The New Light of Myanmar (Saturday, 18 May, 2002)

Subject: The New Light of Myanmar (Saturday, 18 May, 2002)
From: Ok Kar <okkar66126@xxxxxxxxx>
Date: Sat, 18 May 2002 19:53:40 -0700
The New Light of Myanmar (Saturday, 18 May, 2002)
-------------------------------

1. Secretary-1 inspects construction of educational
   institutions and regional development projects in
   Bhamo, Kachin State
2. Maj-Gen Thura Shwe Mann, Maj-Gen Soe Win
   inspect regional development in Shan State
3. - Minister receives Sri Lankan Ambassador
   - H&T Minister receives guest
   - Minister receives guest
   - Industry-1 Minister receives guests
4. - Minister meets work committees for observance
     of MWJA Conference
   - Factories inspected in Yangon
   - Minister inspects construction of office
   - Minister meets staff of hotels, MTT
   - USDA basic course concludes
5. - Commander attends coord meeting on construction
     of retaining wall and concrete steps
   - Nyaungbintha village BEPS in Ingapu township
     gets new school building
   - Computer course for teachers opened in Toungoo
   - Commander attends communal novitiation ceremony
6. - Regular Press Conference held to refute
slanderous
      news reports
7. Gem and jade sales of UMEHL continue
8. "Art & Health Show" exhibited
9. - Over 7 kilos of raw opium seized on
     Mandalay-Myitkyina Up-train
   - Heroin and stimulant tablets seized in Hsenwi
   - Marijuana traffickers sentenced

---------

( 1 )  Secretary-1 inspects construction of
educational institutions
and regional development projects in Bhamo, Kachin
State

Yangon, 17 May - Chairman of the Working Committee for
Progress of Border Areas and National Races
Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council
Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt left here by air and arrived at
Bhamo in Kachin State at 10 am today.

The Secretary-1 and party were welcomed at Bhamo
airport by Kachin State Peace and Development Council
Chairman Northern Command Commander Brig-Gen Maung
Maung Swe, senior military officers, local
authorities, departmental officials and members of the
Union Solidarity and Development Association.

The Secretary-1 inspected educational structures under
construction for development of human resources in
Bhamo.

At the worksite of Bhamo Degree College Construction
Project under the Ministry of Education, the
Secretary-1 heard reports presented by Minister for
Education U Than Aung and Director-General of the
Higher Education Department (Upper Myanmar) Dr Thein
Myint on academic and administrative matters including
arrangements being made for opening of Bhamo Degree
College.

The Eden Group Co Ltd Managing Director U Chit Khaing
reported on facts about the construction project,
tasks being carried out, wiring, and construction of
roads and bridges. Maj-Gen Ye Myint and Commander
Brig-Gen Maung Maung Swe gave supplementary reports.

After attending to the requirements, the Secretary-1
spoke of the need for respective departments to
co-ordinate work for timely completion of construction
tasks and academic projects to be able to open the
college in accord with the schedule. Local authorities
are to closely supervise the tasks and fulfill the
requirements, he noted.

On arrival at the Bhamo Government Technological
College construction site near Bhamo-Mansi Road, the
Secretary-1 and party heard reports presented by
Minister for Science and Technology U Thaung on
academic and administrative matters including number
of students and subjects to be taught at the college;
and the Shwe Thanlwin Construction Co Ltd General
Manager U Aung Kyaw on condition of completed the
buildings and those under construction at the college.

Afterwards, the Secretary-1 and party visited the
students in the lecture hall. Rector U Myo Min Khaing
and officials conducted them round it.

The Secretary-1 and party then arrived at the College
of Government Computer Science (Bhamo). Minister U
Thaung reported on condition of teaching and learning
at the college and subjects being taught and Principal
Daw Khin Kyu Kyu on academic matters.

---------

The Secretary-1 viewed the students studying computer
science.

Then, the Secretary-1 met with members of
district/township Peace and Development Councils,
departmental officials, members of the USDA and social
organizations at Teingya Mingaung Hall in Bhamo and
gave instructions.

