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[myanmar_information] THE NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR (Wednesday November 27, 2002)
THE NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR (Wednesday November 27, 2002)
Headlines
1. Senior General Than Shwe inspects Mone Creek
Multipurpose Dam project Sedoktara Township,
Thagyitaung Oil field in Pauk Township
Religion
2. Secretary-1 attends opening of new
two-storey building
for Tawtaik Dhamma Yeiktha monastic
education school in Shwepyitha Township
International Relations
3. Secretary-1 receives Ambassador of
United Kingdom to Myanmar
4. Secretary-1 receives Korean Minister of
Information and Communications
5. F&R Minister receives guests
6. Information Minister receives ambassadors of
Lao PDR and Japan
7. Myanmar-Korea e-Government Forum held
8. Ambassador appointment agreed on
Region
9. Secretary-1 inspects demonstration entertainment
of National Symphony Orchestra
narcotic drug explained Regular press
conference held
11. Home Affairs Minister attends
cash donation ceremony
Drug
12. Narcotic drugs seized in Tamu, Muse, Kutkai
____________________________
Local authorities urged to work with farsightedness
and willingness for regional development, increase per
capita income in the region
1. Senior General Than Shwe inspects Mone Creek
Multipurpose Dam project Sedoktara Township,
Thagyitaung Oil field in Pauk Township
Yangon, 26 Nov - Chairman of the State Peace and
Development Council Commander-in-Chief of Defence
Services Senior General Than Shwe and party paid
homage to Myathalun Pagoda in Magway on 25 November
morning.
First, Senior General Than Shwe and party offered
"soon", fruits, light, flowers and water to the
pagoda. Then, Senior General Than Shwe donated cash
for the pagoda through members of the Pagoda Board of
Trustees, and signed in the visitors' book. Next,
Senior General Than Shwe and party viewed Ayeyawady
Bridge (Mag-way), Ayeyawady river and its environs
from the platform of the pagoda.
Afterwards, they viewed round the pagoda. Senior
General Than Shwe and party arrived at Mone Creek
Multipurpose Dam project in Sedoktara Township by
helicopter at 10 am.
They were welcomed there by Deputy Minister for
Agriculture and Irrigation U Ohn Myint, Deputy
Minister for Electric Power U Myo Myint and officials.
At the briefing hall, Minister for Agriculture and
Irrigation Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin reported on work being
carried out for the 4,320 feet long main dam,
temporary embankment, and measures being taken by the
Irrigation Department for the project to Senior
General Than Shwe and party.
Then, Director-General of Irrigation Department U Kyaw
San Win reported on the salient points of the project
and progress of work. Next, Deputy Minister U Myo
Myint reported on work being carried out for
hydro-electric power, installation of No 1 and No 3
turbines, arrangements for installation of No 2
turbine and the installation of turbines will be
completed in April 2003. Then, Minister for Electric
Power Maj-Gen Tin Htut reported on arrival of 5,400
tons of equipment out of 6,600 tons due to arrive for
Hydel Power Plant, and arrangement for power supply to
Chauk sub-power station.
Afterwards, Senior General Than Shwe inspected the
charts of the project and gave instructions to
officials. Then, Senior General Than Shwe and party
inspected the main dam and the flow of water from the
diversion tunnel. Next, Senior General Than Shwe and
party inspected construction of the sluice gate. Then,
they inspected construction of affiux bund and the
hydel power plant and installation of turbines. The
dam is situated on Mone Creek between Aukpon Village
and Tharan Kaing Village about two miles north of
Sedoktara. The dam is being constructed with the aim
of irrigating 180,000 acres of farmland and generating
25 megawatts.
After inspecting the project, Senior General Than Shwe
and party arrived at Thagyitaung oilfield in Pauk
Township by helicopter. At the briefing hall, Minister
for Energy Brig-Gen Lun Thi reported on location of
the oilfield, geographical condition, drilling of No 1
Test Well, continued drilling of other test wells,
conditions of Sabai oilfield about ten miles South of
Thagyitaung Oil Field, On-shore and Off-shore oil and
gas fields and future tasks. In response to the
report, Senior General Than Shwe gave necessary
instructions and presented cash award for staff of
Thagyitaung Oil Field through General Manager U Ohn
Myint.
Next, Senior General Than Shwe and party inspected
crude oil of No 1 Test Well. Then, they arrived in
Pakokku where they were welcomed by Lt-Col Ye Myint of
No 101 LID, member of Magway Division Peace and
Development Council Police Col Ye Myint, local
authorities and others.
Next, Senior General Than Shwe and party met with the
local authorities of Pakokku and Gangaw
District/Townships and departmental officials at the
meeting hall of No 101 LID. Chairman of Pakokku
District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Kyi Tun
reported on the land areas of the district, and land
utilization, rainfall, self-sufficiency in rice and
edible oil, and measures being taken for rural
development.
