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[myanmar_information] The New Light of Myanmar (Saturday January 18, 2003 )
The New Light of Myanmar (Saturday January 18, 2003 )
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1. Secretary-1 receives ASEAN ministers, senior
officials to 2nd Informal ASEAN Ministerial Meeting
on Science and Technology
2. Duties assigned to extend 100,000 acres of coffee
to export new types of goods
3. Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt receives
Thai Commerce Minister and party
4. Secretary-1 and wife host dinner to Myanmar
doctors in USA
5. Secretary-1 addresses opening ceremony of 2nd
Informal ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on S & T
6. 2nd Informal ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on
Science and Technology held
7. PRC Vice Premier of State Council Mr Li Lanqing and
wife Madam Zhang Suzhen on tour of Mandalay
8. ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Science &
Technology issues joint press statement
9. Lt-Gen Kyaw Win receives Thai delegation
10. Information Minister receives guests
11. Thai, Malaysian ministers leave for home
12. Press conference explains accomplishments of
Myanmar's anti-narcotics drive
13. Lt-Gen Soe Win, Lt-Gen Ye Myint inspect
development tasks in Sagaing Division
14. Production of UTM system maps explained
15. MPPE holds work coord meeting
16. Academy awards presentation to be telecast live
17. Military Band Competition goes on
18. Drug dealers sentenced
19. Heroin seized in Kyugok
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1. Secretary-1 receives ASEAN ministers, senior
officials to 2nd Informal ASEAN Ministerial Meeting
on Science and Technology
Yangon, 17 Jan - Secretary-1 of the State Peace and
Development Council General Khin Nyunt, on behalf of
the Chairman of the State Peace and Development
Council and Prime Minister of the Union of Myanmar,
received Ambassador of Brunei to Myanmar Pehin Dato
Haji Hussin Bin Haji Sulaiman; Secretary of State
Minister of Industry, Mines and Energy of Cambodia Mr
Bunchin Nhep; Secretary to Ministry of Research and
Technology of Indonesia Dr Ashwin Sasongko; Minister
to the Prime Minister's Office President of National
Science Council of Laos Prof Dr Souli Nanthavong;
Minister of Science, Technology and the Environment of
Malaysia Dato Seri Law Hieng Ding; Secretary
(Minister) of the Department of Science and Technology
of the Philippines Dr Estrella Alabastro; Minister of
State, Ministry of National Development of Singapore
Dr Vivian Balakrishnan; Minister of Science and
Technology of Thailand Mr Phinij Jarusombat;
Vice-Minister of Science and Technology of Vietnam Dr
Bui Manh Hai and Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN
Secretariat Mr Ahmad Mokhtar Selat, who attended the
2nd Informal ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Science and
Technology, at Zeyathiri Beikman Hall on Konmyinttha
at 8 am today.
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2. Duties assigned to extend 100,000 acres of coffee
to export new types of goods
Highland cultivation project needs effective, speedy
implementation to enhance human resources capability
Programmes to invite and grant coffee-cultivation
permission to entrepreneurs on comprehensive scale
discussed
Yangon, 17 Jan - Secretary-1 of the State Peace and
Development Council General Khin Nyunt and officials
discussed coffee cultivation extension, highland
reclamation and all-round development of agricultural
sector this evening.
At the meeting, which was held at the Ministry of
Agriculture and Irrigation, Secretary-1 General Khin
Nyunt said the government is giving priority to
developing agriculture on which the national economy
is based. The Head of State has already given guidance
to export new types of goods in addition to
conventional farm products.
Arrangements have been made to extend 100,000 acres of
coffee to export new types of goods. The meeting was
called for practical implementation of the project to
grow coffee and other crops - tea and pepper - which
have good prospects.
Although coffee, tea and pepper were cultivated in
Myanmar in the past also, development pace was slow
and not encouraging. Thus, extra impetus should be
given to efficiently grow the crops. If possible, the
exportable macadamia will have to be cultivated in
coffee fields as a mixed crop.
In addition, perennial plants such as oil palm, thit
hseint (bellaric myrobalam) and rubber should be grown
in accord with the project. All will have to emulate
the achievements of the neighbouring countries in
producing and exporting agricultural goods. Permission
will be granted and encouragement given to
entrepreneurs wishing to grow coffee on a
comprehensive scale as areas whose soil and climate
are suitable to grow the plant have been discovered.
However, firm determination and effective efforts are
important. Priority will have to be given to using
high-yield strains in cultivating the ten projected
crops of the nation - rice, pedisein, pigeon pea,
matpe, corn, groundnut, sesame, sun flower, cotton and
sugarcane.
Only then, will the nation have an abundant array of
new and old export items, and be able to extend
foreign markets.
During inspection of eastern Shan State, the Head of
State has assigned duties to personnel concerned to
substitute highland cultivation for shifting
cultivating in raising the living standard of the
national races. As the old tradition of shifting
cultivation will not improve the living standard of
the local national races, all will have to
successfully implement the highland cultivation
project in accord with the schedule.
The local national races are also reclaiming land for
highland cultivation. Thus, it is required to combined
the experience of the national races in conducting
highland cultivation under conventional system and the
modern techniques to efficiently implement the
project.
The project should be implemented effectively and at
higher acceleration for achieving all-round
development multi sectors - to change and development
the living condition of the national races, conserve
the environment, narrow development gap between the
regions, ensure proportionate development, and enable
the ex-shifting cultivators to reside in a permanent,
thereby, leading to improve their health and education
standard and enhance the human resources capability.
Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen Nyunt
Tin explained coffee sown acreage and production in
2002-2003, plans to extend 100,000 acres of coffee in
PyinOoLwin and Nawngkhio townships during the period
from 2003-2004 to 2005-2006, land reclamation,
region-wise plans to nurture coffee saplings and
distribute coffee, programmes to invite and grant
permission to entrepreneurs, who will grow coffee, on
a comprehensive scale and programmes to provide
assistance including loans.
The minister also reported to the meeting on the
five-year highland reclamation project from 2003-2004
to 2007-2008 covering Chin State, Shan State (North),
Shan State (East), the highland reclamation pilot
project which has been launched in December 2002.
staff organizational set up and financial condition,
and plans to extend macadamia, tea and pepper
cultivation.
Minister for Forestry U Aung Phone, Minister for Home
Affairs Col Tin Hlaing and officials gave suggestions
on putting more land under coffee and corn, highland
reclamation, and extension of macadamia.
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3. Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt receives
Thai Commerce Minister and party
Yangon, 17 Jan - Secretary-1 of the State Peace and
Development Council General Khin Nyunt received the
Thai delegation led by Minister of Commerce of
Thailand Dr Adisai Bodharamik and party at Zeyathiri
Beikman hall on Konmyinttha at 3 pm today.
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4. Secretary-1 and wife host dinner to Myanmar
doctors in USA
Yangon, 17 Jan - Chairman of the National Health
Committee Secretary-1 of the State Peace and
Development Council General Khin Nyunt and wife Dr Daw
Khin Win Shwe hosted a dinner in honour of the Myanmar
doctors in USA and the foreign doctors visiting
Myanmar who attended the 49th Conference of Myanmar
Medical Association at the Mya Yeik Nyo Royal Hotel in
Bahan Township at 7 pm today.
First, Chairman of the National Health Committee
Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council
General Khin Nyunt and wife Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe
greeted the Myanmar doctors in USA and the foreign
doctors visiting Myanmar who attended the 49th MMA's
Conference.
Before the dinner, the artistes of the Ministry of
Culture presented the entertainment programme to the
audience.
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5. Secretary-1 addresses opening ceremony of 2nd
Informal ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on S & T
Economy of ASEAN region is one of largest in the world
and potential high growth area
Adoption of correct policies for development of
science & technology and human resource will
contribute greatly in Myanmar's modernization efforts
Yangon, 17 Jan - Chairman of ASEAN Steering Committee
of the Union of Myanmar Secretary-1 of the State Peace
and Development Council General Khin Nyunt delivered
an address at the opening ceremony of 2nd Informal
ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Science and Technology,
hosted by the Union of Myanmar, at the Sedona Hotel on
Kaba Aye Pagoda Road this morning.
Speaking on the occasion, Secretary-1 General Khin
Nyunt said that this is the first time that our
country is hosting a Ministerial Level Meeting in the
Science and Technology sector. It is therefore a great
privilege and pleasure to have this opportunity to
deliver the Opening Address at the 2nd Informal
Meeting of the ASEAN Ministers for Science and
Technology. I firmly believe that the deliberations in
the course of the Meeting will surely contribute
towards the development of Science and Technology in
the region.
ASEAN is generally recognized as one of the most
successful regional organizations in the world with a
combined population of more than 500 million people
and the combined GDP of nearly 700 billion US dollars.
Indeed, the economy of ASEAN region is one of the
largest in the world and is regarded as a potential
high growth area.
However, we cannot be complacent. In this Age of
Globalization and rapid technological progress, ASEAN
must be able to meet this challenge and create new
opportunities for further growth. In this regard, the
importance of science and technology cannot be
over-emphasized. As envisaged in ASEAN Vision 2020, we
should all strive for ASEAN to have a competitive edge
in strategic and enabling technologies.
Moreover, the Hanoi Plan of Action (HPA), laid down in
1998 at the 6th ASEAN Summit focused on promoting
Science and Technology Development, Development of
Information Technology Infrastructure; and Promoting
Human Resource Development. We are also pleased to
learn that a Special Task Force (STF) was convened to
study how it can best respond to the challenges of
achieving Science and Technology goals and objectives
as stated in the Hanoi Plan of Action (HPA).
On the part of Myanmar, we welcome the adoption of
ASEAN Plan of Action on Science and Technology:
Implementation Framework for 2001-2004 at the 9th
Meeting of ASEAN Ministers for Science and Technology
held in Brunei Darussalam in September 2001. It is our
belief that this Plan of Action world contribute
towards the development of regional programmes and
projects over the medium-term leading to the
realization of ASEAN's long-term vision of
technological competitiveness.
In our endeavours to strengthen Science and
Technology, we give due consideration to cooperation
with our dialogue partners. It is heartening to note
that cooperation with China, India and EU has been
proceeding satisfactorily. We appreciate the financial
as well as technical support we have received from our
Dialogue Partners, Australia, China, EU, India, Japan,
ROK, New Zealand and the ASEAN Foundation. I wish to
acknowledge the important role of such external
support in the successful implementation of Science &
Technology projects and activities.
Moreover, in view of closer and more intensified
cooperation between ASEAN and + 3 countries, it is our
view that consideration should be given to the holding
of an ASEAN+3 Ministerial Meeting on Science &
Technology+3 (AMMST+3) in the future when committee on
Science and Technology COST has developed a
substantive agenda in consultation with the "+3"
countries.
Since becoming a member of ASEAN in 1997, Myanmar has
been actively participating in ASEAN activities. In
the Science & Technology field, Myanmar is proud to
have hosted the 37th Committee on Science and
Technology COST Meeting in Yangon in May 1999. I wish
to assure you of Myanmar's full cooperation in the
Science & Technology field. The national objective of
Myanmar is to build a peaceful, prosperous, modern and
developed State. In striving towards this goal, we pay
special attention to the development of science and
technology as well as human resource development.
