The New Light of Myanmar (Monday, 21 January, 2002)(1/2)

[Okkar66126@xxxxxxx]

The New Light of Myanmar (Monday, 21 January, 2002)(1/2)
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1. - State Councillor and Secretary General of State
     Council of PRC arrives to pay official visit to Myanmar
   - State Councillor and Secretary General of the State
     Council of PRC meets Secretary-1
2. - Secretary-1 hosts dinner in honour of Chinese guests
   - Secretary-1 attends opening of Myanma Ten Traditional
     Arts and Crafts Exhibition 2002
   - Secretary-1 and wife attend dinner hosted by
     MMA president
3. - Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt inspects development
     in Pangsan, Tachilek
4. Secretary-1 attends opening ceremony of Myanmar-Thai
   Friendship Trade Fair 2002
5. - City Housing Project Management Committee meets
   - Myanmar-Japan IT Working Group holds coord meeting
6. Commander inspects regional development tasks
7. USDA holds mass rally to support national, rural
   development tasks
8. 11th Tatmadaw (Army, Navy and Air) Military Band
   Contest concludes
9. Bhangra and Gidda dance troupe presents entertainment

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( 1 )  State Councillor and Secretary General of State Council of PRC arrives
to pay official visit to Myanmar

 Yangon, 20 Jan- At the invitation of Secretary-1 of the State Peace and
Development Council of the Union of Myanmar Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt, a seven-member
dele- gation led by State Councillor and Secretary General of the State
Council of the People's Republic of China Mr Wang Zhongyu arrived here by air
at 1.15 pm today on an official visit to the Union of Myanmar.

The Chinese goodwill delegation was welcomed at Yangon International Airport
by Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council of the Union of
Myanmar Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt, together with Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win
Aung, Minister for Science and Technology U Thaung, Chairman of Civil Service
Selection and Training Board Dr Than Nyunt, Deputy Minister for Foreign
Affairs U Khin Maung Win, officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and
Chinese Ambassador Mr Li Jinjun. Staff of the Chinese Embassy also welcomed
State Councillor and Secretary General of the State Council of the People's
Republic of China Mr Wang Zhongyu and party at the VIP Lounge of the airport.


The State Councillor and Secretary General of the State Council of the
People's Republic of China is accompanied by Minister of Personnel Mr Zhang
Xuezhong, Director-General of the Department of International Exchange &
Cooperation, Ministry of Personnel Mr Wang Xiaochu and departmental officials
of the Government of the People's Republic of China. Then, the guests
together with the Secretary-1 left Yangon International Airport and arrived
at Inya Kantha State House at 1.40 pm. Afterwards, the Secretary-1 greeted
the State Councillor and Secretary General of the State Council of PRC and
party and left the State House in the afternoon.

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State Councillor and Secretary General of the State Council of PRC meets
Secretary-1

Yangon, 20 Jan- State Councillor and Secretary General of the State Council
of the People's Republic of China Mr Wang Zhongyu and party met Secretary-1
of the State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar Lt-Gen
Khin Nyunt at the Yeiktha of the Ministry of Defence at 3 pm today.

Also present at the call were Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen
Nyunt Tin, Minister for Industry-1 U Aung Thaung, Minister for Foreign
Affairs U Win Aung, Minister for Science and Technology U Thaung, Minister
for Education U Than Aung, Chairman of Civil Service Selection and Training
Board Dr Than Nyunt, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs U Khin Maung Win and
Director-General Thura U Aung Htet of the Protocol Department. The guests
were accompanied by Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to Myanmar
Mr Li Jinjun.
___________________________

( 2 ) Secretary-1 hosts dinner in honour of Chinese guests

Yangon, 20 Jan- Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council of the
Union of Myanmar Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt hosted a dinner in honour of visiting
State Councillor and Secretary General of the State Council of the People's
Republic of China Mr Wang Zhongyu and party at Kandawgyi Karaweik Palace
Hotel at 7 pm today.

Also present at the dinner were Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and
Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Brig-Gen Myint Swe,
ministers, the Chairman of Civil Service Selection and Training Board, the
Yangon Mayor, deputy ministers, officials of the State Peace and Development
Council Office, departmental heads, Chinese Ambassador Mr Li Jinjun, staff of
the Chinese Embassy and guests.

