The New Light of Myanmar (Tuesday, 25 December, 2001)

[Okkar66126@xxxxxxx]

The New Light of Myanmar (Tuesday, 25 December, 2001)
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1. Senior General Than Shwe inspects Second Traditional
   Medicine and Medical Equipment Exhibition
2. Donations in cash and kind to rural area water supply
   tasks and primary health care
3. - Stakes driven for building 200-ton Bleached Pulp
     Factory Project (Thabaung)
   - Sibinthayayay Bank Ltd holds annual general meeting
4. - Work coordinated to organize Myanmar-Thailand Friendship
     Trade Fair-2002
   - F & R Minister receives Japanese guest
5. - Ministry of Rail Transportation holds 2nd, 3rd
     four-monthly coord meeting
   - Ministry of Health holds 2nd, 3rd four-monthly
     coord meeting
6. - 87 ticals of gold donated to Shwedagon Pagoda
   - Basic Pathan Sermon of Maha Gandayon Sayadaw put on
     Website
7. Merry Christmas
8. - Traditional Medicine and Medical Equipment Exhibition
     continues
   - Open Soccer Tournament continues
9. Narcotic drug eradication launched with added momentum
   at Laukkai region

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( 1 ) Senior General Than Shwe inspects Second Traditional Medicine and
Medical Equipment Exhibition

Yangon, 24 Dec- Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council
Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Than Shwe inspected the
Second Traditional Medicine and Medical Equipment Exhibition organized by the
Traditional Medicine Department of the Ministry of Health at the Tatmadaw
Convention Hall on U Wisara Road this afternoon. Accompanied by Vice-Chairman
of the State Peace and Development Council Deputy Commander-in-Chief of
Defence Services Commander-in-Chief (Army) General Maung Aye, Secretary-1 of
the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt, members of the
State Peace and Development Council, the Commander-in-Chief (Navy), the
Commander-in-Chief (Air) and officials of the State Peace and Development
Council Office, the Senior General arrived at the Tatmadaw Convention Hall at
4 pm today.

The Senior General and party were welcomed there by ministers, deputy
ministers, departmental heads, members of the Traditional Medicine Council
and officials. Next, the Senior General and party inspected the central booth
and booths of the Traditional Medicine Department, private traditional
medicine producers and entrepreneurs at the exhibition. Afterwards, the
Senior General and party viewed and inspected the traditional medicine
research booth of the Medical Research Department (Lower Myanmar), booths of
the Ministry of Forestry, the Ministry of Industry-1 and the Ministry of
Agriculture and Irrigation and traditional medicine booths of private
entrepreneurs. The officials reported matters related to the exhibition.
Then, the Senior General left the Tatmadaw Convention Hall after visiting the
Second Traditional Medicine and Medical Equipment Exhibition for about an
hour.
___________________________

( 2 ) Donations in cash and kind to rural area water supply tasks and primary
health care

Yangon, 24 Dec- Chairman of the National Health Committee Secretary-1 of the
State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt attended the cash
donation ceremony for rural area water supply tasks and health care at the
Tatmadaw Guest House on Inya Road this morning. Also present were ministers,
the vice-chief of military intelligence, deputy ministers, the director of
medical services, senior officers of the Ministry of Defence, officials of
the State Peace and Development Council Office, heads of department, guests
and wellwishers from companies. Wellwisher Mr Toru Kobayashi of Utopia
International, Japan, explained the purpose of the donation.

The Secretary-1 accepted US $ 50,000 donated by Mr Toru Kobayashi and U Min
Min Aung of Silver Wave Trading Ltd of Japan. The Secretary-1 handed over US
$ 40,000 to be used for rural area water supply tasks to Minister for
Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs Col Thein
Nyunt and US $ 10,000 for rural area health care services to Chairperson of
Myanmar Maternal and Child Welfare Association Professor Daw Kyu Kyu Swe.
Then, the Secretary-1 accepted 20 blood circulation devices (MH SHALU) and 20
mini-blood circulation devices worth K 3.72 million donated to the National
Health Committee by Director U Khin Maung Kyaw and Managing Director Daw Ni
and family of Fame Hotel and Trade Co and Ngwe Zin Oo Fitness Centre and
2,900 clothes of various kinds valued at US $ 17,000 to be used in providing
social assistance by Directors of Myanmar Glogon Co Ltd Mr JW Ryu and Daw
Khine Mi Mi Win. Afterwards, the Secretary-1 thanked the well-wishers.

