The New Light of Myanmar (Monday, 24 December, 2001)

[Okkar66126@xxxxxxx]

The New Light of Myanmar (Monday, 24 December, 2001)
--------------------------------
1. Secretary-1 attends Buddha relics conveying ceremony
   in Taunggyi Township
2. Secretary-1 inspects agricultural tasks of PaO Peace
   Group in Hsaikkhaung region
3. MMCWA officials meet Patrons of State and Division MCW
   Supervisory Committees
4. - Dinner hosted to military attaches and wives
   - Pankham Village in Muse Township tube well handed over
5. - Korean Traditional Art Group performs
   - Work co-ordination meeting of DAD continues
6. - Work coord meeting of NPED held
   - Minister inspects dam construction in Hlegu
7. Traditional Medicine and Medical Equipment Exhibition
   continues
8. - Respects paid to doyen literati
   - USDA CEC member tours Seikkyi-Khanaungto, Dalla
9. First MNOC Chairman's Trophy Open Soccer Tournament
   continues

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( 1 ) Secretary-1 attends Buddha relics conveying ceremony in Taunggyi
Township

Yangon, 23 Dec- Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen
Khin Nyunt left here for Heho Airport in Kalaw Township, Shan State (South),
by Tatmadaw aircraft this morning. The Secretary-1 was accompanied by members
of the State Peace and Development Council Maj-Gen Aung Htwe and Maj-Gen
Maung Bo of the Ministry of Defence, Chairman of Shan State Peace and
Development Council Commander of Eastern Command Brig-Gen Khin Maung Myint,
the ministers, the Chief of Staff (Navy), the Chief of Staff (Air), the
deputy ministers, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office
and heads of department. On arrival at the airport, the Secretary-1 and party
were welcomed by Deputy Commander of Eastern Command Col Myint Aung,
Commandant of Command and General Staff College Col Nyan Win and senior
military officers and departmental officials.

Then, the Secretary-1 and party proceeded to Ketku Village in Taunggyi
Township by helicopter to attend the ceremony to convey the Buddha relics
from Sri Lanka which will be kept at Mwedaw Ketku Hsu-taungpyi Asoka Pagoda,
the ceremony to mark the successful completion of all-round renovation of
Mwedaw Ketku Hsutaungpyi Asoka Pagoda by Buddhist Golden Temple Sayadaw
Venerable Shi Fa Zhao of Singapore and the ceremony to share merits gained
for good deeds done by local national people.

They were welcomed by Tactical Operations Commander Col Han Myint, member of
Shan State Peace and Development Council Commissioner of Shan State General
Administration Department U Ye Naing, departmental officials, PaO national
race leaders of Special Region-6 of Shan State (South) and PaO nationals.
Also present on the occasion were PaO nationals from Taunggyi District and
Taunggyi, Hsihseng, Hopong, Pinlaung, Pekhon Townships and pilgrims from
other places. The Buddha relics from Sri Lanka, which were kept at the
Dhammayon in Taunggyi yesterday, were conveyed to Mwedaw Ketku Hsutaungpyi
Asoka Pagoda in Ketku Village, Taunggyi Township.

Sayadaws and members of the Sangha from Taunggyi District of Shan State, Sri
Lanka and Nepal, the Golden Temple Sayadaw of Singapore and members of the
Sangha took part in the relics-conveying procession. Patron of the Committee
for Renovation of Mwedaw Katku Hsutaungpyi Asoka Pagoda PaO national race
leader U Aung Kham Hti and party, wellwishers and local people, the cultural
troupe of Sri Lanka and the PaO cultural dance troupe participated in the
procession. The Buddha relics conveyed by a decorated float arrived at the
pagoda. The Secretary-1 welcomed the procession at the archway of the pagoda,
and conveyed the Buddha relics up to the pagoda.

