92-08 BURMA PRESS SUMMARY From the Rangoon "Working People's Daily" Compiled for the Burma Studies Group by Hugh C. MacDougall Published by the Center for East Asian and Pacific Studies, University of Illinois Volume V, No. 8, August 1992 Table of Contents POLITICAL CRISIS Slogans 1 Official Publications 1 Cartoons 2 Political Articles 2 U Ne Win's Photographs 2 Colleges & Universities Reopen 3 Myanmar-Bangladesh Border 4 49 Political Prisoners Released 4 Second Doctors' Course 5 NATIONAL CONVENTION Steering Committee Report Submitted 5 DIPLOMATIC Diplomatic Calls 5 New Myanmar Ambassadors 6 Gift to Thai Queen 6 INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION Workshops 6 Foreign Donations 6 FOREIGN VISITORS International Agency Visitors 6 Academic Visitors 6 Australian Senator 6 Malaysian Intelligence Chief 7 Malaysian Workers 7 Egyptian Agricultural Delegation 7 Chinese Cultural Delegation 7 British Journalists 7 MYANMAR DELEGATIONS Study Delegations 7 Delegations to Meetings & Events 8 Delegations Return 9 MYANMAR GAZETTE Probationary Appointments 9 GOVERNMENT Press Release on India Visit 9 Myanmar Signs 1949 Geneva Conventions 9 MILITARY Insurgent Attacks 10 Insurgents Surrender 10 ECONOMIC Gen. Than Shwe on Agriculture 10 Economic Articles 10 Construction & Other Projects 11 Joint Ventures 11 Gems Emporium 11 Satellite Communications 12 Transportation & Fuel 12 Food and Basic Supplies 12 Companies, Coops, and Enterprises 13 Corruption 13 Colour TV Sets Exported 14 Economic Problems 14 Exports 14 Insurance & Banking 15 Tourism 15 Jute 15 Rainfall in Yangon 15 HEALTH AIDS 15 Call for Birth Spacing 15 SPORTS Myanmar Teams & Delegations 15 Visiting Teams & Delegations 16 Myanmar at the Olympics 16 Sports Article 16 Hole-in-one 16 CULTURAL Literary and Cultural Articles 17 Religious Affairs 17 IPRD Libraries 17 Newspapers and Magazines 17 Movies 18 Myanma Folk Art Exhibition 18 MISCELLANEOUS Criminal and Judicial News 18 Anti-Narcotics Activities 19 Obituaries 20 Marriage & Engagement 20 Train Wreck 21 Floods 21 Illegal Lofts 22 ------------------------------------------- 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: Aug. 1-4: Virajam, be stainlessly pure; this is the way to auspiciousness. Aug. 5-16: Khemam, be perfectly secure; this is the way to auspiciousness. Aug. 17-31: Asevana ca balanam, not to associate with the ignorant and the foolish; this is the way to auspiciousness. Official Publications Aug. 12: Co-ordination Meeting for Convening of National Convention (bilingual edition) "to be published throughout the nation in a few days" by the News and Periodicals Enterprise. (WPD 8/12) // Aug. 19: "Distributed throughout the country." (WPD 8/19) Aug. 19: Speeches delivered by Chairman of the Steering Committee for Holding Co-ordination Meetings for Convening of the National Convention (apparently a bilingual edition). "Distributed throughout the country." (WPD 8/19) Cartoons Examples of political cartoons, which were sparse until Aug. 19, when they began to appear again almost daily: Aug. 4: Housewife to peddler: "Whenever I buy scouring-powder from you, it always makes me remember my son who's working in a foreign country." Aug. 5: First Myanmar: "I am rude and uncouth. I show no courtesy to elders or to the fair sex; I am selfish like hell..." Second Myanmar: "Hey! You should be a ticket seller on a bus!" Aug. 16: Goggle-eyed TV viewer: "I was so engrossed in the lady I missed what she was advertising." Aug. 19: Exasperated street peddlar surrounded by clouds labeled "Tax": "I'm only a poor street-seller!" Aug. 20: Myanmar looking at "hippie" with dark glasses, jeans, and spurred cowboy boots: "The actor's boots reminds me of the fighting cock at home." Aug. 21: Myanmar at Buddhist ceremony: "Chicken! Chicken! I get chance to eat chicken only at the alms-offering ceremonies." Aug. 22: Myanmar to policeman: "Please let me know how many cars which did not slow down or stop at zebra crossings have had action taken against them." Aug. 23: Secretary on telephone: "Don't worry. You can go on as long as you like, 'cause I'm on the office phone." Aug. 24: Smoker to friend: "Advertisements on lung cancer.... Errr... advertisements on cigarettes are very good. Heh... Heh...Heh!" Aug. 25: First Myanmar: "It's a hush-hush grouping in which tens of thousands change hands." Second Myanmar: "Is it gambling?" First Myanmar: "Oh no! It is just group-tuition." Aug. 27: Myanmar: "I'll get 'em! I'll get 'em! I'll let 'em have it! I'll hit 'em!" Watching Myanmar to companion: "That must be a cartoonist for sure!" Aug. 28: First shopper: "It's fantastic! All the prices seem to have plummeted. All of a sudden!" Second shopper: "Well...it seems that an important somebody or other is coming for an inspection tour!" Aug. 30: Housewife cooking dinner, to husband: "I do want to encourage local product but it's playing hard-to-get." Thinks: "Daik-U seasoning powder". Aug. 31: Commuter: "I daren't go home after dark. It's not for othe reasons. The bus fare scares me." 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: Aug. 1: Poetic justics shall be done! by Thukhi Aung. [Foreign media continue slandering Myanmar about treatment of Muslims in Rakhine. Colonialists "still aspire to reannexe {resource-rich developing countries} on a pretext of intervening to quell ethnic disputes and conflicts." The slanders disproved. "Good-will begets good consequences and ill-will begets evil consequences. Is not poetic justice being done even now in their home lands for their ill-will towards others?"] Aug. 3: Emergence of a Constitution is a must, by Nanda Phyo Thu. ["Let us work with unity for the successful holding of the National Convention that will lay the basic principles for the drafting of a Constitution which is a must for our country."] Aug. 16-17: Guests of Chinese Writers Association, by Maung Hlaing. [Account of May visit to China by five Myanmar writers.] Aug. 24: A visit to "The People's Daily" by Maung Hlaing. [Newspaper visit during China trip.] U Ne Win's Photographs [Although it did not appear in the English-edition of the WPD that we receive, we are informed that the May 8, 1992, Burmese-language edition reproduced a hand-written notice from former President U Ne Win asking that his photograph (which since 1962 has decorated government offices and many other spaces, usually next to the photograph of Bogyoke Aung San) be removed. HCMacD.] Colleges & Universities Reopen Throughout the month, there were numerous articles reporting on inspection of colleges and other institutions of higher learning, preparatory to their scheduled reopening on Aug. 24, noting the extensive building and renovation projects carried out since their closure. Aug. 3: The University of Yangon announced that classes at the Main, Hline, Kyimyindine, and Botahtaung campuses would reopen on Aug. 24 for the academic year 1991-92. Registered students should meet their teachers-in-charge and get documents and identity cards beginning Aug. 17. Hostel students must get permission to stay at hostels beginning Aug. 22. (WPD 8/ 4) Aug. 4: The Institute of Economics, Yangon, announced that classes for the 1991-92 academic year will begin Aug. 24. Registered students are to obtain ID cards beginning Aug. 17 [locations specified], students with permission to say in hostels may arrive Aug. 22. (WPD 8/5) Aug. 5: Opening notices for Aug. 24 were issued by the Workers College and the Institute of Indigenous Medicine. The University of Distance Education will resume classes in science and tutorial classes in economics on Aug. 15. (WPD 8/6) Aug. 6: Opening notices for Aug. 24 were issued by Mandalay University and Pathein Degree College. (WPD 8/7) Aug. 7: Opening notices for Aug. 24 were issued by the Department of Technical, Agricultural and Vocational Education for all vocational schools and institutes, by the University of Taunggyi, and by the Institute of Computer Science and Technology. (WPD 8/ 8) Aug. 8: An opening notice for Aug. 24 was issued by the Institute of Forestry at Yezin. (WPD 8/9) Aug. 9: Opening notices for Aug. 24 were issued by the Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary at Yezin, the Institute of Agriculture at Yezin, and Mawlamyine University. (WPD 8/10) Aug. 10: Opening notices for Aug. 24 were issued by the Institute of Medicine (Mandalay), the Yangon Institute of Technology, and Magway Degree College. (WPD 8/11) Aug. 11: Opening notices for Aug. 24 were issued by the Institute of Medicine-1, Yangon, and by Shwebo College. (WPD 8/12) Aug. 12: Myanma Five Star LIne has arranged to put vessels on "special routes" to transport students to institutions of higher education reopening Aug. 24. The Hakha will leave Yangon (8/11), Mawlamyine (8/13), Dawei (8/14), Myeik (8/14), Kawthoung (8/20), Myeik (8/21), Dawei (8/21), Mawlamyine (8/23), Yangon. The Myitkyina will leave Yangon (8.17), Myeik (8/19), Dawei (8/19), Mawlamyine (8/21), Yangon. The Taunggyi will leave Yangon (8/18), Myeik (8/19), Yangon. (WPD 8/13) Aug. 13: Opening notices for Aug. 24 were issued by the Institute of Dental Medicine and Meiktila College. (WPD 8/14) Aug. 14: An opening notice for Aug. 24 was issued by Monywa College. (WPD 8/15) Aug. 15: An opening notice for Aug. 24 was issued by Pyay College. (WPD 8/16) Aug. 16: An opening notice for Aug. 24 was issued by Myitkyina Degree College. (WPD 8/17) Aug. 18: The university and college campuses are "bustling with life." At Yangon Institute of Technology, "4,525 students will be pursuing their studies in continuation of the 1991-92 Academic Year." At the Institute of Medicine-1, 1,510 students will be attending the respective classes, and at the Institute of Dental Medicine there will be 326 students. (WPD 8/19) Aug. 19: An opening notice for Aug. 24 was issued by Hinthada College. \\ Six reception centres for arriving students have been opened in Yangon, at Yangon Railway Station, Kyimyindine Station, Yangon Port (Lanthit Pontoon Bridge), Kamaryut Long-distance Bus Terminal, Insein Station, and Yangon Airport. Students will be welcomed and provided transport to hostels or the homes of relatives. (WPD 8/20) Aug. 21: An opening announcement for Aug. 24 was issued by Bago College. (WPD 8/22) Aug. 22: As of Aug. 21, 189 students at Pyay College had obtained ID cards. (WPD 8/23) Aug. 23: Chairman of the Education Committee SLORC Secretary-1 Maj-Gen. Khin Nyunt inspected Yangon University campuses. At the University of Distance Education, Rector U Myo Nyunt "explained that the students could apply for admission to institutions of their own choice to pursue their studies and refuted rumours that those who get less than 380 marks will be allowed to attend the University of Distance Education only." Maj-Gen. Khin Nyunt then said that the University of Distance Education is on a par with other Universities, intended for "those who could not pursue a university education for different reasons." (WPD 8/24) Aug. 24: "Students of the universities, institutes, colleges and schools are now attending