92-05 BURMA PRESS SUMMARY (from THE WORKING PEOPLE'S DAILY) Vol. VI, No. 5, May 1992 +-+-+-+-+ Table of Contents POLITICAL CRISIS Slogans 1 Cartoons 2 Political Articles 4 Myanmar-Bangladesh Border 6 87 Political Prisoners Released 8 Michael Aris and Sons Visit 9 2258 "Yebets" Amnestied 9 NATIONAL CONVENTION Co-ordination Meeting Called 9 Steering Committee Named 10 Steering Committee Office Opened 11 DIPLOMATIC Diplomatic Calls 11 Military Attaches at Beach 13 New Ambassadors to Myanmar 13 New Myanmar Ambassadors 13 INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION Workshops 13 Pig & Poultry Agreement 13 FOREIGN VISITORS Business Visitors 13 International Agency Visitors 13 Chinese Delegations 13 Korean Buddhists 14 MYANMAR DELEGATIONS Study Delegations 14 Delegations to Meetings & Events 14 Buddhist Delegation 15 Trade Survey Team 15 MYANMAR GAZETTE Probationary Appointments 15 GOVERNMENT Workers Day Message 15 MILITARY Insurgents Surrender 17 ECONOMIC Economic Articles 17 Construction & Other Projects 17 Energy 18 Taxation 18 Transportation 18 Agriculture 19 Raw Materials Designated 19 Border Development 19 Fishermen Warned 19 Contractor Licences Required 19 Rainfall in Yangon 20 HEALTH AIDS 20 SPORTS Myanmar Teams & Delegations 20 Foreign Sports Delegations 20 National Sports Festival 21 CULTURAL Literary and Cultural Articles 22 Religious Affairs 22 New Mandalay Newspaper 23 Courses Scheduled 23 Higher Education 23 Libraries Urged 23 Translator Course 23 MISCELLANEOUS Crime News 24 Anti-Narcotics Activities 24 Obituaries 24 Earthquakes 25 Fires 25 Storm in Rakhine 25 Roof-top Structures & Drive-ways 25 Speeders Warned 26 PICTURES 26 -- POLITICAL CRISIS Slogans Regular Slogans: See January 1992 issue. Variable Slogans: Since August 1991, The Working People's Daily has run a changing religious slogan at the top of each front page: May 1-5: Ariyasaccana dassanam, to discern the noble truths; this is the way to auspiciousness. May 6-20: Nibbanasacchikiriya ca, to realize the Nirvana; this is the way to auspiciousness. May 21-31: Phutthassa lokadhammehi, cittam yassa na kampati, the mind which is touched by the eight vicissitudes of life does not move; this is the way to auspiciousness. Cartoons Examples of the frequent political cartoons, which this month increased in frequency with the addition of some new cartoonists featuring economic and social commentary: May 1: "1992 Myanmar--Working People's Daily." Worker with hammer labelled "Workers Day" strikes at "person who shirks duties" and "opportunist." May 1: One Myanmar to another: "Oh, you spend K 800,000 to get a job of dish washer at a restaurant abroad. If you can afford to use such an amount of money you can easily become a restaurant owner in your country." May 5: Complaining Myanmar to bureaucrat: "(Sigh)-- Communications here seems rather difficult. My application has taken a month to reach the back desk from the front desk!" May 7: Man in long bus line: "Oh, lavish donors! Make donation of passenger buses." May 7: Maiden looking a picture of ugly man: "Though he is ugly, I decide to marry him as he...earns a lot of dollars." May 8: Scruffy man in trousers and Western garb, dark glasses, and skull on his shirt, with his girlfriend: "Look at me clearly. I am not of pauper class." Myanmar elder: "Of course, you are surely of the class that gets ruined." May 9: Myanmar woman: "I have to live in a hut because the construction contractor tricked me; not only because I was made bankrupt in `che-hti' gambling!" May 9: Battered boxer labeled "Myanmar film" facing off against boxers labelled "Video" and Foreign film": "Let me have sufficient films. I won't be afraid of your combined force. Ahhh! Tut! Tut! Tut!" May 10: Myanmar leaning on a single board: "I have gambled `che-hti' desperately and this is all I have left." May 11: Supervisor to bureaucrat: "You came to this job with a good character recommendation. Now... what habit is that of asking for tea-money?" May 11: 1st Myanmar: "Hey! You come back from bazaar with a dripping basket. Perhaps you bought pork." 2nd Myanmar: "No, its charcoal." May 13: Man, with Shan-bag labeled "shadow" to two angry women: "May I give lectures on your behalf even in literary talks?" May 13: Myanmar to family: "Here's K 5,000 I got from the sale of rights to my novel for shooting a video. You said you wished to wear shoes just like the one worn by the video actor. You can go and first buy just one side of a pair with the money." May 13: "The cartoonist must always defend the people and wipe out improprieties by the strength of the pen." Cartoonist fights off enemies labeled "destructive elements" and "avarice." May 14: 1st Myanmar (looking at scantily-dressed girl): "I she really a Bamar girl?" 2nd Myanmar: "Yes, she is. I recently overheard her cry out `Ama-lay-taw' when she stumbled." May 14: 1st Myanmar (falling through sidewalk): "I wasn't swallowed by earth. My leg fell into the hole of platform built by contractor." May 15: Husband to wife: "When you pray for your daughter not to get into trouble abroad, you should pray also for her not to get `swallowed' by foreigners." May 15: Voice from office of "Dr. Moneymaker": "I don't think highly of foreign medicines. I use mostly distilled water for injection." May 16: Voice from neighbouring building: "Work is honour. I love Myanmarpyi. Father, I'll serve Myanmarpyi in whatever work I am engaged." 1st Myanmar: "What a good chap!" 2nd Myanmar: "No, these voices come from a radio play being broadcast. Hmmm!" May 16: 1st Myanmar: "He is not handsome. His acting is not good. So, he cannot become a video actor." 2nd Myanmar: "Of course." 1st Myanmar: "But he can afford to waste a large amount of money." 2nd Myanmar: "Oh! Is that so? Then, he can certainly become a video actor. Hmmm! Hmmm!" May 16: Man on night train, in the dark: "Just like at home...the current is out most of the time." May 17: One girl to another: "The boy you're marrying owns a car... Can he afford the gasoline?" May 18: Myanmar woman: "Cooking everyday is quite a job." Husband: Then, you rest today. I'll do the cooking." Wife: "Prepare something, sour, salty and hot." Later. Husband: "Green chili, slice of lime and a serving of salt. Just what you said." Wife: "Oh, my!" May 20: "Literature", "Film", "Music", and "Thabin" shout in unison: "Don't be decadent!" May 20: Half-naked and frazzled man to girl: "I took the bus during the rush hour...Ee...Ee...shook!" May 20: Girl: "Wait, wait! The way you approach me. You think I'm some cheap vegetable or what?" Man: "No, no. Not that. I know how expensive vegetables are!" May 20: Wife: "The milk you bought today was diluted with water. Yesterday's the same. Can't you get pure milk?" Husband: "I'll buy it tomorrow." Later. Husband (with cow): "I bought a cow for you so that you can get pure milk. Milk it yourself." Wife: "Oh! God!" May 21: One Myanmar to another: "Once my wealth was estimated at about K 60 million. Now I've become a pauper as my six sons are addicted." May 21: Myanmar to "hippy" with guitar: "Oh, now I see...break hair style means hairs erecting on the head just like grass in rainy season." May 21: Husband: "Human being can't live away from four elements--water, earth, air and fire." Wife: "Yes, it is so lucky that we need not buy `air'." May 21: Man looking at apartment house: "The contractor who constructed this building is the one who built many sand-houses in childhood." May 21: Fortune-teller to hippie: "I foresee, you may become a slave. Be careful. Don't have a high opinion of foreign countries." May 21: Wife: "As we have short of money, I borrow 100 kyats from Ma Htwa." Husband: "What? Don't you know I hate borrowing." Visitor, arriving at house: "Hello, Ko Nyan Pwint. You told me you would return fifty kyats which you borrowed from me yesterday on the way." Husband: "Err...Hehehe!" May 22: Mother to child stuffing bills in a piggy-bank: "Oh, you are saving money!" Child (thinking of K100, K150, K200, K300): "Because I intend to go to a stageshow next year, Ma." May 22: Voices from inside hospital: Doctor: "The patient is to undergo medical treatment at hospital, but..." Relative: "I understand doctor. I'll buy medicine from outside." May 23: 1st Myanmar: "How much do you earn a month?" 2nd Myanmar: "Which? Official salary or outside income?" May 23: Myanmar woman: "How good it would be if I were to die now." Shocked neighbour: "Why?" Woman: "My hubby is now in Singapore, my son in Japan and my daughter in England. So, my obituary would be very impressive." May 23: Girl in short longyi at bus stop: "Wearing htamein (garment) short is very good to step in and step out of the bus quickly." May 24: In "Humour Teashop." Waiter: "We haven't raised the price. But the size of the cup is somewhat smaller." May 24: Child: "Papa, what does it mean--man makes effort in accordance with time and condition?" Father: "It means bus fare. That is one kyat in the morning, two kyats in the afternoon anf five kyats in the evening. And it is ten kyats at night." May 24: In "Hospital." Patient: "Help me give up the habit of drinking tea, chewing betel and smoking." May 24: 1st Myanmar: "Aba, you return from Yangon. What is in abundance in Yangon?" 2nd Myanmar: "Buildings constructed by contractors are in abundance in Yangon." May 25: Bus with passengers clinging to windows: Passenger: "Bus passengers here can qualify for stuntmen abroad." May 25: Dogs looking at "hippie": "Hey! Don't go straight for a bite. Don't even know if that creature's human." May 25: Waiter in "Cafe": "Bill for front table, a hundred and forty!" May 26: Scruffily western-dressed man and woman: "We are going to make money by working in foreign countries." Worried Myanmar: But don't do that by selling the dignity of your own race." May 26: Myanmars watching "hippy" type: "Bought those sun glasses for 60 grand with his parent's money. But he can't even make six pyas on his own." May 26: "Before" smiling face; "After" grimacing face. Myanmar: Of course. he grimaced after taking the medicine because it's so costly." May 27: Mother to teacher: "Now I've got my child admitted, where will you teach--in school or at your tuition class?" May 27: Young woman to man: "Darling, let us marry quickly. Otherwise, the price of ice-cream may rise." May 27: Wife to husband, watching their jean-wearing offspring: "Hey, Pa. Your son and daughter are doing quite well swapping trousers." May 28: Man: "Since you are having to do a lot of brain-work, are you a writer or a maths teacher?" Woman: "Oh, no. I'm just a housewife who has to do the shopping every morning." May 28: "Tea money" [bribery--HCMacD.] exulting: "We are at office & work establishment. We are at mills and factories." May 28: Woman to exhausted man at bus stop: "How can I rely on you for life's journey when you are unable to even get into a crowded bus?" May 28: Man at crossing: "The cars will stop if you cross the road using the zebra-crossing... As long as the mob-vehicle police are about, that is!" May 30: Street vendor: "She sells ice-water at the cinema. I sell pahn quids there. And what do you sell?" Woman: "I sell the space which I occupy." May 30: Wife bringing home groceries: "They demanded high prices and also cheated in the weighing." Husband: "That's what's meant by `twice bitten.'" May 31: Man to friend: "My wife said she loves my income much more than me." May 31: [Pick-up truck] taxi conductor: "Bus fare... K 1 for back seat. K 5 for cab seat." Passenger: "How much for hanging on at the back?" Conductor: A K 350 fine!" 