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Secretary-1 attends opening of Myanma Ten Traditional Arts and Crafts
Exhibition 2002

Yangon, 20 Jan- A ceremony to open the Myanma Ten Traditional Arts and Crafts
Exhibition 2002, organized by Myanmar Traditional Artists and Artisans
Association (Central), was held at Tatmadaw Convention Hall on U Wisara Road
at 8 am today.

It was graced by State Peace and Development Council Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin
Nyunt by attending it. Also present were ministers, deputy ministers, Dean of
the Diplomatic Crops Ambassador of Italy Dr Cesare Capitani and diplomats,
the director-general of the State Peace and Development Council Office and
departmental heads, members of the Panel of Patrons of the Exhibition
Organizing Leading Committee, members of the Central Executive Committee of
the Myanmar Traditional Artists and Artisans Association, chairmen and
members of Township Artists and Artisans Associations in Yangon Division,
officials and guests.

The opening ceremony was held in front of the Tatmadaw Convention Hall.
Secretary of Myanmar Traditional Artists and Artisans Association (Central) U
Thant Sin (a) Bachi Hla Tin Tun reported matters relating to the Exhibition.
Then, Patron Artist U Min Naing, Chairman U Thaung Han and Vice-Chairman
Thiri Thudhamma-manijotadhara Stone Sculptor U Taw Taw formally opened the
exhibition.

 Then, Chairman of Sangyoung Township Artists and Artisans Association U D
Aung Thein (Dawei) presented his 3 feet by 4 feet size oil portrait of State
Peace and Development Council Chairman Senior General Than Shwe to the
Secretary-1. Next, Myanmar Traditional Artists and Artisans Association
(Central) Chairman U Thaung Han presented his 3 feet by 4 feet portrait of
the White Elephant to the Secretary-1.

 Likewise, Thakayta Township Traditional Artists and Artisans Association
Chairman U Kyaw Myint presented his sculpture of the White Elephant to the
Secretary-1. Afterwards, the Secretary-1 and guests viewed round the
Exhibition.

The Secretary-1 signed in the visitors' book and left the venue. The
Exhibition was organzied with the objectives of enabling the people to
appreciate the ten traditional arts and crafts; to enable the public to enjoy
the arts and crafts of artists and artisans from various States and Divisions
at one place; to publicize the ten traditional arts and crafts in the
international sphere; to promote the lives of traditional artists and
artisans; and to hand down the heritage of ten traditional arts and crafts to
new generations by implementing the social objective " Uplift of national
prestige and integrity and preservation and safeguarding of cultural heritage
and national character ". Altogether 712 paintings, 110 sculptures and works
of ten traditional arts and crafts are displayed at the exhibition. There are
also arts and crafts of 33 private galleries. The Exhibition will be kept
open from 9 am to 5 pm till 1 February.

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Secretary-1 and wife attend dinner hosted by MMA president

Yangon, 20 Jan -Chairman of National Health Committee Secretary-1 of the
State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt and wife Dr Daw Khin
Win Shwe attended the dinner hosted by the President of Myanmar Medical
Association (Central) at the MMA's Auditorium on Theinbyu Street in Mingala
Taungnyunt at 7 pm yesterday.

Also present were ministers, the Yangon Mayor, deputy ministers of Ministry
of Health, officials of the State Peace and Development Council office,
departmental heads, the President of MMA and executives, the Chairperson of
Myanmar Maternal and Child Welfare Association and executives, the President
of Myanmar Red Cross Society, the Chairperson of Myanmar Nurses Association,
the Chairman of Dental Surgeons' Association, Myanmar physicians from the
United States of America and the United Kingdom who will attend 48th Myanmar
Medical Conference, delegates of Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and Australia
and guests.
___________________________

( 3 ) Significant achievements made in Mongla through mutual respect,
understanding and sincerity between government and national race leaders

 Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt inspects development in Pangsan, Tachilek

Yangon, 20 Jan-Chairman of Border Areas and National Races Development Work
Committee Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin
Nyunt, member of the State Peace and Development Council Maj-Gen Aung Htwe of
the Ministry of Defence, the ministers, the Chief of Staff (Navy), the Chief
of Staff (Air), the deputy ministers, President of Myanmar-Thai Cultural and
Economic Cooperation Association Lt-Gen Kyaw Than (Retd), officials of the
State Peace and Development Council Office, departmental officials, left here
by Tatmadaw aircraft and arrived in Kengtung in Eastern Shan State at 9.45 am
on 17 January.