He said that Utopia International, Japan, and Silver Wave Trading Ltd donated
US $ 20,000 for the first time. US $ 10,000 each was handed over to
respective departments to be used for the water supply tasks of Anya region
and for the primary health care of rural people. Out of US $ 50,000 donated
again today, US $ 40,000 has been handed over to the Ministry of Progress of
Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs to be used in
supplying water to villages in Magway, Mandalay and Sagaing Divisions and
border areas, and US $ 10,000 to Myanmar Maternal and Child Welfare
Association to be used in providing primary health care to rural people.
Therefore, the department and the association concerned need to realize the
purpose of the donation.

The government and wellwishers have been cooperating in undertaking water
supply tasks in over 3,000 villages out of over 12,000 villages in Magway,
Mandalay and Sagaing Divisions in the dry arid zone and over 8,000 villages
in border areas. Wellwishers are making donations, and arrangements are being
made to carry out water supply tasks in over 17,000 remaining villages. With
the use of donations, water supply tasks can be carried out and primary
health care provided. As a result, rural people will be healthy and have
peace of mind. Similarly, Fame Hotel and Trade Co and Ngwe Zin Oo Fitness
Centre donated blood circulation devices worth over K 3.7 million for the
second time to be used in providing health care services to the people. The
devices donated for the first time were distributed to the Traditional
Medicine Hospital, People's Hospitals and Defence Services General Hospitals,
and with the use of these devices, effective treatment can be given to
patients. Blood circulation devices donated today will be distributed to
remaining hospitals.

The Secretary-1 said that whenever he goes to border areas, he donates warm
clothes and other clothing to national people in border areas. Well-wishers
also donate clothes. The clothes donated by Myanmar Glogon Co Ltd will also
be presented to national people in border areas. Requirements for development
of border areas and national races are being fulfilled, which will contribute
to the flourishing of national solidarity and Union Spirit. Then, the
Secretary-1 inspected the donations and had a cordial meeting with the
wellwishers.
___________________________

( 3 ) Stakes driven for building 200-ton Bleached Pulp Factory Project
(Thabaung)

Yangon, 24 Dec- A ceremony to drive stakes for the 200-ton Bleached Pulp
Factory Project (Thabaung) of Myanma Paper and Chemical Industries of the
Ministry of Industry-1 was held at the project site in Hlegyitet Village,
Thabaung Township, west bank of Ngawun River, Ayeyawady Division, this
morning. Present on the occasion were Minister for Industry-1 U Aung Thaung,
Managing Director U Than Shwe of MPCI and officials, Economic and Commercial
Counsellor Mr Jin Honggen and staff of the Chinese Embassy, President Mr Ma
Yan Li and party of China Metallurgical Construction (Group) Corporation of
the People's Republic of China, military and civilian officers, members of
Township Union Solidarity and Development Association and division and
township level departmental officials.

At 8.10 am, Minister U Aung Thaung and departmental heads and President Mr Ma
Yan Li and party of China Metallurgical Construction (Group) Corporation
drove the stakes of the factory. In his address, Minister U Aung Thaung said
the 200-ton Bleached Pulp Factory Project (Thabaung) is a largest one in
Myanmar. The factory will be built with the aims of meeting the paper needs
of the country, substituting the import and earning the foreign exchange from
export products of the factory. Similarly, projects are being implemented to
built new paper mills in Shan and Rakhine States, Mandalay, Sagaing,
Taninthayi and Bago Divisions.

