The New Light of Myanmar (Wednesday, 13 March, 2002)

[Ok Kar <okkar66126@xxxxxxxxx>]

The New Light of Myanmar (Wednesday, 13 March, 2002)
-------------------------------
1. The Working Committee for Development of Border
   Areas and National Races held the coordination
   meeting No 1/2002
2. Secretary-1 addresses opening ceremony of Course in

   Diplomacy for Officers-CID/2002
3. A special press conference
4. Princess floating restaurant and recreation centre
   opened
5. Illicit timber logs seized in DaikU
6. Highest buyers of Gems honoured
7. Gems Emporium fetches over US$ 20m

---------


( 1 ) The Working Committee for Development of Border
Areas and National Races held the coordination meeting
No 1/2002

Poppy cultivation, opium production declining as
national brethren of border areas cooperating with
government State spends K 23,390.66 million to
implement border areas development plan in entire
nation


Yangon, 12 March- The Working Committee for
Development of Border Areas and National Races held
the coordination meeting No 1/2002 at the meeting hall
of the Ministry for Progress of Border Areas and
National Races and Development Affairs at 3 pm today,
with an address by Chairman of the Working Committee
for Development of Border Areas and National Races
Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council
Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt.

 Also present on the occasion were members of the
State Peace and Development Council Maj-Gen Ye Myint
and Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than of the Ministry of
Defence, ministers, deputy ministers, members of the
Working Committee and Subcommittees, the
director-general of the State Peace and Development
Council Office, departmental heads and officials.
First, Chairman of the Working Committee for
Development of Border Areas and National Races
Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council
Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt delivered an address. He said the
government started the development task for national
races living in border areas in 1989.

 It has been implementing the tasks in all the 14
states and divisions including Wa region for over 12
years. During the 12 years, armed insurgency almost
ended in all border areas, he said. Peace and
tranquillity has also been restored at the areas. As
the rule of law has been restored in the entire
nation, the government is striving with added momentum
for proportionate progress of all border areas. Based
on genuine goodwill, mutual trust and confidence and
sincerity towards all the national races, the
government is making endeavours for regional
development and uplift of living standard of local
people, he said. He said that he himself frequently
visited the border areas and undertook the tasks
practically.

National races are joining hands with the government
in participating in border areas development tasks.
This is why unprecedented progress has been made in
developing border areas.  Due to zeal of the Wa
national leaders and local people and the mutual love,
understanding, trust and sincerity between them and
the government, the Wa region which lagged behind
progress most in the past is now achieving significant
development. Based on the progress made in Wa region,
efforts must be made for development of other regions
in combination with the government's assistance and
efforts of local leaders.

Therefore, the task force consisting of the deputy
ministers and departmental heads was sent to Kokang
and Wa regions, Kachin special region-2 and regions in
Mon State to gave necessary advice and provide
assistance to them. Previous month, he said, a team
consisting of chairmen of work sub-committee and heads
of departments led by the Minister for Progress of
Border Areas and National Races and Development
Affairs made a field trip to Laukkai-Kongyan region
and provided assistance to them for development.

He spoke of the need to continue the tasks without
hesitation. The Secretary-1 said the first term of the
second five mid-year plan of border region development
project is going to be ended soon. During the second
five year plan, Senior General Than Shwe gave guidance
on the five tasks. He quoted the Senior General as
saying that eradication of poverty will be made in the
country if the people in rural areas are rich.

Therefore, rural development tasks must be carried out
seriously. The Secretary-1 said rural areas means
border areas that lagged behind development. He spoke
of the need for officials who engaged in the tasks to
raise the momentum based on the guidance of the Head
of State for ensuring better transport in border
areas, development of education and human resources,
getting drinking water, better health care services
and uplift of rural economic life. In according with
the guidance of the Head of State, necessary
assistance will be provided to the region after
inspection in some regions left under-developed.
Arrangements have been made to build a university, a
technological college and a computer college that will
contribute towards the development of Loilem including
Panglong region which produced Panglong Spirit. He
said the Loilem Hospital was upgraded to a 200-bed
hospital for uplift of health care services of local
people in honour of the Panglong region. Local people
are to participate in the task.

Speaking on the occasion, Secretary-1 quoted the
guidance of Head of State Senior General Than Shwe, as
saying, " As the border areas development task and
drug elimination tasks have inter-relation between
each other, efforts should be made in accord with the
master plan drawn for progress of border areas and
national races. At the same time, energetic efforts
are required to root out the narcotic drugs. " He said
in accord with the guidance, priority has been given
to building roads and bridges, which are the basic
infrastructures, in the border regions which lagged
behind development.

