The New Light of Myanmar (Wednesday, 23 January, 2002)(1/2)

[Okkar66126@xxxxxxx]

The New Light of Myanmar (Wednesday, 23 January, 2002)(1/2)
---------------------------------------------
1. A mass rally to support national and rural development
   tasks organized by Shan State (East) Union Solidarity
   and Development Association was held
2. Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt receives Japanese guest
3. - Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than tours Ayeyawady Division
   - Regional development tasks inspected in Mawlamyinegyun
     and Bogalay
4. - H&T Minister receives Ambassador
   - Health Minister receives guest from Austria
   - Minister receives Ambassador
   - CPT Minister receives guests
5. - Coord meeting of Attorney-General and law
     officers held
   - Minister inspects Winthuza shop in Bagan-NyaungU
   - Minister inspects construction of Tanai Bridge
6. - Yangon Division Peace and Development Council holds
     coord meeting
   - Commander and Minister inspect development tasks
     in Mon State
7. - Seminar on Information Technology successfully
     concludes
   - MNWCWA presents gifts
8. - Goodwill delegation from SRV arrives
   - Myanmar delegation leaves for Bangkok
9. Chemical liquid seized in Muse

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( 1 )  Eastern Shan State sees remarkable improvement in transport during a
decade 749.2 miles of road including 129.4 miles of tar road built within a
decade Mass rally to support national, rural development tasks held in
Kengtung

Yangon, 22 Jan- A mass rally to support national and rural development tasks
organized by Shan State (East) Union Solidarity and Development Association
was held at the sports ground of Yanglaw Village-tract, Kengtung Township, on
16 January.

It was attended by Kengtung District column comprising over 1,200 USDA
members from Kengtung, Mongyang and Mongkhat townships; Monghsat District
column comprising over 1,000 USDA members of Monghsat, Mongton, Mongpyin and
Metman townships; Mongphyat District column comprising over 1,130 USDA
members of Mongphyat and Mongyawng townships; and Tachilek District column
comprising over 4,500 USDA members of Tachilek Township. Shan State (East)
USDA Secretary Dr Sai Hsay Kaw presided over the rally with Shan State (East)
USDA Executive U Phyan Jar and Kengtung Township USDA Executive U Kya Pa as
members of the panel of chairmen. Kengtung Township USDA Executives Daw Nang
Woh Kham and Daw Nang Kein Hwam acted as master of ceremonies and co-master
of ceremonies respectively. First, Chairman of the mass rally Dr Sai Hsay Kaw
delivered an address. He said the Union Solidarity and Development

Association, a national organization, was formed with the sons and daughters
of people to serve the interests of the State and the people. So, members of
the USDA are actively participating in the national and rural development
tasks. The Union of Myanmar is home to all national races living in amity. In
the course of our history, we have lived under own monarchs for years. All
national races were able to drive out intruders and regained the sovereignty
through national spirit and patriotism. The government has laid down the
third short-term five-year plan from 2001-2002 to 2005-2006 and is
implementing it with the objectivesÑ to establish agro-based industries, to
develop electric power sector and energy sector in line with the developing
industries, to export fish and meat and to take measures for local
sufficiency, to undertake the tasks for all-round development of other
sectors, to extend the tasks on education and health sectors for human
resources development and to develop rural areas. The government is making
endeavours to ensure smooth and secure transport for regional development in
Shan State (East).

Roads linking towns in Shan State (East) are in a good condition. One can
travel from Tachilek to Kengtung in a short time and arrangements are being
made for ensuring easy transport between Kengtung and Taunggyi. Road linking
Kengtung and border town Mongla is very good and the Kengtung-Monghsat Road
is also a good one. Easy transport can now be made from Mongton and Monghsat
to areas in southern Shan State as the Tarhsan Thanlwin River Bridge has been
built. Kengtung airport was extended for landing commercial aircrat.
Similarly, arrangements are being made for landing of jet at Tachilek
airport. Autotele-phone calls can now be made from Kengtung, Tachilek,
Monghsat and Mongphyat to all parts of the country. In the education sector,
degree college, government computer college and government technological
colleges were opened and 18 hospitals and nine border hospitals were built in
the health sector.