The Secretary-1 and party were welcomed at the Kengtung airport by Chairman
of Shan State Peace and Development Council (East) Commander of Triangle
Region Command Brig-Gen Chit Than, members of State, District and Township
Peace and Development Councils, departmental personnel, members of Union
Solidarity and Development Association and Maternal and Child Welfare
Association, members of Women's Affairs Committee and officials. The
Secretary-1 inspected extension of the runway of Kengtung airport. Minister
for Transport Maj-Gen Hla Myint Swe and officials reported on progress of
work.

 The Secretary-1 and party, accompanied by Commander of Triangle Region
Command Brig-Gen Chit Than, left for Mongla in Shan State (East) by
helicopter and inspected cultivation of opium substitute perennial crops and
rubber there. The Secretary-1 and party were welcomed by departmental
personnel, Chairman of Shan State (East) Special Region-4 U San Peh and
members, members of USDA, those of MCWA, those of Women's Affairs Committee
and local people.

The Secretary-1 and party inspected opium substitute perennial crops
plantation in Mongma in Shan State (East). Officials reported on cultivation
of 42,063 mango trees on 69.57 acres of land, 25,000 lychee plants on 65.44
acres, 4,439 lychee plants on 8.07 acres, 60,000 rubber plants on 143 acres,
668 mango trees on five acres, 500 lychee plants on 2.5 acres, 185 longan
plants on one acre and 100 orange plants on 0.5 acre, under the arrangements
of the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation, preparations for cultivation
of 40,000 mango trees, 25,000 lychee plants and 60,000 rubber plants and work
being undertaken for cultivation of rubber, cashew, mango, orange and lychee
trees.

 The Secretary-1 then gave instructions. The Secretary-1, Maj-Gen Aung Htwe,
Commander Brig-Gen Chit Than and the ministers planted mango trees. The
Secretary-1 and party inspected cultivation of 50 acres of summer paddy and
construction of Mongla golf course. The Secretary-1 met departmental
officials and members of Shan State (East) Special Region-4. Chairman of Shan
State (East) Special Region-4 U San Peh extended greetings to them.

The Secretary-1 said he and the ministers came to Mongla region to fulfil the
requirements of local people for raising their socio-economic life in accord
with the tradition of providing the government's assistance to local people.
There was no stability in Mongla region and development tasks could not be
implemented in the past. Peace and tranquillity has been restored through
mutual respect, understanding and sincerity between the government and
national race leaders in Mongla region at the time of the present government.


Therefore significant achievements have been made in Mongla city in a short
time, he said. The government provided assistance to local people with
goodwill for regional development and better foundations for improvement of
regional economy and living standard, he said. Mongla has become a modern
city due to the efforts of local people and national race leaders with the
spirit of respect and trust in the government. The Secretary-1 expressed his
pleasure to see the development of Mongla region and there are modern
markets, hotels of international standard, posh buildings and pagodas. Local
people in Mongla region can now enjoy the economic growth and better life and
live in peace.

 improvements are good results of mutual goodwill, respect and sincerity
among the national races of the Union. Mongla region is a model region for
its efforts to eliminate narcotic drugs. The government provided assistance
to local people and national race leaders and encouraged its endeavours for
elimination of narcotic drugs.

So, Mongla region was declared as drugs-free zone in 1997. He said there is
no narcotic drug in Mongla region now and cultivation of opium substitute
crops is successful. The government has given encouragement to economic
enterprises and laid better economic foundations including cultivation of
opium substitute crops and improvement of education, health and social
aspects, he said. Now there is a high school and a 50-bed hospital in Mongla
region.

 Head of State Senior General Than Shwe has given guidance on five rural
development tasks including border areas. He called for cooperation among
regional authorities, departments and local people to carry out the task. He
said Mongla region has developed rapidly due to mutual respect and sincerity
between the government and national race leaders and implementation of
regional development by all national people under the leadership of the
government.

He urged all national people to make concerted efforts for raising the
already-achieved development momentum. Next, the Secretary-1 presented
computers and teaching aids for Mongla basic education high school to
Headmaster U Win. Proprietor of Hlinetunt Hotel U Kyauk Wai presented K 50
million for construction of primary schools in Yangon to Secre- tary-1 Lt-Gen
Khin Nyunt. The Secretary-1 presented gifts to service personnel there.

