[myanmar_information] THE NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR (Friday, April 4, 2003)

Subject: [myanmar_information] THE NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR (Friday, April 4, 2003)
From: Ok Kar <okkar66126@xxxxxxxxx>
Date: Thu, 3 Apr 2003 22:26:54 -0800 (PST)
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THE NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR (Friday, April 4, 2003)
------------------------
1.  Senior General Than Shwe sends felicitations 
    to Senegal
2.  Secretary-1 meets MNCWA and MNWCWA members
3.  Lt-Gen Thura Shwe Mann and Lt-Gen Aung Htwe meet 
    departmental personnel, NGOs, Tatmadawmen
4.  Lt-Gen Thura Shwe Mann and Lt-Gen Aung Htwe meet 
    national race leaders in eastern and northern 
    Shan State
5.  River water pumping projects inspected 
    in Myingyan District 
6.  Lt-Gen Maung Bo inspects development tasks 
    in Kayin State 
7.  Development activities inspected 
    in Ayeyawady Division 
8.  Commander inspects tax-free markets 
9.  Commander, Minister inspect railroad 
10. Myanmar Gazette 
11. TB hospital, Workers Hospital inspected
12. Indonesian delegation leaves
13. Japanese band presents traditional music
14. Deputy Minister receives guests
15. Entries invited for International Day Against Drug

    Abuse and Illicit Trafficking commemorative 
    competitions
16. Narcotic drugs dealer sentenced
-------------------------
1.  Senior General Than Shwe sends felicitations 
    to Senegal

Yangon, 4 April ? Senior General Than Shwe, Chairman
of the State Peace and Development Council of the
Union of Myanmar, has sent a message of felicitations
to His Excellency Mr Abdoulaye Wade, President of the
Republic of Senegal, on the occasion of the National
Day of the Republic of Senegal which falls on 4 April
2003.
----------------
2.  Secretary-1 meets MNCWA and MNWCWA members  

Yangon, 3 April ? Patron of the Myanmar National
Committee for Women?s Affairs Secretary-1 of the State
Peace and Development Council General Khin Nyunt met
with members of MNCWA and the Myanmar National Working
Committee for Women?s Affairs at Zeyathiri Beikman
here this evening. 

The Secretary-1 said although it is a young
organization, the volume of work the MNCWA has
implemented is large and its efforts are effective and
firm. The State?s policies and work programmes are
being implemented in all the sectors of the Union of
Myanmar. Social organizations like the Myanmar
National Working Committee for Women?s Affairs and
academies have been formed in various sectors
including health, education and social sectors.

The social organizations and academies serving the
State?s interest are the true national forces. Because
of the collective efforts of the national forces in
launching the national modernization and development
drive, the nation is firmly advancing along the
correct way. But sadly, due to the instigation of
internal and external destructionists, the nation is
facing political, economic and social pressures and
various kinds of disturbances exceeding it?s capacity
of endurance on all fronts.

The government consolidated the strength of the
national forces and is launching the national
development drive with might and main, despite the
disturbances and interferences from sources inside and
outside the nation.

It is an undeniable truth that the nation is
developing in leaps and bounds without facing any
failures thanks to the harmonious efforts the national
forces that are making efforts within the framework of
State?s policy in serving the interest of the country.

The national economy is developing gradually, and at
the same time, the living standard of the people is
also improving.

The infrastructures including universities, colleges,
world class hospitals, dams, highways and bridges are
developing, while the spiritual sector is also
developing with full national essence, resulting in
the emergence of the national forces striving
energetically for national development.

But all must be aware of the conspiracies of the
internal and external destructive elements to cause
disturbances hindering the development drive, to keep
the nation under economic sanctions, and to halt the
inflow of foreign investments and arrival of tourists
into Myanmar.

They are making slanderous accusations including
sexual violence against ethnic women, human rights
abuses, use of child soldiers and forced labour. Their
conspiracies have become obvious. And if there are no
internal and external disturbances under the
influences of politics, the nation will achieve more
progress.

In this world today, all the countries are keeping
their interest in the fore. Thus, self-reliant efforts
are required for development of the nation. In the
women?s sector, self-reliant efforts are needed to
refute the slanderous accusations with firm and
correct data and facts. Especially, young women should
be organized and educated to cherish their own
traditions and culture. The State has acknowledged the
accomplishments of the MNWCWA. Its members are
required to continue their field tours to remote
border areas and villages, and the respective
departments should render effective assistance to
them.

The project to develop the young women of the border
areas must also cover extension of school education,
vocational education and health care programmes in
addition to cultural, patriotism and law enforcement
programmes.
Efforts should be made to upgrade every village into a
modern one in trying to implement the five rural
development tasks laid down by the State. Members of
the MNWCWA will have to join forces with other social
organizations including USDA, Red Cross, Auxiliary
Fire Brigades and Maternal and Child Welfare
Association in the rural areas in developing the
women?s sector.

Then, Chairman of the Myanmar National Committee for
Women?s Affairs Minister for Social Welfare, Relief
and Resettlement Maj-Gen Sein Htwa elaborated that the
MNCWA meeting was held two times ? first on 23 July
2002 and another on 18 February 2003, while the
Myanmar National Working Committee for Women?s Affairs
held four meetings. In a bid to make the significant
activities of the MNCWA known widely, the ?Exhibition
on Myanmar Women?s Endeavour? could successfully be
organized at the Tatmadaw Convention Centre on U
Wisara Road in Yangon from 15 to 24 October 2002. 

In accord with the directive to form a Working
Committee for Prevention of Trafficking in Persons
apart from the MNWCWA under the MNCWA, the WCPTP
headed by the Deputy Minister for Home Affairs was
formed. The WCPTP is cooperating with the MNWCWA
harmoniously in the attempt to prevent human
trafficking. 

