to promote cooperation with those from the neighbouring nation, and to
take necessary measures which can contribute to the economic development of
the State, at the regional level. The government is endeavouring to promote
the development of the nation and to improve national economy, and local
authorities are required to carry out coordination work at the regional
level.

The government has built roads and bridges to better the condition of
transport along the route from Bhamo to Myitkyina. At the open season, the
ministries concerned are to repair them, and local authorities are to render
assistance as best they can. Now the government is making arrangements to
open Bhamo Degree College, Bhamo Government Technological College and a
government computer college with the aim of developing human resources in
Bhamo region. To complete these tasks as soon as possible, local authorities
and departmental personnel are required to render assistance.

When regional development tasks and human resources development tasks being
undertaken by the government become successful, all the regions of the State
will develop and the spirit of national solidarity and Union Spirit will
flourish all the more. Therefore, local authorities and departmental
personnel are to carry out coordination work to make sure that the plans of
the government for the regional development tasks and human resources
development materialize.

 Then, the Secretary-1 and party went to Bhamo People's Hospital. They were
welcomed there by the Head of District Health Department and Medical
Superintendent Dr Thein Hla and specialists and medical staff. Deputy
Minister for Health Dr Mya Oo and Medical Superintendent Dr Thein Hla
reported on construction of Bhamo People's Hospital and matters related to
medical treatment.

The Secretary-1 said that Bhamo People's Hospital has been upgraded from a
150-bed one to a 200-bed one, and more physicians are to be appointed, and
more medical equipment provided. Later, the Secretary-1 inspected
arrangements for construction of a new hospital.

Next, the Secretary-1 and party proceeded to the construction site of the
government technological college by the side of Bhamo-Moemauk Motor Road in
the north-east of Bhamo. Deputy Minister for Science and Technology U Nyi Hla
Nge and Deputy Minister for Education U Myo Nyunt reported on academic and
administrative matters of the government technological college in Bhamo,
arrangements for the opening of the college, and Chairman of Shwethanlwin
Company U Kyaw Win and officials on construction of the building.

The Secretary-1 gave instructions. Later, the Secretary-1 and party went to
the training school for the development of national youths from border areas
in Bhamo. They were welcomed by Deputy Director of the Department for the
Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs Maj Shwe
Thaung, Headmaster U Kyaw Thu and trainees.

The Secretary-1 inspected the library, the hostel and the kitchen and
presented clothes and other necessary things to 58 trainees. Then, the
Secretary-1 presented 200 dozens of exercise books for the trainees to the
headmaster. The Secretary-1 and party arrived at the site for construction of
Bhamo Government Computer College beside Bhamo-Momauk-Myitkyina Road near
Wetkon Village in Bhamo. Deputy Minister for Science and Technology U Nyi Hla
Nge reported on measures being undertaken for construction of Bhamo
Government Computer College. The Secretary-1 then gave instructions.

 The Secretary-1 and party went to Myitkyina where they were welcomed by
Minister for Communications, Posts and Telegraphs Brig-Gen Thein Zaw,
Commander of Myitkyina Air Base Brig-Gen Bo Kyi, military and civilian
officials, peace negotiators, national race leader of special region-1 U Za
Khun Tin Ring and members, national race leader of special region-2 La Mong
Tu Gyaing and members, members of the USDA, members of Red Cross and Fire
Brigade and local people. The Secretary-1 and party went to Border Areas
National Races Development Training School for youths. They were welcomed by
Deputy Director of Border Areas and National Races Development Affairs
Department Major Soe Tint and Principal U Khin Maung. Major Soe Tint reported
on the training school.

 The Secretary-1 said the development youth training school that looks after
the youths was established with the aim of humanitarian spirit, promoting of
their life, turning out good sons and daughters who will serve the interests
of the nation, national unity and serving the interests of the region when
they became educated.

He called for implementation of the objectives. The Secretary-1 and party
presented clothing and other materials for 60 trainees. The Secretary-1
inspected hostel and mess hall. The Secretary-1 and party arrived at the
guest house of Northern Command. In the evening, Chairman of Myanmar
Education Committee Secretary-1 presented 300 dozens of exercise books for
students of special region-2 to U La Mong Tu Gyaing at the hall of Northern
Command.

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( 3 ) Regular press conference held

Yangon, 3 Dec-A regular press conference was held at Tatmadaw Guest House on
Inya Road, here this morning. It was attended by Minister for Labour U Tin
Winn, Vice-Chief of Military Intelligence Maj-Gen Kyaw Win, Deputy Minister
for Information Brig-Gen Aung Thein, senior military officers, heads of
departments, officials of Ministry of Information, correspondent of Kyodo
News Agency U Sein Win, President of Myanmar Foreign Correspondents Club U
Sao Kai Hpa and member correspondents and guests.

At the conference, Minister U Tin Winn, Maj-Gen Kyaw Win and officials
replied to the queries raised by local and foreign correspondents. Giving
clarification to a question, Maj-Gen Kyaw Win categorically said the news
being broadcast by some foreign broadcasting stations that two nuclear
scientists from Pakistan are being granted political asylum in Myanmar is
totally groundless and untrue. Then, Minister for Labour U Tin Winn who
attended the 56th General Assembly of the UN gave detail clarifications about
questions concerning the resolution on Myanmar in 2001 adopted by the General
Assembly of the UN and the resolutions passed by the Governing Body of ILO.
Later, the press conference came to a close.