Then, Chairman of Gangaw District Peace and
Development Council Lt-Col Htay Oo reported on
cultivation of crops in the district, self-sufficiency
in rice and the surplus, and economic development in
the region. Senior General Than Shwe gave guidance,
saying that water is the main requirement for
agricultural development. The State is building
irrigation facilities at all possible places to ensure
irrigation water, and will continue to do so. The
local people will have to strive to ensure water
availability including building of small dams on
self-reliant basis. As the regions cannot produce
enough rice for local consumption, paddy cultivation
should be extended to the most possible degree.
Especially, Pakokku District will have to make more
efforts to produce adequate amount of food for local
need.
Harmonious implementation of the four programmes -
water supply, utilization of fertilizers, use of
quality strains in extending cultivation, and extended
use of farm machinery - is required in boosting
agriculture production. As these programmes are
related to the rural development tasks, rural
population's living standard will improve as much as
priority is being given to them. Local authorities are
required to work with farsightedness and willingness
for regional development and increase the per capita
income in the region. On arrival at Pakokku Textile
Mill (Project) of the Ministry of Industry-1, Senior
General Than Shwe and party were welcomed by Deputy
Minister for Industry-1 Brig-Gen Thein Tun and
officials.
At the briefing hall, Minister for Industry-1 U Aung
Thaung reported on the purposes of construction of the
Textile Mill, kinds of textile to be produced,
strength of the mill, requirements of raw materials,
and progress in construction of the mill. In response
to the report, Senior General Than Shwe gave necessary
instructions. Then, Senior General Than Shwe and party
viewed round storage of raw materials, construction of
the main building and finishing plant.
Next, they arrived at Pakokku Industrial Zone. At the
hall of the industrial zone, Chairman of Magway
Division Peace and Development Council Col Zaw Min
reported on set-up of the industrial zone in 1998,
allocation of industrialists, work for power supply
and availability of water, and the conditions of the
industry in the zone. The State is providing capital
and technical know-how to the best of its ability for
development of industrial zone, as the two play a
vital role in promoting industries. The industrial
zone will develop, only when it can produce goods
which are really required by the nation and which
appeal to the market. Businesses which are related to
the manageable-scale industries should be set up and
run. Acquisition of capital and technical know-how and
penetration of the wider market are basic requirements
for industrial development. Industrial zones should
strive to produce goods which are popular at the
markets.
Then, Senior General Than Shwe and party inspected the
automobiles produced by the industrial zone. Next,
officials of the industrial zone reported on
production of spare parts for Malun Tractor Factory
and other machinery parts and items produced by the
industrial zone. They then arrived at new Pakokku
Airport construction project. At the briefing hall,
Minister for Transport Maj-Gen Hla Myint Swe reported
on the site chosen for construction of the airport
that will be 10,000 feet long and 200 feet wide, kinds
of planes which will use the airport and arrangements.
Then, Managing Director of Hongpang Construction Co U
Khin Maung Myint reported on work being carried and
machinery to be used in the project. Afterwards,
Senior General Than Shwe gave instructions on timely
completion of the project and meeting the set
standard.
Then, they inspected construction of the runway.
Members of the State Peace and Development Council
Lt-Gen Thura Shwe Mann, Lt-Gen Ye Myint,
Adjutant-General Lt-Gen Thein Sein,
Quartermaster-General Lt-Gen Thiha Thura Tin Aung
Myint Oo and Lt-Gen Tin Aye of the Ministry of
Defence, who accompanied Senior General Than Shwe,
together with Commander of Central Command Brig-Gen Ye
Myint met with Tatmadawmen of battalions and units of
Magway Station at Aung Naing Hein Hall of the local
battalion in Magway and gave instructions.
______________
2. Secretary-1 attends opening of new two-storey
building
for Tawtaik Dhamma Yeiktha monastic education
school
in Shwepyitha Township
Yangon, 26 Nov - A ceremony to open a new two-storey
building for Tawtaik Dhamma Yeiktha monastic education
school in Shwepyitha Township, Yangon Division, was
held in conjunction with the third cash-donation
ceremony for the new three-storey Dhamma Theikdi
Kyaung under construction at Tawtaik Dhamma Yeiktha
Kyaung at 10.30 am today, attended by Chairman of
Myanmar Education Committee Secretary-1 of the State
Peace and Development Council General Khin Nyunt.
Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Soe Win Maung and wellwisher
U Kyauk Wai formally opened the new school building.
Then, Chairman of Myanmar Education Committee
Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council
General Khin Nyunt unveiled the signboard of the new
school building.
Next, the Secretary-1 and party and guests viewed
round the new school building. Afterwards, the
handing-over ceremony of the new school building
continued at the hall of the new building.
First, wellwisher for the new school building U Kyauk
Wai handed over the documents related to the new
school building to Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Soe Win
Maung.
Next, the Secretary-1 accepted the donations - K 2
million by Chairman of Special Region-4, Shan State
(East) U San Pae and national races and K 2 million by
U Kyauk Wai of Mongla, Special Region-4, Shan State
(East), for the trust fund of Tawtaik DhammaYeiktha
Kyaung.
Then, Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Soe Win Maung spoke
words of thanks. He said that the Ministry of
Education has laid down education promotion programmes
and is implementing them, adding that significant
progress has been made not only in basic education
sector but also in higher education sector.