Arrangements for the holding of the Third Myanmar
Women?s Conference have been made as a move that will
mirror the endeavours of the MNCWA in 2003. Efforts
will be made with added momentum greater than now to
let both the public and the international community
know the endeavours and activities of the MNCWA in
line with the one of the directives given to the
members of the MNCWA. Accordingly, preparatory
measures have been taken for the National Seminar on
Trafficking in Women and Children to be held in May
2003. Moreover, arrangements have been made to
organize the seminar under the leadership of the MNCWA
and the WCPTP in cooperation with UNICEF, UN-IAP and
SE (UK). 

Although the seminar is rated as national level in
general, not only can the experiences be exchanged,
but cooperation with the international community can
also be made through the participation of experienced
people from world nations in the human trafficking
combat. Therefore, arrangements have been made to
invite local and foreign technicians. Of the foreign
resources, plans are under way for the resource
persons from USA to participate under their own
arrangements.

It is included in the Article 10 (G) and the Article
13 (C) embedded in CEDAW that opportunities must be
granted to women to actively participate in sports and
physical education. Myanmar women are achieving
success in the sports sector. The International
Olympic Committee awarded ?Women and Sports Trophy
2002? to Myanmar for her cooperation with the working
committee for women?s affairs in the women?s sports
sector as well as in all-round development activities
for women. Thus, the MNWCWA in cooperation with the
Ministry of Sports has made arrangements for holding
the National Seminar on Women and Sports.

Then, Minister for Home Affairs Col Tin Hlaing
explained matters on prevention of human trafficking.
He said the issues of human trafficking are being
solved in the international community. In Myanmar,
under the leadership of MNCWA, the Work Committee for
Prevention Against Human Trafficking (WCPAHT) in
cooperation with MNWCWA is making preventive measures
for human trafficking. Before the WCPAHT was formed,
the Ministry of Home Affairs drafted and implemented
the project to take actions against those who
illegally work in foreign countries. In accordance
with the instructions of the MNCWA Patron, the work
committee was formed. The Deputy Minister for Home
Affairs acts as the chairman and members are
representatives from related ministries, MNWCWA,
MMCWA, MRCS, and USDA. The work programme was drawn up
and the work committee meetings have been held for
five times. According to the decisions of the
meetings, the work groups were formed at
State/Division, District, Township, ward/village
levels.

The WCPAHT chairman received the Tokyo-based ICRC
delegation at the hall of Kengtung General
Administration Department on 2-8-2002 and explained
activities on prevention against human trafficking.
The WCPAHT members led by the chairman and the
secretary met 4,585 people at Kengtung, Mongphat and
Tachilek in Shan State (East) and Taunggyi and Heho in
Shan State (South); 1,300 people at Homein Region on
the eastern bank of Thanlwin river, Langkho, Monai,
Namhsan and Kunhein and Taunggyi townships in Shan
State (South); 685 people at the Kayin State Peace and
Development Council Office in Hpa-an and Bayme
monastery in Kawkyaik Village in Hpa-an Township; 120
people at Affiliated BEMS in Yanlu Village in Mongzin
Village-tract in Kengtung Township; 250 people at the
monastery in Panton Village, Namlan Village-tract in
Mongphat Township together with the ICRC resident
representative in Myanmar and party; and 735 people at
Thandwe and Taungup townships in Rakhine State. The
WCPAHT explained to them matters relating to
prevention against human trafficking, the nature of
human traffickers, exposing the human traffickers,
troubles to be encountered in working in foreign
countries illegally, the State?s endeavours in
building dams for the people to carry out traditional
business undertakings of agriculture and livestock
breeding works, and the five rural development tasks.

Moreover, pamphlets in Mon, Kayin and Shan languages
are distributed to the national races residing in Mon
State, Kayin State, Shan State, Kachin State and
Taninthayi Division. Articles on human trafficking
problems are distributed in Myanmar, Kayin and Shan
languages in the above-mentioned states and divisions.

Educative talks on the human trafficking were held by
the MNWCWA at the grass-root levels in Shan State
(East), Shan State (North), Mon State, Kayin State and
Taninthayi Division. In addition, MNWCWA in
cooperation with the UN-IAP conducted short-term
courses for staff and members of social organizations
on prevention against human trafficking in Mon State,
Kayin State, Shan State (East), Magway Division, Bago
Division and Yangon Division. Although the work
committee was formed only eight months ago, it could
expose altogether 252 human traffickers in 137 cases
thanks to the educative talks, active participation of
related associations and active endeavours of the
WCPAHT at different levels. Effective punishments were
handed down on the human traffickers. Australia has
offered an MoU on cooperation for preventing human
trafficking and efforts will be made to carry on that
matter. Constant and continued efforts will be made
for reducing human trafficking. The regional WCWAs and
WCPAHT at different levels will also continue
cooperation. So, tasks for preventing human
trafficking in Myanmar will be implemented
effectively. Matters for establishing model villages
as guided by the Secretary-1 are concerned with the
Ministry of Home Affairs. These tasks will be carried
out consequently. Regarding the women?s affairs, the
Ministry of Home Affairs and the WCPAHT chaired by the
Deputy Minister for Home Affairs will raise the
momentum so far achieved, he explained. 

Then, MNWCWA Chairman Deputy Minister for Social
Welfare, Relief and Resettlement U Hlaing Win briefed
on activities of the MNWCWA. He said MNCWA and MNWCWA
held the Exhibition on Myanmar Women?s Endeavours from
15 to 24 November 2002. MNWCWA members led by Dr Daw
Khin Win Shwe have made field trips to Shan State
(East), Mon State, Kayin State, Taninthayi Division
and Shan State (North) to explain facts about the
committee. Moreover, MNWCWA members held functions and
meetings to explain facts about the committee and
matters on prevention of violence against women and
rehabilitation tasks. 

Moreover, the young women who were attempting to go
and work in the other country were convinced with true
events in time and sent back home. The Eighth National
Immunization Days ceremony and commemorative talks on
World AIDS Day were held. Two reports on traditions
and customs which could harm the health of women and
children and on prevention of violence against women
working in the other country were sent through the
Ministry of Foreign Affairs to be mentioned in the UN
Secretary-General?s reports. 

