91-11 BURMA PRESS SUMMARY (from THE WORKING PEOPLE'S DAILY) Vol. V, No. 11, November 1991 +-+-+-+-+ Table of Contents POLITICAL CRISIS Slogans 2 Cartoons 2 Official Books 4 Political Articles 5 Press Conference 7 Maj-Gen. Myo Nyunt 8 Maj-Gen. Khin Nyunt 9 Gen. Than Shwe 10 Maj-Gen. Tin Oo 10 ELECTIONS Party Registration Changes 10 NLD Hluttaws Denounce Sein Win 10 NLD Hluttaw Member Dies 11 3 NLD Hluttaw Members Ousted 11 NLD Hluttaw Member Resigns 11 DIPLOMATIC Diplomatic Calls 11 New Myanmar Ambassadors 12 New Ambassadors to Myanmar 12 INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION Workshops and Courses 12 Foreign Donations 12 YCDC/UNDP Meeting 13 UN Aid to Border Development 13 Chinese Rail Purchase Agreement 13 Hiroshima Peace Stone 13 FOREIGN VISITORS Business Visitors 13 Academic and Non-Profit Visitors 13 International Agency Visitors 14 Orbis Flying Hospital 14 Thai Delegations 15 Chinese Delegations 15 Bangladesh Foreign Minister 16 Laotian & Cambodian Sayadaws 16 Philippine Foreign Secretary 16 MYANMAR DELEGATIONS Study Delegations 17 Delegations to Meetings 18 Health Delegation to Thailand 19 FAO Conference 19 MYANMAR GAZETTE Probationary Appointments 21 Transfers 21 GOVERNMENT Independence Day Slogans 21 Land Management Committee Formed 22 SLORC Confers Buddhist Titles 22 MILITARY Insurgent Attacks 22 Insurgents Surrender 22 ECONOMIC Economic Articles 22 Construction and Other Projects 22 Joint Ventures 23 Advertisements 24 Oil Wells 24 Trade & Commerce 24 Tourism Orders Issued 24 Imports 24 Mandalay & Yangon Land Fraud 24 Economic Malpractices Punished 25 Pepsi Cola Plant Opens 25 Rainfall in Yangon 26 HEALTH AIDS Seminar 26 Institute of Nursing Opened 26 Medical Miscellany 26 Toxic Liquor 26 SPORTS Sports Teams Abroad 27 XVI South East Asian Games 27 Traditional Sports 28 Sports Articles 28 Hole-in-One 29 CULTURAL Literary and Cultural Articles 29 Buddhism 29 Medical Degrees Awarded 29 Literary Organization 30 Yangon "City News" 30 1990 National Literary Awards 30 Documentary Films 31 Music Asiayone Formed 31 MISCELLANEOUS Crime News 31 Obituaries 32 Ayeyarwady Flood Relief 32 Fires in Yangon 33 Engagement & Jubilee 33 ----- ----- POLITICAL CRISIS Slogans The four political slogans launched in November 1988 appeared in most issues of The Working People's Daily throughout the month, as did the "Noble Desire" slogan begun in January 1990. We reprinted them in the January 1991 issue. --- Since Jan. 3, 1991, most issues have also run the following slogan: The interests of the State cannot be served and promoted by disturbances and instability. Join hands with the Tatmadaw in preventing disturbances and acts of instability. --- From April 1989 the The Working People's Daily ran a political slogan across the bottom of each front page. This was changed to a religious slogan in August 1991, and later moved to the top of the page: Nov. 1-5: Arati papa, to abstain from evil; this is the way to auspiciousness. Nov. 6-9: Virati papa, to refrain from sin; this is the way to auspiciousness. Nov. 10-12: Majjapana ca samyamo, to refrain from intoxicating drinks; this is the way to auspiciousness. Nov. 13-17: Appamado ca dhammesu, to be diligent in laws; this is the way to auspiciousness. Nov. 18-24: Garavo ca, reverence; this is the way to auspiciousness. Nov. 25-30: Nivato ca, modesty; this is the way to auspiciousness. --- On Oct. 7, 1991, the following political slogan was added to the bottom of each front page: Emergence of the State Constitution is the duty of all citizens of Myanmar Naing-Ngan --- Cartoons There continued to be several political cartoons in each issue. E.g.: Nov. 2: 1st Myanmar: "Ahemmm!... There are many things left for you to read and study. To know the true facts, you'd better read the books on the Special Press Conferences of Secretary-1." 2nd Myanmar: "Right. The facts are quite true. It can challenge, `Who can deny these facts?'" Nov. 3: "We count on our Myanmar athletes... Myanmar Sports shall overwhelm the world." 1st Myanmar: "I rejoice at the victory of Myanmar youth football team, Aba. I take pride of them." 2nd Myanmar: "Of course, that is how all patriots would feel." Nov. 3: Myanmar civilian: "KIA's atrocities are so cruel that they should be put on record in history." Myanmar soldier: "Yes, today's youths should know this and beware of that danger. And those youths who went underground should also understand that and return to legal fold." Nov. 3: Father to son headed abroad: "My son, before you go for further study, I'll tell you: You are a Myanmar citizen, born in Myanmar. Don't become a traitor nor betray Myanmarpyi. Don't become one who sows discord among Myanmar people. Don't let yourself become one who destroy and disgrace Myanmar Language." Nov. 3: "The desire of the national people." Myanmar to an embarrassed Myanmar holding a folder labeled "Party": Myanmar is a race which has strong will. Never fall into servitude. Don't think any ideas to assume a foreigner as master. We will in no way let our Union disintegrate." Nov. 4: "[May all them be mushrooms free from toxins.]" Myanmar looking at three mushrooms labeled "new video star," "new stereo songster,"new author.": "It is good as the emerge in abundance but what is important is they should not be contrary to Myanmar traditional culture." Nov. 6: 1st Myanmar: "Uncle Byauk, you are so quiet." 2nd Myanmar: "Because I'm afraid of martial law." 1st Myanmar: "By the way, what is the destination of who betrays the state by deceiving it?" 2nd Myanmar: "For those traitors...it is none other than the destination of traitors. Hmmmm!" 1st Myanmar: "Oh, yes. There can be nothing else than that! Hehehehe!" Nov. 7: 1st Myanmar: "Uncle Byauk, tell me about the 1935 Government of Burma Act and the 1947 Constitution." 2nd Myanmar: "You are too naive. They are very similar...not different. That's the answer...there can be nothing else than that answer. Hehehe!" 1st Myanmar: "Oh, yes. Nothing else than that answer. Hehehehe!" Nov. 8: Myanmar to long-haired youth: "To escape from the life of servitude, our national people had to fight for a long time. We cannot lose the independence which we regained after so many the national people had sacrificed their lives... No...No...No...Never shall we allow this to happen despite a handful of the likes of you who stink of slavishness...!" Nov. 9: Myanmar looking at four steps marked "Submission of the Final Report by the Commission", "Holding the National Convention," "Drawing up a firm Constitution," and "State Power": "Stairs are to be climbed step by step. If you take overstep you may tumble down and get into trouble." Nov. 9: 1st Myanmar: "Opposite of democracy is anarchy." 2nd Myanmar: "It can also be said that opposite of democracy is ABSDF." 3rd Myanmar (thinking): "Cruel and brutal tortures and killings." Nov. 10: "Respect Myanmar Language" Official at "Immigration Office": "Are your parents Buddhists?" Mini-skirted woman: "Yes." Nov. 10: 1st Myanmar (thinking of a politician): "That man...?" 2nd Myanmar (also thinking of him): "What about him? I know him well... He..He.. He was in No 2 position during the time of the Revolutionary Council and No 20 as member. Now I don't know whether he is No 1 or not. He..he..he." Nov. 11: "Not respected by anyone, not even by dogs." 1st Myanmar: "Aba Byauk, what usually happens if the Tatmadaw is inferior?" 2nd Myanmar: "It is very difficult to make you understand. If the Tatmadaw is inferior, it will not be respected by anybody. Moreover, we may be flung back into servitude." Nov. 11: 1st Myanmar: "Aba, I cannot sleep or eat well if I don't hear BBC and VOA broadcasts." 2nd Myanmar: "Well, that disease is incurable. It is called the disease of stinking slavishness." Nov. 12: 1st Myanmar: "The editorial of the 10-11-91 issue of Loktha newspaper is `Ehipathikaw'. It said `Lord Buddha is not an ordinary man absolutely.' I'm astonished that anyone would dare to say our Lord Buddha is an ordinary man... Wonder who said it?" 2nd Myanmar: "Oh, there is someone who dares... That one will surely go to Aviti (deepest hell)... Sup! Sup! Blup! Blup!" Nov. 12: 1st Myanmar: "Lawyer should be the one who stands in front of the people and brings about the truth within the framework of law." 2nd Myanmar: "He shouldn't be the one who stays behind the people and asks for the exorbitant fees." Nov. 13: 1st Myanmar: "As you said about falling into Aviji (deepest hell), what will happen to the followers and associates?" 2nd Myanmar: "Hey Acari! If one commits a sin against our Lord Buddha verbally, mentally and physically, one will surely falll into one of the remaining SEVEN LAYERS of hell even though he may not fall into Aviji. This may be based on grading. Sup! Sup! Blup! Blup!" Snail: Ah-he! My abode is higher than that. Hey! Hey!" Nov. 16: 1st Myanmar: "Hey, in the past the cases were tried by a group of judges." 2nd Myanmar: "Yes, cases were tried by groups in the past and now they are tried by a judge. Anyhow, what is important is to ensure that `money in no way influences the judgement'. It is according to the Penal Code that has been in operation since 1 May 1861." Nov. 18: "Businessmen" wielding "Money" lures "Writer" away from "Literature Contributing Towards the Interest of the People" and towards "Literature for Pleasure-reading." Nov. 18: Baby: "National Day... 10th Waning of Tazaungmon, 1282 ME ...." Father to long-haired, trousered, guitar-carrying son: "Where to? You are not even as patriotic as a child." Nov. 18: "Collectively defend (our culture) against the rats." Rat "Western Culture" gnawing at book "Myanmar Traditional Culture." Nov. 21: Father to son: "My son, as you are a serviceman, you must... abide by laws and rules; don't be a dude worker; do avoid mercenary spirit; be loyal to the Union; repay the gratitude of Motherland; be dutiful and not shirk; be always vigilant against destructive elements." Nov. 21: 1st Myanmar: "Silence reigns these days." 2nd Myanmar (with "Questionnaires", "Biography", and "Historical trend."): "There is a saying that silence is worth a `htaung' (thousand). Shhh..!" 1st Myanmar: "OK. It is worth a `htaung' Ha...Ha... But I don't think that `htaung' is a sack of a thousand bucks." Nov. 22: 1st Myanmar: "National Day is getting closer. I'd like to say what I remember, that is...on a memorable occasion, someone said omniscient Lord Buddha is just an ordinary person." 2nd Myanmar: "Oh, don't talk about it. That creature is topsy-turvy...that's for sure." Nov. 23: 1st Myanmar: "Yesterday there was something about the `topsy-turvy'. What will one be if one thinks highly of and reveres it?" 2nd Myanmar: "He He He.... Then, one will be ever more `topsy-turvy'"] Nov. 24: 1st Myanmar: "Let's continue about those who'd go to hell which I mentioned yesterday. Then... there were some persons who dubbed Lord Buddha as Muddha." 2nd Myanmar: "Oh, they are those who'd go deep into hell." 1st Myanmar: "They may be atheists. They are not afraid..." Nov. 25: 1st Myanmar: "Let's continue what we were talking about yesterday." 2nd Myanmar: "Oh, oh! That one which awarded prize to the person who said that Lord Buddha was an ordinary person..." 1st Myanmar: "Yes, that one will to to hell in a great way." Nov. 26: 1st Myanmar: "Let's continue our talk about those who'd go to hell (which I mentioned yesterday)... How many years did our Buddha endeavour to attain enlightenment?" 2nd Myanmar: "Oh! What a different [sic] creature you are!... It took four aeons and 100,000 kapas for the embryonic Buddha to attain enlightenment. Bear it in mind for the rest of your life. 1st Myanmar: "What about Aggasavaka?" 2nd Myanmar: "Again! It took two aeons and 100,000 kapas." 1st Myanmar: "And, what about Mahasavaka?" 2nd Myanmar: "You dull and dumb fellow [hitting him]. It took one aeon and 100,000 kapas." Nov. 28: 1st Myanmar: "Maha Wizaya Zedi..." 2nd Myanmar: "It was built in commemoration of the successful conclusion of the First Congregation of the Sangha for Purification, Perpetuation and Propagation of the Sasana. Isn't it?" 1st Myanmar: "However, some said it is `Kalaphaya'. 2nd Myanmar: "For this sin, they will surely go to hell topsy-turvy." 1st Myanmar: "Yes, exactly." Nov. 28: Myanmar to friends: "Oh, our nation is very poor. People attire multi-coloured dresses elegantly and smartly...and eat well and contribute donations abundantly, happily and generously." Nov. 30: Myanmar to friend: "Hey! Maung Moegyo, you said yesterday [sic] that some dubbed the Maha Wizaya Zedi as `Kalaphaya'. Isn't that so?" May be...they would like to worship the Kalas and may be that's why they're saying such things." Official Books Officially published books and periodicals are advertised or publicised regularly. These were featured this month: Series of books on classical literature (in Burmese). Book on World War II Thai-Myanmar Railway (in Burmese); previously published in Japan. Handbook for service personnel. Book (in Burmese) on Gen. Saw Maung's visit to China. Book (in Burmese) on the 1988 catastrophe caused by the lies of the BBC, VOA and AIR. Political Articles Following the pattern begun in October 1988, each issue contains lengthy feature articles, translated from Burmese, designed to bolster government views and policies. Editorials sometimes touched on similar themes. We note them briefly, with excerpts of typical or particularly significant portions: Nov. 1-8,23-24,26: Post independence press in retrospect (1948-1958), by Shwe Kalaung. [Cont. (79-89) Political divisiveness in the Myanmar press.] Nov. 1: The task of ensuring constant development of Myanmar language and literature, by Soe Nyunt. [Cont. (6) Origins of Myanmar literature.] Nov. 2-7,12-13 If I speak out, it may amount to Aung Min's taking too much for granted, by Aung Min. [(1 2 pts.) KNU terrorists' intrusion into the delta. "Only a handful of terrorists led by notorious Nga Mya the Brute who have been swayed by their masters in the West whom they rely on say that they are not of Asian origin and that they are descendents of long-nosed people living in the vicinity of the Caucasus Mountains where the rivers Euphrates and Tigris flow.... Well, that group that say they are of Caucasian origin seemed to have lost their way on their way to the Caucasus and entered the Kandonkani chaung (stream) or perhaps their `traditional god'... might have thought `these foolish people...who are ungrateful (to the country and people) must be punished' and thus must have sent them to the Ayeyarwady Delta, a white ["pacified"--HCMacD.] area, where the people are in the habit of hitting hard at their enemies." [(2-2 pts.) The way of all the traitors. Three things people condemn are: "(i) undertaking armed insurrection; (ii) relying on the imperialists and dancing according to the the tunes of the imperialists, and (iii) trafficking narcotic drugs." [(3-2 pts.) Don't