He said he would like to explain the development of
education sector after the State Peace and Development
Council Government had assumed the responsibilities of
the State. There were altogether 32 universities,
degree colleges and colleges in Myanmar in 1988 and as
another 119 universities and colleges have been opened
up to the year 2002, there are now 151. At the same
time, subjects, post-graduate courses and diploma
courses have been extended, he stressed. In the basic
education sector, there were 33,747 basic education
schools in 1988, and there are 39,999 in 2002.
Therefore, there has been an increase of 6,252. The
number of schools have to be extended in accord with
the increased number of students. Meanwhile,
renovation of schools and rebuilding of schools had to
be carried out, he noted. Under these circumstances,
renovation of the old ones and building the new ones
are being carried out with the contributions of
well-wishers and social organizations. It was a great
pleasure for students and parents.
Novices, nuns and young students have the
opportunities to pursue the education with peace of
mind with the emergence of the new monastic education
school building with a capacity of 600 students,
thereby further contributing to development of
education sector, he said. The newly opened school
building is 166 feet long and 30 feet wide. It is a
two-storey reinforced concrete one with ten
classrooms. It was built at a cost of K 50.7 million
donated by wellwisher U Kyaw Wai of Mongla and family.
Then, the third cash-presentation ceremony for new
three-storey Dhamma Theikdi Kyaung under construction
was held at the new school building, attended by
members of the Sangha led by member of State Sangha
Maha Nayaka Committee Tipitaka Mahagandhayon Sayadaw
Agga Maha Pandita Tipitaka Dhara Dhamma Bandha Garika
Bhaddanta Sumingalalinkara (Ph.D). The ceremony was
opened with the three time recitation of Namo Tassa.
Next, Bhaddanta Sumangalalankara (Ph.D) invested the
congregation with the Five Precepts.
Then, the Secretary-1 and party presented offertories
to members of the Sangha. Afterwards, Secretary-1
General Khin Nyunt, Commander Maj-Gen Myint Swe and
Minister for Religious Affairs U Aung Khin accepted
the donations for the new three-storey Dhamma Theikdi
Kyaung under construction.
The donations included - K 1 million by the State
Peace and Development Council; K 5 million by Yangon
City Development Committee; K 1 million by families of
Defence Services Intelligence; K 3 million by the
Ministry of Mines; K 1 million by U Kyaw Wai of Mongla
and family; K 1 million by Chairman of Special
Region-4, Shan State (East) U San Pay and family; K 1
million by U Tint Hsan-Dr Daw Htay Htay Nyein and
family; K 300,000 by Lt-Gen Nyunt Thein (Retd)-Daw Tin
Tin Htwe and family; K 5 million by Ko Maung Maung
Hla-Ma Moe Moe Yi and family of Lanmadaw Street,
Yangon; K 3 million by U Yan Win-Daw Lwin Lwin Wai and
family of Inyamyine Road, Golden Valley, Bahan
Township; K 2.85 million by U Thein Han-Daw Thein Tin
and family of East Yankin, Yangon; K 780,000 by Daw
Ahmar and her sister Daw Aye Thein (Tawtaik Dhamma
Yeiktha); K 700,000 by U Kaw Win-Daw Aye Aye and
family of Kyaung Street, Panchansu Village, Shwepyitha
Township; K 500,000 by Daw Shu Tin and family of 44th
Street, Botahtaung Township; K 500,000 by Daw May Kyi
and family of Thazin Street, Yegyaw, Pazundaung
Township; K 500,000 by U Ba One-Daw Tin Tin and
family; K 500,000 by Daw khun Ti and family of U Pho
Hkin Street, Kyimyindine Township; K 342,000 by Daw Yi
Nu and son U Kaw Aye-Daw Yi Yi Tin and family, of
Wayalet, Mingaladon; K 300,000 by U Tin Win-Daw Saw
Thin and family of Mingaladon Market; K 300,000 by U
Tin Aye-Daw Khin May and family of Kontalapaung,
Mingaladon; K 300,000 by Daw Hla Hla Min and family of
Shan Road, Sangyoung Township; K 300,000 by U Tin
Shein-Daw Than Myint and family; K 300,000 by U San
Hlaing-Daw Myint Myint Than and family and K 4,087,451
by disciples of Sayadawgyi totaling K 30,859,451.
Then, Bhaddanta Sumingalalinkara (Ph.D) delivered a
sermon, followed by sharing of merits gained. The
ceremony ended with the three time recitation of
Buddha Sasanan Ciram Titthatu. After the ceremony, the
Secretary-1 inspected No 8 Basic Education Primary
School (Tawtaik Village) already renovated with the
contributions by the State.
Headmaster U Sein Win conducted the Secretary-1 round
the school. Then, the Secretary-1 gave necessary
instructions to officials and left there.
_____________
3. Secretary-1 receives Ambassador of
United Kingdom to Myanmar
Yangon, 26 Nov - On behalf of the Chairman of the
State Peace and Development Council of the Union of
Myanmar, Secretary-1 of the State Peace and
Development Council General Khin Nyunt received
ambassador of United Kingdom to the Union of Myanmar
Dr John Jenkins who had completed his tour of duty at
Zeyathiri Beikman, Konmyinttha at 9 am today.