As regards international relations, the committee met
Australian Review and Scoping Mission including
Country Programme Manager Ms Cathic Hurst of Aus-AID
and Governance Advisor Mr David Bander on 23-7-2002;
Advisor on Gender Ms Trinidad Osteria of UNFPA/CST on
27-8-2002; UN Under-Secretary-General Ambassador Mr
Joseph Verner Reed and party on 1-11-2002; Section
Chief Mr Jorge Sequeira of UNICEF, Yangon on 9-12-2002
morning and Regional Programme Manager Mr Philip
Marshall of UN-IAP the same afternoon; Senior Officer
of Office to Monitor in Combat Trafficking in Persons
of the US State Department Mr Philip Linderman and
First Secretary of the Embassy of the USA Mr John
Henyes on 21-1-2003; officials from Amnesty
International, UK, on 6-2-2003; and International
Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), Geneva, on
7-3-2003.

In meeting with Mr Philip Linderman of the State
Department of the USA, records on activities of the
MNWCWA on trafficking in persons, lectures of Mobile
Team, pamphlets and video tapes were presented. In
meeting with Amnesty International, UK, activities of
the MNWCWA were discussed and in meeting with ICRC,
activities of the MNWCWA and arrangements for giving
social needs and counselling the woman prisoners in
the prisons. 

In September 2002, Training Course on Counselling and
Training of Service Providers for Trafficking in Women
and Children were conducted, in that month, IOC 2002
Women and Sports Trophy presented by International
Olympic Committee was received, in October 2002,
Activities Implemented by Myanmar National Working
Committee for Women?s Affairs during the Period of
1-1-2002 to 30-6 2002, in December 2002, Trafficking
in Women and Children: Myanmar Perspective was
explained. Handbook on Trafficking in Persons: Myanmar
Initiatives has been compiled and arrangements are
being made to present it, and in November 2002,
?Moe-thet-lay-ko-chway-te-hsaung? feature was shown on
TV for the girls to preserve own culture and modes of
dress. It was distributed by Snow White Video
Production. Myet Khin Thit arts group also aired
educative shows ?Nway-thaw-yin-khwin,
Sangyoug-Hte-ka-yay, Nay-yaung-auk-ka-mee,
Ein-met-hline-mya, and Pwint-oo-be-thu-chway.

Altogether 10 delegates were sent to attend seminars
in Malaysia, the ROK, Indonesia, Switzerland, Laos,
Thailand, Japan and India during the period 1-7-2002
to 31-3-2003. The MNCWA made cash donations of K
898,000 to associations and social organizations and
it received donations of K 2,250,000 and a set of
wickerwork worth US$ 500 during the period 1-7-2002 to
31-3-2003.

Then, Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe said that the survey team
made up of members of MNCWA and MNWCWA made a field
tour of Taninthayi Division from 20-1-2003 to
23-1-2003, Chin State on 6-3-2003, and together with
members of the working committee to Kale District, and
Shan State (North) on 23 and 24 March. The purpose of
the field tour is to cordially meet with local
nationals, to disseminate methods in carrying out
tasks for development of women and in solving possible
difficulties, and to give educative talks on human
trafficking and explain bad results that young women
suffered when they try to work in the neighbouring
country.

She added that in the education sector, local
nationals paid attention to pursuing education in
three states and divisions. But out of them, some had
to leave school due to financial problems. In health
sector, malaria and diarrhoea are common and so
educative talks on prevention of these diseases have
been given, and they are now fully aware of HIV/AIDS.
Regarding violence against women, there are only a few
cases. They gained knowledge on trafficking in persons
through educative talks. Local people in villages and
wards do not know the existence of laws that give
protection to women. With regard to economy, the main
businesses of Taninthayi Division are agriculture and
fisheries and others are planting rubber, oil palm,
cashew and areca palm, marine products processing
factories. In Chin State, main business is tea
plantation, and in Shan State, plantation of tea and
orange and domestic paper industry. If they get small
loans, they will be able to start micro-enterprises.
In cultural sector, they have a deep reverence for
religion they believe, preserve and cherish their
traditions and culture, and hold traditional
festivals. Regarding conservation of environment,
local people use firewood and charcoal as main fuel
and so it may cause deforestation. Thus, under the
educative talks of the Ministry of Forestry, trees for
firewood and perennial trees are being planted. Most
of the houses have wells and there is sufficient
water. In information sector, efforts are being made
to open small libraries in many villages. In Chin
State, there are some mobile libraries with the use of
pony carts. Electricity is supplied to an extent. Dr
Daw Khin Win Shwe also assessed the tasks to be
carried out according to the present situations.  

Afterwards, Vice-Chief of Military Intelligence
Maj-Gen Kyaw Win, Chief Justice U Aung Toe,
Attorney-General U Tha Tun, Minister for Progress of
Border Areas and National Races and Development
Affairs Col Thein Nyunt, Minister for Social Welfare,
Relief and Resettlement Maj-Gen Sein Htwa reported on
matters related to entertainment and educative
programmes, relationship between cultural traditions
and laws, those who illegally went to the neighbouring
country for earning money and retured to the
motherland, vocational training courses being
conducted for national women, and active undertaking
of the tasks adopted by the MNCWA. 

In his concluding address, the Secretary-1 said the
holding of the Third Myanmar Women?s Conference has
been approved in principle. Arrangements should be
made to organize a seminar on trafficking in women and
children as planned.  

The MNCWA will have to organize a National Seminar on
Women and Sports in cooperation with the Ministry of
Sports.

The MNCWA will have to set up a trust fund to provide
loans to women of the poor in enabling them to do
business. The MNWCWA members will have to continue
their field tours to states and divisions.