get flattered. Imperialists plotted Aung San's assassination; KNU uprising; 1988 disturbances. We must choose between "the Tatmadaw that is striving...to prevent disintegration...." and "those who are out to grab power... who think foreign nations will be giving them a lot of assistance, who desperately crave for power relying on foreign aid...such as Sein Win... and some who make slanderous attacks (on the Tatmadaw) while waiting for the news of how a foreign nation would exert pressure on the army." [(4-2 pts.) What is wrong with the world today?. Atrocious crimes in America, natural disasters, violence in India, corruption in "a country on the east of ours." Gen. Saw Maung's Oct. 29 call to wisdom recalled. If Bush and Gorbachev "go on inciting here and there, instigating here and there, kindling fires here and there and thus kick off a nuclear or thermo-nuclear war" that would be what the Buddhist scriptures call the "appearance of seven suns."] Nov. 6-7: Bribery and corruption to be opposed, by Pyi Chit Maung. [(1-2) "Cases of economic wrong-doings are found to be on the rise." Fable on the need for honesty in government.] Nov. 8: Never again to be given as a present as a colony, by Maung Pyone Cho. [On Jan. 1, 1886 Lord Randolph Churchill gave Myanmar to Queen Victoria as a present. British imperialism reviewed.] Nov. 10-11,14-15,19,21,27-29: A Concise History of Myanmar and the Tatmadaw's Role (1948-1988), by A Tatmadaw Reporter. [Cont. {from Oct. 22} (150-158) War against insurgency.] Nov. 11-13: Like brothers and kin, by Shwe Baw Phyo (Sindewa). [(1-3) Gen. Saw Maung and Aung San on unity with border area brethren.] Nov. 14-15,18,20,22-23,25,27-28: An anti-imperialist book published 56 years ago, by Aung Kyi Htun. [(1-4) U Po Kyar's Thibaw Min Pardawmu Ahyedawbon ("The Movement Connected with the Seizure and Taking Away of King Thibaw"), "written with the aim of keeping patriotism and a sense of nationalism alive and dynamic" discussed, along with the author's other works. (5) Killing of a King's relatives to remove competition can be found in the Bible, in Africa, and throughout British history. (6) King Thibaw "fell prey to others' manipulations" and "therefore, the king and queen ought not to be blamed for the killing of the princes and relatives, for poor administration and finally for the country's loss of independence." (7) Inappropriate "vulgar terms and usages" have been spoken against King Thibaw---"abusive words which originated in evil minds." (8) Myanmar lost its independence because of "our lack of strength, our lack of power, our lack of sting...." (9) U Po Kyar's courage in telling the truth though "under the iron heels of the British imperialists and colonialists at that time."] Nov. 15: Five ways of questioning, by Aung Min. ["I am also hearing my political friends say: `Ha, 'tis no easy life being politicians nowadays; can't take it easy; must keep reading, noting and researching to be able to answer questions authorities may ask. Reading, noting and studying we have now gained clearer conceptions and more comprehensive understandings of certain subjects.'" Five ways of asking questions are: to learn, to compare, to confirm, to solicit a desired answer, to verify depth of information.] Nov. 16-17: If I speak out, it may amount to Aung Min's taking too much for granted: A government that has always been a very good friend, by Aung Min. [(1) Myanmar "has all along been sincere and upright" in international relations. (2) The Government "always tells the truth and always does what is right, it never insults and assaults others ...."] Nov. 19-21: The Myanmar's endeavour to be able to stand on own feet, by Bo Thanmani. [(1) The Revolutionary Council's coming to power in 1962 "is also a historical landmark of liberating the people of Myanmar Naing-Ngan from the imperialist-capitalist economic system." (2) Withdrawal from Sterling area in 1966 was in fact "aimed at promoting stronger friendly ties and relations with them." (3) "Long live the Myanmars' being able to stand on their own feet!"] Nov. 22: Editorial: For all citizens of Myanmar Naing-Ngan to be conscious. ["Although there is no need to mention with what law the State is being administered as it is over three years ago, even those who are wise sometimes lose presence of mind and lest they do so it is to be reminded that the State is being administered with `Martial Law'. According to Westerners, Martial Law means the wishes of `the General'. It is worthy to be aware that the person who is responsible in Myanmar Naing-Ngan is a Senior General and is higher in rank than a General.... It is the same as the Five-Star General...[or] Field Marshal. This we should be aware of. Thus, Government servants must be fully conscious that they must stay clear of party politics. There is another point which the service personnel must be conscious of. That point is the phrase `Let bygones be bygones' mentioned by the Senior General on 25 June, 1991. It is to be pointed out that this phrase not only meant forgiving but is also a warning."] Nov. 24-30: The matter of Myanmar Naing Ngan's paying debts arising out of its separation from India, by Bo Thanmani. [(1-7) History of of the separation of Burma from India in 1937, and its financial arrangements.] Nov. 30: If I speak out, it may amount to Aung Min's taking too much for granted: The Stone from Hiroshima, by Aung Min. [US development and use of nuclear weapons recalled. Myanmars should support total destruction of mass weapons "as well as to watch out with vigilance and defend and protect Myanmar Naing-Ngan from the danger posed by the forces that bully, influence and dominate others by force of arms."] Press Conference Nov. 1: At the 113th State LORC Press Conference, spokesmen reviewed the October KNU incursion into the Delta area: -- Hearing of KNU arms infiltration, the Bogale Twp. authorities on Oct. 3 raided Teetant village and seized 3 KNU terrorists and 8 weapons. The same day police raided Katthamyin village and clashes began. The Tatmadaw launched "Operation Mondaing" Oct. 3, under the leadership of South-West Command. -- The infiltration was ordered by KNU Central with the participation of the KNU No 4 and No 7 brigades, under the direction of KNU "brigade commander" Oliver of No. 4 brigade and "lieutenants" Paw Htoo, Ainkhant, Tin Oo, and Saw William Jack (a) Saw Jack. Duties were also assigned to "former surrendered KNDO members and hardcore villagers whom they had organized in each township and secretly sent arms and ammunition from KNU No 4 brigade to them." The arms came from the KNU "Minthamee" camp in Dawei Twp. [Tanintharyi] and were secretly carried to Pulaw twp. [Tanintharyi] and then sent to the Delta on three schooner trips. -- Following the clash at Katthahmyin village on Oct. 3, the KNU formed three columns. One, led by KNU Lts. Ka Paw Htoo and Saw Jack who had entered the Htawpaing area of Bogale Twp., formed the Bogale Column of persons organized and trained from Katthahmyin, Chaungbya and Byubinzu villages. -- KNU Lts. Ainkhant and Tin Oo, who arrived at Ohngyikon village, Labutta Twp., gathered and trained villagers, and sent them to KNU hardcore member Saw Lardo at Padaukkon village. There and at Theikpangongyi village they were armed (Oct. 4-7) and ordered to march to Pantanaw Twp. via Mawlmyinekyun Twp. and to penetrate Hinthada Twp. Meanwhile, Organizing Committee Chairman Mahn Kyaw Hla of the Labutta Twp. League of Union Kayin Nationals, a surrendered Myaungmya District KNUP member from Shwegon village, went to Padaukkon village to join Lt. Tin Oo. -- On Oct. 7, KNU terrorists Ainkhant, Tin Oo, and Reinnay, and KNU hardcores Saw Lardo, Saw Mahn Chit, Saw That Nyaw, and Mahn Kyaw Hla formed two more columns. The Mawkyun Column led by Ainkhant and Saw Lardo penetrated into the Hinthada area via Pantanaw Twp. The Theinlar Column led by Tin Oo, Mahn Kyaw Hla, and Reinnay, was to march to the Theinlar area of Myaungmya Twp. -- The 100-man Bogale Column led by Kaw Paw Htoo and Saw William Jack (a) Saw Jack clashed 14 times with the Tatmadaw between Oct. 6-10. 63 KNU including the two leaders were killed, and the Tatmadaw captured weapons and ammunitions [details]. The column is reduced to 40 hardcores with 10 firearms, hiding in the Htawpaing area. -- The 100-man Mawkhun Column led by Ainkhant, Saw Lardo, Saw Jupitar (a) That Nyaw, Aung Shwe, Saw Mahn Chit, and Saw Lu Thar went up the Padaukkon chaung (stream) in 5 powerboats on Oct. 7, and reached Tharluphar village and then went to Beegon and Payagon villages and entered Mawlamyinekyun Twp. The Tatmadaw No. 11 LID attacked them near Sarphyusu village in five battles in Myaungmya Twp. between Oct. 11-13. 79 KNU were killed including Ainkhant. The others surrendered. Arms and ammunition were captured [details]. -- The 120-man Thainlar Column led by Tin Oo, Mahn Kyaw Hla, Reinnay, Takiko, Kawlar, Aung Chit Tin, and Robinson, left Padaukkon village, Labutta Twp., in schooners on Oct. 7 and arrived at the Theinlar area of Myaungmya Twp., where they spent a week training and reorganizing. National League for Democracy Myaungmya Twp. Organizer Mahn Aung Maung joined them and served as "section commander" as well as in charge of transport and provisions. From Oct. 15 they moved to Teteku village, and in seized schooners moved along the Ngawun River and entered Hlaingbon chaung (stream) in Ngaputaw Twp. on Oct. 16, where they were met by the Tatmadaw. There were 10 skirmishes up to Oct. 29. On Oct. 22, soldiers in ambush in Tawgyi shot and captured the National League for Democracy Ngaputaw Twp. organizer Saw Michael of Ayodah village; action will be taken against him. During the skirmishes 105 KNU were killed, including KNU "section commanders" Reinnay and Taki[ko]. Weapons and ammunition were captured [details]. The remaining 20 column members led by Tin oo and Mahn Kyaw Hla fled with 20 firearms, and are being sought. -- Altogether the Tatmadaw killed 247 KNU terrorists and captured 6. They seized 5 M-16 rifles, 1 M-20 pistol, 2 BA-52 sten-guns, 1 BA-63 automatic rifle, 1 US-made M-60 machine-gun, 1 .38 revolver, 8 .303 rifles, 1 .303 LMG, 7 M-23 machine-guns, 1 M-79 launcher, 2 RPG launchers, 1 BA-103, 1 L.A.W. launcher, 1 launcher, 1 60 mm. mortar, 84,113 rounds of ammunition, 220 rounds high-calibre ammunition, 42 propellant cartridges, 24 claymore mines, 43 TNT sticks, 250 magazines, fuses, 22 hand grenades, and 6 communication sets. 44 hidden arms caches were found in all. The Tatmadaw lost 17 killed and 23 wounded; the police 18 killed. One Tatmadaw and 17 police firearms were lost. -- Meanwhile, the Tatmadaw South-East Command on Oct. 23 launched an attack in Palaw Twp. [Tanintharyi] north of Myeik [Mergui], which was used by the KNU as a base for transporting arms and ammunition. There was one engagement. 1 KNU was killed and 2 captured. 11 M-16 rifles, 65 AK-47 automatic rifles, 18 M-22 automatic rifles, 2 M-23 machine-guns, 2 carbines, 60 RPGs, 168 rounds of ammunition, 3 motorized vessels and 1 Hino engine were seized. -- "Those who collaborated with and gave support to terrorists are also terrorists. It is heartening to learn that the people in delta area are holding mass rallies to denounce the KNU terrorists almost every day .... Persons and mentors who instigate, support and help them from behind and certain broadcasting stations which meddle in through their fabricated broadcasts the internal affairs of Myanmar Naing-Ngan with intent to cause unrest are strongly condemned." -- "We also know that there are certain politicians and some political parties in the country that spread rumours and fabricated news which might undermine peace and tranquillity.... I would like to warn them that they are to stop such things forthwith.... We will take effective action.... The clarifications have been given...because there are false news being spread in connection with the infiltration of KNU terrorists into the Ayeyarwady Division." -- Asked how the KNU was funded, now that smuggling taxation was down, the spokesman said "the KNUs seek financial and arms support through certain means and that the journalists might know how they could receive them and that it is estimated the latest strength of KNU terrorist group is 4,000 men." -- Asked whether ABSDF youths were involved, the spokesman said that the KNU had "mobilized youths from the delta only" and the "ABSDF was not included. -- Asked whether the KNU actions, plus the floods in Ayeyarwady Division, would decrease rice output, the spokesman said "there need not be any anxiety about rice owing to the above factors." -- Asked about civilian casualties and student involvement, the spokesman said "there were no casualties of residents" and "there was no involvement of students with the KNU terrorists." -- Asked whether the BCPs crushed in Tanintharyi were "remnants of the former BCPs," the spokesman said they were "of the former Tanintharyi Division BCP group." (WPD 11/2) Maj-Gen. Myo Nyunt Nov. 3: Speaking to the National Defence College, Yangon Commander Maj-Gen. Myo Nyunt said that "certain ex-officers of the Tatmadaw were no longer loyal to the Tatmadaw; instead they were attempting to cause disintegration of the Tatmadaw." He quoted the October 1991 news bulletin of the Union Nationals Democracy Party and "said that they were trying to cause disintegration of the Tatmadaw though they seemed to be in support of the Tatmadaw." Finally, he "said that certain political parties had signed pledges stating that they had no contact with terrorist organizations and sent them to the government but they maintained contacts with terrorist organizations clandestinely." He called on everyone to heed State LORC Chairman Senior General Saw Maung's advice in his October 28 speech. (WPD 11/4) Nov. 9: Yangon Commander Maj-Gen. Myo Nyunt "inspected exercises involving the people's strength in encirclement and annihilation of the enemy in Tanyin [Syriam], Khayann, Thongwa, and Kyauktan Twps. [Yangon]. "He said that as the eastern sector of Hanthawady is bordering with the Gulf of Mottama [Martaban], east of the mouth of the Sittoung River, there is the danger of insurgents terrorists intruding into the area. The local people therefore were responsible for preventing their white area from becoming a bloody one, he added." (WPD 11/10) Maj-Gen. Khin Nyunt Nov. 5: Speaking at the inauguration of the Institute of Nursing, State LORC Secretary (1) Maj-Gen. Khin Nyunt said, with regard to human rights: -- Prof. Yozo Yokoza from the UN Human Rights Commission and her colleague "had met with the Election Commission members and representatives from three political parties and arrangements had been made for them to freely meet them and ask questions, that they were taken where they wished to go such as the Shwedagon Pagoda, the new towns, the Yangon Circular