THE NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR (13-7-2002)

[Ok Kar <okkar66126@xxxxxxxxx>]

THE NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR (13-7-2002)

1. State Peace and Development Council Chairman
    Senior General Than Shwe accepts credentials
    of Ambassador of the Republic of Finland
2. State Peace and Development Council
    Vice-Chairman General Maung Aye
    receives Russian military attach's
3. Secretary-1 presents cash assistance and
    sports equipment to State/Division Sports
    and Physical Education Committees
4. A press conference held
5. -Ministry of Religious Affairs holds Waso
     robes offering ceremony
    -Yangon Command holds Waso robe offering ceremony
6. -Minister receives ambassador
    -Industry-1 Minister inspects thread factory
7. Patriotic songs cassette tapes donated
    to Information Committee
8. Measures for ensuring smooth and
    secure transport coordinated
9. -Drug trafficker faces imprisonment
    -Opium oil seized in Nawnghkio

_____________________
( 1 ) State Peace and Development Council Chairman
Senior General Than Shwe accepts credentials of
Ambassador of the Republic of Finland

Yangon, 12 July - HE Mr Heikki Tuunanen, newly
accredited Ambassador of the Republic of Finland to
the Union of Myanmar, presented his credentials to
Senior General Than Shwe, Chairman of the State Peace
and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar, at
Zeyathiri Beikman, Konmyinttha at 10 am today.

Also present on the occasion were the State Peace and
Development Council Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt,
Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung, Deputy
Minister U Khin Maung Win and Director-General Thura U
Aung Htet of the Protocol Department.
___________________________

( 2 ) State Peace and Development Council
Vice-Chairman General Maung Aye receives Russian
military attach's

Yangon, 12 July - Vice-Chairman of the State Peace and
Development Council of the Union of Myanmar Deputy
Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services
Commander-in-Chief (Army) General Maung Aye received
Military, Air and Naval Attach' of the Russian
Federation to Myanmar Col Vasiliy I. Savenkov, who has
completed his tour of duty in Myanmar, and his
successor Col Victor S. Timoshkov, at Zeyathiri
Beikman Hall of Konmyinttha this morning.

Also present at the call together with General Maung
Aye were Secretary-1 of the State Peace and
Development Council Chief of Military Intelligence
Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt, Commander-in-Chief (Navy) Vice
Admiral Kyi Min and Commander-in-Chief (Air) Brig-Gen
Myat Hein. ___________________________

( 3 ) Secretary-1 presents cash assistance and sports
equipment to State/Division Sports and Physical
Education Committees

Yangon, 12 July - A ceremony to present cash
assistance and sports equipment for promotion of
Myanma soccer standard to State / Division Sports and
Physical Education Committees was held at the Ruby
Hall of the National Indoor Stadium-1 on Waizayanta
Street, in Thuwunna, Thingangyun Township, this
afternoon, attended by Chairman of Myanmar National
Olympic Council Secretary-1 of the State Peace and
Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt.

 Also present were Chairman of Yangon Division Peace
and Development Council Commander Maj-Gen Myint Swe,
member ministers of MNOC, the Yangon Mayor, the deputy
ministers, members of Myanmar Olympic Committee,
officials of the State Peace and Development Council
Office, the director-general of the Sports and
Physical Education Department, officials, chairmen and
members of state and division sports and physical
education committees, wellwishers and guests. The
Secretary-1 delivered an address at the ceremony. In
his address, he said: Myanmar has been striving for
promotion of the national sports standard after
adopting the motto " Myanmar Sports the World to
Conquer ". Especially the entire people are
participating in promoting the standard of football
which is the national sports. It was found that in the
World Cup soccer finals, the participating teams took
part with might and main not just for the sake of
victory yet for the sake of enhancing the national
prestige. It is heartening to see that Japanese,
Chinese and Korean teams from Asia rose up to the
finals and achieved success to a certain extent in the
World Cup. The Asian teams were the rivals of Myanmar
teams some 30 years ago.

The Myanmar team should follow their example and
strive to regain the previous Myanmar soccer standard.
At a time when the Government is providing assistance
and encouragement, the public is also lending a
helpful hand enthusiastically. The Myanmar team has
thus to achieve deserving success. The sport of
football requires fitness, proper techniques, speed
and skill and thus constant and intensive training is
needed to be done. In addition, it is required to
systematically combine each player's adroitness, wit,
sharpness and team spirit and observance of
discipline. Moreover, ardent enthusiasm to win a
victory as a national concern is also needed. With the
spirit to win victory for promoting the prestige of
own nation and the people and sufficient industry, the
team will surely gain victory. At present, Myanmar
teams have come to gain victories in SEA Games due to
assistance and encouragement of the Government and the
public.

