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[myanmar_information] THE NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR (Monday, March 10, 2003)
THE NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR (Monday, March 10, 2003)
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1. Senior General Than Shwe sends message of
congratulations to President of Cuba
2. One-year traditional medicine practitioners
course (Yangon) concludes
3. Secretary-1 inspects upgrading of Strand road,
Wadan
4. New Shweli River Bridge opened
5. Seventh 47-member Plenary Meeting of Fifth State
Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee concludes
6. Secretary-1 attends enshrinement and htidaw-
hoisting ceremony of Shwedagon Replica Pagoda
7. Secretary-2 attends dry ration offering ceremony
8. Roundabouts opened in Yangon
9. Secretary-2 on tour of Katha District
in Sagaing Division
10. Dry Day inspection teams discharge duties
11. Local and foreign journalists study border region
development and anti-drugs activities
in eastern and northern Shan
12. Diplomats, businessmen from
the Philippines leave
13. MMA (Upper Myanmar)?s golf tournament
to be held
14. Raw Opium seized in Indaw
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1. Senior General Than Shwe sends message of
congratulations to President of Cuba
Yangon, 9 March ? Senior General Than Shwe, Chairman
of the State Peace and Development Council of the
Union of Myanmar, has sent a message of
congratulations to His Excellency Dr Fidel Castro Ruz,
President of the Council of State and of the
Government of the Republic of Cuba, who has been
re-elected as President of the Council of State and of
the Government of the Republic of Cuba.
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2. One-year traditional medicine practitioners
course (Yangon) concludes
Yangon, 9 March? The conclusion of the one-year
traditional medicine practitioners course No 2
(Yangon) was held at the Institute of Nursing here
this morning, with an address by Chairman of National
Health Committee Secretary-1 of the State Peace and
Development Council General Khin Nyunt.
In his address, Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt said
the government has given encouragement to uplift of
health care services of the people in all sectors
through traditional medicine and development of Myanma
traditional medical science. The traditional medicine
practitioners play a vital role in health care service
through traditional medicine. He said the courses for
traditional medicine were opened in Yangon and
Mandalay at the same time. The aims of promoting the
existing traditional medicine and its quality have
been realized in accord with the government?s
objectives in traditional medicine sector. He said
relying on its own national forces, the State Peace
and Development Council is endeavouring for enabling
the Union of Myanmar to keep abreast with
international community. The objective of uplift of
health and fitness of the entire nation is a national
objective not only for the public participation in
national development endeavours but also for their
full enjoyment of the fruits of national development
with peace of mind.
In accord with the objective, the government has laid
down the tasks of uplift of health and fitness of the
entire
nation as one of the national objectives and it is
implementing the National Health Project after laying
them down. Myanma traditional medical science has made
the entire Myanmar people healthy and fit in the
course of Myanma history. The government is trying to
revitalize its role, he said.
Myanma traditional medical science on which Myanmar
people rely is genuine national medical science and it
has improved step by step in Myanmar society along
with Myanma environment, culture, customs and faiths.
Uplift of Myanma traditional medical science means
promotion of national medical science for public
health care services as well as preservation of
traditional heritage, he said.
He said the government is making arrangements with
full national essence for development of Myanma
traditional medical science and extensive promotion of
health care services through Myanma traditional
medical science.
Head of State Senior General Than Shwe had often given
guidance on development of Myanma traditional medical
science, he said.
In accord with the desire and guidance of the Head of
State, precise objectives, well-grounded programmes
and other arrangements are being made for systematic
development of traditional medicine, production of
potent medicines, treatment of common diseases in the
country. Efforts have also been made to encourage the
people to study traditional medicine and enhance
dignity and efficiency of traditional medicine
practitioners, he said.
He said it is heartening to note that significant
achievements have been made in Myanmar traditional
medicine field due to far-sightedness of the Head of
State, encouragement of the government and efforts of
physicians, Myanma traditional medical practitioners
and entrepreneurs.
Besides traditional medicine institute, a traditional
medicine university was opened in Mandalay for turning
out well-qualified traditional medicine and medical
practitioners, he added. He said the one-year course
for traditional medicine practitioners was conducted
in Yangon and Mandalay with the aims of promoting the
quality of traditional medicine practitioners,
learning traditional medicines and giving treatment,
turning out qualified outstanding traditional medicine
practitioners for the public who rely on Myanma
traditional medicine.
Two 50-bed traditional medicine hospitals, ten 16-bed
traditional medicine hospitals and 214 district and
township traditional medicine centres have been opened
in states and divisions for promotion of health care
services through traditional medicines, he said.
Primary health care services courses through
traditional medicine are being conducted in the
townships in States and Divisions with the aim of
making the public understand the basic knowledge of
Myanma traditional medicine, he added.
In implementing the objectives of the State for
development of traditional medical science Myanmar
Traditional Medicine Practitioners Association was
formed firmly in order to organize and lead the
traditional medical practitioners and separate
traditional medicine associations in the country
unitedly. Myanmar Traditional Medicine Practitioners?