Chairman U San Peh and the Secretary-1 exchanged gifts. Secretary U Min Ein
reported to the Secretary-1 on preparations for construction of 300-foot long
Swutlway Bridge. The Secretary-1 and party arrived at Mongla People's
Hospital where they were welcomed by Medical Superintendent Dr Myint Mo Soe
and staff. The Secretary-1 inspected the operation theatre and the medical
store. The Secretary-1 and party proceeded to Mongla basic education high
school and inspected computer skill room, language lab and projected media
room and training of the students. The Secretary-1 and party inspected
advanced Eastern Hotel in Mongla and Myoma Market.

The Secretary-1 and party went to Hlinetunt Hotel where they viewed
deve-lopment of Mongla. The Secretary-1 also inspected hotel services and
entertainment of the children. The Secretary-1 and party left Mongla region
for Pangsan in Wa region by helicopter. The Secretary-1 and party inspected
cultivation of rubber plants in the environs of Pangsan. They arrived at
Pangsan at 2.40 pm. The Secretary-1 was welcomed by Chairman of Shan State
(North) Peace and Development Council Commander of North-East Command
Brig-Gen Myint Hlaing, national race leader of Shan State (North) special
region-2 U Pauk Yu Chan and local people.

 The Secretary-1 went to Mayzin Hotel and he met national race leaders and
trainees. At the meeting, the Secretary-1 said there is a tradition that we
brothers have been living together in the Union of Myanmar for years
countable by the thousand. The Union of Myanmar is formed with over 100
national races and all are responsible to safeguard the Union with the spirit
of comradeship, living in unity.

 In the past, there were doubts and suspicions among national races but now
there is peace and tranquillity in the country under the present government
and national races are making efforts for perpetuation of the Union with
amity, he said. He said he and the ministers came there to carry out border
area development tasks in Wa region. With peace and progress in the region,
the government, hand in hand with Wa national race leaders, has been making
endeavours for development of Wa region and better economic foundations and
raising their living standard.

 Wa region has developed considerably due to the efforts for development of
the region based on mutual respect, understanding, sincerity and openness
between the government and Wa national race leaders. He said the government
is responsible for development of border areas including Wa region and
continued efforts are to be made for regional and economic development and
raising of living standard of the people in cooperation with Wa national race
leaders.

 He spoke of the need for local people to participate in all future tasks.
Ours is a developing nation. Only when we make efforts for regional and
national development with diligence, can our nation catch up with other
nations in the region. In spite of all-round efforts for elimination of
narcotic drugs, some big nations still accuse our country of involvement in
narcotic drugs, he said. Systematic arrangements are being made for
elimination of narcotic drugs in Wa region by the year 2005 in cooperation
with Wa national race leaders.

The Secretary-1 called for cooperation to realize the objective. As we are
brothers born in the Union, all nationals are responsible for safeguarding
the perpetuation of the Union, independence and sovereignty, he said.

He also called for cooperation for perpetuation of the Union, safeguarding
independence and sovereignty, national development, raising of living
standard of all national races with the spirit of national solidarity. Then,
the Secretary-1 presented K 50 million donated by the State for construction
of Mahapanthu Theingi Pagoda in Pangsan to Wa national race leader U Pauk Yu
Chan. Afterwards, the Secretary-1 presented computers and teaching aids for
Basic Education High School of Pangsan to U Pauk Yu Chan. Then, the
Secretary-1 and U Pauk Yu Chan exchanged gifts. Next, the national race
leader spoke words of thanks. After the ceremony, the Secretary-1 extended
greetings to the trainees.

Then, the Secretary-1 and party proceeded to Theingi Yadana Hill and
inspected construction of the pagoda and left instructions. At the briefing
hall, Commander Brig-Gen Myint Hlaing and Pro-Rector Dr Hla Than of Yangon
Technological University reported on progress of work in construction of the
pagoda to the Secretary-1 who fulfilled the needs. The Secretary-1 and party
proceeded to Tachilek in Shan State (East). On arrival at Tachilek Airport,
the Secretary-1 and party were welcomed by Brig-Gen Than Aung of Mongphyat
Station, members of District/Township Peace and Development Councils,
departmental personnel and USDA members.

