[myanmar_information] The New Light of Myanmar (Tuesday December 10, 2002)

[Ok Kar <okkar66126@xxxxxxxxx>]

The New Light of Myanmar (Tuesday December 10, 2002)
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1. Secretary-1 attends destruction of seized narcotic 
   drugs, precursor chemicals, poppy seeds in Namhsan
2. Secretary-1 inspects development tasks in Maukmai, 
   Panglong region in Loilem District 
3. Fourth ASEAN Directors-General of Statistical 
   Offices Meeting opened
4. Minister inspects Yangon circular railroad
5. Minister inspects cooperative tasks in Myitkyina
6. Preparations for AFA council meeting coordinated
7. F&R Minister receives guests
8. Ministers, ambassadors, diplomats and journalists 
   view drug elimination tasks and border area 
   development projects
9. LPDR health delegation arrives
10. HIV/AIDS Teachership course for housewives opened
11. Commander administers OPV to children to 
    hail National Immunisation Days 
12. C-in-C's trophy soccer tournament ends 


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1. Secretary-1 attends destruction of seized narcotic 
   drugs, precursor chemicals, poppy seeds in Namhsan 

Remarkable success achieved in Shan State (South)
thanks to active participation of eight peace groups

Yangon, 9 Dec - Chairman of Work Committee for
Development of Border Areas and National Races
Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council
General Khin Nyunt, left Yangon by Tatmadaw aircraft
on 8 December morning and arrived in Namhsan in Shan
State. 

Next, the Secretary-1 and party proceeded to Namhsan
Sports Ground. The ceremony to destroy seized narcotic
drugs and precursor chemicals seized in Shan State
(South) and poppy seeds handed over by the local
farmers was held at the sports grounds at 11 pm,
attended by Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt. 

Taunggyi USDA Executive Daw Khin Thanda Oo and Daw
Sanda Aung acted as masters of ceremonies. On the
occasion, Commander Brig-Gen Khin Maung Myint
delivered an address. He said: Today's destruction
ceremony is significant in Shan State. At the
ceremony, seized narcotic drugs and precursors as well
as poppy seeds presented by local poppy growers on
their own accord, could be incinerated. 

The present ceremony was second time for destruction
of poppy seeds in Shan State (South). At the first
time, seized 70 baskets of poppy seeds and 480 pyis of
dried poppy bulb were destroyed on 2 June 2002.
Similarly, 239 baskets, 8 pyis and two cans of poppy
seeds were destroyed in the respective townships.
Therefore, a total of 309 baskets, 8 pyis and two cans
of poppy seeds and 480 pyis of dried poppy bulb have
been destroyed in Shan State (South). 

The narcotic drugs elimination tasks designated as the
national duty are being carried out with momentum in
Myanmar. The Government laid down the two strategies
for narcotic drugs elimination in Myanmar, 
- to designate narcotic drug eradication and
prevention as a national responsibility and to carry
out this responsibility with added momentum; and 
- to gradually eliminate poppy cultivation by raising
the standard of living of the national races in the
border areas. 

The three tactics namely Supply Elimination, Demand
Elimination and Law Enforcement are being employed to
implement the above strategies. There are eight peace
groups in the area of Shan State (South). They have
been cooperating with the Government in regional
development tasks since 1989 after realizing genuine
good will and correct attitude of the State. In the
past, poppy plantations were secretly cultivated in
these areas. Although the Government eradicated
illegal poppy cultivation and trafficking as the
national duty, progress has been made to some extant
because of the armed insurgency in these region. At
present, organizations of the special regions have
returned to the legal fold and are cooperating with
the Government in the development tasks. 

So, remarkable successes have been achieved in
fighting against poppy cultivation and illegal
production and trafficking of narcotic drugs. The
local national organizations are abiding by guidance
and policy of the Government and they issued
notifications to effectively combat the scourge of
narcotic drugs in their respective regions. Shan State
Nationalities People's Liberation Organization and
Pa-O National Organization issued drug elimination
orders on 20 April 2002 and 8 May 2002 respectively. 

During the period of year 2001, 148 drug-related cases
and 240 culprits including 100.1699 kilos of opium,
0.6708 kilos of heroin, 375.7664 kilos of stimulant
tablets, 0.397 litre of opium oil, 1.3909 kilos of
low-grade opium, 0.1277 kilos of opium oil solid,
2,245 kilos of chemical power, 13.88 kilos of
marijuana, 15.825 litres of Phencodyl, 25 litres of
phensedyl were seized in Shan State (South). In 2002,
108 drug-related cases and 154 culprits involving
198.0009 kilos of opium, 6.9248 kilos of heroin,
135,472 stimulant tablets, 0.0001 kilo of opium oil
solid, 150 kilos of morphine, 0.01 kilo of
amphetamine, 0.003 kilo of ephedrine, 0.9272 kilo of
low-grade opium, 2.211 kilo of marijuana, 1.5 litres
of opium oil, 98.5 litres of phencodyl and 504 litres
of chemical liquid were seized. The Government is
making arrangements on opium-substitute cultivation. 

The educative tasks were held. And crops of seeds for
opium-substitute cultivation such as paddy, maize,
wheat, pigeon pea, niger, sunflower, Chinese pea,
vegetables and others were distributed to local
farmers. The CCDAC has spent K 5 million on
opium-substitute cultivation tasks. The plan is laid
down and being implemented to hand over and seize the
poppy seeds in the villages with a view to ensuring
elimination of poppy cultivation. 

Local authorities and Drug Abuse Control Committees at
different levels in Shan State, Tatmadawmen, MPF
members, departmental personnel, Red Cross and
Auxiliary Fire Brigade members and local people
participated in the elimination of opium cultivation.
So, local farmers, on their own accord, handed over
poppy seeds and dry poppy bulbs to the authorities. 

At the destruction ceremony, 330 baskets and one pyi
of poppy seeds, five pyis of dry poppy bulbs, 6.9248
kilos of heroin, 139.4584 kilos of opium, 135,472
stimulant tablets, 2.2038 kilos of marijuana and 98.5
litres of phencodyl will be destroyed. In conclusion,
the commander invited those present to test the poppy
seeds handed over by local opium growers in Shan State
(South) on their own accord and seized narcotic drugs
and paraphernalia before the destruction ceremony.
Then, the Secretary-1 and party and the national race
leaders tested poppy seeds and seized narcotic drugs
to be incinerated at the sports grounds. 

