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[myanmar_information] The New Light of Myanmar (Sunday, March 16, 2003)
The New Light of Myanmar (Sunday, March 16, 2003)
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1. Senior General Than Shwe and Daw Kyaing Kyaing
leave on state visit to Vietnam
2. Bangladeshi Prime Minister to visit Myanmar
3. Special Meeting 1/2002 of CCDAC held
4. Secretary-1 attends cornerstone laying ceremony
of Myanmar Maritime University
5. Press conference on 40th Myanma Gems Emporium held
6. Mayor inspects agriculture and livestock breeding
farm
7. Princess Sirindhorn visits MraukU and Sittway
8. Thai Princess Sirindhorn visits National Museum,
Drug Elimination Museum
9. Italian tourists arrive
10. 612 gem merchants arrive
11. Secretary-1 attends prize presentation of MNOC
Chairman's Cup Football Tournament
12. Drug traffickers sentenced
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1. Senior General Than Shwe and Daw Kyaing Kyaing
leave on state visit to Vietnam
Yangon, 15 March ? At the invitation of the President
of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam His Excellency Mr
Tran Duc Luong and Madame Nguyen Thi Vinh, Chairman of
the State Peace and Development Council of the Union
of Myanmar Senior General Than Shwe and wife Daw
Kyaing Kyaing left here by special flight this morning
to pay a state visit to the Socialist Republic of
Vietnam.
The Myanmar goodwill delegation led by the Senior
General and wife was seen off at Yangon International
Airport by Secretary-1 of the State Peace and
Development Council General Khin Nyunt and wife Dr Daw
Khin Win Shwe, member of the State Peace and
Development Council Lt-Gen Thura Shwe Mann and wife,
members of the State Peace and Development Council and
their wives, the commander-in-chief (Navy), the
commander-in-chief (Air) and their wives, the chairman
of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council the
commander and wife, the ministers, senior military
officers, ambassadors and charge d? affaires ai of
embassies in Yangon and their wives led by Deputy Dean
of Diplomatic Corps Cambodian Ambassador Mr Nim
Chantara, resident representatives of UN agencies, the
charge d? affaires ai of the Vietnamese embassy and
staff and departmental officials.
The Senior General and wife were accompanied by
Secretary-2 of the State Peace and Development Council
Lt-Gen Soe Win and wife Daw Than Than Nwe, Chairman of
Mandalay Division Peace and Development Council
Commander of Central Command Maj-Gen Ye Myint,
Chairman of Sagaing Division Peace and Development
Council Commander of North West Command Maj-Gen Soe
Naing, Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen
Nyunt Tin, Minister for Industry -1 U Aung Thaung,
Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Pyi Sone, Minister for
Foreign Affairs U Win Aung and wife, Minister for
Livestock and Fisheries Brig-Gen Maung Maung Thein,
Minister for Energy Brig-Gen Lun Thi, Minister for
Health Prof Dr Kyaw Myint, Military Assistant to the
chairman of the State Peace and Development Council
Maj-Gen Nay Win, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs U
Khin Maung Win, Director-General of the State Peace
and Development Council Office Lt-Col Pe Nyein,
departmental heads and entrepreneurs.
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2. Bangladeshi Prime Minister to visit Myanmar
Yangon, 15 March ? At the invitation of Chairman of
the State Peace and Development Council and Prime
Minister of the Union of Myanmar, Senior General Than
Shwe, Her Excellency Begum Khaleda Zia, Prime Minister
of the People?s Republic of Bangladesh will pay an
official goodwill visit to the Union of Myanmar in the
near future.
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3. Special Meeting 1/2002 of CCDAC held
Remarkable achievement made in Myanmar?s cooperation
with neighbours in anti-drug drive
Yangon, 15 March?The Central Committee for Drug Abuse
Control held its Special Meeting 1/2003 at the meeting
hall of Drug Elimination Museum at the corner of
Kyundaw Street and Hanthawady Street in Kamayut
Township here this morning, with an address by
Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council
General Khin Nyunt.
In his address, Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt said
that with regard to drug elimination, the Government
has laid down the 15-year drug elimination plan and is
implementing it, adding that remarkable achievements
have been made in the fight against narcotic drugs.
The Government has been making all-out efforts in the
crusade against the narcotic drugs. However, the
amount of the assistance provided to the campaign by
the international community was insignificant in
contrast with the efforts executed by the Government.
