92-11 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. 11, November 1992 Table of Contents POLITICAL CRISIS Slogans 2 Cartoons 2 Political Articles 3 Prisoners Released 5 Bangladesh Border Returnees 5 Kayin Leader Goes Underground 6 Doctors Refresher Course 6 Four Absconders Return 6 Chins Flee to Myanmar 7 NATIONAL CONVENTION Convention Preparations 7 DIPLOMATIC Diplomatic Calls 7 New Ambassadors to Myanmar 8 Myanmar Ambassadors 9 Attaches Visit Shan State 9 INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION Foreign Donations 9 Colombo Plan Meeting 9 Myanmar-Thailand Border Committee 10 Myanmar-China Boundary Committee 10 Myanmar Shrine in Nepal 10 FOREIGN VISITORS Religious Visitors 10 International Agency Visitors 10 Foreign Journalists 10 Business Visitors 11 Academic & Medical Visitors 11 Chinese Red Cross 11 Anglo-American Tourists 11 Thai Commander-in-Chief 12 US Congressman Rangel 12 Japanese Veterans 12 Thai Cooperation Delegations 12 MYANMAR DELEGATIONS Study Delegations 12 Delegations to Meetings & Events 13 Business Delegations 13 Delegations Return 13 GOVERNMENT New Forest Law (& Commentary) 13 Atomic Energy Committee 21 National Day Message 21 MILITARY Offensives and Counter-offensives 22 Insurgent Attacks 23 Insurgents Surrender 23 ECONOMIC Economic Articles 23 Cross-border Trading 23 Construction & Other Projects 25 Advertisements 25 High Rice Prices 25 New Export/Import Rules 26 Heavy Industries for Rent 26 Other Privatization Measures 26 Electricity Problems 27 Bird-nest Export Agreement 27 Industrial Promotion Committee 27 Joint Ventures 27 Imports 27 Border Area Development 27 Cellular Phone Contract 28 Cold-storage Ship Arrives 28 Rainfall in Yangon 28 HEALTH Health & Education Insurance 28 AIDS Day Postage Stamp 28 Health Articles 28 SPORTS Sports Articles 28 Myanmar Teams 28 Visiting Teams & Delegations 28 Swimming Records Set 29 CULTURAL Literary and Cultural Articles 29 Folk Art Exhibition 30 8th Standard Exam 30 Literary & Photo Awards 30 Library Books Needed 31 Mandalay Education Institute 31 Yangon City Publications 31 Institute Convocations 32 MISCELLANEOUS Court News 32 Anti-Narcotics Activities 32 Eighth Drug Destruction Exhibition 32 Obituaries 33 Earthquakes 33 Traffic Accidents 33 Marriage 33 Inlay Lake Ecology 33 Fires 34 Fortune-teller Warned 34 ------------------------------------------- To our Readers: We regret the delay in this issue. That we could issue it at all is thanks to the courtesy of the Donn V. Hart Southeast Asia Collection at the University Libraries, Northern Illinois University, De Kalb, Illinois, which has BURMA PRESS SUMMARY (from THE WORKING PEOPLE'S DAILY)-November 1992-- p.  loaned its copies of the Working People's Daily to us. As readers are aware, we are back on track with the December 1992 and January-February 1993 issues already out; March is on the way. 컴HCMacD. ------- 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: Nov. 1: Attasammapanidhi-ca to establish oneself rightfully; this is the way to auspiciousness. Nov. 2-16: Bahusaccanca, to have immensity of knowledge; this is the way to auspiciousness. Nov. 17-30: Sippanca, to acquire skill in sciences; this is the way to auspiciousness. Cartoons Examples of political/economic cartoons: Nov. 1: Woman: "I hear your husband's being sued. Are you going to fetch a lawyer?" Friend: "Oh, no! I'm going to book a table at a hotel to give a treat to those concerned with the case." Nov. 2: Child to mother: "A skirt must be sold to buy rice; a shirt must be sold to buy exercise books; a 'longyi' must be sold to buy groceries;...is that what's meant by selling and buying in trade and commerce... is that it?" Nov. 3: Woman to man: "Though you may be sporting whiskers, you're not half as valuable as even a catfish." Nov. 5: Passenger on wildly overcrowded bus, as it passes another: "I don't know if it's dangerous or not, but there sure is no traffic police in front!" Nov. 6: Husband: Shhhh! There's a visitor out front says he's thinking of having dinner with us!" Wife: "Oh, that's no problem...let's pretend to have a fight!" [Note: since to feed visitors is an obligation of traditional Burmese hospitality, this suggests that there really isn't enough to eat컴HCMacD.] Nov. 7: Husband to wife: "Well, I simply can't help being well-read! Suppose...after all, before I began writing....I managed to finish no less than four books a day as a government employee before I retired!" Nov. 7: First girl: "What wonderful voice. How eloquent!" Second girl: "His body-language is divine! Fantastically humorous too!" Mother: "What are you two girls talking about? A new video star?" Girls: "Oh no Mama, we're talking about the fantastic new 'tuition' master of ours!" Nov. 8: Husband: Stop calling it a private car...I don't really own it nor do you..." Wife: "Ultimately, it's the broker who'll own it!" Nov. 9: Man to woman in too-big men's shirt: "Are you trying to hide yourself in that over-size shirt because you're unattractive or is it simply that you've got nothing else to wear?" Nov. 9: Commuter: Our office ferry was over-loaded and we reported to our superior that it was hazardous." Friend: "And did he increase the number of cars?" Commuter: "Oh no! He suspended the ferry to remove the hazard!" Nov. 10: Supervisor: "After having spent three months at a training course, one month earned-leave, ten days casual-leave and one month leave-without-pay, try and calculate just how many working days you have this year?" Secretary: "Yes Sir, I'll do the calculations as soon as I've taken this 15 days medical leave!" Nov. 11: Husband: "My dear wife! You keep saying that you don't know how to cook, but when you do cook, its 'Dan-bauk' [a chicken {or duck} and rice dish컴 HCMacD.] full of many colours!" Wife: "No dear! It's not 'Dan-bauk' at all, but just ordinary rice from the co-operative shop!" Nov. 11: Patient: "I can't sleep nights doctor." Doctor: "Since when?" Patient: "Since I began building my house!" Nov. 12: First Myanmar: "All their illegally-procured money! They keep claiming that they got it by winning the lottery! Now it's the same thing all over again!" Second Myanmar: "Oh no! They don't claim that any more! They now claim that got it as an inheritance!" Nov. 13: Householder to electricity bill-collector: "I think you have prepared a bill for the entire year." Nov. 14: First Myanmar: "Judging by their TV and the way they are eating and living so smartly, that house must surely be that of a government official." Second Myanmar: "Oh no, that's not true...it belongs to the driver of a departmental truck." Nov. 14: Myanmar to fortune-teller: "Can you foretell any chance of a promotion astrologer? I had to slip out of my office to ask you!" Nov. 15: Myanmar to friend (watching doctors and nurses): "Health workers handling infectious diseases." Doctors and nurses (thinking): "Hazard allowance?" Nov. 16: Myanmar to father (looking at long-haired, scruffy, trousered youth): "Don't worry. Your son hasn't lost human instinct." Nov. 16: First Myanmar: "What's your means of subsistance as a man of letters?" Second Myanmar: "Well, my wife runs a green grocery shop." Nov. 17: Mother to astonished father: "It's from our son...he's asking us to send him money because the dollars he's earning abroad are not adequate for his needs!" Nov. 18: Trousered Myanmar to longyi-ed friend: "I got a lot by just one trip abroad ...not dollars...but a lot of problems and headaches." Nov. 20: First Myanmar: "That doctor never discriminates..." Second Myanmar: "What? In providing treatment?" First Myanmar: "No! In demanding hefty fees." Nov. 20: Three signs: "U Shwee. Intensive class, one subject, 100 kyats, entrance fees 500 kyats." "Five month complete 3000 kyats." "Five-day course 700 kyats." Father to son: "Now...you can understand the value of education my son...you can see for youself [sic]." Nov. 21: Hawkers outside movie: "10 K per place. 10 K per place." Observer: "There's no blackmarketing at the cinema... but queue sellers." Nov. 21: First Myanmar: "90 million gallons of water supplied to Yangon." Second Myanmar (watching leaky faucets): "But 50 of that go down the drain." Nov. 22: Myanmar to cartoonist: "Hit at eye-sores. Then, they'll change." Cartoonist (shrugging): "Well, if they quit their ways as we hit them, there'll be nothing left to hit." Nov. 22: First Myanmar: "Meter men sure have special mental power. Without actual reading, they put down at K 100 what would cost K 50." Second Myanmar (thinks): "Meter men doing guess-work." Nov. 23: Girl in audience: "The actress has changed her clothes for the 60th time." Man in audience: "The actor has changed his clothes over 50 times...keep it up! Hurrah!" Nov. 24: Woman looking at advertising flyers on a wall: "There's a shortage of teachers at the regular schools...it seems that all the teachers are now giving private tuition." Nov. 24: Woman to mother beating a child: "Why are you beating the poor child so hard?" Mother: "He says he wants to have a duck-egg...can you imagine that? And after I've told him that it costs four or five kyats each...!" Nov. 25: Man at door: "Hello! Is there any one here? Here is a wedding reception invitation card for you." Man inside, totally buried in invitation cards: "I am here... please leave it...leave it!" Nov. 26: Sportsman to interviewer: "I became a champion runner after having to run after the garbage truck so often!" Nov. 27: Wife to husband: "You said you dind't have a high opinion of the dollar. Now can you get a telephone installed? Can you? Huh?" Nov. 28: Man reading newspaper: "'Sonny's one-year birthday! May you be well and happy for a hundred years.' from Papa (Japan), Mummy (Hong Kong), Uncle (Singapore), Aunty (America), Aunty (Bangladesh). I wonder if 'Sonny' is still in Myanmar!" Nov. 28: Father: "It says, 'Birth-spacing' We must try it." Mother (surrounded by six children): "Of course, we should have from the time we got two." Nov. 29: Patient: "I can't sleep at night, doctor." Doctor: "Quit sleeping at the office during the day and you'll be OK." Nov. 29: Bureaucrat: "Hey! I don't accept bribes any more!" Client (with bag of money): "Sorry Sir! You used to do it so often before that it's become a habit with me!" Political Articles Nov. 2: Progress made in Myanmar's fight against narcotic drugs, by An Observer. [Review of government destruction of captured narcotics, and of anti-narcotics programs. "Bilaterally, in the past, there had been offers of assistance from the US, Germany and Norway as they were impressed with anti-narcotic efforts in Myanmar. The US had extended 86.6 million dollars worth of material and technical assistance from 1974 to 1988. Mr Charles Rangel, Senator [sic] and Leader of a delegation to Myanmar in January 1988, was on record as saying Myanmar's fight against narcotic drugs was a war not just for its people and the people of US but for the international community. He appreciated Myanmar's anti-drug activities and said that the international community should take lessons from it and regard Myanmar as a model country. He expressed his regret for loss of many lives of Tatmadaw members in anti-drug actions."] Nov. 4: Safeguard