their classes happily as all lecture classes began today. All classes in Yangon University Main Campus, Hline Campus, Botahtaung Campus and Kyimyindine Campus, Institute of Economics, Yangon Institute of Technology, Institute of Computer Science & Technology, Institute of Medicine 1, Institute of Dental Medicine, Institute of Medicine 2, Workers' Degree College were filled with the students who were ardent to attend the lectures.... Similarly, Mandalay University, Institute of Medicine, Technical High School, Institute of Technology and Agricultural High School in Patheingyi reopened all classes today. Altogether 8,045 students in Mandalay University, including 1,770 hostel students; 609 in Mandalay Institute of Medicine, including 436 hostel students; 351 in Technical High Schools, including 270 hostel students; 185 first year students in Institute of Technology and 51 in the Agricultural High School in Patheingyi attended classes. So also all classes in Taunggyi University, Mawlamyine University, Institute of Forestry (Yezin) opened today." (WPD 8/25) Aug. 30: Dawei [Tavoy] College reopened Aug. 27. (WPD 8/31) Myanmar-Bangladesh Border Aug. 10: Chairman of the Working Committee for Development of Border Areas and National Races SLORC Secretary-1 Maj-Gen. Khin Nyunt, accompanied by several Ministers and other high officials, flew to Maungdaw [Rakhine] Aug. 8 and visited the Taungbyo Letwe Reception Camp No. 1, Pyinpyu Reception Camp No. 3, and Kanyinchaung No. 4 Reception Camp, as well as religious and civil sites in the area. He pointed out "that huge sums of money were spent and manpower employed to open reception camps to scrutinize and receive those who were in the other country and these arrangements were due to amicable relations between Myanmar...and Bangladesh. He pointed out that there were no problems at all between the two countries and that the work of scrutinizing and receiving the returnees was being carried out with humanitarian considerations and cetana.... In connection with those who fled the country, he said though they have their own reasons Myanmar Naing-Ngan and Bangladesh have been holding regular monthly meetings to receive them. By opening reception camps those with legal documents showing their stay in Myanmar Naing-Ngan were being scrutinized for reception, he said." (WPD 8/11) Aug. 20: An article appeared in the Bangkok Post of Aug. 19, to the effect that Burmese Police fired on refugees at the Ukhiya camp, killing 10. In fact, "Ukhiya camp is a place located in Bangladesh and no place with such name exists on this side of the border and no similar incident has taken place in the Myanmar territory." [photocopy of article] (WPD 8/21) Aug. 23: [See below under FOREIGN VISITORS for Rakhine trip by Malaysian Defence Intelligence Staff Chief.] Aug. 27: A Myanmar delegation headed by Director-General of the Immigration and Manpower Department U Maung Aung and Director-General of the Relief and Resettlement Department U Saw Thein, met with a Bangladesh delegation Aug. 22 at Cox's Bazaar headed by Chittagong District Commissioner Mr. Muhammed Omar Ferooq and Relief and Resettlement Commissioner Mr. Khondaker Shahidul Islam to discuss "repatriation of those who fled across the border into Bangladesh." The Myanmar delegation noted that it was more than three months since reception camps for returnees were opened on May 15, and that "some of relief supplies started deteriorating due to heavy rains"; it urged the host delegation to "take speedy measures to send them back." "It also said that members of control teams were taking charge at 17 check points to deter illegal personnel movement across the border and expressed delight for similar measures taken by Bangladesh side. It then explained certain rights enjoyed by residents in the country." The two delegations agreed to meet once a month. The Myanmar delegation returned from Cox's Bazaar to Maungdaw on Aug. 23. (WPD 8/27) 49 Political Prisoners Released Aug. 14: Nai Khin Maung, CEC member of the Mon National Democratic Front, convicted Oct. 1991, was released from Insein Central Jail under SLORC Declaration No. 11/92. Thirteen others were released from Mandalay, Tharawady, and Toungoo Jails. (WPD 8/15) Aug. 18: Nine men and one woman were released from Pyi, Pathein, and Hinthada Jails. (WPD 8/19) Aug. 21: 15 men were released from Maubin, Mawlamyine, Myitkyina, Sittway, Thayet, and Nyaung-U Jails. (WPD 8/22) Aug. 26: Ten men were released from Meiktila, Myingyan, and Pakokku Jails. (WPD 8/27) Second Doctors' Course Aug. 17: The Special Refresher Course No. 2 for Doctors opened at the Central Institute of Public Services. SLORC Secretary-1 Maj-Gen. Khin Nyunt addressed the four-week course, which is being attended by 508 doctors. After reviewing the state of medicine in Myanmar, "He told the trainees that it was necessary for them to know the tasks attitude and the stance of the State Law and Order Restoration Council and its true cetana and real situation in the country and know how to differentiate them with the dangers posed by foreign instigations and incitements and take [sic] actively and energetically in working towards the non-disintegration of the Union." (WPD 8/18) NATIONAL CONVENTION Steering Committee Report Submitted Aug. 7: "The Steering Committee for Holding Meeting for Convening the National Convention, formed under the Notification No 35/92 of the State Law and Order Restoration Council held co-ordinations with leaders of elected representatives of legally existing political parties and elected independent representative beginning from 23 June, 1992 and the co-ordination meeting concluded successfully on 10 July, 1992. "The report, which is to be submitted within one month of concluding the co-ordination meeting, to the State Law and Order Restoration Council, was sumbitted today, 7 August, 1992. The State Law and Order Restoration Council will study and appraise the report and take necessary steps, it is learnt." (WPD 8/8) DIPLOMATIC Diplomatic Calls The following calls were paid on Burmese officials by foreign Embassy or UN officials accredited to Burma. July 31: UNICEF Resident Representative Rolf C. Carriere on Chief Justice U Aung Toe. (WPD 8/1) Aug. 4: Russian Ambassador Dr. Vadim I. Chabaline on Minister for Forestry Lt-Gen. Chit Swe. (WPD 8/5) Aug. 5: The Russian Ambassador on Minister for Health and for Education Col. Pe Thein. (WPD 8/6) Aug. 6: Korean Ambassador Hang Kyung Kim on Minister for Planning & Finance Brig-Gen. Abel. (WPD 8/7) Aug. 7: Japanese Ambassador Tomoya Kawamura on Minister for Construction U Khin Maung Yin. (WPD 8/8) Aug. 10: Russian Ambassador Dr. Vadim I. Chabaline on Minister for Mines Vice-Adm. Maung Maung Khin, and on Minister for Planning & Finance Brig-Gen. Abel. (WPD 8/ 11) Aug. 11: UNICEF Resident Representative Mr. Rolf C. Carriere, "who has completed his tour of duty in Myanmar," on SLORC Secretary-1 Maj-Gen. Khin Nyunt, and on Minister for Health and for Education Col. Pe Thein. (WPD 8/12) Aug. 13: Malaysian Ambassador John Tenewi Nuek on Minister for Health and for Education Col. Pe Thein. (WPD 8/14) Aug. 18: Russian Ambassador Vadim I. Chabaline, "who will be leaving at the end of tour of his duties," on SLORC Chairman General Than Shwe. (WPD 8/19) Aug. 19: Pakistan Defence Attache Co. Shah Mohammad Salahuddin (PN) on SLORC Chairman General Than Shwe. (WPD 8/20) Aug. 20: Indian Ambassador Shri P.M. Singh Malik on Minister for Forestry Lt-Gen. Chit Swe. (WPD 8/21) Aug. 21: Russian Ambassador Vadim I. Chabaline, "who has completed tour of duties here," on Yangon Mayor U Ko Lay. Lao Ambassador Kideng Thammavong on Minister for Religious Affairs Maj-Gen. Myo Nyunt to discuss "receiving Members of Sangha from Laos to study at Myanmar's Pariyati Sasana Tekkatho, to practise meditation at Myanmar's meditation camps...." (WPD 8/22) Aug. 28: Thai Ambassador Virasakdi Futrakul on Minister for Planning & Finance Brig-Gen. Abel. (WPD 8/29) New Myanmar Ambassadors Aug. 3: SLORC Chairman General Than Shwe has appointed U Aung Phone as the new Myanmar Ambassador to Italy. (WPD 8/ 3) Aug. 6: U Nyunt Tin presented credentials July 29 in Jakarta to President Soeharto as new Myanmar Ambassador to Indonesia. (WPD 8/5) Aug. 7: U Kyaw Min presented credentials Aug. 3 in Mexico City to President Carlos Salinas De Gortari as new Myanmar Ambassador to Mexico. (WPD 8/8) Aug. 27: SLORC Chairman General Than Shwe has appointed U Wynn Lwin, Myanmar Ambassador to India, to be concurrently Myanmar Ambassador to Iran. (WPD 8/27) Gift to Thai Queen Aug. 27: SLORC Chairman General and Madame Than Shwe sent a silver tea-set studded with jade as a 60th birthday present to Thai Queen Sirikit, which fell on Aug. 12. The tea-set was sent through Myanmar Ambassador to Thailand U Nyunt Swe and his wife Daw Thet Thet Swe, who presented it to Queen Sirikit at Chitralada Villa, Dusit Palace, Bangkok, on Aug. 16. [photo] (WPD 8/28) INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION Workshops Aug. 8: An advocacy meeting on breastfeeding was held at the Myanmar Medical Association Auditorium under the joint sponsorship of the Association and UNICEF. Minister for Health and for Education Col. Pe Thein noted that Aug. 1-7 had been designated as "a week for breastfeeding." He said that breastfeeding was an old Myanmar tradition and that "the research conducted in in Myanmar has shown that 93 per cent of infants depend on breast feeding both in urban and rural areas." Dr. Eric Laroche, Chief of the UNICEF Health and Nutrition Section, and Prof. Daw Kyu Kyu Swe, President of the Myanmar Medical Association, spoke. (WPD 8/9) Aug. 21: A Seminar on detection of counterfeit notes opened, co-sponsored by the Ministry of Planning & Finance and the Development Bank of Singapore, opened. Myanmar Foreign Trade Bank Managing Director U Hla Thein "said that travellers and merchants who come to Myanmar use more foreign exchange than before and the personnel who have to conduct the foreign exchange must have enough knowledge to discriminate the real notes and counterfeit ones.... Personnel from various banks..., from the hotels, stores departments concerned, travels and tours services, totalling 110 are attending the seminar." (WPD 8/22) Aug. 27: A 3-day meeting on Education for All (Primary Education) began in Yangon, with representatives from Ministries, Universities, UNDP, and UNICEF. (WPD 8/28) Foreign Donations Aug. 6: Managing Director Mr. Lek Eng Khiang and Director Mr. Tony Ng Thian Soon of SKS Marketing Pte Ltd of Singapore donated K 500,000 for construction of a new building for the Mary Chapman School for the Deaf. (WPD 8/7) FOREIGN VISITORS International Agency Visitors Aug. 1: WHO Regional Director for South East Asia, Dr. Ko Ko, departed after Studying health activities in Myanmar. (WPD 8/2) Aug. 4: Mr. R. Natarajan, Chief of Division of the UNDP Regional Bureau for Asia and the Pacific, called on Minister for Planning & Finance Brig-Gen. Abel. (WPD 8/5) Aug. 21: Mr. David Delapraz, South-East Asia