At the auspicious time, the Secretary-1 formally unveiled the stone
inscription recording all-round renovation of the pagoda. Then, the
Secretary-1 conveyed the Buddha relics around the pagoda clockwise, and
handed them over to U Aung Kham Hti. Later, the Secretary-1 cleansed the
ancient Buddha image kept at the northern stairway of the pagoda. Sayadaws
and members of the Sangha totalling 36 consecrated the Udissa Pagoda and
Buddha images at the four stairways of the pagoda.

Afterwards, the Secretary-1 and party offered soon, water, flowers and lights
to the Buddha images. The Golden Temple Sayadaw presented religious gifts to
the Secretary-1. The Secretary-1 paid homage to the Sayadaws from Sri Lanka,
Nepal and Singapore. A ceremony to plant a Maha Bodhi tree conveyed from Sri
Lanka was held near the northern stairway of the pagoda.

At the auspicious time, the Secretary-1 planted the Maha Bodhi tree. The
Secretary-1 and party and Sayadaws and members of the Sangha sprinkled
scented water on the Maha Bodhi tree. Then, the Secretary-1 paid homage to
Mwedaw Katku Hsutaungpyi Arthawka Pagoda and gave instructions on the upkeep
of the pagoda to the officials. Then, the Secretary-1 had a cordial meeting
with local PaO nationals. The Secretary-1 and party stopped for a while at
the Hlinekun Hotel in Katku Village. The Secretary-1 presented a photo of the
white elephant and gifts to PaO national leader U Aung Kham Hti, who in turn
presented gifts to the Secretary-1.
___________________________

( 2 ) Secretary-1 inspects agricultural tasks of PaO Peace Group in
Hsaikkhaung region

 Yangon, 23 Dec- Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council
Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt and party left for Ruby Dragon Agriculture Camp of PaO
Peace Group of Shan State (South) Special Region-6 in Hsaik-khaung region,
Palawpakei Village-tract, Hsihseng Township, by helicopter this morning after
attending the ceremony to pay obeisance to sacred Buddha relics, which were
conveyed from Sri Lanka and will be kept at ancient historic Mwedaw Ketku
Hsutaung-pyi Arthawka Pagoda in Taunggyi Township, Shan State.

At the briefing hall of the camp, member of the Central Committee of Special
Region-6 PaO Peace Group in-charge of the economic affairs U Nay Win Tun
reported on the location of the Ruby Dragon Agriculture Camp, the obtaining
of the permission for land reclamation and cultivation of crops and condition
of Nanthe agricultural area in Nyaungshwe Township with audio-visual aids.
Then, member of the State Peace and Development Council Maj-Gen Maung Bo
reported on water supply for Ruby Dragon Agriculture Camp.

The Secretary-1 gave instructions on extended cultivation of crops in Ruby
Dragon Agriculture Camp, the growing of pepper which can earn foreign
exchange, cultivation of Thithseint trees, belleric myrobalan, which yield
edible oil and contribute to edible oil sufficiency of the country. The
Secretary-1 called for distribution of crops, seed and agricultural
technology which contribute to the economic interest of local people. Then,
the Secretary-1 and party inspected thriving papaya, banana and orange tree
plantations.

 Afterwards, in-charge of the economic affairs U Nay Win Tun and officials
reported on the condition of production of sunflower, maize, potato,
buckwheat and paddy to the Secretary-1 and party. Ruby Dragon Agriculture
Camp obtained 5,000 acres of land. So far, 1,719 acres of land out of 5,000
acres have been reclaimed. Paddy, maize, buckwheat, sugarcane, orange, lime,
mango, pomelo, djenkol bean, avocado, pear, banana and potato trees are
thriving on the reclaimed land. Of them, potato and dyeing trees are thriving
very well. PaO Peace Group also obtained 300 acres of land to be reclaimed in
Nanthe agricultural area in Nyaungshwe Township, and various kinds of crops
are thriving on the reclaimed land.