But the Government is working hard in the fight
against drugs which posed danger to entire global
people in the interests of own nation and own race as
well as in the interests of the entire global people
in accord with the faith of Myanmar people, accepting
it as a national concern. Since the Government has
been making relentless efforts for eradication of
poppy cultivation and production and use of drugs, the
national race leaders participated in the drive under
the former?s leadership, paying serious attention to
the conviction of the Government. As a result,
progress has been made in implementing the 15-year
drug elimination plan. At the same time, the
Government has laid down the New Destiny Project and
is implementing it to accelerate the momentum in
implementing the 15-year drug elimination plan.
Meanwhile, the entire national people in border areas
are cooperating with the government in the project.
Although there has been a significant progress in the
fight against drugs in Myanmar, some western powers
are still regarding Myanmar as the one which does not
cooperate in the anti-narcotic drugs drive. But the
Government, with assistance or without assistance,
will continue to make efforts in the campaign with
national concept. Though the western powers do not
acknowledge the efforts of Myanmar in the drug
elimination tasks, it was obvious that the
organizations related to those countries have
acknowledged Myanmar?s efforts in the drive.
The Counter Narcotic and Crime (CNC) has been
conducting surveys on illegal poppy cultivation and
production in Myanmar yearly since 1993. It has
conducted the surveys nine times up to this year. The
CNC acknowledged that there was a decrease in poppy
cultivation and production in Myanmar year by year.
According to the CNC?s survey, there were only 77,700
hectares of poppy acreage with the production of 630
metric tons in 2002 when compared with 163,100
hectares of poppy acreage with the production of 2,560
metric tons in Myanmar in 1996. Thus, there is a
remarkable decrease in poppy cultivation and
production. In addition, the poppy cultivation and
production in Myanmar in 2003 was cut by half in
comparison with those in 2002, according to the CNC.
It is obvious that the international community has
acknowledged the efforts of Myanmar in the fight
against drugs with facts and figures but some western
powers do not acknowledge Myanmar?s efforts by
intermingling then with politics. The poppy farmers in
border areas have to make just end meets in growing
poppy. So also poppy-substitute cultivation and other
business undertakings need to be created for them. The
western powers do not provide any humanitarian
assistance to the poppy farmers.
The government with its own financial strength has
laid down the 15-year drug elimination plan and is
implementing it to create poppy-substitute cultivation
and other business undertakings for the poppy growers.
However, significant progress has been made in poppy
substitutions ? cash and perennial crops cultivation
in Myanmar. There were poppy-substitute plantations
countable by the thousand and progress has been made
in poppy-substitute industries and livestock breeding
tasks in border areas. A remarkable progress has been
made in Myanmar?s cooperation with neighbouring
countries in the fight against drugs. Achievements
have being made in exchange of information and
seizures of drug suspects between Myanmar and China.
In addition, progress has been made in searching the
markets of Myanmar?s poppy-substitute crops in the
PRC. Similarly, progress has been made in Myanmar?s
cooperation with Thailand. Thailand has been making
efforts with added momentum after laying down a
special plan in the fight against stimulants like
amphetamine. Myanmar has laid down the 15-year drug
elimination plan. In implementing the plan, the new
destiny project has been laid down and is being
implemented. The Secretary-1 urged all officials to
make concerted efforts to successfully implement the
drug elimination measures in accord with the national
objectives.
Chairman of Central Committee for Drug Abuse Control
Minister for Home Affairs Col Tin Hlaing reported on
measures undertaken by CCDAC. He said: in connection
with crop substitution programme New Destiny Project
was implemented. Out of 15,519.5 acres, 14857.75 acres
of monsoon crops were cultivated. Percentage of
implementation was 95.74%. In cultivation of cold
season crops, 9,812.89 acres were targeted and
8,504.64 acres were cultivated and percentage of
completion was 86.67%. Out of 25,332.39 acres,
23,362.39 acres of monsoon and cold season crops were
cultivated. The total implementation percentage was
92.22%.
Under the New Destiny Project K 117.28 million were
spent? K 42.5 million in Shan State (North), K 15
million in Pansay region, K 10 million in Shan State
(South), K 7.48 million in Shan State (East), K 9.5
million in Kachin State, K 10 million in Sadon region
in Kachin State special region-1, K 2.8 million in
Kayah State, K 5 million for Tachilek Anti-Narcotics
Association and Rehabilitation Centre, K 12.5 million
for livestock breeding, K 1.854 million for
construction of Shwepyiaye Camp and K 646,000 for
purchase of 500 bags of rice for poppy growers.