Conference is successfully held yearly. Greater
development in Myanma traditional medical field has
been made due to the unity of the traditional medicine
practitioners.
Similarly, traditional medicines and medical equipment
exhibitions are held annually with the aims of
modernizing traditional medicine and widing the use of
medicine among the people. The people then had an
opportunity to know the medicines produced with the
use of modern techniques. At the same time,
manufacturers have the opportunity to produce modern
potent medicines.
The Head of State again gave guidance on development
of Myanma traditional medicine and its quality.
The Secretary-1 quoted Head of State Senior General
Than Shwe as saying during his inspection tour of
Mandalay Traditional Medicine University in December
2002 that the traditional medicine practitioners
produced by Traditional Medicine University must be
well-qualified enough on whom the State can rely. The
university has to be of high standard like other
universities.
Efficient and qualified traditional medicine
practitioners are to be produced with the help of
adoption of modern curriculum, high qualification of
the teaching staff and providing sufficient teaching
aids.
We should not be complacent with traditional medicines
which have been used since our ancestors but try to
produce effective Myanmar medicines by using modern
scientific methods. The Senior General also advised
that special attention must be given to medical
research to develop new kinds of effective Myanmar
medicines and new therapies. It is very important to
establish Mandalay Traditional Medicine University in
such a way that it can become a prestigious university
recognized by nations of the world.
The Secretary-1 urged physicians, traditional medicine
practitioners and medicine manufacturers to make
efforts for realization of the lofty goodwill and
objectives of the Head of State at a time when the
government is building better foundations for
development of Myanma traditional medicine and health
care services. He spoke of the need for traditional
medicine practitioners to endeavour for systematic
development of Myanma traditional medicine and
providing health care services of high standard to the
people in accord with the aims of the course, applying
the knowledge and experience gained at the course. He
said they are to expose hidden ancient medical
treatise and effective therapies and medicines used by
ancestors and to conduct research for development of
Myanmar traditional medicine.
In conclusion, the Secretary-1 urged them to make
efforts for providing public health care services by
using traditional medicines, to conduct research on
medical science and medicines, make strenuous efforts
for winning the public confidence on effective
medicines, to follow codes of conduct and to
participate in national health projects.
Also present were the ministers, the deputy ministers,
officials of the State Peace and Development Council
Office, the directors-general and deputy
directors-general, the rectors, the director-general
of Traditional Medicine Department, members of
Traditional Medicine Council, executives of Myanmar
Traditional Medicine Practitioners Association, the
medical superintendents, officials, course instructors
and trainees. Next, the Secretary-1 presented prizes
to outstanding trainees, Daw Pa Pa Win, Daw Khin Nwe
on behalf of Dr Teza Win and Daw Khin Mi Mi Tun who
were first, second and third respectively. Minister
for Health Professor Dr Kyaw Myint presented
certificates to U Aung Myint who accepted on behalf of
the trainees. The course was attended by 292 trainees.
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3. Secretary-1 inspects upgrading of Strand road,
Wadan jetty
Yangon, 9 March, ? Secretary-1 of the State Peace and
Development Council General Khin Nyunt this morning
inspected construction tasks for extension of Strand
road into a six-lane one and upgrading of Wadan jetty
in Lanmadaw Township.
General Khin Nyunt, accompanied by Yangon Division
Peace and Development Council Chairman Commander
Maj-Gen Myint Swe, visited the construction site for
upgrading of Strand road where he was welcomed by
Yangon Mayor U Ko Lay and deputy ministers, the
vice-mayor and departmental heads. After inspecting
the progress of the construction and greening tasks,
the General gave necessary instructions.
Then, the General and party inspected construction
tasks being carried out along the road.
The Secretary-1 also looked into the tasks for
upgrading of Wadan jetty in Lanmadaw Township
implemented by Myanma Port Authority of the Ministry
of Transport. Managing Director U Thein Htay of Myanma
Port Authority presented a report on construction
tasks and beautifying tasks. Commander Maj-Gen Myint
Swe presented a supplementary report. The General
attended to the needs and left there.
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4. New Shweli River Bridge opened
Yangon, 9 March?Hailing the 58th Anniversary Armed
Forces Day, the Shweli River Bridge linking Katha
Township of Sagaing Division and Mabein Township of
Shan State was opened at the pandal near the bridge on
Katha side this morning, attended by Secretary-2 of
the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Soe
Win.
At the opening ceremony, Secretary-2 Lt-Gen Soe Win
made a speech. He said that Shweli Bridge being opened
today was the strategic one on
Mandalay-Tagaung-Shwegu-Bhamo-Myitkyina Union Highway,
adding that Shweli Bridge construction project was
launched after the opening of the Union Highway
linking Mandalay Division, Sagaing Division, Shan
State and Kachin State in May 2000. In the past,
Z-crafts had to be used to cross the river and now
transportation has become convenient with the opening
of the new bridge. One can now travel from one place
to another in a short time. As the bridge is linking
the Union Highway which was divided by Shweli River,
it can be dubbed as the Union Bridge, he said. In line
with the guidance of the Head of State to accelerate
the momentum in building the infrastructures required
for bringing about all-round development in building
up the nation into a peaceful, modern and developed
one, projects were implemented with might and main.
