The New Light of Myanmar (Sunday, 23 December, 2001)(1/2)

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The New Light of Myanmar (Sunday, 23 December, 2001)(1/2)
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1. State Peace and Development Council Chairman, Prime
   Minister Senior General Than Shwe sends messages of
   felicitations to Japan
2. Secretary-1 attends coordination meeting on ensuring
   food sufficiency for Yangon City
3. Secretary-1 attends merit-sharing ceremony for newly
   constructed Pantintyadana Soonsarkyaung of Shweminwun
   Sasana Yeiktha in Bago
4. Secretary-1 inspects construction of Mindhamma Hill,
   Bagan Cybertech Teleport Centre, MICT Park
5. Pre-Christmas Worship and Fellowship Dinner of Myanmar
   Council of Churches held
6. - 11th ASEAN Senior Police Officers Coordination Course
     concludes
   - Official arrives back from Thailand
   - Military attaches tour regions of North-West and
     Central Commands
7. - Coordination meeting of Education Ministry held
   - Myitzimagonyi Mahasi Sasana Yeiktha opens in Thakayta
   - Work coordinated for construction of rural roads
8. - Traditional Medicine and Medical Equipment Exhibition
     continues
   - Symposium on Stroke held
9. - Sports Ministry holds coord meeting
   - Myanmar won the Best National Team award in 55th World
     Amateur Men's Bodybuilding Championships

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( 1 ) State Peace and Development Council Chairman, Prime Minister Senior
General Than Shwe sends messages of felicitations to Japan

Yangon, 23 Dec- On the occasion of the birthday of His Majesty Akihito,
Emperor of Japan, which falls on 23 December 2001, Senior General Than Shwe,
Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council and Prime Minister of the
Union of Myanmar, has sent messages of felicitations to His Majesty Akihito,
Emperor of Japan and His Excellency Mr Junichiro Koizumi, Prime Minister of
Japan.
___________________________

( 2 ) Secretary-1 attends coordination meeting on ensuring food sufficiency
for Yangon City

Yangon, 22 Dec-A coordination meeting on ensuring food sufficiency for Yangon
City was held at the meeting hall of the office of the Commander-in-Chief
(Army) this evening, attended by Secretary-1 of the State Peace and
Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt. Also present were members of the State
Peace and Development Council Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than and Maj-Gen Tin Aye of
the Ministry of Defence, Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development
Council Commander of Yangon Command Brig-Gen Myint Swe, Chairman of Yangon
City Development Committee Mayor U Ko Lay and officials of the State Peace
and Development Council Office. The Secretary-1 said Head of State Senior
General Than Shwe gave guidance on making arrangements for cultivation of
vegetables, growing of flowering plants and production of fish and meat in
Yangon and its environs for food sufficiency.

In accord with the guidance of the Head of State, he said, cultivation and
livestock breeding works were undertaken in Nyaunghnapin region in Hmawby
Township and U-to region in Taikkyi Township under the arrangement of Yangon
Division Peace and Development Council and YCDC and the works are being
extended gradually. Items such as chicken, pork, eggs, vegetables and flowers
are put on sale at tax-free markets in Yangon, he said. He said the meeting
was to discuss boosting the production of vegetables and fish and meat for
more consumption for residents of Yangon. He spoke of the need for the
ministries concerned to provide strains, farm equipment and methods for
development of cultivation and feedstuff and techniques. Especially, he said,
the ministry of Livestock and Fisheries is to make arrangements for
distribution of chicken and pork and fish fry and prawn fry and feedstuff at
reasonable prices to all breeders. The government is providing fuel oil and
feedstuff at reasonable prices to livestock breeding enterprises.

 He spoke of the need for officials concerned to supervise the work and for
YCDC to make arrangements for minimizing wastage of crops, offering fresh
food for the people and preservation of the produce. The Secretary-1 said
those present were to discuss food sufficiency in Yangon. Maj-Gen Khin Maung
Than and Maj-Gen Tin Aye of the Ministry of Defence, the ministers, the
Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon
Command and the Yangon Mayor reported on extended raising of fowls and pigs
and breeding fish and prawn, extended cultivation of vegetables, supply of
products to the tax-free markets, distribution of strains and saplings, other
assistance and arrangements. The Secretary-1 gave necessary instructions and
the meeting came to a close at 6.30 pm.
___________________________

( 3 ) Secretary-1 attends merit-sharing ceremony for newly constructed
Pantintyadana Soonsarkyaung of Shweminwun Sasana Yeiktha in Bago

Yangon, 22 Dec -The merit-sharing ceremony for newly constructed
Pantintyadana Soonsarkyaung of the Shweminwun Sasana Yeiktha (Bago) in
Sarthange Village, Thayagon Village-tract, Bago Township, Bago Division, was
held in conjunction with initiating 108 boys into novicehood and the third
cash donation presentation for all-round construction of the Sasana Yeiktha
(Bago), at the Yeiktha at 8.30 am today.

 Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt
attended the ceremony and formally unveiled the stone inscription of the
Soonsarkyaung. Also present were Vice-Chairman of the State Sangha Maha
Nayaka Committee Agga Maha Pandita Bhaddanta Kesara Thayet Sayadaw and member
Sayadaws, invited Sayadaws, the Presiding Nayaka Sayadaw of the Sasana
Yeiktha and members of the Sangha, ministers, deputy ministers, officials of
the State Peace and Development Council Office, departmental heads,
wellwishers, invited guests and lay devotees. Minister for Religious Affairs
U Aung Khin and wellwisher of the Soonsarkyaung Daw Khin Tint formally opened
the Soonsarkyaung. Then, the Secretary-1 formally unveiled the stone
inscription of the Soonsarkyaung.

Presiding Nayaka Sayadaw of the Sasana Yeiktha Maha Kammathana Cariya
Bhaddanta Sobhana invested the congregation with the Eight Precepts. Members
of the Sangha recited the Parittas. The Secretary-1 presented offertories to
the Vice-Chairman Sayadaw. The ministers, deputy ministers, departmental
heads, and wellwisher family of the Soonsarkyaung presented offertories to
members of the Sangha.

U Kyaw Shin-Daw Ein Thin and family of No 30, Circular Road, PyinOoLwin,
donated K 45 million for construction of Lopyae Ayechantha Pagoda to be built
in Shweminwun Sasana Yeiktha (Bago); Daw Shauk Kyu and family of Aung Myint
Brokerage House on Maha Bandoola Street, Latha Township, K 9 million for the
pagoda; U Min Aung-(Daw Po Po) and family of Thirimon Housing Estate in Hline
Township K 6 million for construction of Yogi Kyaungsaungs; U Kyi Myo-Daw Kyi
Kyi Lwin and family of Anawrahta Street in Lanmadaw Township K 4 million for
Kyaungsaungs; and U Maung Tin-Daw Nyo and family and U Thein Aung-Daw Tin Ei
and family of U Wisara Housing Estate in Dagon Township K 3 million for the
pagoda. The Secretary-1 accepted the donations. Afterwards, U Lin Kyi-Daw Mya
Mya Thin and family (USA) presented K 2.5 million for construction of Yogi
Kyaungsaungs; Maj Than Win Htut-Daw Su Su Tint and family of Shwe Hninzi Lane
5, Mayangon Township, U Tint Lwin-Daw Pwint Mar Khaing and family of Thanlwin
Street in Kamayut Township, and U Min Lwin and family of 50th Street in
Pazundaung Township K 2 million each; Daw Shu Thin of Latha Township, U Yu
Hsay-Daw Kyin Aye (Family Brokerage House) and family of Yaytamabin Street,
Bayintnaung, Daw Kyin Myint and family of 18st Street, Latha Township, U Tin
Soe-Daw Khin Tint and family of Pinlon Yeikmon, Thingangyun Township, Daw
Kyin Nu and family of Lanmadaw Street, and U Thein Myint-Daw Aye Yee and
family of Wingabar Street in Bahan Township K 1.6 million each; U Tin Nyunt
(Htoo Brokerage House)-Daw Kyin Ho and family of Bayintnaung Brokerage House
K 1,542,540; U Thein Han-Daw Khin Nyunt and family of Kandawkalay, Mingala
Taungnyunt Township, Capt U Nyi Nyi-Daw San San and family of Maha Bodhi
Street in Kyaukgon, U Myint Thein-Daw San Aye and family of Ye, U Tun
Shwe-Daw San Yu Maw and family of Asin Village, Ye, and U Thein Aung-Daw Aye
Aye Moe and family of Thudatthana Street, Kyaukmyaung, Tamway Township, K 1
million each; U Zeya Pwint-Daw Mu Mu Maung and family of Hledan Road,
Lanmadaw Township, K 300,000 for the trust fund, and U Than Htut-Daw Myint
Myint Khin and family of Botahtaung Township K 235,000 for reinforced steel
work and water pipes; U Tin Oo-Daw Than Nwe and family of Htidan Street,
Kyimyindine Township, Dr Zaw Min-Daw Thuzar Kyaw and family, Daw Khin Hnin
and family of Golden Coin + 777 Plastic String Workshop in Hline Township,
and U Tin Tun-Daw Aye Myint and family of 5th Street, Lanmadaw Township, K
200,000 for sodium lamp posts to the ministers.