In 2002, programmes for opium substitute livestock
breeding were undertaken in Phekhon and Pinlaung
Townships. Altogether K 12.5 million from the funds of
the ministry were spent on distribution of pedigree
fowl and pig in Tachilek, Wa, Tongta, Kunhein and
Homein regions. Under the opium free zone
establishment project, treatment for drug addicts in
Tachilek District began on 6 December 2002. Social
Welfare Department started its rehabilitation tasks at
Tachilek Rehabilitation Centre on 7 January 2003. The
Ministry of Health announced the order relating to
control of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances
under its notification No1/2003 dated 7-3-2003.
Anti-drug activities were reported on daily papers and
Yadanabon newspaper and telecast on MRTV and Myawady
TV and broadcast on Radio Myanmar. Interviews were
also telecast in MTRV-3 programme.
Myanmar Anti-Narcotics Association formed 11 Township
level associations in Yangon Division in 2002. The
anti-narcotics associations were formed in Tachilek
District, Taunggyi and Kengtung Townships in Shan
State and Pyay Township in Bago Division (West).
Duties were assigned to six groups led by member of
CCDAC the minister and the deputy ministers to inspect
implementations of the tasks under the New Destiny
Project, narcotic elimination and development tasks
and to fulfil the requirements in six project regions.
The members of CCDAC the ministers made seven field
trips in 2002. He and Vice-Chairmen of CCDAC,
accompanied by ambassadors, military attaches and
local and foreign journalists, made field trips to
Shan State (North), Shan State (East) and Wa region
from 1 to 3 April 2002 and Shan State (East) and Shan
State (North) from 6 to 8 December 2002. They
witnessed the cooperation of the government and local
people for eradication of narcotic drugs and regional
development.
Similarly, Laos-based ambassadors and military
attaches led by Deputy Prime Minister of Laos visited
Tachilek, Kengtung and Mongla regions from 13 to 15
February 2003. He and Vice-Chairman of CCDAC Minister
for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung explained measures
undertaken in the regions. After the excursion tour,
Chinese Ambassador to Myanmar donated 100,000 yuan and
Italian Ambassador US $ 100,000. The Japanese
Ambassador discussed assistance in connection with
development activities for eradication of narcotic
drugs with four ministers on 28 December 2002.
Cultivation of buckwheat is being undertaken for opium
substitute crop cultivation. It is necessary to extend
other crops cultivation that earns money for
cultivation of buckwheat alone is not sufficient.
Therefore arrangements are being made for cultivation
of stevia crops.
Chairman of JBB Stevia Laboratory Ltd and party
together with CCDAC officials visited Pinlaung and
Phekhon Township in connection with cultivation of
stevia. A delegation led by Adviser of JMSSO former
Prime Minister of Japan Mr Tsutomu Hata visited
Myanmar in February and discussed cultivation of
stevia. Arrangements are being made for signing of
MoU. Development projects being implemented in Shan
State Special Region-1 Kokang region under
Myanmar-China narcotic drugs control programme. NNCC
of the People?s Republic of China would provide
cultivation techniques and crop seeds worth 300,000
yuan. He spoke at length on conducting of agriculture
technique courses, providing over 12 tons of various
kinds of crops, 200,000 saplings, fertilizer and
pesticides. The four-member supervisory committee was
formed and the Chinese Ambassador to Myanmar provided
US$ 12,000 for construction of agriculture and
livestock breeding training school.
All-round development project is being undertaken in
Yaungkha Village, Monghsat Township in accord with the
MoU on Myanmar-Thai narcotic drug control. Thailand
would provide 20 million bahts for narcotic drug
control in the border areas. Tasks on supply of water,
agriculture and livestock breeding including
construction of dispensary and school would be
implemented step by step. Experts from Thailand
arrived at the project area on 11 December 2002 and
chose the site for construction of school and
hospital. Three small dams that would irrigate 850
acres of lands would be built.
He said Myanmar in cooperation with international
organization such as the UN Office on Drugs and Crime
(UNODC) and the US is collecting data on ground survey
of illicit poppy cultivation.
