The New Light of Myanmar (Tuesday, 12 March, 2002)

[Okkar66126@xxxxxxx]

The New Light of Myanmar (Tuesday, 12 March, 2002)
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1. State Peace and Development Council Chairman Senior
   General Than Shwe sends felicitations to Mauritius
2. Armed Forces Day Observance Leading Committee Chairman
   inspects parade drills of military columns
3. Ministry of Foreign Affairs issues Press release
4. - Maj-Gen Tin Aye inspects tax-free markets
   - Education Minister receives Indian scientists
   - Minister meets entrepreneurs at Myaungmya Industrial Zone
5. - Minister inspects booths of 57th Anniversary Armed
     Forces Day
   - Minister visits 39th Myanma Gems Emporium
6. - Coordination meeting on discipline Enforcement Committee
     for the 1363 ME Maha Thingyan Festival held
   - Mayor inspects Maso Agriculture and Livestock
     Breeding Resort
7. - Commander meets local people in Kangyidaunt
   - Computer quiz on Twelve State's objectives continues
   - Fisheries Department holds coordination meeting
8. - Abbot Training Course No 5 concludes in Lashio
   - Hopong USDA members arrive
9. Singapore, Hong Kong youth teams arrive for U-17
   Asia Youth Qualifiers (Group-7)

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( 1 ) State Peace and Development Council Chairman Senior General Than Shwe
sends felicitations to Mauritius

Yangon, 12 March - Senior General Than Shwe, Chairman of the State Peace and
Development Council of the Union of Myanmar, has sent a message of
felicitations to His Excellency Mr Karl Offmann, President of the Republic of
Mauritius, on the occasion of the Independence Day of the Republic of
Mauritius which falls on 12 March 2002.
___________________________

( 2 ) Armed Forces Day Observance Leading Committee Chairman inspects parade
drills of military columns

Yangon, 11 March- Chairman of the Leading Committee for Observance of the
57th Anniversary Armed Forces Day member of the State Peace and Development
Council Chief of Armed Forces Training Maj-Gen Kyaw Win inspected parade
drills of military columns at the Resistance Park here this morning. At 7 am,
the Chairman of the Leading Committee arrived at the Resistance Park where he
was welcomed by Chairman of the Management Committee for Observance of the
57th Anniversary Armed Forces Day Commander of Yangon Command Brig-Gen Myint
Swe, Vice-Chiefs of Armed Forces Training Maj-Gen Win Myint, Brig-Gen Aung
Kyi and Brig-Gen Thein Swe, Chairman of the Best Parade Column Scrutiny
Committee Vice-Adjutant-General Brig-Gen Maung Nyo, Chairman of the Security
Work Committee Deputy Commander of Yangon Command Brig-Gen Hsan Hsint, senior
military officers and officials. First, the Chairman of the Leading Committee
inspected the parade drills of the military columns.

Under the leadership of Parade Commander Brig-Gen Hla Tun and Reserve Parade
Commander Col Than Htay, Tatmadawmen, members of Myanmar Police Force, Fire
Services Department and Red Cross Society of the Anawrahta column led by Col
Thaung Shwe, the Kyansittha column led by Col Tin Hla, the Bayintnaung column
led by Col Khin Maung Win, the Nawade column led by Naval Captain Han Sein,
the Aungzeya column led by Col Khin Maung Latt, the Hsinbyushin column led by
Col Myo Thant, the Bandoola column led by Col Aung Min, the Myawady column
led by Col Hla Moe and the Aung San column led by Col Thaung Zin practised
the parade drills. Then, the Leading Committee Chairman gave necessary
instructions and left the park at 9 am.
___________________________

( 3 )  US once again ignores Myanmar's anti-narcotic efforts

Myanmar cooperating effectively with China, Thailand in checking narcotic
problems across borders

Ministry of Foreign Affairs issues Press release

Yangon, 11 March- The following is a Press release issued by the Ministry of
Foreign Affairs of the Union of Myanmar on 11 March 2002 with respect to USÕs
ignorance of Myanma anti-drugs efforts mentioned in the Annual Presidential
Determinations for Major Illicit Drug Producing and Drug-Transit Countries
released by the White House Press Secretary. It is most regrettable that the
annual United States' Narcotics Report is not objective.

