“THE NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR” 24 OCTOBER 2004

Headlines

• Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Soe Win meets with officials of industrial zones

• Lt-Gen Maung Bo tours Taninthayi Division

Region

• Commander inspects all-round upgrading of Yangon City Kandawgyi Gardens and Zoo (Yangon)

• Bicycle & Car Spare Parts Centre inspected

• Functions of AIDS/STD Control Project reviewed

• Advanced courses for orthopaedic surgeons open

• Panel of Judges for Ramayana Drama Contest meet

Religion

• K 35.85m donated for Rakhine Stupa

International Relation

• Myanmar film delegation arrives back from PRC

Women's Affairs

• MCWA members of Shan State (North) Special Region-2 visit MMCWA building

Sports

• MBF Executive Committee meets

• Defence Services Volleyball Committee meets

Drug

• Drug dealers sentenced in Pinlebu, Tachilek

• Stimulant tablets traffickers arrested

Headlines

Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Soe Win meets with officials of industrial zones
Harmonious cooperation, mutualunderstanding between Government and entrepreneurs crucial for industrial development

YANGON, 23 Sept — Industrial Development Committee Chairman and State Peace and Development Council Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Soe Win met with officials of industrial zones here at Kanaung Hall of Shwepyitha Industrial Town Management Office in Yangon North District this morning.

Present on the occasion were Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Chairman and Yangon Command Commander Maj-Gen Myint Swe, ministers who are in-charge of industrial zones in Yangon, the Yangon mayor, the vice mayor, deputy ministers, responsible personnel of the State Peace and Development Council Office, departmental heads, chairmen of the supervisory committees and management committees for industrial zones, and officials.

On the occasion, Commander Maj-Gen Myint Swe gave a brief account of industrial zones in Yangon. He said there are 18 industrial zones in Yangon, and plans are under way to extend the number of industrial zones. Yangon Division’s contribution to the nation’s gross domestic product is pivotal. Industrial sector has become the top producer in Yangon Division after passing over the agricultural sector. Therefore, the importance of the industrial sector in Yangon Division can be assessed.

The commander called for industrialists to present frank and open discussions at their meeting with Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Soe Win, who attended the meeting together with officials concerned to attend to the needs. The commander thanked the Secretary-1 and party for attending the meeting, despite his tight schedule.

Later, chairmen of the management committees of industrial zones gace suggestions on reducing the price of iron and old battery cells, adequate supply of electricity at industrial zones, extended installation of telephone lines, supply of drinking water, improvement of roads, and tax collection.

Minister for Communications, Posts and Telegraphs Brig-Gen Thein Zaw, Yangon Mayor Brig-Gen Aung Thein Lin, Director-General of the Department of Human Settlement and Housing Development Col Aung Win and departmental officials gave additional reports on assistance being provided for the development of industrial zones.

After giving instructions on the reports, the Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Soe Win said the Government has been rendering assistance to the zones.

And only when the Government understands and knows the sectors needing assistance, will it be able to provide proper and adequate assistance for the zones. Instead of presenting the requirements only from their point of view, entrepreneurs of the private sector will have to put forward the sectors that require assistance and admendments actually.

Harmonious cooperation and mutual understanding between the Government and the private entrepreneurs are crucial for industrial development.

The meeting came to an end after the Secretary-1 replied to the queries raised and also fulfilled the requirements.

Lt-Gen Maung Bo tours Taninthayi Division
Taninthayi Division can contribute towards regional development, State’s economy

YANGON, 23 Sept—Member of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Maung Bo of the Ministry of Defence, accompanied by Chairman of Taninthayi Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Coastal Region Command Maj-Gen Ohn Myint, Brig-Gen Khin Zaw Win of local station, Tactical Operations Commander Col Myint Tun and members, held a meeting with departmental personnel, members of social organizations and townselders in Kawthoung, Kawthoung District, on 21 September morning.

Manager of District Myanma Agriculture Service U Ye Maung, Head of District Settlement and Land Records Department U Kyi Shein, Manager of District Myanma Perennial Crops Enterprise U San Aung, Head of District Fisheries Department U Myint Thein and Deputy Head of the Planning Department Daw Than Than Htay reported on work progress sector-wise, tasks being carried out and future plans. Chairman of Kawthoung District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Tin Soe reported on agriculture, livestock breeding, meat and fish, mineral, education and health sectors of the region and efforts for regional development.