The illicit crops monitoring programme was launched in
11 townships in Shan State from January to March in
2001 in cooperation with CCDAC and UNODC. According to
the programme, there were 10,939 acres of poppy in 284
villages in 11 townships. The average opium yield per
acre was 4.23 kilos.
Similarly, the collecting data on ground illicit poppy
cultivation was also carried out in 53 villages in
Shan State ( North), (South), Shan State (East) and Wa
regions.
In 2003, similar survey was conducted in 50 townships
in Shan State from January to March.
Myanmar in cooperation with the US conducted opium
yield survey for nine times from 1993 to 2003.
According to the data collected, annual opium yield
gradually fall beginning from 1996. In 2002 opium
acreage was about 77,700 hectares and opium production
was only 630 tons. In 2003, production is expected to
fall another 50 percent compared with the previous
year. With the decrease of poppy cultivation in
Myanmar, tasks on cultivation of opium substitute
crops and livestock and breeding and other economic
enterprises are to be extended. It is obvious that
poppy cultivation and production considerably fall in
Myanmar according to opium yield survey of UN and CNC
and illicit crops monitoring programme of UNDOC. It is
accepted as Myanmar?s endeavours.
However, Myanmar was accused of producing stimulant
tablets. Production of stimulant tablets has nothing
to do with opium cultivation. Chemical precursors such
as ephedrine, pseudo ephedrine and caffeine came from
neighbouring countries. Rich people from abroad made
the technicians produce the stimulant tablets in
mountainous regions.
Over 6.5 tons of ephedrine was seized in 1999; 2.6
tons in 2000; 3.9 tons in 2001 and 1.7 tons in 2002.
Over 58,000 litres of Chemical precursors were seized
in 1999; 89,000 litres in 2000; 159,000 litres in 2001
and 29,000 litres in 2002. Over 28.89 million
stimulant tablets were seized in 1999; 26.76 million
in 2000; 32.43 million in 2001 and 9.399 million in
2002. Every year seizures increased in number but they
decreased in 2002 because of tight security in the
border areas.
The root of the problem is chemical precursors and all
neighbouring countries are to make efforts for
prevention of precursors. Myanmar hosted a meeting on
control of chemical precursors in January 2003 in
cooperation with Myanmar, China, India and UNODC. The
meeting discussed difficulties faced in Myanmar,
exchange of information and technical assistance. A
seminar on control of chemical precursors between law
enforcement officers of Myanmar and India will be held
in Moreh under the sponsorship of UNDOC at the end of
this month. Information was exchanged at grassroots
levels in Thailand and central level transnational
meetings and cooperation is being promoted by opening
offices of liaison officers. It shows how Myanmar is
serious on stimulant tablets issue.
Then, Vice-Chairman of CCDAC Minister for PBANRDA Col
Thein Nyunt explained the cultivation of poppy
substitute crops in Shan State (East) and Wa region,
assistance for cultivation of perennial crops and
raising of pigs, assistance rendered to drug addict
rehabilitation centres, creation of job opportunities
for local people and cultivation of buckwheat as a
poppy substitute crop and export of buckwheat in
respective years. CCDAC member Minister for Labour U
Tin Winn explained matters on formation of
anti-narcotics associations and discussions with local
people over eradication of drugs in Tachilek and
Monghsat Districts, Shan State (East), findings in
success of cultivation of poppy substitute crops, and
conditions of education, communication and
transportation. CCDAC member Minister for SWRR Maj-Gen
Sein Htwa explained matters related to conducting
educative courses in rehabilitation centres in Yangon,
Mandalay, Myit-kyina, Lashio, Namlatt (Taunggyi),
Tachilek, Shwepyitha and Shwepyiaye youth
rehabilitation camps and participation of trainees in
the courses. Secretary of CCDAC Director-General of
Myanmar Police Force Brig-Gen Khin Yi explained
implementation of the minutes of Special Meeting
(3/2002) of CCDAC.
Then, the chairmen and secretaries of Supervisory
Group for CCDAC working groups, working group for
cultivation of poppy substitute crops, livestock
breeding working group, working group for medical
treatment, working group for dissemination of
knowledge among youth, working group for organizing
the public, rehabilitation working group, working
group for international relations, and working group
for prevention and control of narcotic drugs reported
on works being carried out and future tasks. Those
present also took part in the discussions.