Myanmar's anti-narcotic drugs efforts have once again been ignored by the
United States. Despite Myanmar's relentless efforts to eliminate narcotic
drugs, the United States in its " Annual Presidential Determinations for
Major Illicit Drug Producing and Drug-Transit Countries " released by the
White House Press Secretary on 25 February 2002, has wrongly identified it as
a country that has failed demonstrably to make substantial efforts during the
previous 12 months to adhere to international counter narcotics agreements.

A statement of explanation with respect to Myanmar appended to the
Presidential Determination even misleadingly labelled Myanmar as the world's
largest producer of illicit opium and also the primary source of
methamphetamines trafficked throughout Southeast Asia. On the other hand, the
explanation recognizes that " Myanmar has intensified its counter narcotics
efforts in 2001, particularly during the second half of the year " and that
Myanmar's cooperation with China and Thailand " demonstrated a new commitment
to effective counter narcotics measures". Although these two acknowledgements
speak for themselves, Myanmar's counternarcotics efforts have been belittled
and subjectively minimized.

It is a well-known fact that Myanmar has been implementing the 15-year
narcotic drugs elimination plan with the active participation of the national
races residing in the border areas where opium poppy is grown. The success of
the plan includes, inter alia, the firm pledge made by Wa national race
leaders to totally eradicate drugs from their land by the year 2005 and by
Kokang national race leaders to rid their region of the narcotic drugs, and
the declaration of Mongla region as an Opium Free Zone since 1997. The Japan
International Cooperation Agency is providing assistance to local farmers in
the Laukkai area to cultivate buckwheat as an opium-substitute crop.

As the project is achieving success, plans are under way to extend buckwheat
cultivation. Myanmar has been cooperating effectively with its neighbours,
China and Thailand in checking narcotic problems across  borders. Myanmar
signed the ASEAN Plus China Accord Plan in 2000. Myanmar and the PRC signed
an agreement in Yangon in January 2001 to cooperate in eradicating the drugs
and are now closely cooperating with each other in this regard.

 Myanmar signed an MoU with Thailand in June 2001 to jointly control the
narcotics. Myanmar and Thailand have set up model villages in the border
region between the two countries as project to wipe out poppy cultivation.
Myanmar's cooperation with its neighbours has led to many concrete results.
Tang Xiaolin, a drug kingpin wanted in Yunnan Province, was arrested in
Myanmar and handed over to the Yunnan authorities in April 2001. Through
exchange of information and close cooperation with the Chinese authorities,
one Shang Chou Mei, who committed drug offence in China, was arrested in
Myanmar in September 2001, and it further led to more investigations of drug
traffickers in both countries.

Acting on the information provided by the Office of the Narcotic Control
Board of Thailand, 116 kilos of heroin and over 7 million tablets of
stimulants were seized on the Adman Sea on 7 January 2001 and further
investigations enabled the Myanmar authorities to arrest the perpetrators and
to confiscate their properties. Through intelligence sharing with the
neighbouring countries, over 32 million tablets of stimulants were seized in
areas bordering China and Thailand in 2001. Over 1,621 kilos of opium and 95
kilos of heroin were seized over the same period. The Central Committee for
Drug Abuse Control of Myanmar and the Drug Enforcement Administration of the
United States of America have been conducting joint opium surveys for the
past several years. The DEA also confirmed that poppy cultivation and opium
production is decreasing in Myanmar. According to baseline surveys of poppy
cultivation, areas under opium poppy have decreased from 151,201 acres in
1997-98 to 96,811 acres in 2000-2001 while over 10,987 acres of poppy
plantations were destroyed in 2001. All these statistics are an eloquent
testimony of Myanmar's serious and steadfast efforts to eliminate the scourge
of narcotic drugs. However slanderous the campaign against Myanmar may be,
our efforts will continue, relying on our own resources. We are confident
that goal of total elimination of narcotic drugs will be achieved.
__________________________