Concerning the health sector, efforts should be made
to pay attention to preventing recurrence of the
leprosy and polio in making field tours. The
accomplishments of the MNCWA should be informed at
home and abroad as the committee?s functions benefit
the womenfolk. Preparations should be made to
systematically hold the conferences and the seminar. 
--------------
3.  Lt-Gen Thura Shwe Mann and Lt-Gen Aung Htwe meet 
    departmental personnel, NGOs, Tatmadawmen

Yangon, 3 April ? Members of the State Peace and
Development Council Lt-Gen Thura Shwe Mann and Lt-Gen
Aung Htwe of the Ministry of Defence met with members
of the Tatmadaw at North-East Command in Lashio on 1
April.

Lt-Gen Thura Shwe Mann said soldiers must be dutiful
in building a modern Tatmadaw, urging them to be
equipped with discipline, loyalty, capabilities and
codes of conduct. They should also uphold the 12
objectives, while striving to promote welfare
activities. 

Accompanied by the commander, Lt-Gen Thura Shwe Mann
and Lt-Gen Aung Htwe inspected poultry farms, fish
farms, plantations and a feedstuff mill of the
command.

At the highland reclamation project of the command,
they inspected the irrigation system, paddy,
groundnut, corn and sunflower cultivation and
Thitseint (Bellanic myrobalan) plantations.

During inspection of a model farm near Humon Village,
they heard a report on cultivation of high-yield
paddy, presented by officials.

In Nantlan Station, they met with Tatmadaw members and
families, speaking of the need to live in accord with
the rules and to try to win the trust of the people.
The Tatmadaw members are the sons and daughters of the
people, and they are good citizens safeguarding the
nation. They will have to defend the nation through
the people?s militia strategy. They will have to serve
and protect the people?s interest in trying to
organize them.

Later, they visited patients at the Nantlan Station
Hospital, urging the staff to make all-out efforts in
rendering public health care services.

In Konhing in southern Shan State, they met with
departmental personnel, members of NGOs, and discussed
the regional development drive. 

They also inspected the Heho Airport, and arrived back
here from the airport in the evening. 
-------------
4.  Lt-Gen Thura Shwe Mann and Lt-Gen Aung Htwe meet 
    national race leaders in eastern and northern 
    Shan State

Yangon, 3 April ? Members of the State Peace and
Development Council Lt-Gen Thura Shwe Mann and Lt-Gen
Aung Htwe of the Ministry of Defence, at the Pyi Nyein
Aye Hall of the Station on 31 March. 

They asked them to actively take part in public
welfare tasks such as tasks for stability of the
State, peace and prevalence of law and regional
development. 

First, Lt-Gen Aung Htwe spoke of the need to bear in
mind the Ten Strengths of the Tatmadaw, Code of
Conduct, Our Three Main National Causes and  the
Twelve Objectives. He also gave instructions on
organizing tasks and amity and unity among families of
the Tatmadawmen, and respect and love between
officials and other ranks. 

Then, Lt-Gen Thura Shwe Mann said efforts are made for
the Tatmadaw to be a modern one to defend the country.
In so doing, Tatmadawmen play an important role. The
public and the Tatmadaw are responsible to defend the
country with people?s militia strategy in which the
public participate. The Tatmadaw which is formed with
the siblings of the public are taking part in the five
rural areas development tasks that will enable them to
serve the interests of the public. So the service
personnel and the public are to join them. Destructive
elements are trying to disintegrate the Tatmadaw and
the public through fabrications. It is known to all
that the Tatmadaw abides by the law and does not allow
anyone to do anything lawlessly. Protecting the
interest of the public and with their participation,
all are to build up a modern Tatmadaw, he said.
Afterwards, Lt-Gen Thura Shwe Mann, Lt-Gen Aung Htwe
and party met departmental staff at the development
affairs hall in Kengtung and gave instructions on
regional development.

Lt-Gen Aung Htwe made a speech. Then, Commander
Brig-Gen Khin Zaw briefed on the situation of Shan
State (East), local rice sufficiency, education and
health sectors, and implementation of the five rural
development tasks. 

Lt-Gen Thura Shwe Mann said national races who are
citizens of the State are to take part in the tasks
for building a modern and developed nation. The State
comprises divisions and states and all nationals are
living in these states and divisions. So, national
races are to faithfully serve the interest of the
State. Service personnel are to go to the region where
they are assigned to carry out duties and they are to
assume the region as their native places and to
discharge duties there happily with goodwill. As the
service personnel are carrying out the duties of the
State, their acts are assumed to be that of the State.
So, they are to discharge duties with goodwill in
accordance with the law. Only then will  the public
have trust in  the government and will take part in
nation-building endeavours. Similarly, members of
USDA, MCWA and other social organizations are the
associations that organize the public and they
together with service personnel and local authorities
are to organize the public take part in the tasks for
development of the State.

Later, Lt-Gen Thura Shwe Mann, Lt-Gen Aung Htwe and
party arrived at Panhsan, Special Region-2 in Shan
State (North) by helicopter.

In Panhsan, Shan State (North) Peace and Development
Council Chairman North-East Command Commander Maj-Gen
Myint Hlaing, Special Region-2 national race leader U
Pauk Yu Chan and members, officials and local people
welcomed them. Lt-Gen Thura Shwe Mann, Lt-Gen Aung
Htwe and party heard reports on regional development
tasks by national race leader U Pauk Yu Chan and
members at Meizen Hotel there. 

Lt-Gen Thura Shwe Mann made a speech. He said Wa
nationals are the nationals of the State and efforts
are being made for development of Wa region and Wa
nationals. Success already achieved is to be
maintained and all are to make more efforts for
regional development and the State will provide
necessary assistance. 

Lt-Gen Thura Shwe Mann, Lt-Gen Aung Htwe and U Pauk Yu
Chan and members exchanged gifts. 

Lt-Gen Thura Shwe Mann and Lt-Gen Aung Htwe visited
Maha Panthu Theingi Pagoda and Lt-Gen Thura Shwe Mann
made cash donation for the pagoda through U Pauk Yu
Chan. At 11.45 am, Lt-Gen Thura Shwe Mann, Lt-Gen Aung
Htwe and party attended the opening of a two-storey
school building of Panhsan BEHS.