against disintegration of the Union, by Kyaw Thura. [The Union, like Unity itself, is sacred to us."] Nov. 8: Toward writing the new national charter, by Shwe La Win. [Next step is the National Convention.] Nov. 11: Deliberate foreign attempts to drive a wedge, by Po Toke. [Attempts are being made to undermine the National Convention by "those who had committed crimes and have fled, not daring to face the law for those offences, and by those who 'fawn for the aunt over the mother's shoulders.'"] Nov. 14: Wages of sin, by Yebaw Thit Maung. [KNU rejection of Tatmadaw cessation of offensive actions has reaped a suitable reward.] Nov. 15: A letter from New York, by Moemoe. [Letter, dated Oct. 9, about activities and importance of the Myanmar UNGA delegation. "Do tell all our friends that quite contrary to what they think, the United Nations is not just a place where the delegates go through an endless round of meeting, greeting, and eating."] Nov. 19: Honouring 72nd Anniversary National Day, by N Tin Maung. [Need to imbue youth with the spirit of the day.] Nov. 19: A day of significance for the entire nation, by Shwe La Win. ["Let us rededicate ourselves to living up to the ideals that our ancestors have held dear." Nov. 23-24,26: Qualities of national leadership, by Sithu Aung. [(1) Myanmar has had great leaders, like Anawrahta, Bayint Naung, Alaung Paya, and Bogyoke Aung San. "Myanmar has been turbulent when it was ruled by incapable leaders. Stability is a pre-requisite for progress. We must not forget that the period between 1962 and 1988 was a stable period." Discussion of leaders in other countries. Capable generals in Korea contrasted with Mrs. Aquino in the Philippines {though she not identified by name}. Long-time party rule in Japan, Singapore and Malaysia, and role of Suharto in Indonesia, praised. In Latin America, Presidents Carlos Salinas of Mexico, Carlos Sominan [sic] of Argentina, and Fujimori of Peru praised: "they achieved success because they removed all procrastinating and debilitating restraints of a multi-party system, established strong and expeditious systems of administration and endeavoured effectively correctly and swiftly to achieve success." An Asian neighbour {unnamed, but probably India} "is being stalled in its endeavours because of a weak leadership functioning within the system of multi-party democracy." African countries "decaying beyond recognition, all because of weak and incompetent national leadership," as in Zambia. Even wealthy states "also suffer from ill-effects of bad national leaderships," as in loss by President in a recent election {obviously in US}. In Myanmar, "it would be possible to find a most appropriate and the most correct leadership only if the masses...are capable of assessing the situation objectively without any trace of subjectivism or personal prejudices...." [(2) "Myanmar has suffered from a plethora of differing, mutually antagonistic and conflicting isms ranging between left extremist fanatical ideologues and the right extremist fanatical racists.... I am of opinion that Myanmar where political forces are always in a state of confused disunity, should adopt a formula that provides three independent branches of the legislature, the judicature and the executive branch, operating in a check and balance system. The executive branch should be independent of the legislature as in the United States.... We must also take into consideration a country's military circumstances, economic circumstances and administrative circumstances that are all inter-related with politics.... It is very important that the future leader of Myanmar be someone with a comprehensive knowledge and long experience in handling defence and military matters.... Future leaders of the nation should...possess a reasonable degree of expertese and experience to push through economic reforms most effectively and most gently.... Future national leaders...would have to be those persons who are in contact with the preceeding administrative systems of Myanmar and who are capable of sifting the good out of the bad and picking out strength from weaknesses, and who are capable of formulating an administrative set-up conformable to specific Myanmar nature and conditions." [(3) "Choice of national leadership is crucial.... Education, general knowledge, oratory and organizational charisma may be said to be part of the qualifications a national leader should possess.... {A nationa leader} has to have a comprehensive general knowledge and personal experience with all functions of a government machinery... {legislative, judicial, and executive}.... The head of the executive branch is also the head of the State.... He must be especially knowledgeable with executive business. {In foreign affairs} a deep knowledge of these affairs as well as international diplomatic practices and foreign visits are necessary. The head of the executive branch should be a man who knows internal problems, right to their root causes and who has a mature experience in management of these problems....{and be an expert} in Myanmar's politics, geographical position, defence, economy and adminsitration.... {He} needs to be free from all partisan, ideological, and personal prejudices...who has completely mastered the histories of Myanma national races, Myanma political parties, Myanma insurgent groups, Myanma leaders and their concepts and beliefs.... He must know Myanma geography, its geopolitical importance in the region, its fauna and flora, its climates, its agriculture, its natural resources, its industries and its business enterprises. He should also have personally seen and experienced all of them.... Military, political and diplomatic efforts will have to continue to exterminate internal insurgency and a future national leader should have a full, detailed and deep knowledge of insurgency in Myanmar, the nation's first priority enemy number one from among them, ideological concepts, personal traits, tactical objectives and strategy of different insurgent leaders, their pasture lands and the sentiments of the people living in those lands.... In matters of national defence,...