Vice-Chairman of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee Thayettaw Sayadaw
Agga Maha Pandita Bhaddanta Kesara delivered a sermon. The Secretary-1 and
party, donors and those present shared merits gained. The Secretary-1
performed rituals of golden and silver showers to mark the completion of the
ceremony. The one-storey Pantint Yadana Soonsarkyaung was built at a cost of
K 27 million by late Major Pan Kyaing and wife Daw Khin Tint and late son
lieutenant Myint Tin of 29th Street in Pabedan Township. The Secretary-1
inspected scale model of Lopyae Ayechantha Pagoda and the site for
construction of the pagoda and Dhammayon under construction.
__________________________

( 4 ) Secretary-1 inspects construction of Mindhamma Hill, Bagan Cybertech
Teleport Centre, MICT Park

Yangon, 22 Dec- Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen
Khin Nyunt, accompanied by officials of the State Peace and Development
Council Office, arrived at Mindhamma Hill where Lawka Chantha Abhaya Labha
Muni Image is kept, in Insein Township, this morning.

 The Secretary-1 and party were welcomed there by ministers, deputy
ministers, officials, scholars and members of the Pagoda Board of Trustees.
First, the Secretary-1 paid obeisance to the Buddha Image. Then, the
Secretary-1 inspected completion of the glass hall in which the Lawka Chantha
Abhaya Labha Muni Image is kept. The officials reported on completion of the
hall. The Secretary-1 then inspected the Seinbudaw to be fixed at Thanlyin
Padagyi Pagoda and the golden Seinbudaw and Hngetmyat-nadaw to be fixed at
Bago Kyaikpadaing Shwedagonlay Pagoda. Afterwards, the Secretary-1 inspected
all-round construction of Mindhamma Hill and religious edifices and gave
necessary instructions.

The Secretary-1 and party proceeded to the construction site of Yadana White
Elephant's Garden near the hill. Deputy Minister for Science and Technology U
Nyi Hla Nge and Deputy Chief Engineer (Architect) U Aung Kyee Myint of Public
Works reported on arrangements for construction of the white elephant house
with the aid of charts. The Secretary-1 gave necessary instructions. Next,
the Secretary-1 viewed the Yadana White Elephant. Then, the Secretary-1
accepted K 3,650,000 to be used for the food of the Yadana White Elephant for
2002 donated by Chairman of Shwe Thanlwin Co U Kyaw Win and wife Daw Nang
Mauk Laung Hsai. The Secretary-1 inspected progress of construction of the
white elephant house and the garden, and left necessary instructions.

After that, the Secretary-1 and party arrived at the construction site of
Bagan Cybertech Teleport Centre in Hline Township. First, Chairman of Myanmar
Computer Science Development Council Secretary-1 of the State Peace and
Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt heard reports on completion of
buildings for Myanmar Information and Communication Technology Park (MICT
Park) and efforts being made for opening of the park in time by Managing
Director U Tin Win Aung of MCC Co, Managing Director U Aung Zaw Myint of
Winner Co and Managing Director U Thein Oo of Ace Data System and
arrangements for opening ceremony of the MICT Park building by Managing
Director U Thaung Tin of KMD Co.

 Lt-Col Tin Oo of the Ministry of Defence also reported on completion of
Bagan Cybertech Teleport Centre, arrival of machines to be installed at the
centre and test running of it and preparation for opening of the centre. The
ministers and the deputy ministers briefed the Secretary-1 on matters related
to their sectors. Afterwards, the Secretary-1 attended to their needs and
urged departments concerned and technicians to make efforts and study in
development of information and communication technologies continuously.

Then, the Secretary-1 inspected progress in construction of Bagan Cybertech
Teleport Centre, arrival of machines for the centre, completion of
installation tasks and test running. The Secretary-1 also inspected
completion of MICT Park and beautifying of its environs and gave necessary
instructions to officials. After that, the Secretary-1 proceeded to Buddhist
Missionary Chan Tet Thang Vegetarian Ngapathila Temple on Pyay Road in
Kamayut Township and inspected construction tasks at the temple.
__________________________

( 5 )  Pre-Christmas Worship and Fellowship Dinner of Myanmar Council of
Churches held

Yangon, 22 Dec- Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen
Khin Nyunt attended the Pre-Christmas Worship and Fellowship Dinner of
Myanmar Christian Council of Churches on the lawns of Office of Archbishop of
Myanmar Christian Council of Churches on Pyidaungsu Yeiktha Road in Dagon
Township at 6.30 pm today and extended Christmas greetings.