Commander Maj-Gen Ohn Myint gave a supplementary report on success achieved in respective sectors in the district. In his address, Lt-Gen Maung Bo gave instructions on putting the plans into practice, cooperation between respective departments, fulfilling the requirements by officials from administrative machinery, and efforts to be made for accomplishment of the projects.

Lt-Gen Maung Bo outlined the three fundamental requirements for national development. He added that national brethren have been living in the Union of Myanmar for thousands of years in unity keeping eggs and nest intact. The national races’ Union Spirit and noble traditions are still flourishing in the nation.

It is incumbent upon the entire national people to defend and safeguard the nation for ensuring its perpetual existence through these noble traditions. National duty that the entire national people have to preserve is none but Union Spirit or national solidarity, he said.

Departmental officials and the people are to uphold Our Three Main National Causes and to be equipped strongly with Union Spirit and patriotism in carrying out tasks harmoniously by doing their bit for transforming the nation into a peaceful, modern and developed one, he noted.

Officials concerned are to organize local people to grow suitable crops systematically for ensuring local food sufficiency and exceeding the targets in the agricultural sector as well as other economic sectors.

Being blessed with terrestrial and marine resources in abundance, Taninthayi Division can make remarkable contributions towards regional development as well as towards the State’s economic progress. Thus, he added that if departmental officials accelerate their cooperation, coordination and performances in accord with laws, rules and regulations adopted by the State, the region and the nation will enjoy fruitful results largely.

He called for extended growing of oil palms and rubber in the district. Service personnel are to effectively enlist the strength of the people in building a modern and developed nation.

In conclusion, Lt-Gen Maung Bo urged the departments to strive for community welfare concerns thorough coordination between departments, while trying to win greater trust of the people.

Kawthoung District is located in the southernmost part of Myanmar, so the region is making efforts with added momentum in implementing the five rural development tasks in order to catch up with other parts of the nation. They saw over development and sanitation tasks in Kawthoung by car.

On arrival at Kawthoung District Hospital (100-bed) in Ayemyakantha Ward, Lt-Gen Maung Bo heard reports on location and area of the hospital and history presented by Medical Superintendent Dr Lay Kyaw and construction of buildings at the hospital by Manager U Nyunt Hlaing of Andaman Club Co Ltd. The commander gave a supplementary report.

Next, they inspected units of the hospital. Director Dr Win Myint of Health Department and officials conducted them round the hospital. Later, Lt-Gen Maung Bo cordially conversed with officials and left there.

At 1 pm, Lt-Gen Maung Bo met officers, other ranks and families of Kawthoung Station at Bayintnaung Hall. Speaking on the occasion, Lt-Gen Maung Bo said that as efforts are being made for emergence of a modern, developed and discipline-flourishing democratic nation, Tatmadawmen and families are to join hands with departmental personnel and local people in nation-building endeavours in their respective sectors and he urged them to carry out main tasks of the Tatmadaw.

Afterwards, they proceeded to Khamaukgyi from Kawthoung through Kawthoung-Bokpyin Union Highways and saw over thriving oil palm plantations of national entrepreneurs on both sides of the highways.

On 22 September morning, Lt-Gen Maung Bo, accompanied by Commander Maj-Gen Ohn Myint and party, went to Yuzana Oil Palm Cultivation Project in Khamaukgyi. Chairman of Yuzana Co Ltd U Htay Myint and officials welcomed them.

Lt-Gen Maung Bo and party inspected construction materials for the crude oil mill and food for the staff. Next, they looked into construction of Crude Oil Mill which can produce 60 tons of crude oil per day.

In Bayintnaung Hall, Lt-Gen Maung Bo heard reports on growing of oil palm, site chosen for building the crude oil mill, transferring of technology from foreigners, arrival of machinery and strength of employees presented by Chairman of Yuzana Co Ltd U Htay Myint. Lt-Gen Maung Bo gave necessary instructions.

Afterwards, Lt-Gen Maung Bo and party inspected payment of salary, sales of basic foodstuff at the welfare shop and personal goods at Yuzana Shopping Centre.