{he} should possess a thorough knowledge of Myanmar's geopolitically strategic regions, possible threats to their security, the nature of such threats, likely antagonists, vital lines of communication, routes used by earlier intruders to enter the nation, all foreseeable air, land and sea entry routes; He must know them in detail and be able to adopt a correct defence policy and a correct defence build-up plan. In the economic sphere, {he must know} Myanma agriculture beginning with its fundamentals and be able to promote the economic life of rural masses.... He must ...be...capable of...reforming other important economic sectors....{and} of guiding national economy back into national hands.... A leader who is fit to become the leader of future Myanmar is therefore someone who has developed along with the development of history and gained comprehensive general knowledge and mature experience in political affairs, military affairs, geopolitical matters, economic matters and administrative matters. Where leaders of present political groupings are concerned, there may be among them some with mature experience in the process of Myanma historical development and others with less experience but with comprehensive general knowledge and there may be some who possess qualifications of a national leader.... It is the masses who will have to choose the new leadership for the State. Heavy and vital responsibilities have fallen upon the shoulders of the masses of today...."] Prisoners Released Nov. 6: 40 men were released from Myaungmya Jail; "their sentences were reduced under Declaration No 11/92 of the State Law and Order Restoration Council." (WPD 11/7) Nov. 11: 32 men were released from Hinthada Jail. (WPD 11/12) Nov. 14: 47 men were released from Pathein Jail. (WPD 11/15) Nov. 15: 51 men were released from Myaungmya Jail. (WPD 11/16) Nov. 25: 51 men were released from Myaungmya and Thayet Jails. (WPD 11/26) Bangladesh Border Returnees Oct. 31: 104 persons from 23 households "who illegally left this country for Bangladesh," were returned to Kanyinchaung Reception Camp. "They will later be sent back to residences." (WPD 11/1) Nov. 24: Editorial: Reception based on goodwill. [Despite opening of five reception camps, only a small number of returnees have come back because of some internal and external destructive forces who have been trying to drive in a wedge to cause the collapse of good relations between the two countries.... {As SLORC Secretary-1 Maj-Gen. Khin Nyunt recently said in Rakhine State} some internal and external groups were creating subversive acts to exploit the agreement reached between the two countries to accept those who fled to the other country.... Primary-level personnel should take care not to cause acts affecting the friendship between the two countries. The reception work, based on understanding and goodwill, will meet success no matter what the subversive elements try to do."] Nov. 26: The Eleventh Myanmar-Bangladesh Coordination Meeting was held in Ngapali Beach, Thandwe [Sandoway], Rakhine State, on Nov. 24-25, attended by Director-General of Immigration and Manpower Department U Maung Aung and Chittagong District Commissioner Mr. Omar Farooq. (WPD 11/27) Nov. 26: 855 persons from 201 househelds were returned to Kanyinchaung Reception Camp on Nov. 25. On Nov. 26, another 26 returnees from 6 households arrived. (WPD 11/27) Kayin Leader Goes Underground Nov. 3: "As news have been heard that former member of Union Kayin League Mahn Nyunt Maung has gone underground, our correspondents met with Chairman of the political party U Mahn Tin Aung Than for an interview today." He said that former Party Secretary Mahn Nyunt Maung, together with Joint General Secretaries Saw Win But and Saw Maung Thein, "did whatever they liked without ascertaining his (the chairman's) wishes. For instance, they did as they wished in publishing pamphlets and issuing news releases. What they did... was to oppose the Government." The League, Chairman Mahn Tin Aung Than said, "had always possess[ed] tradition of supporting the Government and never opposed it." Moreover, the three were "indiscriminated [sic] in their drinking and carousing, as well as in their talk," and the Secretary had been fined K100 for drunkeness in 1989. Finally, Mahn Nyunt Maung was "detained for national security reasons," and when he was released under SLORC Declaration 11/92 sought to resume his position as Secretary. He was expelled from the Party on Feb. 8, 1992, will not be elected as a representative to the National Convention, and will never be readmitted to the Party. (WPD 11/4) Doctors Refresher Course Nov. 7: Concluding the Third Doctors Refresher Course at the Central Institute of Public Services in Hlegu Twp. [Yangon], SLORC Secretary-1 Maj-Gen. Khin Nyunt spoke of the National Convention, and said it would be successful "despite the machinations of expatriate terrorists in collaboration with unscrupulous organizations of some outside powers." He said there had been "unfounded accusations" that despite the cessation of