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 touch on similar themes. We note them briefly, with excerpts of typical or particularly significant portions: May 1-3: Bilin, a town with famous ancient pagodas around, by Nyunt Aung (Upper Minhla). [Cont. (3-5) Description of Bilin, home of the Sugar Mill and Distillery, in Thaton Twp., Mon State. Economic and social progress.] May 2: Stringing pearly flowers of love, by Aung Min. [Release of political prisoners and calling off of offensive against the KNU demonstrate SLORC's love. What will "Bogyoke Mya and all KNU comrades" do now? They should not lose this golden opportunity.] May 5: A letter to a friend in Myanmar Naing-Ngan by Taryar from Baltimore, the State of Maryland in the United States. ["Dear Friend,... We all know that all the rumours and false news items {on BBC, VOA, and AIR} are those created by a handful of power-maniac expatriates.... Some American politicians who have been `organized' and won over by that handful of expatriates...have `appointed' themselves experts on Myanmar Naing-Ngan are making their utmost efforts to exert political, economic and military pressure on Myanmar Naing-Ngan to send it into a tight corner. I am telling you the news items I have seen in the newspapers such as the New York Times, the Washington Times, the Washington Post...." Allegations of atrocities on Bangladesh border cited. "The worst accusation is that Myanmar Naing-Ngan, like Cambodia under the former regime, is full of concentration camps where piles of human bones look like hills. The people of our nation must refute the false accusations made by the power-maniacs, the terrorists and their accomplices .... There has never been religious oppression in our country.... As the situation is getting important, we must get closer to one another and united. Your childhood friend, Taryar."] May 6: To bring about change everyone desires, by Shwe La Win. [Economic change from "a centralized economy to a market-oriented economy," political pluralism, and the promised National Convention "in connection with the writing of a new Constitution."] May 7: Editorial: Declaration No 11/92. [The SLORC will "meet and co-ordinate, within two months, with the leaders of the Hluttaw Representatives of political parties existing lawfully as well as with individual Hluttaw Representatives .... It will convene that National Convention within six months in order to lay down the basic principles for the drafting of a firm and stable Constitution.... It is to be a Constitution which can most comprehensively and precisely reflect the material and spiritual desires and aspirations of all the nationalities of the nation. It would also be a Constitution which would not have any flaws, shortcomings or loop-holes which may one day threaten the peace, tranquillity and prosperity of the Myanmar peoples.... This is also the spirit in which measures are being taken for the prompt release of all those who no longer present any danger for the security of the State and also for the amnesties being granted for Yebets who have demonstrated their serious resolve to repay their debts to society." May 9-12: Problems on Myanmar-Bangladesh Border, by Pe Kin. [First Myanmar Ambassador to Pakistan reviews history of border problems since 1947.] May 11: In this great house, our nation, by Shwe La Win. ["Unity of thought and unity of action shall bring us peace and prosperity."] May 15-16: Crucial conclusion, by Yebaw Thit Maung. ["Myanmar abounds with instances of failed missions undertaken with positive objectives due to fallacious deductions and miscalculations made on the basis of rumours." History of attempts to reconcile differences with insurgents surveyed. "The offensive in Kayin State was halted in real sympathy with Kayin nationals who have been suffering from the throes of war. An incontrovertable constitution supported by all national races is a dire need in Myanmar today.... The present initiatives are no mere ploys to get out of difficulties ...."] May 17-20: Who is the culprit? by Sithu Aung. [(1) Lengthy quotation from Press Statement of the "Rohingya Refugees Action Committee" in Bangladesh accusing the Jamat Party, aided by Pakistan, of inciting the Rohingya Solidarity Organization (RSO) to start a religious war between Bangladesh and Myanmar so as to help the Jamat Party seize power in Bangladesh and re-unify Bangladesh and Pakistan. (2) Accuracy of statement defended. These elements "claim that refugees are still pouring into Bangladesh...,that a majority of refugees are reluctant to return to Myanmar because they fear further persecution after return" and "that Moslems in Rakhine State are still being persecuted." (3) Real reason is that they prefer soft life in camps. Bengalis described by British commissioner in 1917 as invading Rakhine State and pushing out Rakhines. (4) Myanmar has always expelled intruders from other countries.] May 25: We shall have a house united, by Shwe La Win. [Call for national unity.] May 26: Moves made with goodwill deserve reciprocation, by An Observer. [All those "who love the country" should respond to the SLORC's release of prisoners and calling of a National Convention. "Yet it is lamentable to learn that destructive elements within and without are spreading malicious rumours that the [SLORC] has taken these measures because it could not avoid them due to pressure from inside and outside the country, and the traitorous elements inside the country too are proffering all sorts of opinions and whispering all sorts of rumours...."] May 28: Myanmar-Bangladesh border problem, by Thukhi Aung. [Dispute reviewed; outsiders should "keep their hands off the Myanmar-Bangladesh border problem that is being peacefully and successfully resolved to the satisfaction of both parties."] May 31: Editorial: The environment. ["It is the job of the world's nations meeting at the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development in Rio de Janeiro to ensure that the global community will emerge united in the determination to overcome the inequity which both causes, and results from damaged environmental conditions, and also find means of reining in the over-consumption of the privilege [sic] few which is threatening to put the entire world's ecological balance on the line."] Myanmar-Bangladesh Border May 1: Press Release Concerning the Movement of Individuals on the Myanmar-Bangladesh border areas [full text]: 1. The Myanmar delegation led by Minister for Foreign Affairs U Ohn Gyaw visited Dhaka from 23rd to 28th April 1992 to hold discussions with the Bangladesh delegation headed by the Bangladesh Foreign Minister Mr ASM Mostafizur Rahman regarding the persons who are currently sheltered on the Bangladesh side of the Myanmar-Bangladesh border. 2. The two sides were able to resolve satisfactorily the issue after holding two rounds of official talks and three technical meetings. In conformity with the points of agreement, the Ambassadors of Myanmar and Bangladesh will sign an agreement in the near future on the detailed modalities, and repatriation will commence shortly after. 3. The issue concerned is essentially an immigration matter involving persons who entered Bangladesh from Myanmar, and it has been resolved on the basis of the Five Principles of Peaceful Co-Existence. 4. As for the principal points of agreement, persons who would be repatriated are those who hold official documents issued by the Myanmar Government and are currently being looked after by the Bangladesh Government with the assistance of the UNHCR in Bangladesh. After careful scrutiny, they will be received and sent back to their original places of residence. 5. It is unavoidable for countries sharing common borders to encounter difficulties at times. The current settlement demonstrates what good neighbours could accomplish through co-ordination in a frank and friendly manner. The matter has been amicably resolved on a bilateral basis without the involvement of any third party. Arrangements are being made for the process of repatriation to begin during May 1992. (WPD 5/1) May 6: State LORC Secretary (1) Maj-Gen. Khin Nyunt, accompanied by Minister for Foreign Affairs U Ohn Gyaw, Minister for Information Brig-Gen. Myo Thant, Director General of the SLORC Office Lt-Col. Pe Nyein, Police Force Director-General San Thein, and others, visited Maungdaw Township on the Bangladesh border to "attend to regional development" and "inspect scrutiny and reception of those who have got to the country across border and plans for building reception camps." After inspecting plans for the Magyichaung Reception Camp in Maungdaw Twp., Maj-Gen. Khin Nyunt "said those who fled to the other country would systematically be received after five reception camps have been set up and the reception is in strict observance of the Five Principles of Peaceful Co-existence.... He expressed that those who have legal identification papers will be accepted and the personnel are to carry out the task correctly, accurately and systematically, as a national task, in accordance with rules and procedures." (WPD 5/7) May 6: 77 members of the Immigra-tion and Manpower Department left for Sittway "to receive those who have fled to Bangladesh." Reception will begin this month a "five reception camps--Taungbyo Letwe, Ngakhuya, Pyinphyu, Kanyinchaung, and Magyichaung--in Maungdaw." More IMPD personnel will be sent to the camps. (WPD 5/7) May 9: A team of officials led by Staff Officer U Tin Aung of the Relief and Resettlement Department left for Sittway, Buthidaung, and Maungdaw Townships [Rakhine] "to carry out relief and resettlement measures in accepting the persons who are currently on the other side of the Myanmar-Bangladesh border." (WPD 5/10) May 15: "Those who fled to Bangladesh" will be received at the five reception camps, beginning May 15. (WPD 5/16) May 24: Under the agreement with Bangladesh, "five reception stations have been kept open on Myanmar side since 15 May. The lists sent by Bangladesh on 14 May have been scrutinized and the Myanmar side sent back to Bangladesh in 17 May the names of persons to be accepted. Those to be sent back to Myanmar Naing-Ngan according to the lists have not yet been sent back. And more lists of those to be scrutinized by Myanmar Naing-Ngan have not been sent by the Bangladesh side ...." Meanwhile, "a few more persons have crossed over from Myanmar to Bangladesh. They fled to other country because of enticement and coercion by RSO and ARIF terrorists. And those groups are threatening and blocking those wishing to come back to Myanmar Naing-Ngan...." (WPD 5/ 25) May 26: The Deputy Commissioner of Cox's Bazaar [Bangladesh], heading a party of twelve, met at Maungdaw on May 25 with Director U Aung Sein of the Immigration and Manpower Department to coordinate "the systematic