 Other areas including education, health and public
relations included in the social infrastructures and
agriculture, forestry, water supply, livestock
breeding, irrigation and mining included in the
economic infrastructures are being developed in all
sectors. Some border regions are achieving progress
which exceeds the expected target. Poppy cultivation
and narcotic drugs production have been decreased to a
significant degree. Mongla is a model region in
eliminating the narcotic drugs. The State has rendered
assistance to the endeavours of the local people which
are being made with firm determination.

Thus, Mongla was been declared as an " Opium Free Zone
" to the world in 1997. Conducting of opium-substitute
cropping and farming, setting up of cottage industries
and value added industries have been extended in Wa
region to be able to declare the whole region another"
Opium Free Zone " of Myanmar in 2005. Kokang region is
also striving to totally free itself from drugs by the
year 2005. The State is implementing the 15-year
narcotics elimination plan under its own expenditure.
The plan got only a few amount of foreign assistance.

Although the nation is not rich, it is continuously
striving to root out the drugs as a national tasks. As
the national people have understood the manace of the
drugs, they are joining hands with the government in
rooting out the drugs. Thus, poppy cultivation and
opium production is declining. In the previous year
buckwheat, an opium substitute crop, was grown on
3,110 acres, and yielded 169.438 tons. This year,
4,160 acres of land was put under buckwheat. Up to 7
march 2002, 154.47 tons of buckwheat have been
purchased.

 The crops is exported to Japan. As the buckwheat is
popular among the world nations, the officials at
different levels should strive to extend buckwheat
cultivation. Although the nation is striving in all
sectors to root out the drugs, some big nations are
launching slanders against her concerning the drugs.
The nation is refuting the slanders. And at the same
time the media should strive to distribute the news on
the endeavours of the national people to cultivate
opium-substitute crops. Since the start of the border
areas development plan in 1989 and up to February
2002, the State has spent K 23,390.66 million in
implementing the plan at all the regions of the
nation. The State is using a large amount of money to
cement national unity and living standards in the
border areas. Development of the border areas will
lead to improvement of the living standards of the
local people. It will also help strengthen national
solidarity and flourish the Union spirit.

The ministries, the subcommittees should strive in
harmony with added momentum to successfully implement
the border areas development plan. Then, Minister for
Progress of Border Areas and National Races and
Development Affairs Col Thein Nyunt reported that K
632.61 million for ordinary expenditure, K 2,236.06
million for capital expenditure and K 797.33 million
for provided funds, total amount K 3,665.98 million
were received for carrying out development tasks in
border areas for 2001-2002 financial year. Tasks
undertaken in respective border regions from 1989-90
to 28-2-2002 are as follows: Regarding the road and
bridge sector, 2,654/2 miles of earth road, 1,402/5
miles of gravel road, 283/3 miles of tarred road were
constructed and 2,596/7 miles road, 39 large bridges,
627 small bridges and 16 suspension bridges were
maintained.

 Regarding the health care service sector, 46
hospitals, one station health care unit, 74
dispensaries, 18 rural health care units and 30
branches of rural health care units were opened -
Regarding the education sector, 366 Basic Education
primary Schools, 48 BEMSs and 19 BEHSs were built.

 Regarding the agriculture sector, 31 agriculture
offices and 113 agriculture camps were constructed; 40
dams are being built and are under construction;
survey work have been undertaken for construction of
17 dams and four canals; and 11 tractor stations were
built.

 Regarding the forest sector, four reserve forests
were demarcated; arrangement are being made for
demarcation of four reserve forests; and 12 saw mills
and seven forest nursery were established. - Regarding
the livestock and breeding sector, 19 livestock
breeding farms and 41 veterinary offices were opened
and 111 pedigree cows and asses were distributed.

 Regarding the energy sector, power supply is being
carried out in 177 towns with the use of 241
generators and eight towns with hydel power. -
Regarding the public relations sector, 85 TV
retransmission stations were built.  Regarding the
communication sector, 53 post offices were opened; 45
radio telephones were installed; 54 local exchanges
were built; 442 miles of trunk-call line and 21
carrier machines were installed; and 45 telegraph
offices, 11 microwave stations and nine communication
buildings were built.

 Regarding the human resource development in border
area, 17 national race youth training schools, two
Nationalities Youth Resources Development Degree
Colleges and 12 Domestic Science Training Schools for
the Women were built. Moreover, development tasks for
border areas and national races are being carried out
by the Work Committee in cooperation with UNDP, UNDCP,
JICA, KOICA and other NGOs.

The Work Committee and UNDCP are cooperating in the
implementation of southern Wa region substitution
development project with the five-year plan from
August 1998 to July 2003. Within the period of the
plan, tasks were undertaken in construction of nine
project buildings, injection treatment for children of
234 project villages, water supply for 11 villages;
construction of four BEPSs and two BEMSs, power supply
of Pangsang-Mongpauk, construction of
13.24-kilometre-long Mongpauk-Mongka road,
establishment of the forest nursery and distribution
of seeds. The project fund was set up with US$ 11.6
millions and K 28.36 million and UNDCP provided US$
8.84 millions to the project.