Chairman of Bhamo District Peace and Development
Council Lt-Col Myo Swe reported on cultivation and
production of monsoon paddy, arrangements for
cultivation and harvesting of summer paddy,
self-sufficiency in rice in the district, other crops
including edible oil crops which are growing well,
education and health, efforts being made to ensure
potable water supply and the requirements.

In response to the reports, the Secretary-1 fulfilled
the requirements. He said that the government is
making efforts for education, health and regional
development in Bhamo region and they arrived there to
inspect work being carried out and to fulfill the
requirements.

Head of State Senior General Than Shwe had given
guidance on implementing tasks of education, health
and regional development in states and divisions after
designating development zones in addition to work
being carried out for equitable development in states
and divisions.

Bhamo region, being one of the 24 development zones,
development projects covering one degree college or
one university, government technological college and
computer college are being implemented to catch up
with other development zones. Furthermore,
arrangements are being made to set up one 200-bed
hospital and to render health care services in every
development regions. Similar arrangements are also
being made in Bhamo region.

Those arrangements have been made in accord with the
guidance of Head of State Senior General Than Shwe ---
to ensure equal development in all regions of the
Union. The whole Union will develop with added
momentum inasmuch as the border areas and national
races and development tasks which started in 1989; the
major zones development tasks and the rural
development tasks throughout the country are
implemented harmoniously. Local authorities and
departmental personnel concerned are to understand
well that such endeavours for bringing about balanced
development all over the country are being made on
self-reliance basis with own financial strength and
they are to implement the development projects in
their respective regions prudently avoiding loss and
wastage.

Necessary measures must be taken for preventing the
natural resources in their respective regions from
falling into wastage and from being smuggled out. At
the same time, efforts must be made for ensuring
regional food sufficiency and promoting export of
crops and boosting the production of export-substitute
crops by obtaining assistance of departments concerned
and technical assistance of experts and technicians.

In order to contributing towards the goal of the
nation --- the emergence of a peaceful, modern and
developed nation --- departmental personnel and local
authorities are to make earnest efforts collectively
and harmoniously in implementing the border areas and
national races and development tasks; the major zones
development tasks and the rural development tasks, he
urged.

The meeting then came to a close. Afterwards, the
Secretary-1 and party arrived Bhamo airport. At the
briefing hall there, Minister for Transport Maj-Gen
Hla Myint Swe and Director-General of the Department
of Civil Aviation U Win Maung reported on extension of
the runway of the airport and the condition of
existing runway. The existing runway of Bhamo airport
is 5,500 feet long and it will be extended to 7,500
feet. The width of the runway will be expanded to 100
feet. Next, Deputy Managing Director of Shwe Thanlwin
Highway Co Ltd U Hla Yi reported on progress of work
so far carried out for extension of the runway. The
Secretary-1 gave necessary instructions. Secretary-1
Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt and party arrived back in Yangon in
the evening.

___________________________

( 2 ) Maj-Gen Thura Shwe Mann, Maj-Gen Soe Win inspect
regional development in Shan State

Yangon, 17 May - Members of the State Peace and
Development Council Maj-Gen Thura Shwe Mann and
Maj-Gen Soe Win of the Ministry of Defence left
Aungban at 11 am on 14 May by Tatmadaw helicopter and
arrived at Mongshu Gems Land in Mongshu at 12.30 pm.

At the briefing hall, Deputy Director of Myanma Gems
Enterprise U Thein Htaik reported to Maj-Gen Thura
Shwe Mann and party on mining at Mongshu Gems Land.

Then, Minister Brig-Gen Ohn Myint reported on
systematic arrangements being made at mining plots,
Minister Brig-Gen Thein Zaw on arrangements for
installation of telephones in Mongshu Gems Land to
Maj-Gen Thura Shwe Mann who gave instructions on
extension of mining, regional development and work
site safety and fulfilled the needs.

Next, Maj-Gen Thura Shwe Mann, Maj-Gen Soe Win and
party arrived at Tangyan where they met with
departmental officials, members of social
organizations and local people at the town hall.

Minister Brig-Gen Thein Zaw, Minister Brig-Gen Ohn
Myint and Maj-Gen Soe Win explained work being carried
out for regional development and future tasks.