Even as we develop the various branches of technology,
we are paying special attention to the ICT sector.
Last year, we opened the Myanmar ICT Park which offers
up-to-date ICT facilities as well as a site for
development of software. Myanmar is also cooperating
actively with computer-related companies from
Malaysia, Singapore, Japan, Thailand and others. In
view of the need to promote human resource
development, we have opened new institutes of higher
learning. The number of universities and colleges in
the country has increased from 32 in 1988 to 151 at
the end of 2002. These include two computer
universities and 23 computer colleges throughout the
nation. Moreover, the country also has 4 Technology
Universities and 26 Government Technical Colleges that
are producing engineers and technicians. Recently,
Aerospace Engineering University and University of
Maritime Technology have been established, offering
courses in aviation and maritime subjects. For the
first time in Myanmar's education history, doctorate
courses are now available to students in many
disciplines.
We are confident that the adoption of correct policies
for development of science and technology and rapid
progress in human resource development will contribute
greatly to our modernization efforts.
You have before you a full and varied agenda. However,
I am confident that with the combined wisdom and
experience of the participants, the deliberations will
result in important contributions towards the
development of Science and Technology in the ASEAN
region.
In conclusion, I would like to express my sincere
appreciation to the Organizing Committee for making
the necessary preparations for this meeting. I wish
all of you fruitful and successful discussions and a
pleasant stay here in Yangon.
After the opening ceremony, the Secretary-1 had a
documentary photo taken together with the ministers
and the Deputy Secretary-General of the ASEAN
Secretariat to the 2nd Informal ASEAN Ministerial
Meeting on Science and Technology. Then, the
Secretary-1 cordially conversed with the ministers and
ambassadors of ASEAN countries who are attending the
2nd Informal ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Science and
Technology.
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6. 2nd Informal ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on
Science and Technology held
Yangon, 17 Jan - The 2nd Informal ASEAN Ministerial
Meeting on Science and Technology, hosted by Myanmar,
was held at Sedona Hotel on Kaba Aye Pagoda road this
morning.
Leader of the Myanmar delegation Minister for Science
and Technology of the Union of Myanmar U Thaung
presided over the meeting and delivered an address. He
said:
We believe that Human Resource Development in Science
and Technology is an important issue as today global
economy is knowledge based. Under the closed guidance
of Head of State of Myanmar, Senior General Than Shwe,
Myanmar is emphasizing on Human Resource Development
Programmes. Myanmar, since becoming a Member of ASEAN,
has been actively participating in all activities of
ASEAN Committee on Science and Technology (COST) has
hosted the 37th COST Meeting in Yangon. and I have
noted the tremendous effort taken by ASEAN COST in
Human Resource Development to keep abreast with the
Goal of "A Technologically Competitive ASEAN with
technologically trained manpower and strong network of
Scientific and Technological Institutions".
Then, member of the Myanmar delegation Deputy Minister
for Science and Technology Dr Chan Nyein submitted the
reports of the Second ASEAN Senior Official Meeting on
Science and Technology held on 16 January. The
ministers discussed the reported and approved it.
Next, they discussed the place and date for holding
the 10th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Science and
Technology.
Later, Minister U Thaung gave a concluding remarks and
the meeting successfully concluded in the evening. In
the evening, Minister U Thaung hosted a dinner in
honour of the ministers, the deputy ministers,
officials of ASEAN Secretariat and delegation members
who attended the meeting at Sedona Hotel. This
morning, the delegation members, accompanied by
officials of the Ministry of Science and Technology,
visited Shwedagon Pagoda and Yangon downtown.
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7. PRC Vice Premier of State Council Mr Li Lanqing and
wife Madam Zhang Suzhen on tour of Mandalay
Yangon, 17 Jan - Visiting Vice Premier of the State
Council of the People's Republic of China Mr Li
Lanqing and wife Madam Zhang Suzhen and party, arrived
at Mandalay International Airport by special flight at
10.30 am on 16 January.
The visiting Vice Premier and wife and party were
welcomed at the airport by Chairman of Mandalay
Division Peace and Development Council Commander of
Central Command Maj-Gen Ye Myint and wife Daw Myat
Ngwe and the Chinese Consul-General in Mandalay.
Two fourth standard schoolgirls of Amarapura Basic
Education Middle School presented the bouquet to the
visiting Vice Premier and wife. Then, the visiting
Vice Premier and wife cordially greeted Mandalay City
Mayor Brig-Gen Yan Thein and wife, Deputy Chief
Justice U Khin Maung Latt and wife of Supreme Court
(Mandalay), member of Mandalay Division Peace and
Development Council Commissioner of Mandalay Division
General Administration Department U Kyin Lin and wife
and Mandalay Division Police Force Commander Police
Col Hla Myo at the entrance to the VIP Lounge.
Next, two girls of the Chinese Consulate-General in
Mandalay presented the bouquet to the visiting Vice
Premier and wife. Similarly, chairmen, secretaries and
members of Chinese Temples in Mandalay welcomed the
Chinese Vice Premier and wife waving miniature flags
of the two countries.
Then, the visiting Vice Premier and wife, accompanied
by the commander and wife, proceeded to Sedona Hotel
on 26th Street by car.