Under the CDRT project of the UNDP from September 1999
to April 2002, construction of 136 primary schools,
repair of 20 primary schools, construction of 343
lakes, wells and other water supply, 1,517 lakes, 227
tanks for water filtering, construction of 4,545
fly-proof latrines, 26 dispensaries, and one station
hospital, distribution of coffee saplings and
cultivation of seasonal crops were undertaken. The
Karamosia International, an NGO of Japan, is
implementing the Hotaung region alternative
development project in southern Wa region from October
1999 to March 2002 and has constructed an industrial
development centre in Mongphyan region. It contributed
´ 220 million equivalent to about US$ 2 million and
has spent US$ 0.35 million on the project to date.

Moreover, in cooperation with Border Areas and
National Races Development Department, the Karamosia
International is carrying out cultivation of crops and
planting trees in the surrounding areas of Inlay Lake
with the contribution of US$ 0.822 million. Likewise,
the Swiss Foundation for Development Cooperation
(SWISSAID), an NGO of Switzerland, in cooperation with
Border Areas and National Races Development
Department, is implementing the Kachin State and Shan
State development project (2001-2004) with the
contribution of US$ 0.45 million. Besides, on 13
December last year, the officials of the two nations
signed the Exchange of Notes for which the Japanese
government granted ´ 800 million for Laukkai-Kongyan
road upgrading project and Kyashishu Village electric
power supply project.

 In poppy substitute crop cultivation project, a total
of 1,980 acres of buckwheat was cultivated in Kokant
region, 180 acres in Kutkai, 400 acres in Tamonye, 200
acres each in Panhsay and Kyaukme, 500 acres in
Kaungkha and 700 acres in Monekoe. Altogether 154.47
tons of buckwheat have been purchased up to 5 March
2002 and of them 18 tons have been exported to Japan
for the first batch. With the Japanese government's
grant of ´ 624 million, the five-year rural water
supply project is being implemented for Shan State
(North) beginning 2001-2002 fiscal year.

As part of border areas human resources development
project, altogether 17 youth training schools were
opened in the respective border areas by the Education
and Training Department and 446 primary school
students, 848 middle school students and 337 high
school students are being nurtured and trained. In
addition, domestic schools for women were opened in
Muse, Lashio, Mongsat, Kentung, Tachilek, Loikaw,
Myawady, Ye, Myeik, Kawthoung, Haka and Maungtaw for
uplift of morale character and all-round development
of food, clothing and shelter and altogether 9,350
national race trainees are being taught. Then,
chairmen of the respective work sub-committees and
officials reported on work to be carried out for
regional development. Member of the State Peace and
Development Council Maj-Gen Ye Myint of the Ministry
of Defence and those present at the meeting gave
supplementary reports.

In response to the reports, the Secretary-1 said that
work for development of border areas and national
races was carried out at first in the areas where
there was no armed insurgency and later in border
areas in northern and southern part of the nation
including Chin and Rakhine States. At present, work
for development of border areas and national races is
being carried out throughout the nation in accordance
with the guidance of the Head of State. In addition,
rural and national development work was being extended
to 22 developing areas in 14 states and divisions so
as to be able to carry out the development work in all
parts of the nation.

 Now, there were 23 developing areas in all as
Panglong region developing area was added to 22
developing areas, and the developing areas will be
extended as necessary. In conclusion, the Secretary-1
called upon all to make harmonious cooperation in wide
and effective implementation of all development work
being undertaken in developing areas, rural
development tasks, and tasks for border areas and
national races being under taken in all parts of the
nation.
___________________________

( 2 )  Secretary-1 addresses opening ceremony of
Course in Diplomacy for Officers-CID/2002

Myanmar on right path to achieve national goal of
peaceful, prosperous, modern and developed state

Yangon, 12 March- A ceremony to open the Course in
Diplomacy for Officers-CID/2002, organized by the
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, was held at Wunzin
Minyaza Hall of the ministry at 8.30 am today, with an
address by Secretary-1 of the State Peace and
Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt.

 Also present on the occasion were ministers, the
Chief Justice, the Attorney-General, Minister for
Foreign Affairs U Win Aung, Deputy Minister U Khin
Maung Win, officials of the State Peace and
Development Council Office, directors-general, deputy
directors-general of departments under the ministry,
Myanmar ambassadors, scholars of universities and
trainees. At the opening ceremony, the Secretary-1
delivered an address.