( 4 ) Maj-Gen Tin Aye inspects tax-free markets

Yangon, 11 March -Member of the State Peace and Development Council Maj-Gen
Tin Aye of the Ministry of Defence visited the tax-free markets in Yangon and
viewed sale of goods this morning and attended to the needs. Maj-Gen Tin Aye
arrived at Hanthawady tax-free market at the corner of Hanthawady and Kyundaw
Streets in Kamayut Township at 7.30 am.

 He was welcomed there by Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development
Council Commander of Yangon Command Brig-Gen Myint Swe, Commander of No 3
Military Region Col Yan Naing Oo, Joint-Secretary of Yangon City Development
Committee U Kyi Win, Chairman of Yangon West District Peace and Development
Council Lt-Col Maung Maung Shein and officials. Maj-Gen Tin Aye, Commander
Brig-Gen Myint Swe and party inspected vegetable shops of the Ministry of
Home Affairs, the Ministry of Energy, Yangon City Development Committee, the
Indine Station, the Yangon North District General Administration Department,
Hmawby Township Peace and Development Council, Nyaunghnapin Vegetable Special
Cultivation Zone and entrepreneurs, the meat and fish shop of the Ministry of
Livestock and Fisheries, the meat and fish and eggs shops of YCDC and Yangon
Command, the fish shops of Mann Myanmar Fisheries Enterprise, Annawa
Fisheries Enterprise, Ngwe Pinle Co Ltd, Pyay Aung Yadana Co Ltd and
Kyimyinedine Central Sanpya Fish Market, the fish and meat shops of
entrepreneurs, the sale of edible oil by the Union of Myanmar Economic
Holdings Ltd, the rice shops of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council
and Myanmar Rice Wholesalers Association, the consumer goods shop of the
Ministry of Industry-1.

Maj-Gen Tin Aye, Brig-Gen Myint Swe and party then met with customers and
shopkeepers and attended to their requirements. Afterwards, they went to the
tax-free market in Yankin Township. They were welcomed there by Commander of
No 2 Military Region Command Col Tin Oo Lwin.

They inspected sale of  goods, fish & meat, eggs, rice, edible oil and
kitchen crops. After attending to the needs, they visited Tamway tax-free
market on Kyaikkasan Road where Chairman of Yangon East District Peace and
Development Council Lt-Col Aung Pyae and officials. They inspected the shops
at the market and fulfilled the requirements. Then Maj-Gen Tin Aye, Maj-Gen
Myint Swe and party visited tax-free market on Pantara Road in Dagon Township
and gave instructions to the officials.

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Education Minister receives Indian scientists

Yangon, 11 March- Minister for Education U Than Aung received scientists Dr
PS Rao and Dr V Ramaswamy of National Institute of Oceanography of India at
Diamond Jubilee Hall here at 2 pm today. Also present at the call were Deputy
Minister for Education U Myo Nyunt, Counsellor (Culture & Publicity) Mrs
Mukta D Tomar of the Indian Embassy and officials of the Ministry of
Education.

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Minister meets entrepreneurs at Myaungmya Industrial Zone

Yangon, 11 March- Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin
met with entrepreneurs of Myaungmya Industrial Zone at Naungyoe Hall in
Myaungmya, Ayeyawady Division, on 10 March. Present were directors-general
and managing directors of departments and enterprises of the Ministry of
Agriculture and Irrigation, Chairman of Myaungmya District Peace and
Development Council Lt-Col Tin Aye and members, township  level officials and
industrialists. First, the Chairman of Myaungmya District Peace and
Development Council reported on production of industrialists.