At 3 pm, Visiting Vice Premier of the State Council of
the People's Republic of China Mr Li Lanqing and wife
Madam Zhang Suzhen and party, accompanied by Commander
Maj-Gen Ye Myint and wife Daw Myat Ngwe, Minister for
Education U Than Aung and wife, Minister for
Communications, Posts and Telegraphs Brig-Gen Thein
Zaw, Chinese Ambassador Mr Li Jinjun, the Chinese
Consul-General in Mandalay and officials, arrived at
Myanan Sankyaw Golden Palace in Nanmyo by car. They
were welcomed there by Mayor of Mandalay Brig-Gen Yan
Thein, Secretary of Mandalay Division Peace and
Development Council Lt-Col Tin Ohn and members.
At the Palace, Deputy Director-General U Aung Kyaing
of Archaeology Department (Upper Myanmar) explained
matters related to the Palace with the use of
documentary photos. Next, the guests viewed round the
Palace and had the documentary photo taken. They also
viewed the Cultural Museum of the Palace and signed in
the visitors' book.
Afterwards, the visiting Vice Premier and party paid
obeisance to Maha Lawka Marazein Kuthodaw Pagoda and
made cash donations.
The guests then went to Mandalay Hill. They paid
homage to Hsutaungpyay Buddha Image on Mandalay Hill
and offered water to the image. The visiting Vice
Premier and party enjoyed the scenic views of Mandalay
from Mandalay Hill. The Vice Premier signed in the
visitors' book and donated cash. The Pagoda Board of
Trustees presented a certificate of honour and a gift
to him.
After viewing the wall of Nanmyo and the moat by car,
the guests arrived back at Sedona Hotel at 6 pm.
In the evening, the commander and wife hosted a dinner
in honour of the visiting Vice Premier and wife and
party at the Guest House in Nanmyo at pm. The Chinese
guests were welcomed there by Commander Maj-Gen Ye
Myint and wife Daw Myat Ngwe, Mayor of Mandalay
Brig-Gen Yan Thein and wife, Deputy Commander Brig-Gen
Nay Win and wife and authorities.
During the dinner, Myanmar songs and dances were
presented to the guests. After the dinner, the
commander and wife and the visiting Vice Premier and
wife exchanged gifts.
They then cordially conversed with the artistes and
presented flower basket to them. Later, the guests
went back to Sedona Hotel by car.
The visiting Vice Premier Mr Li Lanqing and wife Madam
Zhang Suzhen concluded their goodwill visit and
proceeded to Mandalay International Airport to at 9.20
am today. They were seen off at the airport by
Commander Maj-Gen Ye Myint and wife Daw Myat Ngwe,
Minister for Education U Than Aung and wife, Minister
for Communications, Posts and Telegraphs Brig-Gen
Thein Zaw, Mandalay Mayor Brig-Gen Yan Thein and wife,
members of Mandalay Division Peace and Development
Council, the Chinese Consul-General and staff of the
Chinese embassy, officials of Chinese Temples, and
Chinese national entrepreneurs.
Before their departure, Commander Maj-Gen Ye Myint
cordially greeted the visiting Vice Premier at the VIP
lounge and presented the documentary photo album on
Mandalay visit to him.
Then, the commander and wife, Minister U Than Aung and
wife, Minister Brig-Gen Thein Zaw and the Chinese
Consul-General cordially greeted the visiting Vice
Premier and wife. When the plane carrying the visiting
Vice Premier and wife and party left Mandalay
International Airport at 9.30 am, the commander and
wife and party waved at the guests from the VIP
Lounge.
Minister of Education Ms Chen Zhili, Minister of
Science and technology Mr Xu Guanhua and departmental
officials, visited the Ancient Myanmar Manuscripts
Department and the New Century Resource Centre on 80th
Street in Chanayethazan Township at 2 pm on 16
January.
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8. ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Science &
Technology issues joint press statement
Yangon, Jan 17 - The following is a joint press
statement issued by the Second Informal ASEAN
Ministerial Meeting on Science and Technology (AMMST)
held in Yangon on 17 January 2003.
The Second Informal ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on
Science and Technology (AMMST) was held in Yangon on
17 January 2003. The Meeting was preceded by the
Preparatory Senior Officials Meeting for the 2nd
Informal AMMST on 16 January 2003.
The Meeting was officially opened by His Excellency
General Khin Nyunt, Secretary-1 of the State Peace and
Development Council of the Union of Myanmar. In his
Inaugural Address, General Khin Nyunt underlined that
Myanmar recognizes the important role of science and
technology in developing the country's competitive
edge in a global economy.
He further elaborated Myanmar's science and technology
policy and strategic thrusts that included the
promotion of information and communication technology
as a base for building a software industry, for which
Myanmar had established and ICT Park in Yangon.
General Khin Nyunt concluded with a reaffirmation of
Myanmar's commitment to ASEAN cooperation in all
spheres, including science and technology. He called
on the S & T Ministers to consider programmes and
projects that would help the region boost its
competitiveness in strategic and enabling
technologies, as this is among the goals of ASEAN
Vision 2020. He emphasized that among such programmes,
human resource development should be accorded high
priority, as it will contribute to the development of
highly skilled S & T personnel in the region.
The Meeting was attended by HE Pehin Dato Hj Hussin
bin Hj Sulaiman, High Commissioner of Brunei
Darussalam in Myanmar, representing the Minister of
Development of Brunei Darussalam; HE Mr Nhep Bunchin,
Secretary of State, Ministry of Industry, Mines and
Energy of the Kingdom of Cambodia; Dr Ashwin Sasongko,
Secretary to Ministry of Research and Technology,
representing the Minister of Research and Technology
of Indonesia; HE Prof Dr Souli Nanthavong, Minister to
the Prime Minister's Office, President of National
Science Council of Lao PDR; HE Dato' Seri Law Hieng
Ding, Minister of Science, Technology and the
Environment of Malaysia; HE Mr U Thaung, Minister of
Science and Technology of the Union of Myanmar; HE Dr
Estrella F Alabastro, Secretary of Science and
Technology of the Philippines, HE Dr Vivian
Balakrishnan, Minister of State for National
Development of Singapore; HE Mr Phinij Jarusombat,
Minister of Science and Technology of Thailand; and HE
Dr Bui Manh Hai, Vice-Minister of Science and
Technology, representing the Minister of Science and
Technology of Viet Nam, and their respective
delegations. Dato' Ahmad Mokhtar Selat, Deputy
Secretary General representing the Secretary General
of ASEAN, and his delegation also attended the
meeting.