All-round support is provided for the agriculture
sector in the country and as a result, the total
cultivated acreage of the country increased from 23.8
million acres to 39.1 million acres with a period from
1988 to date.
The nation?s geographical conditions, favourable
climate, richness in land and water resources are the
advantages for the economic development. To put these
resources to use, necessary infrastructures are
required. Hence, the Head of State has guided to build
and renovate roads, railroads, airports, ports, etc
extensively. In the past, transport networks to link
upper and lower Myanmar were lying from south to north
on the eastern part of Ayeyawady River. Now, thanks to
the appropriate strategy, roads and railroads are
constructed extensively to link the eastern part of
the country with the western part as well as the
southern part with the northern part. The
Mandalay-Shwebo-Myitkyina road, the Yangon-An-Sittway
road, the Mandalay-Bhamo road, the Myitkyina-Putao
road, the Taunggyi-Ywangan-Myogyi-Hanmyinmo road, the
Pyinmana-Pinlaung road, the Pyinmana-Taungdwingyi road
and the Kawthoung-Bokpyin-Dawei-Mawlamyine road have
emerged as Union highways. As regards railroads, new
ones are constructed where needed. The
Pyay-Aunglan-Taungdwingyi railroad crossing the
Central Yoma mountain ranges, the
ChaungU-Pakokku-Gangaw-Kalay railroad, the
Aungban-Loikaw railroad and the
Shwenyaung-Taunggyi-Seikkhaung-Monai-Namhsan railroad
crossing Shan Yoma mountain ranges have been built.
Along with the new roads and railroads, river-crossing
major bridges are also built. Before 1988, there were
4 major bridges across the main rivers of the country
namely Ayeyawady, Thanlwin, Chindwin and Sittaung.
Today, 11 more major bridges have been built. The
Ayeyawady River (Mandalay) Bridge and the Thanlwin
River (Mawlamyine) Bridge are under construction.
These projects for ensuring better transportation
reflect the genuine goodwill of the Head of State.
To travel to Kachin State in the past, one had to rely
on the railway. In 1996, the 289-mile Shwebo-Myitkyina
motor road was successfully opened as the Union
Highway on the western bank of the River Ayeyawady.
The Shweli River Bridge is very beneficial to the
people in traveling along the
Mandalay-Tagaung-Shwegu-Bhamo-Myitkyina Union Highway.
Now, there are two highways for Kachin State to reach
Mandalay and Sagaing Divisions.
The State Peace and Development Council Government
headed by Senior General Than Shwe always takes into
consideration and reviews efforts for ensuring
harmonious development of all regions of the Union
while narrowing down the development gap, for further
strengthening national unity and solidarity; and for
ensuring better transportation of all regions in the
Union. In line with the guidance of the Head of State,
the State has spent huge amounts of funds in building
roads and bridges to have better transportation
networks all over the country. The Shweli River Bridge
is the 152nd major bridge built by the Public Works of
the Ministry of Construction. The Ministry of Rail
Transportation has built 5 major bridges and the
Ministry of Defence 3 bridges. Hence, altogether 160
major bridges have been in the entire Union. The
responsible personnel at different levels are making
earnest efforts without sparing day and night to
ensure the emergence of a modern, developed and
peaceful nation in the future. Despite the hindrances
and difficulties caused by internal and external
elements, the development endeavours have borne
fruits. If there are no hindrances and obstacles, the
development pace will surely be raised. In conclusion,
the Secretary-2 urged the entire people to actively
take part in the nation building tasks and wipe out
the dangers posed by destructive elements against the
interests of the nation and the people. He also urged
the local people to participate in maintaining the
bridge properly for long-term use.
Also present on the occasion were member of the State
Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Ye Myint,
Chairman of Kachin State Peace and Development Council
Commander of Northern Command Maj-Gen Maung Maung Swe,
Chairman of Sagaing Division Peace and Development
Council Commander of North-West Command Maj-Gen Soe
Naing, Chairman of Mandalay Division Peace and
Development Council Commander of Central Command
Maj-Gen Ye Myint, Minister for Construction Maj-Gen
Saw Tun, Minister for Sports Brig-Gen Thura Aye Myint,
Deputy Minister for Construction Brig-Gen Myint Thein,
Deputy Minister for Transport U Pe Than, Deputy
Minister for PBANRDA Brig-Gen Than Tun, Deputy
Minister for Education Brig-Gen Soe Win Maung,
Brig-Gen Soe Nwe of Bhamo Station, officials of the
State Peace and Development Council Office, heads of
department, local authorities, departmental officials,
teachers and students, members of the Union Solidarity
and Development Association and social organizations,
local people, guests and others.
