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[myanmar_information] The New Light of Myanmar (Wednesday December 4, 2002)
The New Light of Myanmar (Wednesday December 4, 2002)
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1. Senior General Than Shwe pays homage to gold and
silver
Buddha Images excavated from ancient Bagan Pagoda
2. Senior General Than Shwe inspects health care
facilities in Mandalay
3. General Khin Nyunt addresses International
Day of Disabled Persons
4. Secretary-1 inspects regional development works
in Ayeyawady Division
5. Chairman of Shan State (East)
Narcotic Drugs Elimination Work
Committee meets local people
6. Measures for Ensuring Smooth and
Secure Transport co-ordinated
7. Book Fair opens to mark Myanmar
Sarsodaw Day Over K 600,000 worth of
books sold on first day
8. Famous bookshops participate in Book Fair
9. National Literary Awards
to be presented at 8 am on 6 Dec
10. Secretary-1 of State Peace and Development Council
General Khin Nyunt receives LPDR Ambassador
11. Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt
sees off military attaches and families
12. India-Myanmar- Thailand Technical & Financial
Task Forces on Transport Linkages meet
13. Workshop on Extracurricular Education opens
14. Ambassador agreed on
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1. Senior General Than Shwe pays homage to gold and
silver
Buddha Images excavated from ancient Bagan Pagoda
Yangon, 3 Dec - Chairman of the State Peace and
Development Council Commander-in-Chief of Defence
Services Senior General Than Shwe, on 30 November
morning, paid homage to a gold image and a silver
image of Lord Buddha discovered from the chamber of
the Pagoda No 1515 near Myebontha Phayahla Pagoda in
Bagan, NyaungU Township, Mandalay Division.
At the Nanmyo Guest House in Mandalay,
Director-General U Nyunt Han of Archeology Department
and Deputy Director-General U Aung Kyaing reported to
Senior General Than Shwe and party on excavation of
the gold and silver Buddha Images in the chamber of
the Pagoda No 1515 on 23 November 2002 while the
pagoda was under renovation.
Then, Senior General Than Shwe and entourage paid
homage to the gold and silver Buddha Images and
inspected thrones and ornamental backdrops of the
images. While ground clearing works were made for
renovating the Pagoda No 1515 near Myebontha Phayahla
Pagoda in Bagan, the gold and silver Buddha Images
dated back to 12th Century AD of Bagan Era were found
along with thrones and ornamental backdrops in the
pagoda chamber. Each of the two Buddha Images is 12
inches in height, 11 inches in length from one knee to
another and 6.5 inches in length from one shoulder
edge to another and 6.5 inches in breadth. The gold
image including lacquer in it is 2 viss 2 ticals in
weight. It is estimated that the image comprises about
60 ticals of pure gold. The silver image including
lacquer in it is 2 viss 15 ticals in weight.
It is estimated that the image comprises about 70
ticals of pure silver. Each of the two thrones is 4.6
inches high, 10 inches long and 7 inches wide. Each of
those decorative backdrops is 26 inches high.
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2. Senior General Than Shwe inspects health care
facilities in Mandalay
Need to open new hospitals which can provide full
medical service like Yangon and Mandalay General
Hospitals stressed
Yangon, 3 Dec - Chairman of the State Peace and
Development Council Commander-in-Chief of Defence
Services Senior General Than Shwe, visited Mandalay
Traditional Medicine University yesterday morning.
Senior General Than Shwe and party were welcomed there
by Minister for Health Maj-Gen Ket Sein, heads of
department under the Ministry of Health, and rectors
of the universities and professors. First, Minister
for Health Maj-Gen Ket Sein explained measures taken
by the Ministry of Health for raising health standard,
prevention and treatment of diseases, giving
educational talks on health and development of human
resources in the health sector. And the minister dwelt
on health care programmes being carried out in
Mandalay Division and achievements, courses to be
conducted at Mandalay Traditional Medicine University,
treatments offered by Traditional Medicine Hospital
and successful performance of operations for kidney
transplant, open heart surgery and conjoined twins.
Next, Director-General of Traditional Medicine
Department Dr Thein Swe reported on measures taken for
the development of traditional medicine, treatments
given at the traditional medicine hospital and medical
centres, programmes for turning out well qualified
traditional medicine practitioners and admissions of
students. After hearing the reports, Senior General
Than Shwe said that the Ministry of Health is
responsible for the realization of one of the social
objectives uplift of health, fitness of the entire
nation. Traditional medicine practitioners turned out
by the Traditional Medicine Universities must be
highly-qualified and efficient enough to be relied on.
He also spoke of the need to prescribe modern
syllabuses, to raise the qualifications of the
teaching staff and to provide all the necessary
teaching aids. He went on to say that we should not be
complacent with traditional medicines which have been
in used since the time of our ancestors but try to
produce effective Myanmar medicines by using modern
scientific methods.
The Senior General also advised that special attention
must be given to medical research to develop new kinds
of effective Myanmar traditional medicines and
therapies. Steps should be taken to cure malaria,
tuberculosis, hypertension, diabetes, diarrhea, and
dysentery and other diseases with the use of
traditional medicines. We should try to cure diseases
which can't be cured with western medicines by using
our traditional medicines. It is very important to
establish Mandalay Traditional Medicine University in
such a way that it can become a prestigious
university.