The Secretary-1 then made concluding remarks. He said
Myanmar?s anti-narcotics endeavours have practically
been successful according to the reports of the
officials. Poppy cultivation was an evil legacy that
Myanmar had tried to solve throughout the periods.
Anti-narcotic endeavours have been successful with the
cooperation of local people and national race leaders
in border areas under the leadership of the
government.
The suppression of the danger of stimulant tablets
will meet success only through the cooperation with
neighbouring countries. Hence, prevention of the
in-flow of chemical precursors required in making
stimulant tablets and prevention of the smuggling the
stimulant tablets out of the country will be carried
out harmoniously. In conclusion, he called for
continued efforts for accelerating the momentum in the
anti-drug movement by decreasing the poppy cultivation
and opium production while raising the momentum in
suppressing the stimulant tablets. The meeting then
ended.
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4. Secretary-1 attends cornerstone laying ceremony
of Myanmar Maritime University
Yangon, 15 March ? Chairman of Myanmar Education
Committee Secretary-1 of the State Peace and
Development Council General Khin Nyunt attended the
cornerstone laying ceremony of the Myanmar Maritime
University under the Ministry of Transport at
Thanlyin-Kyauktan Development Zone in Thanlyin
Township, Yangon South District, at 8.30 am today.
Staff Officer of Yangon Division Religious Affairs
Department U San Thin Hlaing acted as master of
ceremonies.
At the auspicious time, the Secretary-1 laid the
silver casket with nine different kinds of gems in the
middle of the foundation.
Then, the Secretary-1, the commander and the ministers
put cornerstones at the designated places.
The Secretary-1 laid the bronze plaque in the middle
of the foundation and sprinkled scented water on it.
After the ceremony, Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt
performed rituals of golden and sliver showers to mark
successful completion of the ceremony.
The Secretary-1 arrived at Kyaikhmawwun Yayle Pagoda
in Kyauktan at 9.30 am.
The Secretary-1 offered flowers and lights to the
Buddha image of the pagoda and presented cash
donations to the pagoda through the chairman of the
pagoda board of trustees. The Secretary-1 then had a
stroll round the pagoda and inspected all-round
renovation tasks for the pagoda. Then, the Secretary-1
cordially greeted the pilgrims and left the pagoda.
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5. Press conference on 40th Myanma Gems Emporium held
Yangon, 15 March ? Members of the Public Relations and
Information Committee Deputy Minister for Information
Brig-Gen Aung Thein, Director-General of Myanma Radio
and Television U Khin Maung Htay, Director (News) of
the News and Periodicals Enterprise U Hla Tun,
Correspondent of Kyodo News Agency U Sein Win, Patron
of Myanmar Foreign Correspondents Club U Hla Htwe,
President U Sao Kai Hpa and member correspondents, and
chief editors and deputy chief editors of dailies
visited the 40th Myanma Gems Emporium 2003 organized
by the Central Committee for holding Myanma Gems
Emporium at the hall of the Myanma Gems Emporium on
Kaba Aye Pagoda Road this afternoon.
Then, they viewed the jade figurines of MGE to be sold
at fixed prices, gem mosaic shops on the ground floor,
uncut jade displayed near the building, gems and
pearl lots to be sold through competitive bidding on
the third floor and high quality jade in the auction
hall of the emporium.
Then, the press conference on the gems emporium
commenced. At the press conference the deputy
minister said high quality jade and gems and pearl
lots are to be sold at the emporium. A total of 348
gem merchants from 70 companies in 13 countries
replied to attend the emporium so far. Most of
foreign gems merchants are from the People?s Republic
of China and Thailand. Number of merchants who
attended the emporiums was always greater than the
number of those who replied to the emporium. There
are a total of 1423 lots of jade to be sold at the
floor price of US$ 21.32 million, 219 lots of gems to
be sold at the floor price of US$ 14.66 million, 224
lots of pearl to be sold at the floor price of US$
1.35 million, 9,672 pieces of gems and jade figurines
to be sold at the fixed price worth US$ 1.59 million
and 224 lots of pearls to be sold at the floor price
of US$ 1.3 million at the emporium.
Chairman Deputy Minister for Mines U Myint Thein,
Secretary Managing Director of Myanma Gems Enterprise
U Khin Oo and members of the central committee replied
to the queries raised by those present.