He said: It gives me great pleasure to learn that the
Course in Diplomacy 4/2002 being opened today is being
attended not only by personnel from the Ministry of
Foreign Affairs but also by trainees from other
Ministries as well as from the Attorney-General's
Office and the Office of the Supreme Court.

Today, the nature of the international relations has
assumed wider dimensions and, in addition to
diplomats, personnel from different government
ministries, non-government organizations (NGOs),
businessmen and entrepreneurs and even various circles
of the society are playing important roles in
diplomacy. Therefore, it becomes imperative for
government ministries and various organizations to be
acquainted with the characteristics and complexities
of modern-day diplomacy. As such, in order for the
government service personnel to be able to protect and
advance effectively the national interests of the
nation, special courses are being arranged for them.

 It is only when enough skilled diplomats as well as
government service personnel who are knowledgeable
about diplomacy and international relations have been
nurtured will Myanmar be able to stand shoulder to
shoulder with the rest of the world. May I therefore
take this opportunity to express our deep appreciation
to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for arranging such
courses for Myanmar diplomats as well as for service
personnel from other ministries. A review of the
current international situation will reveal that the
conditions in the world are both complex and delicate.

 Even as conflicts and acts of violence are happening
daily in most corners of the world, the gap between
the rich and the poor, and the technological divide
between advanced and developing nations are also
becoming wider and wider. It can also be observed that
while some small and developing nations face internal
strife and even the danger of disintegration, powerful
nations and groups of nation are openly interfering in
the internal affairs of other countries under various
pretexts in order to mould them according to their
wishes. In other words, there have appeared many
instances where the very independence and sovereignty
of smaller nations are under threat.

Under these circumstances, it is of paramount
importance for developing nations like Myanmar to
possess the necessary national resilience to be able
to withstand the attempts by outside powers to
intervene in their internal affairs and to exert
influence over them. As such, Myanmar is endeavouring
day and night to strengthen the nation under the
guidance and leadership of the Chairman of the State
Peace and Development Council Senior General Than
Shwe.

Moreover, in these endeavours, it is paying special
attention to the development of the nation's
political, economic and defence might. The issue of
armed insurgency that has plagued the nation since the
time of the regaining of independence is now almost
completely resolved and for the very first time,
Myanmar is enjoying peace and stability practically in
the entire country. In addition, the strengthening of
the Union Spirit among the national brethren has also
resulted in the consolidation of internal unity and
solidarity.

The Government is also trying its best for all the
national races and all organizations and institutions
from all spheres in the country to come together and
cooperate with each other in working for the
development of the nation. Therefore, I wish to
reiterate that the Government is always keeping the
door open to those groups who have still not yet
joined hands with us. In striving for the
strengthening of the all-round capability of the
country, economic development and progress play a
crucial role. It is our belief that while peace and
stability contribute to economic progress, lasting
peace and tranquillity can only be assured by
sustained economic growth. Based on the prevailing
peace and stability in the nation, the Government is
working day and night on nation-building efforts.

Due to the correct policies and strategies adopted by
the Government and the whole-hearted and joint
endeavours of the Government, people and the Tatmadaw
(Armed Forces), it can be said with confidence that
Myanmar is on the right path to achieve the national
goal of a peaceful, prosperous, modern and developed
state. Relying on our own resources and efforts, the
economy has grown steadily despite the fact that some
western nations have imposed embargoes and sanctions
and that Myanmar has practically received no official
development assistance.

If one looks at Myanmar's economic growth, it can be
seen that the economy attained an average 7.5 per cent
per annum growth against a plan target of 5.1 per cent
during the 1992-93 to 1995-96 Short-Term Four-Year
Plan. Similarly, Myanmar's economy grew by an average
8.4 per cent in the 1996-97 to 2000-2001 Short-Term
Five-Year Plan, surpassing the planned 6 per cent
annual growth. At present, the nation is implementing
the 2001-2002 to 2005-2006 Short-Term Five-Year Plan.
Although the Plan calls for 6 per cent annual growth,
we are confident that we will be able to exceed the
target.

Because of the endeavours of all responsible persons
in the nation, Myanmar currently is enjoying peace and
tranquillity as well as all-round economic growth and
development. Likewise, Myanmar's international
standing has also improved. Its ties and cooperation
with its neighbours and the countries in the region as
well as with like-minded and friendly nations are
growing stronger day by day and it is participating
more actively in international fora including the
United Nations and in regional associations like ASEAN
and BIMST-EC.

 Regrettably, opposition groups within and outside the
country as well as some countries continue to ignore
the achievements in Myanmar and spread false
allegations to tarnish the image to the country, to
give pressure and to try to isolate Myanmar for their
own political motives. These opposition groups and
nations even tried to grad in international
organizations in their nefarious schemes. Moreover,
Myanmar has to confront all sorts of allegations
regarding human rights, forces labour and narcotic
drugs designated to damage the international
reputation of Myanmar.