 The momentum of gaining victories must be maintained
and accelerated. To produce new generation excellent
football athletes, the under-13, under-17, under-21
and national football team levels should be nurtured
systematically. Before the Inter-State/Division
football tournament, the under-21 football was held
beginning last year. K 1 million each was provided to
all States and Divisions in order to promote the
football standard. As a result, the Myanmar football
standard remarkably rose in the 47th ISD football
tournament. This year, the under-21 football
tournament is being held and K 1 million each has been
provided to all States and Divisions. In addition, the
training course for youth soccer coaches was
conducted.

The under-13, under-17 and under-21 teams have been
formed in all States and Divisions and these teams are
now undergoing training properly with coaches. The
First Football Open for Myanmar National Olympic
Council Chairman's Trophy was held and K 17.2 million
was given away as prizes. Similarly, the First
Kambawza Invitational Football Tournament was held in
Taunggyi, Shan State, in 2001 and K 9.1 million was
presented as cash prizes. The Government has been
holding the ISD under-17 Football Tournament every
year. This year's tournament will be the seventh one.
The Ovaltine Co spent 20,000 FECs to support the
tournament.

Member of Thirty Comrades Bo Ye Htut today donated K
20 million to establish the Sports and Health
Foundation with the aims of enabling the citizens to
become healthy ones by practising sports; and bringing
out outstanding athletes who can bring honour to the
nation. As the cash donations are aimed at promoting
the national sports standard and ensuring the entire
nation to be healthy and fit, they are the noble
deeds.

 The Secretary-1 also urged the footballers to strive
diligently to be able to bring honour to the nation
while the Government and the people are providing
all-out support enthusiastically. Then, the
Secretary-1 presented K 1 million for promotion of
Myanma soccer standard and sports equipment under the
youth football teams development programme to the
chairmen, vice-chairmen and officials of State /
Division Sports and Physical Education Committees.

Next, Marketing Manager of the Novartis Nutrition Co
Ltd (Ovaltine) Daw Pwint Oo Swe presented 20,000 FECs
for holding the seventh inter-state/division under-17
football tournament for the year 2002 and Thirty
Comrades Member Bo Ye Htut presented K 20 million for
establishment of Sports and Health Foundation which
will carry out mass sports activities and present
awards to outstanding athletes. The Secretary-1
accepted the donations. Afterwards, the Secretary-1
and party viewed each football equipment worth K
1,008,500 for States and Divisions.
__________________________


( 4 ) Report saying Myanmar Government suppressing
Shan nationals and Tatmadawmen raping Shan women
totally untrue

Accusations fabricated by drug trafficking SURA
insurgents to attack Myanmar Government politically
______________
There were not many women and children trafficking
cases. Accusations of two US Congresswomen occurred
due to accusations of the other nation across border
and anti-government organizations

Yangon, 12 July - A press conference was held with
local and foreign journalists at the Tatmadaw Guest
House on Inya Road here at 9.30 am today.

Present on the occasion were Minister for Labour U Tin
Winn, Vice-Chief of Military Intelligence Maj-Gen Kyaw
Win, Deputy Minister for Information Brig-Gen Aung
Thein, senior military officers, Myanmar National
Committee for Women's Affairs member (leader of
education group) Professor Daw Khin Aye Win, heads of
department, officials of the Ministry of Information,
U Sein Win of Kyodo News Agency, Patron of Myanmar
Foreign Correspondents Club U Hla Htwe, MFC President
U Sao Kai Hpa and members and guests. Deputy Head of
Department of the Ministry of Defence Lt-Col Tin Oo
acted as master of ceremonies.

 First, Minister for Labour U Tin Winn explained: Two
lady members of US House of Representatives citing the
reports of Shan Human Rights Foundation and Shan
Women's Action Network mentioned at the House recently
that Myanmar Government has been suppressing Shan
nationals and the Shan women were raped by
Tatmadawmen. These accusations are false and
groundless. Similarly, the accusations regarding the
trafficking of women and children mentioned in the
Report " Trafficking in persons " of the US State
Department issued on 5-6-2002 were also untrue. He
also explained the Government's strong deterrent and
preventive measures against trafficking of women and
children. He also dealt with military exercises of
SURA SI-143 of Yodaya army at Myanmar-Yodaya border.