Significant jade lots in the emporium are imperial
jade Lot No 1173 of Myanmar Sithu Joint-venture Co (
two blocks, 87 kilos, floor price US$ 4.5 million),
imperial jade Lot No 1172 of Yadana Tuangtan
Joint-venture (two blocks, 92 kilos, floor price US$ 2
million) and imperial jade Lot No 1171 of Myanmar
Sithu Joint-venture Co (two blocks, 77 kilos, floor
price US$ 550,000).
It is estimated that about 1,000 local and foreign gem
merchants will attend the emporium. Number of jade to
be sold at the emporium is more than the previous year
and this has been due to the increased production of
quality jades as a result of cooperation between the
government and private entrepreneurs, and profits
gained from confidence on the government.
Although production and sale of Myanma pearls have
decreased for some period, over 100,000 high quality
pearls could be produced this year thanks to the
joint-venture between the government and local and
foreign companies.
Measures are being taken to ensure the former pearl
merchants to re-enter the Myanamr?s pearl market.
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6. Mayor inspects agriculture and livestock breeding
farm
Yangon, 15 March ? Chairman of Yangon City Development
Committee Yangon Mayor U Ko Lay, accompanied by
officials, formally opened Seinpan self-reliant road
in Ward-2, Shwepyitha Township, and inspected Maubin
wetland agriculture and livestock breeding farm of the
Production Department of YCDC in Maubin Township this
morning. Then, the mayor inspected the staff welfare
shop of the farm at the junction of Yangon-Nyaungdon
road and Maleto-Mezali road in Maubin Township.
Afterwards, the mayor and party inspected the breeding
and hatching of fish, raising of 200 pigs, 25,000
ducks, and fresh water shrimps, thriving fields of
Manawthukha paddy, and arrangements for marketing of
the products. Then, the mayor attended a ceremony to
present prizes to outstanding staff of the farm.
Afterwards, the mayor donated K 100,000 to Phayalay
Village Monastery, and presented K 300,000 for the
staff of the farm to an official.
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7. Princess Sirindhorn visits MraukU and Sittway
Yangon, 15 March ? Visiting Thai Princess Maha Chakri
Sirindhorn of the Kingdom of Thailand made a tour of
MraukU and Sittway in Rakhine State on 13 March.
Together with Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung
and wife, Myanmar Ambassador to Thailand U Myo Myint
and wife, Director-General of the Department of
Myanmar Missions Abroad U Ko Ko Kyaw, Thai Ambassador
to Myanmar Mr Oum Maolanon and wife, Princess
Sirindhorn left Putao Airport in Kachin State by
special flight and arrived at Sittway Airport at 2 pm
on 13 March.
The Princess, accompanied by Chairman of Rakhine State
Peace and Development Council Commander of Western
Command Maj-Gen Maung Oo and wife, helicoptered to
MraukU Township in Sittway District. She was welcomed
there by Commander of MraukU Station Col Khin
Maung Myint, officials and local people by waving the
miniature flags of the two nations and chanting
slogans ?May the Prince of Thailand be healthy? ?May
the ties of friendship between the two countries be
strong?.
In a motorcade, the Princess went to the MraukU Hotel
in MraukU.
Then, the Princess visited Shitthaung (a) Yan Aung
Zeya Stupa in the MyaukU ancient heritage area, where
she was welcomed by Director-General of the
Archaeology Department U Nyunt Han, Director of the
Department of Cultural Institute Daw Nu Mra Zan,
officials and members of the pagoda board of trustees.
She offered flowers, water, lights and joss sticks and
paid reverence to the Buddha Image in the
Gantakutitaik of the stupa. Afterwards, she paid
homage to the Buddha images and observed statues
depicting 550 Jatakas on the grotto wall of the
stupa. Director-General U Nyunt Han and Director Daw
Nu Mra Zan conducted her along the grotto. The
Princess signed in the visitors? book, and presented
cash donations for the Shitthaung Stupa and the
Htokkantthein Stupa to Chairman of the pagoda board of
trustees U Htwi Sein, who then presented a picture of
the Shitthaung Stupa to the Princess.
The Princess also visited the Arntdawthein Stupa and
offered flowers, water, lights and joss sticks of
incense to the Buddha images in Gantakutitaik of the
stupa. She paid reverence to the Buddha images of
MraukU era in the grotto of the stupa. She then
observed Buddha images and sculptural decorations on
the wall of the grotto of Htokkantthein Stupa. Then,
the Princess offered flowers, water, lights and joss
sticks to the Buddha images in the upper reliquary
Gantakutitaik of the stupa. She arrived back at the
MraukU Hotel.