HE Mr U Thaung chaired the meeting, and HE Mr Souli
Nanthavong was elected Vice Chair of the meeting.
The focus of the Ministers' discussions was the role
of science and technology in supporting the twin
regional goals of integration and competitiveness. The
Ministers highlighted the vital role of a strong
science and technology base in building a competitive
knowledge economy in ASEAN, and the regional
strategies and approaches that would lead to the
achievement of that goal. They cited some of their
national strategies that they believed could be
successfully extended to the regional level such as
forming smart partnerships with the private sector,
targeting S & T human resource development to respond
to the immediate needs of business and industry, and
promoting an entrepreneurial culture among scientists
and researchers.
Long-term vision for ASEAN science and technology
cooperation
The Ministers reaffirmed their long-term vision of
establishing an ASEAN Science and Technology Community
for Innovation, Competitiveness and Knowledge
(ASTICK). In this context, the Ministers tasked the
Committee on Science and Technology (COST) to continue
with the ongoing efforts to formulate the programme
framework of ASTICK, bearing in mind the overall ASEAN
economic and social development goals and the rapidly
evolving policy trends in these sectors.
S & T activities for ASEAN integration
The Ministers noted with satisfaction the successful
implementation of the country initiatives launched in
the past year under the ASEAN-help-ASEAN scheme of
COST, a programme designed to promote S & T capacity
building in the newer member countries and facilitate
their integration into the mainstream regional S & T
cooperation activities. They shared the view that the
momentum built up by the eight training activities
launched in the past year should be maintained by
offering other similar initiatives. They thanked ASEAN
member countries who announced new offers of
assistance under the ASEAN-help-ASEAN scheme. These
were Malaysia, for its new offer of scholarships for
ASEAN participants in various training courses on
Precision Computer Numerically-Controlled Engineering
to be conducted in 2003 at the Malaysian Technology
Park in Kuala Lumpur; Thailand, for its offer to all
member countries to use their ground receiving
facilities for remote sensing satellite data, as well
as training on remote sensing and geographic
information systems technologies at fundamental and
advanced levels; and Brunei Darussalam for its offer
to hold a seminar on genetically modified organisms
(GMO) and a seminar on infrastructure.
The Ministers further noted that there were many
possibilities and opportunities to enhance the
ASEAN-help-ASEAN programme by leveraging on activities
that the member countries undertake nationally or in
cooperation with multilateral organizations and
extending the benefit of such activities to the other
ASEAN member countries. In view of this, the Ministers
agreed as a basic commitment that whenever possible, a
country's national programmes and also those
activities they carry out in cooperation with UN and
other similar bodies be extended to the other ASEAN
member countries.
Public awareness programme in S & T
Recalling their continuing concern with the need to
heighten public awareness of ASEAN S&T cooperation
programmes, the Ministers reviewed the progress of the
public awareness programmes that have been initiated.
They looked forward to the imminent re-activation of
the website of the ASEAN Science and Technology
Network (ASTNET) which is envisioned to serve as
ASEAN's gateway to science and technology information
and knowledge in the region and in the rest of the
world. They commended the partnership of the ASEAN
Secretariat and the Indonesian Ministry of Research
and Technology in working on the website and
acknowledged the technical assistance of the
Indonesian government in arranging the use of its
document-sharing software for the exclusive use of
ASTNET and committing to mobilize human resources as
needed for the continuing maintenance and updating of
the ASTNET website.
The Ministers also commended the cooperation initiated
by COST with the ASEAN Committee on Culture and
Information (COCI) to implement more public awareness
programmes. They encouraged the further mobilization
of COCI networks and resources to bring out more
information materials and publications, such as and
ASEAN S&T Development series of articles that would
highlight global technology developments and ASEAN's
niche in such developments.
The Ministers also called for more public awareness
activities that would promote public discussion and
debate on the impact of science and technology on
society, citing as examples the current issues of
genetic engineering and cloning. However, the
Ministers emphasized that national activities could
contribute greatly to the regional effort of promoting
public awareness not only in science and technology
but to the overall ASEAN image as well.
ASEAN Science Fund
The Ministers reviewed the progress of the
augmentation of the ASEAN Science Fund, which they
launched by way of signing an agreement during the
First Informal AMMST in Malaysia in April 2000. They
agreed that the Fund needed to be financially
strengthened further so that it could support more
projects. The Ministers agreed that tapping the
private sector was one way of obtaining additional
resources for ASEAN science and technology cooperation
programmes. They directed the ASEAN COST to lay the
groundwork for engaging the private sector by
developing concrete business plans for enterprises
that could be spun off some joint R & D activities of
COST and which could attract investments from, and
partnerships with, the private sector.