The USDA emerged to serve the interests of the State. The association is to
continue to participate in development tasks. It is necessary for USDA
members to take part in rural development tasks and efforts for realization
of the third short-term five year plan. Then, Shan State (East) USDA
Executive Daw Nang Hla Yin tabled the motion calling for support of the
national development tasks of the Government. She said that in Shan State
(East), there are at present over 1.9 million acres of cultivable land from
1.4 million in the past. Regarding growing of paddy, over 90 million baskets
of paddy have been produced as 13 million acres of land have been put under
paddy compared with 11 million in the past, she pointed out. Yangon
International Airport and Mandalay International Airport have also been
constructed and put into service and Hanthawady International Airport and
other airports are under construction. The airport in Shan State (East) has
been upgraded and arrangements for upgrading of Tachilek Airport has been
undertaken, she added. Transportation becomes smoother as the State has built
129.4 miles of tarred road, 133.1 miles of gravel road, 531.5 miles of earth
road totalling 794.2 miles of road in Shan State (East) in the previous
decade.

The 102-mile long Kengtung-Tachilek road, the 281-mile long
Kengtung-Mongping-Taung-gyi road and bridges including 910-ft long Tahsan
bridge on Mongton-Mong-hsat-Mongpan road. Since Mongla hydel power project,
Namlat Creek hydel power project, Silu hydel power project and Namwok (a)
Mongkhun hydel power project are extended, electricity can be supplied in the
region, she pointed out. In communication sector, 101 post offices and 48
telegraph offices including 11 microwave stations, 23 auto exchanges, 25
mobile phone stations, two satellite stations and 28 rural communication
stations have been opened. Tachilek Township USDA Secretary U Sein Lwin
seconded the motion tabled by Daw Nang Hla Yin calling for the support of the
nation-building endeavours of the Government. He said that food sufficiency
needed for local population which increased in Kengtung region, Shan State
(East). In this regard, local farmers, private entrepreneurs, Tatmadawmen of
regiments and units and departmental personnel reclaimed vacant and virgin
lands and paddy cultivation was carried out with the assistance provided by
local authorities.

In 2001-2002, over 200,000 acres of land was put under paddy and 12.5 million
baskets of paddy produced. Therefore, paddy production exceeded the local
food requirement now. In the higher learning education sector of Shan State
(East), Kengtung Degree College was opened in May 1999. Moreover, Kengtung
Government Technical Institute under the Ministry of Science and Technology
was opened on 27 December 1999 and Government Computer College in March 2000.
So, students can conveniently pursue the education in the region without
going to Yangon, Mandalay and Taunggyi for higher learning education. It is
upgrading tasks of the education standard of all national races in Shan State
(East) region. In the health sector, the 150 bed hospital has been upgraded
into a 200-bed hospital in Kengtung. Moreover, hospitals were upgraded into
the 50-bed hospital in Monghsat and the 25-bed hospital in Mongkhat. And a
nurses training school was opened in the region. The Government has spent K
464 million in the health sector in 1988-89 fiscal year and K 7.977 million
in 2000-2001. In this regard, life expectancy of the people in the entire
nation has increased up to 60.8 years from 57.6 years for male and up to 64.9
years from 62 years for female. Local authorities and local people built
Khemaretha Standing Buddha Statue in Kengtung with a view to flourishing
religion in Shan State (East).

Similarly, it can be seen that Dwe Nagara Shwe Pagoda was built in Mongla,
Saturettha Sumingala Pagoda and the Sasana Beikmandaw in Lwemwe. In Tachilek,
a border town, Shwedagon Pagoda was built. And the traditional costumes and
personnel goods of Gon, Shan, Lahu, Lwe, Akha, Li and Wa national races who
reside in Shan State (East) are being exhibited at the Cultural Museum in
Tachilek. These tasks are being carried out with the aim of enabling new
generation youths to cherish the value of cultural heritage. Therefore, he
firmly supported the motion tabled by Daw Nang Hla Yin calling for the
support of the nation-building endeavours of the Government. Then, Mongpyin
Township USDA Executive Daw Nan Woe Sein tabled the motion calling for
cooperation of USDA members in rural development tasks. She said that
Government is implementing the twelve objectives for national development and
it also implementing the short medium and long term plans with a view to
ensuring emergence of good economic foundations. It is obvious that the
Government is making efforts to reduce the gap between urban and rural areas
by carrying out the rural development.