Then, Senior General Than Shwe and party inspected the
medicines produced by Traditional Medicine Factory
(Mandalay). Afterwards, they proceeded to Mandalay
General Hospital. Medical Superintendent Dr Win Shein,
professors, physicians and specialists were on hand to
welcome them. At the hospital, Senior General Than
Shwe and party inspected the Cardio logical
Department, X-ray Department and the installation of
modern hospital equipments. The Senior General said
that the State has laid down special four-year health
plan and fulfilled the requirements. The staff of the
MGH, on their part, are highly-qualified and efficient
in their work. Therefore, they succeeded in operations
for kidney transplant, open heart surgery and
separating conjoined twins. It is also necessary to
open new hospitals which can provide full medical
service like Yangon and Mandalay General Hospitals and
to upgrade district and township hospitals.
Senior General Than Shwe said human resource
development is essential for the development of the
State. The State cannot fully rely on those who are
educated but unhealthy. Only those who are educated as
well as healthy can take part in nation-building work.
Therefore, the State has laid down special four-year
plans for education and health sectors and are
implementing them. And he urged all the health staff
to treat the patients warmly and kindly and to take
care of public health.
For the improvement of health care services, more and
more doctors, nurses and paramedics are being turned
out and necessary assistance is being provided for
enabling doctors to become highly-qualified
specialists and physicians. In line with the motto
"From Quantity to Quality", doctors, on their part,
are to strive hard for improving their efficiency. The
State, on its part, will continue to provide necessary
assistance and fulfil requirements constantly, he
said.
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3. General Khin Nyunt addresses International
Day of Disabled Persons
State providing various kinds of assistance including
financial and technical assistance to training schools
for disabled
Although disabled are mentally or physically
handicapped, they still have ability if they do not
lose potential
Yangon, 3 Dec - The International Day of Disabled
Persons was observed at International Business Centre
on Pyay Road here this morning, with an opening
address by State Peace and Development Council
Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt.
First, General Khin Nyunt made an address. He said
after the United Nations has designated December 3 as
the International Day of Disabled Persons with the aim
of uplifting the morale and dignity of the disabled in
society, member nations of the UN have been observing
the day yearly.
As the Union of Myanmar has the tradition of actively
taking part in the activities of the UN, the day has
been observed yearly without fail since 1994 with the
aim of uplifting the morale and dignity of the
disabled persons in Myanmar and making efforts for
them to have equal opportunities with others. As a
member nation of the UN, Myanmar has observed the day
yearly with emphasis on successful implementation of
the noble aim to promote the social, economic and
cultural sectors of the disabled persons, he added.
Massive regional programmes for education, health and
social sectors in connection with the disabled persons
in the world are being implemented under the
leadership of the UN.
The ESCAP designated 1993-2002 as a decade for the
disabled in Asia and the Pacific region and
implemented the twelve future tasks on the disabled.
The meeting to review country-wise measures undertaken
for full ensuring participation and providing equal
opportunity to people with disabilities in Asia and
the Pacific region, was held in Japan in October 2002.
The meeting laid down the seven future tasks on the
disabled. At a time when the nations of the world are
carrying out the tasks for the disabled with
seriousness, the Union of Myanmar, a UN member as well
as a country of Asia and the Pacific region, will
actively implement the future tasks for the interest
of the disabled in the coming decade.
He said Myanmar would make continued efforts for the
improvement of the life of the disabled and
participation in society in accord with the objective
of the 2002 International Day of Disabled Persons -
Independent Living and Sustainable Livelihood. The
State Peace and Development Council is laying emphasis
on making efforts to enable all the people to equally
enjoy the fruits of national development while
endeavoring for keeping abreast with the development
of the nations of the world. The government is also
systematically creating better education, health and
social conditions to enable all citizens to enjoy
social bliss in a peaceful, tranquil environment.
The Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and
Resettlement was separately formed and specific duty
assigned to carry out the tasks for children, the aged
and the disabled who need special care. In connection
with the rehabilitation of the disabled, Myanmar is
widely employing the two tactics centre-based and
community-based systems. Treatment is being given to
those who become disabled for various reasons. The
government is socially rehabilitating them after
receiving treatment. The government has opened the
schools for the blind and deaf, training schools for
adult disabled and youth disabled for visually
handicapped, hearing impaired, physically handicapped
and mentally retarded.
The computer course is conducted in those schools for
them to keep in touch with international communities
through Internet in accord with the motto- disabled
but able. In the rehabilitation sector, not only the
government but also NGOs are participating in the
tasks to promote the qualities of the disabled by
opening the schools for the blind and the deaf in the
respective regions. The government, on its part, has
been providing technological and financial assistance.
The State is also providing various kinds of
assistance including financial and technical
assistance for the training schools for the disabled.
According to their traditions and culture, Myanmar
families live in unity and weal or woe. The aged and
the disabled are always allowed to live together with
their families at their native places.