He urged officials of China Metallurgical Construction (Group) Corporation
and Myanmar side to implement project tasks as quickly as possible. Then,
Economic and Commercial Counsellor Mr Jin Honggen spoke on the occasion. Mr
Ma Yan Li also spoke words of thanks. The 200-ton Bleached Pulp Factory
Project (Thabaung) will be built on 1,107.37 acres of land near Hlegyitet
Village, Thabaung Township, west bank of Ngawun River, Ayeyawady Division.
The ministry and China Metallurgical Construction (Group) Corporation signed
a contract to import machines from China on 31 August 2000. Afterwards,
Minister U Aung Thaung and guests visited construction tasks in the project
site. All project tasks will be completed in year 2004, it is learnt. After
that, the minister and party proceeded to Glass Factory of Myanma Ceramics
Industries in Pathein. The minister inspected production process of the
factory and gave necessary instructions.

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Sibinthayayay Bank Ltd holds annual general meeting

Yangon, 24 Dec- Annual general meeting for 2000-2001 fiscal year of
Sibinthayayay Bank Ltd, Ministry of Progress of Border Areas and National
Races and Development Affairs was held at the meeting hall of Development
Affairs Department in Botathaung township this morning. It was attended by
Minister for PBANRDA Col Thein Nyunt, Deputy Minister for Finance and Revenue
Brig-Gen Than Tun, Deputy Ministers for PBANRDA U Kyaw Tin and Brig-Gen Than
Tun, the managing director, members of board of directors of Sibinthayayay
Bank Ltd, guests and shareholders. The chairman of board of directors and the
minister made speeches. Managing Director U Myo Win presented report of BOD
and annual accounts. Later, officials answered the queries raised by the
shareholders. The managing director presented K 80 million from the profit of
the bank to Director-General Col Myo Myint of Development Affairs Department
for development work of township development committees of low income. The
meeting then concluded with remarks by the minister.
__________________________

( 4 ) Work coordinated to organize Myanmar-Thailand Friendship Trade
Fair-2002

Yangon, 24 Dec- A coordination meeting on organizing Myanmar-Thailand
Friendship Trade Fair-2002 with the permission of the Ministry of Commerce
under the arrangement of Myanmar-Thailand Cultural and Economic Cooperation
Association and Thai-Myanmar Cultural and Economic Cooperation Association
was held at the ministry this morning. Present were Minister for Commerce
Brig-Gen Pyi Sone, Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan, Chairman of
Myanmar-Thailand Cultural and Economic Cooperation Association Lt-Gen Kyaw
Than (Retired) and officials, heads of department, the president and
officials of the Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and
Industry and guests.

Minister Brig-Gen Pyi Sone made an opening speech. Chairman Lt-Gen Kyaw Than
(Retd) explained promotion of friendship between Myanmar and Thailand.
Director-General of the Directorate of Trade U Nyunt Aye reported on matters
related to the trade fair. Those present took part in the discussions. Deputy
Minister Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan also spoke of economic opportunities which will
result from the trade fair. The meeting ended with concluding remarks by the
minister. The trade fair will be sponsored by Regina International Co Ltd of
Bangkok, Thailand, and will be held at Shan Yoma Departmental Store in
Tachilek, Shan State (East), from 18 to 27 January 2002.

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F & R Minister receives Japanese guest

Yangon, 24 Dec- Minister for Finance and Revenue U Khin Maung Thein received
General Manager of Kinsho Corporation of Japan Mr Takenori Kosaka at his
office at 9 am today. Also present at the call was Governor of the Central
Bank of Myanmar U Kyaw Kyaw Maung.

__________________________


( 5 ) Ministry of Rail Transportation holds 2nd, 3rd four-monthly coord
meeting

Yangon, 24 Dec- The second and third four-monthly coordination meeting of the
Ministry of Rail Transportation for 2001 was held at the ministry this
morning. Present were Minister for Rail Transportation U Pan Aung, Deputy
Ministers Thura U Thaung Lwin and U Pe Than, the managing directors and
directors-general of Myanma Railways, Road Transport, Road Administration
Department, Transport Planning Department, principal of Central Transport and
Communication Training School, advisers, heads of departments and officials
from states and divisions. Minister U Pan Aung said the meeting was held to
undertake the tasks effectively, strong and weak points of the previous
four-monthly meeting are to be reviewed. He also stressed the importance of
management in carrying out the projects during the specific period.