Tatmadaw offensives announced in April, the Tatmadaw "were waging offensive and local villagers, by the hundreds, fled to the country in the other side. It was only the families of the KNU of fled the fighting, and the Tatmadaw counter-attacked to recapture the Tatmadaw camps [in the Hweponlong and Htimuhki regions]. He denied allegations by Amnesty International "that all the religious groups in Myanmar were being faced with distress, including not only the majority Buddhists, minority Muslim, Christian and Hindu organizations." (WPD 11/8) Four Absconders Return Nov. 13: "Four Myanmar youths, who absconded across the border to Thailand, returned to legal fold at the Myanmar Embassy in Thailand" and were returned home Nov. 5 [names and details]. Ye Aung and Myint Oo absconded from Kawthoung to Ranong in Nov. 1988; Ma Soe Soe San and Ma Di Thet San, sisters, absconded to the Nat-ain-daung KNU camp in Sept. 1988, and subsequently married Myint Oo and Ye Aung. "Ye Aung worked as an interpreter with the International Rescue Committee (IRC) which was formed in Bangkok. The IRC and JRS known as Jesuit Refugee Service joined up and through the Burma Co-ordinating Group (BCG) sent food and medical supplies, provided assistance to terrorists who were receiving medical treatment at hospitals. The group also provided assistance to those who did not get aid from the UNHCR. The JRS group was founded with funds provided by private entrepreneurs in various countries and formed the Burma Information Group under it. This group collected the news of the terrorists in the border areas and sent them to such groups as Asia Watch and Amnesty International and also published a propaganda journal 'Burma Update'. AThe JRS brought out the tape on Mun Aung's propaganda songs on the activities of the ABSDF at a cost of 100,000 bahts and sold the tapes. Ye Aung also served as a member of the foreign affairs sub-committee of the Overseas National Students Organization (Burma) (ONSOB) formed in Bangkok. Myint Oo is said to have been a member of the hospital committee of the JRS and member of the social affairs committee of IRC." They became fed up with disunity among Myanmar youths in Bangkok, "and as arrangments were made to keep 516 Myanmar youths, who were regarded as refugees in Bangkok, at Safe Camp and to cut off part of the aid given to refugees, they reported and returned to the legal fold at the Myanmar Embassy." (WPD 11/14) Chins Flee to Myanmar Nov. 16: "Some 'Kukee' Chin nationals from four Ngophaing villages along the border in the other country, reportedly left their village due to security reasons and fled to Yawlaybo and Yawno villages in Myothit village tract, Tamu Township...on Nov. 14.... Coordinations are being made to send the [some 200] refugees back to the authorities concerned in the other country ...." (WPD 11/17) NATIONAL CONVENTION Convention Preparations Nov. 1: Peasant representatives were chosen in Taunggyi on Oct. 30 and in Mandalay on Oct. 29. (WPD 11/2) Nov. 2: Peasants and workers representatives for Yangon were chosen on Oct. 29. (WPD 11/3) Nov. 5: SLORC Order No. 14/92 of Nov. 5, Convening of the National Convention, reads [text]: In respect of the convening of the National Convention as declared in Declaration No. 11/92 dated 24th April, 1992, the State Law and Order Restoration Council hereby determines to convene the National Convention as follows in order to lay down the basic principles for drafting a firm Constitution of the State:컴 Date of Commencement of Meeting 컴 9th January 1993. Time of Meeting 컴 10:00 hours Place of Meeting 컴 Central Meeting Hall, Compound of the President's Residence, Ahlone Road, Yangon. (WPD 11/6) Nov. 5: Kayin and Bamar representatives from Yangon Division were chosen. \\ The Management Committee for Convening the National Convention met under Chairman Brig-Gen. Tin Aye. (WPD 11/6) Nov. 6: The Entertainment and Welfare Sub-committee, the Invitation, Reception and Accommodations Sub-commitee, and the Decorations Sub-committee, all met. (WPD 11/7) Nov. 13: The Management Committee met. (WPD 11/14) Nov. 14: Magway Division chose workers delegates to the Convention. (WPD 11/15) DIPLOMATIC Diplomatic Calls The following calls were paid on Burmese officials by foreign Embassy or UN officials accredited to Burma. Nov. 2: Chinese Ambassador Liang Feng called on Minister for Trade Maj-Gen. Tun Kyi, and on Minister for Agriculture Maj-Gen. Myint Aung. Nepalese Ambassador Dr. Thakkan Mallik called on Minister for Industry-1 Lt-Gen. Sein Aung, and on Minister for Livestock Breeding & Fisheries Brig-Gen. Maung Maung. Thai Ambassador Virasakdi Futrakul called on Minister for Health Rear-Adm. Than Nyunt. Korean Ambassador Hang Kyung Kim called on Minister for Hotels and Tourism Maj-Gen. Kyaw Ba, and on Minister for Trade Maj-Gen. Tun Kyi. Pakistan Ambassador Mohamad Qurban called on Minister for Transport Maj-Gen. Thein Win. UNDP Resident Representative Jehan Raheem called on Minister for Rail Transportation U Win Sein. (WPD 11/3) Nov. 3: Chinese Ambassador Liang Feng called on Deputy Prime Minister Vice-Adm. Maung Maung Khin. Thai Ambassador Virasakdi Futrakul called on Minister for Mines Maj-Gen. Kyaw Min. Nepalese Ambassador Dr. Thakkan Mallik called on Minister for Health Rear-Adm. Than Nyunt, on Minister for Industry-2 U Than Shwe, and on Minister for Rail Transportation U Win Sein. UNDP Resident Representative Jehan Raheem called on Minister for Education Col. Pe Thein. (WPD 11/4) Nov. 4: Nepalese Ambassador Dr. Thakkam Mallik called on Minister for Forestry Lt-Gen. Chit Swe. Singapore Charge