Next, Lt-Gen Maung Bo, Commander Maj-Gen Ohn Myint and Brig-Gen Khin Zaw Win of local station planted oil palm at the designated places in front of Bayintnaung Hall. And, they inspected modern staff quarters, the clinic and foodstalls in the compound of Yuzana Oil Palm Cultivation Project. Yuzana Co Ltd has cultivated 51,963 acres of oil palm against the target of 62,700 acres in 2004. The company plans to put 26,000 acres of land under oil palm in 2005. Thanks to the project, locals got job opportunities.

After that, Lt-Gen Maung Bo and party inspected Kawthoung-Bokpyin road section being built by VES Group Co and rebuilding of a reinforced concrete bridge between mile post Nos 60 and 96 with the use of heavy machinery. Lt-Gen Maung Bo gave instructions on work site safety, smooth transportation and timely completion of the construction tasks.

They then inspected oil palm nursery and plantations of Anawa Tun Co Ltd on Kawthoung-Bokpyin Road. They also saw over oil palm plantations, monsoon paddy and rubber plantations of national entrepreneurs on both sides of the road.

On arrival at Karathuri of Bokpyin Township, they inspected the combined office and the site for construction of police station.

In the afternoon, Lt-Gen Maung Bo and party inspected repair of Bokpyin-Lenyar road section. Next, they looked into the road section between Lenyar-Mandaing and Point 1020 Hill and gave necessary instructions.

Form 5,380 feet high Point 1020 Hill, they inspected construction of the up-road with the use of heavy machinery. Lt-Gen Maung Bo heard reports on construction of the road by Superintending Engineer U Ba Wan and gave instructions on timely completion of road construction with meeting the set standard.

Next, they proceeded to the briefing hall of Oil Palm Cultivation Project of Htoo Trading Co Ltd in Taninthayi Township. Project Director Dr Maung Mar reported on land reclamation, preparations of the oil palm nursery and requirements. Lt-Gen Maung Bo attended to the needs. He then viewed growing of 120823 oil palm saplings. Htoo Trading Co Ltd plans to extend 2,000 acres of oil palm plantations in 2005-2006.

Lt-Gen Maung Bo and party inspected extension of Bokpyin-Taninthayi road section at Yingwetaung by car. They also saw over thriving oil palm and monsoon paddy plantations along both sides of Bokpyin-Taninthayi Road.

After inspecting development of Taninthayi and maintenance of Taninthayi Bridge, they arrived at Myeik in the evening.

Region

Commander inspects all-round upgrading of Yangon City Kandawgyi Gardens and Zoo (Yangon)

YANGON, 23 Sept — Chairman of Work Committee for All-round Upgrading of Yangon City Kandawgyi Gardens and Zoo (Yangon) Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Myint Swe inspected progress in upgrading Yangon City Kandawgyi Gardens and Zoo (Yangon) and fulfilled the requirements this evening.

At Pearl Island of Relaxation Zone, the commander together with the officials concerned inspected construction of Timber Walkway, Timber Trellis, bridges linking islands, Car Parking and paving with the slabs in View Park, erecting of the lamp-posts implemented by Yangon City Development Committee. Next, officials presented reports to the commander on tasks to be taken for building railroad and small stations for running of Mono Rail in Yangon City Kandawgyi Gardens and Zoo (Yangon).

After inspecting the outlet of Kandawgyi Lake, the commander instructed officials to construct the sluice gate to store more capacity of water by working out systematically.

On arrival at Elephant Plaza, the commander and party inspected preparations for landscape, paving with the slabs in Crazy Pattern, erecting of the lamp-posts, sales of agricultural items and saplings shops, nine booths of the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation, construction of Fresh Water Fish Garden of the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries and Conference Hall in Education Zone, preparation for landscape, preservation of big trees, extended cultivation of trees, construction of Rock Garden and Fountain Plaza in Central Forest Zone, high-class restaurant in Myaingmalar Island, Viewing Plaza in Recreation Zone and Barbecue Garden, laying the inter lock bricks. Officials presented reports to the commander and party. After that, the commander gave instructions on timely completion of upgrading tasks meeting set standards.

Next, the commander and party proceeded to the Zoo (Yangon). At the briefing hall, Director of Zoo (Yangon) U Myint Swe presented reports to the commander on construction of Car Parking and houses of animals, increasing of more income and future tasks. Afterwards, the commander gave instructions on timely completion of construction tasks.