Schoolhead Daw Thaung Thaung reported on teaching and
learning situation and construction of school
building. U Pauk Yu Chan spoke words of thanks to the
State and wellwishers for presenting the school
building. 

Lt-Gen Thura Shwe Mann made a speech and presented
cash award for teachers and staff of health department
who are discharging duties in border areas. Lt-Gen
Aung Htwe also present gifts and foodstuff to them.
Commander Brig-Gen Khin Zaw, Lt-Col Aung Myint Thwin
on behalf of the Adjutant-General?s Office, and Vice
Quartermaster-General Maj-Gen Htin Aung Kyaw on behalf
of the Quartermaster-General?s Office made cash
donations for the school to the schoolhead.    

Lt-Gen Aung Htwe and U Pauk Yu Chan formally opened
the school building and looked around it. Then, Lt-Gen
Thura Shwe Mann, Lt-Gen Aung Htwe and party were
hosted a lunch at Meizen Hotel by U Pauk Yu Chan and
they left for Namtit in Mongmao District in Shan State
(North) where they were welcomed by Namtit Special
Township Officer U Aik Yon and members. At the hall of
Namtit Special Township General Administration Office,
Lt-Gen Thura Shwe Mann made a speech. 
Lt-Gen Thura Shwe Mann, Lt-Gen Aung Htwe and Commander
Maj-Gen Myint Hlaing arrived at Shan State (North)
Special Region-5 Tamoenye in the afternoon.

After Lt-Gen Thura Shwe Mann had made a speech, gifts
were exchanged. Lt-Gen Thura Shwe Mann, Lt-Gen Aung
Htwe and party left for Lashio by helicopter. At the  
Lashio airport, Deputy Commander of North-East Command
Brig-Gen Hla Myint and departmental heads welcomed
them. At Lashio City Hall, Lt-Gen Thura Shwe Mann and
Lt-Gen Aung Htwe met state level departmental heads
and staff. Shan State (North) Peace and Development
Council Secretary Lt-Col Win Han gave a report.  

Lt-Gen Thura Shwe Mann made a speech. He urged the
public and staff to dutifully carry out the
responsibilities for the development of the State with
goodwill and the meeting ended. 
-------------
5.  River water pumping projects inspected 
    in Myingyan District 

Yangon, 3 April ? Member of the State Peace and
Development Council Lt-Gen Ye Myint of the Ministry of
Defence, inspected Myingyan River Water Pumping
Project (Thapaung) near Thapaung Village, Myingyan
Township, yesterday morning.

At the briefing hall of the project, officials
reported on salient points about the project, water
supply for cultivation of monsoon paddy, cotton and
other crops in the rainy season, installation of water
pumps at the projects in Myingyan District, arrival of
pumps for the remaining projects and acres of fields
to be cultivated with the use of river water. Lt-Gen
Ye Myint fulfilled the requirements and inspected
installation of ten Hero ILF Brand pumps at Myingyan
water pumping station (Thapaung) that benefits 4,223
acres of farmlands. Then, Lt-Gen Ye Myint and party
went to Hsimikhon Section 2 Water Pumping Project
(Kaing-ywa). 

At the briefing hall, officials reported on progress
of work for irrigating 4,000 acres of paddy, 1,000
acres of cotton and 6,000 acres of beans and pulses
and oil crops, installation of pumps and plans under
way for wiring power lines. Lt-Gen Ye Myint gave
instructions on timely completion and ensuring
durability of irrigation facilities. 

They inspected construction of main canal of the
project and installation of pipelines at pump station
3. Next, they inspected Kaingywa water pumping station
and gave necessary instructions. They inspected
reclamation of lands for paddy cultivation with the
use of water from the project. 

Lt-Gen Ye Myint and party went to Hsimikhon Section 1
River Water Pumping Project (Sakyu Village). At the
briefing hall, officials reported on supply of water
for 972 acres of farmland. Lt-Gen Ye Myint gave
necessary instructions.

They then proceeded to Myingyan Township Hsimigon
Section 2 River Water Pumping Project (Nyaungbintha
Village). Officials reported work progress. Lt-Gen Ye
Myint stressed the need for constant supply of water
and cent per cent cultivation of targeted crops,
maintenance of pumps, storage of spare parts and
digging of canals that can be also used for waterway.
Lt-Gen Ye Myint and party inspected the pumps in the
Ayeyawady River and pumping of water with the use of
20-inch diameter pipes. The project is located near
Nyaungpintha Village and on completion it will benefit
9,000 acres of lands.

Afterwards, they inspected cultivation of summer paddy
with the use of water from the project. They also
inspected progress in reclaiming lands along
Mohtaung-Thayetchon-Ngamya road. At the briefing hall
of Ngamya River Water Pumping Project site near Ngamya
Village, Ngazun Township, Lt-Gen Ye Myint and party
heard reports presented by respective officials on
facts about the project and arrangements being made
for supply of water for reclaimed lands. Lt-Gen Ye
Myint gave instructions on timely completion and
minimizing loss and wastage and attended to the needs.
They then inspected the digging of main canal and
pumping capacity of water. Arrangements are being made
for irrigation of 500 acres of monsoon paddy, 500
acres of cotton and 2,000 acres of beans and pulses
and oil crops. Next, they headed for Ywathit River
Water Pumping Project near Ywathit Village, Ngazun
Township. Officials reported on work progress and
supply of electricity for the project. They inspected
conditions of the water flow of the Ayeyawady River
between Ngazun and Myinmu Townships, and progress in
digging a lake for storing water and the 3,500-foot
main canal and left necessary instructions. The
project with a 37,500-foot main canal and a 9,000-foot
distributory will benefit 7,000 acres of land.