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Ministry of Health holds 2nd, 3rd four-monthly coord meeting

Yangon, 24 Dec - The second and third four-monthly coordiantion meeting of
the Ministry of Health was held at the hall of the Medical Research
Department (Lower Myanmar) on Ziwaka Street in Dagon Township this morning,
with an address by Minister for Health Maj-Gen Ket Sein. Also present on the
occasion were Deputy Minister Prof Dr Kyaw Myint, directors-general, deputy
directors-general, rectors, directors, medical superintendents,
state/division health officers and officials. The minister made a speech.

He said momentum in carrying out public health care tasks with traditional
medicine had increased in accordance with the guidance of the Head of State.
For the development of human resource in carrying out the tasks at rural
areas, it is needed to provide experts and equipment, and for the systematic
development of health care tasks, it is needed to set up self-reliance funds
and to maintain the momentum of progress of cost-sharing health care system,
he added.

Then, Director-General Dr Kyi Soe of the Health Planning Department reported
on the work done by the department, Director Dr Pe Thet Tun of the Foreign
Relations Department of the ministry on cooperation tasks with international
social organizations, Director-General Dr Wan Maung of the Health Department,
Director-General Prof Dr Maung Maung Wint of the Medical Science Department,
Deputy Director-General Dr Soe Thein of the MRD (Lower Myanmar) and
Director-General Dr Myint Lwin of the MRD (Upper Myanmar) on the work done by
the respective departments. Then, Deputy Minister Prof Dr Kyaw Myint made a
speech, and Director-General Prof Dr Thein Swe of the Traditional Medicine
Department reported on the work done by the department. Rectors, central
level and state/division level medical superintendents also submitted
reports. The meeting came to a close with the concluding remarks by the
minister.
___________________________

( 6 ) 87 ticals of gold donated to Shwedagon Pagoda

Yangon, 24 Dec- The 60th gold plates donation of Padindan Aryondaw Wut
Association in Kyimyindine Township to the Shwedagon Pagoda was held at the
Dhammayon of the association in Kyimyindine Township this morning. Present
were Minister for Religious Affairs U Aung Khin, Deputy Minister Brig-Gen
Thura Aung Ko, Deputy Commander of Yangon Command Brig-Gen Hsan Hsint,
Chairman of Yangon West District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Maung
Maung Shein, Director-General of Religious Affairs Department Dr Myo Myint,
guests and donors.

The congregation received the Five Precepts from Ovadacariya Sayadaw of the
association Agga Maha Saddhammajotikadhaja Hman Kyaung Sayadaw Bhaddanta
Panajota. Minister U Aung Khin and Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Thura Aung Ko
presented offertories to the members of the Sangha. Next, wellwishers
presented gold plates weighing 87 ticals worth over K 10 million to Minister
U Aung Khin, Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Thura Aung Ko, Deputy Commander
Brig-Gen Hsan Hsint, Director-General Dr Myo Myint and Chairman Lt-Col Maung
Maung Shein. Chairman of the association U Tin Shwe supplicated on donation
of the gold plates. Ovadacariya Saya-daw of the association Bagayataik Shwe
Hlaing Pariyatti Sarthintaik Bhad-danta Sanvara Bodhi delivered a sermon. The
donors handed over the gold plates to the Shwedagon Pagoda Board of Trustees.

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Basic Pathan Sermon of Maha Gandayon Sayadaw put on Website

Yangon, 24 Dec- A ceremony to demonstrate the CD-ROM of the basic Pathan
Sermon, which was delivered by Maha Gandayon Sayadaw Ashin Janakabhivamsa of
Amarapura and to put it on Website, was held at the International Business
Centre on Pyay Road of Yangon at 9 am today.