__________
4. Secretary-1 receives Korean Minister of
Information and Communications
Yangon, 26 Nov - Secretary-1 of the State Peace and
Development Council General Khin Nyunt received
Minister of Information and Communications of the
Republic of Korea Dr Lee Sang-Chul and party at
Zeyathiri Beikman at Konmyinttha here at 2 pm today.
__________
5. F&R Minister receives guests
Yangon, 26 Nov - Minister for Finance and Revenue U
Khin Maung Thein received Ambassador of the Lao
People's Democratic Republic to Myanmar Mr Ly
Bounkham, Ambassador of the People's Republic of
Bangladesh to Myanmar Mr AB Manjoor Rahim and General
Manager of Mitsubishi Corporation of Japan Mr
Kiyoyoshi Katagiri at his office at 9 am, 10 am and 11
am respectively today.
___________
6. Information Minister receives ambassadors of
Lao PDR and Japan
Yangon, 26 Nov - Minister for Information Brig-Gen
Kyaw Hsan received ambassador of the Lao People's
Democratic Republic Mr Ly Bounkham at 1 pm and
ambassador of Japan Mr Yuji Miyamoto at 2 pm at his
office on Bo Aung Kyaw Street today.
____________
7. Myanmar-Korea e-Government Forum held
Yangon, 26 Nov - Under the arrangement of Ministry of
Communications, Posts and Telegraphs and Ministry of
Information and Communication of Korea, Myanmar-Korea
e-Government Forum organized by Myanmar e-National
Task Force and National Computerization Agency, Korea,
was held at Sedona Hotel here today attended by CP&T
Minister Brig-Gen Thein Zaw, Minister for Information
and Communication of Korea Dr Sang-Chul Lee, and
officials.
At the meeting, NCA Chairman Mr Suh Sam Young and
Vice-Chairman of Myanmar e-National Task Force Deputy
Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement U
Hlaing Win signed the pact on cooperation of
electronic tasks between the two governments and
exchanged the documents and the two sides discussed
the matters relating to communications. Dr Sang-Chul
Lee and Brig-Gen Thein Zaw delivered addresses.
Brig-Gen Thein Zaw said that the forum represented the
unity of ASEAN+3 and the initial stage of the
information technology cooperation between the two
countries. Like developing countries, Myanmar is
making efforts to develop the communication
technology. In addition, more foreign investments and
cooperation can help develop it. He thanked the
ASEAN+3 nations for their assistance.
In the afternoon, Brig-Gen Thein Zaw hosted lunch to
Korean minister and party at Sedona Hotel. Korean
Minister and party left for home at 7 pm by air.
____________
8. Ambassador appointment agreed on
Yangon, 27 Nov - The Government of the Union of
Myanmar has agreed to appointment of Mr Joao Antonio
Da Silveira De Lima Pimentel as Ambassador
Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Portugal to the
Union of Myanmar in succession to Mr Jose Tadeu Da
Costa Sousa Soares.
Mr Joao Antonio Da Silveira De Lima Pimentel was born
in 1947 and graduated in Law. He joined the Ministry
of Foreign Affairs in 1975 and has served in various
capacities in the Portuguese Foreign Ministry as well
as in Portuguese Missions abroad in Luxemburg, Bonn
and Vienna.
He is currently serving as Ambassador of Portugal to
the Kingdom of Thailand and will be concurrently
accredited to the Union of Myanmar with residence in
Bangkok.
_____________
9. Secretary-1 inspects demonstration entertainment
of National Symphony Orchestra
Yangon, 26 Nov - The State Peace and Development
Council Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt together with
departmental heads of the State Peace and Development
Council Office arrived at the National Theatre on
Myomakyaung Street, Dagon Township, at 4 pm today.
General Khin Nyunt gave necessary instructions to the
officials. Then, Minister Bri-Gen Kyaw Hsan was
presented 6 books on song reference to be used for
practising 6 Orchestra songs and, 13 books on musical
instrument to be used for practising string
instruments and wind instruments by Deputy Director
(Broadcast) U Win Aung and staff officer U Maung
Maung. Then, at the National Theatre Secretary-1
General Khin Nyunt and party inspected demonstration
entertainment of National Symphony Orchestra and
technicians of National Symphony Orchestra introduced
to them in group with instruments.
Next, Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt enjoyed the
demonstrative playing of 12 songs with 14 musical
instruments and 63 musicians. Aftarwards, Secretary-1
General Khin Nyunt met with the musicians of National
Symphony Orchestra and left there in the evening.
_____________
10. Myanmar's continuous efforts for eradication of
narcotic drug explained Regular press conference
held
Yangon, 26 Nov - A regular press conference was held
at the Tatmadaw guest house on Inya Road this morning.
General Staff Officer (Grade II) Major Thaik Soe acted
as master of ceremonies.
Secretary of Central Committee for Drug Abuse Control
Director-General of Myanmar Police Force Brig-Gen Khin
Yi explained Myanmar's continuous efforts for
eradication of narcotic drugs. He said he would
present three parts, namely, anti-narcotics
activities, measures undertaken by central
organization and international cooperation.