Road, the Insein Jail, etc., that frank clarifications were given to whatever they wished to know...." -- He said Myanmar human rights "were aimed at bringing about development of all the national brethren and an enabling the people from all strata and classes to enjoy them." He contrasted this with "Western" so-called human rights that "are meant ultimately for the elite, the privileged and the ruling class." Myanmar rights are "in accordance with the Myanmar traditional values, customs and religion" which are "totally different" from those of the West. "East is East and West is West." -- He said "certain big countries are making attempts to dictate the country in its political, administrative, economic and social affairs. There are those who count on them, who want to become their lackeys and national traitors." [For remarks on Myanmar medical facilities, see below under Health.] (WPD 11/6) Nov. 23: State LORC Secretary (1) Maj-Gen. Khin Nyunt spoke at the consecration of Buddha images for the Wa and Kokang regions: "The BCP terrorists who have no religion oppressed and persecuted the people in the regions for over 20 years and committed sacrilegious acts such as banishing Buddhist monks, destroying monasteries and pagodas and causing the Sasana to diminish, he explained. "He said peace and tranquillity has been restored to these regions as a result of the efforts made by the [SLORC] (Tatmadaw Government) that has been striving to promote and propagate the Sasana. Hence, the Government has decided (1) to carry out development measures for Wa and Kokang regions; (2) to renovate ruined monasteries and pagodas; (3) to convey Buddha images to these regions that are lacking sacred images; and (4) to send missionary monks to the regions...." "He added that the Department for Promotion and Propagation of the Sasana has conducted a first refresher course for Buddhist missionaries, and the missionary Sayadaws would be sent to these regions and would be provided with the four kinds of requisites by the Government. In conclusion, he called on the members of the Sangha and the laity to strive for flourishing of the Sasana with a view to ensuring perpetuation of the Sasana for more than 5,000 years." (WPD 11/24) Gen. Than Shwe Nov. 19: Speaking in in Wetthay village, Pathein-West Twp. [Ayeyarwady], [SLORC] Vice-Chairman Gen. Than Shwe: "Pointed out that the Tatmadaw was able to crush within a few days the KNU terrorists who had penetrated the delta area which had been peaceful for 19 years.... He stressed the need for the people in the area to be aware of fact that the Tatmadawmen were risking their lives to see to the security of the people. The people in the region must also take measures in bringing security to the area.... He called on the people to co-operate with the government and not to believe the rumours and fabricated news spread by outsiders. "The government is like a father to the people. If we fight among ourselves believing what outsiders say, we will surely get into trouble.... He then stressed the importance of giving information about the enemy. He said that one is liable to face life imprisonment or even death sentence because one's failure to report about the entering of the enemy into one's area amounts to committing high treason...." (WPD 11/20) Maj-Gen. Tin Oo Nov. 28: Speaking at a paddy coordination meeting at the Trade Ministry, State LORC Secretary (2) Maj-Gen. Tin Oo "gave an enumeration of annual paddy yield. He said there will be an annual yield of 644 million baskets from 11.5 million acres of successful fields out of a cultivated acreage of 12 million, if calculated at 56-basket yield per acre. "Out of the 644 million baskets, if public consumption including seeds, wastage and storage for farmers is 500 million baskets, there will be a surplus of over 100 million baskets, he said. He pointed out that under these favourable conditions of paddy yield, the present instability of prices of rice should be reviewed. "He blamed the price instability on avaricious traders and some weaknesses in means of distribution, saying the majority of traders and businessmen are taking advantage of the situations in which the State is in the process of changing from one system to another. "He added that these traders, taking advantage of rights given to them under the new economic system, are smuggling products from agricultural and forestry sectors out of the country and are evading taxes in collaboration with some unscrupulous personnel, who are engaged in such malpractises as bribery and corruption...." (WPD 11/29) Nov. 28: Speaking to transport officials, State LORC Secretary (2) Maj-Gen. Tin Oo said that 2,360 miles of new roads had been built, 10,501 miles repaired, and 572 miles expanded, at a cost of over K11,630,000,000. The Shwenyaung-Bahtoo and Aungban-Loikaw railroads were built, and the number of rail coaches, motor vehicles, and vessels increased. The number or rail trips and air flights has grown, and new ticket sales systems were introduced. He stressed the need for security. (WPD 11/29) ELECTIONS Party Registration Changes Party registration changes announced by the General Election Commission [in order of Party]. (153) Kachin National Congress. Registration cancelled at the request of Party Executive Committee, Nov. 27, 1991. (WPD 11/28) NLD Hluttaws Denounce Sein Win Nov. 4: Election Commission Announcement No. 975 of Nov. 4 lists 17 more elected National League for Democracy Pyithu Hluttaw representatives who have denounced the Sein Win Expatriate Group, bringing the total number to 280: Kachin: Daw Sein Tin (Shwegu) Kayah: U Aung Tin (Shadaw); U Pho Thin (Loikaw-1); Teddy Buri (Loikaw-2) Sagaing: U Bo Maung (Dabayin-1); U Win Myint Aung (Dabayin-2); U Mya Aye (Pinlebu) Tanintharyi: U Ohn Myint (Bokpyin); U Nyan Aye (Myeik-2) Bago: U Tin Oo (Okpo-1) Magway: U Ta (Salin-1); U Kan Oo (Salin-2); U Aung Naing Oo (Pauk-2) Mandalay: U Hsan Nyunt Wai (Patheingyi-1); Lt-Col. San Hla Baw (Rtd) (Patheingyi-2) Rakhine: U Mya Maung (Ramree) Ayeyarwady: U Kyaw Myint (Zalun-1) (WPD 11/5) Nov. 28: Election Commission Announcement No. 981 of Nov. 28 lists 12 more elected National League for Democracy Pyithu Hluttaw representatives who have denounced the Sein Win Expatriate Group, bringing the total number to 292: Sagaing: U Kyee Maung (Kyunhla); Daw Sai Sai (Hkamti); U Ant Kyi (Chaung-U); U Aung Thaung (Phaungpyin) Tanintharyi: U Win Oo (Tanintharyi); U Kyi Shwe (Palaw) Magway: U Maw Ni (Yesagyo-1) Shan: U Hkun Sai (Kutkai-1); U Chit Khin (Mabein); U Sam Woon (a) U Sai Phone Myint (Mongkhat); U Sai Myint Maung (Lashio-1); U Than Htay (Lashio-2) (WPD 11/29) NLD Hluttaw Member Dies Nov. 14: Election Commission Announcement No. 976 of Nov. 14 cancels from the roster NLD Pyithu Hluttaw representative U Soe Nyunt (Dawei-1), who died Nov. 10. (WPD 11/15) 3 NLD Hluttaw Members Ousted Nov. 25: Election Commission Announcement No. 978 of Nov. 25 states that "the following candidates of the National League for Democracy [who] were elected...[as] Hluttaw Representatives were convicted for committing an offence shown against them and were sentenced by the courts concerned" and thus "have no right to continue to be Hluttaw representatives and...have been declared as disqualified for their infringement of the Pyithu Hluttaw Election Law": U Saw Khalite (Thandaung-2)--Convicted under 1950 Emergency Provisions Act, Section 5(j). U Mahn Myaing Aye (Kawkareik-1)--Convicted under same provision. Daw San May (Taikkyi-2)--convicted under Penal Code, Section 193 (second part). (WPD 11/26) NLD Hluttaw Member Resigns Nov. 27: Election Commission Announcement No. 979 of Nov. 27 authorizes the resignation of elected National League for Democracy Hluttaw member U Ohn Myint (Bokepyin) for "reasons of health." (WPD 11/28) DIPLOMATIC Diplomatic Calls The following calls were paid on Burmese officials by foreign Embassy or UN officials accredited to Burma. Oct. 31: New Zealand Ambassador Harle Freeman-Greene on Minister for Planning & Finance and for Trade Brig-Gen. Abel. (WPD 11/1) Nov. 6: Belgian Ambassador Mr. Michel Geuens on SLORC Vice Chairman Gen. Than Shwe. (WPD 11/7) Nov. 8: UNICEF Resident Representative Rolf C. Carriere, and his Deputy, Mr. T. Sinnshaw, on Attorney-General U Tha Tun. (WPD 11/9) Nov. 19: Malaysian Ambassador Sallehuddin bin Abdullah on Chief Justice U Aung Toe. (WPD 11/20) Nov. 20: The Malaysian Ambassador on Minister for Industry 1 and for Industry 2 Lt-Gen. Sein Aung, "prior to his departure at the conclusion of his duties in Yangon.", and on Election Commission Chairman U Ba Htay [Note: This is the first mention of U Ba Htay in several months--HCMacD.] \\ Thai Ambassador Surapong Posayanond on Minister for Transport & Communications and for Social Welfare and for Labour Lt-Gen. Tin Tun "prior to his departure at the conclusion of his duties in Yangon." (WPD 11/21) Nov. 22: The departing Thai Ambassador on Chief Justice U Aung Toe. \\ Egyptian Ambassador Mohamed Hassan Ghanem on Minister for Transport & Communications and for Social Welfare and for Labour Lt-Gen. Tin Tun. Managing Director U Win Sein of Myanma Railways was present. (WPD 11/23) Nov. 25: The Egyptian Ambassador on Minister for Industry 1 and for Industry 2 Lt-Gen. Sein Aung. (WPD 11/26) Nov. 26: Malaysian Ambassador Sallehuddin bin Abdullah on State LORC Secretary (1) Maj-Gen. Khin Nyunt. (WPD 11/27) Nov. 27: Thai Ambassador Surapong Posayanond on State LORC Chairman Senior General Saw Maung, and on Minister for Planning & Finance and for Trade Brig-Gen. Abel. (WPD 11/ 28) New Myanmar Ambassadors Nov. 6: State LORC Chairman Senior General Saw Maung appointed U Oung Oung as Myanmar Ambassador to the Philippines. (WPD 11/6) Nov. 7: U Hla Myint Oo presented credentials on Nov. 1 to King Birendra in Kathmandu as Myanmar Ambassador to Nepal. (WPD 11/7) Nov. 14: U Saw Tun, Myanmar Ambassador to Algeria presented credentials on Nov. 10 to President Chadli Bendjedid in Algiers. (WPD 11/14) Nov. 15: Ambassador Oung Oung left for his post in Manila. (WPD 11/16) Nov. 25: State LORC Chairman Senior General Saw Maung has appointed U Tin Tun, Myanmar Ambassador to the USSR, to be concurrently Myanmar Ambassador to Poland and Myanmar Ambassador to the Czech and Slovak Federal Republic. (WPD 11/25) Nov. 27: Ambassador Oung Oung presented credentials on Nov. 21 to President Mrs. Corazon Aquino as Myanmar Ambassador to the Philippines. (WPD 11/27) New Ambassadors to Myanmar Nov. 7: Ambassador Ernest O. Adefemiwa presented credentials to State LORC Chairman Senior General Saw Maung as Nigerian Ambassador to Myanmar. Later he called on Minister for Energy and for Mines Vice-Adm. Maung Maung Khin, and on Minister for Planning & Finance and for Trade Brig-Gen. Abel. (WPD 11/8) Nov. 12: Egyptian Ambassador Mohamed Hassan Ghanem presented credentials to State LORC Chairman Senior General Saw Maung. (WPD 11/13) INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION Workshops and Courses Nov. 4: A Workshop on Maintenance of Airconditioning, Refrigeration & Cold Storage Systems supervised by the Medical Research Department opened at the Medical Research Department with the assistance of UNDP and WHO, including WHO Short-term Adviser Mr. John Pott. 24 participants will attend the Nov. 4-8 workshop. (WPD 11/5) Nov. 11: A National Training Course on the Use of Personal Computer in Nuclear Studies, jointly sponsored by the Ministry of Education, the IAEA, and UNDP, opened in Yangon with 18 trainees. (WPD 11/12) Nov. 19: A two-day workshop on maternal and perinatal health began, co-sponsored by the Myanma Medical Association and the Asia-Oceania Federation of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (AOFOG). Minister for Health and for Education and Chief Commanding Officer of the Universities Training Corps Col. Pe Thein welcomed AOFOG President Prof. G.J. Bishop and Secretary-General Prof. S.S. Ratnam. (WPD 11/20) Nov. 25: A National Training Course on Nuclear Instrumentation and Electronics, co-sponsored by the Ministry of Education, IAEA, and UNDP, opened with speeches by IAEA officials Mr. Dolnicar and Mr. Ganesan. 13 trainees are attending. (WPD 11/26) Nov. 26: A Workshop on Computer Use and Documentation for Teacher Education, co-sponsored by the Basic Education Department, UNDP, UNESCO, and UNICEF, opened under the project for improving Teachers Training Institutions. (WPD 11/27) Nov. 28: A three-day Seminar on Population and Development co-sponsored by UNFPA and the Institute of Economics, opened. (WPD 11/29) Foreign Donations See also Ayeyarwady Flood relief. Nov. 7: Mr. Kenneth K. Shein of Pan-American Co. Ltd.