repatriation of those who had run away from Myanmar to Bangladesh.... The Myanmar side discussed...the precise arrangement being made for sending back the first batch of 6400 who had been scrutinized. The Myanmar side also discussed the precise date on which they will be sent back. The Bangladesh side replied that efforts were being made to find those who had run away and the exact date would be made known later. In addition the Myanmar side presented a second list of 5025 persons from Maungdaw Township and 5012 from Buthidaung Township who had been scrutinized to be acceptable for return to Myanmar Naing-Ngan. The Myanmar Naing-Ngan side also handed over a copy of the list of the first batch of 6400 persons initially given...." Arrangements are complete at the five reception camps, "including food supplies, health, security as well as transportation facilities to take the returnees to their respective regions. However, the neighbour country has apparently been encountering difficulties and the exact date for the return is still under discussion. The other side is still unable to give the exact date...." (WPD 5/27) May 27: Director U Aung Sein inspected the five reception camps on May 23-24. "Adequate amounts of rice, oil, salt, chilli and grain" have been sent to all five camps. (WPD 5/28) 87 Political Prisoners Released May 1: Ten more prisoners "detained under existing law" were released in accordance with SLORC Declaration 11/92 of Apr. 24: U Aung Lwin, National League for Democracy Central Executive Committee (CEC) member, detained Dec. 1989; U Khin Maung Swe, NLD CEC member, and NLD members U Sein Hla Oo, Daw San San, Daw San San Win, and Ma Shwe Wah Soe, detained April 1991; and Dr. Tin Myo Win of the NLD, detained Feb. 1990, were released from Insein Central Jail. U Kyi Swe, detained Dec. 1988, and Maung Cho Cho Tun Nyein, detained Sept. 1989, were also released from Insein Central Jail. U Tin Win of the Democracy Party, detained July 1989, was released from Tharyarwady Jail. [full page of photos] (WPD 5/2) May 4: Ten more prisoners were released: Writer Min Theinkha, detained Nov. 1989; U Ba Bwa, Daw Win May, Daw Khin San Hlaing, and Daw Ohn Kyi of the National League for Democracy, detained April 1991; U Par, Chairman of the Democratic Labour Party, detained Oct. 1991; Dr. Khin Tun, Patron of the National Republican Federation, detained Mar. 1990; Maung Yan Myo Thein, detained July 1989; and Ma Khin Moe Aye and Ma Kaythi Aye, detained Dec. 1991, were released from Insein Central Jail. [page of photos] (WPD 5/5) May 7: Eight more prisoners were released: Film Director Maung Moe Thu (a) U Sein Myint, member of the Central Body of the National League for Democracy, detained Dec. 1989; Comedian Ah-yaing (a) Maung Aung Than Oo, detained May 1990; Maung Soe Thein, Ma Thuzar, Dr. Htay Kywe, and Dr. Daw Khin Swe, detained Oct. 1989; and U Kyaw Kyaw, detained Feb. 1990, were released from Insein Central Jail. Dr. U Mon, detained Sept. 1991, was released from Toungoo Jail. [page of photos] (WPD 5/8) May 11: Eleven more prisoners were released: Chairman U Thu Wai and Vice-Chairman U Htwe Myint of the Democracy Party, detained Jan. 1992; U Pe Aung Lin and U Tin Maung Win, detained Apr. 1990; Daw Khin Myint Myint, detained Sept. 1989; Ma Soe Soe Oo, detained Dec. 1991; Ma San San Myint (a) Ma Moe Moe, Ma Swe Swe Pyone (a) Ma Swe Swe, and Ma Mi Mi Thin, detained Apr. 1990; Ma Tin Tin Nyo, detained Oct. 1990; and Ma May May Than, detained Nov. 1990, were released from Insein Central Jail. [page of photos] (WPD 5/12) May 13: Fourteen more prisoners were released: Chairman U Samar Kyaw Pha Naw of the Kachin State National Democratic Party, detained Feb. 1991 was released from Mandalay Jail. U Oo Byit Tu, CEC member of the Kachin National Congress for Democracy, detained Jan. 1991, was released from Myitkyina Jail. CEC members U Zaw Lin and U Maung Maung of the Union National Democracy Party, detained May 1991, were released from Myeik Jail. U Taung Gyi, Kayah State organizer, and U Saw Taik Tic, Pasawng Twp. Chairman, of the National League for Democracy, detained Feb. 1992, were released from Myingyan Jail. U Than Tun of the NLD, detained Jan. 1992, was released from Shwebo Jail. "The seven girls against whom action was taken in May 1991" were released from Insein Central Jail. (WPD 5/14) May 15: Eleven more persons were released: U Chan Aye, CEC member of the National League for Democracy, detained May 1991, was released from Insein Central Jail. So were "four women and six youths (men)...serving sentences...." [photo] (WPD 5/16) May 20: Eight more persons were released: CEC member U Kyaw Min of the National League for Democracy, detained May 1991, Chairman Ye Lin Naing (a) Khin Maung Lin (a) Aung Zeya of the Democratic Party for New Society, detained Aug. 1989, and five men and one woman "against whom action was taken under existing laws and were serving sentences" were released from Insein Central Jail. [photo] (WPD 5/21) May 27: Fifteen more prisoners were released: CEC member U Tin Win, and member U Saw Hlaing, U Thein Pe, U Thein Tun, U Ye Htut, and U Tun Aung of the National League for Democracy (NLD), detained May 1991, and two others detained Mar. 1989, were released from Insein Central Jail. Vice Chairman U Kyee Myint of the Burma United Democratic Party, detained Aug. 1991, was released from Pyay Jail. U Victor Clyde and U Mahn Myaing Aye of the NLD, detained July 1991, were released from Mawlamyine Jail. U Khin Maung Kyi of the NLD, detained Sept. 1991, was released from Pakokku Jail. One other person, detained Jan. 1992, was released from Pathein Jail. [photo] (WPD 5/ 28) Michael Aris and Sons Visit May 2: "British citizen Mr Michael Viallancourt Aris, husband of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, arrived here by Thai Airways at 3.50 pm today to meet his wife. Mr Aris reached his wife's residence at 5.30 pm, it is learnt." [photo] (WPD 5/3) May 16: "Mr. Michael Viallancourt Aris, husband of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, left here by air this evening. He arrived here on 2 May." [photo] (WPD 5/17) May 18: "Alexander John Christopher Aris (a) Maung Myint San Saung, elder son of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi arrived here by Thai Airways at 3.45 pm today to meet his mother. He reached his mother's residence at 5.10 pm, it is learnt." [photo] (WPD 5/19) May 25: "Kim Arundel Aris, younger son of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, arrived here by Thai airways at 3.45 pm today to meet his mother. He reached his mother's residence at 5 pm, it is learnt." [photo] (WPD 5/26) May 30: "Alexander John Christopher Aris and Kim Arundel Aris, the two sons of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, left here by air this evening. Alexander, the elder, arrived here on 18 May and Kim on 25 May." [photo] (WPD 5/31) 2258 "Yebets" Amnestied May 6: "Amnesty has been given to 259 `Yebets' [convicts] who are contributing labour in construction of Yangon-Mandalay highway, in view of their service, joining hands with the Tatmadaw, in the defence of the nation. Sentences of the `Yebets' were reduced today under Section 401(1) of the Criminal Procedure Code." [photo] (WPD 5/7, corrected 7/10) May 8: A second batch of 221 more "Yebets" was amnestied under the same circumstances. [photo] (WPD 5/ 9, corrected 7/10) May 10: A third batch of 259 more Yebets was amnestied. (WPD 5/11) May 16: 212 Yebets were released from Mawlamyine Jail on May 14 "in view of their assistance given to the Tatmadaw in the defence of the nation." (WPD 5/17) May 17: 498 Yebets were released from Mandalay Jail on May 15 "in view of their assistance given to the Tatmadaw in the defence of the nation." [photo] (WPD 5/18) May 18: 523 Yebets were released from Insein Central Jail "in view of their assistance given to the Tatmadaw in the defence of the nation." (WPD 5/19) May 22: 277 Yebets were released from Mandalay Central Jail on May 21 "in view of their assistance given to the Tatmadaw in the defence of the nation." [photo] (WPD 5/23) NATIONAL CONVENTION Co-ordination Meeting Called May 28: SLORC Order No. 9/92 of May 28, Holding of the Co-ordination Meeting for the Convening of the National Convention, provides [full text]: 1. The State Law and Order Restoration Council has determined as follows to hold the Co-ordination Meeting for the Convening of the National Convention in accordance with the Declaration made, by issue of Declaration No 11/92 of 24th April, 1992 in respect to Convening of the National Convention to meet and coordinate, within two months, with the leaders of the elected Representatives of political parties existing lawfully and elected individual Representatives: (a) Date of Commencement of meeting: 23rd June, 1992 (b) Time of meeting: 0800 hours (c) Place of meeting: Meeting Hall Compound of the President's Residence Ahlone Road. 2. In this Order (a) the expression "Co-ordination Meeting" means the Co-ordination Meeting for the Convening of the National Convention; (b) the expression "Steering Committee" means the Steering Committee to steer the holding of the Co-ordination Meeting for the Convening of the National Convention. 3. The main objective of the Co-ordination Meeting is for the Convening of the National Convention. 4. The Steering Committee formed and assigned responsibility under the State Law and Order Restoration Council Notification No 35/92 of 28th May, 1992 [see text below] is to carry out duties as may be necessary, with a view to the success of the Co-ordination Meeting in accordance with the stipulations mentioned in above paragraph. 5. The leaders of the elected Representatives of political parties existing lawfully are to attend the Co-ordination Meeting in the numbers stipulated as follows:- Political Stipulated number Parties of Representatives (a) National League for Democracy: (15) members (b) Shan Nationalities League for Democracy: (6) members (c) National Unity Party: (3) members (d) Union Paoh National Organization: (1) member (e) Mro or Khami National Solidarity Organization: (1) member (f) Shan State Kokang Democratic Party: (1) member (g) Lahu National Development Party: (1) member 6. The political parties existing lawfully are to select the leaders of representatives in the numbers stipulated in paragraph 5 to represent their parties and attend the Co-ordination Meeting and send the nomination list to the Steering Committee not later than 12th June, 1992. On receipt of the nomination list, the Steering Committee shall invite the persons included in the nomination list to attend the Co-ordination Meeting. 7. The Steering Committee shall invite those elected individual Representatives standing lawfully on the day this order is issued, from among the elected individual Representatives who have been intimated in writing that the State Law and Order Restoration Council would meet and co-ordinate with them, to attend the Co-ordination Meeting. 