Firstly, he reported on anti-narcotic activities.
According to figures collected from 1999-2000 to
2001-2002, a total of 90,455 acres of poppy were grown
and 10,988 acres were destroyed in 1999-2000, 96,812
acres were grown and 26,113 acres were destroyed in
2000-2001 and 62,868 acres were grown and 25,862 acres
were destroyed in 2001-2002. Twelve point five per
cent of poppy plantations were destroyed in 1999-2000
poppy cultivation season, 27 per cent in 2000-2001 and
41.14 per cent in 2001-2002. Percentage of destruction
of poppy plantation increased yearly. In 2002-2003
poppy cultivation season, 149 acres of poppy were
destroyed from 1 September to 22 November 2002 and
action was taken against 73 poppy growers.
Altogether 87,705 pyis of poppy seeds weighing 143,222
kilos were destroyed for six times - twice in Lashio
and once in Laukkai, Loikaw, Kengtung and Pinlaung.
The destruction prevented 87,705 acres of poppy, 385.9
tons of opium and 38.59 tons of heroin. Another poppy
seeds seized up to 3 November 2002 were 6,171 pyis of
poppy weighing 10,077 kilos. These seeds will be
destroyed under the arrangement of the respective
states and divisions.
Under the New Destiny Project, a total of 101,437 pyis
of poppy seeds weighing 165,647 kilos were seized up
to 15 November. The seizure prevented 101,437 acres of
poppy, 446.32 tons of opium and 44.63 tons of heroin.
The street value of the heroin is 9,413.5 million US
dollars.
>From January to 15 November 2002, 1,737 kilos of opium
were seized in 363 cases, 300 kilos of heroin in 892
cases, 9,191,694 stimulant tablets in 482 cases, 262
kilos of marijuana in 209 cases, 1,711 kilos of
Ephedrine in eight cases, 25,948 litres of chemical
liquid in nine cases and 2,908 litres of acetic
anhydride in three cases.
The weight of seized opium and heroin increased due to
cooperation and exchange of information among the
neighbouring countries, international organizations,
national race organizations and anti-drug squads. The
seizures of stimulant tablets, chemicals and chemical
liquids decreased because of raising the momentum in
anti-drug activities in the country and blocking of
the routes, where chemicals were brought into the
country, by neighbouring countries, international
organizations and national race organizations.
The 16th destruction of seized narcotic drugs was held
at the Drug Elimination Museum in Yangon on 26 June
2002. Altogether 3,028 kilos of opium, 240 kilos of
heroin, 434 kilos of marijuana, 34.94 million of
stimulant tablets and 4.05 million of Ephedrine and
3,021 kilos of Caffeine.
The seized narcotic drugs from 1990 to 2002 were
destroyed in Yangon for 16 times. They included 26,722
kilos of opium, 3,970 kilos of heroin, 5,852 kilos of
marijuana, 115,802,174 stimulant tablets and 14,448
kilos of Ephedrine. The street value of narcotic drugs
destroyed was 4,919.061 million US dollars.
In border areas, the seized narcotic drugs were
destroyed 27 times from 1991 to 2002. They included
3,468 kilos of opium, 406 kilos of heroin, 351 kilos
of morphine, 762,692 stimulant tablets, 193,735 litres
of chemical liquid, 7,836 acres of poppy plantation
and 21 opium refineries.
The Tatmadaw columns combed the areas in northern Shan
State from January to 2 November and seized nine opium
refineries. Myanmar arrested the drug fugitives wanted
by China and handed over 20 of them to Chinese
officials nine times including two times by Wa
national group. Out of the 20 culprits, Lyo Min was
captured dead and culprit Shun Choung Mein is a
Myanmar citizen. So only documents were handed over to
the officials.
In combating narcotic drugs, international cooperation
was made three times this year. The seizure of 12.5
kilos of heroin inside the four raw jade blocks in
Hong Kong on 12 July 2002 was exposed. Shwin Myin
Chauk and Aiklin (a) Arkway sent the raw jade blocks
through Gold Uni Jewellery Co Ltd. They are now
absconding. Rakhine Gyi (a) Than Tun who drilled holes
in the jade and Zaw Lwin and Min Aung who helped him
were arrested and they were sent to trial. The
inspection team exposed Shwin Myin Chauk's 18 kinds of
properties including house, factory, vehicle and
telephone worth K 157.4 million.
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) received
information on seizure of 140 kilos of heroin in
Yodaya. A combined team seized 39 stimulant tablets,
one pistol and 13 rounds of ammunition from Aik Swe of
Sansaing (Kha) Ward in Tachilek on 4-10-2002.
According to the investigation, the team seized 14
blocks of heroin weighing 4.8 kilos, 9,000 stimulant
tablets, 0.9 kilo of heroin powder, two pistols, 8
rounds of ammunition and 0.6 kilo of two packets of
heroin blocks from the house of Aik Lu (a) Arlu of Wan
Maing Village on 7-10-2002.