Myanmar families never ignore the aged or the
disabled, but also live together with them. Thus,
Myanmars have been practicing the good tradition of
the community based rehabilitation system. The State
is carrying the rehabilitation task with greater
acceleration. In addition the nation is actively
taking part in the ASEAN and Asia and Pacific level
sports and efficiency competitions, showing the
ability of her disabled persons. Twenty Myanmars took
part in the Eight East Asia and South Pacific Disabled
Games, which was held in Pusan, the Republic of Korea,
in October 2002, winning four gold, 13 silver and four
bronze. Myanmar took the tenth place in the
nation-wise medal chart.
As the activities hailing the International Day of the
Disabled Persons, 21 age-wise competitions for seven
major events have been held for the disabled persons,
and 197 took part in the competitions. Prizes will be
presented to the winners at the ceremony. Gifts will
be also presented 12 disabled students who are
outstanding in all-round fields and outstanding staff
from the departments. Although they are mentally or
physically handicapped, they still have the ability if
they do not lose the potential. In other words, they
are highly qualified in accord with the mottoes "We
are disabled, but let's show our amazing
qualifications" and "We are disabled but able".
In this regard, all the disabled are urged to accept
the assistance provided to them by the State with
honour, and to rehabilitate their lives while striving
to double their qualifications, instead of feeling
disenchanted. In addition, they should strive to serve
their community in the respective sector. So also, the
social organizations, the public and the departmental
personnel are required to untidily strive under the
leadership of the State for enabling the disabled to
fully enjoy the human rights, to stand on their own
feet, to strive to develop their lives and to
integrate into the human society again and serve the
interests of the community as a worthy human being. In
conclusion, the Secretary-1 urged all the citizens to
harmoniously strive for the disabled to lead an
independent living and sustainable livelihood in
accord with the moto of the 2002 International Day of
the Disabled Persons, and to use their ability in
earning their living.
General Khin Nyunt presented cash and certificates to
General Secretary U Thein Lwin of Myanmar Christian
Fellowship of the Blind which did utmost to promote
the life of the blind, Sgt Kyaw Khine who won two
golds and one bronze at the 8th Far-east and Pacific
Games for the Disabled, Photographic Coach Daw Nyunt
Nyunt Win of the Training School for the Disabled
(Adult) of the Social Welfare Department who won three
golds in the 10th Games for the Disabled held in Kuala
Lumpur and First ASEAN Games for the Disabled and two
silvers at the 8th Far-east and Pacific Games for the
Disabled. Then, the first session of the ceremony came
to a close.
In the second session of the ceremony, Minister SWRR
Maj-Gen Sein Htwa presented prizes to outstanding
disabled students Ma San San Htwe of Myimyindine
School for the Blind, who is a first year student
majoring in English at the University of Distance
Education, Saw Thaung Kyi of Yangon (Khawechan) School
for the Blind, who is a fourth year student majoring
in Psychology, Ma Nan Bu of Myitkyina School for the
Blind, Maung Nay Soe Lin of the Training School for
the Disabled (Adult), who passed the Matriculation
Exam with three distinctions at one stroke, Maung Nyan
Lin of Meikhtiala School for the Blind, Maung Than Lin
of PyinOoLwin School for the Blind, Maung Chit San
Maung of Mary Chapmin School for the Deaf, Maung Kyaw
Ko Htaik of Mandalay School for the Deaf, Sgt Myo Win
of Pyinbongyi Defence Services Vocational School, Cpl
Tun Tun Oo of Mongmaw Defence Services Vocational
School, Maung Zaw Myo Naing of the Training School for
the Disabled (Youth) and Maung Aung Kyaw Lwin of
Pakokku School for the Blind. Afterwards, Deputy
Minister for SWRR U Hlaing Win, Deputy Minister for
Immigration and Population U Maung Aung, Vice
Adjutant-General Brig-Gen Maung Nyo, Director Brig-Gen
Aung Thein of the Resettlements Department of the
Ministry of Defence, Resident Representative Mr J
Bertrand Mendis of the UNICEF and wellwishers
presented prizes to 66 winners who won prizes in 21
competitions held to hail the day.
Deputy Minister U Hlaing Win presented honorary prizes
to Composer Hinthada Myint Ngwe and Vocalist Hlaing
Shwezin Htut for the song honoring the day. Then,
disabled children presented entertainment programmes.
Minister Maj-Gen Sein Htwa and wellwishers presented
them gifts and the ceremony came to a close.
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4. Secretary-1 inspects regional development works
in Ayeyawady Division
State departments practising thrifty measures in all
sectors to save funds in nation development drive
Correct leadership, effective cooperation needed in
harmoniously and energetically serving public
interests
Yangon, 3 Dec - State Peace and Development Council
Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt, left Yangon by
Tatmadaw helicopter this morning and arrived at
Kyaiklat of Ayeyawady Division at 9 am.
Next, General Khin Nyunt and party attended the
ceremony to unveil the signboard bearing the
educational goal "To build up a modern and developed
nation through educational might" at the BEHS-1 in
Kyaiklat. According to the agenda, the guests saluted
the State Flag and students sang the National Anthem.
Next, outstanding students of the school formally
unveiled the stone inscription and signboard of the
Myanmar educational goal. Then, the students sang the
song "Myanma School". Afterwards, the Secretary-1 and
party viewed round the computer aided instruction
room, computer application and e-mail, visual
presenter, electronic media (video system), language
lab and print media (reading corner). Then, the school
head and teachers presented matters relating to the
construction of new school building.