-Myanmar donated Pluvinmin vitamins to Myanmar athletes taking part in the 16th SEA Games. (WPD 11/8) Nov. 27: Chairman Mr. Low Kim Yong of the Golden Glory Company (Singapore) donated prizes worth K1.55 million as prizes for the [Yangon] Mayor's Marathon and the Round the City Circular Road Relay. They include 10 Toshiba 14-inch colour TVs, 9 refrigerators, 60 radio cassettes, 19 video cassette players, 41 rice cookers, 5 Kodoka cameras, and 20 packets of cassettes. (WPD 11/28) YCDC/UNDP Meeting Nov. 4: A Coordination meeting was held between the Yangon City Development Committee, represented by Yangon Mayor U Ko Lay and department heads, and the UNDP, represented by Human Settlements Officials Mr. Bill Bu Channen [sic] and Mr. Vander Schyss, and Programme Officer Miss Kaori Ishii. (WPD 11/5) UN Aid to Border Development Nov. 12: The Co-Ordinating Body for Co-operation with the International and Other Organizations for the Development of Border Areas and UN Agencies under the leadership of Director General of the Department of International Organizations and Ecnomics U Ba Thwin, Staff Officer Lt-Col. Thein Han of the Border Areas Development Committee, and UNDP Resident Representative Gerd Merrem. Representatives from UNICEF, FAO, WHO, and other UN agencies were present. (WPD 11/13) Nov. 27: UN officials visited the Kokang and Wa areas from Nov. 18-25 "to compile data" on UN supported development projects. They were: Dr. J. Boyden and Mrs. C. Carriere of UNICEF; Ms. Laura Kullenberg, Mr. D.J. Proter, Mr. B.W. Walker, and Mr. Mahler of the UN Capital Development Fund, officials of the International Fund for Agricultural Development, UNDP Office representatives, and project officers. \\ The Co-ordinating Body [see above] met to discuss rural water supply and roads in Kokang, eastern sector of Kengtung, and Wa regions. (WPD 11/ 28) Chinese Rail Purchase Agreement Nov. 12: Managing Director U Win Sein of Myanma Railways signed an agreement with Manager Mr. Zhan Jing Wen of the Yunnan Machinery Import & Export Corp. to purchase 7,000 tons of rails for US3.6 million. They will be delivered next March for use on the Myingyan-Tada-U line. This is the first agreement with this company. (WPD 11/13) Hiroshima Peace Stone Nov. 26: The Stone for Peace Association of Hiroshima will give Myanmar a piece of stone "ravaged by the atomic bomb blast." (WPD 11/27) // Nov. 27: A rehearsal for welcoming the stone was held at Yangon Airport, led by Stone Wecoming Committee Chairman Mobile No. 22 Light Infantry Division Commander Brig-Gen. Tin Hla. (WPD 11/28) // Nov. 29: The Stone of Hiroshima Pledging Peace was welcomed at Yangon Airport by 4,000 people. Accompanying the Stone were Chairman of the Stone for Peace Association Mr. A. Hashimoto, Deputy President Mr. K. Nakanishi, Secretary General T. Yano, and Producer Ms. Y. Takahashi. Along the route to the Pyithu Hluttaw the Stone was acclaimed by 350,000 people. (WPD 11/30) FOREIGN VISITORS Business Visitors Nov. 26: Manager Mr. H. Alberga of the Fokker Aircraft Co. of Holland called on Minister for Transport & Communications and for Social Welfare and for Labour Lt-Gen. Tin Tun to discuss "matters relating to the sale of F-27 planes produced by the Fokker Aircaft Company at reasonable prices." (WPD 11/27) Nov. 29: Chairman Mr. Tony Syn of Singapore Tradewinds Pte Ltd., accompanied by Singapore Charge d'Affaires Lam Peck Heng, called on Minister for Planning & Finance and for Trade Brig-Gen. Abel to discuss trade, and on Minister for Transport & Communications and for Social Welfare and for Labour Lt-Gen. Tin Tun to discuss "mutual aviation co-operation." (WPD 11/30) Academic and Non-Profit Visitors Oct. 31: Regional Representative Dominique Dufour of the International Committee of the Red Cross, accompanied by Yangon ICRC Administrative Officer Jean Charles Pasche, called on Minister for Health and for Education and Chief Commanding Officer of the Universities Training Corps Col. Pe Thein. (WPD 11/1) Nov. 7: Senior Adviser Mr. Bob Raitt of the Royal Institute of Public Administration of Britain called on Minister for Health and for Education and Chief Commanding Officer of the Universities Training Corps Col. Pe Thein. (WPD 11/8) Nov. 8: A five-member delegation from Min-On Concert Association Inc., Japan, led by Music Professor Yoshihiko Tokumaru of Ochanomizu University, arrived. It will spend 11 days studying Myanmar music and dance at the Fine Arts Department, and will visit Bagan and Mandalay. (WPD 11/9) // Nov. 11: It called on Minister for Home & Religious Affairs and for Information and for Culture Lt-Gen. Phone Myint. (WPD 11/12) International Agency Visitors Nov. 6: Advisor Miss Nilima Chawla of the Iodine Salt Project, accompanied by UNDP and UNICEF officials, called on Minister for Health and for Education and Chief Commanding Officer of the Universities Training Corps Col. Pe Thein. (WPD 11/7) Nov. 12: A Review Mission from the Asian Development Bank headed by Mr. John Latini called on Minister for Health and for Education and Chief Commanding Officer of the Universities Training Corps Col. Pe Thein. (WPD 11/13) // Nov. 15: It called on Minister for Planning & Finance and for Trade Brig-Gen. Abel to discuss implementation of the ADB-financed Yangon General Hospital Project. (WPD 11/16) Nov. 13: Sociologist Ms. V. Ataralli and Agricultural Expert Mr. E. Simone of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) collected agricultural and social data in eastern Kengtung in Shan State from Oct. 20-Nov. 11, under the programme for developing border areas and national races. \\ Mr. San Kyun Choi, Watershed Management Adviser from UNDP, toured Eastern Kengtung, Mong Yawng and Mong Yu regions of Shan State from Oct. 19-28 to study forest and agriculture research work and collect data on "integrated agricultural pilot project for border areas." \\ UNDP Consultant Mr. De Weerd called on Director-General U Thaung Nyunt of the Attorney-General's Office. \\ Experts Mr. D.K. Bose, Mr. Homa Viswanathan, and Mr. Nikhil Nehru of UNICEF, visiting Myanmar "to find ways for providing assistance to health agencies in the country by UN Agencies," called on Minister for Health and for Education and Chief Commanding Officer of the Universities Training Corps Col. Pe Thein. (WPD 11/14) Nov. 14: Adviser Mr. D. Wiseman of the UNDP-assisted management development programme called on Minister for Transport & Communications and for Social Welfare and for Labour Lt-Gen. Tin Tun. (WPD 11/15) Nov. 15: Members of the Project for Upgrading of Universities Research Centre, including UNESCO Programme Specialist (Physics) Dr. Siegbert Raither, Project Coordinator Dr. J.R. Cannon, and X-ray Consultant Dr. Wei Jui Chang, called on Minister for Health and for Education and Chief Commanding Officer of the Universities Training Corps Col. Pe Thein. (WPD 11/16) Nov. 29: An International Monetary Fund mission led by Mr. J.R. Dodsworth called on Minister for Planning & Finance and for Trade Brig-Gen. Abel. (WPD 11/30) Orbis Flying Hospital Nov. 3: Officials from the flying hospital on Nov. 2 visited Bagan-Nyaung-Oo, Mandalay (including the Eye, Ear, and Nose Hospital), and Inlay Lake. (WPD 11/4) Nov. 4: Orbis President Oliver Foot called on SLORC Vice-Chairman Gen. Than Shwe. \\ Later Mr. Foot and Manager Ms. Pina Taormina handed over medical equipment for eye ailments worth US$123,000 to Minister for Health and for Education and Chief Commanding Officer of the Universities Training Corps Col. Pe Thein. \\ Mr. Foot left Myanmar; the other members of the Flying Hospital team will continue working in Myanmar until Nov. 15. (WPD 11/5) Nov. 7: Eye specialists Dr. Brad Black, Dr. Gard Taylor, and Dr. Arthur Geltzer from Orbis gave talks at the Myanmar Medical Association on Nov. 6. (WPD 11/8) Nov. 15: The Orbis Flying Hospital left. During its 3-week stay it performed 80 surgical eye operations, and gave lectures to over 60 Myanmar ophthalmologists and 130 nurses. (WPD 11/16) Thai Delegations Nov. 11: A Thai delegation headed by Lt-Gen. Piroj Charnturai, Commanding General of the Third Army Area, arrived to attend the 6th meeting of the Myanmar-Thai Regional Border Committee in Taunggyi; he flew on to Heho. The Myanmar delegation is led by Maj-Gen. Maung Aye at the Eastern Command in Taunggyi. (WPD 11/12) // Nov. 14: Lt-Gen. Piroj called on SLORC Vice-Chairman Gen. Than Shwe. (WPD 11/15) // Nov. 16: The delegation left, having visited Loikaw, Kengtung, and Bago. (WPD 11/17) Nov. 27: A Thai delegation led by Minister of Agriculture and Co-operatives Dr. Anat Arbhabhirama arrived, and was hosted at dinner by Minister for Livestock Breeding & Fisheries and for Agriculture & Forests Lt-Gen. Chit Swe. (WPD 11/28) // He was received by SLORC Vice-Chairman Gen. Than Shwe, and later held talks with Minister Lt-Gen. Chit Swe. Accompanying the Thai Minister is Deputy Minister Dr. Ajva Taulananda. (WPD 11/30) Chinese Delegations Oct. 31: A Yunnan Cultural Delegation led by Deputy Yunnan Director of Cultural Services Ms. Sun Wei called on Minister for Home & Religious Affairs and for Information and for Culture Lt-Gen. Phone Myint. (WPD 11/1) // Nov. 10: Minister for Home & Religious Affairs and for Information and for Culture Lt-Gen. Phone Myint hosted a dinner for the delegation. (WPD 11/11) // Nov. 13: The delegation left, after visiting Bagan, Nyaung-U, Mandalay, and Taunggyi. (WPD 11/14) Nov. 13: A 40-member gymnastic, dance and music troupe led by Vice-Chairman Zhou Gengxin of the Yunnan Association of Cultural Exchange with Foreign Countries, arrived. It will perform in Yangon on Nov. 14-16 before going on to Lashio, Mandalay, and Taunnggyi. (WPD 11/14) // Nov. 14: The troupe called on Minister for Home & Religious Affairs and for Information and for Culture Lt-Gen. Phone Myint. In the evening it performed at the National Theatre; tickets are K50, K75, and K100. Several Ministers attended. (WPD 11/15) // Nov. 15: Minister for Home & Religious Affairs and for Information and for Culture Lt-Gen. Phone Myint hosted a luncheon. (WPD 11/16) // Nov. 16: The troupe visited Hlawga Park. (WPD 11/17) // Nov. 19: The troupe was received Nov. 17 in Lashio by North-East Commander Maj-Gen. Maung Thint, where it will perform Nov. 18-19. (WPD 11/20) // Nov. 23: The troupe was received Nov. 20 in Mandalay by Deputy Central Commander Col. Aung Khin, where it will perform Nov. 21-22. (WPD 11/24) // Nov. 26: The troupe, after entertaining for two nights in Taunggyi, will give its final performance in Yangon. (WPD 11/27) // Nov. 27: The troupe departed for Yunnan, after 4 performances in Yangon, and 2 each in Lashio, Mandalay, and Taunggyi. (WPD 11/28) Nov. 13: A Chinese military goodwill delegation led by Deputy Chief of Staff Lt-Gen. He Qizong arrived at the invitation of Gen. Than Shwe. (WPD 11/14) // Nov. 14: It called on State LORC Chairman Senior General Saw Maung, and visited the Shwedagon Pagoda. (WPD 11/15) // Nov. 15: On Nov. 14-15 it visited Mandalay and Bagan-Nyaung-U; on its return to Yangon a dinner was hosted by Gen. Than Shwe. (WPD 11/16) // Sept. 16: the delegation left. (WPD 11/17) Nov. 13: A seven-member Chinese delegation headed by Minister of Aero-Space Industry Lin Zongtang, arrived on a one-week visit to discuss aviation matters. (WPD 11/14) // Nov. 18: The delegation met with State LORC Chairman Senior General Saw Maung, and called on Minister for Planning & Finance and for Trade Brig-Gen. Abel. (WPD 11/19) // Nov. 19: The delegation left. (WPD 11/20) Bangladesh Foreign Minister Nov. 19: Bangladesh Foreign Minister A.S.M. Mostafizur Rahman will pay an official visit to Myanmar Nov. 21-23. (WPD 11/19) // Nov. 21: The Minister and his delegation arrived. (WPD 11/22) Nov. 22: The Minister was received by State LORC Chairman Senior General Saw Maung. He also called on Minister for Foreign Affairs U Ohn Gyaw, and on Minister for Planning & Finance and for Trade Brig-Gen. Abel, and visited the Shwedagon Pagoda. Minister U Ohn Gyaw hosted a dinner. (WPD 11/23) Nov. 23: The Minister was received by Minister for Home & Religious Affairs and for Information and for Culture Lt-Gen. Phone Myint. Later he returned to Bangladesh, after visiting sights in Yangon and paying homage to the Tomb of Zafar Shah [last Mogul Emperor of India--HCMacD.]. (WPD 11/24) Laotian & Cambodian Sayadaws Nov. 13: A grand ceremony to present sets of thingan, umbrellas, and slippers donated "for the members of Sangha in Laos and Cambodia" will be held in the Maha Pasana Cave on Kaba Aye Hill on Nov. 24. Offeratories worth K7,045,250 will be given to 16,360 rahans and samaneras in Laos and 4,000 in Cambodia. 7 Laotian and 3 Cambodian Sayadaws will join 64 Myanmar Sayadaws for the ceremony. (WPD 11/14) // Nov. 15: Robes and belts worth K7 million will be presented. (WPD 11/16) Nov. 22: Seven Laotian Sayadaws and two Cambodian Sayadaws arrived to receive robes and belts for Sangha members from their countries. They visited the Shwedagon and other Yangon pagodas. (WPD 11/23) Nov. 24: State LORC Chairman Senior General Saw Maung attended the Maha Asadisa Civara Dana Ceremony at which K7 million of robes and offeratories were presented to Sangha members from Laos, Cambodia, and Myanmar. Minister for Home & Religious Affairs and for Information and for Culture Lt-Gen. Phone Myint said that: -- "It is learnt that there are 16,360 monks and samaneras in Laos and about 4,000 monks and samaneras in Cambodia at present." Myanmar donates thingans (saffron robes) and other requisites, as the Buddhist laity is required to do. -- The Myanmar delegation to Laos has already donated 2,000 sets of `thingan', 200 sets of `dukot thingan', four Buddha imagees, 1622 belts and 20 pitaka treatises. At this ceremony there will be presented a further 10,000 sets of `thingan' and belts, 4 Buddha images, 4 white umbrellas, 20 "books on normal course of tipitaka," 119 umbrellas, 118 pairs of slippers, and 6 "sets of kammava each containing 47 volumes written by Mingun Tipitakadhara Sayadawgyi." -- Members of the Sangha from Cambodia will be given 5,000 sets of `thingan' and belts, and 4 Buddha images. -- 5,007 sets of `thingan' will be given to Myanmar Sangha members. The visiting Sayadaws are: From Laos: Bhaddanta At Soubhatdo, age 85 and vassa 65; Bhaddanta Sali Kantasilo; Bhaddanta Chaloune Vasilalangsi; Bhaddanta Khamdeng Oudayvong; Sayadaw Bhaddanta Somsy Keokhyo. From Cambodia: Sayadaw Bhaddanta Vianayadhama Tep Vong; Sayadaw Bhaddanta Yang Sok. Earlier, the foreign Sayadaws visited the State Pariyatti Sasana Tekkatho in Yangon. (WPD 11/25) Nov. 25: The foreign Sayadaws visited the Mogok Viapsana, Mahasi Vipasana, and the Chanmye-Yeiktha in Yangon. (WPD 11/26) // Nov. 27: On Nov. 26 they visited Bagan-Nyaung-U. (WPD 11/28) // Nov. 28: On Nov. 27 they visited Mandalay. (WPD 11/29) // Nov. 29: On Nov. 28 they visited pagodas in Sagaing. (WPD 11/30) Philippine Foreign Secretary Nov. 29: At the invitation of Minister for Foreign Affairs U Ohn Gyaw, Mr. Raul S. Manglapus, Secretary of Foreign Affairs of the Philippines, will visit Myanmar Dec. 2-5, accompanied by his wife. (WPD 11/ 29) MYANMAR DELEGATIONS Study Delegations Oct. 31: Professor Dr. Lilian Poe, head of the Department of Physiology at the Institute of Medicine-1, left for Australia to attend a 4-month WHO-sponsored course on recent advances in teaching and research related to physiology with emphasis on human genetics. (WPD 11/1) Nov. 1: Four trade officials left for New Delhi to attend an Oct. 28-Dec. 20 course on entrepreneurship for small business trainers' promoters' programme under Colombo Plan auspices. They are Deputy Director Daw Than Myint of the Trade Department; Assistant General Manager Daw Myint Myint Thwe of the Myanmar Agriculture Produce Enterprise; Deputy Manager Daw Hnin Aye of Myanma Department Stores; and Assistant General Manager U Myint of Myanmar Export and Import Services. (WPD 11/ 2) Nov. 3: Two members of the SLORC Information Committee, Managing Director U Soe Nyunt of the News and Periodicals Enterprise and Acting Director Lt-Col. Ye Htut of the Defence Services Museum and Historical Research Institute left on a 12-day study tour of Japan at the invitation of the Japanese government. (WPD 11/4) // Nov. 16: They returned. (WPD 11/17) Nov. 4: Communications Officer U Maung Maung Win of Myanma Posts & Telecommunications left for Singapore to attend a Nov. 4-15 training course, and for New Zealand for a Nov. 18-22 training course, both under WPU auspices. \\ Nov. 4: Curator U Kyaw Win of the National Museum returned from Japan [see Oct. 21]. (WPD 11/5) Nov. 9: A 5-member delegation led by Director General U Tin Maung Myint of the Livestock Ministry Planning and Statistics Department left for Thailand to attend a Seminar on Managing Growth in a Market Oriented Economy held Nov. 10-17 under ADB auspices. Other members are Managing Director U Hlaing Myint San of Myanma Petrochemical Enterprise, Managing Director U Saw Myint of Myanma Pharmaceutical Industries, General Manager U Thoung Sein of Myanma Export Import Services, and Deputy General Manager U Tun