Regional Delegate from the International Committee of the Red Cross based in New Delhi, accompanied by other officials, called on Deputy Minister for Health Col. Than Zin to discuss "matters relating to raising the quality and quantity of artificial limbs jointly produced by the Ministry of Health and the ICRC. (WPD 8/22) Aug. 27: An Asian Development Bank delegation headed by Mr. T.L. De Jonghe called on Minister for Planning & Finance Brig-Gen. Abel. (WPD 8/28) Academic Visitors Aug. 13: Professor Dr. Elizabeth Moore of the School of Oriental and African Studies, London University, and her husband Mr. Robert Moore, called on Minister for Culture Lt-Gen. Ye Kyaw to discuss culture and archaeology. (WPD 8/14) Australian Senator July 28: Australian Senator Christopher Schacht called on Minister for Foreign Affairs U Ohn Gyaw. He is Chairman of the Joint Parliamentary Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade. (WPD 7/29) // July 29: He called on Chairman U Ba Htay and members of the Election Commission, and on Minister for Planning & Finance Brig-Gen. Abel. (WPD 7/30) Malaysian Intelligence Chief Aug. 23: Chief of Defense Intelligence Staff of Malaysia Maj-Gen. Raja Dato Abdul Rashid bin Raja Badiozaman, accompanied by Capt. Hamzah and freelance journalist Mr. M.G. Pillai arrive Aug. 20. They went on to Sittway [Rakhine] on Aug. 21, and "were briefed on the regional situation and the arrangements made for scrutinizing and receiving those who are in the other country." On Aug. 22 he visited Maungdaw and border villages, and on Aug. 23 the Buddhist Museum of Maha Kusala Kyaung in Tayathisu Ward, Sittway, before flying back to Yangon. He then called on Director of Defence Services Intelligence [DSI] Maj-Gen. Khin Nyunt, who hosted a dinner. (WPD 8/ 24) // Aug. 24: He was briefed on drug abuse control activities in Myanmar, before leaving Myanmar. (WPD 8/25) Malaysian Workers Aug. 25: A 15-member delegation of Malaysian State-owned sector workers, led by Mr. M. Medjid, visited the Ministry of Labour. "Matters relating to labour laws, benefits of labours, trade disputes, welfare and problems between employer and employee were cordially and frankly discussed." (WPD 8/26) Egyptian Agricultural Delegation Aug. 27: An Egyptian agricultural delegation headed by Dr. Nasr Ragheb Sayed of the Ministry of Agriculture and Land Use, with four technical experts, called on Minister for Forestry Lt-Gen. Chit Swe. \\ It also called on Minister for Livestock and Fisheries Brig-Gen. Maung Maung. (WPD 8/ 28) Chinese Cultural Delegation Aug. 27: A 4-member Chinese cultural delegation headed by Mr. Wu Chunde, Director-General of the Bureau for Cultural Relations with Foreign Countries arrived for a one-week visit to "study and discuss cultural activities." They will visit Yangon, Mandalay and other places. (WPD 8/28) // Aug. 28: The delegation was received by Minister for Culture Lt-Gen. Ye Kyaw, and visited the National Museum. (WPD 8/29) British Journalists Aug. 28: A four-member British journalist delegation led by Mr. Lindsay Taylor of Independent Television News, Channel Four News, Britain, (ITN), met with the Joint Secretary of the Central Committee for Drug Abuse Control Police Col. Ngwe Soe Tun, and with Minister for Health and for Education Col. Pe Thein. The Journalists discussed the reopening of Universities, drug abuse control, and AIDS. (WPD 8/29) MYANMAR DELEGATIONS Study Delegations Aug. 2: A 4-member delegation led by Director U Nyi Nyi of the Attorney-General's Office left for Bangkok "to study drafting of drugs law and registration of drugs in Thailand and Indonesia for four weeks." Other members are Pharmacological Officer Dr. Thant Sin of Myanmar Pharmaceutical Industry, Maj. Khing Maung Aye of the Directorate of Medical Services, and Principal U Myint Thein of the Institute of Pharmacology. (WPD 8/3) Aug. 6: Minister for Health and for Education Col. Pe Thein spoke with 6 doctors who will leave for England on Aug. 13 to attend the two-year course of the FRCS Part II. They are Dr. Win Myaing, Dr. Han Win, Dr. Toe Lwin, Dr. Htoo Han, Dr. Jeremy Tha Tun, and Dr. Thit Lwin. (WPD 8/7) Aug. 17: A seven-member delegation led by Minister for Industry-2 U Than Shwe left to study car manufacturing in China and Korea for three weeks. Other members are Manager Lt-Col. Maung Kyi of No. 4 Heavy Industry Factory, Director (Finance) Daw Hta Hta Yi of Myanma Heavy Industries, Deputy Director (Admin) U Aung Soe Win, Deputy Factory Manager of No. 1 Factory U Min Swe, Assistant Manager of Factory No. 4 Daw Swe Swe Oo, and the Minister's personal secretary U San Lwin. The delegation was invited by the President of the Second Automotive Works (China) and the President of the Daewoo Group (Korea). (WPD 8/18) Aug. 20: A four-member delegation led by Chief Engineer U Aye Mu of Myanmar Railways left for Thailand to study rail transportation. Other members are Head of Office U Tet Tun Kyaw of the Rail Transportation Ministry, Manager U Hla Min, and Dr. Than Zaw. (WPD 8/21) Aug. 24: Lecturers U Aung Myint Soe and U Kyawt Win [sic] of the Agricultural Institute in Thayarwady [Tharrawaddy?? Bago] and Pwintphyu [Magway] Townships, for Thailand Aug. 22 to attend the Regional Course on Emerging Issues and the Management of the Change in Technician Education, at the Asian Institute of Technology in Bangkok, beginning Aug. 24. \\ Principals U Soe Tin and U Maung Maung of the Agricultural High Schools in Toungoo [Bago] and Myittha [Mandalay] Townships left for Switzerland to attend the 18th International Course on Vocational Education and Teaching in Agriculture, with the assistance of the Swiss government. \\ An eight-member Technical Co-operation Delegation led by Director General U Ba Thwin of the International Organizations and Economic Department of the Foreign Ministry, left for Bangkok at the invitation of the Thai Foreign Ministry to discuss technical co-operation. Other members are Dr. Kyaw Win, Director General of the Department of Health; Daw Khin Swe Htun, Chairman of the Myanma Education Research Bureau, and representatives of the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Forestry, Planning & Finance, Livestock Breeding & Fisheries, and Agriculture. (WPD 8/25) Aug. 29: Project Manager U Khin Maung Zaw of Myanma Port Authority left for Yokahama, Japan to attend an Aug. 29-Sept. 4 seminar on environmental preservation in development and management of ports, sponsored by the Asia-Pacific ECOSOC and the International Maritime Organization. \\ Technician U Maung Aye of Myanmar Agricultural Service left for India to attend a 10-week training course on utilization and maintenance of modern farm implements. (WPD 8/30) Aug. 30: U Ye Myint, Principal of the Central Transport Training School, Ministry of Rail Transportation, left for Geneva to attend a Sept. 1-4 seminar on consequences of utilizing larger freight-handling machines. \\ Daw Thein Tin, Staff Officer of the Social Welfare Department, left for Tokyo to attend studies by technicians in social welfare from Aug. 31-Oct. 10. (WPD 8/31) Delegations to Meetings & Events July 31: Yangon Mayor U Ko Lay, Chairman of the Yangon City Development Committee, left for New Delhi, India, to attend the Aug. 3-7 Intercountry Consultation on Health Policies and Strategies for Urban Slums, sponsored by the WHO. He is accompanied by Director (Public Health) Dr. Kyaw Sein of the Department of Health. (WPD 8/1) // Aug. 16: He returned. (WPD 8/17) Aug. 1: Ten student youths, accompanied by Headmaster U Tun Wai of Nampaung Basic High School and Headmistress Daw Dolly Soe of Shweset Basic Middle School [Myitkyina] left for Fukuoka, Japan to attend the Aug. 4-10 Fourth Get-together of Youths and Student from Asia and Pacific Region. They are Ma Chaw Su Latt, Ma Thanda Myo Myo Kywe, Ma Htay Htay Shein, Ma Khine Yin Win, Maung Nay Lin Htaik, Ma Kyi Kyi Thin, Maung Kyaw Zeya Sein, Maung Kyaw Kyaw Lin, Maung Phyo Shan Phon Kyaw, and Maung Myo Myint Aung [schools and grades specified]. (WPD 8/2) // Aug. 11: The delegation returned. (WPD 8/12) Aug. 2: A two-person delegation headed by Supreme Court Director U Ba Han left for China to attend the Aug. 4-6 Conference on the Rights of the Child for Asia and the Pacific being held in Beijing under UNICEF auspices. The other member is Principal U Ye Myint of the Hnet-Aw-San Youth Training School, Social Welfare Department. (WPD 8/3) // Aug. 11: The delegation returned. (WPD 8/12) Aug. 4: A Myanmar delegation led by Minister for Foreign Affairs U Ohn Gyaw left for Vientiane to attend the Third Meeting of the Myanmar-Lao Joint Boundary Commission. Delegation members are Capt. Tun Aung (Navy), Commander of the Naval Hydrographic Depot; Lt-Col. Htwe Maung, General Staff Officer, Office of the Commander-in-Chief (Army); U Thein Htay, Acting Director-General of the Survey Department; Lt-Cmd. Maung Oo Lwin (Navy), Naval Hydrographic Depot; U Mya Thein, Adviser of the Survey Department; Daw Moe Thuza, Personal Staff Officer to the Minister; and U Khin Maung Win, Head of Branch, Foreign Ministry, as delegation secretary. (WPD 8/5) // Aug. 9: The delegation returned. In Laos it discussed "the Myanmar-Lao Boundary demarcation in the Mekong River and drafting of agreement...relating to the fixed boundary between the two countries." Agreed Minutes of the meeting were signed on Aug. 7. (WPD 8/10) Aug. 14: A delegation headed by SLORC member and Eastern Commander Maj-Gen. Maung Aye, accompanied by SLORC member and Southeastern Commander Maj-Gen. Soe Myint and nine others, left by special Tatmadaw plane to attend the Special Meeting of the Thailand Regional Border Committee. (WPD 8/15) // Aug. 19: The delegation returned. In Thailand it "held discussions with the leaders of the Royal Thai Armed Forces on Myanmar Thailand regional border issues and other bilateral matters. It also called on Air Chief Marshal Voranat Apicharee. (WPD 8/20) Delegations Return [Return of Delegations that departed in previous months.] Aug. 8: The railway delegation led by Minister for Rail Transportation U Win Sein returned from China. (WPD 8/9) Aug. 10: State Ovadacariya Abhidaja Maha Ratha Guru Sagaing Shwehintha Taikthit Kyaungtaik Sayadaw Bhaddanta Pandita Siri, aged 99, vassa 79, "who had been on a Buddhist mission to the United States of America at the invitation of the disciples there," returned to Yangon. Chairman of the Yangon Division Sangha Nakaya Committee Sayadaw Agga Maha Pandita Bhaddanta Kosalla, returned from a Buddhist mission to Singapore. (WPD 8/11, corrected 8/12) Aug. 17: The indigenous medicine delegation led by Dr. Sein Yi returned from a two-month study tour of China, Japan, and India. (WPD 8/18) MYANMAR GAZETTE Probationary Appointments The SLORC made the following appointments, on probation: Aug. 5: U Mya Bu, Director (Marketing), to be Managing Director, Myanmar Jute Industries, Ministry of Industry-1. U Pe Kyi, Director (Engineering), to be Managing Director, Myanma Oil and Gas Enterprise, Ministry of Energy. Col. Aung Thein (BC/9731), Ministry of