An objective evaluation will show that these
accusations are very different from the actual
situation in the country and are
politically-motivated. Even UN organizations have
acknowledged that narcotic production and trafficking
have fallen sharply as the Government is undertaking
elimination of narcotic drugs as a national cause. It
is also known to all that Myanmar is taking
legislative, administrative and executive measures to
eradicate forced labour in the country. To show that
human rights abuses are neither practised nor
condoned, the UN Human Rights Special Rapporteur
Professor Sergio Pinheiro has been permitted to visit
various parts of the country and to observe at first
hand the true situation.

He was even able to visit jails and to meet with the
prisoners and detainees freely. Up to now, nearly 200
women prisoners who are pregnant or who are with small
children have had their sentences suspended and set
free as a humanitarian gesture. In brief, it can be
said that significant strides have been made towards
the national goal of a peaceful, prosperous, modern
and developed state sue to the vigorous and systematic
efforts of the Government. On the other hand, the
future society that we aim for is the emergence of a
disciplined democratic nation in accord with the
aspirations of the people. As many instances in the
world have shown, countries that did not take
systematic steps in changing from one system to
another often have to counter unrest and instability
that sometimes threaten the very fabric of nationhood.


We cannot permit the existing positive and favourable
conditions in the nation to be undermined. Allow me at
this juncture to say the western nations that, if your
intention is to see democracy flourishing in Myanmar,
if your wish is for Myanmar to be a nation
contributing to regional and international peace and
prosperity, you should try to help and assist the
Government in its endeavours instead of placing
obstacles and hindrances. Trying to obstruct these
efforts in the part of the Government through
sanctions and embargoes will only result in delaying
the progress towards these goals. On our part, we are
committed and determined to strive to reach our noble
goal whether or not we received assistance from
abroad.

While the Government is making untiring and vigorous
efforts towards the establishment of democracy and
national development, we are very much disturbed by an
untoward incident aimed at undermining our cherished
goals and disintegration if the armed forces.
Nevertheless, we are doubly committed to carry on to
reach the objectives of the country. In these times
and circumstances, it is all the more important for
the service personnel to be well-versed in the
policies laid down by the State as well as to
understand domestic and international conditions.

 In this context, I am convinced that trainees will
make every efforts to diligently study the subjects of
diplomacy and international relations as well as the
initiatives and activities of the State which are
being taught in the Course. Let me take this
opportunity to put on record my sincere appreciation
to the Minister and Deputy Minister for Foreign
Affairs, Heads of Department, Retired Ambassadors, and
also Professors for taking time to teach the trainees
despite their heavy responsibilities. In conclusion:
may I wish the trainees who participate in this course
will become truly distinguished personnel who could
shoulder the duties of the State; may all the
officials in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs become
loyal and distinguished diplomats; and may a peaceful,
modern, developed and democratic state emergence in
the short period due to the unremitting efforts to
these loyal service personnel. Altogether 40 trainees
of ministries, the Chief Justice's Office and the
Attorney-General's Office are attending the 17-week
course.

___________________________

( 3 )   A special press conference

Acts of U Aye Zaw Win and his sons solely aimed at
establishing family power and seeking family interests


May cause nation to deviate from desired goal of
modern democracy

Can break up unity within Tatmadaw and harm peace and
stability

Yangon, 12 March-A special press conference with local
and foreign media journalists on matters relating to
the conspiracy to seize State power and the attempts
to break up unity within Tatmadaw and cause antagonism
was held at the Tatmadaw Guest House on Inya Road here
at noon today.

It was attended by Minister for Labour U Tin Winn,
Vice-Chief of Military Intelligence Maj-Gen Kyaw Win,
Deputy Minister for Home Affairs Brig-Gen Thura Myint
Maung, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs U Khin
Maung Win, Deputy Minister for Information Brig-Gen
Aung Thein, Brig-Gen Khin Aung Myint of the Ministry
of Defence, senior military officers, departmental
heads, officials of the Ministry of Information,
Correspondent U Sein Win of Kyodo News Agency, Myanmar
Foreign Correspondents Club Patron U Hla Htwe,
President U Sao Kai Hpa, member correspondents and
invited persons.


Vice-Chief of Military Intelligence Maj-Gen Kyaw Win
explained matters on the conspiracy to seize State
power and the attempts to break up the unity within
Tatmadaw and cause antagonism.

He said: Today's press conference is the follow-up of
the previous press conference held on 9-3-2002. At the
previous press conference, it has been disclosed that
U Aye Zaw Win and his sons Aye Ne Win, Kyaw Ne Win and
Zwe Ne Win conspired to seize State power and made
attempts to break up unity within the Tatmadaw and
cause antagonism. At today's press conference, matters
on how they hatched their scheme will be explained.