The Secretary-1 fulfilled requirements. The
Secretary-1 and party proceeded to 50-bed hospital in
Kyaiklat. General Khin Nyunt and party inspected
patient wards, operation theatre and renovation works
of the hospital and fulfilled requirements. At the
hall of the hospital, medical superintendent Dr Nyunt
Hlaing reported to him on provision of health care
services to the public and renovation works of the
hospital.
After hearing the report, National Health Committee
Chairman State Peace and Development Council
Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt said that attention
must be paid as regards the diseases which usually
break out in the region. He observed that prevention
is better than cure. Hence, health educative works
must be done to the grass root level of villages, he
stressed. As Ayeyawady Division is teeming with rivers
and creeks, supply of clean and hygienic drinking
water for rural people is important, he said.
As guided by Head of State Senior General Than Shwe
who called for implementing the five rural development
tasks, efforts are being made for supply of clean
drinking water and provision of health care services
to rural people, he said. During the colonial period,
the rural people had to use water from rivers and
creeks for domestic use. Improvement did not gain in
the post-independence period either. Now, serious
attention is being paid to promotion of the living
standard of the rural people. Accordingly, priority is
given to supply of potable water. Systematic plans
must be made to ensure the existence of one drinking
water pond at every village, he said. State /
Divisional, district and township levels have to make
co-ordinations in promoting the provisions of health
care services for rural people. Co-ordinations and co
operations must be made constantly by departments
concerned and social organizations for reduction of
infant mortality rate and maternal and child health
care services.
Later Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt met with local
authorities, departmental personnel, USDA members and
members of social organizations of Kyaiklat and Pyapon
districts at the Shwewa Latt Hall in Kyaiklat.
Officials concerned reported him matters on the
region, cultivation of monsoon paddy, targets for
growing summer paddy, utilization of farm machinery
and measures for boosting per acre-yield of crops,
transportation, communication, health, education and
five rural development tasks. Next, Managing Director
of Myanma Posts and Communications U Maung Maung Tin
reported measures for better communication of
Kyaiklat. Director-general of Electric Power
Department U Thein Tun reported on supply of
electricity.
Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt fulfilled requirements.
He said that he and party arrived there to fulfilled
requirements for regional development and uplift of
socio-economic lives of the regional people. The
township level departmental officials are the most
responsible ones to strive for development of the
respective townships, he said. They are to make active
and enthusiastic efforts in cooperation with
departments concerned, social organizations and local
populace for bringing about development. the proper
administration and cooperation of those in charge of
the townships play a vital role in ensuring successful
implementation of the State's policies and projects,
he said. The Government, on its part, is making
all-out efforts for promoting the health, education
and social conditions of the entire people. The
departmental officials of respective regions are to
organize the local people and provide proper
leadership and administration. The State's aims and
work programmes can swiftly be implemented
successfully if the township-level officials make
concerted efforts in providing proper administration
and leadership as well as co-ordinations and co
operations.
Thence, Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt and party,
together with Commander Brig-Gen Htay Oo, went to
Myaungmya. They were welcomed there on arrival by
responsible personnel and officials concerned. The
Secretary-1 and party went to Myaungmya BEHS-1 and
inspected language lab, computer application and
e-mail electronic media (video system), e-library and
projected media rooms.
Then, Headmaster U Win Sein reported to the
Secretary-1 on educational and managerial affairs of
No 1 BEHS, Myaungmya Township, progress of students'
educational ability. Chairman of the School Board of
Trustees U Tin Hla reported on assistance rendered to
the students. Then, the secretary-1 give necessary
instructions.
The Secretary-1 and party went Myaungmya Peoples'
hospital (100-bed) and inspected operation theatre and
wards. The secretary-1 met with the medical
superintendent, specialists and doctors. Head of
Divisional Health Department Dr Than Aung and Medical
Superintendent Dr Tun Myint reported on mattes on
staff affairs, giving medical treatment and health
care services in the region. The secretary-1 urged
them to cooperate with the local authorities to attend
to the needs for the health care services. Then, the
Secretary-1 met with local authorities and
departmental officials of Myaungmya District and
townships, members of USDAs and social organizations
at Naungyoe Hall in Myaungmya.
First, Chairman of Myaungmya District Peace and
Development Council Lt-Col Tin Aye reported on
cultivation of monsoon paddy and yield, cultivation of
summer paddy, maize and oil crops, regional oil
sufficiency, breeding and production of prawn and
fish, salt production, implementation of rural
education and health, communication and supply of
electric power. Then, the Secretary-1 fulfilled the
needs.
The Secretary-1 said he and his team arrived there to
see to the regional development undertakings.
Ayeyawady Division producing a large amount of rice,
jute, beans and pulses and edible oil crops can assist
much to food production and economic development. It
is also producing rice, meat, fish and vegetables to
Yangon. Myaungmya District is producing rice, jute,
beans and pulses and edible oil crops. Ayeyawady
Division including Myaungmya District is an important
region providing food to the nation and helping
develop the national economic growth. Local
authorities are required to strive for realization of
the programmes and the goals of the State. The State
has laid down and implemented the 12 political,
economic and social objectives to practically realize
"Our Three Main National Causes".