Next, Director-General of the Political Affairs
Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs U Thaung
Tun explained matters relating to the accusations to
the effect that Tatmadawmen raped Shan women. He said:
Last month, Shan Human Rights Foundation and Shan
Women Action Network issued a report saying Myanmar
Government had been suppressing Shan nationals and
Tatmadawmen raped Shan women. Quoting it, two ladies
from the US House of Representatives Ms Ileana
Ros-Lehtinen (R-Florida), Chairman of the
International Operations and Human Rights Subcommittee
of the House International Relations Committee and Ms
Cynthia McKinney (D-Georgia), Ranking Minority Member
of the Subcommittee called on 21 and 27 June that as
such acts are war crimes violating the Geneva
Convention, the Myanmar Government should be opposed
and pressed. These accusations are in fact the
fabrications of the insurgents to attack the Myanmar
Government politically.

 Now, the drug trafficking SURA insurgents are being
crushed by the Tatmadaw and in order to lessen the
pressure and offensives of Myanmar Tatmadaw, they
tried to organize and use other persons who do not
know about Myanmar very well. The accusations
mentioned in the report were absolutely groundless and
the following facts will stand evidence that the
accusations are totally untrue.

-The Myanmar Government has never laid down the policy
to suppress and commit atrocities against the national
races and it will never do so in the future.

- Myanmar is a nation where the rule of law and order
prevails. Myanmar has promulgated specific criminal
Laws to take action against sexual harassment. Severe
action is taken against those who commit such crimes.

 -Myanmar Tatmadaw is a systematically formed armed
organization with good discipline. According to the
military laws and rules, severe actions are taken
against any officers or other ranks if they committ
rape. The military laws and rules of the Tatmadaw are
more restrict than those of civilians. When a
Tatmadawman is guilty of crime, action is taken
against him under the military laws as well as
civilian laws. Tatmadawmen cannot be exempted from the
rule of law. Throughout its history, Myanmar Tatmadaw
has never experienced such accusations.

 - As known by the international community, Myanmar is
a Buddhist country. The Myanmar people are gentle and
polite as taught by the Buddha's teachings. Committing
of rape is a major offence for a Buddhist. It is
generally believed that guilty-conscience of a rapist
is more severe than legal punishment.

 - Myanmar society is overwhelmed by Buddha's
Teachings and so it is a very gentle and polite
society. The society does not accept committing of
rape and condemns it most severely.

 - Moreover, Myanmar has been abidng by the
International Conventions constantly. Myanmar is a
signatory nation to the UN Human Rights Convention,
the Convention on the Rights of the Child, and the
Convention on Elimination of Discrimination Against
Women. Ñ In Myanmar society, women are participating
in the forefront and they are also playing a key role
in ensuring the entire society to be disciplined,
gentle and polite.

- In Myanmar, the National Committee for Prevention of
Violence Against Women and Rehabilitation has been
formed. Throughout the country, the committees for
protecting women against discrimination have been
formed in village-tracts, wards, townships and regions
for protecting the rights of women. Regarding the
women's affairs, complaints can be made to the
respective committees and they will provide help.


- Nowadays, the Myanmar people are enjoying the fruits
of peace and stability in the country. The armed
insurgencies which had been in existence for over 40
years are near extinction. The insignificant number of
remnant SURA and KNU insurgents are taking refuge at
far-flung areas and in the other country.

- In Shan State of Myanmar, there have been no
wide-spread clashes between the Government and the
insurgents. The Tatmadaw is only fighting the handful
of drug trafficking SURA insurgents who are
encroaching on peace and stability of the country
taking refuge in the other country.

 - At a time when the Government is carrying out three
major tasks namely Safeguarding of sovereignty;
Non-disintegration of the Union; and
Non-disintegration of national solidarity, emphasis is
placed on non-disintegration of the Union,
non-disintegration of the national solidarity and
keeping Union Spirit alive and dynamic.

 - The Government does not accept or encourage any act
detrimental to national solidarity. The issue of
raping Shan women planned as a weapon will hinder the
realization of objectives for non-disintegration of
the Union and non-disintegration of national
solidarity. It is groundless that the Government is
scheming those acts which are detrimental to its
objectives. It is hereby declared that the Government
opposes the acts contained in the accusations and they
are not its policy.

 - To ensure success of its three main objectives, the
Government has laid down long-term plans and has been
implementing them for development of national races
and the people of border areas. Spending huge sums of
funds, the Government has been giving priority to
their economic, social, education and health
development.