Maj-Gen Thura Shwe Mann said that the Government,
upholding Our Three Main National Causes, is making
efforts to facilitate the emergence of a new modern
and developed nation and all across the nation are
making progress.

He urged departmental officials, members of social
organizations and local people to make earnest efforts
to ensure national development with added momentum.

Maj-Gen Thura Shwe Mann and party proceeded to coal
experimental-mining project in Shan State (North).

At the briefing hall, an official reported on
experimental-mining of coal to Maj-Gen Thura Shwe Mann
who attended to the requirements.

On 15 May morning, Maj-Gen Thura Shwe Mann and party
arrived at Mongmao by Tatmadaw helicopter and
inspected tea plantations undertaken by local people.

They then inspected Kon Min Taung tea mill of local
people where the in charge of the mill reported on the
functions of the mill.

At the hall of the mill, Maj-Gen Thura Shwe Mann met
with departmental officials and local people and gave
instructions on regional development and attended to
the needs.

Then, they inspected the marble slab factory in
Mongmao where in charge of the factory reported on
work being carried out.

Afterwards, member of Panel of Patrons of the Union
Solidarity and Development Association (Central)
Maj-Gen Thura Shwe Mann and party arrived at Kunlong
where they met with the Secretary of USDA, executives
and members and fulfilled their needs. After
inspecting the construction work in Kunlong, they
proceeded to Kongyan and presented offertories to
members of the Samgha there. At 5 pm, Maj-Gen Thura
Shwe Mann met with national race leaders at the guest
house of Laukkai station in Laukkai and gave
instructions on regional development and extension of
agriculture and livestock breeding.

On 16 May morning, Maj-Gen Thura Shwe Mann and party
met with district/township level departmental
officials at the meeting hall of Laukkai Station and
left instructions on regional development and
extension of land reclamation and attended to the
requirements.

Then, they inspected extension of Lashio Airport where
the person in charge of construction reported on work
being carried out to Maj-Gen Thura Shwe Mann who
attended to the needs. Maj-Gen Thura Shwe Mann and
party arrived back here at 3.30 pm by air via
Mandalay.

On his inspection tour, Maj-Gen Thura Shwe Mann met
with officers and other ranks of battalions and units
in Tangyan, Kunlong, Laukkai, Kyaukme and Hsenwi, and
their families and gave instructions on participation
together with departmental officials, members of
social organizations and local people in ensuring
regional development and community peace.

___________________________

( 3 ) Minister receives Sri Lankan Ambassador

Yangon, 17 May - Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Pyi
Sone received Mr Ubhayasekara Mapa, Ambassador of Sri
Lanka to Myanmar, at his office on Strand Road here at
1 pm today. Also present at the call were Deputy
Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan,
Director-General of Directorate of Trade U Nyunt Aye,
Director-General of the Border Trade Department U Nay
Win, Managing Director of Myanma Agricultural Produce
Trading U Min Hla Aung and officials.

---------

H&T Minister receives guest

Yangon, 17 May - Minister for Hotels and Tourism
Maj-Gen Saw Lwin received Project Director Mr Jim
Styers of Shambhala Co at his office on Sule Pagoda
Road here this morning. Also present at the call were
Director-General of the Directorate of Hotels and
Tourism U Khin Maung Latt and officials.

---------

Minister receives guest

Yangon, 17 May - Minister for Hotels and Tourism
Maj-Gen Saw Lwin met with Mr Drake Poh, Managing
Director of Victorial Entertainment Resort Co Ltd, at
his office on Sule Pagoda Road here this afternoon.
Also present at the call were Deputy Minister Brig-Gen
Aye Myint Kyu, Director-General of Directorate of
Hotels and Tourism U Khin Maung Latt, Managing
Director U Kyi Tun and officials.

---------

Industry-1 Minister receives guests

Yangon, 17 May - Minister for Industry-1 U Aung Thaung
received Chairman of Kwang Sung Engineering Co Ltd Mr
Baek Nam-Hoon (Brian Hoon) and party at 1 pm, and
Ambassador of Malaysia to Myanmar Mr Dato' Cheah Sam
Kip at his office at 2 pm, today. Also present at the
calls were the directors-general and the managing
directors of departments and enterprises of the
ministry.