Next, the Secretary-1, Lt-Gen Aung Htwe, Commander
Brig-Gen Khin Maung Myint, the ministers and the
national race leaders who returned to the legal fold
took designated places and pressed the button to torch
the poppy seeds, narcotic drugs and precursor
chemicals. Similarly, members of USDA, social
organizations and national races joyfully participated
in the destruction of narcotic drugs and precursor
chemicals. Afterwards, the Secretary-1 and party and
the guests viewed the booths on narcotic drugs
exhibited at the sports grounds. 

On the occasion, 5,281 pyis of poppy seeds weighing
8,623.873 kilos, five pyis of dry poppy bulbs weighing
2.041 kilos, 6.9248 kilos of heroin, 139.4584 kilos of
opium, 2.2038 kilos of marijuana, 135,472 stimulant
tablets and 68.5 litres of Phencodyl were destroyed. A
total of 5,281 pyis of poppy seeds weighing 8,623.873
kilos and five pyis of dry poppy bulb were destroyed
at the destruction ceremony. In this way, such
quantity of seeds that would be grown on 5,282.25
acres of land (2,137.7 hectares) with the estimated
yield of 23,241.9 kilos (23.242 tons) of opium or 2.32
tons of heroin have been prevented. The ceremonies to
destroy narcotic drugs and precursor chemicals seized
from Shan State and Kayah State and poppy seeds were
organized by CCDAC several times. 

A total of 50,755 pyis of poppy seeds weighing
82,882.92 kilos and 46,681 pyis of dried poppy bulb
weighing 19,057.52 kilos were destroyed at the
destruction ceremony in Lashio, Shan State (North), on
7 June 2002; 8,064 pyis of poppy seeds weighing
13,168.51 kilos and 672 pyis of dried poppy bulb
weighing 274.34 kilos in Laukkai on 8 June 2002;
2,712.5 pyis of poppy seeds weighing 4,429.51 kilos
and 35,256 pyis of dried poppy bulb weighing 14,393.26
kilos in Lashio on 25 October 2002. Similarly,
altogether 425.38 pyis of poppy seeds weighing 694.65
kilos and one pyi of dried poppy bulb weighing 0.41
kilo were destroyed at the destruction ceremony in
Kengtung, Shan State (East), on 5 June. 

Likewise, the similar ceremony was held in Pinlaung,
Shan State (South), on 2 June. Altogether 4,952.25
pyis of poppy seeds weighing 8,087.02 kilos and 480
pyis of dried poppy bulb weighing 195.96 kilos were
destroyed. On 3 June, 23.44 pyis of poppy seeds
weighing 38.28 kilos were destroyed in Loikaw, Kayah
State. A total of 87,705.07 pyis of poppy seeds
weighing 143,222.38 kilos were destroyed in Lashio,
Laukkai, Kengtung, Pinlaung and Loikaw. 

Such quantity of seeds that would be grown on
87,705.07 acres of poppy cultivation (35,493.755
hectares) with the estimated yield of 385,902.308
kilos of opium (385.9 tons) or 38.59 tons of heroin
have been prevented. 

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2. Secretary-1 inspects development tasks in Maukmai, 
   Panglong region in Loilem District

Government giving constant attention to development of
Loilem District

Yangon, 9 Dec - Chairman of Work Committee for
Progress of Border Areas and National Races
Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council
General Khin Nyunt attended the ceremony to destroy
narcotic drugs, precursor chemicals and poppy seeds
held at Namhsan in Shan State on 8 December morning. 

The Secretary-1, accompanied by Chairman of Shan State
Peace and Development Council Commander Brig-Gen Khin
Maung Myint, left Namhsan by Tatmadaw helicopter and
arrived in Maukmai, Loilem District, at noon. 

First, the Secretary-1 and party arrived at the site
chosen for building a new school on 13.27 acres of
land and heard reports on arrangements being made for
construction of the new school building by Chairman of
Shan State Peace and Development Council Commander
Brig-Gen Khin Maung Myint. 

Then, the Secretary-1 gave necessary instructions to
officials concerned on construction tasks to be
carried out as fast as possible. Next, the Secretary-1
and party met with members of Township Peace and
Development Council, departmental personnel, members
of USDA and social organizations at the town hall of
Maukmai Township and gave necessary instructions to
them. First, the Secretary-1 and party heard report on
location and area of the township, households and
population, climate, cultivation and production of
monsoon and summer paddy, pulses and beans and edible
oil crops, local sufficiency of rice and edible oil,
transportation and communications, tasks of education
and health and production of gypsum by Chairman of
Township Peace and Development Council U Maung Maung. 

Commander Brig-Gen Khin Maung Myint gave a
supplementary report. Then, the Secretary-1 attended
to their needs and gave a speech. The Secretary-1 said
that, together with the ministers, he toured the 11
townships in Loilem region last August to fulfill the
requirements for improvement of the socio-economic
life of local people and development of the entire
Loilem District and that they had not visited Maukmai
during their previous trip. 

Most of the regions in Shan State, including Loilem
Region, lagged behind in development and was not
stable due to armed conflicts in the past, he said. It
was only under the present government that national
reconciliation was forged and the whole region became
peaceful and stable. As a result, strenuous efforts
could be made for speedy development of the region, he
continued. Yet Loilem Region was still behind
development, he said. Therefore, the government giving
is constant attention to the development of Loilin
District, he added. 

At a time like this, when the government was giving
emphasis to the development of the region, it is
necessary for departmental heads in the region to give
correct leadership and management. As Maukmai was a
fertile region, the people should not be complacent
with self-sufficiency in food but try to engage in
agriculture on a commercial scale. The departmental
heads should take initiatives and give encouragement
for the development of manufacturing industries in the
region and for improvement of the socio-economic life
of the local people. The people, on their part, should
make concerted efforts for the improvement of their
own living standard. Maukmai Township was suitable for
the cultivation of paddy and oil crops and therefore
it was necessary to extend the cultivation of such
crops as sunflower and niger. 