- Drug trafficking SURA insurgents can no longer with
stand the Tatmadaw's attacks and as such the days of
the drug trafficking and terrorist acts are numbered
It is obvious that, with a view to misleading the
international community concerning Myanmar, the
insurgents fabricated such false news and made
complaints by using and organizing the persons who do
not know about Myanmar very well.

Deputy Director-General of Myanmar Police Force Police
Brig-Gen Zaw Win in his clarifications regarding the
trafficking of women and children, said it is needed
to let the journalists know how the Ministry of Home
Affairs is taking measures in prevention, deterring
according to law and rehabilitation sectors. Now, I
will explain the accusations against Myanmar contained
in the Trafficking in Person Report released by the
State Department of the United States of America on 5
June 2002.

On 23 September 2001, the Ministry of Home Affairs,
with the aim of putting an end to the flow of illegal
workers into Thailand from Myanmar, drew up a plan to
take action against them.

Myanmar Police Force accepted the plan as law
enforcement. Personnel from Supreme Court, the
Attorney-General's Office, Immigration and National
Registration Department and Women's Affairs Committee
held a meeting on 26 January 2002. A workshop was also
held and suggestions were sought from the first
four-monthly meeting of State/Division Police
Commanders. In order to carry out the tasks widely in
the country, arrangements are being made for reform of
the plan.

Deterrent punishments were prescribed from sections
366 to section 373 in the Criminal Law. Section 363
prescribed seven years imprisonment and fine, section
364, ten years, imprisonment and the sections
371/372/373 ten years imprisonment and fine.

 The above-mentioned laws are effective and sufficient
for those who are engaged in women and children
trafficking. As there were not many women and children
trafficking cases, no separate law has been enacted.
It is assumed that US accusations on our country
occurred due to accusations of the other nation across
the border and anti-government organizations. Our
country did not accept the issue of smuggling women
and children. Brokers deceived the women and children
that they would get good and well-paid jobs in the
other country and sold them.

 Measures are being taken for prevention of
prostitution and other indecent work. Members of
women's affairs committee and Ward Peace and
Development Council gave talks at the villages in
border areas where poor families who have little
knowledge in order to be free from being persuaded by
the brokers. The talks were held for 10,822 times from
1999 to June 2002.

 The talks included dangers of brokers who persuaded
the women and children at the villages and wards,
ill-treatment by the citizens of other country and
forced prostitution and ills of HIV and AIDS. Myanmar
National Work Committee for Women's Affairs in
cooperation with the United Nations Inter Agency
Project (UN-IAP) undertook the tasks in Mon State,
eastern Shan State and Kayin State. The State/Division
and District made arrangements for multiplier talks at
township, ward and village levels.

The 23 checkpoints along the Yodaya border run by
personnel from Myanmar Police Force, Immigration
Supervisory Board and Customs Department had stopped
women and children who were persuaded and misled by
the brokers. From October 2001 to May 2002, altogether
4,519 persons were inspected and found. They were
given educative talks and advice and sent back to
their parents.

There were nine human trafficking cases involving 48
women and one child in 1999. Altogether 11 brokers
were sentenced, between 7 years and 10 years
imprisonment.

In 2000, there were 19 cases involving 39 women and 10
children and action was taken against 32 brokers. In
2001, there were 18 cases involving 42 women and 7
children and action was taken against 27 brokers. Up
to June 2002, there were 18 cases involving 46 women
and action was taken against 34 brokers. So far, there
have been 64 cases involving 175 women and 18
children. Effective action was taken against 104
brokers.

Four police officers of the Myanmar Police Force
attended the international meetings on human smuggling
and women and children trafficking and followed the
resolutions of the meetings by taking part in the
discussions in an active manner.

 Based on humanity, Union Spirit and family reunion,
the reception camps were opened in Myawady for those
who reentered the motherland after they left for
Yodaya due to persuasion of the brokers and lack of
knowledge and also for various reasons and encountered
hardships there.

They were not only warmly welcomed back with the
combined forces of departmental and social
organizations, but also taken to their places.
Moreover, assistance has been provided to their social
difficulties and requirements with momentum to this
day.

 The Government, laying down the four social
objectives  Uplift of the morale and morality of the
entire nation; Uplift of national prestige and
integrity and preservation and safeguarding of
cultural heritage and national character; Uplift of
dynamism of patriotic spirit; Uplift of health,
fitness and education standards of the entire nation,
is making efforts for keeping the patriotic spirit
alive and dynamic.