d'Affaires Lam Peck Heng called on Minister for Health Rear-Adm. Than Nyunt, and on Minister for Trade Maj-Gen. Tun Kyi, accompanied by his replacement Mr. Anthony Chng Chye Tong. (WPD 11/5) Nov. 5: The Nepalese Ambassador called on Minister for Energy U Khin Maung Thein, and on Minister for Co-operatives U Than Aung. Malaysian Ambassador John Tenewi Nuek called on Minister for Co-operatives U Than Aung. Singapore Charge d'Affaires Lam Peck Heng called on Minister for Planning & Finance Brig-Gen. Abel to introduce his successor, Mr. Anthony Chng Chye Tong. (WPD 11/6) Nov. 6: The Singapore Charge d'Affaires and his successor called on Deputy Prime Minister Vice-Adm. Maung Maung Khin. (WPD 11/7) Nov. 11: Thai Ambassador Virasakdi Futrakul called on Minister for Hotels and Tourism Maj-Gen. Kyaw Ba. Philippine Ambassador Ms. Rosalinda V. Tirona called on Minister for Transport Maj-Gen. Thein Win. (WPD 11/12) Nov. 12: Chinese Ambassador Liang Feng called on Minister for Hotels and Tourism Maj-Gen. Kyaw Ba. Nepalese Ambassador Dr. Thakkan Mallik called on Minister for Mines Maj-Gen. Kyaw Min. Japanese Ambassador Tomoya Kawamura called on Minister for Trade Maj-Gen. Tun Kyi. (WPD 11/13) Nov. 13: Pakistan Ambassador Mohamed Qurban called on Minister for Trade Maj-Gen. Tun Kyi. Malaysian Ambassador John Tenewi Nuek called on Minister for Transport Maj-Gen. Thein Win. Nepalese Ambassador Dr. Thakkan Mallik called on Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement Brig-Gen. Thaung Myint, and on Minister for Construction U Khin Maung Yin. Australian Ambassador G Allen called on Minister for Hotels and Tourism Maj-Gen. Kyaw Ba, and said "many Australians want to visit Myanmar for its beautiful sceneries and ancient cultural heritage." Korean Ambassador Hang Kyung Kim called on Minister for Prime Minister's Office Brig-Gen. Lun Maung. (WPD 11/14) Nov. 16: Malaysian Ambassador John Tenewi Nuek called on Minister for Hotels and Tourism Maj-Gen. Kyaw Ba, and on Minister for Mines Maj-Gen. Kyaw Min. Nepalese Ambassador Dr. Thakkan Mallik called on Minister for Information Brig-Gen. Myo Thant, and on Minister for Trade Maj-Gen. Tun Kyi. Israeli Ambassador Ori Noy called on Minister for Trade Maj-Gen. Tun Kyi, and on Minister for Transport Maj-Gen. Thein Win. Japanese Ambassador Tomoya Kawamura called on Minister for Development of Border Areas and National Races Maj-Gen. Maung Thint. (WPD 11/17) Nov. 17: The Japanese Ambassador called on Minister for Prime Minister's Office Brig-Gen. Lun Maung. Philippine Ambassador Ms. Rosalinda V. Tirona, and Malaysian Ambassador John Tenewi Nuek, called on Minister for Trade Maj-Gen. Tun Kyi. (WPD 11/18) Nov. 18: Nepalese Ambassador Dr. Thakkan Mallik called on Minister for Planning & Finance Brig-Gen. Abel. Israeli Ambassador Ori Noy called on Minister for Hotels and Tourism Maj-Gen. Kyaw Ba. (WPD 11 /19) [Note: reports of diplomatic calls on Maj-Gen. Kyaw Ba, unlike those on other Ministers, frequently include extensive reports of the diplomat's praise of Myanmar's culture, scenery, tourist attractions, etc.] Nov. 20: Korean Ambassador Hang Kyung Kim called on Minister for Forestry Lt-Gen. Chit Swe. Philippine Ambassador Ms. Rosalinda V. Tirona called on Minister for Prime Minister's Office Brig-Gen. Lun Maung. (WPD 11/21) Nov. 24: Chinese Ambassador Liang Feng called on Minister for Prime Minister's Office Brig-Gen. Lun Maung. (WPD 11/25) Nov. 25: The Chinese Ambassador called on Minister for Industry-2 U Than Shwe. (WPD 11/26) Nov. 26: Pakistani Ambassador Muhamad Qurban called on Minister for Hotels and Tourism Maj-Gen. Kyaw Ba. French Ambassador Alain Briottet also called on the Hotels and Tourism Minister, noting that "only intellectuals of his country are interested in the historical events of ancient Myanmar Kings, Franco-Myanmar relations in Konbaung era and the promotion of Buddhist culture in Myanmar and added that most people have little knowledge about Myanmar. The Minister said "it is possible to give permission to a French TV company for video-taping Myanmar's culture and traditions. Thai Ambassador Virasakdi Futrakul called on Minister for Prime Minister's Office Brig-Gen. Lun Maung. (WPD 11/ 27) New Ambassadors to Myanmar Nov. 2: The government has approved the nomination of Miss Eva Heckscher as new Swedish Ambassador to Myanmar. Ambassador Heckscher was born in 1936, and entered the Swedish Foreign Service in 1966. She was named Ambassador to Bangladesh in 1985. She is now concurrently Ambassador to Thailand, and resides in Bangkok. She is single. (WPD 11/2) Nov. 24: Mr. Valery Vartanovitch Nazarov presented credentials to SLORC Chairman General Than Shwe as new Russian Ambassador to Myanmar. (WPD 11/25) Nov. 27: Mr. G. Parthasarathy presented credentials to SLORC Chairman General Than Shwe as new Indian Ambassador to Myanmar. (WPD 11/28) Myanmar Ambassadors Nov. 6: Departing Myanmar Ambassador to Thailand U Nyunt Swe, and his wife Daw Thet Thet Swe, paid a farewell call Oct. 29 on Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn. (WPD 11/7) Nov. 17: U Aung Phone, Myanmar Ambassador to Italy, presented credentials Oct. 8 as Permanent Representative to the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) and on Oct. 14 as Permanent Representative to the International Fund for Agricultural Development. (WPD 11/17 picture caption} Nov. 19: U Sein Yi presented credentials Nov. 16 to President Turgut Ozal in Ankara as new Myanmar Ambassador to Turkey. (WPD 11/19) Nov. 29: The Government has appointed U Khin Maung Soe as new Myanmar Ambassador to Russia. (WPD 11/30) Attaches