The Sate has already built the central,
state/division, district and township administrative
machinery to implement the 12 objectives. Committees
at different levels have been formed in health,
education, social, agriculture and economic sectors
with the participation of departmental officials and
social organizations to support the administrative
machinery. Officials at different levels are required
to effectively and correctly run the administrative
machinery and use the cooperation of the committees.
Moreover they should carry out their task with a view
to serving public interests and should work in harmony
with the people. They will not achieve long-term
development if they have only the administrative view,
ignoring the needs of the people.
Thus, they are required to work with correct
management and organization to build a nation in
accord with the public desire and to serve the
people's interests. The State is giving priority to
development of the division. Intra-town roads and the
highways reaching Yangon have been built in the
division which had to rely on water transport in the
past. Thirty-five bridges of over 180 feet in length
have been built in the division. As many roads are
under construction stage, more bridges are being built
in the division. Pathein, Hinthada and Maubin
development zones have been established in the
division. The Sate has been using a large amount of
money and human resources in implementing the regional
development endeavors and improving the living
standard of the people. The State departments are
practicing the thrifty method in all sectors to save
more cash for development undertakings. The people
should understand the State's goodwill and deeds to
serve their interests.
They are required to adhere to the laws and rules
enacted by the State and to live in accord with the
rules of the worthy citizens. They will have to strive
to development their business including agriculture,
livestock breeding and production enterprises. The
local authorities will have to organize and lead the
public to energetically take part in the national
development drive. Thus, officials at different levels
are required to tour down to the villages and listen
to the voice of the people to fulfill their needs.
The Secretary-1 and party paid obeisance to Presiding
Nayaka Sayadaw Agga Maha Pandita Bhaddanta Dhamma Piya
and members of the Sangha of Zeyamaydani Sarthintaik
in Myaungmya and presented offertories to them. The
Secretary-1 and party paid obeisance to Buddha images
in Shwe Bhudhaw Pagoda in Myaungmya and donated cash.
The Secretary-1 and party went to Wakema Bridge
Construction Project site where they were welcomed by
Chairman of Township Peace and Development Council,
departmental personnel, members of USDA, social
organizations and officials of special group-7 of the
Public Works. Deputy Superintending Engineer U Khin
Maung Se reported on the project, implementation of
the project, progress of work, finishing touches,
preparations for opening of the bridge and
construction of 220-foot long Lanthamaing reinforced
concrete bridge on the Wakema-Kyonmange Road. Chairman
of Wakema Township Peace and Development Council U Tun
Zaw reported on cultivation acreage, cultivation of
monsoon paddy for 2002-2003 and yield, cultivation of
summer paddy and cold season crops, implementation of
five rural development tasks, power consumption in the
township and communications.
The Secretary-1 said the State is providing assistance
to all sectors including transport, farming,
production, health, education and social sectors for
further development of the division. The local
authorities will have to organize the people to
understand the State's goodwill and deeds. The
endeavors of the State to serve the public interests
will not produce good results if the leadership and
management of the township level officials are
incorrect. Thus, the township officials are required
to combine the correct and effective management and
collective leadership and collective responsibility to
serve the people's interests. In serving the public
interests, they will have to use the powerful and
effective strength of the social organizations
including Union Solidarity and Development
Association, War Veterans Organization, Maternal and
Child Welfare Association, Red Cross Brigades and
Auxiliary Fire Brigades. Correct leadership and
effective cooperation is needed in harmoniously and
energetically serving the public interests.
The Secretary-1 and party inspected the Wakema Bridge.
The 3,020 feet long and 24 feet wide bridge linking
Ywale Ward and Htawkanut Ward was built on Wakama
River. It has four feet wide walkways on each side.
The main bridge is 600 feet long and the approach
bridge on the east of the river is 1,260 feet and the
approach bridge on the west of the river 1,160 feet.
The bridge withstands 36-ton of load. The Secretary-1
and party arrived back here in the evening.
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Local authorities, people of Mongyun urged to always
strive to prove that they are totally clear of
narcotic drugs
5. Chairman of Shan State (East)
Narcotic Drugs Elimination Work
Committee meets local people
Yangon, 3 Dec - Chairman of Shan State (East) Narcotic
Drugs Elimination Work Committee member of Central
Committee for Drugs Abuse Control Minister for Labour
U Tin Winn and party inspected building of a new town,
land reclamation and two hydel power stations in
Mongyun on 29 November.
They then attended the anti-drug mass meeting in the
town. Minister U Tin Winn said the narcotic drugs is
not a problem of a nation, but of the world itself,
which requires global action to solve it. The State
has designated the anti-narcotic drugs project as a
national task in continuously implementing it. Co
ordinations have been made with the leaders of the
national race groups which have returned to the legal
fold since 1989 to reduce poppy cultivation and opium
production. Infrastructures, required in reducing
opium production, in the transport, health, education,
have been developed in the remote border areas.