8. The Steering Committee shall:- (a) determine the programmes relating to the holding of the Co-ordination Meeting; (b) lay down the topics to be discussed mainly at the Co-ordination Meeting; (c) determine the procedures relating to the Co-ordination Meeting; (d) determine as may be necessary the daily allowance and travelling allowance for the elected Representatives attending the Co-ordination Meeting; (e) at the conclusion of the Co-ordination Meeting submit a report in respect of the convening of the National Convention to the State Law and Order Restoration Council within one month. 9. The staff of the Office of the Pyithu Hluttaw shall be responsible for carrying out administrative functions contributing to the successful holding of the Co-ordination Meeting. 10. The expenses incurred for holding the Co-ordination Meeting shall be borne out of the funds of the Office of the Pyithu Hluttaw. By Order, (Sd) Khin Nyunt Major-General Secretary-1 The State Law and Order Restoration Council. (WPD 5/29) Steering Committee Named May 28: SLORC Notification No. 35/92 of May 28, Formation of the Steering Committee for Holding Co-ordination Meeting for the Convening of the National Convention [full text]: 1. The State Law and Order Restoration Council has already declared by issue of Declaration No 11/92 of 24th April, 1992 that it will, in respect of the Convening of the National Convention, meet and co-ordinate, within two months with the leaders of the elected Representatives of political parties existing lawfully and elected individual Representatives. 2. In accordance with the above-mentioned Declaration, the State Law and Order Restoration Council has formed a committee to steer the holding of the Co-ordination Meeting for the Convening of the National Convention, with the following persons and has assigned responsibility thereto:- Steering Committee (a) Major-General Myo Nyunt, Member, The State Law and Order Restoration Council: Chairman (b) Brigadier-General Myo Thant, Minister, Ministry of Information: Deputy Chairman (c) U Aung Toe, Chief Justice: Member (d) U Tha Tun, Attorney-General: Member (e) Brigadier-General Than Oo, Judge Advocate-General: Member (f) Brigadier-General Tin Aye, Inspector-General of Defence Services: Member (g) Colonel Than Tun, Deputy Director of Defence Services Intelligence: Member (h) Colonel Ye Htut, Director, Defence Services Museum and Historical Research Institute: Member (i) Lt-Colonel Than Tun, General Staff Officer (I), Directorate of Defence Services Intelligence: Member (j) U Aye Maung, Director-General, Office of the Multi-party Democracy General Election Commission: Member (k) U Aung Khin Tint, Legal Adviser, The State Law and Order Restoration Council: Member (l) U Thein Sein, Officer on Special Duty, The State Law and Order Restoration Council: Member (m) Colonel Aung Thein, Director, Directorate of Public Relations and Psychological Warfare: Secretary (n) U Myo Nyunt, Director-General, Office of the Pyithu Hluttaw: Joint Secretary-1 (o) U Aung Nyunt, Deputy Director-General, Office of the Pyithu Hluttaw: Joint Secretary-2 3. The Steering Committee shall, at the end of the Co-ordination Meeting, submit a report mentioning the suggestions, proposals and recommendations in respect of the convening of the National Convention to the State Law and Order Restoration Council within one month. By Order (Sd.) Kyin Nyunt Major-General Secretary-1 The State Law and Order Restoration Council (WPD 5/29) Steering Committee Office Opened May 29: "The office of the Steering Committee for Holding Co-ordination Meeting for the Convening of the National Convention has been opened today in the Pyithu Hluttaw compound on Pyay Road here. Contacts can be made to U Aung Nyunt (Joint Secretary-2) through phone Nos 84489 and 29502. His residence phone No is 85159." (WPD 5/30) DIPLOMATIC Diplomatic Calls The following calls were paid on Burmese officials by foreign Embassy or UN officials accredited to Burma. Apr. 30: Thai Ambassador Virasakdi Futrakul on Minister for Construction U Khin Maung Yin. (WPD 5/1) May 4: Vietnam Ambassador Nguyen Van Tiep on Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement Brig-Gen. Thaung Myint. (WPD 5/5) May 5: United States Charge d'Affaires Franklin P. Huddle, Jr., accompanied by Commercial Officer Ms. Constance A. Philpot, on Minister for Livestock Breeding & Fisheries Brig-Gen. Maung Maung to discuss "matters of mutual interest on economics." Russian Ambassador Vadim I. Chabaline on Minister for Energy U Khin Maung Thein. Thai Ambassador Virasakdi Futrakul on Minister for Agriculture Maj-Gen. Myint Aung. The Thai Ambassador, and Korean Ambassador Hang Kyung Kim, on Minister for Co-operatives Maj-Gen. Mya Thinn. (WPD 5/6) May 6: Vietnam Ambassador Nguyen Van Teip on Minister for Mines Vice-Adm. Maung Maung Khin. (WPD 5/7) May 7: The Vietnam Ambassador, and Chinese Ambassador Liang Feng, on Minister for Co-operatives Maj-Gen. Mya Thinn. The Chinese Ambassador on Minister for Industry-2 U Than Shwe. (WPD 5/8) May 11: Canadian Ambassador Emile Gauvreau (resident in Dhaka) on Minister for Information Brig-Gen. Myo Thant. UNDP Representative Gerd Marren [sic] on Minister for Co-operatives Maj-Gen. Mya Thinn. (WPD 5/ 12) May 12: Thai Ambassador Virasakdi Futrakul on Minister for Rail Transportation U Win Sein. (WPD 5/13) May 13: Canadian Ambassador Emile Gauvreau on State LORC Chairman General Than Shwe, accompanied by State LORC Secretary (1) Maj-Gen. Khin Nyunt and State LORC Secretary (2) Maj-Gen. Tin Oo. UNDP Representative Gerd Merrem and FAO Representative J.S. Lazo on Minister for Agriculture Maj-Gen. Myint Aung. (WPD 5/14) May 14: Pakistan Ambassador Mohammed Qurban on Minister for Communications, Posts and Telegraphs U Soe Tha. Korean Ambassador Hang Kyung Kim on Minister for Planning & Finance and for Trade Brig-Gen. Abel. Israeli Ambassador Ori Noy on Minister for Co-operatives Maj-Gen. Mya Thinn. Chinese Ambassador Liang Feng on Minister for Livestock Breeding & Fisheries Brig-Gen. Maung Maung. (WPD 5/15) May 15: Yugoslav Ambassador Dr. Svetozar Jovicevic, accompanied by Trade Promotion Officer Mr. R. Simic, on Minister for Planning & Finance and for Trade Brig-Gen. Abel. (WPD 5/16) May 18: Pakistan Ambassador Mohammad Qurban on Minister for Information Brig-Gen. Myo Thant to "discuss matters of common interest in information section." [about political article "Who is the Real Culprit?" ???--HCMacD.] French Ambassador Alain Briottet on Minister for Culture Lt-Gen. Aung Ye Kyaw. (WPD 5/ 19) May 19: Laos Ambassador Kideng Thammavong on Minister for Forestry Lt-Gen. Chit Swe. Egyptian Ambassador Mohamad Hassan Ghanem, Thai Ambassador Virasakdi Futrakul, and Japanese Ambassador Tomoya Kawamura, on Minister for Religious Affairs Maj-Gen. Myo Nyunt. Chinese Ambassador Liang Feng on Minister for Agriculture Maj-Gen. Myint Aung. Indonesian Ambassador Maj-Gen. Bernhard Paul Makadada on Minister for Co-operatives Maj-Gen. Mya Thinn. French Ambassador Alain Briottet on Yangon Mayor U Ko Lay. (WPD 5/20) May 20: Laos Ambassador Kideng Thammavong on Minister for Industry-2 U Than Shwe. Vietnam Ambassador Nguyen Van Tiep on Minister for Agriculture Maj-Gen. Myint Aung. (WPD 5/21) May 21: United States Charge d'Affaires Franklin P. Huddle, Jr., on Minister for Information Brig-Gen. Myo Thant. Laos Ambassador Kideng Thammavong on Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement Brig-Gen. Thaung Myint. (WPD 5/22) May 25: Indonesian Ambassador Bernhard Paul Makadada on Minister for Agriculture Maj-Gen. Myint Aung, and on Minister for Religious Affairs Maj-Gen. Myo Nyunt. Chinese Ambassador Liang Feng on Minister for Transport and for Labour Lt-Gen. Tin Tun to discuss "matters relating to construction of a new international airport and an international airport hotel in Myanmar by PRC Ministry of Construction and the Myanmar Naing-Ngan Ministry of Transport as well as extensions of flights." (WPD 5/26) May 26: Chinese Ambassador Liang Feng, and Vietnamese Ambassador Nguyen Van Tiep, on Minister for Religious Affairs Maj-Gen. Myo Nyunt. Lao Ambassador Kideng Thammavong on Minister for Construction U Khin Maung Yin. (WPD 5/27) May 27: Japanese Ambassador Tomoya Kawamura on State LORC Chairman General Than Shwe. (WPD 5/28) May 29: French Ambassador Alain Briottet on Minister for Planning & Finance and for Trade Brig-Gen. Abel. (WPD 5/30) Military Attaches at Beach May 12: Led by Dean of Military Attaches Col. Velaric Amosov of the Russian Embassy, military attaches and their families visited Ngapali beach [in Rakhine State] from May 10-12 at the invitation of the Ministry of Defence. (WPD 5/13) New Ambassadors to Myanmar May 20: Myanmar has approved the nomination of Dr. Erich Binder as Austrian Ambassador to Myanmar. Ambassador Binder was born in 1928 and obtained a Doctorate from the University of Vienna. He joined the diplomatic service in 1954. He has served as Ambassador to Tunisia, to Finland, and to the German Democratic Republic. He is now, and concurrently, Ambassador to Thailand, resident in Bangkok. He is married. (WPD 5/21) New Myanmar Ambassadors May 26: U Thaung presented credentials May 21 to Governor General John Ramon Hnatyshyn in Ottawa as new Myanmar Ambassador to Canada. (WPD 5/26) May 29: State LORC Chairman General Than Shwe has appointed U Wynn Lwin, Myanmar Ambassador to India, to serve concurrently as Myanmar Ambassador to Mauritius. (WPD 5/29) INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION Workshops May 4: UNICEF Assessment Expert Ms. Telge Kamala J. Peiris called on Minister for Health and for Education Col. Pe Thein to discuss the scheduled Workshop on Teaching-Learning through Continuous Assessment. (WPD 5/5) // May 5: The one-week Workshop opened. Minister Col. Pe Thein said that "single examination system is not efficacious for deciding the pupils' learning ability which may be more correctly decided through continuous assessment, the teacher-centred system should be changed to pupil-centred one in teaching and what is important is to make sure that the pupils are able to learn all that has been taught." (WPD 5/6) Pig & Poultry Agreement Apr. 30: A project document for small-scale pig and poultry production was signed between the Livestock, Foodstuff and Milk Products Enterprise and the FAO. (WPD 5/1) FOREIGN VISITORS Business Visitors May 25: Defmat Aerospace Pte. Ltd., of Singapore sponsored a demonstration flight of the ATR-72 passenger aircraft from Yangon to Mandalay and back. Speeches were given by Defmat Chairman Mr. Lewis Tan, and by Vice President Mr. Alain Perez of Avions de Transport Regional. (WPD 5/26) May 29: Mr. Daijiro Okuyama, Chairman of M/S Shonan Setsui Kogyo Co., Ltd. of Japan, called on Minister for Health and for Education Col. Pe Thein. (WPD 5/30) International Agency Visitors May 14: World Bank Executive Director Mr. Aris Othman called on Minister for Planning & Finance and for Trade Brig-Gen. Abel to discuss projects funded with World Bank loans. (WPD 5/15) // May 15: He called on Minister for Forestry Lt-Gen. Chit Swe. (WPD 5/16) // May 16: He called on Minister for Agriculture Maj-Gen. Myint Aung. (WPD 5/17) May 28: Mr. Hedayat Ahmed, Director of the Principal Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific, UNESCO, called on State LORC Secretary (1) Maj-Gen. Khin Nyunt, on Minister for Health and for Education Col. Pe Thein, and