Later, the commander inspected progress in building cages, landscape, growing of flowers, nursing of 7-month old elephant and bird cages and gave necessary instructions to officials.

Bicycle & Car Spare Parts Centre inspected

YANGON, 23 Sept — Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Myint Swe and Chairman of Yangon City Development Committee Mayor Brig-Gen Aung Thein Lin this morning inspected progress of the Bicycle and Car Spare Parts Centre being built by Department of Human Settlement and Housing Development of the Ministry of Construction on Pyay Road in Nanthagon Ward, Insein Township.

In the briefing hall, Head of Revenue Department U Aung Zin reported on construction and allotment of shops in the compound of the centre and installation of auto-telephones. Joint-Secretary U Aung Soe gave a supplementary report.

Next, DHSHD Director-General Col Aung Win briefed the commander and the mayor on construction of shops in Nanthagon Bicycle and Car Spare Parts Centre and arrangements for handing over the centre to YCDC on its completion.

The vice-mayor presented reports on tasks being carried out for opening the centre as soon as possible. Next, the commander and the mayor fulfilled the requirements.

Nanthagon Bicycle and Car Spare Parts Centre will have 229 shop apartments measuring 12 feet by 25 feet each and 20 apartments measuring 15 feet by 30 feet. The centre is being built so as to allot shops from Hsinmalaik Bicycle and Car Spare Parts Centre of Kamayut Township in the new centre.

Functions of AIDS/STD Control Project reviewed

YANGON, 23 Sept — The annual meeting to review functions of AIDS/STD Control Project, co-organized by AIDS/STD Control Project of the Health Department of the Ministry of Health and World Health Organization, was held at the hall of Myanmar Medical Association on Theinbyu Street, here, on 16 September morning.

Present on the occasion were Acting Director-General Dr Tin Win Maung of the Health Department, directors, deputy directors, Project Manager Dr Min Thwe and officials, Resident Representative of UNFPA Mr Najib Assifi, Dr Stephan P Jost and officials of WHO, specialists and group leader surgeons of States and Divisions and representatives of social organizations.

Dr Tin Win Maung and Dr Stephan P Jost made speeches on the occasion.

The meeting was held up to 20 September.

Advanced courses for orthopaedic surgeons open

YANGON, 23 Sept — The Orthopaedic Surgeons’ Association held the Advanced Refresher Course on Osteoarthritis of Knee for orthopaedic surgeons yesterday morning at Myanmar Medical Association on Theinbyu Road here.

Chairman of MMA Professor U Myo Myint and Chairman of OSA Professor U Kyaw Myint Naing delivered opening addresses. Next, Associate Professor U Myint Thaung, Professor U Lin Tun Tun (X-rays), Associate Professor Daw Khin Myo Hla and Lecturer Dr Zaw Wai Soe gave talks on osteoarthritis of knee.

AO Seminar in Myanmar, jointly organized by Orthopaedic Surgeons’ Association and AO East-Asia, was opened this morning at the same venue of MMA with opening addresses by MMAChairman Porfessor U Myo Myint, AOEA President Dr Tong G On and Professor U Kyaw Myint Naing.

Next, orthopaedic specialists of AOEA gave talks and discussed orthopaedics with Myanmar surgeons.

Panel of Judges for Ramayana Drama Contest meet

YANGON, 23 Sept — The coordination meeting of members of the Panel of Judges (Central) and States and Divisions for the Ramayana Drama Contest of the 12th Myanmar Traditional Cultural Performing Arts Competitions was held at the parlour of No 1 Transit Centre on Bayintnaung Road in Hline Township yesterday morning.

Present were Chairman of the Work Committee for Organizing the Competitions No 3 Military Region Commander Col Tint Hsan, Commandant of No 1 Transit Centre Lt-Col Tin Kyaing, Chairman of the Subcommittee for Organizing the Competitions Director-General of Fine Arts Department U Kyaw Win and members, and members of the Panel of Judges.

Director-General U Kyaw Win gave a speech. Leader of the members of the Panel of Judges (Central) U Chit Oo Nyo reported on marking system and definition related to the Ramayana Drama, member of the Panel of Judges U Aung Thwin on costume designs of the contestants, member of the Panel of Judges U Soe Aung on rules and regulations of the competitions and members of the Panel of Judges U Than Aung and U Ohn Maung on matters related to the Rama-yana Drama Contest. Next, those present took part in the discussions.