The team searched the coffee farm of Aik Ae and the
house of Ar Pha Ku, five miles west of Tachilek and
seized 36 kilos of heroin, 5,030,000 stimulant
tablets, 10 kilos of stimulant powder, 338 kilos of
Ephedrine, 40 kilos of Caffeine, six arms and 547
rounds of ammunition on 8-10-2002.
Ten culprits were arrested together with 36.9 kilos of
heroin powder, 5.4 kilos of 14 heroin blocks, 5.03
million stimulant tablets, 10 kilos of stimulant
powder, 338 kilos of Ephedrine, 40 kilos of Caffeine,
nine arms and 568 rounds of ammunition.
On 29-10-2002, the combined team comprising regional
intelligence unit, Mandalay anti-drug squad and
members searched the farm of Yan Shi Hu (a) Ar Hu in
Innkyei Village Tract in Patheingyi Township and
seized 15 bags of Ephedrine weighing 453 kilos. Action
was taken against ten persons including Yan Shi Hu (a)
Ar Hu, 37, son of U Yan Chauk. They also seized K 13.3
million realized from the sale of Ephedrine. The
Ephedrine was brought from Moreh in India to Mandalay.
Secondly, in connection with functions of CCDAC he
reported on the facts about the New Destiny Project.
In accord with the guidance of the Head of State,
Myanmar has been implementing the 15-year drug
elimination project beginning 1999-2000 fiscal year.
As part of the drug elimination project, the New
Destiny Project is being implemented starting from
April 2002. The main objective of the NDP is to
eradicate poppy cultivation through cultivation of
opium-substitute crops.
The project is being carried out under the tactics of
preventing cultivation of poppy according to law and
administrative method, distribution of seeds of
poppy-substitute crops, domestic animals, making a
field trip at designated regions under the supervision
of local authorities, giving educative talks and
fulfillment of the requirements.
Shan State (North), Shan State (South), Shan State
(East) and Kachin and Kayah States where poppy is
grown were designated as project regions. Altogether K
67.5 million has been disbursed out of the targeted
fund of K 100 million to five project states- K 5
million to Shan State (North), K 57.5 million to Shan
State (South), K 2.5 million to Shan State (East), K 2
million to Kachin State and K 500,000 to Kayah State.
Arrangements have been made to disburse money to other
regions.
Two drug addict rehabilitation centres were opened
under the direct supervision of CCDAC. They are
Shwepyitha youth rehabilitation centre in Wethtigan,
Pyay Township, Bago Division and Shwepyiaye youth
rehabilitation centre in Phekhon Township in southern
Shan State.
Treatment was given to drug addicts in Shan and Kayah
States and rehabilitation tasks are also being carried
out for them. Altogether 25,257 students from 25
middle and high schools in Yangon Division were given
educative talks on danger of narcotic drugs, stimulant
tablets and HIV/AIDS from 10 October to 25 November
under the arrangement of narcotic drugs educative
group of Education Planning and Training Department.
Courses on Drug and HIV/AIDS Prevention Training for
voluntary social workers were opened in Taunggyi and
Social Welfare Training School in Yangon with the
joint sponsorship of Social Welfare Department and
UNDCP. The Ministry of Health announced the
designation of 20 drug addict treatment centres in the
country under Notification No 4/2002 dated 8 August
2002. Twenty two small treatment centres were also
extended under Notification No 5/2002 dated 8 August
2002.
A Literary, Article, Song, Poem, Cartoon and Poster
Competition in commemoration of International Day
Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking which fell
on 26 June 2002 was held and prize-distribution
ceremony was held at the management hall of Drug
Elimination Museum. Chairman of CCDAC Minister for
Home Affairs Col Tin Hlaing, Vice-Chairman of CCDAC,
Minister for Progress of Border Areas and National
Races and Development Affairs Col Thein Nyunt,
Minister for Labour U Tin Winn, the ministers,
Resident Representative of UNDCP Mr Jean Lue Lemahieu
and Indonesian Ambassador Pehin Dato Haja Hussin Bin
Haja Sulaiman presented prizes to the winners. The
Literary, Article, Song, Poem, Cartoon and Poster
Competition in commemoration of International Day
Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking has been
held since 1998. There were altogether 784 entrants
for 128 prizes. The CCDAC special meeting, regular
meeting and supervisory committee meeting were held
for effective implementation of anti-narcotic drug
activities. Secretary-1 of the State Peace and
Development Council General Khin Nyunt himself gave
instructions at the special meetings.
As a measure to eradicate narcotic drugs, the Ministry
of Health released notifications on 5 and 21 June,
2002, and prescribed 25 kinds of substances as
precursor chemicals and 113 kinds of substances as
psychotropic ones.
Moreover, the ministry controlled a total of 124 drugs
by issuing a notification on 29 July, 2002. The State
has been making all-out efforts for combating
narcotics and to help the tasks, the State Peace and
Development Council issued Law No 6/2002 on 17 June
2002 the control of Money Laundering Law.