 Then, Minister Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin gave instructions on establishment of
industrial zones with a view to ensuring development of region-wise
industries in the country and tasks to be carried out for development of
technology, availability of raw materials, production of finishing goods and
assistance to be provided in mainly manufacturing of agricultural equipment
in Myaungmya Industrial Zone. Afterwards, the minister and party proceeded to
Myaungmya Jute Factory of Myanma Jute Industries in Myaungmya. Managing
Director U Myint Maung and the factory manager conducted the minister around
the factory. Next, The minister inspected production process and gave
necessary instructions.

__________________________

( 5 ) Minister inspects booths of 57th Anniversary Armed Forces Day

Yangon, 11 March- Minister for Industry-1 U Aung Thaung, accompanied by the
Deputy Ministers for Industry-1 Brig-Gen Thein Tun and Brig-Gen Kyaw Win,
inspected the preparation for the booths of the Industry-1 at the 57th
Anniversary Armed Forces Day booths of ministries at the Defence Services
Museum on Shwedagon Pagoda Road here this morning.

First, the minister and party inspected the booths of the Myanma Foodstuff
Industries, Myanma Textile Industries, Myanma Pharmaceutical and Domestic
Industries, records of industries of the Regional Industrial Coordination and
Inspection Department, factories of Kyaukse Industrial Zone, Myanmar General
and Maintenance Industries, Myanma Ceramics Industries, Myanma Paper and
Chemical Industries and gave necessary instructions. Then, the minister
inspected the scale models of the furnace of Thayet Cement factory which
produces 200 tons of cement per day, soap factory project (Magway) and
Kyaukse slippers factory project. The minister then inspected the booths of
the Ministry of Industry-1.

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Minister visits 39th Myanma Gems Emporium

Yangon, 11 March - Patron of the Central Committee for Myanma Gems Emporium
Minister for Mines Brig-Gen Ohn Myint this afternoon arrived at the 39th
Myanma Gems Emporium being held at the Myanma Gems Museum, where he was
welcomed by Chairman of the Central Committee for Myanma Gems Emporium Deputy
Minister for Mines U Myint Thein, Managing Director of Myanma Gems Enterprise
Secretary U Khin Oo and central committee members.

 The minister viewed the selling of gems lots through tinder and auction
systems in the museum and left there in the evening. Gems merchants bought
gems lots competitively through tinder and auction systems from 9 am to 5 pm
in the emporium which continued for the fourth day today. The auction fetched
US$ 3,091,805 from 38 gems lots. Moreover, today's sales of jewellery, jade
fingerines and gems at fixed prices ran into US$ 0.2298. Since its opening on
8 March to 10 March, gems merchants have bought a total of 307 lots of raw
jade worth of US$ 5,769,703. Today's gems sales until 5 pm amounted to US$
8,884,646. The gems sales through auction system will continue.

___________________________

( 6 )  Coordination meeting on discipline Enforcement Committee for the 1363
ME Maha Thingyan Festival held

Commander calls for guarding against indecent acts and mode of dress in
complete antithesis to Myanmar traditional culture, speech and deeds
disparaging Government, provoking riots and breaking down national unity

Yangon, 11 March - The Discipline Enforcement Committee for the 1363 ME Maha
Thingyan Festival held a coordination meeting at the office of Yangon
Division Peace and Development Council here this morning. Chairman of the
Discipline Enforcement Committee Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and
Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Brig-Gen Myint Swe addressed
the meeting.

 Also present were Vice- Chairman of the Discipline Enforcement Committee
Vice-Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Deputy
Commander Brig-Gen Hsan Hsint, Secretary of Yangon City Development Committee
Col Myint Aung, military region commanders, senior military officers of
stations in Yangon Division, members of Yangon Division Peace and Development
Council, departmental officials and chairmen of District and Township Peace
and Development Councils.

 Commander Brig-Gen Myint Swe said that the 1363 ME Maha Thingyan Festival
will be held in accord with four objectives Ñ to hold the 1363 ME Maha
Thingyan Festival in accord with Myanma traditions, to enable the people to
take part in the 1363 ME Maha Thingyan Festival happily and peacefully, to
enable the people to refresh themselves with Thingyan water so that they can
discharge the duty of State with full strength in the coming new year, and to
preserve the essence of Myanma traditional culture.