Religion

K 35.85m donated for Rakhine Stupa

YANGON, 23 Sept— The cash donation ceremony to renovate ancient Koethaung Stupa in MraukU, Rakine State, was held at the hall of the Ministry of Culture on Kaba Aye Pagoda Road, Bahan Township, yesterday afternoon, attended by Minister for Culture Maj-Gen Kyi Aung and accepted the cash.

Present on the occasion were Deputy Minister for Culture Brig-Gen Soe Win Maung, Director-General U Kyaw Win of the Fine Arts Department, Director-General U Myint Thein Swe of the Department of Cultural Institute, Deputy Director-General U Tun Zaw of the Department of Archaeology (Lower Myanmar), the head of office of the ministry Maj Htay Hlaing and departmental officials, wellwisher Golden Pagoda Temple monk Ven She Fa Zhao of Singapore and Director U Hla Thein of Sri Asia Tourism Service Co Ltd.

At the ceremony, Singaporean monk Ven She Fa Zhao donated K 35,850,000 to the minister who accepted the donations and gave a certificate of honour to the monk.

The minister then expressed thanks for the donations.

International Relation

Myanmar film delegation arrives back from PRC

YANGON, 23 Sept — After attending the Golden-Cock Hundred Flowers International Film Festival on 15-20 September held in Yinchuang City, Nin Xia Hui Autonomous Region, the People’s Republic of China, Myan-mar film delegation led by Managing Director U Bo Kyi of Myanmar Motion Picture Enterprise, arrived back here by air this morning.

The delegation was welcomed back at Yangon International Airport by Deputy Minister for Information Brig-Gen Aung Thein, officials of the MMPE and their families. The delegation members director U Kyi Soe Tun and actress and producer Daw Myo Thandar Tun also arrived back an the same flight.

Women's Affairs

MCWA members of Shan State (North) Special Region-2 visit MMCWA building

YANGON, 23 Sept — The excursion group of Maternal and Child Welfare Association members led by the wife of Shan State (North) Special Region-2 national race leader U Pau Yu Chan who arrived here to observe the functions of Myanmar Maternal and Child Welfare Association called on MMCWA President Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe and Central Executive Committee members at the multi-purpose building of the association at the corner of Thanthuma and Parami Roads in South Okkalapa Township this morning.

Also present at the call were Vice-President Dr Daw Tin Lin Myint and CEC members.

President Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe extended greetings and explained duty and functions of the association.

Daw Am Phong, leader of the excursion group, briefed them on activities of MCWA in the region. President Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe gave suggestions.

Next, Daw Am Phong presented permanent membership applications to the President Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe. They next posed for documentary photos.

Later, the excursion group members viewed round activities of documentary photos of the association, the women’s domestic science training courses, the Early Childhood Development Centre and the clinic.

Sports

MBF Executive Committee meets

YANGON, 23 Sept—The Myanmar Boxing Federation Executive Committee held a meeting at the Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry on Merchant Street here this morning.

It was attended by UMFCCI President U Win Myint and executive members.

MBF President U Win Myint delivered a speech on the occasion. MBF Secretary U San Myint reported on boxing tournaments and measures for conducting boxing coach courses and boxing referee courses, followed by a general round of discussions.

Defence Services Volleyball Committee meets

YANGON, 23 Sept — The Defence Services Volleyball Committee held the meeting for 2004-2005 at Defence Services Record Office, here, this morning.

Present were Chairman of the Defence Services Volleyball Committee Commandant of DSRO Brig-Gen Myo Myint, Vice-Chairman of Deputy Provost Marshal Col Saw Lwin and members.

First, Chairman Brig-Gen Myo Myint gave a speech on the occasion. Next, those present discussed holding of the Defence Services Commander-in-Chief’s Shield Tatmadaw (Army, Navy and Air) Women’s and Men’s Volleyball Tournament and participation of volleyball teams in the tournament.

The Defence Services C-in-C’s Shield Tatmadaw (Army, Navy and Air) Women’s and Men’s Volleyball Tournament for 2004-2005 will be held in South-East Command in February 2005.

Drug

Drug dealers sentenced in Pinlebu, Tachilek

YANGON, 23 Sept — A combined team comprising members of Local Intelligence Unit and policemen of Pinlebu Police Station, acting on information, searched the house of Aung San, Lasa village, Pinlebu township and seized him with 0.008 kilo of heroin and 0.0016 kilo of opium on 17 October, 2003.