ASEAN+3 cooperation in science and technology
The Ministers welcomed the opportunity to add value to
the separately active and successful S&T cooperation
programmes with China, Japan and the Republic of Korea
through the opening of a broader platform of
cooperation under the ASEAN+3 framework. To this end,
they directed COST to accelerate laying the groundwork
for a productive ASEAN+3 cooperation in science and
technology by proposing concrete mechanisms for
identifying projects and funding modalities and looked
forward to a possible S & T ministerial meeting among
the ASEAN+3 countries sometime in the future. In this
regard, the Ministers agreed that the mechanism of
country-led initiatives that is proving to be
effective in the case of ASEAN-help-ASEAN schemes
could also be applied to ASEAN+3 activities. Bilateral
projects with China, Korea and Japan and ASEAN+1
projects with the three could be expanded into ASEAN+3
projects, with one country acting as lead shepherd or
coordinator of certain projects where they have
national strength.
With regard to funding of ASEAN+3 projects, the
Ministers agreed that ASEAN would be prepared for
cost-sharing, but would also tap the resources of the
+3 Dialogue Partners if they would offer some support,
with the newer member countries Cambodia, Lao PDR,
Myanmar and Viet Nam accorded priority in accessing
such resources.
Next ASEAN S & T Ministerial meeting
The Ministers noted that Lao PDR was tentatively
scheduled to host the next meeting of the S & T
Ministers in late 2003, pending approval by the Lao
PDR government. In accordance with a previous decision
of the AMMST, providing for yearly but alternating
formal and informal meetings, the next meeting would
be the 10th Formal AMMST. The Ministers expressed
their sincere appreciation to the Government of the
Union of Myanmar, in particular the Ministry of
Science and Technology, for the generous hospitality
accorded them and the excellent arrangements made for
the Meeting.
---------
9. Lt-Gen Kyaw Win receives Thai delegation
Yangon, 17 Jan - Member of State Peace and Development
Council Chief of Armed Forces Training Lt-Gen Kyaw Win
received the delegation led by Lt-Gen Kasemsak
Plooksawat, Principal of Thai National Defence College
at the hall of National Defence College at 8 am today.
---------
10. Information Minister receives guests
Yangon, 17 Jan - Minister for Information Brig-Gen
Kyaw Hsan received Managing Director of Intergrafica
Print and Pack Pte Ltd of Germany (Singapore Branch)
Mr Toon Santen and party at his office at 8 am today.
----------
11. Thai, Malaysian ministers leave for home
Yangon, 17 Jan - Thai Minister of Science and
Technology Mr Phinij Jarusombat and Malaysian Minster
of Science and Technology and the Environment Dato
Seri Law Hieng Ding, after attending the Second
Informal ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Science and
Technology, left for their respective countries by air
this evening.
---------
12. Press conference explains accomplishments of
Myanmar's anti-narcotics drive
Authorities expose expatriate NLD insurgent group's
attempts to commit destructive acts, at expense of
religion
Yangon, 17 Jan - A regular press conference explained
accomplishments of Myanmar's anti-narcotics drive and
expatriate NLD insurgent group's attempts to commit
destructive acts at the expense of religion at
Tatmadaw Guest House here this morning.
At the news conference, Joint-Secretary of Central
Committee for Drug Abuse Control Police Col Kham Aung
explained the nation's drug elimination drive in three
parts - eradication, performance of the central
working bodies and international cooperation.
In the first part, he explained the illicit poppy
cultivation, destruction of the crops, collection of
poppy seeds, in 2001-2002 and seizure of narcotic
drugs including opium, heroin, stimulant pills,
marijuana, ephedrine, chemical liquid and acetic
anhydride, seizure of opium refineries and stimulant
pill producing machines, extradition of Chinese drug
fugitives to the People's Republic of China, in 2002
and significant drug seizures in 2002.
In the second part, the police colonel elaborated on
the operations of the CCDAC working bodies
coordination sub-branch including facts about the New
Destiny Project; formation of 26 township
anti-narcotics associations in Yangon Division, one
each in Tachilek and Kengtung in eastern Shan State,
one in Pyay, Bago Division (West) and one in Taunggyi,
southern Shan State, jointly by the CCDAC Office and
Myanmar Anti-Narcotics Association under the
supervision of CCDAC; opening of Tachilek
rehabilitation course No 1 to keep Tachilek District
free from drugs under the guidance of Head of State
Senior General Than Shwe; and holding of CCDAC special
meetings and regular meetings to successfully launch
the anti-narcotics drive according to schedule.
In the third part, he said the US Counter Narcotic
Centre (CNC) had surveyed and estimated poppy
cultivation and opium production in Southeast Asian
countries. The CNC stated that in Myanmar, poppy
cultivation was 163,100 hectares and opium production
2,560 metric tons in 1996; poppy cultivation 155,150
hectares and opium production 2,365 metric tons in
1997; poppy cultivation 130,300 hectares and opium
production 1,750 metric tons in 1998; poppy
cultivation 89,500 hectares and opium production 1,090
metric tons in 1999; poppy cultivation 108,700
hectares and opium production 1,085 metric tons in
2000; poppy cultivation 105,000 hectares and opium
production 865 metric tons in 2001; and poppy
cultivation 77,700 hectares and opium production 630
metric tons in 2002. It also acknowledged the gradual
decrease in poppy cultivation and opium production in
Myanmar. Police Col Kham Aung also explained the opium
yield survey in Myanmar which was jointly conducted by
the US government for eight times during the period
from 1993 to 2002; the poppy cultivation ground survey
jointly conducted by the UNODC; Myanmar-China
anti-drug cooperation, Myanmar-Thailand cooperation,
the senior officials meeting of the MoU six countries
- China, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia
- of the sub-region, the meeting with the donor
nations in Vienna, Austria, on 22 and 23 October 2002,
and Germany's contribution of 1.25 million euros to
Myanmar's anti-narcotics drive through UNODC and
Italy's contribution of US $ 100,000;
Myanmar-Australia cooperation; the northern and
eastern Shan State study tour programme of the
Ambassadors of the donor countries and foreign
correspondents; the PRC Ambassador's expression of
praise to the Myanmar's anti-narcotics drive after
witnessing the objective condition; the statement made
by the Japanese Ambassador to extend technological
assistance to Myanmar's anti-drug drive; and the
future anti-drug programmes.