Departmental heads, on their part, should organize and
educate people to carry out agriculture on a
commercial scale. The government is taking all the
necessary measures in economic, education, health and
social sectors and rendering assistance for the speedy
development of 11 townships in Loilin District. With
peace becoming more and more prevalent in border
areas, the government succeeded in taking regional
development measures systematically. At the same time,
the national race leaders and local people made the
most of the assistance provided by the government. 

As a result, modern cities emerged in the border areas
and living standard of the people also improved.
Moreover, the government encouraged the cultivation of
opium-substitute crops in the border areas through
organizational and educational means and, owing to the
enthusiastic cooperation of the local people,
opium-substitute plantations and businesses were
successful. Regarding the development of Shan State,
the government was fulfilling the requirements for
education, health, social and economic infrastructures
with Taunggyi, Lashio and Kengtung as bases for
development. Similarly, Loilin District was designated
special development region and systematic measures for
being taken for economic, education, health and social
development. 

Now, in Panglong region, Panglong University, Panglong
Government Technological College and Panglong
Government Computer College were to be opened soon.
Moreover, the youths in 11 townships in Loilin
District were now able to pursue higher education in
their own region and steps were being taken for the
emergence of highly-qualified human resources.
Regarding basic education sector, basic education
schools had been upgraded and local youths were being
trained at special teacher ship courses to assign
duties at those schools. 

Now, there were 339 teachers who completed the
courses. In health sector, Loilem District People's
Hospital was upgraded to 200-bed special hospital and
extension ward of the hospital is under construction.
There are specialists and modern equipment at the
Loilem District People's Hospital so health care
service for the people in Loilem District can now be
promoted. He said he explained about the government's
emphasis on development of Loilem District with
greater momentum. In the region there were racism and
personal admiration. Because of this, armed insurgency
occurred and there was no peace and the region lagged
behind in development. 

Armed insurgency and extremism brought about no
interest for the Union as well as the respective
township and districts and the people became innocent
victims. The Secretary-1 called on departmental
officials and local people to make efforts for
regional development and promoting of social standard
of the people at a time when peace and tranquility was
restored in the region. The Secretary-1 and party then
proceeded to the basic education high school of
Maukmai, where he attended a ceremony to open the
multimedia classrooms of the school on 8 December. 

Present on the occasion were Shan State Peace and
Development Council Chairman Commander Brig-Gen Khin
Maung Myint, local authorities, departmental
officials, members of USDA, social organizations,
wellwishers and others. Headmaster U Khun Sein Myint
and Chairman of the school board of trustees U Than
formally opened the multimedia classrooms. Then,
Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt opened the signboard of
the multimedia classrooms. The Secretary-1 next
inspected the computer skills room, the computer aided
instruction room, the language lab, the audio visual
room, the printed media, the arts room and the
domestic room. 

The Secretary-1 and party enjoyed the performance of
students at Gitaratha Hall. The Secretary-1 met with
members of the school board of trustees,
parent-teacher association, the headmaster and
teachers at the school hall. In his meeting with them,
the Secretary-1 said the opening of multimedia
classrooms in the basic education high school of
Maukmai Township is the turning point in the education
sector of the township. It is delightful to witness
the cooperative efforts of local authorities, towns
elders and the school board of trustees to be able to
open such multimedia classrooms. By making effective
use of these classrooms, intellectuals and
intelligentsia who will be able to shape the regional
development, will emerge from the school. Arrangements
have been made to build a new two-storey school
building.

Therefore, teachers, students, members of the school
board of trustees and townselders are to make
persistent efforts to produce that kind of outstanding
youths. Later, the Secretary-1 presented a computer
set and its accessories as well as teaching aids to
Headmaster U Kun Sein Myint. After the ceremony, the
Secretary-1 and party together with the members of the
school board of trustees, teachers and students posed
for a group photo. 

On arrival at Maukmai People's Hospital, the
Secretary-1 inspected the patient wards, the operation
theatre and the X-ray room and gave instructions on
having a characteristics of the hospital as the plans
are underway to upgrade the hospital from 16-bed one
to 25-bed one. Then, the Secretary-1 and party arrived
at the gypsum sculpture work place where he viewed the
carving of gypsum. 

The Secretary-1 and party went to Loilin where local
authorities were on hand to welcome them. They then
inspected the development activities in Panglong
region. At first, the Secretary-1 and party arrived at
the construction site of Panglong University in Loilin
Township. 

At the briefing hall, Minister for Education U Than
Aung reported on the population of students accepted
into the university, and matters related to the
university; and General Manager of Eden Group Co Ltd U
Wunna Khaing on the construction of the main building
and classrooms of the university. After hearing the
reports, the Secretary-1 gave necessary instructions
and inspected the construction of four-storey main
building, two-storey classroom and the computer
training centre. 

Then, Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt and party
inspected Panglong auto exchange and the microwave
station. At the construction site of Government
Computer College (Panglong), the Secretary-1 heard
reports on scale model of the college and tasks being
carried out for construction and gave necessary
instructions. Minister for Science and Technology U
Thaung and the principal Daw Yi Yi Pyone then reported
on matters related to teaching programmes. 

The Secretary-1 later inspected the progress of
construction works after giving necessary
instructions. Afterwards, the Secretary-1 and party
went to 200-bed General Hospital of Loilin, where
officials reported on the construction of the
three-storey operation theatre and two-storey patient
ward. 

In the evening, the Secretary-1 and party visited
Yadanarsi TatU Kyaung and paid homage to Sayadaw
Bhaddanta Silananda and presented offertories to the
Sayadaw. They arrived at the guest house in Loilin.

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3. Fourth ASEAN Directors-General of Statistical 
   Offices Meeting opened

Yangon, 9 Dec - A ceremony to open the Fourth ASEAN
Directors-General of Statistical Offices Meeting,
hosted by Myanmar, was held at the Traders Hotel on
Sule Pagoda Road this morning, with an address by
Minister for National Planning and Economic
Development U Soe Tha. 