Kyi of the Myanmar Investment and Commercial Bank. \\ Director Aung Ba Kyi of the Labour Department left for Manila to attend a regional seminar on planning to be held Nov. 11-14 under ILO auspices. (WPD 11/10) Nov. 11: Tutors U Nyi Nyi of the Department of Technical, Agricultural and Vocational Education and Daw Yi Yi Aye of the Commercial School, Yangon, left for the Philippines on Nov. 9 to attend a Nov. 11-19 training course on Computer-based Instructional Materials Development Presentation Graphics at the Colombo Plan Staff College for Technician Education in Manila. \\ Geology Demonstrator U Ali Akba Khan (a) U Tin Maung Htwe of Taunggyi Degree College left for India to attend the Nov. 11-29 UNESCO Regional Training Course in Structural Geology. \\ Deputy Division Head U Saw Cecil Kyi and Assistant Research Officer U Mya San of Myanma Agricultural Produce Trading left for Thailand to attend a Nov. 11-15 Technical Working Group Workshop on Post-harvest Technology Training and Extension Materials in Bangkok, sponsored by the Asia and Pacific Food and Agriculture Committee. \\ Domestic Science Head Daw Si Si of the Pathein Teachers' Training Institute and Civil Assistant Surgeon Dr. Daw Tin Tin Win of the Health Department left for Thailand to attend the Nov. 11-31 Regional Workshop for the Conduct of Skills-based Literacy Training for Women and Girls in Hua Hin. (WPD 11/12) Nov. 12: Eight officers led by Capt. Aung Min of the Narcotic Drug Suppression Committee left Nov. 10 for Hong Kong to attend a Nov. 11-22 narcotic drug suppression course jointly sponsored by the Central Committee for Drug Abuse Control (CCADC) and the UN Drug Control Program. Similarly, 4 police officers headed by Deputy Superintendent Daw Mya Mya from the CCDAC left Nov. 11 for Hong Kong for a Nov. 12-22 course on the compilation of statistics of narcotic drugs. (WPD 11/13) Nov. 13: Assistant Engineer U Kyaw Kya of Myanma Shipyards left for Belgium to attend a training course on repair and maintenance of medium and small vessels, under Belgian auspices, that will last until Mar. 6, 1992. \\ A cultural delegation left for China, where it will remain until Nov. 27. Members are Director-General Dr. Ye Htut of the Department of Cultural Institute, Director U Tun Zaw of the Department of Fine Arts, and U Khin Maung Win of the Miny of Culture. (WPD 11/14) // Nov. 27: The cultural delegation returned. (WPD 11/28) Nov. 16: Assistant Managers U Tun Yi and U Thein Zaw of Myanma Agricultural and Rural Development Bank left for a a 4-week Regional training Course on Rural Finance at the Central Bank of Philippines, with support from the German Government. \\ Deputy Supervisor U Win Myint of Myanma Farms Enterprise left for the Philippines to attend a Nov. 18-Dec. 13 Course on Rural Finance and Farm Development with the assistance of the German Government. \\ Communications Officer U Khan Aung of Myanma Posts and Telecommunications left for England to attend a 10-day Workshop on Promotion and Development of Parcel-Post Services under UPU sponsorship. \\ Lecturer U Khin Kyaw of Myanma Hotels and Tourism Services left for Indonesia to attend a 10-day Seminar on Tourism Planning and Development sponsored by the Asian Productivity Organization. (WPD 11/ 17) Nov. 18: Senior Research Officer Dr. Tin Shwe of the Medical Research Department left for Thailand to attend a Nov. 19-22 Advanced Knowledge on Malaria Symposium on Containment of Mefloquine Resistant Malaria in South-East Asia. (WPD 11/19) Nov. 19: Lecturer/Curator Daw Tin Phone Nwe and Senior Research Officer Daw Mya Mya of the History Department (Research), Yangon University, left to research and collect historical facts of Myanmar history from the United Kingdom and French archives, under the Strengthening of National Archives Project supported by UNDP. (WPD 11/20) Nov. 25: Principal U Bo of Pwintbyu Agricultural Institute [AI] and Principal U Than Pe of Thegon AI left for Israel on Nov. 23 to attend a Workshop on Curriculum Development and Evaluation for Agricultural Schools and Institutions under an Israeli grant. \\ Lecturer Daw Khin Ni Ni Thein of the Civil Engineering Department, Yangon Institute of Technology, left for the Netherlands Nov. 24 to study Experimental and Computation Hydraulics, leading to a doctorate, under a Netherlands grant. (WPD 11/26) Nov. 26: Plantation Manager U Win Kyaing of Myanma Farms Enterprise left for Israel to attend a three-week International Workshop on Agricultural Ecology. (WPD 11/27) Nov. 27: Chief Stage Director U Ye Htut of the Fine Arts Department left for China to attend the Dec. 1-7 Symposium on Asian Traditional Theatre. (WPD 11/28) Nov. 28: Electrical Technician U Soe Tint of the Medical Research Department left for Thailand to attend a training course on the repair of laboratory equipment, conducted by UNDP. (WPD 11/29) Delegations to Meetings Nov. 1: Staff Officer Daw Nyo Nyo of the Agricultural Mechanization Department left for Miami, Florida, to attend the Nov. 4-8 Global Assembly of Women and the Environment. (WPD 11/2) Nov. 4: Senior Research Officer Dr. Ye Htut of the Department of Medical Research left for Thailand to attend the Nov. 6-8 Meeting on Immuno-diagnosis of Malaria under the sponsorship of IAEA. (WPD 11/5) Nov. 11: Division Head U Myat Tha Tun of the Ministry of Labour left for Pattaya, Thailand to attend the Nov. 12-15 Fifth APSDIN Meeting sponsored by the ILO. \\ Director U Sein Lwin of the Fisheries Department left for Thailand to attend the Nov. 11-15 Third Co-ordination Meeting of NACA. (WPD 11/12) Nov. 12: A Myanmar delegation headed by Myanmar Ambassador to France U Saw Tun attended the 26th General Conference of the UNESCO in Paris from Oct. 15-Nov. 7. Other members were Embassy First Secretary U L Zaw Gun, Second Secretry U Tint Swe, and Third Secretary U Aung Latt. Ambassador U Saw Tun delivered an address on Oct. 18. Myanmar was elected to be on the Headquarters Committee and on the Intergovernmental Committee for Physical Education and Sports. (WPD 11/13, correction 11/23) Nov. 16: Deputy Director Dr. Soe Than of the Department of Medical Research left for Thailand to attend the Nov. 17-22 2nd Asia-Pacific Congress of Medical Virology. (WPD 11/ 17) Nov. 18: A delegation led by Attorney-General U Tha Tun left for Paris to attend the Nov. 21-23 Ministerial-level meeting on Crime Prevention and Administration of Justice. Other members are Director-General U Thaung Nyunt of his Office, Supreme Court Director-General U Aung Myint, and Foreign Ministry Head of Office U Pe Than Oo as delegation secretary. (WPD 11/19) Nov. 25: Deputy Director Dr. Chit Shwe of the Basic Education Department left for Thailand to attend the Nov. 25-29 2nd Regional Committee Meeting of Training Network for Asia-Pacific Programm of Education for All (APPEAL). \\ Senior Research Officer Daw Le Le Win of the Medical Research Department left for Thailand to attend the Nov. 25-Dec. 6 Inter-regional Meeting on Health System Research (HSR) in Leprosy, under WHO auspices. (WPD 11/26) Health Delegation to Thailand Nov. 13: A delegation led by Director-General Dr. Maung Kyaw of the Health Department left for Thailand to discuss "control of rapidly contagious diseases such as malaria and AIDS and prevention of the scourge of narcotics drugs in areas which share borders with Thailand" from Nov. 15-17. Other members are CCDAC Joint Secretary Police Col. Ngwe Soe Tun, Deputy Directors Dr. Franco Tin and U Ohn Han of the Health Department, Deputy Director Dr. Kan Tun of the Health Ministry Foreign Relations Department, Dr. Aye Nyein of the Venereal Diseases Control Unit of Yangon General Hospital, Shan Deputy Health Department Head Dr. Kyee Myint, and Director Dr. Soe Lwin of the National Health Laboraatory Unit. (WPD 11/14) FAO Conference Nov. 6: A delegation led by Minister for Livestock Breeding & Fisheries and for Agriculture & Forests Lt-Gen. Chit Swe left for the Nov. 9-28 26th Conference of the UN Food and Agriculture Organization in Rome. Other delegation members are Director General Dr. Myint Thein and Assistant Director U Tin Htut Oo of the Agriculture Ministry Planning and Statistics Department, Managing Director U Tin Hlaing of the Myanma Agriculture Service, Managing Director U Hla Pe of the Myanma Timber Enterprise, Director U Kyaw Lwin of the Livestock Ministry Planning and Statistics Department, and Capt. Hla Maw Oo, PSO to the Minister. (WPD 11/7) Nov. 14: Minister for Livestock Breeding & Fisheries and for Agriculture & Forests Lt-Gen. Chit Swe addressed the FAO session on Nov. 13, saying [excerpts]: -- "Myanmar has been subject to both sporadic drought and floods; the floods, being the severest in the past decades. The floods affected over 400,000 acres of crops, mostly paddy, rendered more than 280,000 people homeless, and led to considerable loss in public and private property and infrastructure. Measures have been taken to recultivate damaged areas, with crops appropriate to post-flood growing conditions, and we are glad to report that national food requirements and our normal potential surpluses will not be unduly affected. The measures of assistance rendered by UN Agencies, international organizations and numerous donor countries, towards the relief efforts, are highly contributive, and we remain deeply appreciative...." -- "The pace of economic growth and development [in Myanmar], however, had not been comparatively satisfactory [despite abundant natural resources]. The Government of Myanmar, in recognition of the negative environments, instituted drastic changes to its economic structure in recent years. Significant steps were taken for the shift towards a market economy and with a view to maximize private domestic participation, attract foreign investment and accelerate growth and development. Emphasis have been given on creating profit incentives for farmers as well as small entrepreneurs and on infrastructure development. "The measures were followed by the promulgation of a new Foreign Investment Law. The Law, containing favourable returns on investment has provided equitable conditions for foreign ventures in production, trade and service sectors. The responses have been encouraging and currently a considerable number of enterprises in forestry, fisheries, oil and mineral exploration, industries and for hotel and tourism are in operation. "Measures were also taken for relaxing controls in international trade and with mechanisms for exporters to retain the full amount of their foreign exchange earnings, for purchase of appropriate imports. The incentives have generated favourable private sector response, and has led to an increase in the volume of agricultural exports. Similarly, the legislation of the inland border trades with the neighbouring countries have further given a surge to Myanmar's exports in numerous agricultural produces.... Early indications signal that the agriculture sector has responded well to the increasing demand and higher prices of agricultural products.... -- "The conservation of genetic resources remains extremely essential for the ensurance of an assured supply of basic material for plant and animal breeding; and importantly also for future biotechnology advances. The collection and exchange of plant germ-plasm continued to be built up in Myanmar and we hope that our efforts in these spheres will be further strengthened through the enlarging scopes of the Special Action Programme on Biological Diversity ...." -- "The 2800 kilometre coast line of Myanmar supports a vast reservoir of varied fish resources.... The marine resources, however, still remain under-exploited. The total harvest in 1990 amounted to only about half a million metric tons against an estimated sustainable yield of one million metric tons. Our national fishing fleet still lacks the capacity to accommodate the potential; and as an interim bridging measure and in conformity with United Nations Convention of the Law of the Seas, for sharing surpluses, a number of fishing rights, associated with development programmes, have been granted. The rights are for one year with options for extension and are meant to serve as prelude to more economically viable Joint Ventures under our Foreign Investment Law. I wish to take the opportunity of assuring the Conference that the operations will be controlled under strict legal and administrative mechanisms, so as to prevent over-exploitation or damage to the environment...." -- "In spite of our financial resource constraints, we have taken firm measures to integrate environmental consideration into the various facets of national development .... The government has also set up a National Commission for Environmental Affairs...to coordinate efforts.... Fortunately, Myanmar's environment has not been unduly impaired...due to the relatively limited population pressures, the still low level of industrialization and the limited use of polluting agricultural chemicals.... The forest resources continue to be managed under sound silvicultural systems. The extraction of timber is strictly on a selection felling basis.... The rate of reafforestation of teak, hardwood and fuelwood species progress at 25,000 hectares yearly. -- "The private sector, as of recent, was permitted to participate in the extraction of hardwoods under our new economic restructuring. Similarly steps were taken to harvest the backloads of standing teak and hardwoods along the inaccessible border areas, under extraction rights {and joint-ventures}* with neighbouring countries. Although the operations are being undertaken under strict forests and customs regulations, regrettably there have surfaced insinuations of over exploitation and clear felling. We appreciated the well-intentioned concern of certain quarters in these respects, but wish to inform the Conference that the disinformation remains unfounded. The total area of all the border concessions covers only over three thousand square miles amounting to 2.6 percent of the total forest area of the country. Moreover, under the terms of contract, only trees of the exploitable girth classes are permitted for extraction in accordance with our selective felling system. There are also restrictions in area as well as limitations in quantity to be harvested in all the concession areas. {* Please ignore "and joint-ventures"... (WPD 11/16)} "As an agricultural country we attach extreme importance to the protection of the tropical forest ecosystems. We continue to subscribe to the activities of the Tropical Forestry Action Plan, and the tenets of the declaration adopted at the Ministerial Conference on Environment and Development in Asia and the Pacific held in 1990. We also fully endorse `The Paris Declaration' of the Tenth World Forestry Congress and will effectively co-operate with the international community in this vital area." -- "Our campaign to combat and