As the State Peace and Development Council can in no
way accept the trafficking of women and children,
punitive action is being taken. Administrative
machinery such as the State Peace and Development
Councils at state and division and village levels, the
Supreme Court, the Attorney-General's Office, the
General Administration Department, the Myanmar Police
Force, the Immigration and National Registration
Department, Work Committees for Women's Affairs  are
cooperating in the preventive activities with good
acceleration.

Then, Leader of the Educational Group member of
Myanmar National Working Committee for Women's Affairs
Prof Daw Khin Aye Win said human trafficking in the
region is a part of violent act against women. To cope
with the problem, the government has made preliminary
plans and is implementing them with the aim of
mitigating and gradually eliminating such problems.

In accordance with the plans, 4 tasks were also laid
down. Since the middle of 1998, government
departments, NGOs and departmental personnel have been
discussing the problem, conducting education talks and
giving assistance to promote the work skill of Myanmar
women. Collecting data in respective states and
divisions indicates that the problem has reached not
only border areas of the country but also the cities
in central Myanmar. Legal procedures, prevention work
and rehabilitation work have been carried out.

 A national level work committee has been formed. A
national level workshop was held in November 2000 for
preparation to announce findings of the committee and
national level work programme.

The committee also submitted reports on smuggling
women and children and took part in the discussions
and decision-making at ARIAT, Asia regional programme
for elimination of trafficking women and children.

 The committee conducted training courses related to
the service sector and altogether 104 trainees from
states and divisions attended courses.

Bilingual educational pamphlets on human trafficking
were published in English and Myanmar for the proper
understanding of the people to the problem.

TV plays and discussions were aired concerning the
problem. Rehabilition centres were set up and advice
was given to the victims of the human trafficking who
returned from the other side. A mobile team to train
the persons who will participate in service sector was
formed with departmental personnel, she said.

 Afterwards, General Staff Officer (Grade-1) Lt-Col
Min Lwin of the Ministry of Defence explained points
cencerning the military exercise of yodaya army and
SURA SI (143). The Yodaya Army conducted the military
exercise from 6 to 23 May, lasting 18 days.

The military exercise that meant Thurathiha in
Myanmar, included 20,000 soldiers together with
strategic weapons, armoured cars, tanks, personnel
carriers and artillery pieces and costing 200 million
Baht for exercise expenditure.

 The Yodaya Army propagated that the aim of the
military exercise was to mainly practise the mobility
of military units and strategic weapons in the border
areas and to eliminate drugs, that the military
exercise was conducted for the security of their
country, not to display military strength to the
neighbouring countries. But the military exercise was
aimed at Myanmar as the target enemy. The military
exercise was a limited one and definitions of the
terms used in the exercise were expressed Òenemy at
the other side'and " strength of the other side",
without expressing Myanmar. High level officers of
Yodaya Army utilized the military exercise and
attacked Wa camps in Special Region 2 in the border
area , putting the SURA Ywet Sit insurgent group in
the forefront, without giving any information
concerning the aim of the exercise to the lower level
of their army. Lower level of Yodaya Army thought it
to be a normal one since the exercise had not taken
place for ten years. Top brass of Yodaya Army managed
the military exercise secretly in accord with their
aim. Although commander of No 3 Command Lt-Gen
Udomchai Ongkasingha was named to take charge of the
military exercise, Army chief-of-staff office gave
direct instructions in the military exercise. It was
found that Yodaya army synchronized the SURASI (143)
military exercise with the attacks on "Wa" camps,
designating them as battle grounds. In invading the "
Wa" army camps and Tatmadaw outposts, Yodaya soldiers
launched attacks wearing SURA uniforms. It was Yodaya
army that attacked really by using forces and putting
SURA on the front line as guide. Moreover, according
to FEER magazine issued on 11 July, it was learnt that
there were some American soldiers who joined in the
attacks together with Yodaya soldiers.

The USA had recruited and trained No (399) special
unit for eradication of narcotic drugs in the Yodaya
army. They also trained and equipped them with
sophisticated weapons to involve in the attacks. The
magazine also said that three American soldiers were
wounded in the battles that occurred at the border
area. A mission comprising European diplomats in their
tour of the battle ground, found that the three
American soldiers were injured in the battles of
Mepalaung region, Chiangrai district, the magazine
also said. According to the magazine, in case the news
was true, the United States of America would be in
open violation of its law that does not allow US to
send its soldiers to the battle grounds of other
countries; and but in a bid to avoid the violation of
the law, an American embassy official insisted that
the wounded soldiers were just instructors of No (399)
special unit. In conclusion, although the military
exercise of SURASI (143) did not mention the exact
name of the enemy, it can be clearly seen that Myanmar
was targeted as enemy. The military exercise was
mainly intended to keep their forces in Combat ready
at border and they synchronized the military exercise
with the attacks on the Tatmadaw outposts under the
pretext of eradicating the narcotic drugs.