At the airport terminal, Minister for Transport Maj-Gen Hla Myint Swe and
officials reported on renovation of the runway and extension of the apron to
the Secretary-1 who attended to the requirements. Then, the Secretary-1 and
party arrived at Golden Triangle Hotel in Tachilek. On 18 January morning,
the Secretary-1 and party arrived at the new general hospital construction
site in Macaokham Ward, Tachilek. The project is being undertaken with the
sponsorship of Naga Hnakaung Kyaungtaik Sayadaw Agga Maha Pandita Agga Maha
Sadhamma-jotikadhaja Bhaddanta Dhammasiri.

At the cornerstone laying ceremony, the Secretary-1, Maj-Gen Aung Htwe of the
Ministry of Defence, Commander Brig-Gen Chit Than and Minister for Religious
Affairs U Aung Khin laid the cornerstone for the hospital. Then, officials
reported on the project to the Secretary-1 who gave necessary instructions.
After that, the Secre-tary-1 and party arrived at the site chosen for
construction of No 2 Friendship Bridge linking Tachilek of Myanmar and Meisai
of Thailand, where Deputy Minister for Construction U Tint Swe, Deputy
Minister for Transport U Pe Than and officials reported on work to be carried
out for the project. Then, the Secretary-1 inspected the site chosen and gave
instructions. The Secretary-1 and party then proceeded to Myanmar Archway
construction site for the bridge where Deputy Minister U Tint Swe and
officials reported on work being carried out.

Then, the Secretary-1 gave instructions to officials. On 18 January morning,
the Secretary-1 attended the opening ceremony of the 2002 Myanmar-Thai
Friendship Trade Fair at Regina Shan Yoma Department Store Complex in
Tachilek and made a speech. Afterwards, the Secretary-1 met with members of
Shan State/District/Township Peace and Development Councils and departmental
personnel at the Golden Triangle Hotel. At the meeting, Commander Brig-Gen
Chit Than reported on work being carried out for regional development. Then,
the Secretary-1 gave instructions. He said while meeting local authority,
departmental officials of Tachilek in a place he also would like to discuss
matters related to regional development tasks.

During recent days he arrived at Pahlo, Kenglat village in Tachilek and gave
instructions on forming a village development committee to carry out
education, health and social welfare tasks to the authorities, officials and
townselders. At district and township levels, regional development needs can
effectively be fulfilled by forming similar committees, he said. In education
sector, literacy courses such as 3-Rs courses are to be opened for the youths
especially girls in villages. Education can promote knowledge and enhance the
spirit to safeguard the Myanma traditional customs and the patriotic spirit.

The State's objectives can be fulfilled only if mental development of the
youths is brought about. So, plans for educating the youths and girls in
border areas are to be regarded as plans for uplifting national prestige and
integrity, for national reconsolidation and for strengthening of Union
Spirit, and are to be carried out seriously, he pointed out. This morning,
under the programme of associations for bilateral cooperation on culture and
trade between the two countries, the Myanmar-Thai Friendship Trade Fair was
opened in Tachilek attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence
General Chavalit Yongchaiyudh of Thailand.

 He said the friendship trade fair was the result of better friendship and
cooperation between the two countries. Bilateral trade, cultural and social
aspects will develop through bilateral friendship and cooperation. He spoke
of the need for local authorities in Tachilek District and departmental
officials to make efforts for promoting bilateral friendship and cooperation
after realizing this attitude.

He said undertakings of border trade and import and export and control of
immigration in accord with rules and laws are related to the dignity of the
State. So he urged them to carry out the work for progress according to law.
Service personnel are to discharge their duties. Now rural development tasks
are being implemented under the guidance of Head of State Senior General Than
Shwe. He urged departments concerned to participate in these tasks in unity.

The Secretary-1 also called on departmental personnel for cooperation in the
efforts for rural development and intellectual development such as raising of
education, health and social standard of rural people, uplift of national
prestige and integrity, safeguarding of Myanma traditional cultural customs,
strengthening of national solidarity spirit and consolidation of Union
Spirit.

 The Secretary-1 and party inspected opium substitute crops project in
Lwesamsaw region in Shan State (East) and development work in Monghsat and
Ponpakyin Village in Mongtong Township on 18 and 19 January. The Secretary-1
and party arrived back here on 19 January. CEC member of USDA and member of
Myanmar War Veterans Organization Central Organizing Committee Minister for
Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs Col Thein
Nyunt and Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Pyi Sone met executives of District
and Township USDAs and members of Township WVO at Tachilek District USDA
Office on 17 January.
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to be continued ...