eradicate opium poppy cultivation and illicit trafficking in narcotic drugs, is also being waged relentlessly. The government, at the same time, has been according high priority to the development of the border areas, with a view to improve the rural infrastructure, agricultural development and socio-economic condition of the region.... The support rendered in the efforts, by FAO, UNDP and UNDCP, among others, have been invaluable and we remain indebted to them.... Myanmar has, at the same time, entered into bilateral cooperation with...China, Thailand and Laos...with a view to strengthen the war against drugs.... (WPD 11/15) Nov. 19: Lt-Gen. Chit Swe and his delegation returned from the FAO meeting in Rome. (WPD 11/20) MYANMAR GAZETTE Probationary Appointments The SLORC made the following appointments, on probation: Nov. 14: U Tin Hlaing, Director, Myanma Textile Industries, to be Managing Director, Myanma General Industries, Ministry of Industry 1. Dr. Daw Win May, Deputy Director (Training/Teaching), Health Manpower Department, to be Principal, Institute of Nursing, Ministry of Health. (WPD 11/14) Nov. 27: U Chit Swe, Director of the Central Bank of Myanmar, to be Managing Director, Myanma Agricultural and Rural Development Bank, Ministry of Planning & Finance. (WPD 11/28) Transfers Nov. 14: U Khin Maung Lin, Managing Director, Myanma Paper and Chemical Industries, Ministry of Industry 1, to be Managing Director, Technical Services, Ministry of Industry 2. U Tin Aung, Director-General, Industrial Planning Department, to be Managing Director, Myanma Paper and Chemical Industries, Ministry of Industry 1. (WPD 11/14) GOVERNMENT Independence Day Slogans Nov. 11: The 44th Anniversary Independence Day Celebrations Central Committee met, and the following "four objectives" were announced: "(1) for all the citizens one another [sic], for ensuring the perpetuity of national independence and sovereignty; (2) to keep alive and dynamic the love for independence, nationalism and nationalist fervour; (3) for all the citizens to join hands with the Tatmadaw and work in unity for bringing about development of national economy; and (4) to keep patriotism alive and dynamic." State LORC Secretary (1) Maj-Gen. Khin Nyunt urged responsible personnel to "systematically carry out activities since the...Day will be celebrated in a significant manner with some additional programmes." (WPD 11/12) Land Management Committee Formed Nov. 13: SLORC Notification No. 44/91 of Nov. 13 establishes the Fallow and Virgin Land Management Central Committee. (WPD 11/14) SLORC Confers Buddhist Titles Nov. 20: SLORC Notification No. 46/91 of Nov. 20 confers Sasana titles on Myanmar and foreign Sayadaws, preachers, missionaries, and outstanding donors [names & institutions]: Abhidhajamaharatthaguru Title (3) Aggmahapandita Title (60) Aggamahaganthavacakapandita Title (47) Mahaganthavacakapandita Title (11 Sayadaws, 9 Nuns) Gulaganthavacakapandita Title (7 Sayadaws, 6 Nuns) Aggamahakammathanacariya Title (8) Mahakammathancariya Title (3) Culakammathanacariya Title (5) Mahadhammakathika Bahujanahitadhara Title (4) Dhammakathika Bahujanahitadhara Title (2) Abhidhaja aggamahasaddhammajotika Title (8) Aggamahasaddhammajotikadhaja Title (7) Mahasaddhammajotikadhaja Title (16, incl. 1 from India) Saddhammajotikadhaja Title (9, incl. 2 from Thailand) Sirisudhammamanijotadhara Title (1) Sihasudhammamanijotadhara Title (2) Aggamahasirisudhammasingi Title (1) Sirisudhammasingi Title (1) (WPD 11/21-22) MILITARY Insurgent Attacks Nov. 11: A KNU mine exploded Nov. 10 between Mile posts Nos. 112 and 113 near the Hninpale Station on the Yangon-Mawlamyine line, derailing a train, killing two passengers, and injuring another five. The engine driver saw the KNU terrorist drop the mine on the railway, but it exploded some 25 yards from the train. The line has been reopened. (WPD 11/12) Nov. 18: A KNU mine exploded Nov. 17 near Winpa village, Thaton Twp. [Mon], killing a woman and wounding her husband; her 5-year old son is missing. (WPD 11/19) For the KNU incursion into Ayeyarwady Division, see above under Press Conference. Insurgents Surrender Nov. 28: From Oct. 1-10 23 "terrorists of various terrorist groups, realizing their misdeeds, renounced their armed struggle and returned to the legal fold." [names and details] (WPD 11/30) ECONOMIC Economic Articles Nov. 2,4-5,11,14,22,26,29-30: The Regions of our Brethren: Where the State Law and Order Restoration Council's Goodwill Blossoms Forth, by Ngwe Kalaung. [Cont. Development in Wa and Kokang regions.] Nov. 3,8-10,13,17-18,20: The Records of the Construction of Roads and Bridges during the time of the State Law and Order Restoration Council, by Mya Kalaung. [Cont. Record of recent projects.] Construction and Other Projects Nov. 11: The Panhlaing Road railway overpass in Sangyoung Twp. [Yangon] was inaugurated. Situated between Alon and Kyimyindine Railway Stations, it is 100' long, 32' wide, and cost K3 million. \\ A new post office at Eindu village, Hpa-an Twp. [Kayin] was inaugurated. WPD 11/12) Nov. 13: A hot-spring resort was opened Nov. 9 in Lashio. (WPD 11/14) Nov. 15: the Namhkam-Bhamo motor road was inaugurated Nov. 13. \\ A K175,000 hydro-power station at Mongkai [Shan] was inaugurated Nov. 5. (WPD 11/16) Nov. 18: The new Yedashay Sugar Mill of the Myanma Foodstuff Industries was inaugurated in Yedashay [Bago]. The mill was constructed with loans from the Japanese Overseas Economic Co-operation Fund and contracts with the Tsukishima Kikai Co. Ltd. signed in March 1986. With a daily capacity to crush 1,500 tons of sugarcane and produce 150 tons of sugar, the mill was scheduled for completion in 1988 at cost of over K385 million, but construction came to a standstill because of the disturbances. Minister for Industry 1 and for Industry 2 Lt-Gen. Sein Aung said "that the new sugar mill was constructed to serve the interests of the peasants of the surrounding area as well as that of the State by spending millions of kyats and it was necessary for the peasants to sell the full amount of raw materials to the mill to enable it to operate at full capacity. He also expressed his pleasure to learn that the sugarcane growers earned the highest income this year." (WPD 11/ 19) Nov. 24: A new 100-bed hospital was commissioned in Pakkoku on Nov. 21. The 2-storey building was constructed with K2.5 million from the State and K6.2 million in public contributions. \\ The Lashio Town Hall in northern Shan State was opened Nov. 22. \\ Thirinanda Lake was opened in Yangon; the 2.5 acre park includes a 1.1 acre lake. (WPD 11/25) Nov. 29: The Nam Lat Creek hydroelectric power station in Kengtung Twp. was inaugurated Nov. 28. It will supply Kengtung with 24-hour per day electricity. This phase will supply 500 KW, while a 3,000 KW second phase at Namwoke Creek will be completed in 1 1/2 years. The State spent US$130,000 and K14.7 million on the Nam Lat project; and the Namwoke project will cost US$600,000 and K36 million. (WPD 11/30) Joint Ventures Nov. 8: Ministry of Trade Notification No. 29/31 establishes the Myanmar Korea Timber International Ltd., as a joint venture "for manufacturing and marketing of wooden products mainly plywoods and sawn timbers," with authorized capital of K20 million divided into 2,000 shares of K10,000 each, of which 900 are held by the Myanma Timber Enterprise represented by its Managing Director, 900 by Daewood Corp. represented by President Young-Suk Yoon, 541, 5-GA, Namdaemoon-Ro, Jung-Gu, Seoul, Korea, and 200 by Samwon Enterprise Co. Ltd. represented by President Jong-Ik Park, 1211-1, Choryang Dong, Dong-Gu, Busan, Korea. (WPD 11/8) Nov. 8: Ministry of Trade Notification No. 30/91 of Nov. 8 establishes the Myanmar Rice Engineering Co. Ltd., as a joint venture "for production of rice milling machinery and for production, marketing and distribution of spare parts, agricultural tools, and farm implements," with an authorized capital of US$ 3 million divided into 30,000 shares of US$100 (K630) each, of which 18,000 (subscribed in kyats or in kind) will be held by Myanma Agricultural Produce Trading, represented by its Managing Director, and 12,000 (in foreign currency) by Rice Engineering Supply Co. Ltd. of Thailand, represented by its Managing Director, Mr. Pornchai Tantivirasut. (WPD 11/9) Nov. 13: Minister for Industry 1 and for Industry 2 Lt-Gen. Sein Aung inspected the production of Aluzinc at 346 Pyay Road [Yangon] by Myanmar-ACE Metal Industries Co. Ltd., a joint venture of Myanmar Metal Industries. Aluzinc, being produced in Myanmar for the first time, "lasts longer than the ordinary corrugated iron sheets. The sales price for seven-foot sheet is four US dollars." (WPD 11/14) Nov. 26: Rice shops of JVC No. 2 Ltd. "are selling rice freely to customers." Customers can buy up to 10 bags at [five Yangon addresses] and more than 10 bags at the Head Office. (WPD 11/27) Advertisements BUDDHIST LODGE INTERNATIONAL Exposition of SUPREME SCIENCE OF BUDDHA in special English cordially invites all who care to listen courses conducted by U Thane Maung No. 66/68, 164th Street, Tamway, Yangon Venue and time by arrangement (WPD 11/15) ------ HAVE A PEPSI THE CHOICE OF A NEW GENERATION [Logo] PEPSI-COLA PRODUCED IN MYANMAR ACCORDING TO PEPSI-COLA INTERNATIONAL STANDARD. PEPSI-COLA PRODUCTS MYANMAR LTD. (WPD 11/27) Oil Wells Oct. 31: Drilling began at the Idemitsu Oil Co. second test well, "Mahutaung (North) IM-1" in Mingin Twp. [Sagaing], in the presence of officials and Idemitsu Managing Director M. Kurita. A depth of 13,210 is planned. (WPD 11/1) Nov. 5: Between Nov. 3-5, Minister for Energy and for Mines Vice-Adm. Maung Maung Khin visited oil-fields at Chauk, Yenangyoung, Mann, and Htaukshabin, and at Pyay, as well as related industrial installations. Speaking at Chauk "he revealed that as much foreign exchange as possible was being devoted to the petroleum industry despite certain limitations." Visiting Well No. 3067 at Yenangyoung he learned that since Sept. 26, 1991, it has been producing 225 bbl. of oil and 49,800 cu. ft. of natural gas per day. A special K50,000 bonus is being distributed to Yenangyoung oil workers for "having been able to increase production." (WPD 11/6) Nov. 27: Drilling began at the Petro-Canada Myanmar Inc. Nawadar No. 1 test-well in Ngazun Twp., Sagaing. Resident Manager Mr. Ken McDonald spoke. (WPD 11/28) Trade & Commerce Oct. 31: A 3-day trade workshop opened at Sittway [Rakhine] on Oct. 29, with 97 participants. (WPD 11/1) Nov. 13: The Kayah State Chamber of Commerce and Industry was formed Nov. 6 in Loikaw. It has a 28-member Executive Committee, and its 15-member Central Executive Committee is headed by U Tun Oo. (WPD 11/14) Tourism Orders Issued Oct. 31: The Ministry of Trade has issued orders implementing the new Myanmar Tourism Law, affecting kinds of transport to be used, responsibilities of entrepreneurs, qualifications of tour guides, requirements for hotels and lodging-houses including security and fire prevention, and application and renewal procedures for licencing. Details will be published in the Trade Ministry's TIS News. (WPD 11/1) Imports Oct. 31: The first consignment of cement from Indonesia, designed for Yangon City Development Committee projects, arrived in Yangon on the MV Pathein. A further 30,000 tons is due in a week on the MV Sittway and foreign ships. (WPD 11/1) Nov. 8: The second consignment of 8,000 tons of cement arrived on the MV Sittway and was welcomed by Yangon Mayor U Ko Lay. The YCDC has purchased 30,000 tons in all, and the remainder will arrive soon. (WPD 11/9) Nov. 8: A first consignment of edible palm oil has arrived on the MV Pinya. "The edible oil will be sold to the public. Individuals and organizations that have opened accounts at Myanma Foreign Trade Bank and Myanma Investment and Commercial Bank may also buy it in foreign currency." (WPD 11/9) Mandalay & Yangon Land Fraud Nov. 12: Between Oct. 11-29 the National Intelligence Bureau exposed another 151 people who deceived authorities by understating sales contracts of land, buildings, and houses in Mandalay. The sales were recorded at K39.6 million but were really for K250.7 million, or K226.9 million more than the claimed amount. "If the amount exposed for the second time was added, it totalled K 437.943 million involving a total of 292 cases up to 29 October." The taxes due will be collected from both buyers and sellers, as provided by law. From 1989 to 1991 there were 2,529 real estate transactions in Mandalay, but the Internal Revenue Department "has taken care of only 100 cases." The NIB has now exposed 292 cases, and the IRD has another 2,127 to assess. "The sellers and buyers of land, buildings and houses in Mandalay, in collaboration with some personnel of the Mandalay Division Settlements and Land Records Department and lawyers, signed contracts which failed to mention the actual amounts.... Moreover, some employees of the Internal Revenue Department in order to get bribes applied delaying tactics by giving advice to the tax payers how to evade taxes. Severe action will be taken by the NIB if such acts continue." (WPD 11/13) Nov. 12: Between Oct. 24-Nov. 11, the NIB exposed 35 people who deceived authorities by understating sales contracts of land, buildings, and houses in Yangon. The sales were recorded at K70.45 million but were really for K161.1 million, or K90.6 million more than the stated amount. (WPD 11/15) Economic Malpractices Punished Nov. 13: Representatives of the Engineering Department (Buildings) and the Security and Discipline Department of the Yangon City Development Committee have stopped construction on 9 illegal buildings in Pazundaung Twp. "Action will range from sealing to demolition of the buildings." (WPD 11/14) Nov. 23: "The Ministry of Trade has issued an announcement dated 13 November stating that action has been taken against the persons and the economic organizations which were engaged in unscrupulous economic activities taking the advantage of the market economy being practised by the Union of Myanmar." The following company has been ordered "to cease their activities in accordance with the law": Master World Trade Co. Ltd., 13 Thitsar St., Yankin Twp., Yangon. The following companies and entrepreneurs have been "deleted from registration as honorary service organizations as well as from registration as exporters and importers" [all Yangon]: Master World Trade Co. Ltd. [as above]; U Aung Sein Tun (a) Aung Chein Hoe, Parami Import Co., 183 Anawrahta St., Kyauktada Twp.; Daw Toe Bi Lein (a) Daw Win Win Tin, Win Win Tin Enterprise, 148 Theinbyu St., Botahtaung Twp.; U Han Khin, Khaung Overseas Trading, 297 Maha Bandoola St., Botahtaung Twp.; Daw Than Than Myint (a) Daw Kyin Hua, Pyikyaw Trading, 197 Maha Bandoola St., Kyauktada Twp. The following persons and companies have been included in "the Black List of traders who