The Yodaya Army, conducting SURASI 143 military
exercise with secret aim, has harmed the friendship
between the two countries and caused disagreement
between Yodaya government and Yodaya Army.

15 Yodaya columnists blacklisted

Yodayas put Myanmar historian Dr Ma Tin Win in
blacklist for writing the truth about Myanmar-Yodaya.
Myanmar Government hereby blacklisted 15 Yodaya
columnists for destroying the unity between the
leaders of the State, between the Myanmar Tatmadaw and
the people and between the Myanmar Tatmadaw and the
national races peace organizations, interfering in the
internal affairs of Myamar and fabricating news.

 He then explained matters concerning the torturing of
Myanmars by Yodaya Army.

 At around noon on 8-7-2002, while Po Lin, 28, son of
U Ko Thein of No 105, Parlian Ward 1, Tachilek, was
walking back home after working at a tobacco
processing factory in Pahut Ward, Maesai, Yodaya and
arriving at Sansai Ward jetty opposite Myanmar Patlian
jetty (estimate- U 900784), a member of Yodaya Army
wearing camouflage uniform asked him whether he was a
Myanmar and spy of Myanma Tatmadaw. He replied he was
a Myanmar but not a spy. However, he was tied with a
rope, struck with the butt of the gun and sliced with
a knife. His right cheek, right arm, chest, head,
eyebrow, lip and back were wounded and he is now
undergoing medical treatment at the People's Hospital
in Tachilek.

A factory owner in the Central Yodaya of Lodburi
District asked 3 Yodaya men on 10-7-2002 to cruelly
kill a Myanmar girl , Ma Su, 18, who worked at his
house as a servant by beating and burning after
charging her that she had stolen a gold chain. One of
the three Yodayas, sympathizing her, put out the fire
on her body and applied medicine on her wound. Then,
she was abandoned beside a road in Eutaithani
District, 120 miles away from Bangkok, under the
instruction of the factory owner. Later, she was taken
to Eutaithani hospital by a Yodaya. According to the
doctors, 54 per cent of her body including breast,
back and arms was burnt and some parts of her arms
were possibly to be amputated. These two events
indicate atrocities of Yodayas and Yodaya Military
personnel on Myanmar, based on the racial hatred.

Thousands of Myanmar who are working illegally in
Yodaya are being bullied by Yodaya and are not given
reasonable earnings for their work. They are also
facing the atrocities of Yodaya. Then, Vice-Chief of
Military Intelligence Maj-Gen Kyaw Win explained that
the Myanmar Tatmadaw is a patriotic Tatmadaw
systematically formed with good discipline. The
Tatmadaw, born of the people, is upholding the 12
noble traditions. Orders and instructions to be
followed by the Tatmadawmen were prescribed and
distributed in publications by the Office of the
Adjutant-General of the Ministry of Defence. In order
to take action according to both military and civil
law against the Tatmadawmen who commit crimes, books
on Tatmadaw rules and law as well as publications on
military code of conduct were distributed to all
Tatmadawmen.

 In accord with the instructions of Commander-in-Chief
of Defence Services Senior General Than Shwe, books on
military code of conducts were changed into
pocket-size ones to enable the Tatmadawmen to
constantly put them into their pockets. Like arms and
ammunition, books on military code of conducts have to
be constantly with the Tatmadawmen. Examinations on
military code of conduct are being held and the points
of the exams are considered for the promotion.

During his inspection tour, the Senior General Than
Shwe put emphasis on asking about the military code of
conduct to the Tatmadawmen. So the Tatmadawmen are to
practically follow the military code of conduct in
addition to learning them by heart.

He said that when he performed duties in regiments and
light infantry regiments for years, he never witnessed
any rape or sexual harassment on young women committed
by a Tatmadaw-man. If such a crime occurs, action has
to be taken in accord with military rule and law which
were lectured at every course conducted for the
Tatmadawmen.

 Only the insurgents and mercenaries committed such
undisciplined and detestable acts. There were many
instances that the insurgents, taking refuge at border
areas and bullying the national races, committed
atrocities such as rape and sexual harassment without
regarding the young women as their sisters and
daughters. Young Shan women were raped by the SURA
insurgents, he noted. When they suffered losses and
found it difficult to flee, the SURA insurgents were
making fabrications and false statements as if the
Tatmadawmen were committing such acts with every
intention of tarnishing the dignity of Tatmadawmen.
Based on the fabrications, the two ladies from US
House of Representatives have been making accusations,
he said and reiterated that the patrioticTatmadaw is
risking their lives for the national people and the
State.