__________________________


( 4 ) Minister meets work committees for observance of
MWJA Conference

Yangon, 17 May - Minister for Information Maj-Gen Kyi
Aung met with work committees for observance of the
third conference of Myanmar Writers and Journalists
Association at the hall of Sarpay Beikhman Press on
Pyay Road this afternoon.

First, Minister Maj-Gen Kyi Aung made a speech. Later,
MWJA Chairman U Hla Myaing (Ko Hsaung) reported on
arrangements for holding the conference. Chairman of
the Management Committee and the Fund-raising Work
Committee Managing Director U Tin Kha (Tekkatho Tin
Kha) reported on the work of the committees. The
chairmen of respective work committees reported on the
work done.

The minister fulfilled their requirements. Afterwards,
a general round of discussions followed.

Then, Daw Khin Sein Hlaing (Yuwady Khin Sein Hlaing),
on behalf of the well-wishers U Khin Maung Lay-Daw Kyu
Kyu (Gandama Co Ltd) of No-33 (C), Malikha Street,
Mayangon Township, handed over K 50,000 for holding
the MWJA conference to the minister.

In his concluding remarks, the minister urged all to
see that all delegates attend the conference to be
held in last week of June, to make necessary
arrangements for the successful holding of the
conference and to be thrifty.

---------

Factories inspected in Yangon

Yangon, 17 May - Minister for Industry-1 U Aung
Thaung, together with officials, arrived at the
leather factory under Myanma General and Maintenance
Industries on No 3 Yangon-Insein Road in Hline
Township this morning. The minister then inspected
drums which need repairing, spare parts --- driving
chains, DC brakes and pneumatic systems --- and wooden
drums. Afterwards, the minister saw over the
production process at the factory.

At the briefing hall, he met with officials and gave
instructions on quality control, improvement of
quality of finished products, production of
import-substitute products and sale of products to the
public at reasonable prices.

Later, the minister looked into the fibre workshop.

He next inspected the production process at the rubber
factory branch of MGMI at 6 1/2th Mile on Shwehintha
Street, the same township. He met with officials of
the factory at the briefing hall and left
instructions.

The minister also inspected the leather factory on the
same street and gave necessary instructions.

---------

Minister inspects construction of office

Yangon, 17 May - Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Pyi
Sone, accompanied by Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Kyaw
Hsan and officials, arrived at the construction site
for the office of Union of Myanmar Federation of
Chambers of Commerce and Industry on Minye Kyaw Swa
Street, Dagon Township, this afternoon. The minister
inspected the progress of construction there and gave
instructions to reports presented by officials.
Similarly, the minister and party also visited
Seingyun Warehouse of Myanma Agricultural Produce
Trading on the same street and gave instructions to
officials.

---------

Minister meets staff of hotels, MTT

Yangon, 17 May - Minister for Hotels and Tourism
Maj-Gen Saw Lwin met with staff of joint venture
hotels and Myanma Travel and Tour of the ministry at
the Inya Lake Hotel this morning and made a speech. In
his speech, the minister spoke of the need of unity
among the staff and security point of view and urged
all to safeguard the dignity of the State, the
ministry and national prestige. Then, the minister
inspected vehicles of MTT in the hotel compound and
gave instructions on safe driving of vehicles during
the rainy season, maintenance of vehicles and fire
prevention.

---------

USDA basic course concludes

Yangon, 17 May - The concluding ceremony of Basic
Management Multiplier Course No 16, conducted by Bahan
Township Union Solidarity and Development Association,
was held at the Dhammayon of Saya San Ward on U Chit
Maung Street in Bahan Township this morning.

USDA CEC Member Col Tin Hlaing delivered a speech on
the occasion and presented cash awards to outstanding
trainees, and accepted K 25,000 donated by Township
Peace and Development Council. Trainee Ma Yin Myat
Thu, who won the first prize in the course, spoke
words of thanks.