In doing so, the five-year short term plan has been laid down and being
implemented. Regarding rural development, USDA Patron Senior General Than
Shwe has given guidance. The Head of State said that priority must be paid to
development of rural areas where over 70 per cent of population reside.
All-round efforts must be made for fulfilling basic needs of rural people.
Emphasis are thus to be laid on ensuring better transportation, sufficient
rural water supply and promoting education and health services. The Head of
State pointed out that public participation is important in this context, she
said. It is obvious that the Government;s nation building tasks are directly
benefiting the rural people. The Government has built 128 dams for
agricultural development of rural areas. There was merely 13,635 miles of
road in rural areas a decade ago and the number has been increased to 18,000
miles. In addition, 180 bridges were also built. In the eastern Shan State,
transportation has become better remarkably. The Kengtung-Tachilek road and
Kengtung-Mongpyin road have been upgraded into all-weather roads. The
Kengtung-Mongla road, the Tachilek-Monghsat road, the Mongpyin-Mongkha road
and the Mongyan-Hsilu road were built within a decade. As a result, the
people can conveniently travel or transport goods to and fro between rural
and urban areas. A significant accomplishment is the Thanlwin River Bridge
linking Mongton and Tarhsan which enable the local people travel to Taunggyi
by road conveniently without having difficulty to cross the river by
waterway.

As regards education sector, altogether 12 high schools have been facilitated
with multimedia classrooms and five electronic learning centres. New
installation of such facilities has also been made at six more schools. Under
the border areas development programmes, one high school, 5 middle schools
and 52 primary schools totalling 58 schools have been opened at border regi
ons. Regarding rural health sector, there were 1,337 rural health care
centres in the past and now there are 1,402 centres. Likewise, there were 64
regional health care centres in the past and now the number has increased to
84. Efforts are being made for improving life-expectancy of rural people and
promoting the rural health standards. The 150-bed Kengtung Hospital has been
upgraded to 200-bed one. The 25-bed Monghsat hospital was also upgraded to
50-bed hospital. Other dispensaries and station hospitals were also upgraded.
Such endeavours are the actual accomplishments of the Government in rural
development. The Government has laid down five tasks for rural development.
The USDA members are to partake in the rural development endeavours. In
eastern Shan State, direct-dialling auto-telephone system has been installed
in Kengtung, Mongpyin, Monghsat, Mongphyat and Tachilek. Arrangements are
being made to introduce telephone communication in Kattaung village of
Kengtung Township; Mongphon (A) and Mongphon (B) village-tracts and
Loitawkhan village of Tachilek Township; and Wanhon village of Monghsat
Township. Electric power supply to Kengtung, Mongyan and Tachilek townships
has become better and even better programmes are under way.

The construction of Maepan hydel power station will soon be completed and
then Monghsat will get power round-the-clock. Successful implementation of
rural development tasks are in line with the basic principles of the USDA,
she said. In conclusion, she urged the USDA members to enthusiastically
participate in rural development tasks with diligence, zeal and goodwill.
Executive U Ah Jay of Mongphyat Township, Mongphyat District, Shan State
(East), seconded the motion tabled by DAw Nang Wow Sein. He said under the
leadership of the State, all the national people are striving for the
emergence of a modern and developed nation and enabling her to stand tall
among the world nations. The government is striving to develop agriculture,
the main economy of the nation, and to improve the social standard of the
rural people. The USDAs at all levels are urged to take part in the task. And
this amounts to seriously upholding the USDA basic principle  to serve the
interests of the nation and the people. The USDA has become a qualified and
consolidated national force. It can now dutifully serve the interests of the
people. USDA Patron Senior General Than Shwe has given guidance, saying, "The
USDA are to participate energetically in nation-building task to become a
leading national force. At the same time, it should strive to vitalize the
spirit of national solidarity and Union spirit among the people."