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Thai cultural group leaves

Yangon, 3 Dec - Thai Cultural Group led by Deputy Minister of Education of
Thailand Dr Sirikorn Maneerin left here by air yesterday evening. They were
seen off by Deputy Minister for Culture U Soe Nyunt, Ambassador of Thailand
to Myanmar Mr Oum Maolanon, heads of department under the ministry and
officials at Yangon International Airport. During their stay in Yangon, Thai
cultural group visited the Yangon University of Culture and the National
Museum.
__________________________

( 4 )  Minister receives Malaysian guests

Yangon, 3 Dec - Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin
received an eight-member delegation led by Managing Director Mr Shukor Lee
Mun Yew of A Tepat Teknik Sdn Bhd, Director Yoong Nim Chee of MMC Engineering
Group Bhd and Dr Johnathen M Body of Minadira Group of Company at his office
this morning. Also present at the call together with the minister were
officials of departments concerned.

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Chief of Armed Forces Training meets Indian counterpart

 Yangon, 3 Dec-Director-General of Armed Forces Training, India Maj-Gen Ashok
Vasudeva and party arrived here by air on a study visit yesterday evening.
They were welcomed at Yangon International Airport by Chief of Armed Forces
Training Maj-Gen Kyaw Win, Deputy Chiefs of Armed Forces Training Maj-Gen Win
Myint and Brig-Gen Aung Kyi, senior military officers, Ambassador of India to
Myanmar Mr Vivek Katju, Military Attach' Col Shakti Gurung and officials.
Chief of Armed Forces Training Maj-Gen Kyaw Win received Director-General of
Armed Forces Training, India Maj-Gen Ashok Vasudeva and party at Dagon
Yeiktha of Ministry of Defence at 9 am today.

Also present were Commander-in-Chief (Navy) Commodore Soe Thein, Deputy
Chiefs of Armed Forces Training Maj-Gen Win Myint and Brig-Gen Aung Kyi,
Acting Colonel General Staff (Air) Lt-Col Zin Yaw and senior military
officers and Military AttachŽ Col Shakti Gurung of Indian Embassy.

__________________________

( 5 )  MMCWA observes World AIDS Day

Yangon, 3 Dec - Myanmar Maternal and Child Welfare Association observed the
World AIDS Day at the multipurpose building of the association at the corner
of Parami Road and Thanthuma Road in South Okkalapa Township this morning.
Minister for Health Maj-Gen Ket Sein addressed the ceremony.

Also present were Deputy Minister for Health Professor Dr Kyaw Myint,
directors-general, deputy directors-general and directors of departments
under the Ministry of Health, Chairperson of Myanmar Maternal and Child
Welfare Association Professor Daw Kyu Kyu Swe, Vice-Chairperson Dr Daw Khin
Win Shwe, members of the executive committee, honorary patrons, members of
the Central Committee for Prevention and Combating AIDS, President of Myanmar
Medical Association Professor Dr Myo Myint, President of Myanma Red Cross
Society Dr Kyaw Win, Chairperson of Myanmar Nurses Association Daw E Berbaro,
Chairman of Myanmar Anti-Narcotics Association Dr U Nay Win, officials of the
UN agencies, prize-winning teams of Dohbat competition and guests.

 The minister said that the purpose of observing the World AIDS Day is to
raise the public awareness of AIDS which is posing a menace to all mankind.
Since 1994, MMCWA (Central) and UNICEF has been carrying out jointly the task
of preventing AIDS in 27 townships. Courses on Life Skills for Housewives
were conducted in townships and villages, and in 1997, these courses were
opened in 69 townships. HIV/AIDS prevention tasks are being carried out in
cooperation with UNDP, UNAIDS, such international NGOs as Care and Medicins
du Monde (MDM) in 81 projected townships and 215 non-projected townships.

Myanmar is actively cooperating with the nations inside and outside the
region in combating AIDS. It is encouraging to see that local organizations,
ministries, UN agencies and foreign organizations are cooperating in carrying
out AIDS prevention tasks. In conclusion, the minister called on all the
young and old men and women to preserve national prestige and character and
cultural heritage and to fight against AIDS conscientiously. Then, prizes
were presented to the winning teams of the Dohbat competition organized by
MMCWA in commemoration of the World AIDS Day. After the ceremony, the
minister and the guests viewed documentary photos of AIDS prevention
activities.

CPT Minister inspects communications stations in Sagaing Division, Kachin
State

Yangon, 3 Dec- Member of the Central Executive Committee of the Union
Solidarity and Development Association Brig-Gen Thein Zaw met with executives
and members of State, District and Township-level Union Solidarity and
Deve-lopment Associations at the offices in Mohnyin on 1 December and
Myitkyina in Kachin State on 2 December.

 Minister for Communications, Posts and Tele-graphs Brig-Gen Thein Zaw, on 30
November, arrived at Sagaing, Shwebo, KhinU and Kanbalu and inspected
auto-exchange and micro-wave stations. The minister gave instructions to
officials on trunk call communications improvement and extension of telephone
lines to the villages.

On 1 and 2 December, the minister also inspected auto-telephone exchange,
micro-wave stations, manual telephone exchange, posts and telegraphs offices
in Kawlin, Indaw, Naba, Katha, Mawlu, Nantsiaung, Mawhan, Mohnyin, Hopin,
Mogaung and Myitkyina. The minister gave instructions on extension of
tele-phone lines inside the towns, trunk call communications improvement and
extension of telephone lines to nearby villages.
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to be continued ...