In his speech, Minister U Soe Tha said our country had
practiced central planning for long till late 1988.
Since then, we have been opening up the economy and
practicing market-oriented measures to uplift the
economy and improve the economic and social conditions
of the people. Accordingly we have achieved high
growth in GDP with an annual average growth rate of
7.5% during the first four-year plan from 1992 to 1995
and annual average of 8.5 % during the five-year plan
from 1996 to 2000. In year 2001, the first year of
current third five-year plan you could see a higher
growth of 10.5 %. The continued growth is attributable
to sustained efforts of the Government and active
participation of the public in national development
and increased mobilization of domestic resources. 

In all our development endeavours and planning and
economic management, we have to make the best use of
statistics available from administrative records and
statistical surveys. Needless to say, statistical
system is an important element of a modern economy. It
needs to generate quality data in a timely manner for
planning and decision-making processes of the
government and business. According to the Meeting
agenda discussions will take place on a number of
important statistical subjects, relating to increased
set-up of ASEAN Statistics Database, hyperlink between
the Websites of member countries and ASEAN Secretariat
Web and compilation of statistical core indicators.
Core indicators are intended to support the
implementation of ASEAN initiatives relating to free
trade area, investment area, one single tourist
destination, rural development and poverty
eradication, and other selected areas. Many indicators
on GDP, monetary, fiscal and external sectors
currently collected under ASEAN Surveillance Process
will be used together. 

ASEAN development indicators which is one of the UNSD
initiative in responding to the World Summit and
Millennium Development Goals is high on the agenda.
Harmonization of ASEAN statistics and classification
is also high on the agenda. Harmonization would
contribute to generation of inter-region comparable
data for ASEAN bodies' regional planning and
policy-making. The government provides major resources
to sustain the statistical system in the long run;
however co-operation in capacity building by the
member countries and by international agencies and
donor community will certainly contribute to build up
statistical capacity better and faster to address
concerns at national, regional and global levels. 

Back to back with ASEAN Director-General of
Statistical Offices Meeting, we are hosting a workshop
on Selected Good Practices in the Organization and
Management of Statistical Systems, sponsored by the
United Nations Statistics Division under the ASEAN
Statistics Project. The workshop will discuss on the
role of regional and local statistical offices,
priority setting in work programs of national
statistical offices, and planning processes, position
of national statistical office in government structure
and centralized and decentralized system in national
statistics and response problems in household and
business survey and role of analysis in improving
statistical products and programs. 

To conclude I would like to thank Director-Generals
and senior officials from National Statistical Offices
for your continued participation in the Meeting and
ASEAN Secretariat for the full support and cooperation
in convening the Meeting. I believe your two-day
deliberations will produce tangible and concrete
recommendations to further develop ASEAN statistics in
support of ASEAN integration, and co-operation will
grow further in the future not only among the member
countries, but also with multilateral and
international agencies. I wish all of you success in
the Meeting and the Workshop an a pleasant and
memorable stay in Yangon. 

After the opening ceremony, Minister U Soe Tha and the
delegates to the Meeting had a documentary photo
taken.

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4. Minister inspects Yangon circular railroad

Yangon, 9 Dec - Minister for Rail Transportation U Pan
Aung, of Myanma Railways on 6 December morning
inspected the stations along the
Danyingon-Mingaladon-Yangon railway section and gave
instructions to officials on keeping the stations
clean and tidy, paving of gravel on the railway and
replacing the sleepers with the new ones for the
maintenance of the railroad. 

The minister and party met with officers and engineers
at Yangon Station and urged them to make efforts for
the improvement of Yangon circular railway. The
minister and party then inspected the railway from
Yangon Station to Hlawga section and up to Phalon
station along Yangon-Pyay railway section and gave
necessary instructions to officials. 

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5. Minister inspects cooperative tasks in Myitkyina

Yangon, 9 Dec -Minister for Cooperatives Lt-Gen Tin
Ngwe, attended the cooperative meeting held at the
Cooperative Department, Kachin State, on 6 December
and made an address. 

At the meeting, Vice-Chairman of the Central
Cooperative Society U Ye Aung reported on tasks being
carried out of CCS and Deputy Director of Kachin State
Cooperative Department U Ye Myint reported on the
condition of tasks of the cooperative departments and
societies.

On 7 December, the minister inspected shops of
Hsut-in-waing General Trading Cooperative Society Ltd
and Sut-rin Farms and General Trading Cooperative
Society and Malikyinkhaing Farms and General Trading
Cooperative Society in Myitkyina.

Then, the minister went to Waingmaw Township and met
with the staff of the cooperative syndicates gave
instructions on cooperative works. The minister on 8
December together with Chairman of the Kachin
Sta1e-Peace and Development Council Commander of
Northem Command Brig- Gen Maung Maung Swe and Air Base
Commander Brig-Gen Bo Kyi inspected the I electricity
supply and rice mill using generator. They then ,gave
oral polio vaccine to children at Defence Services
Hospital (300-bed) there.

Later, the minister and party went to the Basic
Weaving School of the Cottage Industries Department
and Manaw Ayeya Weaving Cooperatives Society and
inspected products and weaving. 

---------

6. Preparations for AFA council meeting coordinated

Yangon, 9 Dec - The coordination meeting to host the
76th council meeting of ASEAN Federation of Accounts
(AFA) was held at the Auditor-General's Office here
this morning. At the meeting, Auditor-General Brig-Gen
Tin Aye explained facts about the holding of the
meeting. Then, the Deputy Director-General of the
Auditor-General's Office reported on arrangements to
organize the work committees and work groups. Those
present also took part in the discussion.

---------

7. F&R Minister receives guests

Yangon, 9 Dec -Minister for Finance and Revenue U Khin
Maung Thein received Executive Director of Centre for
Financial Industry System (F1SC) Mr Yoshihisa Onishi
and party and Ambassador of Japan to Myanmar Mr
YujiMiyamoto at his office at 2 pm and 3 pm
respectively.

---------

8. Ministers, ambassadors, diplomats and journalists 
   view drug elimination tasks and border area 
   development projects

Yangon, 9 Dec - Central Committee for Drug Abuse
Control Chairman Minister for Home Affairs Col Tin
Hlaing, Vice-Chairmen Minister for Progress of Border
Areas and National Races and Development Affairs Col
Thein Nyunt and Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win
Aung and member of the CCDAC Minister for Labour U Tin
Winn led the team comprising ambassadors of foreign
embassies in Yangon, diplomats and journalists from
home and abroad and toured Shan State (East) and Shan
State (North-East) from 6 to 8 December to witness the
drug elimination tasks and border area development
projects being implemented by the State and the
national race groups. 