__________________________


( 5 ) Commander attends coord meeting on construction
of retaining wall and concrete steps

Yangon, 17 May - A coordination meeting on
construction of stone retaining wall retaining wall
and reinforced concrete steps by the Directorate of
Water Resources and Improvement of River System at the
Kaunghmulon Pagoda in Putao District, Machambaw
Township was held at the Pagoda on 11 May afternoon.

At the meeting, Chairman of Kachin State Peace and
Development Council Chairman Northern Command
Commander Brig-Gen Maung Maung Swe heard the report
and attended to the needs.

Then, the commander and Brig-Gen Kyaw Win inspected
the site chosen for the construction of the retaining
wall and steps.

On 12 May, the commander attended the ceremony to seek
Ovada from the Sayadaw Agga Maha Saddhammajotikadhaja
Bhaddanta Kunda-labhivamsa.

At the ceremony the commander and officials presented
the offertories to the members of the Sangha. Then,
Sayadaw Bhaddanta Kundalabhivamsa delivered a sermon,
followed by sharing of merits gained. The ceremony
came to a close with three-time recitation of Buddha
Sasanam Ciram Titthatu.

---------

Nyaungbintha village BEPS in Ingapu township gets new
school building

Yangon, 17 May - A ceremony to hand over a new school
building and unveil Myanmar Education Goal stone
inscription was held at Basic Education Primary School
in Nyaungbintha village in Ingapu township, Ayeyawady
Division on 14 May.

Then, Chairman of Ayeyawady Division Peace and
Development Council Commander of Southwest Command
Brig-Gen Htay Oo attended a ceremony to open a 50-line
telephone exchange of Myanma Posts and
Telecommunications in Nyaunggyo village-tract in
Ingapu township.

Later, he arrived at the office of Ingapu Township
Engineer's Office and met with local authorities and
gave instructions on agriculture and livestock
breeding work. Next, the commander attended the
opening ceremony of the modern Myodaw library in
Hinthada and donated a computer set to the library.
The commander and officials accepted five computer
sets, a printer and an air-conditioner donated by
well-wishers.

Afterwards, he visited Jotikayon Kyaungtaik in
Hinthada and Wayluwun Kyaung in Kyonpyaw.

Then, the commander arrived at Yegyi lake in Kyonpyaw
and inspected fish breeding work there. A total of 1.1
million fish fry have been put in the lake and fish
are being distributed to markets daily.

---------

Computer course for teachers opened in Toungoo

Yangon, 17 May - A ceremony to open (basic) computer
course for basic education teachers and to present
teaching aids cassettes to Basic Education Primary
schools in Toungoo Township, Bago Division, was held
at No 2 BEHS in Toungoo yesterday morning.

Division Education Officer U Saw Yar De explained the
purpose of conducting the course and spoke words of
thanks.

Bago Division Peace and Development Council Chairman
Southern Command Commander Brig-Gen Aung Min delivered
a speech. Township Peace and Development Council
Chairman U Thant Zin presented the cassette players
and tapes for BEPSs in Toungoo Township to Township
Education Officer U San Tin. After the ceremony, the
commander and those present viewed the computer study
of teacher trainees. A total of 77 teacher trainees
are attending the course and 70 cassette players and
840 tapes worth K 680,600 were donated to 78 primary
schools in the township.

At 9.30 am, the commander attended the opening of
electronic library at Toungoo District Peace and
Development Council. Chairman U Thant Zin reported
efforts made for opening of the library and the
purpose of opening it. The commander delivered an
address. Chairman U Thant Zin and the secretary of
Township USDA formally opened the library. The
commander pressed the button to unveil the signboard
of the library and inspected it.

The library has CD-Roms on lessons for primary, basic
education and university students and CDs on foreign
languages, world knowledge and economic affairs. Any
students may study there.

---------

Commander attends communal novitiation ceremony

Yangon, 17 May - The fifth communal novitiation
ceremony of Mawlamyine Station, South-East Command,
was held at Thandithukha Dhammayon of the command at 9
am on 14 May.