At the office of Ngazun Township Peace and Development
Council, officials reported on cultivation of monsoon
and summer paddy, upgrading of village-to-village
roads in the township and land reclamation. The
chairman of District Peace and Development Council and
Commander Maj-Gen Ye Myint gave supplementary reports.
Lt-Gen Ye Myint gave instructions on extended
cultivation of paddy with the use of water from the
river water pumping stations and dams, and
construction of village-to-village roads. 

Lt-Gen Ye Myint and party inspected Kyauktalon River
Water Pumping Project and gave necessary instructions.
Farmers of the village successfully carry out triple
cropping on 2,500-acre farmland with the use of water
from the project. Lt-Gen Ye Myint inspected the
Natthataw Dam Construction Project site north of
Natthataw Village, Ngazun Township, Myingyan District,
and gave necessary instructions. The dam, 6,140 feet
in length and 57 feet in height, is under construction
across Natthataw and Shwelinpan Creeks and it will be
completed in 2003-2004. 

They spent the night in Mandalay. Yesterday morning,
Lt-Gen Ye Myint met Tatmadawmen and their families of
Myingyan Station at the local battalion in Myingyan
and gave instructions on participation in rural
development tasks. 
-------------
6.  Lt-Gen Maung Bo inspects development tasks 
    in Kayin State 

Yangon, 3 April ? Member of the State Peace and
Development Council Lt-Gen Maung Bo of the Ministry of
Defence,  on 31 March morning, arrived at Hpa-an bank
of Hlaingbwe river crossing Bridge (DawLan) linking
Hpa-an Township and Hlaingbwe Township. 

Brig-Gen Khin Maung Soe of Kawkareik station, Kayin
State Peace and Development Council Chairman Col Cho
Tun Aung and departmental officials welcomed them.
After hearing reports presented by Brig-Gen Khin Maung
Soe on facts about the bridge, Lt-Gen Maung Bo gave
instructions on maintenance of the bridge. 

Lt-Gen Maung Bo and party went to Nabu Station
Hospital in Kawkareik Township and inspected it. He
then presented cash for trust fund of the hospital
through Medical Superintendent Dr Kyaw Swa. 

 They then attended the ceremony to hand over Nabu
Basic Education High School building to Education
Department and addressed the ceremony. First,
Kawkareik District Peace and Development Council
Chairman Lt-Col Ko Ko Gyi and Director of the
Development Affairs Committee of the Ministry for
Progress of Border Areas and National Races and
Development Affairs U Kyaw Hlaing formally opened the
new school building which was constructed under the
rural areas and national races development
implemen-tation programme. Then, Lt-Gen Maung Bo made
an address. In his address, he said the State and the
people are carrying out the five rural development
tasks. 

The State is laying programmes to enable the school
age children to attend school. He urged local
authorities, townselders and teachers to maintain the
school for long term use and strive for emergence of
brilliant students. Next, Kawkareik Township Education
Officer U Aye Min reported on facts about the
building.

Lt-Col Ko Ko Gyi handed over documents relating to the
building to Education Department. Then, Lt-Gen Maung
Bo presented cash to Headmistress Naw Ohn Kyin for the
trust fund of the school. He then inspected extension
of buildings in the school compound.  

Later, Lt-Gen Maung Bo and party proceeded to Nabu
Station. At the meeting hall of Nabu Station, Maj Tun
Myint of local battalion reported on condition of
nine-mile long Nabu-Dawlan road and bridge, 15-mile
long Kawkareik-Myapadaing-Nabu road and 30-mile long
Kawkareik-Kwinkalay-Thingannyinaung road with the use
of charts. 

Then, Lt-Gen Maung Bo said that the State has
constructed roads and bridges for the regional
development. Therefore, there will be smooth
transportation and better trading in the regions.
Town-to-village and village-to-village roads also have
been built for development of rural areas, he added.

Out of 15 miles, four miles and one furlong of
Kawkareik-Myapadaing-Nabu road has been tarred by
Tatmadawmen. Next, Lt-Gen Maung Bo and party inspected
the road construction project.

Later, they paid obeisance to Sayadaw Bhaddanta Manava
(Dhammacariya) and members of the Sangha in Kawkareik
and presented offertories. They then went to
Hpa-an-Kawkareik Microwave Station and gave necessary
instructions to officials.

Afterwards, they proceeded to Kanni river water
pumping station where they were welcomed by
departmental officials and Mon national races. At the
briefing hall, Lt-Col Ko Ko Gyi reported on
construction of roads and bridges for
Kyondo-Kanni-Kawbain region development.  

Then, Assistant Director U Soe Lwin of Kayin State
Water Resources Utilization Department reported on
cultivation of 30 acres of summer paddy with pumped
river water. Then, Lt-Gen Maung Bo met with service
personnel and local farmers and gave instructions. He
said the State, based on agriculture sector, is
striving for the economic development of the nation.
To improve agriculture sector, it has implemented dam
and river water pumping projects for fulfilling the
need of water for agriculture purpose, he said. He
urged those present to effectively use modern farming
methods, assistance and irrigated water supplied by
the government, to strive for meeting the set
cultivated acreage for monsoon and summer paddy, and
to expand cultivated acreage. 

Then, Lt-Gen Maung Bo and party inspected the
cultivation of 30 acres of Hsinshweli summer paddy
with use of water supplied by Kanni river water
pumping station on the bank of the Houngthayaw River.
Later, they returned to Kyondo by boat and proceeded
to Jaing river water pumping project in Jaing Village
in Hpa-an Township. At the briefing hall of the
project, he heard reports on arrangements for
irrigation of 1,000 acres of farm by the river water
pumping project, cultivation of 500 acres of summer
paddy with use of water irrigated by the project and
cultivation of 134,253 acres of summer paddy in Kayin
State in 2002-2003 presented by the responsible
officials. Then, Lt-Gen Maung Bo met with service
personnel and local farmers and gave instructions. He
said Kayin State being a region with abundant land and
water resources, local people must strive for the
development of agriculture sector of the region.
Departmental staff must provide agricultural
technologies, high yield paddy strains to farmers, he
said. He then urged the local farmers to strive for
the development of agriculture sector of Kayin State
and the State energetically.