As explained at the previous meeting, U Aye Zaw Win,
Aye Ne Win, Kyaw Ne Win and Zwe Ne Win, whenever they
encountered difficulties in their business
undertakings, were critical of the State leaders. It
is also learnt that they have expressed their
dissatisfaction because they could no longer enjoy
privileges as before and the State has been giving
economic opportunities to the nationalities
organizations. They discussed the need to effect
changes in the leadership of top State leaders with a
view to changing the existing conditions of the State
to suit their needs. According to the statements of
other witnesses, not only U Aye Zaw Win and sons but
also Daw Khin Sandar Win numbering five family-members
had frequent closed-door meetings in the Nawarat
Concord office in recent months.

According to the statement of U Aye Zaw Win, a
military force to disarm the security force was needed
in trying to meet the Senior General for effecting
changes. Aye Ne Win and younger brothers were assigned
duties to mobilize the required military force and
persuade a senior military commander and U Aye Zaw Win
was to enter Senior General Than Shwe's residence with
the use of military force to disarm the security
guards. Then, when the residence was under siege, he
would voice complaints to the Senior General and put
pressure on him. After that, Senior General Than Shwe
would be taken to Ady (Maikha) Road to meet with U Ne
Win. The person who would not obey the order of U Ne
Win would be detained at his residence and the person
who would follow the directions of U Ne Win would be
appointed as leader. The changes in the Government
would be made by forming a new Government with those
who would stay under the influence of U Ne Win. At
that moment, the military force of the senior military
commander they could have organized would take
security duty near the residence of U Ne Win and
Senior General Than Shwe would be pressed. That was
one way.

Another way was that using the military force of a
senior military commander they could have organized, U
Aye Zaw Win and youngest son Zwe Ne Win were to enter
the Senior General's residence while Aye Ne Win and
Kyaw Ne Win were to go into the residences of General
Maung Aye and Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt simultaneously. To do
so, they intended to use sufficient military force to
disarm the security units of the respective
residences. Afterwards, Senior General Than Shwe,
General Maung Aye and Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt would be taken
to the residence of U Ne Win on Ady (Maikha) Road.
Before U Ne Win, they would be asked to peacefully
hand over the State power and a new government would
then be formed with those who would follow the
directions of U Ne Win. To facilitate this, the
commander they could have organized would have to
arrange for the security of U Ne Win by taking
security duty near U Ne Win.

Of the two ways, the one to choose would depend on the
commander they could have organized. The way that
would come out through consultations with the
commander would be used. U Aye Zaw Win and his sons
using military force and U Ne Win's influence would
put pressure and detain the ruling State leaders to
effect changes in the leadership of the State. They
had conspired to form a new government by deviating
from the Tatmadaw Government's policy for the
emergence of genuine multi-party democracy. It is
clear that to successfully carry out their plot, they
had committed acts to mobilize some military forces
and cause disintegration of the Tatmadaw. They would
take advantage of the 57th Anniversary Armed Forces
Day when military troops of various places are in
Yangon for the occasion. In this way, they attempted
to seize state power, making a stooge of the Tatmadaw.


Of the business enterprises of U Aye Zaw Win and sons,
the Golden Crown Co headed by Kyaw Ne Win was kept
open in the premises of Nawarat Hotel. Although they
had declared to be doing construction business, there
had been no construction undertakings whatsoever. They
have been grooming over 50 persons who would follow
their orders by providing them high salaries. Wherever
they go, they are always seen with their properly
trained followers like their own private security
guards.

 When going outside, they moved in a motorcade and
their own security guards ahead and back. They also
used their own security guards at their residences and
offices. They kept own security guards by giving each
of them from K 40,000 to K 50,000 per month. They have
to spend about K 3 million per month to give as
salaries to those private security guards.

When the authorities searched the office and store
room of Golden Crown Co on 8 March 2002, altogether 59
communication sets which could be used only by the
Tatmadaw and state security organizations were found
together with bases, re-transmission devices,
trunk-call aerial antennae and aerial cables. Some of
them are used-ones and some brand-new. Similarly, 27
rubber batons that could be used only by security
control battalions, 20 signal lights carried by
traffic police, 2 mine sweepers, badges of police
offices, badges and arm emblems of security force
members, arm-bands, uniforms, caps and trousers, boots
armoury, belts, camouflage and equipment were also
confiscated. These things could have been intended to
be used when their conspiracy met success as well as
in making demands to the State leaders.

The hat badge and the arm badge designed by Aye Ne Win
are significant. The hat badge portrays a ka-daung
(dancing peacock) wearing a magaik crown. The ka-daung
implying the sun represents U Ne Win. The arm badge
portrays three swords symbolizing the three brothers.
It also includes a picture of a tiger holding a royal
tha-mee fan ( a Yak tail fly-whisk) which stands for
Aye Ne Win, a harp representing the ancestors of the
grandmother, and a ngayant fish representing the
ancestors of the grandfather.