 Next, Minister U Tin Winn, Vice-Chief of Military
Intelligence Maj-Gen Kyaw Win, member of Myanmar
National Work Committee for Women's Affairs (leader of
educational group) Professor Daw Khin Aye Win and
Director-General of the Attorney-General's Office Dr
Tun Shin replied to queries of the journalists. The
press conference ended at 11 am.

In replying to the queries, Professor Daw Khin Aye Win
said on behalf of women in the world and herself, she
would make protest at the incident in which the
proprietor of a factory in Lodburi District who had
cruelly beaten Ma Su, a Myanmar citizen, and attempted
to burn her to death. Next, the journalists observed
booklets of orders and directives to be followed by
all Tatmadawmen issued by Adjutant-General's Office of
the Ministry of Defence, manuals on military
procedures, Tatmadaw rules, the 1959 Tatmadaw Act,
booklets of codes of conduct for soldiers, map showing
Lwetainglyan camp, the headquarters of
drug-trafficking insurgent SURA, documentary photos of
foreign correspondents covering news at Lwetainglyan
camp and documentary photos of Maung Po Lin who was
beaten with the butt of a gun and made a number of
shallow incisions by camouflaged Yodaya army near
Parlyan port in Myanmar Yodaya border on 8-7-2002.
__________________________


( 5 ) Ministry of Religious Affairs holds Waso robes
offering ceremony

Yangon, 12 July - The 10th Waso robe offering
cere-mony of staff families of the Ministry of
Religious Affairs was held at Wizayamingala
Dhammathabin Hall on Kaba Aye Hill this afternoon.

 The congregation received the Five Precepts from
Sayadaw Bhaddanta Sirindabhivamsa, and members of the
Sangha recited the parittas. Then, the minister
supplicated on religious affairs to the Sayadaws.
Afterwards, the minister and wife, the deputy minister
and wife and officials presented Waso robes and
offertories to the members of the Sangha. Later, SSMNC
Vice-Chairman Sayadaw Agga Maha Pandita Bhaddanta
Asinnabhivamsa delivered a sermon, followed by sharing
the merits gained, and the ceremony came to an end.
__________________
Yangon Command holds Waso robe offering ceremony

Yangon, 12 July - The Waso robe offering ceremony of
Yangon Command was held at the command this morning.
It was attended by Dagon Township Sangha Nayaka
Committee Secretary Sayadaw of Alanpyaphaya-kyaung
Sasanadhajadham-macariya Bhaddanta Sirinda and members
of the Sangha, Yangon Division Peace and Development
Council Chairman Yangon Command Commander Maj-Gen
Myint Swe and wife Daw Khin Thet Htay, tactical
operations commanders and their wives and officers and
other ranks of the command and their families.

The congregation received the Five Precepts from the
Sayadaw Bhaddanta Sirinda. Then, the commander and
wife and those present offered Waso robes and
offertories to the members of the Sangha. The Sayadaw
delivered a sermon, followed by sharing of the merits
gained. After offering " soon " to the members of the
Sangha, the ceremony came to an end.

 After that, Commander Maj-Gen Myint Swe and wife
attended the prizes presentation ceremony held at the
hall of the command. Also present on the occasion were
Commander of No 4 Military Region Brig-Gen Myo Myint,
commanders of military regions and stations, senior
military officers and other ranks of the command and
their families and prize winners. Commander Maj-Gen
Myint Swe made a speech.

Then, the commander presented prizes to those who
stood first in 57th Anniversary Armed Forces Day
commemorative soldiers' code of conduct (central
level) competition and soldiers of regiments and units
under the command who won outstanding awards at the
training courses opened in 2002. Daw Khin Thet Htay,
wife of the commander, presented prizes to the
outstanding students who passed the matriculation
examination held on March 2002, and the ceremony
ended.
___________________________

( 6 ) Minister receives ambassador

Yangon, 12 July - Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Pyi
Sone received Egyptian Ambassador to Myanmar Dr Farouk
Riad Hassan Mabrouk at his office this afternoon. Also
present on the occasion were Director-General of the
Border Trade Department U Nay Win, Managing Director
of Myanma Agricultural Produce Trading U Min Hla Aung
and officials concerned.
_____________
Industry-1 Minister inspects thread factory

Yangon, 12 July -Minister for Industry-1 U Aung
Thaung, together with Deputy Ministers Brig-Gen Thein
Tun and Brig-Gen Kyaw Win, inspected the Thread
Factory No 28 under Myanma Textile Industries in
Kanbe, Yankin Township, this morning. The minister
inspected production process at the factory and left
necessary instructions.