Next, Minister for Construction Maj-Gen Saw Tun
delivered an address. In his address, he said that the
Ministry of Construction has been making energetic
efforts in building roads and bridges for ensuring
better transportation. There were only 13,635 miles of
road in 1988 and the number has now increased to
17,995 miles showing the increase of 4,360 miles.
Since 1988, altogether 152 major bridges each of which
is over 180 feet long, inclusive of the Shweli River
Bridge have been built by the ministry. The Shweli
River Bridge is the ninth one to be opened in Sagaing
Division.
Then, Mandalay Division Peace and Development Council
Chairman Central Command Commander Maj-Gen Ye Myint
made a speech. He said the new bridge will be
beneficial to development of socio-economic lives and
transportation of regions between Kachin State and
Mandalay Division. Thanks to this bridge, one can
reach Bhamo from Mandalay in a day. It will contribute
towards further development of the regions on the
eastern bank of Ayeyawady River.
Next, Kachin State Peace and Development Council
Chairman Northern Command Commander Maj-Gen Maung
Maung Swe made a speech. He said that in accord with
the guidance of the Head of State, the
Mandalay-Myitkyina strategic highway stretching from
Kachin State to Sagaing Division, northern Shan State
and Mandalay Division was successfully built and
opened on 11-5-2000. It has enabled the national
people residing on the eastern bank of Ayeyawady River
to reach one place to another conveniently by road.
However, on the Mandalay-Tagaung-Bhamo road section,
River Shweli remained as a natural barrier. Now, the
bridge has been built across it successfully.
Next, Sagaing Division Peace and Development Council
Chairman North-West Command Commander Maj-Gen Soe
Naing made a speech. He said that the bridge was built
with the aims of bringing about regional development,
promotion of socio-economic lives of the local
populace and further strengthening national unity. He
urged the local people to take part actively in
maintaining the bridge for long-term use. Next, on
behalf of the local people, Shwegu Township USDA
Secretary U Win Maung Thein spoke words of thanks.
At the auspicious time, Commanders Maj-Gen Maung Maung
Swe, Maj-Gen Soe Naing and Maj-Gen Ye Myint and
Minister Maj-Gen Saw Tun formally opened the bridge by
cutting a ribbon. Then, the Secretary-2 and party
posed for a documentary photo together with officials
and local people at the entrance to the bridge. Then,
Minister Maj-Gen Saw Tun unveiled the stone
inscription of the bridge. The Secretary-2 and party
strolle along the bridge and greeted local people.
The Shweli River Bridge is linking Pyinhtaunglay
village of Katha Township in Sagaing Division and NgaO
village of Mabein Township in northern Shan State. Its
ground-breaking ceremony was held on 11-5-2000. Its
upper structure is iron-reinforced concrete and the
lower structure iron-reinforced concrete piers. The
bridge is 2,330 feet long and its motorway is 28 feet
wide. There are 3 feet wide pedestrian lanes on either
side of the motorway. The clearance under it is 20
feet high and 130 feet wide. It can withstand 60 tons
of load. It was built at a cost of over K 2500 million
and 70,000 US dollars. After the opening ceremony of
the bridge, the Secretary-2 and party left by
helicopter for Mandalay International Airport and
thence for Yangon by plane. They arrived back here in
the afternoon.
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5. Seventh 47-member Plenary Meeting of Fifth State
Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee concludes
Yangon, 9 March ? The Seventh 47-member Plenary
Meeting of the Fifth State Sangha Maha Nayaka
Committee continued for the second-day session at
Wizaya Mingala Dhammathabin on Kaba Aye Hill this
morning and successfully concluded in the evening.
It was attended by the member Sayadaws of the State
Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee, Minister for Religious
Affairs U Aung Khin, Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Thura
Aung Ko, Director-General of Religious Affairs
Department Dr Myo Myint, Director-General of the
Department for Promotion and Propagation of the Sasana
U Sann Lwin and officials.
Matters on accomplishment of Vinicchaya, religious and
education affairs supplicated by the Fifth SSMNC
(third branch), on religious affairs during the second
term of the Fifth SSMNC (third branch) and matters on
selection of the State Vinayadhara Sayadaws for the
fifth four-monthly period were discussed.
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6. Secretary-1 attends enshrinement and htidaw-
hoisting ceremony of Shwedagon Replica Pagoda
Yangon, 9 March?A ceremony to enshrine religious
objects into Shwedagon Replica Pagoda was held in
conjunction with the ceremony to hoist the golden
umbrella atop the pagoda at Nyaungkan Aye Sasana
Yeiktha on Yangon-Insein Road in Insein Township this
morning, attended by Secretary-1 of the State Peace
and Development Council General Khin Nyunt.
The ceremony was opened with the three-time recitation
of Namo Tassa. Then, the congregation received the
Five Precepts from Thayet Sayadaw Bhaddanta Kesara.
Next, Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt presented the
diamond bud and offertories to Thayet Sayadaw
Bhaddanta Kesara.
Afterwards, Commander Maj-Gen Myint Swe, ministers and
deputy ministers presented Hngetmyatnadaw and
offertories to members of the Sangha.