In the evening, Commander Maj-Gen Maung Oo and wife Dr
Daw Nyunt Nyunt Oo hosted a dinner to the Princess.
Rakhine State and MraukU Township cultural troupes
entertained the Princess with Rakhine traditional
songs and dances. The Princess presented a flower
basket to the members of the troupes. After the
dinner, Commander Maj-Gen Maung Oo and the Princess
exchanged souvenirs.
The Princess spent the night at the MraukU Hotel.
Yesterday morning, the Princess visited the
Archaeological Museum in MraukU Township. She observed
cultural heritages of Danyawady, Vesali, Laymyo and
MraukU eras and the scale model of ancient MraukU City
in the booths of the museum. She then observed the
stone stupas and signed in the visitors? book.
Director-General U Nyunt Han presented a souvenir to
the Princess. She observed the Nandawgon palace site
excavated by the Archaeology Department. The officials
conducted the Princess round the site.
She observed Arnanda Sandra Stone Inscription of
Rakhine King Vesali (AD 729) in the Shitthaung Stupa.
Next, she helicoptered to Sittway and arrived there at
9.35 am. She visited the Buddhology Museum in Sittway.
The Princess offered flowers, lights and fruits to the
Buddha Image in the museum. Historian Dr Khin Maung
Nyunt and Professor Daw Aye Aye Mon of History
Department of Sittway University conducted the
Princess round the museum. The Princess visited the
Lawkananda Pagoda. She offered flowers, water and
?soon? and paid homage to the Buddha image. The
Princess signed in the visitors? book and made cash
donations there. She then viewed round the
Gantakutitaik of the pagoda. The Princess visited the
Rakhine State Cultural Museum in Sittway, where
officials conducted her round the museum. Then, she
signed in the visitors? book. Director Daw Nu Mra Zan
presented a painting on Rakhine traditions to her. The
Princess enjoyed luncheon at the Sittway Hotel.
The Princess proceeded to Sittway Airport. She was
seen off at the airport by the commander and wife,
departmental officials, local authorities, officials
of USDA, MCWA and WCWA, Red Cross Society, Auxiliary
Fire Brigade, nurses and others. Members of Rakhine
State Cultural Committee and USDA also saw off the
Princess by waving the miniature flags of the two
nations and chanting slogans ?May the Princess of
Thailand be healthy? ?May the ties of friendship
between the two countries be strong?. The visiting
Princess arrived back at Yangon by special flight at
2.35 pm.
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8. Thai Princess Sirindhorn visits National Museum,
Drug Elimination Museum
Yangon, 15 March ? Visiting Princess Maha Chakri
Sirindhorn of the Kingdom of Thailand, arrived at the
National Museum on Pyay Road at 3 pm yesterday. They
were welcomed there by Department of Cultural
Institute Director-General U Myint Thein Swe,
directors and officials.
The Princess first studied the Thihathana Lion Throne
Show Room where Director of the museum Daw Nu Mra Zan
conducted her round the room.
Next, the Princess viewed the scale models of Mandalay
Myanansankyaw Golden Palace, photographs, paintings,
furniture and costumes at the Yadanabon Era booth and
royal appurtences in successive monarchies at the
royal appurtence booth. Curator Daw Mi Mi That Nwe and
assistant curator Daw Htay Htay Swe conducted her
round the booths. The Princess then studied National
History Show Room, the booths on Myanma ancient
ornaments and Myanma rural arts and Mon stone
inscriptions.
Then, the visiting Thai Princess signed in the
visitors? book. Director-General U Myint Thein Swe
presented the Princess with books on Myanma Culture.
At 4.50 pm, the Princess and party proceeded to the
Drug Elimination Museum at the corner of Kyuntaw
Street and Hanthawady Street in Kamayut Township where
they were welcomed by Secretary of the Central
Committee for Drug Abuse Control Director-General of
Myanmar Police Force Brig-Gen Khin Yi and officials.
The Princess viewed the exhibits on narcotic drug
elimination endeavours in successive eras. Brig-Gen
Khin Yi and CCDAC Joint-Secretary Police Col Khan Aung
explained the facts about the museum. Later, the
Princess signed in the visitors? book and left there
in the evening after accepting the bronze medal of the
replica of the museum.