were not suitable for doing business since they were engaged in unscrupulous economic activities taking advantage of the market economy being practised by the Myanmar Naing-Ngan" [all Yangon]: U Thein Zaw, 13 Thitsar St., Yankin Twp.; U Aung Sein Tun [as above]; U Aung Sein Lin, 18 Latha St., Latha Twp.; Daw Toe Bi Lein [as above]; Daw Than Than Myint [as above]; Daw Aye Myint, 178 Kyongyi St., Lanmadaw Twp.; Daw Mi Mi Soe, 183 Anawrahta St., Kyauktada Twp.; U Tin Aung, 80/82 32nd St., Kyauktada Twp.; U Mya Tun, 115 49th St., Pabedan Twp.; U Cho Aye, 185 15th St., Lanmadaw Twp.; U Htwa Kyan Inn, 18 Latha St., Latha Twp.; U Aung Soe, 225 Anawhrahta St., Pabedan Twp.; Daw Than Than Aye, 85/87, Room No. 6 [sic], Botahtaung Twp.; U Han Khin, 297 Maha Bandoola St., Botahtaung Twp.; Aung Thurein Sales Exhibition, 63 Konzedan St.; and Ever Smile Sales Store, 183 Anawrahta St. (WPD 11/24) Pepsi Cola Plant Opens Nov. 22: Pepsi-Cola Products Myanmar Ltd. opened its factory at Thandaybin village, Hmawby Twp. [Yangon]. It has been established by Golden Star Co. Ltd. of Myanmar and Pepsi-Cola International of the United States. Chairman Mr. Richard Blossom of Pepsi-Cola Asia and the Pacific, and President U Thein Tun of Pepsi-Cola Products Myanmar Ltd., spoke. [photo] (WPD 11/24) Rainfall in Yangon Rainfall since January 1, 1991, in inches, at Yangon's three weather stations of Yangon Airport (YA), Kaba-Aye (KA), and Central Yangon (CY) was: As of YA KA CY November 1 90.28 82.60 95.09 November 15 91.06 82.84 95.47 November 30 91.06 82.84 95.47 HEALTH AIDS Seminar Oct. 30: A 2-day seminar to draw up curriculum for prevention and control of AIDS for State/Division instructors opened at the Health Museum, with Health Department, WHO, and UNDP representation. Present were Health Department officials and doctors, and 28 state/division health personnel. (WPD 11/1) Institute of Nursing Opened Nov. 5: The new Institute of Nursing was opened in Yangon by State LORC Secretary (1) Maj-Gen. Khin Nyunt. It is the first such institution in Myanmar; a training course in Mandalay will be opened simultaneously. After reviewing the history of medicine in Myanmar, he said the Institute of Nursing was an outgrowth of the new Midwifery and Nursing Law of Oct. 17, 1990; it will confer B.Sc. (Nursing) degrees. At first, the degree will be given after two years' study to people with a three-year nursing diploma, with priority to nursing instructors and those in charge of wards. Classes will be held in Yangon (53 trainees) and Mandalay (15 trainees), including 28 Tatmadaw trainees. Later, those who pass the BEHS exams will be allowed to attend and receive the B.Sc. (Nursing) degree after four years. The Secretary-1 said that in 2 1/2 years 27 hospitals and 56 dispensaries have been opened in 13 border development areas in five states and one division, at a cost of K39.1 million. 185 people have been assigned to them at an additional salary cost of K4.2 million, for a total of K43.4 million, not including medicines and equipment. Altogether, there are now in Myanmar 684 hospitals and dispensaries (including 16 special and 21 general hospitals), 4,692 nurses, 3,747 outside nurses, 7,926 midwives, 9,939 outside midwives, and 1,387 women health employees, with 380 more to be appointed. [For further remarks, on human rights, see above under Political Crisis] (WPD 11/6) Medical Miscellany Nov. 7: The Fifth Conference of Medical Specialties of the Myanmar Medical Association opened. It will focus on "Symposium on Tuberculosis" and "Modern Trends in Surgical Treatment of Coronary Heart Disease presented by Heart Specialists from Singapore." 350 specialists are attending, and the conference will last until Nov. 11. (WPD 11/8) Nov. 28: A ceremony to honour the "fulfilment of the 1990 inoculation against the children's diseases" was held by the Ministry of Health, UNDP, UNICEF, and WHO. Inoculation was begun in 1978 and has been brought into practise in 176 townships. (WPD 11/29) Toxic Liquor Nov. 8: Nine people were killed, and three others hospitalized, after drinking illicit toxic liquor from the house of Ma Myat Mon, 1 Pyishwebo St., Ward 14, Hline Twp. [Yangon]. She had purchased 5 bottles of "100-proof alcohol" from Aung Win of 42 Kanthaya St., Ward 14, and diluted it. Aung Win, in turn, had purchased "liquor polish" from the methylated spirit shop of Khin Maung Win of 39th St., Kyauktada Twp., at K210 per gallon, bleached it with caustic soda, and resold it as "100-proof alcohol." Investigation continues. (WPD 11/9) Nov. 9: Three people were killed, and 17 hospitalized, after drinking illicit toxic liquor in North Okkalapa Twp. [Yangon]. (WPD 11/10) Nov. 13: Four people died Nov. 10 after drinking toxic liquor bought in Insein Twp. [Yangon]. (WPD 11/14) Nov. 14: Five more people died in Yangon General Hospital after drinking toxic liquor; another is still under treatment. (WPD 11/15) SPORTS Sports Teams Abroad Nov. 3: A 26-member football team led by Myanmar Football Federation EC member U Shwin Naung left for Malaysia to play goodwill matches from Nov. 3-9. (WPD 11/4) // Nov. 8: Myanmar beat Malaysian Bank Selected 3-0 on Nov. 5, and the SEA champion Malaysian National Team 1-0, on Nov. 7, with a winning goal by Maung Maung Oo. (WPD 11/9) Nov. 4: A Myanmar Rowing Team, led by Myanmar Rowing Federation Secretary Dr. Than Toe, left for Hong Kong to participate in the 13th International Invitational Boat Race. The team included Manager U Ohn Myint, Coach U Kan Zaw and seven rowers. (WPD 11/5) // Nov. 13: The rowing team returned after winning the championship (in the junior four-oar division). (WPD 11/14) Nov. 6: The Myanmar chess team returned from the 9th Asian Chess Championship in Penang, Malaysia, held Oct. 24-Nov. 3. Myanmar stood fourth out of 18 teams; Aye Lwin achieved international masters' level. (WPD 11/7) Nov. 9: A Myanmar Karatedo team led by Karatedo Federation President Police Col. Khin Maung Tun left for Bangkok for joint training with the Thai selected team. The team includes U Win Myint (manager), U Soe Win (secretary), sportsmen Ye Naing Win, Ngwe Ya, Win Myint Soe, Aung Khaing, Kyaw Naing Oo, Win Myint Phyo, and Tun Zaw, and sportswomen Nwe Nwe Oo, Aye Aye Maw, Myint Myint San, Khin Sanda Aye, and Sanda Myo Aye. (WPD 11/10) // Nov. 17: The team returned. (WPD 11/18-19) Nov. 20: A 23-member marathon team headed by the Deputy Head of Market of the YCDC left for Thailand to participate in the Nov. 24 Bangkok Marathon. (WPD 11/21) // Nov. 25: Myanmar won 14 medals: Mya Thway won gold in 40-and-above marathon; Michael in 40-and-above mini marathon; Hla Thein Tun in 20-29 mini marathon; Gopal in under-20 marathon; Myint Myint Than in 20-29 group mini marathon; Khin Pa Pa in under-20 marathon; and Maung Ko in 50-age group mini marathon. Weikpan won silver in open; Min Min Tun in under-20 marathon. Myint Kan won bronze in open; Sein Tin Htoo in 20-29 group mini marathon; Naing Win and Saw Kaythi in under-20 mini marathon. In the marathon race, Hla Hla Mu stood 4th and Bo Bo 5th. (WPD 11/26) Nov. 21: A team led by Cycling Federation Vice-President U Kyaw Nyein left to participate in the 24th Penang Pesta Cycling Championships beginning Nov. 23. The team includes U Khin Maung (coach), Daw Mi Mi Khin (manager), and members Ma Myint Myint Lwin, Tha Tun Kyaw, Win Than, Nay Win Aung, and Maung Maung Tun. (WPD 11/22) // Nov. 25: The team of Tha Tun Kyaw and Ma Myint Myint Lwin won gold medals. (WPD 11/ 26) // Nov. 27: The victorious team returned. (WPD 11/28) XVI South East Asian Games Nov. 17: The advance team of the Myanmar Athletic Contingent to the Nov. 24-Dec. 5 XVI South East Asian Games, led by Golf Federation Secretary Lt-Col. Thura Khin Maung Win, left for Manila [names] (WPD 11/18) Nov. 20: The first group of Myanmar athletes left for the Games [names]. (WPD 11/21) Nov. 23: The main contingent left for the Games, led by U Aung Din, Secretary of the Myanmar Sports and Physical Education Committee and Director-General of the Sports and Physical Education Department. The remainder will follow Nov. 26. (WPD 11/24) Nov. 24: The Games opened, with teams and 4,000 athletes and officials from Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, the Philippines, Singapore, Brunei, Vietnam, Myanmar, and Laos. (WPD 11/25) Nov. 25: The Main Contingent arrived in Manila Nov. 23, accompanied by President of the Myanmar Olympic Committee Minister for Construction and for Co-operatives Lt-Gen. Aung Ye Kyaw. \\ The Myanmar teams prepared. \\ In 50-metre free pistols , Myint Soe won gold with 545; in team scores Myanmar won bronze with 1,601 points. (WPD 11/ 26) Nov. 26: The final contingent of athletes left for the Games. // In half-heavyweight judo, Tin Tin May won the silver. (WPD 11/27) Nov. 27: Silver medals were won by Than Maung in men's middleweight judo, and by Phyu Phyu Thant in women's half middleweight judo. Bronze was won by Myo Myint in men's 56-kilo weightlifting. (WPD 11/28) Nov. 28: The gold medal was won by Kyaw Thet in 100-kilo weightlifting. Silver was won by Teli Jein in man's 60-65 kilos judo, and by Kyi Kyi Wai in women's half lightweight judo.. Bronze was won by Kyaw Nyunt in men's lightweight kilos judo, and by Hla Hla Myint in women's lightweight judo. (WPD 11/29) Nov. 29: Gold medals were won by defending champion Khin Khin Htwe in the women's 1,500-metre race, by Tun Tun in men's 20-kilometre walk (setting a new record of 1:35:30). Silver was won by Phyu Phyu Thant in women's open weight judo, and by Thji Han in 110 kilos weightlifting. Bronze was won by Tun Win Thein in the men's 1,500-metre race, by Soe Soe Nyein in the women's long jump, and by Shwe Aung in the men's 10,000-metre race. Myanmar took silver in the 500 metres and the 950 metres 10-a-side traditional boat race. During the month there were several articles about Myanmar organizations contributing cash to the "Committee for Ensuring Victory in the XVI SEA Games." See also under Sports Articles (below). Traditional Sports Nov. 7: The Commander-in-Chief's Shield Chinlon Tournament (Army, Navy, Air) opened. Following demonstrations, 14 teams of Light Infantry Divisions took part. (WPD 11/8) // Nov. 11: Winners in the Nov. 8 finals were: 1) Tatmadaw (Air Force); 2) Tatmadaw (Navy); and 3) Central Command. (WPD 11/12) Nov. 9: A antique racing boat from Launglon will be displayed at the Third Myanmar Traditional Boat Festival. It was built of Thingan wood in 1921. Other antique boats from Yesagyo, Sagaing, and Myingyan Twps. will also be displayed. (WPD 11/10) Nov. 11: The 1991 Sagaing Traditional Boat Festival opened at the Monywa jetty, Chindwin River, Nov. 8, with an audience of 10,000. (WPD 11/12) Nov. 14: The 1991 Sagaing Traditional Boat Festival was held Nov. 8-11 in Monywa, with an audience of 15,000. \\ The 1991 Rakhine Traditional Boat Race was held in Sittway on Nov. 11. (WPD 11/15) Sports Articles Nov. 1: The youth pave the way, by Ivan King. [Congratulations and advice to teams playing abroad.] Nov. 11-12: Join together at traditional boat festival for fun and pleasure, by Yankin Ko Ko Lay. [(1) "The traditional boat race festivals held throughout various periods of Myanmar kings have vanished since Myanmar fell into servitude. Under the rule of the aliens, the language, the Sasana and cultural traditions waned. Youths of today are losing sight of the religious and cultural heritage which was influenced by the colonialists." (2) Myanmars welcome the SLORC's revival of "a traditional sport of Myanmar boat race which became extinct under the rule of the British imperialists."] Nov. 16: A `private eye's' view at the SEA contingent, by Ivan King. [Rebirth of Myanmar sports prowess.] Nov. 17: XVI SEA Games: To foster nation's image in world sports arena, by Mying Swe. [(1) "Myanmar team comprises 299 members--nine managers, five medical officers, seven officials for news and information, four security officers, four trainers, 53 managers-cum-coaches and 217 athletes--and will compete in 22 out of 28 events...soccer, volleyball, track & field, boxing, weightlifting, judo, karatedo, taekwando, traditional boat race, badminton, yachting, cycling, golf, shooting, swimming/diving, tennis, physical culture contest, basketball, gymnastics, paik-kyaw-chin (sepak takraw), table tennis and arnis. Arnis is a Philippine traditional art of self-defence by manoeuvring a stick."] Nov. 19,21-25: XVI SEA Games: Myanmar athletes with determination and undaunted spirit, by Myint Swe. [Myanmar teams and stars described.] Hole-in-One Nov. 2: Police Lt-Col. Aye Ko scored a hole-in-one at the 17th par-3 hole of the Myanmar Golf Club at 9th Mile, Prome Road, using a No. 9 iron club and an Ultra No. 1 ball. (WPD 11/3) CULTURAL Literary and Cultural Articles Nov. 3,10,17,24: Foundations of Myanmar Culture: Myanmar literature and the ten major jatakas, by Hnaphet Hla. [Cont. (67-70)] Nov. 3,10,17,24: 20th Century Myanmar Poets & Poems, by Htila Sitthu. [Cont. (106-109) Poet Naung: Thirteen selected poems.] Nov. 3,10,17,24: Poems (in Myanmar and English). [(1-4) Cont. (3-6) "Never their slaves" by Nay Thway Ni. (2) "Never a slave again" by Thiha Aung.] Nov. 3,10,17,24: Short Stories. (1-4) Cont. (6-9) "General Maha Bandula" by U Thein Maung. (1-4) Cont. (3-6) "What shall I tell Ah Nyo" by Maung Thin. (1-2) "A shortlived ecstasy" by Pe Than.] Nov. 9-10: Bayint Naung's Achievements, by Aung Soe. [Story of a General who became King {1551-1581}.] Nov. 24: Myanmar Traditional Regatta, by Dr. Khin Maung Nyunt. [Illustrated history of royal barges.] Buddhism Nov. 9: Annonna Nissita (Dependent on one another), by Manizawta. [Correlation between body and mind.] Nov. 16: Cogitating on body & mind, by Manizawta. [The body is caused by ignorance, attachment, obsession, action, and nutrients; the mind by the six senses {including thinking}.] Nov. 18: The first seminar of the Buddhist missionary monks and refresher course, sponsored by the Department of the Promotion and Propagation of Sasana, ended. Graduation certificates were given out. (WPD 11/19) Nov. 25: At the sixth meeting of the Third State Sangha Nayaka Committee, the presiding Sayadaw "said that...one of the undertakings of the...Sayadaws was that the Five Nikaya Pali Examinations has become the one that is being held by the Government. The Sayadaw said as monks, samaneras and laymen would be allowed to sit for the examination every candidate would get an opportunity to learn the teachings of Lord Buddha. After learning the teachings of Lord Buddha the candidates would become more gentle and civilized, the Sayadaw added." Minister for Home & Religious Affairs and for Information and for Culture Lt-Gen. Phone Myint "expressed his delight for the Directive No. 83 issued by the...Committee being explained in various regions. The Directive, he said, forbids the monks and samaneras to engage in party politics.... Underscoring the existence of numerous political parties the Minister pointed out the difficulties that might arise once the monks got involved in party politics. Purification, perpetuation and propagation of the sasana could not be carried out without the unity among the members of the Sangha, the Minister said." (WPD 11/26) During the month there was extensive coverage of SLORC, Government, and Military figures participation in Kathina (robe offering) ceremonies, as well as in the renovation of pagodas, the circulation of relics, and other Buddhist religious activities Medical Degrees Awarded Nov. 2: The Institute of Medicine-2 in Yangon held its 18th Convocation. Rector Dr. Ko Lay conferred 5 M.Sc. and 59 M.B.B.S. degrees. 