Then, Nyaungkan Aye Sasana Yeiktha Sayadaw Maha
Dhammakathika Bhahujanahitadhara Agga Maha
Kammathanacariya Bhaddanta Indaka delivered a sermon,
followed by sharing of merits gained.
Next, Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt, Commander
Maj-Gen Myint Swe and wellwishers conveyed diamond
bud, Hngetmyatnadaw, religious objects and umbrella to
Shwedagon Replica Pagoda kept at the top floor of
Sasana Sitaladhamma Beikman.
Then, Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt and Commander
Maj-Gen Myint Swe hoisted the diamond bud,
Hngetmyatnadaw and religious objects atop the pagoda.
Led by the Nyaungkan Aye Sasana Yeiktha Sayadaw,
Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt enshrined the religious
objects into reliquary of the pagoda and then
sprinkled scented water on them.
Then, Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt hoisted the
diamond bud and Hngetmyatnadaw atop the pagoda and
then sprinkled scented water on them.
Afterwards, Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt sprinkled
scented water on the stone inscription in
commemoration of the ceremony. Then, the ceremony
ended with the three-time recitation of Buddha Sasanam
Ciram Titthatu.
After the ceremony, Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt
performed golden and silver showers to mark the
success of the ceremony.
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7. Secretary-2 attends dry ration offering ceremony
Yangon, 9 March ? A ceremony to donate rice and edible
oil to Dhammapala Pariyatti Monastery in Katha, Katha
District, Sagaing Division, was held at the monastery
yesterday afternoon, attended by Secretary-2 of the
State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Soe Win.
After opening the ceremony with the three-time
recitation of Namo Tassa, Dhammapala Pariyatti
Monastery Presiding Sayadaw Maha Ganthavacaka Pandita
Bhaddanta Vicittasara invested the congregation with
the Five Precepts. Next, the Secretary-2 supplicated
on religious matters and presented offertories, rice
and edible oil to the Sayadaw. Then, Lt-Gen Ye Myint,
the commander, the deputy ministers and officials
presented offertories to the Sayadaws and members of
the Sangha. Sayadaw Bhaddanta Vicittasara then
delivered a sermon, followed by sharing of merits
gained.
Yesterday evening, Deputy Minister for Transport U Pe
Than, who accompanied the Secretary-2, met with the
officers of the Directorate of Water Resources and
Improvement of River Systems and Inland Water
Transport in Katha, and gave instructions on
departmental work.
Similarly, Deputy Minister for Progress of Border
Areas and National Races and Development Affairs
Brig-Gen Than Tun met the staff at the office of Katha
Township Development Affairs Committee. The executive
officer reported on condition of income, construction
of roads and development tasks. Then, the deputy
minister gave necessary instructions and inspected
Kanna road, downtown roads and Katha Market. Deputy
Minister for Education Brig-Gen Soe Win Maung,
together with officials saw over Katha No 1 Basic
Education High School building and classrooms, where
he then met with the school heads and teachers of
basic education schools of the township.
Director-General of the Health Department Dr Wan Maung
met with service personnel at Katha District People?s
Hospital, gave necessary instructions and inspected
round the hospital.
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8. Roundabouts opened in Yangon
Yangon, 9 March ? To ensure upgrading the Yangon City
to have international standard, Secretary-1 of the
State Peace and Development Council General Khin
Nyunt, in accordance with the guidance of the Head of
State, has closely supervised extending and upgrading
the roundabouts in Yangon. Hailing the 58th
Anniversary Armed Forces Day, U Htaung Bo roundabout
in Bahan Township and Ayeyawun roundabout in Thakayta
Township were opened this morning.
Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Chairman
Yangon Command Commander Maj-Gen Myint Swe and Yangon
City Development Committee Chairman Mayor U Ko Lay
formally opened the roundabouts. YCDC Vice-Chairman
Vice Mayor Col Maung Pa, Secretary Col Myint Aung and
committee members, heads of departments, Managing
Director Dr San Oo of Myanma Electric Power
Enterprise, Commander Col Yan Naing Oo of No 3
Military Region, Yangon Division Peace and Development
Council Secretary Lt-Col Kyaw Tint and members, Yangon
West District Peace and Development Council Chairman
Lt-Col Maung Maung Shein and members and others
attended the opening of U Htaung Bo roundabout.
Commander Maj-Gen Myint Swe and Mayor U Ko Lay
formally opened the roundabout and inspected tasks for
upgrading of the roundabout.
Similarly, Ayeya-wun roundabout in Thakayta Township
was opened No 2 Military Region Com-mander Col Tun
Kyi, Yan-gon East District Peace and Development
Council Ch-airman Lt-Col Aung Pyi and members,
chairmen of Township Peace and De-velopment Councils
and oth-ers attended the ceremony.
Commander Maj-Gen Myint Swe and Mayor U Ko Lay
formally opened the roundabout and in-spected tasks
for upgrading of the roundabout. Under the close
supervision of Secre-tary-1 General Khin Nyunt,
officials of YCDC and responsible departments have
completed upgrading of U Wizara, U Htaung Bo and
Aye-yawun round-abouts.