Rail Transportation, to be Managing Director, Road Transport, Ministry of Rail Transportation. (WPD 8/6) Aug. 12: U Kyaw Aye, Director (Admin), to be Director-General, Attorney-General's Office. Dr. U Saw Kyaw Aung, Head of Department Radiologist [sic], Yangon General Hospital, to be Rector, Institute of Paramedical Science, Ministry of Health. (WPD 8/13) Aug. 19: U Mya Thein, Deputy Director-General, to be Director-General, Settlements and Land Records Department, Ministry of Agriculture. (WPD 8/20) Aug. 26: Col. Aung Naing (BC/8790), Ministry of Defence, to be Managing Director, Printing and Publishing Enterprise, Ministry of Information. (WPD 8/27) GOVERNMENT Press Release on India Visit Aug. 18: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs released the following Press Release: "An eight-member Myanmar delegation, headed by Director-General of the Political Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs U Aye visited India from 11 to 14 August at the invitation of Foreign Secretary, Government of India, Mr J N Dixit. While in India, the leader of the Myanmar delegation called on Minister of State for External Affairs Mr R L Bhatia, Home Secretary Mr M Godbole, Defence Secretary Mr N N Vohra and Commerce Secretary Mr A V Ganesan. "The Myanmar delegation held wide-ranging, candid and cordial discussions with the Indian delegation led by Foreign Secretary Mr Dixit on bilateral matters as well as regional and international developments. Both sides shared a common desire to further strengthen the existing bilateral relations which are based on friendship, understanding, cooperation, good-neighbourliness and the Five Principles of Peaceful Co-existence. The two sides also agreed to forge new measures of cooperation in combating drug trafficking and to expand bilateral trade and cultural exchanges. "The two leaders of the Myanmar and Indian delegations signed the agreed minutes of the discussions on 13 August, 1992." (WPD 8/19) Myanmar Signs 1949 Geneva Conventions Aug. 24: Minister for Foreign Affairs U Ohn Gyaw spoke at a Foreign Ministry ceremony concerning Myanmar's accession to the four Geneva Conventions of 1949 regarding humanitarian treatment in the midst of hostilities, in the presence of local Red Cross officials, UN representatives, and visiting ICRC Regional Representative Mr. David Delapraz. He said that Myanmar had long observed these conventions in practise, and had trained Tatmadawmen to observe them. "However, for various reasons, Myanmar needed to complete the process of studying in depth the provisions in these Conventions as well as all its implications.... Myanmar was therefore happy to reaffirm its commitment to these values and the instrument of accession by the Government of the Union of Myanmar to the four Geneva Conventions was being forwarded through the Mission of Myanmar in Geneva to the Swiss Federal Council.... He concluded his statement by saying that Myanmar would continue in depth consideration of the provisions of the two supplementary protocols to these Conventions and all its implications ...." The four Conventions are: A. Geneva Convention for the Amelioration of the condition of the wounded and sick in Armed Forces in the Field, of August 12, 1949; B. Geneva Convention for the Amelioration of the condition of wounded, sick and ship-wrecked members of Armed Forces at Sea, of August 12, 1949; C. Geneva Convention relative to the treatment of Prisoners of War, of August 12, 1949; and D. Geneval Convention relative to the protection of Civilian Persons in time of War, of August 12, 1949. (WPD 8/25) MILITARY Insurgent Attacks Aug. 18: KNU insurgents on Aug. 15 entered Kayinnigon village in Htantapin Twp. [Bago] and "mercilessly killed" U Tha Htay in front of his house. (WPD 8/19) Insurgents Surrender Aug. 13: Between July 1-11, 16 terrorist insurgents returned to the legal fold, with their arms [names and details]. (WPD 8/14) Aug. 15: Between July 12-21, 18 terrorists surrendered to the Tatmadaw, with their arms [names and details]. (WPD 8/16) Aug. 17: Between July 21-31, 17 terrorist insurgents returned to the legal fold [names and details], bringing the month's total to 51. (WPD 8/18) ECONOMIC Gen. Than Shwe on Agriculture Aug. 25: Speaking to leaders of the agricultural sector, SLORC Chairman General Than Shwe "said that paddy is the staple crop consumed daily by the people residing in the country. He stressed the need for boosting paddy yield so that there would be sufficient supply for public consumption. He also spoke of the need for boosting the crop yield in proportion to round about two-per cent annual increase in the country's population [sic]. He said that there should be a specific target in boosting paddy yield and a genral concept of high-yield would not be sufficient. Comprehensive measures should be taken to bring about a marked increase in paddy output by designating the crop as the national principal crop and accepting the task as a national duty. General Than Shwe then singled out four methods to be used to realize the objective, namely, (a) expansion of sown acreage, (b) introducing double-cropping, (c) paddy ratoon method, (d) application of high-yield techniques to realize per acre yield. "General Than Shwe said that the four methods were to be employed to fulfil the target.... General Than Shwe said that plans drawn were to be based on practical conditions in the field and they should be achievable. A business, he said, comprised two factors; one was office work and another field work. Field work was more vital, he said. It was the same in agricultural work, he said. He then called for an efficient and effective field work. "He went on to say that adequate water supply is important for agriculture work and it is more important in double-cropping. More irrigation networks, lakes and streams were to be built in regions where conditions permitted, he said. He spoke of the need to build small-scale and medium-scale projects instead of large-scale ones in building such facilities. He warned against relying on foreign goods but urged to make use of domestic resources. "Through innovative means and stressed the need to complete the projects in a short period of time [sic]. He urged to avoid the method of working slowly while demanding more. He underscored that cetana and diligence should be put to the fore to accomplish tasks. "General Than Shwe stressed the need to ensure that output of other crops was not affected due to emphasis on paddy output according to plans. He also called for efforts to bring about proportional development of the agricultural sector and other sectors...." (WPD 8/26) Aug. 27: In a follow-up to General Than Shwe's speech, Yangon Commander Maj-Gen. Myo Nyunt "said when the population of the country was 25 million, the acreage under paddy was 12 million, and despite the present population of over 40 million the acreage has not changed." (WPD 8/28) Economic Articles Aug. 2-3,5-6,8,10,12-15,18,21-23,26-27,30-31: Construction of Roads and Bridges during the time of the State Law and Order Restoration Council, by Mya Kalaung. [Cont. Record of recent projects.] Aug. 2-4: A letter from Rio, by Moe Moe. [Day-by-day, up-beat, description of Rio de Janeiro Environmental Conference.] Aug. 6: Editorial: "Hsan, hsi, hsar". ["Hsan, hsi and hsar--rice, cooking oil and salt are the three basic food items of the Myanmar people. Rice is the most basic of the three but the other two play a complementary role to make the daily meals delicious or at least suitable for consumption. The rise in the price of the three basic items affect a large number of consumers particularly those in the low income bracket. Convinced of this, the Central Committee for Ensuring Regular Flow of Commodities and Stabilizing Prices [CCERFCSP] has been at work to keep these basic items reaching the consumers at reasonable prices. At the same time, Joint Venture Co-operative No 2 Limited has been distributing rice in areas where the staple food item is not produced. Co-operative societies and private retailers sell cooking oil to the public. The State supplies rice and cooking oil to service personnel [Note: this term includes all government employees, not just military--HCMacD.]. Despite such measures and arrangements, commodity prices remain high .... The Chairman of the [CCERFCSP]...said the Central Committee has opened four fronts namely, rice, cooking oil and salt; grocery; meat and fish; and vegetables. Doubtless, the consuming public will appreciate success to be achieved in such efforts. However, the problem is closely linked to transport problems. Impediments of any kind and any size ought to be removed first. Then priority should be given to stabilizing the prices of the very basic items, which are none other than 'hsan, hsi and hsar'."] Aug. 7,9,19-20,28-29: The Regions of our Brethren: Where the State Law and Order Restoration Council's Goodwill Blossoms forth, by Ngwe Kalaung. [Cont. from July 10. Survey of projects in border areas.] Construction & Other Projects Aug. 3: A new telephone exchange was commissioned July 29 in Shwegu [Kachin], linking 72 telephones. Trunk-call service will be installed soon. (WPD 8/4) Aug. 4: A dispensary was opened July 29 at Manwein Village, Mawpha region, Panyang Twp. [Shan], at a cost of K 47,000. (WPD 8/ 5) Aug. 4: Drilling began at Kabat No. 1 Test Well in Kyaukpadaung Twp. [Mandalay], "under the joint cooperation of Myanma Oil and Gas Enterprise and Petro Canada Oil Company. (WPD 8/5) Aug. 9: Biluchaung No. 1 Hydroelectric Power Plant was inaugurated in Kayah State, in the presence of Minister for Energy U Khin Maung Thein and other Myanmar Ministers, SLORC Secretary-2 Maj-Gen. Tin Oo, Japanese Ambassador Tomoya Kawamura, President Mr. T. Nishigori of Newjec Engineering Co., General Manager Mr. O. Inaba of Mitsubishi Corp., President Mr. T. Yamato of Sakai Co. Ltd., Senior General Manager Mr. Y. Uebori of Kajima Co. Ltd., Project Manager U Hla Maung and others. The plant, begun in 1987, has two 14 megawatt turbines. (WPD 8/10) Aug. 10: A bridge across the Maisuam Creek in Monghsat Twp. [Shan], 80 feet long and 15 feet wide and costing K 374,516, was dedicated July 29. (WPD 8/11) Aug. 12: A new K 2.5 million, 16-bed hospital was dedicated Aug. 6 in Mongkhun village, Tachilek Twp. [Shan]. (WPD 8/13) Aug. 18: A K8.7 million bridge was inaugurated Aug. 7 in Hsaw Twp. [Magway] on the Pauk-Tapyinkyaukhtu motor-road. The 180 foot long bridge carries a 28 roadway and two 2.5 foot sidewalks. (WPD 8/19) Aug. 20: A telephone exchange was inaugurated Aug. 15 in Taungdwingyi [Magway]; the number of telephones in the town has increased from 170 to 380. (WPD 8/21) Aug. 21: A K 3.7 million extension building for Magway Degree College was inaugurated Aug. 20. (WPD 8/22) Aug. 24: New halls, costing K 37.25 million, were handed over to the Technical Institute in Ayethayar, Taunggyi Twp. [Shan] on Aug. 18. \\ No. 22 Pinya Road, 5,295 feet long and costing K 3.2 million, was inaugurated on the border between Mandalay NW and