In connection with the case, action was taken against Aung San, son of U Ba Pe of Lasa village under Section 15/19 (A) of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Law by Pinlebu Police Station.

Katha District Court, on 20 May, 2004, sentenced the man to 20 years’ imprisonment under Section of 19 (A) and 5 years under Section of 15.

Similarly, a combined team comprising members of Local Intelligence Unit and Tachilek Anti-Drug Squad, acting on information, searched the house of Ahbe, Ade village, Lwetawkhan village track, Tachilek Township and seized him with 40,000 stimulant tablets bearing WY brand and four guns and 68 rounds of ammunitions under the bed in his bedroom.

In connection with the case, action was taken against the man, son of U Law Phe, Ade village, Lwetawkhan village track, Tachilek Township and his accomplice Arjel (a) Zaw Tun under Section of 15/19 (A)/22 (B) of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Law by Tachilek Police Station.

Tachilek District Court, on 1st July, 2004, sentenced the men to 30 years’ each imprisonment under Section of 19 (A).

Stimulant tablets traffickers arrested

YANGON, 23 Sept — A combined team comprising members of local intelligence unit and Special Anti-Drug Squad, on 15 Sept, searched the house of Wun Chin Wai, son of U Hla Aung, who lives in Market Ward, Banyin Village of Hsihseng Township and arrested the host Wun Chin Wai, his brothers Wun Chin Wu and Kyaw Shwe (a) Chin San and Kyar Maw, son of U Hti San, who live in West Garden Ward of the same village together with 2,210 stimulant tablets, 65 grams of raw opium, 3.72 kilos of ephedrine, 0.79 kilos of caffeine, 0.95 kilos of chemical compound, 2.631 kilos of dyeing substances used in making stimulant tablets, 100 grams of opium liquid, 10 litres of Hydrochloric Acid, 1 litre of Sulphuric Acid, 4 seals with WY, OK and R brands. Action is taken against these persons and seizures under Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Law.

“PERSPECTIVES”

Towards total elimination of narcotic drugs

Narcotic drugs being a grave threat to the entire mankind, every nation in the world is taking all the necessary steps to fight against them. In Myanmar also, the Government itself is carrying out anti-narcotic drug campaign as a national duty and, in accordance with the guidance of Head of State Senior General Than Shwe, has been implementing the 15-year drug elimination plan since 1999.

The fiscal 2004-2005 is the second five-year of the 15-year plan, and anti-narcotic drug measures will have to be taken with added momentum during this period and at the same time achievements of the first five-year period will have to be maintained.
The Central Committee for Drug Abuse Control held its 2/2004 meeting at the ministry of Home Affairs on 21 September and Minister for Home Affairs Col Tin Hlaing, also chairman of CCDAC, attended the meeting and delivered an address on the occasion.

In his address, the minister urged all those responsible to cooperate with one another and carry out their respective tasks harmoniously and with added momentum. In its efforts to eliminate the danger of narcotic drugs, the Government seizes narcotics, destroys them and takes legal action against drug users and traffickers. Moreover, it is taking other measures for total elimination of drugs. In the regions where opium used to be grown, the Government encourages and helps the local people to grow opium-substitute crops, engage in livestock breeding and run other business to raise their living standard. In addition, the Government initiated the New Destiny Project to speed up the implementation of the 15-year drug elimination plan and is cooperating with neighbouring countries in drug abuse control.

Although Myanmar has not received any external assistance, it has managed to succeed to some extent in its fight against the danger of narcotic drugs due to the enthusiastic participation of respective ministries, local authorities and national people. The satellite photos and land survey records of the UNODC and the US bear witness to the success achieved by Myanmar. Although the UN has acknowledged Myanmar’s anti-drug drive and the US has failed to do so and pointed a finger at it, making all sorts of senseless accusations — an irresponsible act.

Say what they may, the Government and the people of Myanmar will always be committed to the drug elimination tasks for the sake of their own nation and the whole family of nations.