The team led by the CCDAC Chairman left Yangon on 6
December morning by Myanma Airways. 

They arrived at Monghsat in Shan State (East) where
they were welcomed by Brig-Gen Tun Tun of Monghsat
Station and officials. Then, they proceeded to
Mongyawng by Tatmadaw helicopter. 

Wa National Race Leader U Ta Kaw reported to them on
situation of the Mongyawng region, growing of
opium-substitute crops, livestock breeding tasks and
regional development tasks. In his report, he said
tasks for eradication of poppy growing have been made
for the region since 1997, and at present poppy is not
grown there and attention can be paid to regional
development tasks. Tasks for elimination of drug
production and traffic in drugs of other groups have
been made. Moreover, Panghsang Headquarters has issued
decrees and directives that strictly forbid drugs
production and trafficking. Capital sentences can be
passed in drug cases. 

  

But, Thai media accused them of being drug producers
and carried one-sided deceptive writings to mislead
the readers to take the hydel power stations, rice
warehouses and bazaar for drug production factories.
His group is not an opium-producing one, he asserted.
The ministers also explained the background history of
the region. The ministers said the region was not a
peaceful one up to 1994 and it was a place where
Kuomintang troops and various insurgent groups
produced drugs. After the year 1996, regional
development tasks could be carried out. With the
assistance of the State, Wa national people have grown
poppy-substitute crops and raised livestock. With
regards the accusation on drugs production, drugs is
produced not from plants but from chemicals. Myanmar
is not a chemical producing country and chemicals are
carried from the neighbouring ones. It is a piece of
cake to make an accusation that stimulants can be
produced everywhere. 

What is important is to prevent it and to make
resolution to eradicate it. It can be seen that
farmers are poor and they are working for food, so the
State has laid down and implemented the New Destiny
Project. Ministers are assigned duties to supervise
the respective region for the success of the project.
This is the time for growing poppy and the ministers
are conducting field supervisions and rendering
assistance and decreased poppy production in coming
January and February, which is poppy season, will
prove the effectiveness of the tasks. The Ministry of
PBANRDA has spent over 27,000 million kyats for the
development of border areas. 

The needs of food, clothing and shelter of the people
in border areas is fulfilled and infrastructures such
as roads, bridges, hospitals and schools have been
built at the border areas, they elaborated. Then, the
ministers and party viewed the 400 kilo-watt hydel
power station, rice mill, rice warehouses and growing
of annual, biennial and perennial crops and raised
queries. In the afternoon, they left for Wanhon
plantations by helicopters. Wa National Race Leader U
Pauk Yu Yi and national people welcomed and explained
them on growing of poppy-substitute crops and regional
development tasks. In his report, U Pauk Yu Yi said
poppy has not been grown in the region since 1998 and
poppy-substitute crops growing and livestock breeding
tasks are being implemented. 

To extend the agriculture tasks, parts of 200 tractors
are purchased from China and are installed on
self-reliance. Tractors were distributed to the
farmers on credit system with no interest for five
years. At present, 240,000 lychee plants are grown on
6,000 acres of land, 350,000 orange plants on 750
acres, 110,000 coffee plants on 10,000 acres in Wanhon
region and paddy is grown on 1,200 acres of land.
Similarly, 25,000 lychee plants are grown on 650 acres
of land and 750,000 teak plants and 2,050 acres of
paddy have been grown in Mongyawng region. With the
assistance of the State, a basic education high
school, a hospital, a department store, a drinking
water factory as well as the Wanhon-Tachilek road, the
Wanhon-Monghsat road, 245 miles of Wanhon-Mongyawng
earthen road and a bridge at the entrance of Monghsat
have been successfully built. 

He wished the international community to acknowledge
the sincere endeavours, invited their coordination and
assistance in possible ways. He requested them to help
them in finding markets for the produce got from the
poppy-substitute plantations and to purchase the
produce. He also invited foreign investments for
establishing small factories there. Then, queries of
the ambassadors and journalists were replied. The
ministers and party then proceeded to Mongla Special
Region-4 by helicopter. They were welcomed there by
national race leaders and people led by Special
Region-4 Chairman U San Pay. At the briefing hall,
Secretary U Min Ein reported them on the endeavours
for Mongla region to be a drug free zone. 

He said after arms had been exchanged for peace in
1989, the Special Region-4 under the leadership of U
Sai Lin. has placed emphasis on regional development
tasks and eradication of drugs. In the past, there
were altogether 2,716 acres of poppy in 262 poppy
growing villages and the region produced 980 kilo of
opium and there were altogether 2,153 drugs users and
drugs cases in the region. In 1991, a total of 23
acres of poppy was destroyed and opium refineries were
searched and destroyed. The seized drugs worth US $
150 were incarnated. In 1992, the five-year plans have
been laid down and in 1997, poppy growing was totally
wipe out in the region and it was declared a drug free
zone to the world. 

Poppy has not been grown ever since. Moreover, during
a period of 11 years, 196 culprits in 133 drugs cases,
and 203 drugs users in 146 cases were taken action.
Altogether 13.6 kilos of opium, 61.857 kilos of
heroin, 2,067,500 stimulant pills and 298 kilos of
ephedrine power were seized. Action has been taken
against all without discriminating of closeness. In
addition, tasks for growing of poppy-substitute crops
and raising of livestock are carried out. Although per
capita ration was only about 100 kilos in 1992, it is
262 kilos in 2002. 

As regards the development of the region, investment
of the State and foreign countries is about 10,000
million kyats. As the standard of health, education,
religion and economy of the region increased during
the period of 11 years, Mongla which was a mere
village in the past become a border town. The number
of tourists from China is about 350,000 per annum and
it contributes to the development of the region, he
elaborated. Then, the queries of the diplomats and
journalists were replied, and the ministers and party
visited Chinese Immigration Station and Mongla Drugs
Elimination Museum. The ministers and party left for
Kengtung in the evening. 