Present on the occasion were Sayadaws and members of the Sangha of
International Theravada Buddhist Missionary University, State Pariyatti
Sasana University and Maha Gandayon Kyaungtaik of Amarapura, Deputy Minister
for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement U Hlaing Win, Director-General of
the Religious Affairs Department of the Ministry of Religious Affairs Dr Myo
Myint, Pro-rector of ITBMU Dr Hla Pe, responsible officials of the Ministry
of Religious Affairs, officials of Myanmar Computer Scientist Association,
officials of Alpha Computer (Mandalay) Co and officials of Inforithm-Maze
Ltd.

The ceremony was then formally opened. U Ye Myat Thu, Managing Director of
Alpha Computer (Mandalay), explained the purpose of the launch of CD-ROM and
putting the Sermon on Website. Then, the ceremony came to a close. Later, the
second part of the ceremony followed. The director of Knowledge Media Co
explained their companyÕs arrangements to disseminate knowledge on
Information Technology (IT) among the public and to resume the Internet
Journal in new style. After that, queries raised by those present were
replied by officials of Alpha Computer (Mandalay) Co and Inforithm-Maze Ltd.

___________________________

( 7 ) Merry Christmas

"He will be called Emmanuel: 'God with Us.' "(Mt.1:23)

Christmas is here again: The Good News is 'God is with us!' To all people of
good will, PEACE!

Two thousand years ago at the first Christmas, God our Father shared His only
begotten Son with humanity. The story of Christmas is the story of'Emmanuel':
which means 'God is with us'. Emmanuel is the prophetic or Messianic Name
given to Jesus Christ who is the Promised One and Saviour of the world. He
came down from heaven to share in our suffering humanity, so that by becoming
Man, we may also share in His divinity. 'The wonderful Counseller, Mighty
God, Prince of peace,' (Is.9:6) has already pitched his tent among us. Being
Emmanuel: God with us, and not against us Jesus reveals to us that our God is
a compassionate God, who goes after the lost sheep and the prodigal sons; who
desires not the death of the sinner but feels immense joy at his conversion.
Jesus has come to save us and not to condemn us. We Christians all over the
world are celebrating the birth of our Saviour Jesus Christ at this very time
of the year. This preparation and celebration is not just a commemoration, a
mere remembrance of that long ago historic event, but to be preparing and
making room for the Saviour in our personal, family and social life. And by
coming to us and living in our very life and among us, Jesus shows that He is
our personal God, not a distant deity away from our human nature. We all have
a tendency to look for God elsewhere. The real fact is that God is Emmanuel,
and we often fail to see Him in us and in the midst of us because of our
wrong concepts and ideas about Him. The Pharisees and Scribes in the Bible
failed to see God in the Child that was born in the manger at Bethlehem as
son of Mary, for their concept of God was totally different. Even the
miracles and works of Jesus: the deaf hearing, the lame walking, the blind
seeing, the dead rising again from death and the Good News being preached to
the poor could not convince them. What about us do we ever experience God
living with us or within us?

Emmanuel:God sharing us Himself

In condescension, God the Son has left His thone above and took up to Himself
the form of a servant and became Man like one of us, Jesus is God-made-Man
and the fullness of God's saving presence is found in Him. He is all the more
intimately close to us when we are lonely, frustrated and struck down by
sickness and sufferings. We should always remind ourselves that whatever our
circumstances, God is with us in all those moments of our life. 'God so loved
the world that He gave His only Son that whoever believes in Him may not be
lost, but may have eternal life.' (Jn.3:16) Christmas is the season of
sharing, and the best way to do so, besides exchanging gifts with loved ones
and friends, is sharing oneself for the service of others especially the less
fortunate ones.

Emmanuel: God's love for us

God is love. Loving is giving, and it is in giving that we find real joy and
happiness. Jesus is immensely happy because He gives us His total love
Himself at Christmas. 'There is nothing in all creation that will ever be
able to separate us from the love of God which is ours through Christ Jesus
our Lord.' (Rom.8:39) In Jesus, the love of God breaks all barriers that
separate God and human beings.