The Secretary-1 and party inspected plantations and thriving crops at the
agriculture camps and then proceeded to Konlon Pariyatti Sarthintaik in
Pindaya Township where they were welcomed by departmental officials,
personnel and local people. Then, the Secretary-1 and party paid homage to
State Ovadanariya Abhidhaja Agga Maha Saddhammajotika Konlon Sayadaw
Bhaddanta Tejaniya at Konlon Sasana Beikmandaw.

 The Secretary-1 enquired health of Konlon Sayadaw and donated provisions to
the Sayadaw. Afterwards, members of the State Peace and Development Councils,
the commander, ministers and deputy ministers offered donations to the
Sayadaw. Next, the Secretary-1 and party went to Heho Airport by helicopter.
They left there by Tatmadaw aircraft and arrived back here in the evening.
___________________________

( 3 ) MMCWA officials meet Patrons of State and Division MCW Supervisory
Committees

 Yangon, 23 Dec-Members of the Central Executive Committee of Myanmar
Maternal and Child Welfare Association met the patrons of State and Division
Maternal and Child Welfare Supervisory Committees at the multi-purpose
building of MMCWA at the corner of Thanthuma Road and Parami Road in South
Okkalapa Township this morning. Present were Chairperson of MMCWA Professor
Daw Kyu Kyu Swe, Vice-Chairperson Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe, executives of MMCWA
and the patrons of State and Division MCW Supervisory Committees. Chairperson
of MMCWA Professor Daw Kyu Kyu Swe explained matters related to the
organizational setup and activities of MMCWA. Vice-Chairperson Dr Daw Khin
Win Shwe also explained measures taken by MMCWA and rules and regulations of
the association. The chairperson and the vice-chairperson replied to queries
raised by those present.
__________________________

( 4 ) Dinner hosted to military attaches and wives

Yangon, 23 Dec - Vice-Chief of Military Intelligence of the Ministry of
Defence hosted a dinner in honour of military attach's to Malaysia and their
wives led by Military AttachŽ of the Republic of Korea to Malaysia Brig-Gen
Oh Won Yong and wife, who are currently on a study visit in Myanmar, at the
Karaweik Palace, Kandawgyi, at 7 pm today. Also present were heads and deputy
heads of department of the Office of Chief of Military Intelligence and their
wives,Military Attache of embassies in Myanmar and their wives led by Dean of
Military Attaches Military Attaches of the Lao People's Democratic Republic
Col Phanh Sonephachanh and wife and officials.

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Pankham Village in Muse Township tube well handed over

Yangon, 23 Dec - A ceremony to hand over a 4-inch tube well and a brick tank
with a capacity of 3,000 gallons, which were carried out by Muse Township
Development Affairs Committee in the fiscal year 2001-2002 for availability
of pure drinking water in rural areas, took place at the archway in front of
Pankham Village on 19 December. Executive Officer U Khin Maung Oo of Muse
Township Development Affairs Committee spoke on the occasion. Then, Director
U Tin Aung of Shan State (North) Development Affairs Committee, Member-1 of
Muse District Peace and Development Council District Commissioner U Thaung
and Chairman of Pankham Village Peace and Development Council U Mauk Kham
Saing formally opened the tube well. The tube well was dug by Muse Township
Development Affairs Committee at a cost of K 1,290,000 and it will be able to
sufficiently supply pure drinking water to one hundred houses in Pankham
Village.

__________________________

( 5 ) Korean Traditional Art Group performs

 Yangon, 23 Dec- Under the cultural cooperation programme between the Union
of Myanmar and the Republic of Korea and to celebrate the upcoming 2002 FIFA
World Cup (Korea/Japan), the Korean Traditional Art Group presented
entertainment programme under the arrangement of the Embassy of the Republic
of Korea at the National Theatre on Myoma Kyaung Street at 6.30 pm today.