Visit Shan State Nov. 29: Military attaches in Myanmar and their families, headed by Dean of Military Attaches Col. Valeri A. Amossov of Russia, visited the Kyaing Tong region and Tachilek on Nov. 27-29. They were escorted by Deputy Director of Defence Services Intelligence Lt-Col. Kyaw Win. (WPD 11/30) INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION Foreign Donations Nov. 11: The War Veterans Organization of Japan donated two million yen (US$ 15,500) to the Myanma Red Cross Society. The Nakorn Patana Co. Ltd. of Bangkok donated medicines worth 89,520 baht for military hospitals. (WPD 11/12) Nov. 23: Myanmar Shell B V Company, represented by Advisers U Thein Nyunt and Ms. Y. Meershock, donated US$2,000 of medicine to the Children's Hospital. (WPD 11/24) Nov. 24: The Japanese Sasakawa Foundation donated 5 million yen (US$40,500) to the Myanmar Government in support of the 34th Consultative Committee Meeting of the Colombo Plan. (WPD 11/25) Nov. 28: Managing Director Mr. Chun Yu Chu of Myanmar-Chan (Hong Kong) Ltd. donated K1.3 million for construction of a water tank in Ward No. 41, Dagon Myothit (North), Yangon. (WPD 11/29) Colombo Plan Meeting Nov. 12: The Central Committee for Convening the 34th Colombo Plan Consultative Committee Meeting, to be held in Yangon from Nov. 26-Dec. 2, presided over by its Deputy Chairman, Deputy Minister for Planning & Finance Brig-Gen. Win Tin. (WPD 11/ 13) Nov. 20: The Central Committee met again. (WPD 11/21) Nov. 23: Delegates began to arrive: Indonesian Ambassador to Sri Lanka Suprato Handjoutomo, Malaysian Ambassador to Sri Lanka Abdul Kadin Din Mohd Deen, and Sri Lanka State Secretary of the Ministry of Finance C.R. Kuruppu. (WPD 11/24) Nov. 24: More delegates arrived: 5 from Korea, 1 from the Colombo Plan Bureau, 3 from Indonesia, 2 from India, 8 from Thailand, 1 from Singapore, 2 from Nepal, 1 from Laos, 1 from the Colombo Plan Staff College for Technician Education, and 1 from Japan [no names given]. (WPD 11/25) Nov. 25: A pre-conference meeting, chaired by meeting Secretary-General U Thain Aung Lwin, was "attended by heads of officials' delegation," to consider proposed agendas, procedures for election of Chairmen and Deputy Chairmen, confirmation of the main speakers, composition of the Reception Committee, and election of the Drafting Committee. (WPD 11/26) Nov. 27: The Officials' meeting continued, and considered "Debt Servicing and Flows of Resources, the main topic for the meeting, and "suggestive programmes for the eradication of narcotic drugs." The Ministerial meeting will begin Nov. 30. (WPD 11/ 28) Nov. 28: More delegates arrived: Thai Minister of the Prime Minister's Office Col. Chinnawoot Soonthornsima, with his wife and a delegate; Nepal Vice-Chairman of National Planning Commission Dr. Ram Sharam Mahat; Singapore Ambassador to Myanmar [resident in Bangkok] Brig-Gen. Chin Siat Yoon and two delegates; 2 officials from Iran; and 1 from the Columbo Project Bureau. (WPD 11/29) Nov. 29: More delegates arrived: Philippine Secretary of Education Mr. Armand Fabella; Laos Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr. Soubanh Srithirath; and Malaysia Minister of Justice Mr. Syed Hamid Albar. \\ The delegates visited Mandalay, Bagan Nyaung-U, and Bago. (WPD 11/30) Myanmar-Thailand Border Committee Nov. 16: A Myanmar delegation headed by Eastern Command Commander Maj-Gen. Maung Aye left for Thailand to attend the Seventh Meeting of the Myanmar-Thailand Regional Border Committee. It includes South-East Command Commander Brig-Gen. Ket Sein, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs U Nyunt Swe, and 15 other members. Nov. 21: The delegation returned. (WPD 11/22) Myanmar-China Boundary Committee Nov. 25: A ten-member Myanmar delegation led by Acting Director-General U Thein Htay of the Survey Department, Ministry of Forestry, left for Beijing to attend the first meeting of the Myanmar-China Joint Boundary Inspection Committee, to arrnage the second joint inspection of the boundary. (WPD 11/26) Myanmar Shrine in Nepal Nov. 29: Well-wishers have donated K3.31 million kyats "for construction of religious buildings in two plots alloted for Myanmar in Lumbini [the birthplace of Lord Buddha in Nepal]." Those wishing to donate may contact the Head of Office, Religious Affairs Department (Phone 65621) and the Director-General (Phone 65673). (WPD 11/30) FOREIGN VISITORS Religious Visitors Oct. 31: 18 Japanese Buddhist Global Rainbow Ship pilgrims led by Sayadaw Agga Maha Pandita Bhaddanta Vepulla of Moji World Peace Monastery arrived to visit Buddhist sites in Yangon, Bagan, and Mandalay. They include President of Parliament News Takeshi Gomi, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Global Rainbow Ship, Japan, and Rev. Uchida Daiens, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Nihonji Temple. (WPD 11/1) // Nov. 1: They donated Y 1.5 million (US$12,000) to the Religious Affairs Ministry and an equal amount to the Myanmar Red Cross. (WPD 11/2) // Nov. 5: The pilgrims left. (WPD 11/6) Nov. 16: Thai pilgrims led by Agga Maha Pandita Bhaddanta Dhammasiri of Nagahnitkaung Kyaungtaik, Tachelek Twp. [Shan], visited the Shwedagon Pagoda and the Folk Art Exhibition. (WPD 11/17) Nov. 20: Rev. Dr. Bup Hae Kim of the Nation Unity Buddhist Central Association of Korea, and his party, who are in Yangon visiting pagodas and studying Theravada Buddhism, called on Minister for Religious Affairs Maj-Gen. Myo Nyunt, and donated US$800 for promotion and propagation of the Sasana. (WPD 11/21) International Agency Visitors Nov. 1: A four-member delegation from the