FEATURE

From the policy “Live and let die” to the policy “Live and let live”

(Continued from yesterday)

The goodwill visit of Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt of the Union of Myanmar to the People’s Republic of China, that lasted from 11 to 18 July, has promoted the Sino-Myanmar ties from friendly relations to fraternal relations. In addition, the visit has reiterated both nations’ commitment to the still existing foreign policy laid down by the farsighted leaders of the Asian countries including Myanmar of the Non-Aligned Movement 50 years ago in 1954: and the policy has been exercised by the countries since then. The five principles of peaceful co-existence were founded at the Non-Aligned Movement Conference held at Bandung in Indonesia in April 1955; reconfirmed at the NAM Conference organized in Belgrade, Yugoslavia, in 1961; and upgraded to six principles of the NAM at the Lusaka Conference held in Zambia in 1970.

As Myanmar has always been laying down its foreign policy in accord with the changes and developments of the global history, although the country is included in the founders, it left the NAM temporary in 1979, and then rejoined it at the 10th NAM Conference held in Jakarta, Indonesia, on 1 September 1992, during the time, the present Government is discharging the duties of the State.

As the NAM has to stand firmly on the five principles of peaceful co-existence, they can be referred to as the Political Five Precepts. During the visit, Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt and Chinese leaders have agreed to shape a better future, that is based firmly on the five principles. The destination of the principles is ‘Live and let live’.

America paid attention to the policy of peaceful co-existence continuously throughout the Cold War till the dissolve of the Soviet Union in 1991, as both countries were holding a large arsenal of nuclear weapons. As their military powers were not so different from each other, a preemptive strike might hit the other hard to a certain degree. But even the preemptive strike would be only a suicidal strategy for both the then super powers as a sudden counterstrike from the other was certain. Thanks to the check and balance system between the two powers of that time, and the existence of their followers together with the NAM, the global security was at peace then.

But since the disintegration of the Soviet Union, the real image of the foreign policy of Uncle Sam or the US, the sole unmatchable super power, has appeared. Like a person who is afraid of his own shadow, the country, whether preemptive strike is right or wrong is another thing, regards any nation or organization, it considers doubtful, as enemy. A country like Myanmar, endowed with national characteristics, has never acted as a follower or a master of any nation or organization. Uncle Sam brazenly interferes in the affairs of the nations including Myanmar that have never agreed to live as its follower, and the ones where its puppet governments have not grabbed power yet. Uncle Sam attacks them if the military option is possible, and if not, it uses the media as a weapon to terrorize them and breed minions for vested interests.

But even if Uncle Sam works only for global peace and progress from the humanitarian point of view, it will achieve the global leadership position, for such kind of practice is in accord with the characteristics of a leader. It will not suffer from global isolation like now. And as the parents who can give valuable heritage to their children, it will win the adulation of many nations.

Uncle Sam’s foreign policy of live and let die is a self-centred one, having no consideration for others, instead distributing more and more weapons to make itself richer. Under the policy, it is always against the united fronts, assuming that only them will there be no challenger for it, if others are divided and broken up. Thus, it has unknowingly become a terrorist nation, while dragging innocent peoples of the world to their graves daily, using war on terrorism as an excuse.

All in all, the new world order which is the grand strategy of the US is like an anti-terrorist strategy drawn by a terrorist himself. With this strategy, any attempt of Uncle Sam to introduce its human rights system to a nation will be totally unacceptable and impossible like putting a square into a circle. Uncle Sam’s acts are totally against all the principles of the UN charter and international laws.

At the UN General Assembly in 2003, a number of countries tried to introduce reforms within the UN. Their movement is a step towards ensuring global security and peace and stability and the right to self- determination of every country, as the US is ignoring the UN. As a result of the movement, the global nations may make greater demands for the UN reforms by the end of this year.

In this regard, the following five principles have become the principles of the foreign policy accepted and exercised by global nations in their international relations:

1. Mutual respect for each others’ territorial integrity and sovereignty;
2. Mutual non-aggression;
3. Mutual non-interference in each other’s internal affairs;
4. Equality and mutual benefit;
5. Peaceful co-existence.

The world will be a peaceful, prosperous and developed place, where the policy of serving human interest is placed in the forefront, if all practise the said five principles, with ‘Live and let live’ as the main goal.

In addition, the global powers will surely become world leaders if they join hands with the small nations with goodwill and sincerity.

But if they continue to adhere to the policy of ‘Live and let die’, without having consideration for others, they too will meet their end one day.

(Concluded)

Author : Bala Min Htin