Mandalay SW Townships. (WPD 8/25) Aug. 28: No. 14 State Primary School was inaugurated in No. 7 Ward, Kamayut [Yangon]. (WPD 8/29) Joint Ventures Aug. 21: A joint venture agreement was signed between Myanma Gems Enterprise, represented by Managing Director U Lhin Oo, and the YES Group Co. Ltd. of Thailand, represented by Managing Director Mr. Vikrom Aisiri. (WPD 8/22) Gems Emporium July 31: Speaking at coordination meeting for the Mid-term Myanma Gems Emporium, scheduled for October, Minister for Mines Vice-Adm. Maung Maung Khin said prices at the emporium "should be relevant to the street market in the country and the world market." (WPD 8/1) Satellite Communications Aug. 2: Big cities in Myanmar are linked through 84 channels via the 'Asia Sat-1' satellite. Similarly, international communications can be made all over the world through Singapore, Japan, England, Hong Kong, India, Thailand, and Australia via the 'Intelsat" satellite. There were 32 channels before and 32 have been added during the time of the SLORC. So said SLORC Secretary-2 Maj-Gen. Tin Oo when meeting with the personnel of the Satellite Communications Earth Station in Toekyaunggalay. (WPD 8/3) Transportation & Fuel July 31: A fourth consignment of 40 buses (of 200) purchased by the Road Transport from Daewoo Corporation, Korea, arrived on the MV Sagaing. A total of 160 buses have arrived to date. \\ A new bus line between Kyaukpyu and Ramree [Rakhine] was inaugurated, with three TE vehicles. \\ A new bus line between Yangon and the Central Institute of Public Services was inaugurated; Daewoo and Hyundai buses will make eight round-trips per day from the CIPS, starting at 6 am. (WPD 8/1) Aug. 3: A new bus line was inaugurated July 29 between Loikaw and Bawlakhe [Kayah]. The fare is K 10. \\ Through non-stop luxury bus service began between Monywa and Mandalay on Aug. 2, leaving Monywa at 6:30 am and Mandalay at 1 pm. The fare is K 60. "Air conditioners, video set, sofa seats are installed in the bus and coffee, cakes and flasks for storing cold drinks are ready for passengers behind each seat. Along the route, the passengers are entertained to video show of pleasant sceneries of passing-by towns." (WPD 8/4) Aug. 3: Some filling stations of the Myanmar Petroleum Products Enterprise in Yangon, Pahtanago, Mandalay, Mawlamyine, and Pathein have begun selling unlimited quantities of fuel oil in US dollars (tax and other costs payable in kyats). The price for petrol is US$1.12 plus 10.55 kyats per gallon, and for diesel oil is US$1.12 plus 5.80 kyats. Persons with legal foreign exchange can contact the Enterprise head office. (WPD 8/4) Aug. 15: The last batch of 40 Daewoo buses, out of 200, arrived on the MV Mandalay. (WPD 8/16) Aug. 26: The Mandalay-Sagaing Sitman Ayeyar Express Bus Line was opened at Sagaing bus terminal. (WPD 8/27) Aug. 28: Inland Water Transport has lowered its rates beginning Sept. 1: 50% for consumer rice; 25% for passengers; 22% for ferry charges for passengers and buses. Inland Water Transport runs 64 shipping lines for transportation of passengers and goods, and 11 ferry lines for transportation of buses. "It is the State-owned organization that handles transportation of passengers and goods massively at the lowest prices." (WPD 8/29) Food and Basic Supplies Aug. 3: Brig-Gen. Lun Maung, Commander of the No. 11 Light Infantry Division and Chairman of the Central Committee for Ensuring Regular Flow of Commodities and Stabilizing Prices, said that the Committee has been concentrating on four tasks, "namely: rice, cooking oil and salt; grocery; meat and fish; and vegetables." He said that although sufficient salt is produced in Myanmar, "the price of salt differs in different areas. In some areas...salt is sold at over K 20 a viss and it is sold between K 7 and K 9 in some areas while a viss of salt costs only K 4 in Yangon. This should not be so, he said." Deputy Minister for Co-operatives U Than Aung then "said that the rise in the price of salt was due to high transport charges. The price of salt would be stabilized once transport problems were solved, he said." (WPD 8/4) Aug. 5: The Myanmar Naing-Ngan Rice Wholesale Traders Association [RWTA] opened a rice shop in Tharkayta Twp. [Yangon], where Emahta 25% [brokens] rice is sold at K 5 per pyi less than in the open market. (WPD 8/6) Aug. 6: The RWTA opened a rice shop in Kanbe, Yankin Twp. [Yangon] where consumers can buy unlimited quantities of Emahta rice at K 5 per pyi less than market price. In Pathein [Bassein], "The co-operative shops, joint venture shops and rice millers' shops are selling rice daily at the prices lower than the market price from 4 August, it is learnt." (WPD 8/7) Aug. 12: The RWTA opened a rice shop in Kamayut Twp. [Yangon]. (WPD 8/13) Aug. 13: Rice, edible oil and salt were distributed to 350 households in Hsailant-suhsi village, Muse Twp. [Shan], clothes to the poor, and milk powder to aged people and infants. The commodities, worth K 60,000 were donated by wellwishers in Muse Twp. (WPD 8/14) Aug. 14: The RWTA opened a rice shop in Dalla [Yangon], where Emahta rice (35% [brokens]) "is being sold at K 7 less per 'pyi' than market price." (WPD 8/15) Aug. 18: The RWTA opened new rice shops in Sangyoung and Botahtaung Twp. [Yangon] which "sell rice at lower prices than those of the private shops." (WPD 8/ 19) Aug. 21: The RWTA opened a new rice shop in South Okkalapa [Yangon], where "'Eimahta' rice (25 per cent [brokens]) is available." (WPD 8/22) Aug. 23: Altogether, the RWTA has opened rice shops at 21 townships in Yangon Division. 19 Tatmadaw welfare shops have been opened, retailing rice directly to the customer. (WPD 8/24) Aug. 25: The RWTA opened three more rice shops in Lanmadaw, Tarmway, and Panbedan [sic] Townships [Yangon] which will "sell rice at prices lower than those of the private shops." (WPD 8/26) Aug. 29: The RWTA opened six more rice shops in Bahann, Mingaladon, Latha, Kyauktada, and Hline Townships. To date it has opened 30 rice shops in Yangon Division. (WPD 8/30) Companies, Coops, and Enterprises Aug. 4: The Central Bank of Myanmar issued a licence to Co-operative Bank Limited on Aug. 3. (WPD 8/5) Aug. 15: The Hline Township "Panthu" Geological Services Co-operative was formed by 22 geologists, with an investment of K 500,000, to "carry out technical consulting services in exploration geochemistry, geological mapping, reserve estimation and other activities." (WPD 8/16) Aug. 25: Five Rubber Producers' Co-operative Societies and one Betel-nut Producers' Co-operative Society were formed Aug. 23 in Dawei [Tavoy], Thayetchaung, and Longlon Twps. in Tanintharyi Division. (WPD 8/26) Aug. 29: The Agriculture and Mini Farm Machinery Producers Co-operative Society Ltd. was formed, with Dr. Kaung Zan as Chairman, and offices on the ground floor of the Yangon Division Syndicate of Township Co-poperative Building. It will remt machinery as well as producing and selling it. (WPD 8/30) Corruption Aug. 6: SLORC Secretary-2 Maj-Gen. Tin Oo said at Yangon City Hall that "Despite the fact that due taxes have been paid in for sanitation in residential wards, garbage piles in several wards are left without being gathered, and the public have to contribute voluntary service in cleaning backlanes and dredging drains or have to pay the YCDC [Yangon City Development Committee] workers tea-money for sanitary service. There have also been criticisms among the public over collecting fines for putting up lofts in apartment buildings although there are no complaints about collecting fines for breaching traffic rules and indiscriminate throwing of rubbish." "'If taxes are collected, the benefits that serve the public should be provided," said the Secretary-2. If water and electricity taxes are collected, these facilities must be provided, and 'tax without service' has to be avoided. He said there have been snippets of information with criticism and lack of confidence among the public, concerning YCDC activities, the task of collecting taxes and judicial affairs. "He cited as instances sales of fish and meat at more than designated prices and in short weights, collection of additional 'taxes' for daily cleaning, security, 'line fees', guest registration etc., etc. in addition to sales room tax, from costermongers and roadside vendors, and cleaning up only when officials come on visits of inspection. "Some more points he pointed out are garbage piles in several residential wards which are left without being gathered, and contribution of voluntary labour by the public in cleaning backlanes and dredging drains, despite the fact that due taxes have been paid in for sanitation. "He said there have been criticisms among the public over unfair fines concerning the putting up of lofts in buildings. [Note: this probably refers to the common practise, in crowded apartments in Yangon's ancient, high-ceilinged buildings, of putting in "half-floors" within rooms in order to gain added living space.--HCMacD.] "He said giving and taking bribes in judicial affairs, malpractices of judges, law officers and PPF [police] members in collaboration with lawyers, and practising partiality in administration of justice are instances that should no longer exist...." (WPD 8/7) Aug. 7: Minister for Home Affairs Lt-Gen. Phone Myint told police commanders that "Some People's Police Force members are found to be indulged in malpractice and bullying the public by the misuse of power and position.... Some policemen, he said, are found to be demanding 'gate-fees', extorting money from rest houses which are engaged in some covert activities and letting them loose from the law, he said. He said they are also pretending ignorance of the traffickers of narcotic drugs" and warned that those guilty of irregularities "will be given retirement from service." (WPD 8/8) Aug. 12: SLORC Secretary-2 Maj-Gen. Tin Oo addressed Yangon Division township LORC members on proper conduct. "He reminded against collecting gate-fees and posting unnecessary gates at the townships, for free transportation of goods from one place to another [sic], saying fuel oil would be distributed systematically for transportation of passengers or goods." (WPD 8/13) Aug. 14: Speaking to officials of the Bureau of Special Investigation, Minister for Home Affairs Lt-Gen. Phone Myint, "asid that action had to be taken against some persons at various departments for malpractices as everybody was aware of and there were still some unscrupulous individuals in all departments under the Ministry of Home Affairs.... [He] pointed out that as the BSI was responsible for making investigations to bring out the truth, it was necessary to only bring out the truth and to avoid falsehoods. He also cautioned against bullying their subordinates and against bribery and corruption." (WPD 8/15) Aug. 21: Editorial: Warning for unsrupulous service personnel. ["Some unscrupulous service personnel have been seeking to hinder boosting of production through various means.... Bribery and corruption seem to have gained ground among the service