The state formed the new ministry, the Ministry for
Progress of Border Areas and National Races and
Development Affairs, the Central Committee for
Progress of Border Areas and National Races chaired by
Head of State Senior General Than Shwe, and the Work
Committee under the chairmanship of Secretary-1 of the
State Peace and
Development Council General Khin Nyunt. Up to now, it
has used about K 60,000 million to develop the border
areas and national races. After building good
foundations for development, the State declared to the
world the launching of the 15-year narcotic
elimination plan. Within the three-year period from
1999-2000 to 2001-2002, poppy cultivation and opium
production have been reduced to a significant degree
annually, which was acknowledged by the UN and the
bodies from the United States.
The organizations have confirmed that Myanmar was able
to reduce up to 60 per cent of poppy cultivation and
opium production during the period from 1996 to 2002.
Under the guidance of Head of State Senior General
Than Shwe to end the narcotic drugs, the Secretary-1
and five ministers have taken the respective duties to
realize the guidance in five regions. The New Destiny
Project has been laid down and implemented for the
success of the opium-substitute crop cultivation
programme.
The work group with the participation of the Deputy
Minister for Home Affairs, the Deputy Minister for
Agriculture and Irrigation, the Deputy Minister for
PBANRDA and the Deputy Minister for Livestock and
Fisheries has been formed. Greater success has been
achieved in the drug eradication task as the four
officials have been assigned the duty to meet with the
poppy growers. Popper farmers are handing over the
poppy seeds to authorities of their own volition. The
seeds have been destroyed for six times in major towns
including Kengtung. The people who are present at the
meeting are former poppy growers from Khwemar,
Lonhtan, Binhin and Hoson region in northern Shan
State.
The houses of good quality in Mongyun are the proof
that the live of the farmers now is much better than
that of time they were growing poppy. Uprooting the
practice of poppy cultivation alone will not eradicate
the drugs. Authorities have seized the stimulant
tablets often at the borders. Thailand accused Mongyun
as the major stimulant pill including Yaba production
areas under the UWSA. Thus, the diplomats and foreign
journalists were conveyed to the town by helicopter to
explain the true situation during the previous year.
Thus, local authorities and the people of the town
will have to always strive to prove that they are not
involved with the drugs. Decisive action will be taken
against the drug cases, and the drug addicts will be
treated and rehabilitated. The State is going to
render assistance to the drug eradication project.
Teachers will have to educate and organize their
pupils to know the danger of the drugs.
The regional in-charge and the people are required to
prove that the accusations launched by the other
nation are wrong and that only the SURA under the
command of Ywet Sit is a true terrorist gang producing
and trafficking in drugs. All will have to strive to
end the practice of poppy cultivation, eradicate drug
trafficking and root out drug addiction to declare
their region a drug free zone. Deputy Minister for
PBANRDA Brig-Gen Than Tun explained the experiences in
implementing the New Destiny Project, the success
achieved in launching the project in northern Shan
State, distribution of opium-substitute crop seeds by
Tatmadawmen to the villages and efforts being made to
declare the region an opium free zone soonest. Police
Brig-Gen Tin Win said 290 tons of poppy seeds have
been entrusted to the state by the farmers.
If the seeds are cultivated, they can yield opium that
can be refined into 55 tons of heroin valued at over
two billion US dollars. From 1988 to this date there
were 66,000 drug cases involving 89,113 culprits. Of
the culprits, 42 faced death sentence, 48 live
imprisonment and 12,256 over 10 years' imprisonment.
The seized drugs were destroyed in Yangon for 16 times
and 27 times in other places outside the capital. The
Money Laundering Law was enacted on 17 June 2002. A
total of 124 kinds of narcotic drugs, 113 kinds of
psychotropic drugs and 25 kinds of chemicals were
controlled by the State. He also explained the plan to
develop Yaungkha village in Monghsat Township in
cooperation with Thailand. National Race leader U Pau
Yuyi requested the public to give information on the
drug trafficking and to cooperate in arresting the
culprits.
U Pau Yuyi and the local people unanimously made a
pledge, saying that they want to free their region
from the drugs. They also pledged to realize the
guidance given by Chairman of the State Peace and
Development Council Senior General Than Shwe, and
directives given by Vice-Chairman Vice-Senior General
Maung Aye and Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt to root
out the drugs. Dr Ba Thaung went to the education
training school established by local people near
Mongyun-Wanpong road and gave lecture on danger of
drugs and avoiding drugs. Altogether 78 teachers are
teaching 1,600 national youths from Shan State (North)
and (East) at the school. The students are learning
Myanmar, English, science and computer course free of
charge at the school. The minister and party visited
the school and met the teachers and students.
The minister said education is important in building a
modern nation. He expressed his pleasure for local
national leaders' investment in education. He urged
the teachers to hand down education as well as good
morale to their pupils and to make efforts to be a
tobacco and drug free school. The minister and party
met service personnel, members of War Veterans
Organization, Women's Affairs Work Committee and
Maternal and Child Welfare Association.
The minister said narcotic drugs problem started in
colonial period. After regaining independence, it was
difficult to eliminate the drugs because insurgents
involved in it. Beginning 1989, the government made
peace with the armed groups and carried out the tasks
on drugs elimination. During 1989-1999, the government
created better transport, education, health and social
conditions for development of border areas and
national races. Starting from 1999-2000 the government
laid down the 15 year Drugs Elimination Project. Poppy
cultivation acreage decreased considerably in three
years due to continuous efforts. The UN and the US
government accepted the fall in poppy cultivation
acreage.
Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt implemented the
guidance given by Head of State Senior General Than
Shwe. Beginning 8 April, five ministers were assigned
duties to make field trips to five regions for
eradication of narcotic drugs. The task force
consisting of four deputy ministers was formed and The
New Destiny Project was also laid down. Success has
been achieved in poppy substitute crops and control of
poppy seeds. However, seizure of stimulant tablets is
still made. Monghsat and Mongtong were notorious for
trafficking of narcotic drugs by the Nationalist
Chinese. Poppy cultivation and smuggling of stimulant
tablets are still in those regions.
The minister called for cooperation in the drugs
elimination tasks. Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Than Tun
reported on functions of the Ministry of Progress of
Border Areas and National Races and Development
Affairs, opening of youth training school and domestic
science training school, implementation of poppy
substitute crops project in Mongpauk region in
cooperation with UNDCP, cultivation of buckwheat in
Kokang and Kaungkha regions with the assistance of the
Japanese government and fall in poppy cultivation
acreage. Police Brig-Gen Tin Win reported on fall in
annual opium yield, handing over poppy seeds by poppy
growers of their own volition, enacting the Money
Laundering Law and conditions of human trafficking in
border areas. Chairman of District Peace and
Development Council Lt-Col Myo Nyunt reported on poppy
cultivation in Monghsat District and money spent on
drugs elimination in Shan State (East).
The minister and party inspected Loihsansontaung
(Baintaung Coffee Farm) and met local people at
Mongtwang Village. The minister said Mongtwang,
Mongtong and Monghsat regions were notorious for
narcotic drugs. In Loihsanson coffee is now grown. It
is learnt that SURA Ywet Sit group still involves in
drugs trafficking in the area. Local people are to
make efforts for wiping out narcotic drugs and
annihilating the insurgents.
Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Than Tun and Col San Pwint of
the Ministry of Defence reported on elimination of
drugs in Mongtwang. Lahu national U Pi Lon of
Mongtwang hill village assured that he would not grow
poppy at all. Police Brig-Gen Tin Win and Dr Ba Thaung
distributed pamphlets on eradication of drugs,
newspapers and journals and anti-human trafficking
pamphlets to local people.
-------------
6. Measures for Ensuring Smooth and
Secure Transport co-ordinated
Yangon, 3 Dec - A coordination meeting of Yangon
Division Supervisory Committee for Ensuring Smooth and
Secure Transport was held at the meeting hall of All
Bus Lines Control Committee (Yangon) (Headquarters) on
Laydauntkan Street in Tamway Township this evening,
with an address by Yangon Division SCESST Chairman
Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Chairman
Yangon Command Commander Maj-Gen Myint Swe.
First Chairman of the Yangon Division Supervisory
Committee for Ensuring Smooth and Secure Transport
Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development
Council Maj-Gen Myint Swe explained measures being
taken for ensuring smooth and secure transport for
public commuting in Yangon and those travelling to and
from the divisions and states daily; keeping bus
terminals, railway stations, jetties and airport clean
and pleasant; running in time, road safety and
observance of traffic rules.
Then, Commander Maj-Gen Myint Swe heard reports on
arrangement being made for regular running of cars,
trains, ships and aeroplanes, observance of traffic
rules and keeping bus terminals, railways stations and
jetties clean and pleasant presented by chairmen of
the bus lines.
Next, Commander Maj-Gen Myint Swe fulfilled the
requirements. The meeting ended with concluding
remarks by the Chairman.
__________
7. Book Fair opens to mark Myanmar
Sarsodaw Day Over K 600,000 worth of
books sold on first day
Yangon, 3 Dec - Hailing the Myanmar Sarsodaw Day (1364
ME), the Myanmar Writers and Journalists Association
opened today its book fair in the compound of Sarpay
Beikman Press on Pyay Road here this morning.
Minister for Information Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan, visited
the book fair. MWJA Joint-Secretary U Myint Kywe
(Maung Myint Kywe) acted as master of ceremonies and
Managing Director of Printing and Publishing
Enterprise U Myint Thein (Myint Thein Aung) explained
the purpose of holding of the book fair. The minister
and MWJA Chairman U Hla Myaing formally opened the
ceremony.
Next, the minister and officials viewed round the book
shops. After the ceremony, cash donation ceremony was
held at the main building. The donations included K
100,000 by Chief Editor of Myanma Gonye Magazine
Lt-Col Ohn Maung (Retd) (Myinmu Maung Naing Moe); K
100,000 by U Ye Wai (Myanmarsar) and U Ye Win (Win Wai
Naung), sons of Poet Butalin Chit Lay; and K 100,000
by U Mya Thein (Writer Moe Htet Myint-Myitwakunpaw).
MWJA Chairman U Hla Maying accepted the donations.
At the book fair, 57 book shops are open daily from 9
am to 5 pm till 9 December.