 It is required for all to guard against indecent acts and mode of dress
which are in complete antithesis to Myanmar traditional culture and the
teachings of Buddhism, throwing water in a manner which can cause injuries
and do harm to others, and speech and deeds which disparage the Government
and tarnish its dignity. It is also necessary to take measures against speech
and deeds which provoke riots, disturb community peace and tranquillity and
break down national unity.

 He quoted Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin
Nyunt as saying that observance of culture at the Maha Thingyan Festival has
been lax since one or two years ago, and it was found that there were
indecent acts and mode of dress and alien culture which run counter to Myanma
traditional culture. Therefore, at the coming Maha Thingyan Festival, action
is to be taken against speech, deeds and mode of dress which have an adverse
effect on Myanma culture and mode of dress.

Then, Secretary of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Kyaw
Tint reported on measures taken for the enforcement of discipline at the Maha
Thingyan Festival. Deputy Commander Brig-Gen Hsan Hsint gave suggestions on
enforcement of discipline and security matters. Afterwards, a general round
of discussions followed. The meeting ended with concluding remarks by the
commander.

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Mayor inspects Maso Agriculture and Livestock Breeding Resort

 Yangon, 11 March - Chairman of Yangon City Development Committee Mayor U Ko
Lay inspected Maso Agriculture and Livestock Breeding Resort at the junction
of Dagon Myothit (South) & (East) and No 2 Highway & No 7 Highway this
morning and gave necessary instructions.

 On arrival at the resort, the mayor heard reports presented by committee
member U Aung Soe, heads of departments concerned and officials on
construction of golf course in the project region, growing of Ngamjichin
(variety of carp), Ngadan (river cat fish) and Ngagjin (Hamilton's carp) bred
in fish ponds No A and B, breeding of fish by blocking of waterways,
cultivation of sweet pepper, pepper and beans in the greenhouses, growing of
kitchen crops and shady trees, digging of fish ponds Nos C and D and tasks
being carried out at the resort.

 Then the mayor gave instructions on sale of fish to the markets in the town
as scheduled, continuous breeding of fish, extended cultivation of shady
trees for greening in the project region and tasks to be carried for the
satisfaction of the visitors to the resort.

___________________________

( 7 ) Commander meets local people in Kangyidaunt

Yangon, 11 March- Chairman of Ayeyawady Division Peace and Development
Council Commander of South-West Command Brig-Gen Htay Oo, accompanied by
Deputy Commander Brig-Gen Tint Swe and officials, arrived at Shwemaungtee
Monastery in Maungtee Village, Kangyidaunt Township, yesterday morning.

 The commander and party paid homage to Shwe-maungtee Monastery Saya-daw Maha
Saddhamma Joti-kadhaja Bhaddanta Obhasasiri. Next, the commander donated
provisions to the Sayadaw and supplicated on religious affairs. Afterwards,
Commander Brig-Gen Htay Oo inspected progress of work in renovation of
Shwemaungtee Pagoda. He then met with local people at the Dhammayon of the
Shwemaungtee Monastery and gave instructions on regional development. Later,
the commander fulfilled the requirements.

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Computer quiz on Twelve State's objectives continues

 Yangon, 11 March - Hailing the 57th Anniversary Armed Forces Day, computer
quiz on Twelve State's objectives continued at the booth of Twelve State's
objectives of the Defence Services Museum at 9 am today. First, Brig-Gen Aung
Thein, Director of the Resettlements, Ministry of Defence, explained the
purpose of holding of the quiz. Assistant Lecturer of University of Computer
Studies U Khin Maung Win explained the methods of taking the quiz. Members of
USDAs from Thakayta, Dagon Myothit (East) and Dagon Myothit (North) townships
participated in it and Director of the Resettlements Brig-Gen Aung Thein and
officials encouraged the participants.