He also replied to queries raised by the journalists.
Concerning the question of Dr Zaw Than of Sankei
Shimbun of Japan, Head of Department of the Ministry
of Defence Brig-Gen Than Tun said two persons were
arrested for distributing pamphlets to agitate the
people to stage demonstrations near a bus stop of No
43 bus line and the public toilets of Maha Bandoola
Park at 9.30 am on 16 January 2003, and shouting
slogans on the platform in front of the City Hall at
9.45 am, holding the flag bearing the portrait of a
fighting peacock.
They were Ma Than Htay, daughter of U Tun Shin, and Ma
Thin Thin Oo, daughter of U Sein Than. A native of
Lemyethna, Ma Than Htay went to Maesot, Yodaya, three
years ago to earn her living there as a casual worker.
Ma Thin Thin Oo, a native of Shwenanchaung village,
Labutta Township, became a nun over a year ago and was
travelling between Maesot and Bago.
Ma Than Htay became a nun only on 30 December 2002.
They were trying to instigate the people under the
guise of nuns. Some insurgents, who were sent by the
expatriate NLD insurgent group to plant bombs and
launch destructive acts in Yangon and Mandalay last
December, were arrested. Some bogus nuns were among
the insurgents.
The two women under arrest and investigation, had
attended political defiance course, democracy and
human rights course and subversive course conducted by
expatriate NLD insurgent group in Maesot.
The incident was a scheme of expatriate NLD insurgent
group to commit destructive acts at the expense of
religion.
The news conference ended at 11.30 pm. The journalists
viewed the photos showing the extradition of Chinese
drug fugitives to the PRC, opium substitute crops
cultivation in Wa region, destruction of poppy seeds,
the meeting with the local people to keep Tachilek
District free from the drugs, the opium yield survey
jointly conducted by Myanmar and US and destruction of
drugs.
---------
13. Lt-Gen Soe Win, Lt-Gen Ye Myint inspect
development tasks in Sagaing Division
Yangon, 17 Jan - Members of the State Peace and
Development Council Lt-Gen Soe Win and Lt-Gen Ye Myint
of the Ministry of Defence, arrived at Lahe, Hkamti
District, Sagaing Division, by helicopter on 14
January afternoon.
At 3 pm, Lt-Gen Soe Win and Lt-Gen Ye Myint went to
the Theravada Buddhist Missionary School in Lahe
Township, where they paid respects and offered
provisions to Hkamti Sangha Nayaka Committee Chairman
TatU Kyaung Sayadaw Bhaddanta Indagasaliya, Lahe
Township SNC Chairman Bhaddanta Tejinta, Lahe Central
Hill Missionary Sayadaw Bhaddanta Sondhara and members
of the Sangha, and provided the requirements for the
development of monastic education.
Lt-Gen Soe Win, together with Brig-Gen Thura Aye
Myint, arrived at the USDA office in Lahe, where he
met with executives and members of the USDAs of
Sagaing Division, and Hkamti, Leshi, Nanyun, Homalin
and Lahe Townships and asked the organizational and
development conditions of respective associations.
In his meeting with them, Lt-Gen Soe Win called for
the participation and cooperation of members of the
associations in building a modern and developed nation
and bringing up intelligent youths of Naga ethnic
group.
Lt-Gen Soe Win then presented K 100,000 each to
Hkamti, Leshi, Nanyun, Homalin and Lahe Township USDAs
and K 4,000 each to 26 students who passed the
matriculation examination in the 2001-2002 academic
year.
Brig-Gen Thura Aye Myint also presented K 100,000 each
to Hkamti, Leshi, Nanyun, Homalin and Lahe Township
USDAs.
Likewise, Lt-Gen Ye Myint, Commander Maj-Gen Soe
Naing, Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan and departmental officials
went to the People's Hospital (16-bed) in Lahe in the
evening. At the hospital, they cordially comforted
patients undergoing treatment and presented gifts to
them.
Lt-Gen Ye Myint also inspected the medicine
storehouse, the X-ray room, the operation theatre and
the delivery room at the hospital.
On arrival at Lahe Township Hall, Lt-Gen Ye Myint and
party met with departmental officials and heard
reports on the area of the township, cultivable
acreage and cultivation of monsoon paddy, maize, beans
and pulses and tea.
Commander Maj-Gen Soe Naing then made additional
reports, and Minister for Information Brig-Gen Kyaw
Hsan also reported on arrangements to be made by the
ministry for the development of Lahe region.
After hearing the reports, Lt-Gen Ye Myint spoke. He
said projects are under way for the implementation of
rural development tasks by forming 24 development
zones in 14 States and Divisions. The five rural
development tasks were laid down and is being
implemented broadly to ensure rural development in
border areas, he said. The respective local
authorities are to monitor the rural development tasks
and should organize the departments and social
organizations to participate in such activities.
Agriculture and livestock breeding work is vital for
rice sufficiency and economic development of the
regions, he said.
Later, Lt-Gen Ye Myint and party inspected the
nationalities youth resource development school in
Lahe and attended to the requirements of the students,
and spent the night there.
---------
14. Production of UTM system maps explained
Yangon, 17 Jan -The Survey Department explained
condition of drawing maps carried out by using the UTM
mapping system at the meeting hall of the Ministry of
Forestry today.