At Kengtung Hotel, Minister Col Tin Hlaing, Minister
Col Thein Nyunt, Minister U Win Aung and Minister U
Tin Winn separately met the ambassadors, diplomats and
correspondents and explained the origin of drugs
problems in Shan State (East) in the time of
colonialists, its notoriety as the Golden Triangle
after the intruding of Kuomintang, predomination of
internal insurgents after the independence was
regained, the hard negotiation to establish peace in
the region with insurgent groups after 1989,
endeavours for eradication of drugs, endeavours of the
national people hand in hand with the State for the
drug elimination tasks, and building of
infrastructures for development of border areas,
implementation of 15-year project for drug
elimination, and implementation of the New Destiny
Project this year.

Commander of Triangle Region Command Brig-Gen Khin Zaw
hosted a dinner in honour of the ministers and party.
During the dinner, national races cultural troupe
presented entertainment. Then, the diplomats gave away
flower baskets to members of the cultural troupe. The
ministers and party spent the night at Kengtung. On 7
December morning, the ministers and diplomats viewed
round Kengtung. 

They then left for Mongpauk by helicopter. On arrival
there, they were welcomed by the national races
leaders and Project Manager of Wa Alternative
Development Project of UNDCP Mr Xavier Bouan.
Officials briefed the ministers and party on projects
being implemented by UNDCP. 

Next, the ministers and diplomats inspected the 25-bed
hospital opened in 2002 with the aid of Japanese
Government. Dr Sai Sam Tit reported on medical
treatment for local drug addicts and replied to
queries raised. The ministers and diplomats left
Mongpauk for Pangsan by helicopter. On arrival, they
were welcomed by U Pauk Laik Khan of Wa national races
group and leaders. The national races leaders were
introduced to the ministers and diplomats. Then, U
Pauk Laik Khan reported to the ministers and party on
regional development tasks, earning substitute-income
with mining and the businesses being jointly invested
with neighbouring Chinese with the assistance of the
Government. 

After inspecting the Pangsan, the ministers and party
proceeded to Lonhtan Village, where they were welcomed
by Wa national races leader U Pauk Yu Chan. Then, U
Pauk Yu Chan reported on production of tin, running of
tin refinery and sale of refined tin to the ministers
and diplomats. The ministers and party inspected the
functions of the tin refinery, where U Pauk Yu Khan
said that the production of tin in Lonhtan region
started in 1999. In the first year 500 tons of tin
were produced, in 2000 700 tons and 2002 900 tons were
produced. Raw materials were exported to China at the
rate of Ywan 32,000 per ton or US$ 4,000 per ton and
Refined tin at the rate of Ywan 48,000 per ton or US$
6,000 per ton . The factory started running on 11
November 2002.

 There were four Chinese experts and about 100 local
workers with the factory. The investment of the whole
project was Ywan 900 million (over US$ 100 million)
and 12 kinds of mineral has been seen in the region,
he said. Afterwards, the ministers and party left
Lonhtan for Mngmaw by helicopter. On arrival, they
were welcomed by Wa national races leader and
departmental officials. They inspected Mongmaw Tea
Factory. At the briefing hall, Vice-Leader of Mongmaw
region U Sai Paung reported on growing of
poppy-substitute tea, extended cultivation of the tea,
making the total acreage of tea to 395. The investment
of the project was Ywan 18 million, which came from
China. In addition, for substitute-income, production
of marble slabs, running of match factory and purified
drinking water factory were conducted. 

Then, he answered to queries raised by the diplomats.
The ministers and party left Mongmaw by helicopter and
arrived in Lashio in the evening. In the evening,
Commander of North-West Command Brig-Gen Myint Hlaing
hosted a dinner to the ministers and party at the
command. At the dinner, CCDAC Vice-Chairman Minister
for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung and CCDAC member
Minister for Labour U Tin Winn made speeches. They
said that Poppy cultivation and opium production were
so notorious in the Shan State (East) in the past that
the region was called "opium sea". All-round efforts
were made to wipe out poppy cultivation and there was
a significant decrease in poppy cultivation. In the Wa
region today, rubber plants and highland cultivations
took the places of poppy plantations of the past. 

It was a sign of extinction of poppy cultivation. With
environmental conservation, there were woods and
forests in the region in the absence of slash-and-burn
cultivation. It was attributed to the efforts of the
North-East Command commander, the national races
organizations and officials concerned. Ambassador of
the People's Republic of China Mr Li Jinjun said it
was obvious that there was no longer poppy cultivation
in the region and Myanmar's efforts for elimination of
poppy cultivation was to be proud of; that tasks for
elimination of poppy cultivation and eradication of
drugs production could not be carried out in a day and
long-term plans were to be laid down and implemented;
that it was a historical evil legacy and policies and
strategies were to be laid down; that the Myanmar's 15
year project was a proper one and the PRC fully
supported the Myanmar's endeavours. 

He called on the international community to provide
assistance for the project and there wouldn't emerge a
good result when there was more pressure than
necessary; that economic development played a key role
in drug eradication and so long as the farmers were
poor poppy cultivation would exist; that it was
necessary to change the customs and conviction of the
poppy farmers; that the roots of problems were have to
be sought and assistance of international community
were needed; that small industries needed to be
established to earn substitute-income for long-term
existence of local people; that destruction of poppy
fields was easy but the existence of the poppy farmers
needed to be taken into consideration; that one-sided
thought should not be adopted and called on Myanmar to
invite and show the international community the
current situations; that there was already foundation
for cooperation between Myanmar and the PRC as CCDAC
Chairman Minister Col Tin Hlaing and Minister of
Public Security of the PRC Mr Jai Chunwang had already
been friendly and wished the CCDAC the successful
implementation of the project. 

Then, Italian Ambassador Dr Raffacle Miniero made a
speech. He said that he has arrived in Myanmar only
for four months and it was a great pleasure to witness
the success of Myanmar on this trip; that there had
been enormous results as Myanmar could make peace. 