 Other confiscated items not known for astrology or
the lowly way were a gold basket, a silver basket, a
gold dove, a silver dove, a gold gong, a silver gong,
a thanhlet (a royal weapon), a figurine of a frog,
miniature statues of the leaders of the State. The
media persons will have to find the answer to all that
by themselves.

 What he could tell is that Myo Myint Aung (a) Setkya
Aung Pwint Khaung (a) Saya Lay of 956, 12th Yathawady
Street, Ward 13, South Okkalapa, was hired as an
adviser at Sky Link Company at a monthly salary of K
300,000. The company was managed by U Aye Zaw Win and
Kyaw Ne Win. The man was provided with an Isuzu
Trooper car (Plate No 3kha/6383) and a cellular phone.
The company also provided him with a barrel of octane
petroleum per month. According to the papers seized at
Golden Crown Company, the expenditure for staff salary
alone for the month, February, amounted to K 3.3
million and FEC 16,311. The individual monthly
salaries of the office staff and the security staff of
the company can be also found in the papers. The list
of code names and code words can be also found in the
documents.

 The three brothers, Aye Ne Win, Kyaw Ne Win and Zwe
Ne Win, always went outside in a motorcade under the
protection of their private security guards. When they
had a quarrel with other youth, the security guards
bullied and hit the other youth like gangsters. Kyaw
Ne Win was said to be a womanizer spending a large sum
for the purpose. Due to these misdeeds, it was
rumoured in public that the grandsons of U Ne Win were
gangsters.

 Kyaw Ne Win and Zwe Ne Win and their security guards
entered Feel Restaurant at 11.30 am on 3 January 1999
while Maung Kyaw Ye Lin, 18, son of U Moe Nyunt, of
Ward 7, Mayangon Township, and his friends were dining
at the restaurant located at Ward 6, in the same
township. They took Maung Kyaw Ye Lin and friends to
the compound of the Traffic Police Office near Inya
Lake. They released Maung Kyaw Ye Lin's friends, Maung
Thet Toe Han and Maung Ye Zaw Tun, but held Maung Kyaw
Ye Lin. Under orders of Kyaw Ne Win and Zwe Ne Win,
the security guards slapped, hit and kicked Maung Kyaw
Ye Lin. The security guards also shaved his head and
his eyebrows. They also made him do exercise under the
sun as punishment. Kyaw Ne Win and brothers used the
Army unit in their quarrels with other youth resulting
from enmity. The brothers made the soldiers of the
unit go beyond the limit in hitting other youth. The
soldiers who were involved in the quarrel faced
actions in accord with the military rules.

Similarly, there was another rowdy incident at 5.30 pm
on 30 July 2001. Kyaw Ne Win and four accomplices
pulled down Kyaw Thu, 20, from his car near the
traffic light at the junction of Insein and Parami
roads in Hline Township. The reason was that Kyaw Thu
who was driving a Dyna light truck of Wa Wa Win
Construction Company carrying iron grilles did not
make way for their Land Cruiser car (4Kha/9) to
overtake him. After hitting Kyaw Thu, they took him to
Nawarat Concord Hotel and forced him to carry rice
bags. The problem ended as the victim did not file a
law suit against them.

Grudge against the State leaders

For their acts misleading the public and their breach
of social rules, the authorities concerned, under the
instructions of the Secretary-1 of the State Peace and
Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt, warned, U Aye
Zaw Win and sons against going outdoors under personal
security and using communication facilities. They also
warned them to abide by the law. It was heard that the
whole family bore grudge for giving them the warning.

They sold GSM telephones to the public before they got
permission and they did something that should not be
done. Authorities concerned had to intervene and
handle the case break out lest there should be a
problem between them and the people. Regarding the
sale of GSM telephones in cooperation with the
Ministry of Communications, Posts and Telegraphs, Kyaw
Ne Win assigned duties to KLN Co and sold the phones
before the permission was obtained. The KLN Co gave
Kyaw Ne Win K 545 million out of K 627.67 million
realized from the sale of 1,092 telephones. Regarding
the illegal measures undertaken without the
permission, authorities concerned detained telephone
seller, and made arrangements to draw money for those
who paid money in advance to get telephones. The KLN
Co made arrangements to repay the money to those who
bought the telephones and authorities concerned
demanded the money from Kyaw Ne Win. Payments were
then made to those who bought the telephones. U Aye
Zaw Win, Daw Khin Sandar Win and sons were indignant
against State leaders concerning the money they had to
refund.