Due to the State's constant endeavors to fight against
narcotics, growing of poppy and production of opium
has been decreasing gradually and the United States of
America has acknowledged it. Thus, the Counter
Narcotic Centre (CNC) of the USA realized that
starting from 1996, poppy growing and opium production
in Myanmar has gradually decreased each year.
In 1996, the poppy growing area was 163,100 hectares
and the opium production was 2,560 metric tons; in
1997, 155,150 hectares and 2,365 metric tons; in 1998,
130,300 hectares and 1,750 metric tons; in 1999,
89,500 hectares and 1,090 metric tons; in 2000,
108,700 hectares and 1,085 metric tons; in 2001,
105,000 hectares and 865 metric tons; and in 2002,
77,700 hectares and 630 metric tons, it is learnt.
Together with the government of the USA, Myanmar has
launched eight Opium Yield Surveys during the period
from 1993 to 2002. According to the Illicit Crop
Monitoring Programme, the CCDAC and the UNDCP launched
preliminary collection of data on illicit growing of
poppy in eight townships in Shan State (North), two
townships in Shan State (East) and one township in
Shan State (South) totaling 11 townships starting from
2001. Departmental staff in respective townships were
formed and trained to collect data in 666 villages.
The data revealed that in 284 villages and 11
townships, poppy growing area was about 10,939 acres
and per acre yield of opium was about 4.23 kilos, he
said.
In 2002, like the previous year, similar tasks were
systematically carried out with the help of experts
from the UNDCP in 14 townships in Shan State (North),
11 townships in Shan State (East), 15 townships in
Shan State (South) and 13 townships in Wa region
totaling 53 townships. Data were collected from 2,182
villages and it was estimated that about 828 tons of
opium was produced from 81,400 hectares of land
(201,058 acres) in 947 villages and per acre yield was
about 4.05 kilos. The data collected by CNC of the USA
and that of the UNDCP are not quite different, he
pointed out.
Thirdly, he explained international cooperation. He
said Myanmar has signed agreements on narcotic control
and cooperation with neighbouring countries - China,
Laos, Thailand, Bangladesh, India, Vietnam, the
Philippines and the Russian Federation. The
Myanmar-India Agreement on narcotics was signed in
Yangon on 30 March, 1994 and the Myanmar-China MoU on
narcotic control on 21 January, 2001 in Yangon. In
accord with the MoU, growing of poppy-substitute
crops, livestock breeding tasks and regional
development tasks have to be done in Special Region-1,
Kokang Region in Shan State (North).
The biannual meetings of Myanmar and Thailand on
narcotic control was held in turn and the sixth
meeting was held in Taunggyi in Myanmar, and
arrangements are being made to hold the seventh in
December in Chiangmai in Thailand. In addition, the
MoU meeting of high-ranking officials from six
countries - China, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Vietnam
and Cambodia Ñis held annually and the ministerial
meeting is held biennially. The MoU meeting of
high-ranking officials of China, Myanmar, Laos and
Thailand was held in Yangon and Myanmar attended the
ministerial meeting held in Beijing, China.
He continued to say that the meeting of Asia-Pacific
Heads of National Drug Law Enforcement Agencies -
HONLEA was held yearly and the Myanmar delegation led
by the director-general of Myanmar Police Force
attended the 26th meeting which was held from 11 to 15
November 2002 in Bangkok, Thailand.
Myanmar hosted the 24th Asia-Pacific HONLEA in Yangon
and 90 delegates from 21 countries in Asia and the
Pacific and three international organizations attended
the meeting. The ASEAN Senior Officials on Drug
Matters - ASOD was held on 14 and 15 October, 2002, in
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and CCDAC and Drug Eradication
Department Head Police Col Kham Aung and party
attended the 23rd meeting.
The Myanmar delegation led by Brig-Gen Kyaw Thein of
the Ministry of Defence attended the ceremony to meet
the Narcotic Control Donor Countries held in Vienna on
22 and 23 October, 2002. The Federal Republic of
Germany will contribute 1.25 million euro through the
UNODC to be used in drug elimination tasks of Myanmar,
he added.
In cooperation between Myanmar and the USA, Opium
Yield Surveys were conducted starting from 1993 to
2002 and the eighth survey was launched in February,
2002. In 2002, poppy grown acreage in Myanmar is
77,700 hectares (192,000 acres) and it produces 630
tons. As the previous year's production was 865 tons,
it has decreased by 26 percent, it is learnt. Under
the arrangements of the US State Department, the
meeting of high-ranking officials on narcotic matters
was held from 13 to 17 May, 2002, and the Myanmar
delegation led by Brig-Gen Kyaw Thein of the Ministry
of Defence attended the meeting. Moreover, in
cooperation with the US Drug Elimination Group, the
Monetary Investigation Course was conducted for 25
trainees in Yangon from 3 to 14 June, 2002.
In cooperation between Myanmar and Australia,
assistance is being provided to Myanmar police to be
able to attend courses and meetings in foreign
countries to promote their ability and to conduct
courses on drugs. In doing so, South Asia Monetary
Investigation Course was opened in Yangon from 25
November to 5 December, 2002 and 25 trainees from
Myanmar, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Malaysia, Nepal,
Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Thailand are attending the
course.