In accord with the guidance, the USDAs at different levels are taking part in
the nation-building task. The essence of development cannot be realized
without rural progress. The rural will gain gradual progress only if the
modern methods are introduced in agriculture. At present, the five rural
development tasks, covering transport, water supply, health, education and
rural economy, are being implemented. In 2000-2001, there are 577 miles of
tarred roads, 2,335 miles of gravel roads, 1,046 miles of laterite roads and
13,080 miles of earth roads totalling 17,038 miles of roads in rural areas.
In 1988-98, there were 256 miles of tarred roads, 685 miles of gravel roads,
756 miles of laterite roads and 223 miles of earth roads totalling 3,934
miles of rural roads. The government has built over 13,000 miles of rural
roads. In Shan State (East), the government has built three miles of tarred
roads, 29 miles of gravel roads and 144 miles of earth roads totalling 176
miles. The Ministry for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and
Development Affairs has used K 258 million in fiscal 2000-2001 to install
2,926 water supply systems in 1,761 villages which were difficult to access.
The systems are now supplying enough water to 661,650 persons. It is
installing water supply systems in over 3,000 villages this years, Plans are
being made to supply water to over 23,000 villages. The government has built
domestic education training schools in Kengtung, Monghsat and Tachilek
townships in Shan State (East) with the aim of ensuring stable income for
young women.

Moreover, it has built government technological schools and computer colleges
in the region. Kengtung College has been upgraded to a degree college. The
government is rendering assistance to farmers to extend their manageable
farming to commercial farming. Thus, conditions are bright to uplift the
rural economy. The Shan State (East) has an abundant array of land and water
resources. The government is organizing the national entrepreneurs to take
part in farming business. It is rendering land as well as assistance to the
national entrepreneurs who are taking part in the project. The entrepreneurs
have put over 8,000 acres of land under perennial and seasonal crops. They
are conducting livestock breeding with might and main to produce a surplus
amount of meat and fish for towns and villages. Besides, the farms have
generated more job opportunities. The significant progress of Mongla is that
it has developed from a village to a magnificent border town endowed with all
the modern facilities. Since 1997, Mongla has been declared "Opium Free Zone"
to the world. He then seconded the motion tabled by Daw Nang Wow Sein. Then,
the mass rally passed the resolutions in support of the State's development
tasks, rural development tasks laid down by the State and participation of
USDA members in national and rural development tasks. Later, the rally came
to an end with chanting the slogans.
___________________________

( 2 ) Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt receives Japanese guest

Yangon, 22 Jan- Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council of the
Union of Myanmar Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt received Mr Tomoo Takahara, Chairman of
the Japan-Myanmar CCI Business Cooperation Committee, at his office at 8 am
today. Also present at the call were Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung
and Deputy Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement U Hlaing Win.
___________________________

( 3 ) Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than tours Ayeyawady Division

Yangon, 22 Jan- Member of the State Peace and Development Council Maj-Gen
Khin Maung Than of the Ministry of Defence met with members of
division/district/township Peace and Development Councils, departmental
personnel and fish/prawn breeders at Yuzana Hotel on Ngwehsaung Beach and
gave instructions on Ngwehsaung Beach development on 19 January.

National entrepreneurs who engaged in hotel industry on Ngwehsaung Beach
reported on hotel industry for Ngwe-hsaung region development to him and he
fulfilled the needs. On 20 January, Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than and party,
accompanied by Commander Brig-Gen Htay Oo, inspected Ngwehsaung Beach and
water supply system of Ngwehsaung Beach hotel at Ngwehsaung Resort. Officials
reported on the salient points of the resort and water supply system. Then,
they inspected hotels being constructed at the resort. Next, they proceeded
to prawn breeding project of Max Myanmar Co Ltd near Thazin Village where
Managing Director U Zaw Zaw reported on digging prawn ponds and earth work
for the ponds. Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than and party then arrived at sea prawn
breeding station of Shwe Family Co Ltd in Thazin Village where an official
presented a report on digging of fish ponds with the help of heavy machinery
and breeding of shrimp fry.