on Chairman Minister for Health and for Education Col. Pe Thein and members of the Myanmar Naing-Ngan UNESCO National Commission. (WPD 5/29) Chinese Delegations Apr. 30: A Chinese delegation led by Mr. Yuan Yuwo of the Ministry of the Aerospace and Aviation Technology called on Minister for Industry-2 U Than Shwe. (WPD 5/1) May 2: Chinese Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs Mr. Yang Fu Chang, with a 5-member delegation, arrived at the invitation of Minister for Foreign Affairs U Ohn Gyaw, who hosted a dinner. (WPD 5/3) // May 3: He visited the Yangon-Thanlyin Bridge Project and the Shwedagon Pagoda, and attended the opening of the National Sports Festival. Chinese Ambassador Liang Feng hosted a dinner at the Embassy. (WPD 5/4) // May 6: Prior to departing for home, the delegation called on State LORC Secretary (1) Maj-Gen. Khin Nyunt. (WPD 5/7) May 7: A six-member delegation from Yunnan Province led by Vice Director Yang Xue Liang of the Lin Cang Region Administrative Office, arrived in Lashio [Shan] on May 2, and met with local military and civil officials to discuss border trade and transport links. It went on to Mandalay May 5. (WPD 5/8) // May 11: It called on Minister for Planning & Finance and for Trade Brig-Gen. Abel. (WPD 5/12) May 20: A six-member Chinese study delegation headed by Historian Prof. Zhang Xueshu of Beijing University arrived for a 15-day visit. (WPD 5/21) // May 22: It called on Minister for Health and for Education Col. Pe Thein. (WPD 5/23) Korean Buddhists May 15: Korean Buddhist missionary leaders Rev. Sang Kyoung Chan and Rev. Kim Chaung Hyun called on Minister for Religious Affairs Maj-Gen. Myo Nyunt. They said they had come to study Theravada Buddhism in Myanmar and to pay homage at pagodas in Bagan-Nyaung-U. (WPD 5/16) MYANMAR DELEGATIONS Study Delegations May 4: Assistant Lecturers Daw Khin Mya Kyi and Daw Khin Thein Win of the Meiktila Teachers Training School left for Israel May 2 to attend a Workshop on Planning for Early Childhood Education. (WPD 5/5) May 16: Police Col. Ngwe Soe Tun, Joint Secretary of the Central Committee for Drug Abuse Control, left for Vienna to attend a May 18-22 seminar on narcotic drug abuse and illegal traffic in drugs. (WPD 5/17) May 17: Assistant Managers U Aung Min and Daw Cho Myat Mon of Myanmar Posts and Telecommunications left for Thailand to attend the 11th Mail Routing and Circulation Course from May 18-July 10 sponsored by UNDP. (WPD 5/18) May 20: A Myanmar writers delegation headed by Director (News) U Hla Tun (Hla Tun--Twantay) of the New and Periodicals Enterprise left for China at the invitation of the Chinese Writers Federation. Other members are U Aung Thein (a) U Kyi Aye (Sinbyukyun Aung Thein), WO II Maung Nyunt (Maung Kyin Nwe) of the Defence Services Records Office, and Maung Hlaing (Maung Swe Nge) of the Sarpay Beikman Board. U Maung Maung Oo (Hien Latt) of the Myanmar Educational Research Bureau is secretary to the delegation. (WPD 5/21) May 27: Deputy Director Dr. Than Tun Sein of the Medical Research Department left for Thailand to attend the Training in Operation Research under WHO sponsorship. (WPD 5/288) Delegations to Meetings & Events Apr. 30: A delegation led by Deputy Minister for Health Col. Than Zin left for Geneva to attend the 45th World Health Organization Conference on May 4-15 and the 90th Executive Committee Meeting on May 18-19. The 8-member delegation also includes Health Ministry adviser Dr. Tin Oo, Lecturer Dr. Than Than Tin of the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department of the Institute of Medicine 1, Deputy Director Dr. Kan Tun of the Health Ministry Foreign Relations Department, and Capt. Zaw Lin Maung of the Health Ministry. They will be joined with Permanent Representative U Tin Kyaw Hlaing, Deputy Representative U Mya Than, Second Secretary Daw Yin Yin Myint, and Third Secretary U Win Naing of the Myanmar Office to the UN in Geneva. (WPD 5/1) // May 22: The delegation returned. (WPD 5/23) May 3: Deputy Attorney-General U Khin Maung Aye left for Singapore to attend the May 7-9 3rd meeting of the Attorneys-General Association in Asia. With him is Director-General of Supreme Court U Soe Myint. (WPD 5/4) May 28: A delegation led by Minister for Foreign Affairs U Ohn Gyaw left for Rio de Janeiro to attend the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development. Other members are Directors U Khin Maung Win and U Kyaw Tint Swe of the Foreign Ministry and Daw Moe Thuzar, Personal Secretary to the Minister. Delegation members include Myanmar Permanent Representative to the UN in New York, U Kyaw Min, Myanmar Ambassador to Pakistan U Pe Thein Tu, Charge d'Affaires U Pe Than Oo of the Myanmar Embassy in Ottawa, Second Secretary Daw Marlar Sein Maung of the Myanmar Embassy in Rome, and Third Secretary U Aung Htoo of the Myanmar Embassy in Bonn. (WPD 5/29) Buddhist Delegation May 11: At the invitation of the Britain-Myanmar Buddhist Trust in London, and the Buddhaharma Meditation Centre of Hinsdale, U.S.A., a Mission composed of Ovadacariya Bhaddanta Arseikkhana (Agga Maha Kammathanacariya), Bhaddanta Janakabhivamsa (Chanmye Sayadaw), and Bhaddanta Jatila (Mahasi Nayaka Sayadaw) left for London May 13, on the first part of their itinerary. (WPD 5/12) Trade Survey Team May 24: A trade delegation left for Thailand "for a preliminary survey of materials and machinery for construction of a 360-ton rice mill" purchased from Rice Engineering Supply Co., Bangkok. The survey will take 11 days, until June 2. Delegation members are Engineer U Thaung Aye; Mill Managers U Myint Swe, U Khe Han, and U Tin Aung; and Assistant Engineer U Tin Tun, of Myanma Agricultural Produce Trading. (WPD 5/25) MYANMAR GAZETTE Probationary Appointments The SLORC made the following appointments, on probation: May 20: U Tin Maung, Professor, Chemical Department, to be Rector, Mandalay University, Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education. U Maung Maung Sa, Pro-Rector, to be Rector, Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science, Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education. U Tin Naung, Pro-Rector, to be Rector, Institute of Agriculture (Yezin), Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education. (WPD 5/ 21) GOVERNMENT Workers Day Message May 1: State LORC Chairman General Than Shwe issued the following 1992 Workers Day Message [text]: To all the esteemed masses of the workers, May 1, 1992 is Workers Day observed in honour of the mental and physical workers of the whole of the Union of Myanmar. I send this message, to the masses of the workers, greeting you with love and respect, on this auspicious day. Since the mental and physical workers are fulfilling the food, clothing and shelter as well as the social needs of all the people residing in the Union, they play a vital role in bringing about progress and development of the nation. The life of the workers who possess the physical strength, mental ability and `cetana' (goodwill) as their capital investment and who meet the needs of society by the strength of their labour is a noble one--a life which enables them to earn their livelihood as well as good merit, as a saying goes. Service personnel, and those engaged in commodity production and service sector are those upon whom the State can rely for their discharge of duties of the State with the use of their physical and mental strength; they are, indeed, contributing towards the interests of the State and national cause. As there should be a peaceful and pleasant atmosphere in the worksites of the mass of workers who are daily discharging extensive economic, social and administrative duties of State it is important that there should be full unity among them so that they will be able to carry out their assigned duties most successfully. One thing that can endanger the unity of workers is party politics. It is therefore reiterated that there is urgent need for them to stay away from party politics. The physical and mental workers, with their love for the country and patriotism traditionally inherent in them, are to always stand against the imperialists and make sure that the nation does not plunge into servitude again. Lessons must be drawn from the historical trend of Myanmar society that imperialists oppressed the workers inhumanly and mercilessly. It can be seen in the historic documents that much blood, sweat and lives of many physical and mental workers of Myanmar Naing-Ngan were lost under imperialist occupation of Myanmar Naing-Ngan and exploit[at]ion and looting the natural resources to further their interests. It is heart-rending to learn of the oppression of the oil-field workers by the capitalists who were minions of the imperialists, out of varying exploitations perpetrated in the production and service sectors of Myanmar Naing-Ngan. The capitalist companies produced the precious fluid, oil, from the Myanmar oilfield as much as they could. The companies allied with the imperialists monopolized the oil industry and they produced 97 per cent of the domestic oil production. At that time Myanmar Naing-Ngan occupied the 14th position among the oil-producing nations of the world. Our crude oil was famous for its lower content of sulpher and higher content of wax. The year 1937 witnessed the highest oil production. Up to 300 million gallons of oil were produced. Foreign exchange realized that year through the sale of oil and oil products stood at K 118.8 million. Minerals and timber inherited from our ancestors were extracted and sold but the proceeds in foreign exchange went abroad. Profits resulting from commerce were enjoyed not by Myanmar nationals but by foreign companies and aliens. All the profits drained out of the country as the colonialist government that represented the capitalists did not control the flow of foreign currencies and remittances to foreign nations. In this way, the economy of our country was exploited. While an oilfield worker got a salary of K 30 a month from the colonialists, the salaries of the colonialists themselves ranged from K 5,000 to K 8,000 a month in those days. Moreover, each foreigner was given gratis a house, and a car, together with a driver. The BOC Company [Burmah Oil Company] of the colonialists made annual profits between 90 million kyats and 101 million kyats while payment to all company workers totalled seven million kyats only. The BOC Company granted six month's full-salaried leave to white-face European employees once every three years but a worker enjoyed leave of no more than ten days a year. [Oil statistics and working conditions apparently copied from: MBK, An Outline of Burma's Oil History (Rangoon: Myawaddy Press, 1982), pp. 28-30.