5 students received M.Sc. degrees and 53 received Bachelor degrees in absentia. Later the same day, the Institute held its 19th Convocation. The Rector conferred 3 M.Sc. and 84 M.B.B.S. degrees. 1 student received an M.Sc. degree and 27 received Bachelor degrees in absentia. \\ The Institute of Dental Medicine held its 11th Convocation. Rector Dr. Khin Maung Lay conferred the dental bachelor's degree on 24 students; 29 received it in absentia. Later the same day the Dental Institute held its 12th Convocation. The Rector conferred the dental bachelor's degree on 46 graduates; 13 received it in absentia. (WPD 11/3) Nov. 3: The Institute of Medicine-2 in Yangon held its 20th Convocation. Rector Dr. Ko Lay conferred one M.Sc. (Anatomy), one M.Sc. (Physiology), and 98 M.B.B.S. degrees. 12 students received Bachelor degrees in absentia. (WPD 11/4) Nov. 5: All 19 Myanmar candidates who sat for the MRCP Part-1 examinations given in Yangon by the British Royal College of Physicians on Oct. 3, passed. 10 are service personnel [government employees] and 9 private medical practitioners. (WPD 11/6) Nov. 16: The Institute of Medicine 1 held its 23rd and 24th Convocations, presided over by Rector Dr. Mya Oo, and conferred bachelor and master degrees. (WPD 11/17) Literary Organization Nov. 3: The Pabedan Township [Yangon] Literary and Journalists Organization was formed, and elected the following officers: Chairman: U Saw Kyaw Aye (Saw Kyaw Aye Pabedan) Secretary: U Maung Myint (Seingyun San Maung) Members: U Hla Kyaw (Wunna Kyaw); U Kaung (Yebaw Hla Oo); Dr. Kyaw Sein Treasurer: Daw Baby Myint (Shwebo Thirimar). (WPD 11/4) Yangon "City News" Nov. 8: The Yangon City Development Committee will launch the City News as an evening daily, beginning Nov. 18. It published a sample issue on Nov. 7. It will focus on activities of the YCDC, features, prices, foreign news, interviews, letters, radio & TV schedules, sports, entertainment, advertisements and cartoons. Price will be K1 per copy. For information call 84201. (WPD 11/9) 1990 National Literary Awards Nov. 12: The Selection committee announced the books in various genres worthy of National Literary Awards for 1990. No awards were made in the categories of Novels; Children's literature; Translation (fiction/non-fiction); General knowledge (science/applied science); and Political literature. Short story collections: Ko Hsay Yoe-4 by Sinbyukyun Aung Thein; Plays: Ahtwet-myan-myan Apyan-hnay-hnay by Tetkatho Maung Maung Khin; Poems: Amay-ein Amay-Kyaung by Maung Kyin Nwe; Belles letters [sic]: Hsan-phut-te apho-oh by Chit San Win; Myanma Culture and fine arts: Maha Gita Sway-nway-chet by San Myint; Youth's literature: Swan-ah-shin Ywetnu-sein-kalay-myar by Maung Khun Nwe (Inlay); General knowledge (arts): Doe-bo-bwa Thuye-gaung-myar by Einme Daung Pyar. The prizes, raised to K50,000 from last year's K20,000, will be presented on Dec. 7. (WPD 11/13) Nov. 22: The winners of the Sarpay Beikman manuscript awards for 1990 were announced: Novels: 2nd prize: In-twe Pwe-lyet Ashar-hwet by Pho Kyawt Kho. 3rd: Than-yaw-zin-hsu by Ma Aye Nyein. [Where a prize is not indicated, it was presumably not awarded--e.g., 1st prize in the Novels category.] Short Stories: 2nd: Kyaung-gin Tha-moddayar hnint Maha Myintmo by Maung Yint Mar (Kyaunggon). 3rd: Tingyi Ta-wan Byaing Ta-wan by Nyo Nyo Yin (Daik-U). Belles Letters [sic]: 2nd: Madu Thadda Shwedaung Kyawswa Bweya Yokthay Minthameegyi U Phu Nyo ei Bawa Zatkyaung by Shezaung Tin Swe. Translation: 1st: The three short stories of W. Somerset Maugham, trans. by U Ba Than (AB). Children's literature: 1st: Waihinsan Meikswemyar by Aung Naing (Tekkatho). 2nd: Ayemyathaw Ayeik by Aung Thuyein (Pale). 3rd: Mwe-may thee-char Yadana hnint Achar Wutthu-domyar by Maung Tha Hmwe. Youth literature: 1st: Lu-nge Lan-hnyun by Dr. Kyaw Sein. 2nd: Ywetthit Thabye hnint Achar Lu-nge Wutthudomyar by Min Chan Mon. 3rd: Yemon Yadana by Maung Hsanda (Lewe). Myanmar culture and fine arts: 1st: Alinga Kyaw-swa U San Kho ei Zar-timan Lingarmyar hnint Mintharthon Zathtoksarmyar by Soe Wai. 2nd: Myanma Sinyok-cho Anupyinnyar by Maung Yee Soe (Kyaukse). 3rd: Myanma Oh by Htan Hlaing. General knowledge (arts): 2nd: Myanma Ein-thu Myanma-mu by U Aye Cho (MA). General knowledge (science and applied science): 2nd: Myanma Yadana Kyun-shwewar by San Win (Mann). 3rd: Nay-ein-ta-lon-daw Hpyit-aung Hsauk-mai by Chan Aye Maung. Plays: no awards made. Political literature: no awards made. Prizes this year are K25,000, K20,000 and K15,000 for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd prizes--compared with K7,000, K6,000, and K5,000 last year. The awards ceremony will be on Nov. [sic--Dec.?] 7. Entries for 1991 are due by Dec. 31. [photos of winners] (WPD 11/23) Documentary Films Nov. 14: A Documentary film of State LORC Chairman Senior General Saw Maung's goodwill visit to China will be shown in cinemas beginning Nov. 15. (WPD 11/15) Nov. 26: A Documentary film on the 2nd SLORC Chairman's Bowl Traditional Boat Race Festival will be shown in cinemas beginning Nov. 29. (WPD 11/27) Music Asiayone Formed Nov. 18: Executive Committee members were elected for the various strata of the Myanmar Naing-Ngan Music Asiayone: namely, Stereo stratum; musical technicians stratum; and production/distribution/recording stratum. Chairman of the supervision committee for forming the Asiayone, Director of Signals Brig-Gen. Myo Thant, congratulated the newly-elected EC members. (WPD 11/ 19) Nov. 27: The Myanmar Naing-ngan Music Asiayone Executive Committee was formed as follows: Chairman: Accordian U Ohn Kyaw Vice-Chairmen: Daw Sein Moh Moh; Sagaing U Hla Shwe; Hinthada U Myint Ngwe Secretaries: Gangawtaw U Myo Aung; U Thukha Sein Hlaing; U Ah-maing Joint-Secretaries: U Khin Maung Htoo; U Kyi Min Thein; U Kyaw Min (WPD 11/28) MISCELLANEOUS Crime News Names and addresses of culprits generally included. Crime, date, and locality are included in our summaries, but generally not the individuals unless for special reason. Oct. 31: The Lashio anti-drug squad on Oct. 22 seized 5.6 kilos of heroin aboard a motor vessel arriving from Hsenwi. \\ The National Intelligence Bureau uncovered a teak smuggling scheme involving bribery of officials of the Hseikkan Twp. General Administration Department (K5,000-10,000 per consignment), the Central Movement Control Committee (Sinmalaik) of the Transport and Communications Planning and Operations Department (K1,000-10,000 per vessel), the Yangon, Thingangyunn, Toungoo, and Alon Twps. Forest Departments (K4,000-40,000 per trip), and Customs Department (K5,000-70,000 per vessel). The scheme was exposed when authorities on Sept. 21 seized export quality teak on board the motor vessel Sein Hnint Mya as it was leaving for Singapore. Action will be taken. (WPD 11/1) // Nov.4: Further details of the scheme exposed, including extensive forgery of documents and involvement of various private companies and individuals. "Than Lwin, Myint Than, Khin Aung, Tin Maung Latt and U Shwe who are mainly responsible for smuggling teak out of the country are absconding. Han Khin...was arrested on 14 September 1991. Severe action will be taken against companies and merchants who are committing economic malpractices taking advantage of the market economy being practised in the country...." (WPD 11/5) Nov. 2: Kyauktada Twp. [Yangon] police seized 10.9 kilos of marijuana from a Kyaukkyi-Yangon bus on Oct. 9. (WPD 11/3) Nov. 7: Action is being taken against 16 employees of the Rakhine State Revenue Department for bribery and corruption, including Department Head Assistant Director U Kyaw Myint. According to the NIB investigation, Oct. 16, 1990, U Kyaw Myint, who took office Oct. 16, 1990, received K381,500 in bribes from township officials and sent it to his wife in Yangon. He also gave exam questions to his son Kyaw Myo Thant so the latter could get a job in the Township Revenue Department, took K10,000 for leaking exam questions to another person, found fault with and transferred subordinates who did not bribe him, and promoted those who did. Sittway Township Revenue Department Acting Head U Zaw Myint and Deputy Heads U San Shwe Hla, U Mya Than, U Myint San, and U Thaung Pe also received bribes from taxpayers, some of which they passed to U Kyaw Myint. Eleven other township officials [named] "were also involved in bribery and corruption." (WPD 11/8) Nov. 9: Yangon railway police on Oct. 25 arrested 4 men in the act of stealing a 24-volt fan from the No. 5 coach of the circular [commuter] train. (WPD 11/10) Nov. 10: The Monywa anti-drug squad on Oct. 20 seized 3.3 kilos of heroin, and the vehicle used in carrying it. (WPD 11/11) Nov. 11: Mohnyin Twp. [Kachin] police on Oct. 8 seized 3 kilos of opium in Thegon village. (WPD 11/12) Nov. 14: The Monywa anti-drugs squad on Oct. 24 seized 388 bottles of phensedyl aboard the Panwar ferry boat. (WPD 11/15) Nov. 15: The Monywa anti-drug squad on Oct. 9 seized 1.1 kilos of heroin in Mogoung village, and on Sept. 21 seized 1.0 kilos of heroin from a boat passenger leaving for Homlin [sic]. (WPD 11/16) Nov. 17: Phyu Twp. [Bago] police On Nov. 6 seized 6.5 kilos of marijuana. (WPD 11/18) Nov. 18: The Mandalay anti-drug squad on Nov. 6 seized 79 bottles of phensedyl on a bus coming from Gangaw. (WPD 11/19) Nov. 19: The National Intelligence Bureau has exposed five employees of the Alon Asbestos Sheet Plant, Myanma Ceramic Industries, who from May 1989-Feb. 1991 stole K640,000 and used forged documents to deliver 3,690 sheets of asbestos roofing and 300 sheets of ceiling worth K672,000 to four merchants. All are being prosecuted. (WPD 11/ 20) Nov. 25: Tiddim Twp. [Chin] police seized 191 slabs of gelignite, made in India, between Manbuang suspension bridge and Dolphone camp. (WPD 11/26) Nov. 28: The Tachilek anti-drug squad on Oct. 28 seized 4 kilos of raw opium near Wantapon. (WPD 11/ 29) Obituaries [English language obituaries only; there are occasional obituaries in Burmese as well.] Oct. 29: Pi Parthlusi, widow of Pu Tialkhuai of Khaute Village, mother of Ex-member of parliament (Pi Thangtintlem)...died in Falam, aged 96. [Christian] (WPD 11/5) Nov. 19: Mr. T.O. Brown, U.N. Consultant (UNICEF) Retd., husband of Daw Mya Kyi, died in Yangon aged 71. [Christian] (WPD 11/21) Nov. 25: Sayadaw Bhaddanta Gunacara Maha Thera, member of the State Central Working Committee of Sangha, Presiding Sayadaw of Thayetpinchaung Monastery, Dagon Twp., died in Yangon, aged 68, vassa 48. (WPD 11/ 28) Ayeyarwady Flood Relief During the month, there were many articles about donations of money and food sent for flood relief in Ayeyarwady Division. We note only aid from foreign or international sources. Nov. 6: Chinese Ambassador Liang Feng delivered documents on flood relief donations comprising 7 tons of tinned provisions, 2,300 pieces of clothing, 3,000 pairs of rubber shoes, and 4 tons of biscuits. (WPD 11/7) // Nov. 9: The goods, worth US$100,000, arrived in Pathein. (WPD 11/10) Nov. 11: Korean Ambassador Hang Kyung Kim donated US$30,000 for Ayeyarwady flood victims. (WPD 11/12) Nov. 13: The Myanmar Embassy in Washington donated US$265. (WPD 11/ 14) Nov. 14: The Netherlands has donated 100,000 guilders worth of drugs and cooking oil for Ayeyarwady flood relief. (WPD 11/15) Nov. 17: International Red Cross representative Mr. Peter Michael Rees visited the flood-hit regions of Ayeyarwady Division on Nov. 15-16; the Red Cross has donated US$170,000 of blankets, clothes, and other materials. (WPD 11/18) Nov. 19: Thai Ambassador Surapong Posayanond presented K500,000 for flood victims. (WPD 11/ 20) Nov. 20: The Tradewinds Company [airline] has transported (without charge) 15 electric generators donated by the International Red Cross for flood relief. (WPD 11/21) Nov. 25: Italian Ambassador Dr. Giorgio Bosco presented 200 million lire (ca. US$160,000) for flood relief, to be expended by UNDP for purchase of relief goods such as blankets, mosquito nets, cooking utensils, tents, rice and medicines. (WPD 11/26) Nov. 27: FAO Representative Dr. Oscar S. Lazo signed a note granting US$165,000 "for importing seeds" for flood victims. (WPD 11/28) Nov. 28: President Mr. Low Kim Yong of Golden Glory Myanmar Ltd. donated K200,000 for flood relief. (WPD 11/29) Fires in Yangon Nov. 15: A fire that broke out in Ward 15 of Hline Township [Yangon] destroyed 432 homes and left 6,000 people homeless in Theingi St., Aungbawga St., Seitathuka 1st & 2nd Lanes, Pyidawtha 2nd St. & its 2nd Lane, Dhamamayon St., and Kanaung St. 7 monasteries were destroyed and damage is estimated at K2,000,000. (WPD 11/16) Nov. 29: A fire in Zaygalay and Htidan Wards in Kyimyindine Township [Yangon] destroyed 199 homes and left 4,000 people from 500 households. Estimated loss is 1 million kyats. (WPD 11/30) Engagement & Jubilee Nov. 16: Maung Tint Wai, 2nd yr., Physics (Workers' College) (Currently in Japan), son of U Tha Din and Daw Thaung Sein, got engaged to Ma Khin Hla Hla (B.Com., LC.) (Currently in Japan), daughter of the late U Khin Maung and Daw Ngwe. (WPD 11/17) Nov. 18: "Congratulations and Prayerful good wishes to Mgr. Joseph Fernandez, on the occasion of his Golden Jubilee of Priesthood Nov. 21. From the Sisters, Staff and Inmates of the Home for the Aged Poor, former Parishoners of St. Mary's Cathedral and St. Augustine's Church and Teacher and Pupils of Ex Sacred Heart High School." (WPD 11/18) ----- SUBSCRIPTIONS & RENEWALS ATT: Burma Press Summary The Center for East Asian & Pacific Studies University of Illinois 910 South Fifth Street, RM 230 Champaign, IL 61820 Annual Subscriptions: US$50.00 Add Postal surcharge for Canada - US$ 2.00 Foreign (surface) - US$ 2.00 Europe (air) - US$ 20.00 Asia (air) - US $ 25.00 [additional charge for US$ check on foreign bank - $5.00] NOTE: Checks should be payable to: University of Illinois, with "Burma Press Summary" annotated on check. EDITORIAL CORRESPONDENCE Editorial correspondence, requests for full copies of articles, and requests for back issues before January 1991 should be sent to: Hugh C. MacDougall 32 Elm Street Cooperstown, NY 13326 ------- Burma Press Summary No. 57, Nov. 1991Hugh C. MacDougall