On arrival at sea the prawn breeding/production centre of Shwekhayu Co Ltd in
the south of Thazin Village, an official reported on work being carried out
for digging prawn ponds and extension of ponds to Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than who
attended to the requirements. Afterwards, he met with local authorities,
officials, members of social organizations and industrialists at the Town
Hall in Pathein. The commander reported on economic and social standard of
the division, prevalence of law and order, community peace and tranquillity
and regional development in the region. Then, Minister Brig-Gen Maung Maung
Thein reported on extension of fish and prawn breeding in Ayeyawady Division.
He said that he was there to fulfil the needs regarding regional development
in the division; Ayeyawady Division is the greatest one among states and
divisions that contributed to national economy; the division where
agriculture sector as well as fish sector develop is not only the rice bowl
but also the curry pot of the State. He urged all concerned to make efforts
in implementing the economic objectives laid down by the State since economic
development plays a crucial role in building a peaceful, modern developed
nation. So, the Government has laid down plans and is implementing them for
economic development.

He called on local authorities and departmental personnel to pay serious
attention in successful implementation of those plans. He also urged those
concerned to place emphasis on development of rural areas where majority of
people reside and to make efforts in health, education, rural water supply
and transport sectors of rural areas. Then, Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than and party
arrived at Ayeyawady Library in Pathein where officials reported on to him on
upgrading of the library including installation of E-mail, computers and
satellite dish. Next, they arrived at Ayeya Swan-ar paddy husk-powered engine
Production Plant in Pathein Industrial Zone in Pathein. Manager Maj Aung
Naing reported on the salient points of the plant, progress of work and
production of 54 engines to Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than who then inspected the
plant and left instructions. Afterwards, they proceeded to wetland
reclamation project of First Top and Olympic Cos Ltd in Pantanaw Township
where Directors U Ye Myint and U Myint Kyu reported on land reclamation to
Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than who gave instructions.

They then arrived at Yuzana Agriculture and Livestock Breeding Group Project
site in Pantanaw Township, where member of Board of Directors U Hsan Ni
reported on purpose of the project, land reclamation, digging of fish ponds,
breeding and production of fish. Officials conducted them round the project
site and reported on preparations for marketing of fish. Next, they arrived
at Shwelaung bridge construction site. At the briefing hall, the
superintending engineer reported on progress of work to Maj-Gen Khin Maung
Than, who gave instructions on ensuring work site safety, meeting the set
standard and timely completion. Then, they proceeded to Wakema bridge
construction site. At the briefing hall, the deputy superintending engineer
reported on progress of work and the deputy managing director gave a
supplementary report. Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than gave instructions on meeting
the set standard and timely completion. Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than and party
spent the night in Wakema.

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Regional development tasks inspected in Mawlamyinegyun and Bogalay

Yangon, 22 Jan- Member of the State Peace and Development Council Maj-Gen
Khin Maung Than of the Ministry of Defence and party, together with Chairman
of Ayeyawady Division Peace and Development Council Commander of South-West
Command Brig-Gen Htay Oo, inspected Wakema bridge construction site on Ywale
Ward bank in Wakema yesterday. There, Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than and party heard
a report presented by deputy superintending engineer U Khin Maung Hse on the
driving of bole piles with the use of heavy machinery. Maj-Gen Khin Maung
Than gave instructions.

They proceeded to Mawlamyinegyun by boat and they were welcomed by members of
Myaungmya District and Mawlamyinegyun Township Peace and Development
Councils, departmental officials, and members of the Union Solidarity and
Development Association. Then, Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than met with local
authorities, departmental heads, members of USDA, War Veterans Organization,
Maternal and Child Welfare Association, Red Cross Society, and townselders
and discussed development tasks of Mawla-myinegyun Township at the meeting
hall of the township Peace and Development Council. Chairman of
Mawla-myinegyun Township Peace and Development Council U Khin Maung Win
reported on administration, economic and social affairs, ensuring smooth
transport, agriculture, livestock breeding, education, health and rural
development tasks. Afterwards, Commander Brig-Gen Htay Oo reported on
township development tasks and Minister for Livestock and Fisheries Brig-Gen
Maung Maung Thein on boosting of meat and fish sector. Maj-Gen Khin Maung
Than said that his visit to the townships in Ayeyawady Division was to find
out the conditions of the respective areas, and to meet their requirements.