-HCMacD.] Today, the Government has been giving priority and paying special attention to the welfare of the workers and the peasants in this independent Myanmar Naing-Ngan. It is witnessed by the entire mass of workers. Although the Government, in fact, has realized the need for providing more to the requirements of the workers and raising their standard of social life, it is not contented with its present performance for the workers as all this has to be necessarily within the limits of financial situation. Hence, what should be done on the part of the workers, the fundamental force of the country, under the State Law and Order Restoration Council (Tatmadaw) Government, to enable it to further heighten activities for the welfare of the nation are redoubling of efforts for boosting production of goods, providing sharp and dynamic role to the services sector, preventing loss and wastage, and making innovations to promote both the quantity and quality of goods produced. Implementation of the plan objectives, an important national task, is the main factor in raising the momentum of success so far gained as the national economy and effecting strengthened economic infrastructure. The stronger the economic infrastructure, the higher the rate of economic progress will become and thereby the social life of all the nationals will be further promoted. Therefore, it is needed for the entire people to implement in unison the plan objectives, hand in hand with one another. The masses of the physical and mental workers of Myanmar Naing-Ngan, as the ones who construct and defend the nation, are hereby urged emphatically to join hands with the Tatmadaw for implementing the plan objectives, putting in the fore the genuine national political objectives of the State Law and Order Restoration Council--Non-disintegration of the Union; non-disintegration of the national solidarity; and perpetuation of the sovereignty--while preserving the fine historical traditions of anti-imperialist, anti-fascist and national liberation struggles of the workers mass. (WPD 5/1) MILITARY Insurgents Surrender May 17: 19 terrorists surrendered, with their arms, from Apr. 1-11 [names and details]. (WPD 5/18) May 18: 21 terrorists surrendered, with their arms, from Apr. 14-19 [names and details]. (WPD 5/19) May 19: 20 terrorists surrendered, with their arms, from Apr. 20-28 [names and details]. "Altogether 61 terrorists returned to legal fold within April, 1992."(WPD 5/20) May 24: Six terrorists of the No. 1 Battalion, SNPLO (Pa-O Ni), surrendered May 15-16, and were welcomed [names and details]. [photo] (WPD 5/25) May 25: Two KNU terrorists surrendered May 14 [names and details]. (WPD 5/26) ECONOMIC Economic Articles May 8-11,14,21-31: Construction of Roads and Bridges during the time of the State Law and Order Restoration Council, by Mya Kalaung. [Cont. {from Apr. 24} Record of recent projects.] May 17: World Telecommunication Day and Prospects of Myanmar Telecoms, by Shwehintha (Mandalay University). [Review of recent communications activities.] Construction & Other Projects May 1: A new "hi-tech" 600-line telephone "auto-exchange and UHF radio line" was inaugurated in Hmawby Twp. [Yangon]. Cost was US$1.1 million plus K 20.7 million. \\ The Madei Creek Bridge on the new 13-mile Kamma-Pyagyi road [Magway] was opened. (WPD 5/2) May 2: A hydel power station was inaugurated in Matupi [Chin]. (WPD 5/3) May 10: The Tarpantaung Suspension Bridge linking Namtu and Namhsan [Shan] was commissioned May 7. The 240 x 15 foot bridge, destroyed during World War II, was rebuilt at a cost of K400,000. (WPD 5/11) May 11: The Wet-lu to Natogyi section rail line in Mandalay Division was inaugurated May 9. The original rails had been removed during World War II by the Japanese. It is the third phase of a project to provide a rail link between Tada-U and Myingyan. The Tada-U to Myotha and Myotha to Wet-lu sections were completed earlier. The Natogyi to Myingyan sections will be completed by the end of 1992. Two daily trains will run between Mandalay and Natogyi, with a passenger fare of K9 (compared to K60 by car). (WPD 5/12) May 20: The double-decker passenger vessel Thamainbaran, built by Mawlamyine Dockyards, was delivered. It was rebuilt at a cost of K700,000, is 134 feet long, and can carry 983 passengers and 20 tons of cargo. (WPD 5/21) May 21: The K 2.5 million Za Nawngyang Bridge across the River Mali Hka was inaugurated Apr. 25, in Chipwe [Kachin], along with a K3.4 million 16-bed hospital. (WPD 5/22) May 22: A K700,000 16-bed station hospital was inaugurated at Hsadon village, Waingmaw Twp. [Kachin] on Apr. 25. Tap water was introduced to Hnarein village, Thangtlan Twp. [Chin] on May 8. (WPD 5/23) May 24: Minister for Mines Vice-Adm. Maung Maung Khin on May 23 attended the inauguration of the Barite Powdering Plant of the Myanmar ECI Joint Venture Co., Ltd., in Thazi. (WPD 5/24) May 29: The Yangon City Development Committee will build a new modern hotel in Mayangonn Township "to cater to the food and accommodation needs of foreigners who are working here and tourists and to earn foreign exchange for the country." The hotel will have two eight-storey wings, with 150 rooms and 10 suites, and five four-storey buildings each with 80 suites including kitchen and bath. There will also be a restaurant, swimming pool, and parking lot. Construction began May 28, and will be completed by the end of 1993. Architect U Thein Zaw and group are designing it. (WPD 5/30) May 30: State LORC Secretary (2) Maj-Gen. Tin Oo inaugurated the Hlinethaya Ferry landing bridge on the Hlinethaya side of the Hline River. (WPD 5/30) Energy May 2: An oil test well was inaugurated in Kankaung village, Sinbyugyun Twp. [Magway] by Minister for Energy U Khin Maung Thein. (WPD 5/3) May 4: Proficiency Course No. 7 on drilling was completed at the Geological Survey and Mineral Exploration Department. In six courses since 1972, 282 expert drillers have been trained. (WPD 5/5) May 7: Speaking at the annual meeting of the Myanma Electric Power Enterprise, Minister for Energy U Khin Maung Thein said: "Since the 1992-93 is the economic year, electric power supply to factories and mills plays an important role. Thaketa Power Station can distribute power supply more as Aphyauk oil field can produce and distribute gas. More electric power will be distributed in coming July with the completion of the No 1 Beluchaung Hydel Power Station." (WPD 5/8) May 10: Minister for Energy U Khin Maung Thein said that "arrangements are under way to export methanol, the production of which from the plant is now in favourable condition." (WPD 5/11) May 19: "Under the production sharing contract between the Myanmar Oil and Gas Enterprise and the Premier Petroleum Myanmar Ltd, marine seismic survey will be conducted around the clock at Blocks M-13 and M-14 off Tanintharyi coast. Survey work will be carried out at site A from 19 to 26 May and at sites B and C from 7 May to 4 June. The sites are located north-west of Myeik. The Fisheries Department has warned local vessels fishing offshore to refrain from fishing during the prescribed periods to ensure effectiveness in survey work, it is learnt." (WPD 5/20) Taxation May 3: The Internal Revenue Department collected K6,857.23 million in revenues in 1991-92, "K1,665 million more than the revised target representing 132.16 per cent performance an amount much greater than the previous years." (WPD 5/5) May 20: Landlords in Yangon who rent buildings, rooms, or land in foreign exchange "are to pay in their municipal tax in foreign exchange." (WPD 5/21) Transportation May 4: Short-haul rail service between Shwenyaung and Lawksawk will begin May 7, with daily service in each direction and "whistle-stops" at Taungnishan, Kunlong, and Yadanabon. The Thazi-Shwenyaung service will continue as before. (WPD 5/5) May 18: Motor roads in Ayeyarwady Division have been doubled from 716 miles to 1,446 miles, including the new 20-mile Setsan-Kyonkadun Road in Pyapon and Bogale Twps. (K27.9 million); the 36-mile Amar-Kyonkadun Road (K 40 million); and the 16-mile Kyonkadun-Pyapon and 19-mile Bogale-Pyapon Roads (K17 million). (WPD 5/ 19) Agriculture May 7: Minister for Planning & Finance and for Trade Brig-Gen. Abel told officials at Myanma Agricultural Products Trading that "the target of the paddy purchase in the fiscal 1991-92 is 80 million baskets and over 75 million baskets of paddy have been purchased as of March, 1992. This, he said, is the 94 per cent of the target." He went on to urge "more purchase of beans, pulses and various crops" for local consumption and export. (WPD 5/8) May 30: Minister for Planning & Finance and for Trade Brig-Gen. Abel told the 4th annual meeting of the Myanmar Naing-Ngan Rice Millers Association that the Association had been established in 1949, and included 1,669 members out of 1,993 registered rice mills. "He stated that No 2 Joint Venture Corporation was set up based upon the Rice Millers Association and that it is needed to work avoiding mal-practice. He affirmed that the association will later cooperate with international organizations such as International Monetary Fund and World Bank and that it is essential for firm organization and unity of the association." (WPD 5/31) Raw Materials Designated May 8: "The Ministry of Trade first announced the list of 594 items designated as raw materials in its announcement No 3/92 on 30 March 1992 and the Ministry today announced the list of 635 more items designated as raw materials in its announcement No 5/92. The list of the 635 items will be published in detail in the TIS News (Vol 10, No 4) of the Trade Department on 16 May, it is learnt." (WPD 5/8) Border Development May 12: Speaking to the Work Committee for the Development of Border Areas and National Races, Chairman State LORC Secretary (1) Maj-Gen. Khin Nyunt said that since May 1989 the State has spent over K784 million on border development, broken down between Work Sub-committees and the appropriate Ministries, as follows (in million kyats): Committee Ministries Agriculture 5.34 42.03 Livestock 11.31 19.86 Comm.& Transp. 68.52 112.03 Trade & Coops. 