It was attended by Presiding Sayadaw of Kothlar
Pariyatti Sarthintaik Agga Maha Pandita Bhaddanta
Obhasa, Sayadaws and members of the Sangha, Chairman
of Mon State Peace and Development Council Commander
of South-East Command Brig-Gen Thura Myint Aung and
wife Daw Than Than Nwe, Deputy Commander Brig-Gen Myo
Hla, senior officers, local authorities, members
social organizations, officers and other ranks of the
station, their families and guests.

First, the congregation received the Eight Precepts
from the Presiding Sayadaw and then the Sayadaws
recited parittas. Next, offertories were presented to
the Sayadaws. The Presiding Sayadaw delivered a
sermon, followed by the sharing of merits gained.
Afterwards, the ceremony came to an end. After the
ceremony, the commander and officials offered 'soon'
to the Sayadaws.

___________________________

( 6 ) Thai media reports on seizure of narcotic drugs
at Minletpan village at Myanmar-Thai border in Myawady
Township untrue

Regular Press Conference held to refute slanderous
news reports

Yangon, 17 May - A regular Press Conference explained
the slanderous accusations made by Thai media which
said that KNU and ABSDF terrorist insurgents, after
attacking and destroying Minletpan village at
Myanmar-Thai border in Myawady Township, seized
narcotic drugs.


At the conference which was held at Tatmadaw Guest
House here this morning, Deputy Head of Department Col
San Pwint of the Ministry of Defence explained the
slanderous accusations made by the Thai media.

He said although the State is making all-out efforts
to build a new modern and developed nation, the KNU
and ABSDF terrorist insurgents are disturbing
community peace, launching destructive acts and
butchering innocent people. At about 4.20 am on 15 May
2002, about 100 KNU and ABSDF terrorist insurgents led
by Saw Nay Hse with the rank of Commanding Officer of
the No 103 central security battalion of the KNU
attacked Minletpan village at Myanmar-Thai border in
Myawady Township. Concerning the attack, The Nation
Daily of Thailand issued on 16 May said that a battle
occurred between the KNU terrorist insurgents
numbering about 100 and the combined troops of the
Tatmadaw and DKBA on 15 May; and that during the
battle, 200,000 stimulants tablets were seized from
the DKBA camp. Similarly, the 16 May issue of The
Bangkok Post daily also said that about 100 KNU
terrorist insurgents attacked the Tatmadaw camp at the
village with heavy and light weapons at about 5 am on
15 May; that during the 90-minute battle, four
Tatmadaw members and another six from DKBA fell and
four KNU terrorist insurgents were injured; and that
the attack was made as the camp was being used as a
temporary storage centre in smuggling stimulant
tablets into Thailand.

Lt-Col San Pwint then explained the actual situation
of the incident. He said round about 4.20 am on 15 May
2002, the three columns of about 100 KNU and ABSDF
terrorist insurgents led by Saw Nay Hse of the No 103
central security battalion of the KNU attacked the
Minlatpan village. Two of the three columns took
positions at different places west of the village and
fired about 30 motor rounds at the village. The
remaining column crossed Thaungyin River at the
Myanmar-Thai border from Meikok-kin village in the
other country and attacked Minletpan village. At about
5.30 am, the terrorist insurgents moved back to
Meikok-kin village in the territory of the other
country through the same route they used in entering
Myanmar. They left in three Hilux cars waiting for
them near the bank of the creek near the village.
During the battle, three members of the village
people's militia fell and two DKBA members who were in
the village during the battle, two members of the
village people's militia and three villagers sustained
injuries. The wounded are being treated at the
hospital in Myawady.

The reports of the Thai dailies saying that KNU
terrorist insurgents launched an attack against the
combined troops of the Tatmadaw and DKBA are untrue.
The Tatmadaw or the DKBA have never set up any of
their military camps at the village. The DKBA members
only made short visits to the village. Thus, the
reports which said that 200,000 stimulant tablets were
seized at the village were totally untrue. The
slanderous news reports were intended to mislead the
readers into thinking that DKBA was engaging in
trafficking narcotic drugs.