Also present were the ministers, Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and
Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Brig-Gen Myint Swe, the
deputy ministers, senior military officers of the Ministry of Defence,
officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, departmental
heads, Chairman of Myanmar Christian Council of Churches General Secretary of
Myanmar Bible Society Rev Saw Mar Gay Gyi, the chairman and members, members
of the board, Archbishop of Yangon Catholic Church Gabriel T Mahn Gaby,
officials of religious organizations, guests and Christians.

 First, Methodist Church (Upper Myanmar) Rev Daw Moe Moe Ei asked for
blessings. Then, General Secretary of Myanmar Christian Council of Churches
Rev U Smith Ngul Za Tawn gave an introductory speech. Next, Chairman of
Myanmar Christian Council of Churches General Secretary of Myanmar Bible
Society Rev Saw Mar Gay Gyi extended Christmas greetings. Next, Patron of
Public Relations Committee of Myanmar Christian Council of Churches Chairman
of Myanmar Baptist Council Rev U Tha Din asked for blessings.

 Then, the Secretary-1 delivered an address. He said he enjoyed peace full of
Mingala and metta (loving- kindness) in the Union of Myanmar together with
the national races who are Christians at the ceremony to mark the
Pre-Christmas Worship in reverence of Jesus Christ who brought
loving-kindness and peace to the world.

He said he believed that strengthening of solidarity among the national races
in peaceful and pleasant Myanmar and harmonious cooperation for national
development are the noble teachings of the respective religions including
Christian. Every religion teaches the people to have loving-kindness,
compassion, forgiveness and unity that will bring about the interests of the
society and it gives noble power that can uplift the moral of individuals,
purity of mind and nobility throughout one's lives, he said.  The State Peace
and Development Council is making efforts for emergence of a peaceful,
modern, developed nation in unity, he said. In efforts to possess
qualifications of the citizens and to strengthen solidarity among the
national races, understanding and people have restored among the national
people, he added.

This is why, he said, in the Union of Myanmar, Christian, Islam, Hinduism and
Buddhism have been flourishing in the course of long Myanma history. By law,
all national races respect the freedom of religion of others socially or
culturally and understand the preservation of one's culture and customs with
high esteem. It is the significant fact of the Union, he said. Therefore, he
said, the government is preserving that significant fact and today all
religions have flourished in the Union. All the national races can now
practically enjoy solidarity with loving kindness and peace with equality
among them. In the course of the long history of Myanmar, national races have
been living together through thick and thin and with mutual understanding and
amity. This is the essence of the Union. So all the national races are
required to continue maintaining the tradition of keeping this essence in
perpetuity.

The efforts of Christian leaders to ensure peace and suspiciousness and to
perpetuate stability, peace and unity in the Union have been recorded in the
history of the Union. Not only do these efforts contribute to the peace of
the Union and interests of the entire national people, but they also amounts
to following the religious teachings. In fact, only when the Union where
national brethren have been living in amity and unity for a long time is
peaceful, pleasant and rich, will peace, prosperity and unity flourish among
the national races born in the Union. Therefore, the government is working
for the development of all the national races and the Union.

 All the national races need to live with a sense of mutual understanding and
forgiveness and in unity by following their respective religious teachings.
As a result, the Union blanketed with loving-kindness, loyalty and four
cardinal virtues will be able to stand tall in the world. The Secretary-1
requested the gathering to wish the Union being filled with blessings, peace
and prosperity, loving-kindness and forgiveness. In conclusion, the
Secretary-1 said, "May you all be able to enter the threshold of the New Year
with new strengths! May all the Union-born national races be able to work
hard with firm Union Spirit in maintaining the already-achieved stability,
peace and tranquillity, unity and loving-kindness in the Union of Myanmar.
Then, the Myanmar Churches Council presented religious songs. Later, Rev Saw
Mergeygyi presented gifts to the Secretary-1.