5.65 4.50 Housing 24.76 .57 Energy 19.68 16.50 Health 58.48 3.64 Education 52.29 2.74 Public Relat. .02 75.98 Minerals 14.23 Communications 9.65 105.92 [arith. totals 255.70 398.00] Totals [sic] 386.06 398.00 Grand Total 784.06 (WPD 5/13) Fishermen Warned May 25: The Fisheries Department issued Notification 2/91 against indiscriminate fishing during spawning season. In late May, June, and July, fishes seek spawning sites in rivers and streams. "Catching of fish which are about to spawn is prohibited under the Fisheries Law," and violators will be prosecuted. (WPD 5/26) May 27: Fishermen are warned against catching fresh-water lobsters "which are about to spawn in creeks, streams, ponds and inns (fisheries)...during the months of Tagu, Kason, and Nayon." (WPD 5/288) Contractor Licences Required May 26: Building contractors in Yangon are henceforth required to register with the YCDC Engineering Department (Buildings), where "licence for carrying out construction work will be issued to them after necessary scrutiny." Applications for licences should be filed between June 1-30, 1992. "This step is being taken as some of the contractors were found to give priority to profits; were building houses which were not according to the design permitted; constructing buildings which were inferior in quality; also breaking contracts signed with house owners; selling off buildings before they are completed or renting them; or else disappearing without completing the contracting work and violating the rules to be observed regarding buildings and due to many problems arising between house owners and contractors.... "In future, only contractors who have been issued with licences for construction of buildings which are three-storey or above, will be permitted to take up construction work, with the exception of double-storey buildings for families. Effective action will be taken...against both the house owner and those who build the house, if they are found to have broken the above mentioned provisions...." (WPD 5/27) Rainfall in Yangon Rainfall, in inches, at Yangon's three weather stations of Yangon Airport (YA), Kaba-Aye (KA), and Central Yangon (CY) was: YA KA CY 1987 97.01 100.98 95.43 1988 99.17 100.00 107.76 1989 96.22 100.59 102.76 1990 ll8.35 109.92 122.84 1991 91.81 83.78 96.65 1992, as of: May 1 0.08 0.20 0.20 May 15 1.65 1.38 0.79 May 30 5.08 8.98 6.77 HEALTH AIDS May 14: Addressing the second meeting of the Central Committee for Prevention and Control of AIDS, Minister for Health and for Education Col. Pe Thein said that while HIV positive cases were previously found in intravenous drug users, "it has been found that the disease is spread among prostitutes and those suffering from venereal diseases, so it could be said that the spread of the disease has become more rapid through sexual contacts." He called for greater sterilization at hospitals and clinics, and said anti-AIDS posters are being distributed in the Kachin, Chin and Mon languages, and posters in Kayin and Shan languages are being printed. (WPD 5/15) May 23: Editorial: AIDS and child health. ["Numerous studies and researches have shown that the mother-to-baby transmission of AIDS virus is twice as likely among the breast-fed than among those who have not been fed the infected mother's milk. This, to put it shortly is virtual confirmation that the AIDS virus can be transmitted through breast milk. This is scary enough. But does it mean that mothers with the disease should not breast feed their children?... The World Health Organization...has categorically emphasized that `breast-feeding should continue to be promoted, supported and protected in all countries' irrespective of the prevalence of HIV infections.... In the final analysis... the additional risk of the infant dying of some other cause if not breast-fed should be compared with the infant's risk of becoming HIV-infected through breast-feeding. It is the considered opinion of WHO that in many circumstances, especially in developing countries where safe and effective use of alternatives is not possible, `breast-feeding by the biological mother should continue to be the feeding method of choice, irrespective of her HIV-infection status.' Now that we, in this country are coming to grips with the spectre of HIV and AIDS, this particular aspect of the problem, that of breast-feeding by HIV-positive or AIDS-infected mothers ought to be quickly clarified and thoroughly explained to the public by our medical people...."] SPORTS Myanmar Teams & Delegations May 28: Minister for Health and for Education Col. Pe Thein addressed the Myanmar contingent that will participate in the 7th Asian Veteran Athletic Championships in Singapore. (WPD 5/39) Foreign Sports Delegations May 1: Deputy Chairman of the Chinese Olympic Committee Mr. Tu Mingde, and a delegation led by member of the Singapore Olympic Committee Mr. Milton Tan, both in Yangon for the National Sports Festival, called on Myanmar Olympic Committee Chairman Minister for Culture Lt-Gen. Aung Ye Kyaw. (WPD 5/2) National Sports Festival [May 1-4: Numerous items on preparations for the festival. May 5-15: Daily event results, with many photos.] Apr. 30: K2.5 million was donated by well-wishers, "including those from abroad," bringing total Festival donations to K29.7 million. (WPD 5/1) May 1,3-5: From the fine heritage of Myanmar sports to greater success, by Kyaw Phone Myint (Chemistry). [Cont. (2) Myanmars {listed} who have taken part in Olympic Games since 1934 "holding firm the attitude of `winning or losing is not the main thing; what is important is to take part.'" (3) other Myanmar star athletes in international competition listed. [(4) Eleven reasons for the "decline in the standard of Myanmar sports in the last 20 years" listed: 1) "the scarcity of budding, young athletes"; 2) "the ageing of the existing outstanding athletes"; 3) decrease in interest by young people; 4) lack of instructors and coaches; 5) scarcity of modern facilities and equipment; 6) "the weakness in providing an adequate amount of nutritious food every day"; 7) "the inability to concentrate on taking exercises and practising due to general malnutrition"; 8) lack of sports literature; 9) decline in encouragement of sports by departments and organizations; 10) "inability to employ organizational methods"; and 11) weakness in selection of athletic organizers. Festival events listed. [(5) Location of scheduled events, in Football (soccer); Volleyball; Track and Field; Basketball; Paik-kyaw-chin (Sepak Takraw); Boxing; Judo; Cycling; Table-Tennis; Swimming, Diving, Waterpolo; Weight-lifting; Thaing (the art of self-defence); Karatedo; Taekwando; Badminton; Tennis; Golf; Shooting; International Regatta; Yachting; Track and Field for the Disabled; Volleyball {for disabled?}; Swimming {for disabled?}.] May 3: The First National Sports Festival was opened at the Youth Sports Training Center, Thuwunna, by Minister for Culture Lt-Gen. Aung Ye Kyaw, who said "that the State was organizing the sports activities as a national movement with the motto of `Myanmar Sports--The World To Conquer' to reverse the declining standard," and noted that "Myanmar kings became powerful and influential during the time when there were sports heroes." 72 teams "such as Tatmadaw, PPF, departments, States and Divisions and Universities" will compete. The Festival flame was lit at Maha Bandoola Park. [extensive photos] (WPD 5/4) May 6: The national duty in the sports field must be fulfilled, by Kyaw Swe Aung. [Youths must raise the standard of Myanmar sports.] May 7: Sports--A natural part of life for all ages, by Ivan King. ["Wherever civilization flourished, sports was a basic and natural part of life."] May 7: K917,785 was donated for the Festival by 26 "well-wishers from local and abroad," bringing total donations to over K30 million. (WPD 5/8) May 8: Korean Ambassador Hang Kyung Kim donated 100 soccer balls to the Festival. (WPD 5/9) May 9: State LORC Secretary (1) Maj-Gen. Khin Nyunt presented prizes for the winners in the National Sports Festival literary, art, and photo contests. "Speaking of the courage and valour shown by Myanmar patriots in the literary, art and sports fields during the anti-imperialist struggle, he expressed [sic] some great Myanmar athletes such as Meebonbyan U Kyaw Yin, Myanmar strong man U Zaw Weik, U Thaw Zin, the great man of physique, and boxer Maung Thaung who showed Myanmar vigour by beating the white-faced imperialists. He said the then Myanmar writers Sayagyi Maha Swe and Min Swe lauded the great athletes and roused the spirit of patriotism in youths, and Myanmar athletes, and artists launched anti-imperialist movements in a balanced, harmonious manner." In the competition, 161 paintings, 252 cartoons, and 116 photographs were submitted, and 133 persons participated in the "instant cartoon" competition, including a three-year-old girl. (WPD 5/10) May 14-15: State LORC Secretary (1) Maj-Gen. Khin Nyunt distributed prizes to the winners in the various competitions. (WPD 5/15-16) May 16: The grand finale of the National Sports Festival, with "close to 12,000 athletes, officials and dignitaries," was presided over by Minister for Culture Lt-Gen. Aung Ye Kyaw and other dignitaries. (WPD 5/17) CULTURAL Literary and Cultural Articles May 3,10,17,24,31: Foundations of Myanmar Culture: Myanmar literature and the ten major jatakas, by Hnaphet Hla. [Cont. (93-97)] May 3,10,17,24,31: Poems (in English and Burmese). [(1) "Wind" by Naung. (2) "East Wind Turn East; West Wind Turn West" by Naung. (3) "National Sports Festival" by Thiha Aung. (3-4) "To Kuming" by Naung. (4) "The Dancer" by Budalin Chit Lay. (5) "Straightness" by Naung. (5) "A pond in the countryside" by Nay Thway Ni.] May 3,10,17,24,31: Nationalist Poetry, by Htila Sithu. [Cont. (8-12) Nationalist poetry since 1885.] May 3,10,17,24,31: Short Stories. [Cont. (14-18) "Our Mother" by Maha Shwe. Cont. (13-17) "Dar" by Min Swe. (1-2) "The scum" by Pe Than. (3-4) "Suspense" by Pe Than. (5) "The climax" by Pe Than.] Religious Affairs Throughout the month, there were continued frequent articles on religious construction and repair projects, homage to Sayadaws given by high officials, etc.] May 2: Receiving "ovada" from State Sangha Maha Nayaka Sayadaws on Kaba Aye Hill in Yangon, State LORC Chairman General Than Shwe said: "We all are devout Buddhists who have serious, complete faith in Buddhist Sasana and will continue to strive our best, under my leadership, for promotion, propagation and perpetuation of the Sasana while discharging the duties of State." (WPD 5/3) May 20: Minister for Religious Affairs Maj-Gen. Myo Nyunt told "persons selected for Haj pilgrimage" that 200 persons were being selected from all 14 states and divisions to go on the Haj. "He pointed out that the Religious Affairs Department co-ordinates and consults with representatives of Islamic organizations and Islamic leaders in carrying out Islamic religious affairs and this includes the matter of sending persons on Haj pilgrimage annually. Moreover, it was also assisting in publishing literary works on Islam." Noting that Muslims in Myanmar "have a fine tradition of living together unitedly and in harmony," he said the pilgrims would be "asked questions on rumours being spread in foreign countries about our country. He said that in such a case the Myanmar pilgrims were expected to give replies according to the true facts which they had witnessed." Election Commissioner member Saya Chai [a Muslim-HCMacD.] and member of the State/Division Haj Pilgrim Scrutiny and Selection Committee Haji U Khin Maung also spoke. (WPD 5/20) May 25: The Sandi Indigenous Medicine Family donated K450,000 to the Department for the Promotion and Propagation of the Sasana for printing 10,000 copies of "How to live as a good Buddhist." (WPD 5/26) May 28: 120 Haj pilgrims, out of 200, left by Myanma Airways for Mecca, Saudi Arabia, via Thailand. The other 80 pilgrims will leave May 29. (WPD 5/29) May 29: The other 80 Haj pilgrims departed for Mecca. The 200 pilgrims will travel to Jeddah via Karachi. (WPD 5/30) May 30: The 74th General Meeting of the Myanmar Naing-Ngan Christian Council was "held in conjunction with a get-together to honour Minister for Religious Affairs Maj-Gen Myo Nyunt at the Myanmar Naing-Ngan Institute of Christian Theology on Seminary Hill in Insein Township ...." Various officials attended, along with Chairman of the Myanmar Naing-Ngan Christian Council Archbishop Andrei U Mya Han, who "thanked the State for religious freedom in the country." The Minister "pointed out that Government at present was providing all-round assistance to all the religions and was also helping to solve their problems. He said that monetary assistance was also