He elaborated that Mawlamyinegyun Township is economically reliable for
Ayeyawady Division, which contributes to the economic development of the
State; the main business of the townships in Ayeyawady Division being
agriculture and livestock breeding, it is necessary to exceed the targets; as
Mawlamyinegyun Township exceeded the target of sown acreage of monsoon paddy,
it is also necessary to surpass that of summer paddy; therefore making
allowance for availability of water and climatic conditions, farmers should
strive to finish their work in time; in addition, cultivation of beans and
pulses should be extended; according to the study of monsoon paddy
cultivation in Mawlamyinegyun Township, it is found that the average sown
acreage as well as the yield of paddy has increased year by year since
1988-89 and so has that of other crops; it is required to meet the purchasing
quota of paddy and for the officials concerned to take measures for
minimising wastage and loss; moreover, emphasis must be placed on development
of meat and fish sector; fish and prawn should be raised wherever conditions
are favourable; poultry farming is to be carried out on a small scale and
then on a commercial one; only then will the economy of the township develop;
in striving for the development of townships, it is important that wards and
villages should also develop proportionately.

He urged local authorities, departments and various social organizations to
work hand and hand with one another in implementing the five rural
development tasks ensuring smooth transport, water supply, health, education
and economic development. After the meeting, they inspected development
conditions of the township by car. Next, they headed for Bogalay by boat,
where they were welcomed by Tactical Operations Commander of South-West
Command Col Khin Maung Latt, Chairman of Pyapon District Peace and
Development Council Lt-Col Myo Myint, members of Bogalay Township Peace and
Development Council, departmental personnel and organizations. At the meeting
hall of the township Peace and Development Council, they met with
departmental officials, townselders, organizations and members of the
township Peace and Development Council.

Chairman of the township Peace and Development Council U San Htay reported on
location and areas of the township, consisting of wards and villages,
agriculture, fisheries, purchasing of paddy, collecting revenue, education
and health sectors, and requirements of the township. Commander Brig-Gen Htay
Oo spoke of the need for carrying out the township development tasks.
Minister Brig-Gen Maung Maung Thein also spoke of the need for development of
meat and fish sector, and poultry farming on a small scale regionwise. Then,
Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than spoke of the need to implement the tasks for building
a peaceful, modern and developed nation; to make concerted efforts in
carrying out agriculture and livestock breeding tasks and in meeting the plan
targets set by the State; to put emphasis on community peace and
tranquillity; and to work together in implementation of five rural
development tasks. After the meeting, Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than and party
inspected development conditions of the township by car. They spent the night
in Pyapon.
__________________________


( 4 ) H&T Minister receives Ambassador

Yangon, 22 Jan- Minister for Hotels and Tourism Maj-Gen Saw Lwin met
Ambassador of Malaysia Dato Muhammad Bin Noh at his office this afternoon.
Present were Deputy Minister for H & T Brig-Gen Aye Myint Kyu, Managing
Director of Myanma Hotels and Tourism Services U Kyi Tun and officials.

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Health Minister receives guest from Austria

Yangon, 22 Jan- Minister for Health Maj-Gen Ket Sein received Commercial
Counsellor Dr Oskar Andesner of Austria at his office at 2 pm today. Also
present at the call were Deputy Ministers for Health Professor Dr Mya Oo and
Professor Dr Kyaw Myint, and officials.

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Minister receives Ambassador

Yangon, 22 Jan- Minister for Home Affairs Col Tin Hlaing received Ambassador
of the Russian Federation to Myanmar Mr Oleg V. Kabanov at his office at
11.30 am today. Also present at the call were Deputy Minister for Home
Affairs Brig-Gen Thura Myint Maung,Director-General of Myanmar Police Force
Police Maj-Gen Soe Win and Head of Office U Thet Tun.

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CPT Minister receives guests

Yangon, 22 Jan- Minister for Communications, Posts and Telegraphs Brig-Gen
Thein Zaw received Chairman of Shinawatra Satellite Public Co Ltd of Thailand
Ms Nongluck Phinainitisart and party at his office at 2 pm today. Also
present at the call were officials of Myanma Posts and Telecommunications.
__________________________

to be continued ...