___________________________

( 6 ) 11th ASEAN Senior Police Officers Coordination Course concludes

Yangon, 22 Dec- The 11th ASEAN Senior Police Officers Coordination Course
concluded at the Drug Elimination Museum at the corner of Hanthawady and
Kyundaw Roads in Kamayut Township this afternoon. Director-General of Myanmar
Police Force Police Maj-Gen Soe Win gave a speech and presented certificates
to the trainee senior police officers. Also present were police
brigadier-generals, senior police officers, officials of the Supreme Court,
the Attorney-General's Office, Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Foreign
Affairs, Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement, Ministry of
Education, Ministry of Immigration and Population, Ministry of Health,
Ministry of Finance and Revenue, Myanma Computer Co and Myanmar
Anti-Narcotics Association and instructors.

A total of 22 trainees  16 police lieutenant-colonels including police
brigadier-general of Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, the
Philippines, Singapore and Thailand and six police colonels of Myanmar
attended the course opened at the Central Police Training School of MPF in
PyinOoLwin on 12 December. The instructors gave lectures on subjects about
ASEAN to the trainees. This morning, ASEAN police officers visited the
Shwedagon Pagoda, the Drug Elimination Museum and the Criminal Investigation
Department. In the evening, the director-general of MPF hosted a dinner in
their honour. ASEAN police officers will leave for their respective countries
tomorrow.

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Official arrives back from Thailand

Yangon, 22 Dec - Director-General of the Information and Public Relations
Department under the Ministry of Information U Chit Naing, who had attended
the workshop on drug elimination in worksite of Asia region held in Bangkok,
Thailand, arrived back here by air this evening.

The director-general was welcomed back at Yangon International Airport by
Deputy Minster for Information Brig-Gen Aung Thein, Director-General of
Myanma Radio and Television U Khin Maung Htay, Managing Director of the News
and Periodicals Enterprise U Tin Kha, Managing Director of the Printing and
Publishing Enterprise U Myint Thein, Managing Director of the Motion Picture
Enterprise U Bo Kyi, Deputy Director-General of IPRD U Aung Hsan, and
departmental officials.

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Military attaches tour regions of North-West and Central Commands

Yangon, 22 Dec-Military attach's and their families, led by Head of
Department of the Office of the Chief of Military Intelligence Col Thein Swe
and Dean of Military Attach's Military Attache of Lao People's Democratic
Republic Col Phanh Sonephachanh and accompanied by senior military officers
of the Ministry of Defence, arrived at Bagan-NyaungU Airport by special
Tatmadaw aircraft on 20 December morning. They were welcomed there by
Tactical Operations Commander Col Thein Hlaing and wife, senior military
officers and departmental officials. They visited Arnanda Pagoda, the
Archaeological Museum and the Lacquerware Institute. In the afternoon, they
proceeded to the Popa Park and Popa flat-topped hill. In the evening, they
viewed lacquerwares of U Ba Nyein Lacquerware Industry in Bagan-NyaungU.

On 21 December morning, they left Bagan-NyaungU by special Tatmadaw aircraft
for Mandalay, where they were welcomed by wife of Maj-Gen Ye Myint of the
Ministry of Defence Dr Daw Tin Lay Myint, wives of senior military officers
and departmental officials. Then, they proceeded to Maha Muni Pagoda in
Mandalay and paid obeisance to the pagoda and made cash donations.
Afterwards, they proceeded to Hsutaungpyi Pagoda on Mandalay Hill and paid
obeisance to the pagoda and made cash donations. They enjoyed view of the
scenery of Mandalay from the Mandalay Hill. They then looked round the gold
embroidery workshop of U Sein Myint and Myanan Sankyaw Golden Palace.

The military attaches played a goodwill golf tournament together with Deputy
Commander Brig-Gen Nay Win and senior military officers at Mandalay
Yedagun-taung Golf Course. In the evening, the Central Command hosted a
dinner at Tatmadaw Guest House in the compound of Mandalay Palace. Next,
Deputy Commander Brig-Gen Nay Win and Col Phanh Sonephachanh exchanged gifts.
Then, they headed for Sagaing in the area of North-West Command, where they
were welcomed by Deputy Commander of North-West Command Brig-Gen Soe Myint
and wife, senior military officers and departmental officials this morning.
They were conducted round SoonU Ponnyashin Pagoda, Yaza-manisula Kaunghmu-daw
Pagoda and U Ba Hmin Family's silverware industry. They left Mandalay for
Yangon by special Tatmadaw aircraft and arrived back here in the evening.
They were welcomed at Yangon International Airport by Vice-Chief of Military
Intelligence Maj-Gen Kyaw Win and senior military officers.
___________________________

to be continued ...