provided to Christians like the rest of the people of other religions. He disclosed that books on Christian religious literature were permitted in accordance with policy and that religious meetings, discussions and training courses were permitted to be held." (WPD 5/31) New Mandalay Newspaper May 3: The Mandalay Yadanabon Daily was inaugurated May 1. Major Kyi Win, on behalf of the Yadanabon Daily Supervision Body, "explained points on publishing of the paper." (WPD 5/4) Courses Scheduled May 20: The one-year B.Ed. course at the Institute of Education for 1991-92 will reopen Monday, June 1, 992. Acceptance of students at hostels will begin May 30. (WPD 5/21) May 22: The regular courses at the University for Development of National Races will reopen June 1, and students should report by the last week of May. (WPD 5/23) Higher Education May 21: Addressing the closing of Special Refresher Course No. 3 for Faculty Members, State LORC Secretary (1) Maj-Gen. Khin Nyunt said it "marks the day of significance on which faculty members are ready to serve the country with new mind, new spirit." He expressed the hope that the course graduates "would be able to perform the national duty of drafting a constitution in addition to their academic duties," and "said that he learned of the trainees' keen interest in military drills and even those who were given `Excuse Strenuous Exercise' studied the demonstrations of drill masters." Finally, he "expressed his wish for the teachers to be able to serve the interests of the race, language and religion, for the students' correct outlook and for their peaceful pursuit of education." (WPD 5/22) May 28: State LORC Secretary (1) Maj-Gen. Khin Nyunt laid the foundations of the Dagon Myothit Degree College. (WPD 5/29) Libraries Urged May 23: Deputy Minister for Information U Soe Nyunt visited Information and Public Relations Department offices in Tharketa, Thingangyunn, and Tarmway Twps. [Yangon]. Speaking to officials, he "stated that the State has spent millions of kyats in opening libraries with lofty aims, saying libraries are part of the fundamental activities for construction of the nation.... He said the IPRD libraries, like the well-known libraries such as Universities Central Library, the National Library, the Sarpay Beikman Library and the National Archives Library, are to widen the scope of knowledge of the general public. He told them to collect publications of the State Law and Order Restoration Council which deal with politics, history, general knowledge, culture, etc, and occasionally hold literary talks and contests." (WPD 5/24) Translator Course May 25: Translation from Myanmar to English Course No. 1/92 of the News and Periodicals Enterprise was opened by Deputy Minister for Information U Soe Nyunt. 26 trainees are attending the four-month course, 15 from NPE, 3 from MPE, 3 from PPE, 3 from IPRD, and 2 from MTRD. Instructors are U Win Pe (Mya Zi), retired Diretor-General of the National Archives Department, U Than Saw (Aung Moe), retired Director (Admin) of the NPE, and Professor U Thiha of the English Department, Institute of Education. (WPD 5/26) May 26: Editorial: Training translators. [The course "is to our knowledge the first course of its kind to be devoted entirely to this particular discipline...." There is a need for proficent translators "in the face of intensive disinformation campaigns being carried out by certain alien mass media organizations." When "urgent need arose" to tell the Myanmar side of the story, "There was any number of Myanmar writers who were able to do this, but not in the international medium of the English language. The handful of translators available were literally hard-pressed translating all the relevant news and articles which appeared in the Myanmar language into English, practically every day ...."] MISCELLANEOUS Crime News [Except for narcotics offenses; culprits, with names and addresses, generally included in WPD story, but we mention them only when there is special reason to.-HCMacD.] May 10: Yangon police on Apr. 20 arrested three pick-pockets in Thingyangyunn Twp., who snatched 1 1/2 ticals of gold bracelets on a bus on Jan. 18. The bracelets, worth K30,000, were recovered from a goldsmith. (WPD 5/11) Anti-Narcotics Activities Apr. 30: DSI members and police on Apr. 20 seized 1.6 kilos of heroin in Hsenwi [Shan]. The Monywa anti-drug squad on Apr. 13 seized 0.6 kilos of heroin. (WPD 5/1) May 6: The Mandalay anti-drug squad on Apr. 24 seized 1 kilo of heroin. (WPD 5/7) May 7: Tatmadaw intelligence on Apr. 29 seized 0.31 kilo of heroin on the Kutkai-Man bus; subsequently they seized 16.3 kilos of raw opium in Kutkai. (WPD 5/8) May 8: The Monywa anti-drug squad seized 1.405 bottles of phensedyl hidden aboard the Hlaing Nadi at the Kwe-gyi jetty in Monywa. 12 people are being prosecuted. (WPD 5/9) May 9: The Lashio anti-drug squad on Apr. 26 seized 1.8 kilos of heroin in Muse [Shan]. (WPD 5/10) May 14: DSI and the Lashio anti-drug squad on May 1 seized 0.3 kilos of heroin and 1.6 kilos of raw opium at Mongyu 105-mile. (WPD 5/15) May 15: DSI one May 9 seized 0.6 kilos of heroin and 8 viss of raw opium at Kutkai [Shan]. (WPD 5/16) May 16: Yangon police on May 11-12 seized 0.3 kilos of heroin, 1.8 kilos of marijuana, K105,895, and 15 pieces of jade. 13 people were arrested. (WPD 5/17) May 18: The Kokang anti-drug squad on Apr. 21 seized an opium refinery camp near Shaukluchun village, and seized 0.75 kilos of heroin, 0.4 kilo of morphine base, 8.3 kilos of opium, 1.2 kilos of opium residue, and paraphernalia. (WPD 5/19) May 18: During April the Tatmadaw seized 54.9 kilos of opium and 2.1 kilos of heroin. The Police seized 44.9 kilos of opium (55 cases), 30.4 kilos heroin (133 cases), 0.005 kilo of opium oil (1 case), 24.2 kilos of marijuana (68 cases), 3,060 bottles (382.5 litres) of phensedyl (27 cases), and handled 140 cases of failure to register and 9 other cases, for a total of 433 cases against 595 people. (WPD 5/19) May 22: The Myitkyina anti-drug squad on May 5 seized 0.28 kilos of heroin. The Hopang [Shan] anti-drug squad on May 12 seized 0.2 kilos of heroin. (WPD 5/23) May 29: Security guards on Apr. 27 seized 6 kilos of opium hidden on a motorcycle leaving Monghpyat for Tachilek [Shan]. (WPD 5/30) May 30: The Tatmadaw on Apr. 25 seized 22.9 kilos of raw opium in the Kengtung region. "Three men carrying bags were called to be searched, but they left the bags and fled." Obituaries [English language obituaries only; there are obituaries in Burmese as well.] Apr. 16: Fatima Bi Ismail Bharoocha (a) Daw Kyu Kyu, widow of Hussein Esoof Jeewa and of U Tun Lwin (a) Mohamed Yunus, died in Kandawgalay, aged 86. [Sunni Moslem] (WPD 5/ 19) Apr. 29: U No Zam, M.P. Rtd., husband of Daw Thang Tin Tiem, died in Falam [Chin], aged 65. (WPD 5/5) Apr. 30: U Htein Win Aung, husband of Daw Khin Soe Win, died in Yangon, aged 45. (WPD 5/1) May 8: V. Boomibalan, Trustee (Sree Natarajaperuman Temple), died in Yangon, aged 63. [Hindu] (WPD 5/ 9) May 10: U Ye Myint, Deputy Chief Engineer (Inspection) (Rtd), Myanma Airways, husband of Daw Khin Khin Win, died in Yangon [no age given]. (WPD 5/11) May 11: Dr. Thakur Prasad, M.B.B. S., Zeyawaddy, husband of Smt Sonamoti Devi, died in Yangon, aged 52. [Hindu] (WPD 5/12) May 12: Naw Snowda, widow of U Saw Ba Tun, died in Yangon, aged 65. [Christian] (WPD 5/13) May 14: Mr. M.J. David Samuel, Ex-Medical Representative, Boots Co., Ltd., husband of Shiela, died in Yangon, aged 64. [Christian] (WPD 5/ 16) May 17: Wunna Kyaw Htin Dr. Samuel Dutt, L M (Rotunda, Dublin), D.G.O. (Vienna), L.D.Sc., L.O.Sc., (D.D.), formerly of Ramakrishna Hospital and Child Health Services, died in Yangon, aged 83. [Hindu] (WPD 5/18) May 18: Daw Than Tin, (a) Daw Ah Mar, Thaton, widow of U Ba Maung, died in Yangon, aged 91. (WPD 5/19) May 24: U Chit Khine, B.A., B.L., Secretary (Rangoon Turf Club), Rtd. Managing Director, Burma Trade Ltd., Tokyo, Honorary Consul General for Austria, husband of Daw Sao Khin Myint, died in Folkestone, U.K., aged 72. (WPD 5/27) May 25: Thiripanchi U Ba Nyein, Retd. Director, Bureau of Special Investigations, husband of Daw Tin Aye, died in Yangon, aged 89. (WPD 5/26) Earthquakes May 1: An earthquake of slight intensity (4.4 Richter) was recorded at 14:40:08 local time, with epicentre about 96 miles SE of Sittway. (WPD 5/2) May 17: An earthquake of strong intensity (7.2 Richter) was recorded at 16:25:14 local time, with epicentre 3,500 miles SE of Yangon. (WPD 5/18) Fires May 6: There were 275 fires in Myanmar in March, which caused K79.41 million in damage. Of these 231 (84%) were due to negligence, 10 to electric short-circuits, 15 to arson, and 19 to other causes. (WPD 5/7) Storm in Rakhine May 19 (15:30): "A cyclonic storm ...is crossing to the Rakhine Coast, between Thandwe and Khaukpyu." \\ May 20 (10:00): "The cyclonic storm ...is centered about 110 miles Southwest of Kyaukpyu.... Surface wind speed in squalls may reach 80 mph. Especially surface wind may reach 120 mph when the storm is crossing the coast, wind speed 80 mph to 100 mph in the 100 miles diameter from strorm centre and wind speed may reach 60 mph to 50 mph in the 250 mile diameter from storm centre, with storm surge height may reach 8 ft." (WPD 5/20) May 26: "A storm that struck Taungup, Thandwe, Manaung, Kyaukphyu and Ramree Townships on 19 May killed 27 persons and 182 cattle. Nineteen persons were reported to be missing. A total of 433 hosues were destroyed and 24 powered boats were also last. Responsible personnel and Tatmadawmen are carrying out relief work, it is learnt." (WPD 5/27) Roof-top Structures & Drive-ways May 22: The Yangon City Development Committee has been studying "huts and small structures" erected on the roofs of brick buildings in Yangon, which "affects the symmetry of the city and there is a danger of the outbreak of fire." The Engineering Department (Buildings) will regularize the status of "strong structures which have been constructed systematically and do not disturb the symmetry of the city and are not a danger to the main buildings" after inspection and payment of fines. (WPD 5/23) May 30: "Those who use pavements on drains as drive-ways to their residential compounds are to get permission from the Engineering Department (Roads/Bridges), Yangon City Development Committee. Their applications are to be attached with endorsements by the township engineer and township executive officer." (WPD 5/31) Speeders Warned May 25: Speeding caused 7 deaths and 23 injuries in Yangon during May, despite repeated warning to obey the 30 mph speed limit. Some drivers went as fast as 60 to 80 mph. From June 1, "drastic action" will be taken against speeders. (WPD 5/26) May 27: "The following action will be taken against motorists who exceed the speed limit of 30 miles per hour (48 kilometers per hour). "(1) For the first time: A fine of K 500 "(2) For the second time: A fine of K 1,000 "(3) For the third time: Revocation of driving license plus fine of K 1,500. "(4) For exceeding 60 mph: Fine plus revocation of driving license." (WPD 5/28) ----- 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 PICTURES Burma Press Summary No. 63, May 1992 Hugh C. MacDougall