------------
9. Secretary-2 on tour of Katha District
in Sagaing Division
Yangon, 9 March? Secretary-2 of the State Peace and
Development Council Lt-Gen Soe Win left here by air
and arrived at Mandalay International Airport
yesterday morning.
The Secretary-2 and party then proceeded to Katha in
Sagaing Division by helicopter. They were welcomed
there by Chairman of Sagaing Division Peace and
Development Council Commander of North-West Command
Maj-Gen Soe Naing and officials.
The Secretary-2 and party met with Secretary of
Sagaing Division Peace and Development Council Lt-Col
Ye Htut, departmental officials, the chairmen of Katha
District and Katha, Htigyaing, Indaw, Bamauk, Kawlin,
Wuntho and Pinlebu Township Peace and Development
Councils, members of the Union Solidarity and
Development Associations and social organizations at
Katha District Peace and Development Council office.
Chairman of Katha District Peace and Development
Council Lt-Col Myint Naing reported to the Secretary-2
on cultivation of monsoon and winter crops, rice and
edible oil sufficiency in the region, education,
health, transport and endeavours made for regional
development.
Commander Maj-Gen Soe Naing reported to the
Secretary-2 on implementation of work in the
respective sectors that have exceeded the targets in
2002-2003, endeavours made for the division to become
the granary of Upper Myanmar and implementation of the
Five Rural Development Tasks.
Secretary-2 Lt-Gen Soe Win fulfilled the requirements
for building Kyauktan-Htigyaing bypass, providing
X-ray device for Bamauk and Indaw People's Hospitals,
upgrading Pinlebu-Bamauk motor road and made a speech.
In his address, the Secretary-2 said that the State is
making systematic efforts for the development of the
political, economic and social sectors of the State;
as Myanmar is an agro-based nation, the State is
fulfilling the needs in the agriculture sector for
food sufficiency and surplus; under the guidance of
the Head of State, efforts are being made for
increasing cultivable land, using quality strains and
supplying water for agricultural purpose; it can be
seen that there is development in the agriculture
sector as well as in the other economic sectors due to
fulfilling the needs in the agriculture sector;
success has been achieved as a result of the guidance
of the Head of State, endeavours of the staff and
cooperation of the people; for the emergence of a
modern and developed nation, encouragement has been
given to the efforts for development of the industrial
sector and 18 Industrial Zones have been established
by mobilizing the scattered industries; for human
resource development, short-term and long-term plans
have been implemented; measures are being taken
systematically for smooth and secure transportation,
fulfilling the needs in electric power supply,
development of border areas and providing health care
services which are essential for the development of
the State.
The Secretary-2 urged the officials to strive for
development of the State applying the good opportunity
of the State and overcoming the barriers.
After the ceremony, they proceeded to Katha District
People's Hospital. The Secretary-2 and party were
welcomed there by Deputy Head of Health Department of
Sagaing Division Dr Tint Swe and officials.
A ceremony to donate cash for construction of
out-patient ward was held at the hall of the hospital.
Dr Tin Htwe of Katha District explained the
arrangements being made for construction of the ward.
Then, one of the donors explained the purpose of the
donations.
Secretary-2 Lt-Gen Soe Win accepted K 500,000 donated
by Sagaing Division Peace and Development Council, K
200,000 by Katha District Peace and Development
Council and K 5.2 million by wellwishers.
Afterwards, cornerstone laying ceremony for the
construction of the out-patient ward was held at the
chosen site. First, Lt-Gen Soe Win put stone plaque in
the designated place. Then, Lt-Gen Ye Myint, Commander
Maj-Gen Soe Naing, Minister Brig-Gen Thura Aye Myint,
the deputy ministers and departmental heads laid
cornerstones at the respective places.
Later, the Secretary-2 and party sprinkled scented
water on the stone plaque and performed the rituals of
golden and silver showers.
The one-storey-building out-patient ward of Katha
District People's Hospital will be 90 feet long and 45
feet wide.
Member of Panel of Patrons of the USDA Secretary-2 of
the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Soe Win
and party met with the secretaries and executives of
USDAs of Katha District and seven townships in the
district. Lt-Gen Soe Win gave instructions on
implementation of the Five Rural Development Tasks and
making efforts for the association to become the one
on which the people can rely. They also met with local
Tatmadawmen and their families at the Aungdagun Hall
of local battlion in Katha. Lt-Gen Ye Myint made a
speech on the occasion.
After the ceremony, Secretary-2 Lt-Gen Soe Win, Lt-Gen
Ye Myint and party cordially greeted those present.
-------------
10. Dry Day inspection teams discharge duties
Yangon, 9 March ? Chairman of the Dry Day Supervisory
Committee Minister at the State Peace and Development
Council Chairman?s Office Lt-Gen Min Thein and
Vice-Chairman Minister for Mines Brig-Gen Ohn Myint,
divided into two groups, supervised the Dry Day
inspection teams which were discharging duties here
today.