He went on to say that he would compile and send a
constructive report regarding this trip to Italian
Government. Afterwards, Japanese Ambassador Mr Yuji
Miyamoto said that the trip was interesting; that both
sides stood on mutual understanding without peace
agreement on cease fire and the results would greatly
effect on the daily life of the ordinary people, bring
peace among the public; that thus, efforts for
economic development and drug control could be carried
out; that neighbouring countries needed to provide
assistance and there were no doubt about Myanmar's
endeavours with goodwill; that it was needed for the
international community to know the endeavours and
because the narcotic problem was not the concern of
Myanmar only but the global concern; that the past
experience aspired Myanmar to resolutely realize the
role to which serious attention to be paid and he
would provide necessary assistance when he arrived in
Yangon. 

Ambassador of the Russian Federation Mr Oleg V Kabanov
said he felt that it is better to look once by oneself
than to listen hundred times as a Russian say goes
when he witnessed Myanmar's efforts for eradication of
narcotic drugs. Narcotic drugs are great danger to
youths and we are always worried about our children.
It is necessary to provide assistance to Myanmar
government's efforts. 

He praised Myanmar government for making peace with
armed groups and living with them peacefully. He
wished continued success and he would inform his
government for assistance. Chairman of CCDAC Minister
for Home Affairs Col Tin Hlaing and Commander Brig-Gen
Myint Hlaing thanked the ambassadors. 

Minister Col Tin Hlaing and the ambassador presented
flower baskets. On 8 December, the ministers and the
diplomats went to Bonmon Plantation where they were
welcomed by Deputy Commander of North East Command
Brig-Gen Hla Myint. He explained that the experimental
plantation was established for distribution of poppy
substitute crops to farmers at reasonable price. 

He spoke on beekeeping, cultivation of jute and
cultivation of 300 acres of maize and distribution of
quality strains for 22,000 acres of the New Destiny
Project. 

He also spoke on reclamation of highland project,
successful cultivation of groundnut, niger and
Thitseint (Belloric Myrobalan). Cultivation methods
would be distributed to poppy growers. It is targeted
to grow the crops on 500 acres of land. No crops were
grown in cold season before. 

Sample cultivation of cold season crops would also be
undertaken in model plantation. The ministers and the
diplomats visited breeding farm of North East Command.
Pigs and fowls are bred. They were conducted round by
Commander Brig-Gen Myint Hlaing. Arrangements are
being made for cultivation of Arabica coffee and
opening of agriculture and livestock breeding training
school. The diplomats led by Minister Col Tin Hlaing
left Lashio for Laukkai in Kokang Special Region-1 on
8 December. They were welcomed by Kokang national
leaders and officials of station. At the Laukkai Drug
Museum, Kokang national leader U Phon Kyar Shin
explained conditions of Kokang region and cultivation
of poppy substitute crops. 

He said peace was restored in the region after 1989.
Kokang is a mountainous region and there is scarcity
of water. Local people earn their living on poppy
cultivation and most of them are poor. After making
peace with the government, emphasis was placed on
regional development with the assistance of the
government. Arrangements for eradication of poppy
cultivation and drugs trafficking were made on its own
way. The three-year drug elimination project was laid
down for total eradication of poppy cultivation in
2003. 

Due to the efforts of local authorities and Kokang
people, there are no poppy cultivation at all. It is a
success of the people in the region as they promised
the government. He assured that anyone can check the
region any time. Narcotic Drugs are harmful not only
to Kokang people but also to all mankind. He called
for cooperation for the task. Over 589,000 plants of
various kinds worth four million Yuan imported from
China for cultivation of poppy substitute crops. It is
a small amount for a big nation but it is a large
amount of investment of us. He urged the government to
fulfil their requirements and to provide necessary
assistance for eradication of poppy cultivation. 

Vice-Chairman of CCDAC Minister for Foreign Affairs U
Win Aung said that he praised U Phon Kyar Shin and
local people for their efforts to eradicate poppy
cultivation, cent per cent success and turning of
Laukkai, only a small village, into a township. The
government would provide assistance. The diplomats
were invited to witness the efforts for eradication of
narcotic drugs and the purpose of the tour is how to
provide assistance to the task. The buckwheat project
and road construction project were undertaken with the
assistance of Japanese government. 

  

He expressed his concern about recultivation of poppy
because of difficulty in seeking markets. Small and
medium enterprises are to be established. Quality
crops are to be cultivated and market is to be sought.
Unlike Mongla region, Laukkai is not a place of
interest for tourists. Other ways and means to earn
income for the local people are to be put into
consideration by the CCDAC. International assistance
especially from China is needed. Minister for Labour U
Tin Winn said he witnessed the development in Kokang
region during 14 years after making peace with the
government. It is a mountainous region and there are
few plains. 

It is also hard to cultivate crops because of scarcity
of water. In addition to poppy substitute crops, other
enterprises and factories are to be established for
their income. According to Kokang economic
entrepreneurs based in Yangon and Mandalay,
arrangements are being made for providing assistance
to Kokang region. 

Minister for Progress of Border Areas and National
Races and Development Affairs Col Thein Nyunt said the
government built roads, bridges, schools and hospitals
in Kokang region. Buckwheat is exported to Japan only.
The price of buckwheat gradually fell from US $ 300
per ton in 1999 to 110 US dollars in 2001. Therefore
it will difficult for farmers to continue to cultivate
buckwheat. Japan provided two times through 2 KR
Project which includes the supply of tractors, power
tillers and fertilizers. The minister said that the
Japanese government should consider to provide another
2KR project. 

Ambassador of Japan Mr Yoji Miyamoto said Japan and
China are interested in Kokang region. Japan wished to
provide more assistance. The buckwheat initiative was
undertaken with the assistance of Japan. 

There were many difficulties. China replied that it
would help willingly the project in order to save
transport charges. He learnt the situation of the
region, poppy substitute cultivation and regional
development. He intended to hold talks with the
ministers in Yangon. Ways and means are to be sought.
It is impossible to rely on buckwheat only. He assured
that Japan would provide help. Minister Col Tin Hlaing
praised Kokang national leader U Phon Kyar Shin and
Kokang people for their efforts to stop cultivation of
poppy in the region beginning this year. The CCDAC
would fulfil necessary requirements. 