Present on the occasion were Minister for Culture U Tin Winn, Minister for
Sports Brig-Gen Thura Aye Myint, Deputy Minister for Finance and Revenue
Brig-Gen Than Tun, Deputy Minister for Culture U Soe Nyunt, departmental
heads, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea Mr Chung Jung-gum and wife,
ambassadors of foreign embassies in Myanmar and their wives, Chairman of
Korean Association in Myanmar Mr Kim Kwon-Soo and guests. The Seoul Chongdong
Theatre Art Group of Korea presented an entertainment programme. After the
performance, Minister U Tin Winn and Ambassador Chung Jung-gum presented
baskets of flowers to the Art Group.

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Work co-ordination meeting of DAD continues

Yangon, 23 Dec - The work coordination meeting of the Department of
Development Affairs of the Ministry of Progress of Border Areas and National
Races and Development Affairs and State/Division Development Affairs
Departments continued for the second day at the meeting hall of the
department in Botahtaung Township this morning. Deputy Minister U Kyaw Tin
attended the meeting and gave instructions on work of development affairs. At
the meeting, projects of rural bridges, supply of water and financial matters
were discussed. Directors of the Department of Development Affairs
(Headquarters) made a general round of discussions. Then, Deputy
Director-General U Mya Nyein discussed the tasks of the development affairs
departments. After that, Director-General Col Myo Myint gave instructions on
future tasks and the meeting came to a close at 2 pm.
___________________________

( 6 ) Work coord meeting of NPED held

 Yangon, 23 Dec - The third four-monthly work coordination meeting for 2001
of the Ministry of National Planning and Economic Development was held at the
National Archives Department on Pyidaungsu Yeiktha Road this afternoon.
Minister for NPED U Soe Tha attended the meeting. The directors-general of
departments under the ministry reported on the work carried out from April to
November 2001. Then, the heads of State/Division Planning Departments
reported on the work done in respective states/divisions during the same
period, preparations for future tasks and working programmes.
Director-General Dr Sein Tin of the Central Statistics Organization and
Director-General Daw Than Nwe of the Planning Department gave additional
reports. Afterwards, the minister made a concluding speech. The meeting came
to a close in the evening.

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Minister inspects dam construction in Hlegu

Yangon, 23 Dec-Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin,
departmental officials and members of Yangon Division Agriculture
Coordination Committee arrived at the construction site of Kalihtaw Dam on
Kalihtaw Creek in Hlegu Township this morning. Director of Yangon Division
Irrigation Department U Kyaw Thein reported on construction of the dam for
supply of water to the plantations of Nyaunghnapin special zone near
Pyinmadaw Village, five miles north of Nyaunghnapin vegetable cultivation and
poultry farming special zones 1, 2 and 3 at the border of Hlegu and Hmawby
Townships and earth work, water storage capacity and acres of land to be
irrigated.

Director-General of Irrigation Department U Kyaw San Win reported on
irrigating to vegetable special zones through the canal of Ngamoeyeik
Reservoir, arrangements for irrigation from Kalihtaw Dam and water supply
from sluice gates beginning January.

The minister inspected the map showing the construction site and gave
instructions to make feasibility survey for increasing water storage capacity
in addition to existing 18,500 acre-ft and cultivation of perennial crops in
the regions in future. The minister inspected the construction of the main
dam with the use of heavy machinery and construction of sluice gates.

The minister and party inspected Nyaunghnapin vegetable cultivation and
poultry farming zones, plantations of Myanma Farms Enterprise, farm produce
and growing of mushroom. Managing Director of MFE U San Myint and officials
reported on works. The minister and party went to the plantation of Myanma
Agriculture Enterprise of Nyaunghnapin vegetable cultivation and poultry
farming zones and inspected control of pests, farm produce and reproduction
through tissue culture. MES Managing Director U Tun Than and general managers
reported on works. The ministers gave instructions on vegetable cultivation
and future tasks.
___________________________