Afterwards, Lt-Gen Maung Bo cordially greeted the
local farmers and viewed the thriving fields of paddy
irrigated by river water. Then, he left for Hpa-an.

On 1 April morning, Lt-Gen Maung Bo, accompanied by
Deputy Commander of South-East Command Brig-Gen Myo
Hla and officials, paid homage to State Ovadacariya
Bhaddanta Panñasami of Ariyavamsa Monastery and
presiding Nayaka Sayadaws of the monasteries in the
town and presented offertories to the sayadaws.

Then, Lt-Gen Maung Bo and party attended the ceremony
to hand over the self-reliance new station hospital of
Htoneaing Station in Hpa-an Township. 

Hpa-an District Peace and Development Council Chairman
Lt-Col Soe Myint Aung and Director of Health
Department of the Ministry of Health Dr Tin Win Maung
formally opened the hospital. 

Then, a ceremony to hand over the hospital to Health
Department was held at the meeting hall of the
hospital. Lt-Gen Maung Bo made a speech on the
occasion. 

Then, Lt-Gen Maung Bo presented K 50,000 for the funds
of the hospital through Dr Thanda Aung. Then, Director
U Tin Win Maung of the Health Department accepted
documents related to the hospital presented by
wellwisher U Khin Maung Win. Hpa-an Township USDA
Executive Daw Win Win Than spoke words of thanks.

Afterwards, Lt-Gen Maung Bo and party viewed round the
hospital and cordially greeted the local people.

The 118-foot-long and 80-foot-wide new hospital was
constructed at a cost of K 19.0 million including K
7.3 million contributed by wellwishers U Min Kyaw Win
and Daw Mya Kyi family and handed over to the Health
Department. 

Then, Lt-Gen Maung Bo inspected the telephone exchange
of Myanma Posts and Telecommunications in the village.

Next, Lt-Gen Maung Bo and party arrived at Htoneaing
river water pumping project in the village. At the
briefing hall, officials reported on facts about the
river water pumping project and cultivation of summer
and monsoon paddy in the state. Lt-Gen Maung Bo gave
necessary instructions and inspected thriving of
summer paddy.

Then, Lt-Gen Maung Bo met with local authorities,
members of USDA and social organizations at the
meeting hall of Kayin State Peace and Development
Council Office. Officials reported on population of
the state, land utilization and tasks being carried
out in the region.

Then, Lt-Gen Maung Bo made a speech. He said it was
required to meet the targeted acreage of monsoon and
summer paddy in the region. The government was
striving for the harmonious development of the country
with the participation of the national races by
designating 24 development zones, laying border area
development and rural development projects, he said.
The country being an agro-based one, development of
agriculture sector would improve the living standards
of the national races. The government was striving for
water supply tasks essential for agriculture by using
all the ways and means, he said. Then, he urged the
farmers to effectively use irrigated river-water by
the cultivation of paddy and other crops exceeding the
targets. Then, Lt-Gen Maung Bo cordially greeted those
present. 

At 1.30 pm, Lt-Gen Maung Bo met with Tatmadawmen and
their families at the hall of Hpa-an Station and gave
instructions. Then, he inspected the development of
the town.  

Next, Lt-Gen Maung Bo and party inspected the
construction of embankment to prevent the erosion on
Hpakat side of the Thanlwin Bridge (Hpa-an). After
hearing reports presented by officials, Lt-Gen Maung
Bo gave necessary instructions. Lt-Gen Maung Bo and
party left there by car and arrived back here in the
evening. 
---------------
7.  Development activities inspected 
    in Ayeyawady Division 

Yangon, 3 April ? Member of the State Peace and
Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than of the
Ministry of Defence, went to Pyinsalu Station Hospital
in Labutta Township of Ayeyawady Division in the
morning of 1 April and inspected tasks to upgrade the
hospital.

Medical Superintendent of the hospital Dr Yin Yin Aye
conducted Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than and party round the
man and woman patients wards, the theatres, medical
store house, and the delivery rooms. 

At the meeting hall of the hospital, Lt-Gen Khin Maung
Than and party met with departmental officials,
members of social organizations, and local people and
gave instructions. Then, they went to Yegyawkyi
Village in Pyinsalu and inspected the prawn ponds and
the salterns undertaken by national entrepreneur U
Shwe, who later reported on the digging of prawn
ponds, salt production process, and the distribution
of salt. 

U Shwe?s 80-acre saltern can produce 600,000 viss of
salt in average in the salt-making season. There are a
total of 9,445.73 acres of saltern in the whole
Labutta Township and 54 million viss of salt could be
produced in 2001-2002.

Salt is produced in Ngapudaw Township of Pathein
District, Labutta and Myaungmya Townships of Myaungmya
District, Phyapon and Bogale Townships of Phyapon
District in Ayeyawady Division. 

On arrival at Labutta Township, Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than
and party met with local authorities, departmental
officials, members of social organizations, crab and
prawn entrepreneurs, and local people at Shwenady Hall
and gave instructions on regional development tasks. 

Then, officials reported on paddy yield, cultivation
of summer paddy, the harvesting and winnowing of
paddy, cultivation of beans and pulses and edible oil
crops, production of salt, and the breeding of sea
prawns. 

After hearing the reports, Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than gave
instructions on the cultivation of summer paddy and
edible oil crops exceeding the target, making efforts
to boost the economy of the division, and the
cooperation the local people and social organizations
with the local authorities in modernization of the
division. Next, Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than and party
inspected the development condition of Labutta
Township by car.

On arrival at the Shwebuddaw Pagoda in Myaungmya,
Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than, Commander Maj-Gen Htay Oo and
Minister Brig-Gen Maung Maung Thein offered flowers,
water, lights and joss sticks to the pagoda.
Afterwards, they left the pagoda for Yangon, arriving
in the evening. 
--------------
8.  Commander inspects tax-free markets 

Yangon, 3 April ? Chairman of Yangon Division Peace
and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command
Maj-Gen Myint Swe, inspected tax-free markets in
Yangon this morning and gave necessary instructions. 