  

He expressed his pleasure for their interest and
pledge of the ambassadors, especially Chinese
ambassador and authorities of Yunnan Province. After
the ministerial level meeting on cooperation among
Myanmar, Thailand, Laos and China, Minister of Public
Security Mr Jia Chunwang provide assistance with full
interest. He replied queries raised by local and
foreign journalists. The ministers and party left
Laukkai by helicopter and viewed rubber and lychee
plantations in Nantip special township in special
region-2. They arrived at Lashio Airport where they
were welcomed by Commander Myint Hlaing. 

The ministers and the diplomats arrived back here in
the evening on 8 December. The tour included
Ambassador of China Mr Li Jinjun Ambassador of Italy
Dr Raffaele Miniero, Ambassador of the Russian
Federation Mr Oleg V Kabanov, attaches of Korea,
Britain and Thailand and newsmen from Myanmar Times,
NHK, Reuters and NTV news agencies.

----------

9. LPDR health delegation arrives

Yangon, 9 Dec - To further strengthen the health care
services between the Union of Myanmar and the Lao
People's Democratic Republic, the Laotian health
delegation led by Laotian Health Minister Dr Ponmek
Dalaloy arrived here by air at 9 am today. 

Deputy Minister Professor Dr Kyaw Myint hosted a lunch
to the Laotian Health Minister Dr Ponmek Dalaloy and
wife Mrs Bouakea Dalaloy and party at the Sofitel
Plaza in the afternoon. 

Then, the visiting Laotian Health Minister and party
called on Minister for Health Maj-Gen Ket Sein at his
office at 2 pm. Next, Maj-Gen Ket Sein and party and
the delegation led by the visiting Laotian Health
Minister cordially discussed matters relating to
promotion of mutual health care services between the
two countries. 

Speaking on the occasion, Maj-Gen Ket Sein said our
two nations have been cooperating as neighbouring
countries as well as ASEAN member countries. It is
needed to accelerate the health development activities
for the peoples of the two countries. Under the
national health policies and under the leadership of
National Health Committee, Myanmar is providing health
care services effectively down to rural areas. 

Then, Director-General of Health Planning Department
Dr Kyi Soe reported on tasks being implemented under
the national health plans, Director-General of Health
Department Dr Wan Maung on health activities of
Myanmar, Director-General of Medical Science
Department Professor Dr Maung Maung Wint on medical
science on human resource development and the use of
Telemedical Education System at the institutes of
medicine. Director-General of Medical Research
Department (Lower Myanmar) Professor Dr Paing Soe on
researches on outbreak of common diseases and
cooperation with international communities, and
Director-General of Indigenous Medicine Department
Professor Dr Thein Swe on health care activities with
traditional medicines. 

Later, members of the visiting delegation raised
questions and the Laotian Health Minister also spoke
of matters related to mutual cooperation in health
sector. Minister Maj-Gen Ket Sein hosted a dinner in
honour of the visiting Lao PDR minister at Karaweik
Palace. 

---------

10. HIV/AIDS Teachership course for housewives opened

Yangon, 9 Dec -A ceremony to open the lesson for
HIV/AIDS Teachership Course for housewives organized
by Myanmar Matemal and Child Welfare Association and
UNICEF was held at the building of association on ,
Thanthuma Road and at the corner of Parami Road in
South Okkalapa Township this morning. 

First, Prof Daw Kyu Kyu Swe made an opening speech
Then, Dr Prikko Heinonen of UNICEF explained the
purpose of opening the course and the ceremony came to
a close. Altogether 44 trainees are attending the
course which lasts from 9 to 13 December. The similar
course will be opened for the housewives from Moemauk
Township in Kachin State, Muse, Namhkan and Namhsan in
Shan State (North) and Mongpyin in .Shan State (East)
from 16 to.20 December at the same venue.

---------

11. Commander administers OPV to children to 
    hail National Immunisation Days 

Yangon, 9 Dec - A ceremony to open the eighth National
Immunisation Days was held at the Auditorium of the
Medical Association in Pathein yesterday morning.

Chairman of Ayeyawady Division Peace and Development
Council Commander of South-West Command Brig-Gen Htay
Oo made a speech and Head of Division Health
Department Dr Than Aung explained facts about the
National Immunisation Days. Those present at the
ceremony then gave oral polio vaccines to the children
under 5. The commander went round and inspected giving
OPV to the children under 5 in the villages of
Pathein. In the whole Ayeyawady Division, 6,046 teams
administered POV to 855,771 children under 5 at 10,719
places. The commander attended the ceremony to open
the Taing Kyaw speed boat transport service of Shwe
Ayeyar Donbyan Co. 

Then, the commander and party inspected the express
boat. Afterwards, the commander addressed the cash
donations ceremony for the sinking of tube-wells in
the region where there is shortage of water at
Ayeyawady Division MCWA. At the ceremony, owner of the
Taing Kyaw speed boat transport service donated K
100,000 for the division MCWA and K 50,000 for sinking
tube-wells and Khain Shwe Zin Fisheries K 100,000 for
the division MCWA and K 200,000 for sinking
tube-wells. 

---------

12. C-in-C's trophy soccer tournament ends 

Yangon, 9 Dec - The final soccer tournament of 41st
Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services (Army, Navy and
Air)'s Trophy was held at the Sports Ground of Youth
Training Camp (Thuwunna) here and Yangon Command team
beat Defence Services (Air) 3-1. 

After the match, on behalf of the Commander-in-Chief
of Defence Services, Chairman of Defence Services
Sports and Physical Education Committee
Adjutant-General Lt-Gen Thein Sein presented the
trophy to Yangon Command. 

Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Myint Swe,
Mingaladon Air Force Base Commander Brig-Gen Thein
Myint and of Ayeyawady Naval Regional Command
Headquarters Brig-Gen Maw Thein also presented prizes
individually. 

Among the spectators were members of the State Peace
and Development Council Lt-Gen Ye Myint and Lt-Gen
Khin Maung Than of the Ministry of Defence,
Commander-in-Chief (Navy) Vice-Admiral Kyi Min,
Commander-in-Chief (Air) Brig-Gen Myat Hein, senior
military officers and invited guests and enthusiasts. 

---------------------
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