Then, the minister inspected the extended construction
site of the new factory. At the briefing hall, the
minister met with the officials and gave instructions
on replacement of the old machines and extended
production of quality products after taking innovative
measures. Then, he saw over the spindle complete set.
The minister next proceeded to the packing paper
factory of Myanma Paper and Chemical Industries on
Kaba Aye Pagoda Road in Yankin Township and inspected
tasks being implemented for the packing paper factory
extension project. Later, the minister looked into
production of pulp and waste paper and left
instructions on speedy completion in implementing the
extension project, carrying out innovative measures
and extended production of import-substitute packing
paper rolls.
___________________________

( 7 ) Patriotic songs cassette tapes donated to
Information Committee

Yangon, 12 July -Two hundred cassette tapes on
patriotic song, jointly arranged by Myatkhinthit
Thukhuma Lwinpyin and Khin Sabai Oo Recording, were
donated to Information Committee of the State Peace
and Development Council at a ceremony held at Tatmadaw
Guest House on Inya Road this morning

 It was attended by Leader of Information Committee of
the State Peace and Development Council Minister for
Labour U Tin Winn, Vice-Chief of Military Intelligence
Maj-Gen Kyaw Win, Deputy Minister for Information
Brig-Gen Aung Thein, senior military officers of the
Ministry of Defence, news and information officials of
the Ministry of Information, those from the
recordings, academy Gitalulin U Ko Ko, academy Zaw Myo
Htut and Yadana Oo and others. Gitalulin U Ko Ko
explained the purpose the donation. Then, U Tin Winn
accepted the cassette tapes presented by the people
concerned and spoke words of thanks.
___________________________

( 8 ) Measures for ensuring smooth and secure
transport coordinated

Yangon, 12 July - A regular meeting of the Yangon
Division Supervisory Committee for Ensuring Smooth and
Secure Transport was held at the head office of Yangon
Division All Bus Lines Control Committee in Tamway
Township this afternoon. Chairman of Yangon Division
Supervisory Committee for Ensuring Smooth and Secure
Transport Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and
Development Council Commander of Yangon Command
Maj-Gen Myint Swe made a speech and fulfilled the
requirements.

Commander Maj-Gen Myint Swe urged officials concerned
to prevent occurrence of crimes aboard and to take
action against those who violate traffic rules. Then,
those present including chairmen of the bus lines and
officials of departments concerned reported on
arrangements being undertaken for ensuring smooth and
secure transport for convenience of people who travel
in Yangon and to respective states and divisions.
Later, the commander gave necessary instructions on
their reports and the meeting came to an end.
___________________________

( 9 ) Drug trafficker faces imprisonment

Yangon, 12 July - A combined team comprising members
of the local intelligence unit and the railway police
force, acting on information, searched Daw Tin Ooh,
who was travelling on the Lashio-Mandalay No 132 down
train, at PyinOoLwin Station on 20 March and found
36.72 grams of heroin on her. Daw Tin Ooh, 53,
daughter of U Pauk of Thawutti Village, Lewe Township,
was registered in a lawsuit by PyinOoLwin Police
Station under Section 15/19 (A) of Narcotic Drugs and
Psychotropic Substances Law. After hearing the case on
15 May, PyinOoLwin District Court sentenced her to 4
years' imprisonment under Section 15 and 20 years'
imprisonment under Section 19 (A) to serve separately.

_____________

Opium oil seized in Nawnghkio

Yangon, 12 July - A combined team comprising members
of the local intelligence unit and Lashio Special
Anti-drug Squad, acting on information, stopped and
inspected a passenger bus with number plates 9 Ka/4640
on its way from Namklan to Mandalay at mile-post 80/4,
Painnebin Corner at the entrance to Nawnghkio, on 4
July afternoon and seized 1.872 kilos of opium oil
from Aung Kyaw (a) Hao Xiao Pan. Action is being taken
against Aung Kyaw (a) Hao Xiao Pan, 44, son of U Hon
Su Sin of Pansin Ward, Namklan Village in Hsipaw
Township under Section 15/19 (A) of the Narcotic Drugs
and Psychotropic Substances Law by Nawnghkio Police
Station.
__________________
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