The teams checked Dry Day Pass, driver licence, wheel
tax and wearing of departmental uniforms of vehicles
of Tatmadaw and department concerned at the main
points of the city from 7 am to 5 pm. Chairman Lt-Gen
Min Thein, Vice-Chairman Brig-Gen Ohn Myint, committee
members Deputy Minister for Energy U Tin Tun, Deputy
Minister for Home Affairs Brig-Gen Thura Myint Maung,
Deputy Minister for Construction U Tint Swe, Police
Adjutant-General of Myanmar Police Force Police
Brig-Gen Nyo Thein, Vice Provost Marshal Col Saw Lwin,
Director-General of the Ministry of Industry-2 U Khin
Maung, Secretary of the supervisory committee Deputy
Director-General of the Union of Myanmar Government?s
Office U Sein Hla and officials supervised the teams.
The team also checked the vehicles violating traffic
rules.
---------------
11. Local and foreign journalists study border region
development and anti-drugs activities
in eastern and northern Shan State
Yangon, 9 March?The local and foreign journalists led
by Col San Pwint of the Ministry of Defence and
President of Myanmar Foreign Correspondents Club U Sao
Kai Hpa left here by air for Lashio on 4 March morning
to observe the development of border areas in Shan
State (North) and Shan State (East), and measures
being taken for poppy substitute farming in the
region.
The group left Lashio for Kokang Special Region-1 in
Shan State (North) and arrived at Drug Elimination
Museum in Laukkai in the evening. The group was
welcomed there by Col Than Win of Laukkai Station,
Leader of Special Region-1 U Phon Kya Shin and
national race leaders.
Leader of Special Region-1 U Phon Kya Shin explained
about development and poppy substitute farming in the
region. He said that health, education and
socio-economic life of the people has improved as a
result of efforts made by Kokang national races under
the guidance of the Government for development of
Kokang region since 1989. With regional development,
emphasis was placed on drug eradication. Although the
region was targeted to become drug-free region in
2005, with cooperation of the Government progress has
been made in the fight against drug in 2002. It is
sure that the region will be free from poppy
cultivation and production in 2002/2003. With regard
to poppy cultivation and production in the region, any
nation and organization is invited to make inspection
with the permission of the Government. However much
obstacles are, they in cooperation with the Government
will make efforts for total eradication of drugs. He
then replied to queries raised by the journalists.
After posing for documentary photo, the group spent
the night in Laukkai.
The local and foreign journalists on 5 March inspected
rural water supply, construction of another water tank
for agricultural purpose, buckwheat refining factory
and Yanlon Kyaing gate of Myanmar-China border. Then,
the group proceeded to poppy substitute farming model
station, where the In-Charge of the station reported
on cultivation of lychee, mango, orange and others and
livestock breeding. The group then inspected breeding
of pigs at Hsupaung Nyinya farm of Kokang Special
Region-1, pepper plantations and others. Next, the
group viewed round raising of layers at Kokang
National Layers Farm and development of Laukkai
region.
Afterwards, the journalists proceeded to Chin Shwe Haw
and arrived at Myanmar-China border in Chin Shwe Haw
and inspected regional development. The group then
arrived at Namtit of Wa Special Region 2 where deputy
township officer U Aik Yon reported on measures being
taken for drug elimination in the whole Wa Region for
turning the region into drug free zone by 2005,
thriving of lychee and mango on 5,586 acres of land,
cultivation of paddy, maize, soya bean and sugarcane
on 2,388 acres of land, land reclamation being made
for cultivable land in villages, where other crops
could not be cultivated. As a result, Namtit Township
will be totally free from drugs by 2005.
Then, the journalists arrived at Muse in the evening.
At the Shwethiri Hotel of Muse, Chairman of Township
Peace and Development Council Maj Kyi Myint, Director
Lt-Col Saw Hla Tun of Border Trade Department and
officials reported on development of Muse region,
measures being taken for cultivation of
poppy-substitute crops, and replied to queries raised
by the journalists.
On 6 March morning, the journalists inspected border
gates at Myanmar-China border in Muse. They had photos
taken.
Then, they visited Amyekaung Farm near Nanpan Village
in Muse Township and viewed around thriving lychee,
orange, and other plants.
They proceeded to the project site for reclamation of
300-acre land and poppy-substitute cultivation of Shan
State (North) Special Region-5. They were welcomed
there by Kachin national race leader U Ma Htunaw and
leaders of Special Region-5. At the briefing hall, U
Ma Htunaw said that efforts have been made for
regional development in drugs eradication under the
guidance of the government since they had exchanged
arms for peace. Poppy-substitute crop cultivation and
highland reclamation have been carried out since 2001
with the assistance of the government, and he replied
to queries raised by journalists.
Then, the journalists studies construction of Kaungkha
Myothit of Special Region-5. They proceeded to Lashio
and arrived maize-cultivation and bee-keeping camp
(Bonmon Farm) of North-East Command. They were
welcomed there by local authorities and departmental
officials. Local authorities reported on regional
development in Shan State (North), tasks being taken
for drugs elimination, distribution of
poppy-substitute crops for 2002-2003 and assistance
provided to former poppy-growers.