---------
9. Italian tourists arrive
Yangon, 15 March - Under the supervision of the
Ministry of Hotels and Tourism and with the assistance
of the Ministry of Transport and arrangements of Asian
Trails Tours Co Ltd, 94 Italian tourism entrepreneurs
arrived at Yangon International Airport by flight TG
303 of Thai Airways this morning.
They will tour Yangon, Bagan, Popa and Mandalay during
their visit and leave Myanmar on 20 March.
---------
10. 612 gem merchants arrive
Yangon, 15 March - A total of 612 gem merchants- 327
from 117 foreign firms, 285 from 105 local firms have
arrived at 40th Myanma Gems Emporium 2003 being held
at the hall of Myanma Gems Emporium on Kaba Aye Pagoda
Road today. The merchants viewed the gems displayed at
the emporium from 9 am to 5 pm. They were welcomed
there by Emporium Organizing Central Committee
Secretary Managing Director U Khin Oo of MGE and
officials. The officials concerned also rendered
assistance to the merchants. More foreign gem
merchants will arrive at the emporium on 16 and 17
March and keep on viewing the gems displayed at the
emporium.
---------
11. Secretary-1 attends prize presentation of MNOC
Chairman's Cup Football Tournament
Yangon, 15 March ? The final match and prize
presentation ceremony of second Myanmar National
Olympic Council Chairman's Cup open football
tournament 2003 took place at the Youths Training
Centre (Thuwunna) this afternoon, attended by Chairman
of MNOC Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development
Council General Khin Nyunt.
In the final match, Finance and Revenue Ministry team
played against Commerce team. The latter beat the
former 4-2 in the penalty shoot-out, and fetched the
trophy and K 7.5 million. The Energy Ministry team
stood third.
Then, prize presentation ceremony was held. General
Secretary of MOC President of Myanmar Football
Federation Director-General of Sports and Physical
Education Department U Thaung Htaik presented K 50,000
to man of the match Soe Paing Phyo of the Commerce
Ministry team. Next, Chairman of MOC Minister for
Sports Brig-Gen Thura Aye Myint presented medals and K
2.5 million to Energy Ministry team and Minister at
the State Peace and Development Council Chairman's
Office Lt-Gen Min Thein medals and K 5 million to
Finance and Revenue team.
Afterwards, Commander Maj-Gen Myint Swe presented
medals to the players of Commerce team individually.
Then, Adjutant-General Lt-Gen Thein Sein presented
medals and K 100,000 each to the best player awards
in respective places Soe Paing Phyo of Commerce team,
Zaw Htet Aung of Energy team, Lwin Oo of Finance and
Revenue team and Marla of Commerce team and a medal
and K 200,000 to the best player of the tournament Myo
Hlaing Win (F & R). Premium Marketing Ltd presented a
pair of Pan brand football boots worth K 27,000 to the
best players each.
The fair play award went to the Finance and Revenue
team.Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt presented the
shield and K 7.5 million to the Commerce team.
---------
12. Drug traffickers sentenced
Yangon, 15 March ? A combined team comprising members
of the local intelligence unit and members of Zayawady
Police Station, acting on information searched Ma
Malarlamon Thiya?s house at Sinmawtaw village, Jpu
village-tract, Zayawady on 11 October 2002. The
authorities seized 4.233 grams of marihuana.
Action was taken against Ma Malarlamon Thiya, 26,
daughter of U Ramdisiya under Section 15/16(C) of the
Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Law by
Zayawady Police Station.
The Pyu District Court handed down 7 years?
imprisonment on her under Section 16(C) on 20
February.
Similarly, a combined team comprising members of the
local intelligence unit and members of Tachilek
Special Anti-drug Squad, acting on information,
searched Saisam?s house on Tawwin street at Weinkyauk
village, Haungleik village-tract, Tachilek on 17
September 2002. The authorities arrested Saisam and
Aeikthaung together with 1,800 stimulant tablets.
Action was taken against Saisam, 36, son of U Lonsam
and Aeikthaung, 39, son of U Aeikkat under Sections of
15/19(A)/21 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic
Substances Law by Tachilek Police Station.
The Tachilek District Court handed down 25 years?
imprisonment on Saisam under Sections 15 and 19(A) and
20 years? imprisonment on Aeikthaung under Section
19(A)/21 on 3 March.
---------------------
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