personnel."] Colour TV Sets Exported Aug. 7: Daewoo Electronics Myanmar Co. Ltd. (DEMCO) celebrated its first export of colour television sets made in Myanmar. DEMCO was founded on July 25, 1990 with an investment of US$ 4 million, and started production for the home market on Apr. 1, 1991. Its first export order, for the 14" color TV, was received in January 1992 and will begin Aug. 7. Managing Director Mr. Sun Ryang Chung said DEMCO has a capacity of 120,000 TV sets per year (color and black & white), plus 150,000 radio cassette players and 30,000 refrigerators. It has 154 employees, of whom five are Korean. Employment will rise to 250 by the end of the year. (WPD 8/8) Economic Problems Aug. 16: SLORC Secretary-2 Maj-Gen. Tin Oo told Trade officials that "The {SLORC} has been bringing about economic change while bringing about political change. In other words, it has been in a position waging a revolution. During such period, the Myanmar Naing-Ngan, like other countries, is encountering the problems such as instability in commodity prices and money exchange rate. This is due to inability of using productive forces to the full." Various other high officials discussed various areas of economic targets. (WPD 8/17) Exports Aug. 17: New items have been being exported, and are realizing higher prices, during the present 1992-93 fiscal year. New products exported Apr. 1-June 30, 1992: "Fruits: small white bean, long bean, dried plum, mangosteen, dried mango, custard apple, rambutan, and lychee; Forest products: Taung Thayet scantling, Padauk skirting, middle posts for staircase, bamboo shoe stick, cutting board, and rimbo; Fishery products: ribbon fish with salt; Foodstuff and general merchandise: natural bee honey, coconut brush made of coconut shell, broomstick of coconut, flower broom stick, wooden beads, and straw painting engraved in epoxy frames." Products earning higher prices: "Crops: stemless whole chillies, dried red chillies with petiole, tumeric finger, small white kidney bean, mustard seeds, mung bean, cow bean, corriander [sic] seeds, niger seeds, ziziphy semen, and mangoes; Forest products: padauk logs, bamboo split, cinamon [sic] bark, un-smoked rubber sheets, rubber cut pieces, rubber scraps/ cup lumps; Fishery products: sea water jelly fish grade A and live male crab; Another item: 15' x 5' Hteedaw (bronze)." (WPD 8/18) Aug. 17: The Bee-keeping Department of the Ministry of Livestock Breeding & Fisheries exported, on the MV Sagaing, 30 tons of honey from European bees in 1992-93 as a first consignment to a company in Germany. (WPD 8/18) Aug. 25: Unicorn Enterprise Ltd. of 150 Bogyoke Aung San Street [Yangon] exported 155 tons of butter beans and matpe (out of 500 tons) by the MV Progress the Odessa Company in Singapore. (WPD 8/26) Insurance & Banking Aug. 20: At the completion of Training Course No. 4 for Insurance Agents and branch office staff, it was noted that the income of Myanmar Insurance was K 523.54 million in 1990-91 and K 468.83 million in 1991-92; it has contributed K 190.67 million in 1990-91 and K 226.53 million in 1991-92 to State Funds. The four training courses have trained 71 insurance agents. (WPD 8/ 21) Aug. 27: The Central Bank of Myanmar issued a license to the Yadanabon Bank Ltd., Mandalay. (WPD 8/28) Aug. 28: The Central Bank of Myanmar issued a license for the Thai Military Bank Ltd. of Bangkok to open a representative office in Yangon. (WPD 8/29) Tourism Aug. 25: Licenses have been issued to a total of 23 companies (one of them foreign) to do tourism services, to 35 motor vehicles and one schooner for tourist transport, and to 42 tourist guides, in accordance with the Tourism Law promulgated in 1990. (WPD 8/ 26) Jute Aug. 30: Jute is being cultivated on 97,000 acres in Ayeyarwady Division this year, of which 88,000 are expected to be successful. The estimated purchasing target will thus be 16 million viss. Last year only 50,000 acres was planted in jute. This year, with a yield of 300-400 viss per acre, the output is expected to be 20.5 million viss; purchasing depots have already bought 350,000 viss as of Aug. 3. The Divisional LORC has provided fertilizer, pumps, fuel oil, and pedigree seeds to jute growers, and arrangements have been made to produce 39,000 gunny bags daily. (WPD 8/31) 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: August 1 43.82 54.49 53.31 August 15 51.65 63.23 61.69 August 30 59.80 72.88 72.76 HEALTH AIDS Aug. 15: A workshop on AIDS under the aegis of the Myanmar Medical Association and the AIDS Project of the Health Department was held. Present were Myanmar and UN officials, and over 200 doctors. (WPD 8/ 16) Call for Birth Spacing Aug. 27: Minister for Health and for Education Col. Pe Thein discussed the role of the Maternal and Child Welfare Associations (MCWAs) in the Birth Spacing Project. He "said that the Birth Spacing Project was being implemented under the guidance of the National Health Committee and otherwise, the health of both mother and baby would be affected. He said that though there was no population problem like some neighbouring nations prior arrangements would have to be made as necessary. Two-year spacing would be beneficial to both mother and baby. He then called for concerted efforts for the implementation of the project." (WPD 8/28) SPORTS Myanmar Teams & Delegations Aug. 3: The Myanmar goodwill sports delegation returned from Yunnan Province, China, via Lashio and the Mandalay-Yangon train. (WPD 8/4) Aug. 9: Sculler Zaw Lwin Tun, accompanied by Federation Secretary and Coach Dr. Than Toe, left for Montreal to compete in the World Championship Rowing (75 kg). (WPD 8/10) Aug. 13: A youth men's volleyball team headed by Federation Vice President Lt-Col. Thura Win Myint left to attend the seventh South-East Asia Youth Volleyball Tournament in Kuchin, Malaysia, beginning Aug. 15. The team includes Coach U Toe Maung, Referee U Khin Zaw, and 12 players. (WPD 8/14) // Aug. 18: Both the Myanmar men's and women's volleyball teams have advanced to the semi-finals. The men defeated Malaysia 3-1 on Aug. 15 and the Philippines 3-0 on Aug. 16; they will play Indonesia in the semi-finals. The women lost to Malaysia 0-3 on Aug. 16, but beat the Philippines 3-2 on Aug. 17; they will play Thailand in the semi-finals. (WPD 8/19) // Aug. 19: The men advanced to the finals by beating Indonesia 3-1 on Aug. 18. The women were defeated 3-0 by Thailand and will play Malaysia for third place. (WPD 8/20) // Aug. 20: The men emerged as men's champion by defeating Thailand 3-1. The women beat Malaysia 3-1 and took third place. (WPD 8/21) // Aug. 21: The victorious team returned home. (WPD 8/22) Aug. 18: A track and field team headed by Sports Officer U Thein Myint left for Malaysia to participate in the 70th Malaysian National Athletic Championships in Siriban, Aug. 16-21. The team comprises Kyaw Htoo Aung, Saw Hein Shwe, Tun Win Thein, Ma Aye Aye Nwe (Ministry of Trade), and Soe Soe Nyein (Ministry of Construction). (WPD 8/19) Aug. 20: A 15-member Police Judo Team led by Police Col. Thein Aung left for Jakarta to participate in the Aug. 22-24 Judo Open Kapoiri Cup Competition. (WPD 8/21) // Aug. 28: The team returned. Kyi Kyi Wai won gold (48-52 kilo class), Tin Tin Maw silver (61-66 kilo class), and Mi Mi Tun bronze (52-56 kilo class). 228 police from four countries took part in the competition. (WPD 8/29) Visiting Teams & Delegations Aug. 10: A 39-member team from Yunnan Province, China, including marksmen, judokas, and table-tennis players, will arrive Aug. 19 by road via Muse and Lashio to take part in goodwill sports competitions in Yangon (Aug. 22-23) and Mandalay (Aug. 26-28). (WPD 8/11) // Aug. 19: The team, headed by Yunnan Sports Committee Director Mr. Dai Wenzhong, arrived in Yangon, having entered Myanmar at Muse on Aug. 17. There will be goodwill shooting, judo, and table tennis matches Aug. 22-23. (WPD 8/20) // Aug. 21: The delegation held talks about sports exchanges with Myanmar sports authorities; Myanmar plans to hire coaches from China and conduct "joint sports trainings." (WPD 8/22) // Aug. 21: The goodwill competitions began. (WPD 8/23) // Aug. 23: The competitions continued. (WPD 8/24) // Aug. 25: The team arrived in Mandalay. (WPD 8/26) // Aug. 26: The team toured Mandalay. (WPD 8/27) // Aug. 27: The team visited pagodas in Sagaing and Mandalay. (WPD 8/28) Myanmar at the Olympics Aug. 14: The Myanmar contingent returned from the World Summer Olympics in Barcelona. "Khin Khin Htwe, a SEA champion, competed with 12 others in No 3 heat of the 3,000-metre race and took tenth position. She came in 12th out of 15 competitors in a heat for the final of 1,500 metres. Ma Kyin Lwan contested the 10-km walk with 44 others and was disqualified on reaching 4 km. Phyu Phyu Thant was defeated by Belgian Vande Caveya, a European champion, in 56-61-kilo class judo. Myint Kan took 77th position in marathon in which 112 others took part." (WPD 8/15) Aug. 16: Editorial: Faster, farther and higher. ["The majority of the athletes {at the Summer Olympic Games} took part in accordance {with} the Games motto, 'Not to win or to lose, but to take part in it'. A small contingent from Myanmar Naing-Ngan also went there with this motto in mind. Myanmar Naing-Ngan is making all-out efforts to raise the standard of sports to that of world level in accordance with the motto, 'Myanmar Sports--The World to Conquer.'... We are to aim, first at becoming a dominating sports power in South-East Asia, then aim at the Asian mark and take a step further and aim at the world mark. To do this our athletes must make all-out efforts to run faster, throw farther and jump higher. This we are confident would be achieved by our athletes in the near [sic] if they work with real determination and unflagging will." (WPD 8/16) Sports Article Aug. 25: Dial 'Tee' for Golf by Ivan King. [Need for humor in golf.] [Note: Golf is aÄÄsome might say theÄÄmajor sport in Myanmar, especially among active-duty and retired Military Officers, and there are golf courses throughout the country. For senior bureaucrats, playing golf is virtually a must, and many consider it an essential feature of their jobs. The media cover all sports worldwide and in depth, including golf and holes-in-one in Yangon are usually reported.