Bonmon farm-in-charge Major Khin Maung Myint explained
production of maize for opium substitute cultivation
in northern Shan State and bee-keeping. Local and
foreign journalists observed maize seeds and
bee-keeping.
They went to the sites for reclamation of high land
and 560-acre project. Director of Shan State
Agricultural Mechanization Department Lt-Col Myint
Thein and Shan State Manager of Myanma Agriculture
Service U Hla Kyi reported on reclamation of high land
and cultivation of crops.
Dr Thaung Htaik of Livestock Breeding and Veterinary
Department in Lashio reported on raising of layers and
pigs at integrated agriculture and livestock breeding
central farm of North-East Command.
They observed cultivation of coffee plants at the
farm.
They proceeded to Hsinshweli 100 acre summer paddy
plantation in Humon Village, Lashio Township. Lashio
District Police Commander Police Lt-Col Maung Kyaing
reported on cultivation.
On 7 March, local and foreign journalists observed the
perennial crop farm of special region-4 in Mongla.
They arrived at Myanmar-China checkpoint where
Chairman of special region-4 U San Pe and leaders
welcomed them. They visited Mongla MyoOo Dwenagara
Shwe Pagoda, Drug Elimination Museum, Golden Square
Park, gem museum and market and town.
Chairman of special region-4 extended greetings and
General Secretary U Min Ein reported on development
tasks after making peace with the government,
declaration of opium free zone and anti-drug
activities.
On 8 March, local and foreign journalists visited Hong
Pang pig farm near Maing Zin Village Kengtung
Township.
Farm in-Charge Daw Aye Aye Hla reported on raising of
pig and sale.
In the afternoon, they met departmental officials in
Tachilek. Leader of anti-drug (special squad) Police
Major Kyaw Hsan said there is no opium cultivation in
Tachilek and spoke of success of the anti-drug
campaign, Medical Superintendent Dr Chit Thein
treatment for drug addicts.
Hong Pang agriculture and livestock breeding farm
in-charge U Kyaw Naing explained cultivation of
short-term and long-term crops. They went to Ardee
model village where Chairman of Ardee Village Peace
and Development Council U Arzee said they had not
grown opium since 1985 and grew lychee plants in 1992
under the arrangement of the government. There are
17,000 lychee plants, he added.
On 9 March, local and foreign journalists went to
friendship bridge in Tachilek and they had photos
taken there. They arrived back here in the evening.
--------------
12. Diplomats, businessmen from
the Philippines leave
Yangon, 9 March ? A 25-member study group led by Daw
Nan Phaung, wife of Myanmar Ambassador to the
Philippines, arrived here by air on 3 March.
The study group consists of diplomats from embassies
based in the Philippines, honorary coun-sellors,
members of AESAN Women Association and businessmen
from the Philippines. They paid homage on March 4 to
Shwedagon Pagoda, Sule Pagoda and Lawka Chantha Abhaya
Labha Muni Buddha Image on Mindhamma Hill and visited
Myanmar Gem Museum, National Museum, Drug Elimination
Museum and Bogyoke Market. The study group arrived at
Bagan-NyaungU on 5 March and visited interesting
places and Bagan Historical Museum. They visited
Mandalay on 6 March. On 7 March, they visited Inlay
Lake and paid homage to Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda and
Buddha Image in Ngaphal Chaung village monastery.
When they arrived back to Yangon on 8 March, Minister
for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung and wife Daw Khin Swe
Soe hosted dinner to them at Karaweik Palace at 7:30
pm. The occasion was also attended by departmental
heads and officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
and Ambassador of the Philippines to Myanmar Mme
Phoebe A Gomez.
The study group had a worthy visit in Myanmar from 3
to 9 March. They left by air for the Philippines on 9
March. They were seen off at Yangon International
Airport by officials of the Ministry of Foreign
Affairs.
-------------
13. MMA (Upper Myanmar)?s golf tournament
to be held
Yangon, 9 March ? The golf tournament of Myanmar
Medical Asso-ciation (Mandalay) will be held at
Yedagontaung Golf Club in Mandalay on the morning of
16 March. The doctors from the various parts of the
country who wish to participate in the tournament may
enlist at MMA (Manda-lay), Ph: 02-38634.
------------
14. Raw Opium seized in Indaw
Yangon, 9 March ? A combined team comprising members
of the local intelligence unit and Katha Special
Anti-Drug Squad, acting on information on 23 February
searched Ma Kyi?s house in Aungmingala ward, Indaw.
The authorities arrested Thaung Htay together with
4.156 kilos of raw opium in Ma Kyi?s house. Action is
being taken against Thaung Htay, 46, son of U Chit Pe
of Aungmingala ward in Indaw under the Se-ctions
15/19(A) and 20(A)21 of the Narcotic Drugs and
Psychotropic Substances Law by Indaw Police Station.
---------------------
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