Confiscation of cars without licence

 In connection with the offences committed by U Aye
Zaw Win and his sons, some witnesses were questioned.
Out of the vehicles used in the Golden Crown Co, 15
were without licence. The photos of the vehicles
without licence were put on display.

Position of senior military commanders

After investigating the senior military commander said
to have been involved in the attempt as they have
persuaded, it is clearly found that they directly told
him their plot. It is obvious that they have conspired
to commit a treason. Some military commanders were
indirectly persuaded. It was revealed that U Aye Zaw
Win and sons persuaded those who might have sympathy
for them and admired them.

The acts of U Aye Zaw Win and sons Aye Ne Win, Kyaw Ne
Win and Zwe Ne Win were improper and solely aimed at
establishing family power and seeking family
interests. It could harm the political history of
Myanmar at a time when national solidarity has
flourished and could also deviate from the way of
ensuring the emergence of a new modern and developed
democratic nation desired by the citizenry. Moreover,
it can destroy the unity within the Tatmadaw and harm
the peace and stability of the country.

Their acts amount to committing crimes and are
violations of economic laws. Action will be taken
against them in accordance with the existing laws.

Then, the Vice-Chief of Military Intelligence gave
replies to the questions raised by the mediamen. The
special press conference ended at 12.45 pm.
Afterwards, the journalists viewed the confiscated
items and documentary photos displayed there.

__________________________


( 4 ) Princess floating restaurant and recreation
centre opened

Yangon, 12 March - Under the supervision of the
Ministry of Transport, a ceremony to open the Princess
floating restaurant and recreation centre of Tet Nay
Aung Co Ltd and Hnin Thitsa Co Ltd was held at Wadan
jetty (Padamya jetty) this evening. It was attended by
Daw Khin Than Nwe, wife of Lt-Gen Tin Oo, the
ministers, the Yangon mayor, the deputy ministers, the
vice- mayor, departmental heads, officials of the
Ministry of Transport, Ministry of Hotels and Tourism
and Tet Nay Aung Co Ltd, artistes and invited guests.
First, Minister for Transport Maj-Gen Hla Myint Swe,
Managing Director of Tet Nay Aung Co Ltd U Zaw Win and
Managing Director of Hnin Thitsa Co Ltd Daw Khin Thida
formally opened the restaurant and the recreation
centre. Then, dinner was hosted to those present. The
restaurant and the recreation centre were built
dividing into two sections on Wadan Jetty Nos 1 and 2.
Section-1 has an air-conditioned hall with a capacity
of 500 persons and a balcony from which the beauty of
Yangon river can be enjoyed. Section-2 has a modern
musical sloon, a beauty Salon, a karaoke lounge and a
fitness centre.

__________________________

( 5 ) Illicit timber logs seized in DaikU

Yangon, 12 March - A combined squad of members of
local intelligence unit and Myanmar Police Force,
acting on information, laying in wait at the edge
between DaikU and Bago townships on 10 March and
seized eight trucks with illegal logs. The logs on the
trucks were about 35 tons of Pyingadoe and 10 tons of
others. Six timber merchants bought the said logs from
illegal loggers in the area of Bago Yoma and DaikU and
smuggled them into Yangon. Action was taken against
drivers Zaw Hein, Saw Mu Shin, Win Bo, Zaw Lin, Tin
Lin and Thein Zaw and timber merchants Kyaw Gyi, Soe
Shein, Thaung Yin and Aung Tun who were arrested in
connection with the seizure of the logs. Drivers Maung
Myo and Min Lwin Oo managed to escape. The authorities
concerned are in pursuit of the remaining illicit
timber merchants Nay Win Naing and Naing Win of
Phayagyi Village in Bago Township who did not
accompany the trucks.

___________________________

( 6 )  Highest buyers of Gems honoured

Yangon, 12 March - Sales of gem lots at the 39th
Myanmar Gems Mart on Kaba Aye Pagoda Road here at
11.45 pm yesterday.Gems Emporium Central Committee
Chairman Deputy Minister for Mines U Myint Thein
presented a mosaic and a certificate of honour to Mr
Chatchai Kijragoonrat of JJ and Ton Jewellery Ltd of
Thailand who is the highest buyer of gem lots at the
emporium.

___________________________

( 7 ) Gems Emporium fetches over US$ 20m

Yangon, 12 March-A total of US$ 20,089,200 was
realized at the 39th Myanma Gems Emporium held at the
Myanma Gems Mart on Kaba Aye Pagoda Road from 5 to 11
March- US$ 5,7669,703 from 307 jade lots, US$
13,525,190 from 88 gem lots, US$ 120,474 from 20 pearl
lots through tender system and competitive bidding,
and US$ 673,833 from jade figurines, jewellery, gems
and jade at fixed prices.

___________________________


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