Emmanuel: Prince of Peace

As a little Babe lying helplessly in the manger, Jesus let His angels
proclaim the Good News: 'Glory to God in the highest, and Peace to man of
good will.' It is only too evident here that the precondition for peace is
good will. This proper disposition of one's mind and heart also reflects
true, practical meaning of love: loving one's neighbours as oneself in the
love of God. The very peace first proclaimed that Christmas night is again
and again echoed in the greetings and words of the Risen, Glorified Lord and
Saviour Himself: 'Peace I leave with you', 'My peace I give you', 'Peace be
with you.' How we all are longing for true and lasting peace in our
life-time! Jesus is the Prince of Peace, the One who can guarantee us true
and everlasting Peace.

We extend our Best Wishes to Leaders of the Union of Myanmar and all fellow
countrymen: Good Will, Peace & Happiness! MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!

Sotero Phamo Bishop of Loikaw

December 25, 2001
___________________________

( 8 )   Traditional Medicine and Medical Equipment Exhibition continues

Yangon, 24 Dec- The second Traditional Medicine and Medical Equipment
Exhibition sponsored by Traditional Medicine Department under the Ministry of
Health continued for the tenth day today at the Tatmadaw Convention Hall on U
Wizara Road here this morning. The exhibition was packed with departmental
personnel, monks and the public. At the booth of the Ministry of Forestry,
herbal plants and their habitats were shown together with photos. The
exhibition continues till 28 December from 9 am to 6 pm and admission is
free.

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Open Soccer Tournament continues

Yangon, 24 Dec- Chairman of Myanmar Olympic Committee Minister for Sports
Brig-Gen Thura Aye Myint attended the First Myanmar National Olympic Council
Chairman's Trophy Open Soccer Tournament at Youth Training Centre at 3 pm
today. In the first match, Energy (Yaynan) team trounced Sagaing Division
team 7-1. Kyaw Myo Han of Energy (Yaynan) won the man of the match award. In
the second match, Defence team beat Forestry team 3-2. Tun Myint Naing of
Defence team won the man of the match award. Features for 26 December:
Ayeyawdy Division team vs Commerce team in the first match and Electric Power
team vs Transport (A) team in the second.
___________________________

( 9 ) Narcotic drug eradication launched with added momentum at Laukkai
region

Yangon, 24 Dec- The Government of the Union of Myanmar designated the
narcotic drug eradication task as a national duty and undertook the drug
eradication tasks with added momentum at border areas in cooperation with
neighbouring countries. As a result of the exchange of information on
narcotic drugs between China and Myanmar, authorities raided the surrounding
areas of Laukkai, Kokang region, at the border of two countries.

They arrested eight persons together with narcotic drugs, chemicals and
liquid to be used in manufacturing narcotic drugs and paraphernalia on 6
November 2001. According to the investigation received from the culprits, a
combined team comprising members of local Tatmadawmen, intelligence unit,
Myanmar Police Force and Shan State (North) Special Region-1, searched the
house of Shauk Phon in Upper Tasinkeng Village in Laukkai Township, Kokang
region, the border area of the two countries, on 13 December 2001 and seized
four persons with two machines which were used in manufacturing stimulant
tablets, a powder mixer, three grinding machines with dynamos, one
motor-pump, 1,200 kilos of ephedrine powder which is the main raw material in
producing stimulant tablets, 675 litres of acetic anhydride, 225 litres of
chloroform, 4 kilos of sodium sulphate, 40 litres of incense liquid, other
chemicals and 24 items of paraphernalia. On the further investigation, the
combined team searched to the house of Shauk Phon in Zarmani Myothit, Laukkai
Township. They seized two persons with 292.5 litres of sulphuric acid, 90
litres of ethyl ether, 9,142.5 litres of ether, one M-16 automatic rifle, 186
rounds of ammunition and 8 items of paraphernalia. Action is being taken
against the persons, drugs and paraphernalia under the Narcotic Drugs and
Psychotropic Substances Law.

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