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Fisheries Department holds coordination meeting

 Yangon, 11 March-Work coordination meeting on promotion of marine products
and promotion of quality of livestock breeding products of Fisheries
Department, Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries was held at the meeting hall
of the department with an opening address by Minister for Livestock and
Fisheries Brig-Gen Maung Maung Thein. First, livestock breeding entrepreneurs
and officials of companies reported on work and requirements.

Officials concerned attended to the needs. Officer of the quality control
laboratory U Tint Wai and Deputy Director-General U Hla Win of Fisheries
Department reported on matters related to promotion of quality of livestock
breeding products. Sea prawn breeding entrepreneurs reported on difficulties
during breeding season. The minister attended to the needs and gave necessary
instructions.

___________________________

( 8 ) Abbot Training Course No 5 concludes in Lashio

Yangon, 11 March - The Abbot Training Course No 5 concluded at the Abbot
Training School, Lashio on 6 March morning. Present were Vice-Chairman of the
State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee Myole Kyaungtaik Sayadaw of Lashio Agga
Maha Pandita Agga Maha Saddhamma-jotikadhaja Bhaddanta Kavindanara and
invited Sayadaws, Chairman of Shan State Peace and Development Council
(North) Commander of North-East Command Brig-Gen Myint Hlaing and wife,
Deputy Commander Col Hla Myint and senior military officers, Secretary of
Shan State Peace and Development Council (North) Lt-Col Win Han and
departmental officials and local people.

The ceremony was opened with three-time recitation of Namo Tassa. Myole
Kyaungtaik Saya-daw of Lashio Bhaddanta Kavindanara administered the five
precepts. Then, the Sayadaws recited metta sutta and the Myole Kyaungtaik
Sayadaw gave Ovada Katha. Member of the Panel of Patrons of the Training
School Member of the Central Working Committee of the Sangha Myoma Kyaungtaik
Sayadaw Bhaddanta ‚andima presented certificates to the trainee Sayadaws.
Next, the commander with his wife and officials donated provisions to the
Sayadaws. Afterwards, the Myole Kyaungtaik Sayadaw delivered a sermon and the
congregation shared the merits gained. The ceremony ended with reciting
Buddha Sasanam ‚iram Titthatu three times. The commander and officials
offered 'Soon' to the Sayadaws. Later, the commander inspected construction
of new building and gave necessary instructions to the officials.

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Hopong USDA members arrive

Yangon, 11 March- A USDA-excursion group led by Hopong Township Union
Solidarity and Development Association Secretary U Moe Sithu arrived at USDA
Headquarters on New University Avenue this afternoon. They were welcomed
there by USDA Central Executive Committee member U Thein Sein and officials.
First, CEC member U Thein Sein met with the members of the excursion group
and explained facts about the association. Then, the CEC member and U Khun
Htoo Maung, U Khun Kyaw and township USDA executive U Khun Aye Maung
exchanged souvenirs. Later, the USDA members viewed round the headquarters.

___________________________

( 9 )  Singapore, Hong Kong youth teams arrive for U-17 Asia Youth Qualifiers
(Group-7)

Yangon, 11 March -A 21-member football team from Singapore led by Mr Steven
Yeo Engmeng and the Hong Kong team arrived here today to participate in the
2002 U-17 Asia Youth Qualifiers (Group-7) to be held here. Group-7 comprises
Myanmar, Singapore and Hong Kong. They were welcomed at the airport by Staff
Officer U Kyaw Oo of the International Sports Affairs Department of the
Sports and Physical Education Department, Joint-Secretary of Myanmar Football
Federation U Ba Yee and officials. The group-7 qualifiers will be held at the
Youth Sports Training Camp (Thuwunna). Myanmar will play against Hong Kong at
4 pm on 13 March, Hong Kong versus Singapore on 15 and Myanmar versus
Singapore on 17. Admission fees are K 400 and K 200 per head.

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