--HCMacD.] Hole-in-one Aug. 27: General Manager of the Restaurant and Beverage Enterprise U Htay Kywe scored a hole-in-one at the 12th hole of the Myanmar Naing-Ngan Golf Course, using a No. 3 iron (Wilson 1200 Lt) and a No. 6 Altus ball. (WPD 8/28) CULTURAL Literary and Cultural Articles Aug. 2: Foundations of Myanmar Culture: Myanmar literature and the ten major jatakas, by Hnaphet Hla. [Cont. (105)] Aug. 2,16: Poems (in English and Burmese). [(1) "Flow on Whampo" by Maung Kyin Nwe. (1) "Hereafter" by Naung. (3) "Maxims" by Tin Maung Aung. (4) "Sun rays, blossoms and rocky mountains," "Three jasmines," and "Lotus and Mount top." (5) Three "Sino-Myanmar Goodwill Poems" by Pyinmanaa Maung Ni Thinn.] Aug. 2,9: Nationalist Poetry, by Htila Sithu. [Cont. (20-21) Nationalist poetry since 1885.] Aug. 2,9: Short Stories. [Cont. (26- ) "Our Mother" by Maha Swe. Cont. (25- ) "Dar" by Min Swe. (1) Cont. "Double trick" by Pe Than. (2) "The sight of an offspring" by Htin Lin.] Aug. 9,16,23: Impressions by Min Kyaw Min. [(2) "A fine art of living and loving" {Manners for children}. (3) "Sense of humour helps ease tensions" {Keep a sense of humour}. (4) "Speaking of the finer realm of Myanmar culture" {Richness of Myanmar history and culture, including national groups}. (5) "Culture of the mind" {Buddhist tradition of developing the mind is a good one}.] Aug. 9,16,30: Maha Gita, by Sagaing Hla Shwe. [History of Myanmar classical songs.] Aug. 9: The author of 'Min Hmu Dan'; A nation-building novel, by Maung Hsu Shin. [Portrait of U On Pe (Saya Tet Toe), who wrote the novel in 1950.] Aug. 16: A trail blazed by "Myat Ko Ko", by Maung Hsu Shin. [1951 prize-winning novel by Saya Tha Du discussed.] Aug. 16,30: Two articles by Dr. Khin Maung Nyunt. [Oft-quoted and translated Myanmar classical poem. Anantathuriya's "Death Song," written in Pagan period; translation by G.H. Luce. Wise men think alike. Translation of same poem by R.F. Andrew St.John.] Aug. 23: Beginning of dancing sans music, by Chit U Nyo. [Dancing since 1912.] Aug. 23: Literary milestones beginning with "Moe Auk Mye Byin" by Maung Hsu Shin. [1949 prize-winning novel by U Min Aung.] Aug. 23: The Best Actor/Actress Prize, by Myint Thein Pe (Meiktila). [1990 prizes.] Aug. 30: 'Sagaing' U Po Thinn's novel to note, to practice & to apply, by Maung Hsu Shin. [1954 prize-winning novel by U Po Thinn.] Religious Affairs [Throughout the month, there were continued frequent articles on religious construction and repair projects, homage to Sayadaws given by high officials, etc. ] IPRD Libraries Over several months, there have been various articles reporting on the establishment of, and donations of money and books to, IPRD [Information and Public Relations Department] Libraries in the various townships. Aug. 1: Inspecting the Dagon Myothit (South) [Yangon] IPRD, Deputy Minister for Information U Soe Nyunt [who writes poems as Htilar Sithu] said that "it is the libraries of the Information and Public Relations Department that are to link the Government and the public so as to get them fully acquainted with the policy of the State." (WPD 8/2) Newspapers and Magazines Aug. 3: Opening News Photography training course No. 1/92 at the News and Periodicals Enterprise, Deputy Minister for Information U Soe Nyunt "said that the role of news photography at present was dim and it was necessary to fill the gap; that was why the present course was conducted." The three-month course is being attended by 44 trainees (33 service personnel and 7 Tatmadawmen). (WPD 8/4) Aug. 7: The 'Yadanabon Daily' in Mandalay is flourishing, Minister for Information Brig-Gen. Myo Thant told the newspaper staff on Aug. 4. "He also said that as the news items are short to the point, readers enjoy various items of news and the Ministry of Information will provide assistance, he added." (WPD 8/8) Aug. 23: Advertisement The Mirror * To be published and distributed beginning 18 September 1992 * In Kyemon style * according to Kyemon strength * modern and attractive format * with news and scoops of human interest * News agents and correspondents throughout the country contact..(WPD 8/23) Aug. 29: Preparations are being made for republishing the Kyemon Daily (The Mirror), under Chief Editor U Ye Tint. Deputy Minister for Information U Soe Nyunt visited Myanma Alin Press, Botahtaung Press and Kyemon Press of the New and Periodicals Enterprise. (WPD 8/30) Movies Aug. 5: Addressing members of the Motion Picture Censors Board and the Scrutiny Committee for Promotion of the Standard of Myanmar Films, Deputy Ministry for Information U Soe Nyunt noted that the Censors Board had been established 74 years ago in 1918, and the Scrutiny Committee 40 years ago in 1952. "Members of the Board and the committee are not only to seek ways to promote the national culture but also to guard against the infiltration of alien culture, he said." (WPD 8/6) Aug. 20: Deputy Minister for Information U Soe Nyunt spoke to members of the Myanma Movie Play Scrutinization Committee "on production of films with themese on preservation of national culture and keeping the spirit of patriotism." (WPD 8/21) Myanma Folk Art Exhibition Aug. 15: Chairman of the Myanmar Naing-Ngan Education Committee SLORC Secretary-1 Maj-Gen. Khin Nyunt previewed the Myanma Folk Art Exhibition at Tatmadaw Hall on U Wisara Road. (WPD 8/16) [The Exhibition will open September 1.] MISCELLANEOUS Criminal and Judicial News July 28: The Supreme Court on July 20 increased the total sentence of a woman thief from one year to five years. She was involved drugging passengers on the Mandalay-Yangon train (on Apr. 7, 1990) and stealing watches and jewelery worth K33,670. (WPD 8/2) July 29: Two persons who escaped from the Mingala Taungnyunt [Yangon] court lock-up after assaulting the police were sentenced July 20 to prison terms from 4« to 5« years. Two others got 6 and 2 months respectively. (WPD 8/1) Aug. 4: 12 bootleggers with illicit liquor and equipment worth K 193,304 were arrested at Thayetkon, Phayagyi, Phayagalay, and Pyinbongyi villages, Bago Twp. [Bago] on July 23. (WPD 8/5) Aug. 5: Nine persons stole property from railway passengers after drugging their food with sleeping pills or tranquillizers have been arrested by Railway Police, along with stolen property. (WPD 8/6) Aug. 6: The Supreme Court on July 31 overruled an acquittal on appeal by the Rakhine State Court, and reinstated a six-month sentence imposed by the trial court against a cooperative chairman who embezzled K 19,901 [details]. (WPD 8/16) Aug. 10: A con-man who impersonated an army officer to fleece a retired army major out of K 150,000 by promising him 200 tons of mild steel rods, was sentenced July 30 to 3 years imprisonment. \\ In Yangon since June, over 2,500 reckless drivers going faster than 30 MPH were fined up to K 500 each. Five drivers, who drove over 60 MPH, had their licenses revoked. 2,188 drivers of private vehicles and taxis, and 319 drivers of buses, "were given educative talks for minor infringements." Eight passenger vehicles were fined for carrying passengers on the roof. one for taking passengers clinging to the side, and 478 for taking passengers clinging at the back; fines ranged from K 250 for the back to K 1000 for the roof. (WPD 8/10) Aug. 17: Two pickpockets were caught Aug. 9 in the Thiha Cinema, and two criminals were caught Aug. 14 in the Pa Pa Win Cinema. (WPD 8/18) Aug. 18: The Supreme Court on Aug. 12 overturned the acquittal of three persons for stealing 56 gallons of fuel oil from the Sabai ll circular [commuter] train. Their acquittal by the Insein Township court, on the grounds that Myanma Railways ownership of the stolen fuel was not proved, was reversed and they were sentenced to one year's imprisonment each. (WPD 8/28) Aug. 20: 19 persons have been arrested in Yangon suspected of stealing marker lamps worth US$ 5-6,000 and buoys from Yangon River and/or buying the stolen property. (WPD 8/21) Aug. 24: A con-man who tried to swindle K 60,000 from the Kambozahlaing Company by altering a stolen cheque was exposed on Aug. 12. (WPD 8/25) Aug. 25: Two bicycle thieves who stole 18 bicycles and a trishaw in Shwepyitha Twp. [Yangon] were arrested July 6. \\ A swindler in Dalla Myothit who last year "impersonated an army colonel and conned money from gullible people with promise of good jobs" was sentenced to four years imprisonment by the Lanmadaw Twp. Court on Aug. 20. (WPD 8/26) Anti-Narcotics Activities July 31: From January-June, 1992, the Tatmadaw seized 363.4 kilos of opium, 11.1 kilos of heroin, 37.6 kilos of marijuana, and 21 litres of phensedyl. The Customs seized 3.1 kilos of heroin and 38 litres of phensedyl. The Police seized 513.5 kilos of opium (295) cases, 80.5 kilos of heroin (978 cases), 0.2 kilo opium oil (18 cases), 177.4 kilos of marijuana (320 cases), and 1,558 litres of phensedyl (123 cases). There were 170 cases of failure to register and 39 other drug cases. The police took action against 3,628 persons on drug charges. (WPD 8/1, repeated 8/3)) July 31: During June, the Tatmadaw seized 153.8 kilos of opium, 3.7 kilos of heroin, and 37.6 kilos of marijuana. The Customs seized 1.7 kilos of heroin. The Police seized 154.3 kilos of opium (47 cases), 10.8 kilos of heroin (177 cases), 0.08 kilo of opium oil (5 cases), 18.2 kilos of marijuana (56 cases), 172.3 litres of phensedyl (18 cases). There were 164 cases of failure to register and 6 other drug cases. Action was taken by the police against 662 persons on drug charges. (WPD 8/1) July 31: The Sittway anti-drug squad on June 11 seized 0.2 kilo of heroin. The Pakokku [Magway] police on July 12 seized 182 bottles of phensedyl at the Pakokku-Mandalay bus terminal. The Yangon anti-drug squad on July 13 seized 2.2 kilos of marijuana in Tharkayta Twp. [Yangon]. (WPD 8/1) Aug. 1: A gang of drug traffickers was rounded up July 9-28 by Mawlamyine police, with the arrest of 11 traffickers and the seizure of 0.06 kilo of heroin, K14,040, and a bicycle. (WPD 8/2) Aug. 3: Police and DSI personnel in Lashio seized 0.3 kilo of heroin at the Htay Rest House on July 30 and 0.3 kilo of heroin from a house in Lashio on July 31. (WPD 8/4) Aug. 5: The police Anti-Drug Squad, under Tagun Project Phase V launched July 9, have seized "huge quantities of narcotic drugs." Lashio police and Kutkai militia on Aug. 3 seized 6.4 kilos of heroin in Nawngpyat village, Kutkai Twp. [Shan] {photo, WPD 8/9}. Mandalay police siezed 1,047 bottles of phensedyl from July 26-Aug. 23 in various parts of the district. Katha police on Aug. 3 seized 0.04 kilo of heroin. Myitkyina police and Customs on July 26 seized 50.7 kilos of "baked heroin, which is actually heavy opium blocks," from a car in Waingmaw. (WPD 8/6) Aug. 7: The Katha anti-drug squad on July 12 seized 0.04 kilo of heroin at Kawlin railway station [Sagaing]. (WPD 8/8) Aug. 11: The Mandalay anti-drug squad on July 31 seized 40 bottles of phensedyl in Mandalay SE Twp. Railway police on July 22 seized 0.4 kilo of heroin on the Lashio-Mandalay down train in Lashio. (WPD 8/12) Aug. 12: The Kale anti-drug squad on July 8 seized 200 bottles of phensedyl in Tamu [Sagaing]. The Yangon anti-drug squad on Aug. 6 seized 0.05 kilo of heroin in North Okkalapa Twp. [Yangon]. (WPD 8/ 13) Aug. 13: Troops on July 28 seized 11.6 kilos of opium near Mai-in and Wamhkok villages in Kengtung Twp. [Shan]. Troops on July 31 seized 6.6 kilos of opium near Naungtaung village in Kengtung Twp. (WPD 8/14) Aug. 14: The Lashio anti-drug squad on Aug. 5 seized 4.6 kilos of heroin in Kyuhkok (Pangsai) [Shan], along with K 40,000 and 4,000 Chinese Yuan. (WPD 8/15) Aug. 16: DSI agents and the Lashio anti-drug squad on Aug. 14 seized 3.5 kilos of heroin in Lashio. (WPD 8/17) Aug. 17: The sentence of a drug addict in Kamayut Twp. [Yangon] to five years imprisonment