Furthermore, Myanmar delegates have been sent abroad
to attend international conferences, seminars,
meetings, training courses and workshops. Myanmar,
Vietnam, Yunnan and Guangxi Zhaung regions in China
are included in the Aus AID and the Asia AIDS Project
was signed.
The poppy-substitute development project for Wa region
is being implemented from 1998 to 2003 with US $ 15.49
million contributed by the USA plus K 28,358,000 by
Myanmar. The meeting of the Wa Region Project Steering
Committee was held biannually for the project to be
successful. Arrangements are being made to hold the
seventh meeting in Kengtung on 17 December, 2002.
The above-mentioned tasks clearly show that Myanmar
regards drug elimination tasks as national duty and is
practically making all-out efforts and tangible
successes have been achieved. Myanmar vows to achieve
greater success, he elaborated.
Then, General Staff Officer (Grade-1) Lt-Col Min Lwin
made a speech. He said the State is committing
all-round efforts to build a modern, developed nation.
KNU insurgents are constantly making destructive acts
such as destroying regional peace and stability,
killing the innocent people and intimidating them. He
said he would like to report an act of KNU insurgents.
On 25 November morning, a time-bomb planted by KNU
blew up on the road from Myawady to Thingannyinaung
one mile and a half from Myawady. Since the time of
re-opening the Myanmar-Thailand border gates in
Myawady, KNU insurgents committed six destructive acts
and on 15 and 16 October, explosions of two time-bomb
occurred. Moreover, on 16 October, authorities, in
time, found an M-16 A 1, Anti-personnel mine to be
used with remote control system near No 3 Basic
Education Middle School in Ward 3, Myawady. This
incident was reported in the previous press
conference. On 2 November, although an explosion of a
local-made bomb occurred in a bush in the compound of
a church in Ward 4, Myawady, no one was injured.
Similarly, KNU insurgents are committing destructive
acts along Kawkareik-Myawady road and on 15 October, a
car carrying a monk from Thamanya Aung Theikdishin
monastery left Kawkareik for Myawady. KNU insurgents
attacked the car with a mine. The car was destroyed
but none was injured. They also destroyed the concrete
bridge near mile post No 41 on Myawady-Kawkareik road
on 17 October.
It can be seen clearly that although KNU insurgents
claimed that their acts are meant for the interest of
national people, they are constantly committing
destructive acts, he pointed out.
Afterwards, the queries of the journalists were
replied to by Brig-Gen Kyaw Thein of the Ministry of
Defence and Director (International) of CCDAC Police
Col Sit Aye. Then, the regular press conference came
to a close at 11.30 am.
The journalists viewed the documentary photos
displayed there on torching of poppy seeds and
precursors, surveys launched by Myanmar and the CNC,
handing over of the drug fugitive to China, educative
tasks for Tachilek District to become a drug free
zone.
_____________
11. Home Affairs Minister attends cash donation
ceremony
Yangon, 26 Nov - A ceremony to present cash donation
for doyen literati to commemorate the Sarsodaw Day
1364 Myanmar Era was held at the meeting hall of Press
Scrutiny and Registration Department on Wingabar
Street, Bahan Township attended by Minister for Home
Affairs Col Tin Hlaing who presented cash donation on
the occasion.
First, the minister made a speech on the occasion. He
said the Ministry of Home Affairs presented cash
donation for the doyen literati to mark the Sarsodaw
Day. He added the printers, publishers, publishing
houses and owners of music recordings across the
country. It is the fifth time of the Ministry of Home
Affairs that took part in the donation actively and
the ministry in cooperation with the Ministry of
Information are making efforts to progress in not only
Myanmar literature world and fine arts world. Then,
the minister presented cash donation totalling K
7,051,900 to the chairman of MWJA and the minister was
presented certificate of honor by the chairman of
MWJA.
Next, the chairman spoke words of thank and a ceremony
came to a close. The Ministry of Home Affairs donated
a total of over K 21.7 million for doyen literati from
1988 to 2002.
____________
12. Narcotic drugs seized in Tamu, Muse, Kutkai
Yangon, 26 Nov - A combined team comprising members of
local intelligence unit, Special Anti-drug Squad and
police forces on5 November, acting on a tip-off,
searched the house of Maung Moss, son of U Chit Aye,
of Sandagu 1-Ward, Tamu, and nabbed him together with
5.25 kilos of Ephedrine.
Similarly, on 13 November, another combined team
arrested Yi Aung, son of Yan Shauk Pha of No Ha/ 399,
Ganggaw branch, Homon Ward, Muse, and Yaung Sein Htan,
son of U Yuk Tha of Ward-3, Nantphatkha Village,
Kutkai, together with two kilos of raw opium after
they were stopped and searched while riding a motor
cycle with number plates MaSa/1454 near Nampaw Bridge
in Muse.
A similar combined team arrested Ma Wan El with 1,300
stimulant tablets at the house of Ma Arlan, daughter
of U Wan Kyu, in Narnwe Village Tract in Kutkai on 20
November. Action is being taken against them under
Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Law by the
police station concerned.
_____________________________
www.myanmar.com/nlm/
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