( 7 ) Traditional Medicine and Medical Equipment Exhibition continues

Yangon, 23 Dec - The Second Traditional Medicine and Medical Equipment
Exhibition sponsored by Traditional Medicine Department under the Ministry of
Health continued for the ninth day today at the Tatmadaw Convention Centre on
U Wizara Road here this morning. The exhibition was packed with departmental
officials, monks and the public. At the booth of the Ministry of Forestry,
herbal plants and their habitats were shown and it was crowded with people.
Booths of Saya Maung traditional medicine, Great Wall embrocation (spray),
Mya Akari lotion, Tun Shwe War traditional medicine, traditional medicine
from Nawin Medical House of Sayagyi U Ngwe Soe and others were on display at
the exhibition. The exhibition continues till 28 December and admission is
free. Teams and organizations wishing to visit the exhibition may call 245596
in advance so that the committee for organizing the exhibition will be able
to conduct them around the exhibition.
___________________________

( 8 )   Respects paid to doyen literati

 Yangon, 23 Dec -Led by Chairman of the Myanmar Writers and Journalists
Association U Hla Myaing (Ko Hsaung), Vice-Chairman-1 U Tin Kha (Tekkatho Tin
Kha), Joint-Secretary U Myint Kywe (Maung Myint Kywe), central executive
committee member U Khin Swe (Shwe Sun Nyo) and Joint-Secretary of Fund
Raising Committee U Soe Shein (Maung Soe Htaik-Thonze) paid respects and
presented K 50,000 and gifts to Sayagyi U Htin Phat (Maung Htin) who could
not attend the Sarsodaw Day (1363 ME) and the ceremony to pay respects to
doyen literati organized by MWJA, at the home of the writer on 4th street,
Myothit Ward in Insein Township, Yangon Division yesterday. Then, U Htin Pha
donated K 20,000 to the fund for unhealthy literati and Chairman U Hla Myaing
(Ko Hsaung) and Vice-Chairman-1 U Tin Kha (Tekkatho Tin Kha) accepted the
donation and spoke words of thanks.

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USDA CEC member tours Seikkyi-Khanaungto, Dalla

Yangon, 23 DecÑCEC member of the Union Solidarity and Development Council Col
Maung Pa and officials inspected development works in Seikkyi-Khanaungto
Township this morning. CEC member Col Maung Pa paid obeisance to Nayaka
Sayadaw Bhaddanta Sobhita of Dhammapiti Kyaungtaik and presented offertories
to the Sayadaw. The USDA CEC member met members of Township and Ward Peace
and Development Councils, departmental officials, secretary of Township USDA
and executives and members, organizers, members of social associations and
local people.

 Local people reported on rural development. The USDA CEC member fulfilled
the requirements. Secretary of Yangon Division USDA U Aye Myint presented K
500,000 for Township regional health centre, Dhammapiti Kyaungtaik, Basic
Education School and social associations. Vice-Chairman of Yangon City
Development Committee Vice-Mayor Col Maung Pa met service personnel of
Township Development Committee office. The vice-chairman inspected
construction of roundabout and development works. The USDA CEC member also
met Chairman of Dalla Township and Ward Peace and Development Councils and
members, departmental officials, secretary of Township USDA and executives
and members, organizers, members of social associations and local people.
___________________________

( 9 ) First MNOC Chairman's Trophy Open Soccer Tournament continues

Yangon, 23 Dec- The First Myanmar National Olympic Council Chairman's Trophy
Open Soccer Tournament for 2001 continued at the Youth Training Centre at 3
pm today. In the first match, Yangon City Development Committee team beat
Agriculture & Irrigation team 4-0. Myat Min Oo of YCDC won the man of the
match award. In the second match, Home Affairs (A) team thrashed Banner team
4-1. Win Htaik of Home Affairs (A) won the man of the match award. On 24
December afternoon, Energy (Yaynan) team will play against Sagaing Division
team in the first match and Defence team against Forestry team in the second
match.

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