First, the commander and party arrived at the tax-free
market on Pantra road in Dagon Township. Commander of
No 3 Military Region Col Tint Hsan and local
authorities welcomed the commander and party there.
Then, the commander inspected the performance of
business in Pantra tax-free market and Hanthawady
tax-free market at the corner of Hanthawady and
Kyundaw roads. 

Afterwards, the commander and party proceeded to the
tax-free market on Kyaikkasan Road in Tamway Township.
Commander of No 2 Military Region Brig-Gen Myo Myint
and officials welcomed the commander there. Then, the
commander and party inspected the Tamway tax-free
market and Yankin tax-free market. The commander and
party also inspected Mayangon tax-free market in
Mayagon Township and gave instructions on distribution
of fresh vegetables and meat and fish, sanitation
tasks of tax-free markets and maintenance of drainages
and platforms in the market.
--------------
9.  Commander, Minister inspect railroad 

Yangon, 3 April ? Minister for Rail Transportation
Maj-Gen Aung Min, arrived at Myitkyina Railway Station
on 30 March afternoon. 

He met with the staff of the railway station and gave
instructions on improvement of railroad ensuring
smooth transportation of passengers and goods. Then,
the deputy minister explained the staff welfare tasks.
Afterwards, the minister inspected the surrounding
areas of the station and departure of trains.

On 31 March, Chairman of Kachin State Peace and
Development Council Commander of Northern Command
Maj-Gen Maung Maung Swe and the minister inspected the
Myitkyina-Kawlin railroad section, Mayan-Namti
railroad section, Pinbaw-Namkhin railroad section, No
615 Bridge between Myothitgale and Namma,
straightening of railroad in Namkham-Bonchaung
railroad section, and levelling of hills and attended
to the needs. The minister inspected the
Kawlin-Mandalay railroad section and maintenance tasks
of No 159 Bridge between Htantabin and Nyaungzin on 1
April. 
--------------
10. Myanmar Gazette 

Yangon, 3 April ? The State Peace and Development
Council has appointed General Manager U Soe Tint of
Inland Water Transport of the Ministry of Transport as
Managing Director of the same department on probation
from the date he assumes charge of his duties.
--------------
11. TB hospital, Workers Hospital inspected

Yangon, 3 April ? Minister for Labour U Tin Winn,
yesterday afternoon went to Workers Hospital (Yangon)
in Tamway Township.

Officials conducted the minister round the patient
wards, wards, theatres and orthopaedic rooms of the
hospital, and reported to him on matters relating to
giving medical treatment to patients.

The minister then met with patients receiving medical
treatment at the hospital and comforted them. At the
meeting hall of the hospital, the minister met with
the medical superintendent, specialists, doctors,
nurses and medical staff and gave instructions on
giving treatment to patients out of goodwill and love.

In the evening, the minister arrived at the
construction site of TB Treatment Hospital (100-bed),
which belongs to the Social Security Board, in
Hlinethaya Htantabin Township. There the minister
heard reports on progress made in the construction of
the hospital and arrangements for opening the hospital
soon. After hearing the reports, the minister gave
instructions to officials who will discharge duties in
the hospital.

It is reported that TB Treatment Hospital (100-bed)
owned by the Social Security Board of the Ministry of
Labour will be opened soon. 
----------------
12. Indonesian delegation leaves

Yangon, 3 April ? Minister of Foreign Affairs of the
Republic of Indonesia Dr N Hassan Wirajuda and party
left here this morning. They also visited Shwedagon
Pagoda at 6.30 am today.
---------------
13. Japanese band presents traditional music

Yangon, 3 April ? Japanese Rokkasen traditional music
band headed by Mr Yoshiyuki Kozu visiting here under
Myanmar-Japan Cultural Cooperation and Exchange
Programme entertained the public with Japanese
traditional music and songs at the National Theatre on
Myoma Kyaung Street in Dagon Township this evening.
-------------
14. Deputy Minister receives guests

Yangon, 3 April ? Deputy Minister for Culture U Soe
Nyunt received visiting Leader of Japanese Traditional
Music Band Mr Yoshiyuki Kozu and 9 artistes at the
Ministry of Culture this morning.
--------------
15. Entries invited for International Day Against Drug

    Abuse and Illicit Trafficking commemorative 
    competitions

Yangon, 3 April ? The short story, article, song,
poem, cartoon, painting, poster, computer drawing and
computer poster competitions, organized by the Central
Committee for Drug Abuse Control, will be held to mark
International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit
Trafficking which falls on 26 June 2003. 

Entries for short story, article and poem are to be
sent not later than 20 May and entries for song,
painting, cartoon and poster competitions, 25 May to
Police Col Maung Myint, Secretary of Crime Reduction
and Information Committee, Office of Commander of
Yangon Division Myanmar Police Force on Bank Street
(corner of Strand Road and Sule Pagoda Road). Entries
for computer drawing and computer poster competitions
are to be sent to the CCDAC by 15 May. Prize-wining
works will be announced on 18 June and the prizes will
be presented to respective winners on 26 June.
--------------
16. Narcotic drugs dealer sentenced

Yangon, 3 April ? A combined team comprising members
of the local intelligence unit, Tachilek Anti-Drug
Squad and Tachilek Police Station, acting on
information, searched the house of Arwudee in Tachilek
on 24 September 2002. 

The authorities found Law San there and seized 47
stimulant tablets in orange colour bearing ?WY?
letters, 200 millilitres of phensedyl, two arms, one
magazine, and 17 rounds of ammunition in his bedroom. 

In connection with the case, the Tachilek Police
Station filed Law San, 21, son of U Li Ta Chan of
Tachilek Township under Sections 15/19(A)/21/22(B) of
Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Law. After
handing over the case to Tachilek District Court, the
court sentenced him 15 years? imprisonment under
Section 19(A).  
----------------------------
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