The Thai dailies have been making slanderous
accusations against the DKBA not only at present. The
Thai media said that in April 2001, the Thai army
troops came to encounter drug traffickers at
Banchunsut village in Phokpha Township; that during
the skirmish, 7.6 million stimulant tablets were
seized; and that the traffickers were from the DKBA.
The true situation of the incident had already been
explained to the journalists to prove that the news
reports were just slanderous accusations.

Similarly, the Thai media made other slanders which
said that on 22 April 2001, SURA terrorist insurgents
attacked the Pachee Tatmadaw outpost in Tachilek
region, eastern Shan State, and seized 170,000
stimulant pills; that SURA terrorist insurgents
attacked Meikyok outpost of the Tatmadaw on 8 February
2002 and seized 50,000 stimulant pills. The journalist
have already been explained they are just fabrications
made in collusion with the terrorist insurgents.

DKBA members, being vegetarian and observing the Five
Precepts, are totally free from narcotic drugs. In the
region, there is no production of opium and narcotic
drugs. The false and fabricated news and writings are
aimed at misleading the entire world into believing
that narcotic drugs are produced along the border of
Myanmar. As the news carried by Thai newspapers have
obviously become false and invented, the true
situation is to be clarified.

The Government is speeding up its efforts for
eradication of narcotic drugs. Its cooperation with
neighbouring nations in eradicating narcotic drugs has
met with success. The exchange of information with
neighbouring nations led to the seizure of narcotic
drugs and handing over of culprits. These have been
explained in the previous press conference. Very
recently, the fugitives from China have been arrested
and handed over.

The Wa national race group exposed and arrested the
absconder, Li Chong Chein, 40, a citizen of the
People's Republic of China, in Nantip region, Shan
State (North) Special Region 2 on 2 May. He was handed
over to officials of Lin Chan Region Drug Control
Commission in the PRC on 4 May. On 3 May, 9.384 kilos
of heroin were seized in Hosa town, Long Chung
District, PRC. Concerning the case, the Long Chung
District police made a request to Myanmar officials to
arrest Yin Hse Yon, the main culprit, who absconded to
Lweje region in Kachin State, Myanmar. The combined
forces of Myanmar launched a manhunt in Lweje town and
found and arrested Yin Hse Yon on 10 May. The Myanmar
authorities handed over Yin Hse Yon to police of Long
Chung District.

Not only the Myanmar government, but also the national
race peace groups are also actively taking part in
combating the narcotic drugs. The peace groups have
also issued declarations. Since April, the Kokang
national race group of the Special Region 1 seized
0.55 kilo of heroin, 27,000 stimulant pills, 142.5
kilos of Amphetamine, 1.209 kilos of caffeine,
6,508.81 litres of chemical liquids, 9,183 kilos of
chemical powder, related equipment and 30 culprits in
Laukkai, Kongyan and Chinshwehaw. Similarly, there are
drugs seizures in the Wa region.

At a time when the State is combating the drugs with
added momentum, the Thai dailies are floating
fabrications. The acts of the Thai dailies amount to
disturbing the nation's efforts to eliminate the
drugs. Moreover they are making attempts to mislead
the international community into having a wrong view
on Myanmar. Although the slanderous accusation are
annoying the government, it will continue to launch
the narcotic drugs elimination projects with greater
momentum as a national task. Minister for Labour U Tin
Winn, Vice-Chief of Military Intelligence Maj-Gen Kyaw
Win and Deputy Head of Department of the Ministry of
Defence Col San Pwint replied to queries raised by the
journalists. The Press Conference ended at 10 am.

Also present were 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 and senior military officers,
heads of department, information officials of the
Ministry of Information, U Sein Win of Kyodo news
agency, Patron of Myanmar Foreign Correspondents Club
U Hla Htwe and members and guests.

The journalists then viewed the map showing the attack
launched by the combined force of KNU and ABSDF
terrorist insurgents against Minletpan village on 15
May 2002, the documentary photos showing Chairman of
the Working Committee for Progress of Border Areas and
National Races Secretary-1 of the State Peace and
Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt inspecting the
poppy seeds handed over to the State by the poppy
farmers at Shweli Yeiktha in Lashio on 12 May; the
delegates of Myanmar and the PRC studying the progress
in launching manhunt to arrest the culprits who ran
away to Panghsan-Hsonpo region; the photos showing
extradition of two Chinese drug traffickers including
Wan Kyukon of Hong Kong to PRC; the photos showing
arrest and extradition of Yin Hse Yon on 12 May 2002;
and the persons who were wounded by the KNU and ABSDF
terrorist insurgents attack on Minletpan village.