for possession of drugs and failure to register was confirmed by the Supreme Court on Aug. 5. (WPD 8/19) Aug. 19: DSI and police in Hopang [Shan] on Aug. 14 seized 3.2 kilos of heroin. (WPD 8/20) Aug. 22: DSI and the Lashio anti-drug squad on Aug. 19 seized 21 drums of acid used in heroin refining in and near Muse [Shan]. \\ Under Operation Tagun Phase 5, the Lashio anti-drug squad and DSI agents on Aug. 2 seized 1.4 kilos of heroin on the Namtu-Madnalay bus. The Katha anti-drug squad on Aug. 4 seized 0.4 kilo of heroin in Katha. The Monywa anti-drug squad on July 30 seized 57 bars of silver, 16 viss of raw sapphire, and 8 pieces of jade. 70 bottles of phensedyl were seized in Monywa and 1.9 kilos of opium powder in Myeik. (WPD 8/23) Aug. 23: During July 1992, the Tatmadaw seized 182.8 kilos of opium and 63.5 litres of phensedyl. The Police seized 386.6 kilos of opium (59 cases), 13.4 kilos of heroin (190 cases), 50.7 kilos of pure opium (3 cases), 6.9 kilos of opium powder (1 case), 32.0 kilos of marijuana (52 cases), 346.7 kilos of marijuana, and 10.5 litres of other liquid drugs. There were 241 cases of failure to register and 11 other drug cases. Action was taken against a total of 715 persons. (WPD 8/24) Aug. 24: The Amarapura [Mandalay] police on July 23 seized 1.7 kilos of heroin. \\ The Yangon Divisional Court on Aug. 21 sentenced a man in Bahan Twp. to ten years imprisonment and K 50,000 (or 3 years) fine for possession of 97 grams of marijuana; it held that since the amount was more than 25.8 grams "it could be construed (according to Law) that the drug found in possession was for purposes of trafficking and sale." (WPD 8/26) Aug. 25: Mandalay Station Railway Police on July 30, Aug. 17, and Aug. 21 seized a total of 2.6 kilos of raw opium and 5.4 kilos of heroin from passengers on the Mandalay-Myitkyina Up-train. (WPD 8/26) Aug. 25: Three drug addicts were sentenced to three years imprisoment each by the Lanmadaw Twp. Court on Aug. 18. \\ The Yangon Division Court on Juluy 29 sentenced one person to 10 years imprisonment with labour and K 50,000 (or 3 years) fine, and another to 5 years imprisonment with labour for possession of 41.9 grams of marijuana. (WPD 8/27) Obituaries [English language obituaries only; there are obituaries in Burmese as well.] July 17: Mr. Chang Shiu Chang (a) U Chang, formerly of Yangon, husband of Daw Lily (a) Choi Smark King, died in Toronto, Canada, aged 77. (WPD 8/5) July 24: Thiri Pyanchi Mr. F.S. Smith, Retd. Burma Civil Service, Retd. Resident Representative UNESCO (Karach), husband of Lillian (Daw Hla Hla), died in Baltimore, Maryland, USA. (WPD 8/23) July 29: Sister Jean San Pwint (Berchmans) (S.J.A.) of St. Joseph's Convent, Mandalay, died in Mandalay, aged 86. [Christian] (WPD 8/1) Aug. 2: Daw Clara (a) Daw Sein, mother of U Myint Swe (Fred), died in Yangon, aged 103. [Christian]. (WPD 8/3) Aug. 5: U Ko Ko Gyi, Moenyo, Vice-President of the Burma Socialist Party, Ex-Minister, husband of the late Daw Tin Aye, died in Yangon, aged 84. (WPD 8/7) Aug. 7: U Tin, retired Managing Director, Myanma Post and Telecoms, husband of Daw Mar Mar Zin, died in Yangon, aged 66. (WPD 8/10) Aug. 8: Daw Ohn Kyin, wife of U Tha Din, died in Yangon, aged 64. (WPD 8/11) Aug. 9: Mrs. Mary Rahman (nee) Dipo, wife of the late Dr. R.K. Rahman, died in Toungoo, aged 82. (WPD 8/15) Aug. 10: Dr. A.R. Mahadevan, retired Township Medical Officer, Thanlyin, husband of the late Naw Murry Zin (nee) Murry Mahadevan, died in Yangon, aged 77. (WPD 8/12) Aug. 11: Daw Hla Daung (Augustine) (Mrs. Saw Samuel Shi Sho), wife of the late "Shithu" S. Shi Sho, died in Yangon, aged 74. [Christian] (WPD 8/12) Aug. 12: Daw Ma Ma Llay, Pyin Oo Lwin [Maymyo], wife of the late U Ba Kyi (retd. Superintendent of Land Records), died in Pyin-Oo-Lwin, aged 89. (WPD 8/13) Aug. 14: Dragon: George Anthony, Myanmar Railways, Myitnge, retired, husband of Daw Molly, died in Yangon, aged 74. [Christian] (WPD 8/15) Aug. 14: Sister de Sales (Phillip James), S.J.A., former Superior of St. Joseph's Convent Mawlamyine, Pathein, Yangon, died in Mawlamyine, aged 83. [Christian] (WPD 8/15) Aug. 14: Mr. E.M. Bholat, husband of Hawa Bi Bi, died in Yangon, aged 70. [Muslim] (WPD 8/27) Aug. 15: Mr. M Paul, Thingangyun, husband of Mrs. Namita Paul, died in Yangon, aged 77. [Hindu] (WPD 8/17) Aug. 16: Daw Sein Sein Myint (Dora), daughter of the late U Mozes and Daw Ngwe Hlaing, sister of...Prof. Dr Irene Jensen (Khin Kyin Myint)-Prof. Dr Vernon Jensen (USA)...Mrs. Teresa Black (Khin Hla Hla)-Mr K.D. Black (USA)...Daw Thein Thein Myint-U Soe Myint (Johnny) (USA)...., died in Yangon, aged 70. [Christian] (WPD 8/17) Aug. 16: U Lay Maung, [former Foreign Minister], died in Yangon. [acknowledgement] (WPD 8/21) Aug. 19: Daw Mabel Kya Doe (Myaungmya), wife of the late U Sein Lwin (Customs), died in Yangon, aged 77. [Christian] (WPD 8/21) Aug. 20: Daw Khin Khin Myint, wife of U Tun Min, died in Yangon, aged 58. (WPD 8/ 21) Marriage & Engagement Date not specified: Yu Yu Htwe, daughter of Dr. U Naing Win and Daw Mya Mya Win, married Glenn Taylor, Inspector, Earth Systems Consultants, USA, son of Mr. Caleb R. Taylor, Production Department, Pepsi Cola Co., and Mrs. Patricia Taylor of Los Angeles, California, USA. (WPD 8/15) Aug. 16: Maung Nay Myo Htet (B.Sc.Q (Chemistry)), son of U Khin Maung Aye and Daw Kyi Kyi Aye became engaged to Ma Tin Aye Soe, daughter of U Nyan Soe and Daw Tin Ma Ma. (WPD 8/17) Train Wreck Aug. 6: Three persons died and two were injured when a Shwenyaung-Thazi freight train jumped the tracks Aug. 4 near Pyinyaung, overturning five cars. (WPD 8/7) Floods Aug. 9: Flood Bulletin: The water level of the Sittoung River at Toungoo is 613 cms. and may fall below the danger level of 600 cms. during the next 36 hours. (WPD 8/10) Aug. 12: Flood Bulletin: The water level of the Sittoung River at Tounggoo is 650 cms. and may fall below the danger level of 600 cms. during the next 48 hours. (WPD 8/ 13) Aug. 13: Flood Bulletin: The water level of the Sittoung River at Madauk is 1098 cms. and will remain above its danger level of 1070 cms. for the next 48 hours. (WPD 8/ 14) Aug. 14: "Thaphanbin, Shwelayin, Doethaung villages and No 8, 9, 10 and 19 Wards in Toungoo Township were flooded as water level has risen at the danger level beginning the afternoon on 10 August. Altogether 2,800 flood victims were moved to No 1 Primary School in Taungoo, Nagayon Pagoda compound, Myinphyuin Monastery and relief goods were provided to them...." \\ Erosion at the Thettaw Creek bridge on the Thazi-Shwenyaung rail track derailed the Thazi-Shwenyaung cargo train which "while passing the bridge, was derailed and its locomotive and a cargo van fell off the bridge." [see above] The Thettaw Creek bridge on the Meiktila-Taunggyi Road is also under repair. 102 houses in Pyinnyaung Village were flooded. (WPD 8/ 15) Aug. 16: Flood Warning: The water level at Bago is 904 cms, and may reach its danger level of 910 cms. during the next 24 hours. (WPD 8/17) Aug. 17: The heavy rain that began Aug. 14 in Bago Township has flooded Kyaukkyisu, Myothit, Ywathit, Kyunthaya, Kalyani, and South and North Nyaungwaing Wards. 3,384 flood victims from 888 houses were moved to 14 relief camps. Officials visited the flooded areas. \\ Minister for Rail Transportation U Win Sein inspected the rail line between Tawa and Bago stations on the Yangon-Mandalay railway. On Aug. 17, some sections of rail between Bago and Payagyi stations and between Tawa and Bago stations were inundated and rail service between Yangon and Mandalay, and between Yangon and Mottama [Martaban] was temporarily suspended. (WPD 8/18) Aug. 17: Flood Bulletin: The water level of the Bago River at Bago is 934 cms. and may exceed 40 cms. above its danger level of 910 cms. during the next 24 hours. (WPD 8/18) Aug. 18: In Bago, 4,835 flood victims from 975 households were provided with 441 bags of rice. \\ Officials visited the "inundated railway tracks and motor-road between Bago and Waw and the inundation of Kawa township." \\ Because of the floods, which have disrupted Yangon-Mandalay train service, two daily special Yangon-Mandalay-Yangon jet air flights will begin on Aug. 20. The first will leave Yangon at noon and Mandalay at 1:30 pm. The second will leave Yangon at 3:30 pm and Mandalay at 5 pm. Flight time is one hour. (WPD 8/ 19) Aug. 18: Special Flood Bulletin: The water level of the Bago River at Bago exceeded the 910 cms. danger level by 24 cms. It is expected to fall a few cms., but may rise again to up to 37 cms. above the danger level. (WPD 8/19) Aug. 19: A special jet Myanma Airways flight has been established for Aug. 21 between Yangon and Mandalay, leaving Yangon at 3 pm and Mandalay at 4.30 pm. (WPD 8/20) Aug. 19: Special Flood Bulletin: The water level of the Bago River at Bago is 16 cms. above its danger level of 910 cms., and may reach 40 cms. above that level during the next 24 hours. Flood Bulletin: The water level of the Sittoung River at Madauk is 1199 cms. and will remain above its danger level of 1070 cms. during the next 48 hours. The water level of the Shwegyin River at Shweygyin is 772 cms. and will remain above its danger level of 700 cms. during the next 24 hours. (WPD 8/20) Aug. 22: Train and bus service between Yangon and Mandalay, and Yangon and Mottama [Martaban], resumed. (WPD 8/23) Illegal Lofts Aug. 18: Yangon Mayor U Ko Lay told the Yangon City Development Committee that there are an estimated 500,000 illegal buildings and lofts in Yangon. [Note: "Lofts" probably refer to the common practise, in crowded apartments in Yangon's ancient, high-ceilinged buildings, of putting in "half-floors" within rooms in order to gain added living space.ÄÄHCMacD.] Plans to legalize illegal buildings and lofts have been under way since 1989, he said and "the public did not need to worry about the arrangements being made [because] only affordable and reasonable tax would be collected from loft owners depending on the length of the loft." So far 40,000 lofts have been reported, but there remain many which have not been. The Township Administrative Offices will register those constructed before Jan. 1, 1991, for K 500 per loft. Those constructed since then will be charged not more than K 2,000 per loft, depending on length. All illegal lofts should be reported by Sept. 15, 1992, and should be registered by Dec. 31. (WPD 8/19) Aug. 22: The Engineering Department (Buildings) of the YCDC announced that all persons who put in lofts before Jan. 1, 1991, must apply for both registration and permit. Registration must be made at the YCDC township office concerned, on days to be announced in due course, together with a fee of K 400. Permit applications must be made at the Engineering Department (Buildings) at City Hall together with a fee of K 1,000 for lofts of 10 feet in length and K 2,000 for lofts more than 10 feet in length, including service charge. (WPD 8/23) ----- 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 shouldd 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. 66, Aug. 1992