____________
8. Famous bookshops participate in Book Fair
Yangon, 3 Dec - The Book Fair to mark the (1364 ME)
Sarsodaw Day will be kept open till 9 December from 9
am to 5 pm daily in the compound of Sarpay Beikman
Printing House near Hanthawady roundabout on Pyay
Road, Yangon.
The Book Fair is being participated by many famous
bookshops such as Daing Khin Khin, Tawwin Myoma,
Sindewa, Zaw, Sarpay Lawka, Maha Gandhayon, Innwa, Wah
Moe Aung, Thalun, Aung Hsu Yu, Hein, U Pe Win, Mya
Thida, Quality, Khayephu, Than Aye, Amay, Moe, U Yan
Thein, Monyway, Tun, Pan Shwepyi, Tin Shwe, Yarpyae,
Parami, NPE, Thitsa Mandaing, Mikhin Ayeyawady, Win,
Thet San Yay, Myet Pwint, A-1, Myat Pan Yagon,
Zawtika, Japangyi, Aung Chantha, Sarpay Beikman, MWJA,
Ywet Nu Wai, Thiha Yadana, Myat Hsu, Thadingaung, Aye,
Pho Thin Naing, Yan Aung, Win Nyinaung, Aung Pyi Sone,
Ohn Saw, Seikku Cho Cho, Than Tun, Bagyi Aung, Yinma
Hlaing, Nay Win, Heavy, Eya Nadi, Dawood, etc.
_________
9. National Literary Awards
to be presented at 8 am on 6 Dec
Yangon, 3 Dec - Prize-presentation ceremonies for
National Literary Award for life, National Literary
Award, Sarpay Beikman Manuscripts Award, the 13th
National Motto Literary Award and Photo competition
will be held at the National Theatre on Myomakyaung
Street on 6 December at 8 am instead of 9 am, it is
learnt.
___________
10. Secretary-1 of State Peace and Development Council
General Khin Nyunt receives LPDR Ambassador
Yangon, 3 Dec - On behalf of the Chairman of the State
Peace and Development Council, Secretary-1 General
Khin Nyunt received Ambassador of Lao People's
Democratic Republic to the Union of Myanmar Mr Ly
Bounkham, who had completed his tour of duty, at
Zeyathiri Beikman on Konmyinttha at 5.20 pm today.
__________
11. Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt
sees off military attaches and families
Yangon, 3 Dec - Secretary-1 of the State Peace and
Development Council Chief of Military Intelligence
General Khin Nyunt, saw off foreign military attaches
to Myanmar and their wives on the study tour of North
East Command, at Yangon International Airport this
morning.
Department Head of the Military Intelligence
(Headquarters) of the Ministry of Defence Brig-Gen
Thein Swe and Dean of Military Attaches to Myanmar
Malaysian Military Attaché Col Harun Bin Hitam led the
excursion group.
__________
12. India-Myanmar- Thailand Technical & Financial
Task Forces on Transport Linkages meet
Yangon, 3 Dec - India - Myanmar - Thailand Technical
and Financial Task Forces Meetings on Transport
Linkages was held at the Sedona Hotel here this
morning.
The task forces were established by the Ministerial
Meeting on Transport Linkages between India, Myanmar
and Thailand held in Yangon on 6-4-2002.
Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs U Khin Maung Win
delivered an opening address. Delegation leaders of
India and Thailand also made opening remarks. The
meeting will I continue tomorrow.
___________
13. Workshop on Extracurricular Education opens
Yangon, 3 Dec -The opening ceremony of the 2Oth
Workshop on Asia/Pacific Extracurricular Education was
held at the Summit Park View Hotel on Ahlon Road here
at 9 am today.
Myanmar UNESCO National Commission Chairman Minister
for Education U Than Aung attended it and delivered
the opening address.
After the opening speech by Minister U Than Aung,
Director of UNESCO Cultural Department of Asia and
Pacific Region of Japan Mr Suzuki Yoshimori made a
welcoming address and explained matters on the
seminar. Next, Japanese Ambassador to Myanmar Mr
Miyamoto Yuji delivered an address. Dr Khin Zaw
explained matters on the seminar. Advisor and
Coordinator of Bangkok-based Asia/Pacific Education
for All Programme Mr A H A Hakeem explained matters on
the seminar.
The work- shop is being attended by 41 technicians
including 21 delegates from regional countries and 10
observers, and it will continue ti1112 December.
__________
14. Ambassador agreed on
Yangon, 4 Dec - The Government of the Union of Myanmar
has agreed to the proposed appointment of Mr Mumin
Alanat as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary
of the Republic of Turkey to the Union of Myanmar in
succession to Mr Erdinc Ulumlu.
Mr Mumin Alanat was born on 29 May 1942. He graduated
from Ankara University in 1966. He joined the Ministry
of Foreign Affairs of Turkey in 1967 and as served in
various capacities at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
and at the Turkish Embassies in Brussels, Lagos,
Moscow and Bonn. He served as the Turkish Ambassador
to Moldova from 1955 to 1999. At present, he is
serving as Director-General of the EU Affairs
Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in
Turkey.
Mr Mumin Alanat will be concurrently accredited to
Myanmar with residence in Bangkok. Mr Mumin Alanat is
married and has two children.
___________________
www.myanmar.com/nlm/
__________________________________________________
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