___________________________

( 7 ) Gem and jade sales of UMEHL continue

Yangon, 17 May - The 15th gem and jade sales of the
Union of Myanmar Economic Holdings Ltd continued for
the fourth day at Myanma Gems Emporium on Kaba Aye
Pagoda Road from 9 am to 5 pm today.

A total of 605 gem merchants --- 459 from home and 146
from abroad --- have so far attended the emporium.

It is requested that the bargain forms of gems and
jade are to be put into the designated boxes not later
than 7 am of 18 May, and they will be opened at 7.30
am the same day.

The opening ceremony of the 15th gem and jade sales of
the UMEHL will be held at 9 am on 18 May, and gems and
jade will be sold through bargain and auction systems.

___________________________

( 8 ) "Art & Health Show" exhibited

Yangon, 17 May - Organized by the Prevention and
Social Medicine Department of Defence Services
Institute of Medicine, the "Art & Health Show",
jointly sponsored by Maha Media Group, will go on till
19 May at Myanmar Traditional Artists and Artisans
Asiayon Centre at Bogyoke Market.

The show is open free of charge to the public.
Pamphlets and books on TB, AIDS and quitting smoking
can be fetched there and, free medical treatments are
being given to TB patients.

___________________________

( 9 ) Over 7 kilos of raw opium seized on
Mandalay-Myitkyina Up-train

Yangon, 17 May - A combined team comprising members of
the local intelligence unit and Myitkyina Special
Anti-drug Squad, acting on information, inspected
Thein Naing in Carriage-1 of No 43 Mandalay-Myitkyina
Up-train between Myothit railway station and Hopang
railway station on 21 April evening and seized 7.17
kilos of raw opium from his handbag.

Action is being taken against Thein Naing, aged 35,
son of U San Khin of Nyaungbintha Ahle Village in
Pyinmana Township under section 15/19 (A) of the
Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Law by
Hopang Police Station.

---------

Heroin and stimulant tablets seized in Hsenwi

Yangon, 17 May - A combined team comprising members of
local intelligence unit and Myanmar Police Force,
acting on information, searched the house of Daw Mar
Nan, daughter of U Khaw Suan of Namsalap Village,
Hsenwi Township, Shan State (North), on 4 May. The
authorities arrested Daw Mar Nan and her accomplices
Ma Shauk Ae, daughter of U Shauk Chai of Reinmaw
Village, Kutkai Township, Laukta, son of U Shauk Kyone
and Larein, son of U Lagam of Namsalap Village, Hsenwi
Township, who were at the house for the drug dealing,
together with 55 soap cases of heroin weighing 0.77
kilo, 10,000 stimulant tablets, one scale and K
269,000 which was realized from the sale of drugs.

Action was taken against them under Narcotic Drugs and
Psychotropic Substances Law by the police station
concerned.

---------

Marijuana traffickers sentenced

Yangon, 17 May - A combined team comprising members of
local intelligence unit and Bago Special Anti-drug
Squad, acting on information received, intercepted a
bus with number plate 4 Kha/4648 which was on its way
from Toungoo to Yangon at the toll-gate of Bago at
midnight on 5 July and seized 5.516 kilos of marijuana
from passengers Kyaw Swe and Ram Gnace.

Action was taken against Kyaw Swe, 47, son of U Gram
Mawkhaw of Amegone Village in Phyu Township and Ram
Gnace, 25, son of U Ramderson of Htangone Village in
Phyu Township under section 15/19 (A)/21 of the
Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Law by No 1
Bago Police Station. Bago District court handed down
15 years' imprisonment under Section 19 (A) on Kyaw
Swe and 15 years' imprisonment under Section 19 (A)/21
and three years' imprisonment under Section 15 on Ram
Gnace to serve separately on 25 April 2002.

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