Chairman of UTM System Map Drawing Leading Committee
Minister for Forestry U Aung Phone made a speech
concerning the tasks being carried out to produce the
UTM s stem ma s of the whole country by forming the
leading committee, the work committee, the technical
and survey committee and quality control groups.
Officials reported on progress of work and
arrangements for drawing UTM system digital maps of
the whole country with use of modern technologies,
computer software and equipment.
---------
15. MPPE holds work coord meeting
Yangon, 17 Jan - Work Coordination Meeting of Myanma
Petroleum Products Enterprise was held at the meeting
hall of the Central Fuel Storage Centre (Grade-A) in
Danitaw here this morning.
Minister for Energy Brig-Gen Lun Thi attended the
meeting and made a speech.
The minister then presented prizes for minimum loss
and wastage to the fuel storage centres in Chauk,
Dawei and Pyay.
---------
16. Academy awards presentation to be telecast live
Yangon, 17 Jan - Myanma Motion Picture Enterprise of
the Ministry of Information will give away Motion
Picture Academy Awards for the year 2001 at National
Indoor Stadium in Thuwunna at 5.30 pm tomorrow.
Myanmar Radio and Television will telecast the prize
presentation ceremony live.
---------
17. Military Band Competition goes on
Yangon, 17 Jan - The bands representing No 5 Basic
Military Training Depot, No 101 LID, No 2 Basic
Military Training Depot, Central Command, No 22 LID
and No 8 Basic Military Training Depot and No 1 Band
Company of Coastal Region Command participated in the
12th Defence Services (Army, Navy and Air) Military
Band Competition to mark the 58th Anniversary Armed
Forces Day at the People's Square here today.
Then, Director of Resettlements Maj-Gen Aung Thein of
the Ministry of Defence accepted K 500,000 for the
competition donated by Managing Director U Thet Oo of
Ayeya Myay Co; K 300,000 by U Myo Aung-Daw Khin Yi Mon
(Hsan Myanmar International Ink Pad; 70 wall clocks
worth K 175,000 by Haji U Maung Maung Kyi-Ma Cho
(Gawbya); K 100,000 each by U Than Naing-Daw Kyi Kyi
Swe of Thamada Robes House; U Thaing Win-Daw Htay Htay
Nyunt (BTB Co); U Aung Myint-Daw Phyu Thi of Lubyandaw
Padamyar); U Hla Htay-Daw Tin Nwe Oo of Hmancho; U Hla
Myint (Kaythipan); U Khin Maung Tun of Htetlin Clinic;
U Tun Shwe-Daw Thin Thin Swe (Tun Shwewa Clinic); U
Nyein-Daw Ohn Kyin of OK Rice Brokerage; Dr Aye Kyaw
(Kyaw Traditional Medicine); and U Tin Aung-Daw Hla
Hla Nwe of Win Yadana Passenger Transport; K 50,000 by
U Yan Aung (Sayagyi Co) and K 30,000 by Daw Hla Hla of
Lanmadaw Township Development Affairs Service.
Next, Chairman of the Organizing Committee for the
Competition Vice Adjutant-General Maj-Gen Maung Nyo
presented cash awards to leaders of the band of Dagon
Myothit (East) BEHS No 2, Botahtaung BEHS No 6 and
Dawbon BEHS No 1 which participated in the skill
demonstration.
---------
18. Drug dealers sentenced
Yangon, 17 Jan - A combined team comprising members of
local intelligence unit and members of Tachilek
Special Anti-Drug Squad, acting on information,
searched Aik Sam on the Palongkon Street, Ponehtun
Block, Tachilek Township, on 20 August, 2002 and
seized him together with 70 stimulant tablets.
In connection with the case, action was taken against
Aik Sum, 25, son of U Aik Yi in Namhsan Township under
Section 15/19 (a) of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic
Substances Law by Tachilek Police Station. The
District Court of Tachilek handed down Aik Sam to 5
years' imprisonment under Section 15 and 12 years'
imprisonment under Section 19 (a) separately on 17
December.
Similarly, a combined team comprising members of local
intelligence unit and Tachilek Special Anti-Drug
Squad, acting on information, searched the house of
Htun Hlaing (a) Aik Htun and seized a visitor arriving
there, Aik Yi together with 1200 stimulant tablets and
wife of Aik Htun, Ma Ei Nut together with 30 stimulant
tablets totalling 1230 stimulant tablets. In
connection with the case, action was taken against the
three culprits Htun Hlaing (a) Aik Htun, 40, son of U
Sine Lon, Ma Ei Nut, 29, daughter of U Kyin Hon in
Muse and Aik Yi, 35, son of U Aik Kut in Namhkam under
Section 15/19 (a)/ 21 of Nacotic Drugs and
Psychotropic Substances Law by Tachilek Police
Station. The District Court of Tachilek handed down
the three culprits to 20 years' imprisonment each on
17 December.
---------
19. Heroin seized in Kyugok
Yangon, 17 Jan - A combined team comprising members of
the local Intelligence unit and Myanmar Police Force,
acting on information, on 6 January searched Moe Pyar
guest house of Ward 8 in Kyuhkok (Pangsai), Shan State
(North), arrested Ma Shinlant (a) Arlant, daughter of
U Kyinte of Shauktaw village in Kutkai Township and
Daw Shaukael, daughter of U Yanael of Mankan Village,
Shauktaw Village-tract together with ten blocks of
heroin weighing 3.5 kilos. Action is being taken
against them under Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic
Substances Law by Myanmar Police Force.
--------------------
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