Bangkok-based Asia-Pacific Natural Agriculture Network (APNAN), led by Chairman Dr. Teruo Higa, arrived. (WPD 11/2) // Nov. 2: He called on Minister for Education Col. Pe Thein, and on Minister for Agriculture Maj-Gen. Myint Aung. (WPD 11/3) Nov. 3: New Delhi Regional Representative of the International Red Cross Mr. David Delapraz called on Minister for Health Rear-Adm. Than Nyunt. (WPD 11/4) Nov. 11: Mr. Shiv Kapur and Mr. Michael Priestly of UNDP, on a mission to study UNDP project implementation, called on Minister for Agriculture Maj-Gen. Myint Aung. (WPD 11/12) // Nov. 12: Joined by Ms. Monina, they called on Minister for Development of Border Areas and National Races Maj-Gen. Maung Thint, and on Minister for Education Col. Pe Thein. (WPD 11/13) // Nov. 17: They called on Minister for Trade Maj-Gen. Tun Kyi. (WPD 11/18) Nov. 14: Mr. Hans Ulrich Hugo, Senior Programme Officer of UNDP, New York, and Mr. C.F. Massey, Chief Technical Adviser of UNDCP, met with Secretary of the Myanmar Central Committee for Drug Abuse Control Police Maj-Gen. San Thein. He is studying projects being implemented under the Myanmar-Chinese-Thailand-UNDCP agreements. (WPD 11/15) Nov. 25: UNESCO Programme Specialist in Literacy Training Research Dr. Namtip Aksornkool, UNICEF Regional Education Adviser Mr. Charles Currin, and UNICEF Resident Representative Mr. Stephen H. Umemoto called on Minister for Education Col. Pe Thein. (WPD 11/26) Nov. 27: Consultant on Higher Education Mr. Eric Hoyle, in Myanmar for the Education Sector Study Project, called on Minister for Education Col. Pe Thein. (WPD 11/ 28) Foreign Journalists Nov. 2: Minister for Planning & Finance Brig-Gen. Abel received Financial Time Southeast Asian Correspondent Mr. Victor Mallet and ABC News Correspondent Ms. Jackie Northan to explain Myanmar economic reform programmes. (WPD 11/3) Nov. 14: A seven-member Nepalese journalist delegation led by President Mr. Manju Ratna Sakya of the Nepal Journalist Association (NJA), arrived, and viewed the Folk Art Exhibition. It includes Vice President of the NJA and Editor Nirmal Kumar Ariyal of Asiyali Aawaj Weekly; Chief Editor Madan Sharma of Swatantra Samachar Daily; Chief Editor Subhadra Kiran Panta of Takuro Weekly; Chief Editor Mohan Bir Thapa of Naya Aawaj Weekly; Chief Editor Keshav Bahadur Karki of Jana Aawaj Weekly; Press Photographer Prakash Bahadur Maskey; and Mr. Chiran Ratna Sakya of Arpan Weekly. They will visit Yangon, Bagan Nyaung-U, Mandalay, Sagaing, Mogok, and Pyin-Oo-Lwin. (WPD 11/ 15) // Nov. 18: They visited Bagan Nyaung-U, Mandalay, and Sagaing Nov. 15-17. (WPD 11/19) // Nov. 20: They called on Deputy Minister for Information U Soe Nyunt, and visited People's Square and the Myanma Radio and Television Department. (WPD 11/ 21) // Nov. 21: The delegation left. (WPD 11/22) Business Visitors Nov. 3: Mr. Michal Hegney of MEDC Hong Kong, with his party, called on Minister for Hotels and Tourism Maj-Gen. Kyaw Ba and "put forward matters relating to construction of village type tour villas in the mainland and hotels and gamenians [sic] on the islands. They said that they are interested in construction of bungalow-type buildings made of teak and other woods, luxury villas and five star hotels, international 18-hole golf-courses, wild parks and botanical gardens and yachting and surfing clubs and purchasing of elephants from Myanma Timber Enterprise to carry out joy-rides between the islands [sic]." (WPD 11/4) Academic & Medical Visitors Nov. 6: A six-member group of medical specialists headed by Dr. Lee Seng Teik of Singapore arrived to exchange knowledge and to perform surgical treatment on persons with hare lip or cleft palate. (WPD 11/ 7) Nov. 10: President Mr. Philip W. Plumb of the Library Association of Britain called on Minister for Education Col. Pe Thein to discuss "sending of invitations to enable persons to attend courses on library to be conducted by the Library Association of Britain, visiting of library experts to conduct courses in the country and providing books and aid equipment for libraries." (WPD 11/11) Nov. 13: A six-member Chinese health delegation, headed by Deputy Minister for Public Health Mr. Sun Longchun arrived on a goodwill visit. (WPD 11/14) // Nov. 14: The delegation visited the Shwedagon Pagoda. (WPD 11/15) // Nov. 17: The delegation visited Thandwe [Sandoway] and Mandalay on Nov. 15-17. (WPD 11/18) // Nov. 18: Health issues were discussed with Deputy Minister for Health Col. Than Zin. (WPD 11/ 19) // Nov. 19: The delegation called on SLORC Secretary-1 Maj-Gen. Khin Nyunt, and visited the Primary Health Personnel Training Institute. (WPD 11/20) // Nov. 20: The delegation left. (WPD 11/21) Chinese Red Cross Nov. 4: A goodwill delegation headed by Central Executive Committee Member Mme. Chin Liying of the Chinese Red Cross Society, with four members, arrived for an 11-day visit to Yangon, Bago, and Mandalay. (WPD 11/5) // Nov. 5: The delegation visited the Shwedagon Pagoda and National Museum. (WPD 11/6) // Nov. 11: The delegation left. (WPD 11/12) Anglo-American Tourists Nov. 9: 460 tourists, mostly British and American, on the French cruise ship MV Ocean Pearl, arrived at Yangon port. "Damsels of the Myanma Travels and Tours presented them with bouquets and the music troupe welcomed them with songs and dances." They visited the National Museum and the Botahtaung Pagoda, and attended a Myanma cultural variety dance at the Karaweik Hall. This is the largest cruise ship ever to call at Yangon; it is expected to come again, via Madras, in December. (WPD 11/10) // Nov. 10: The tourists visited the Shwedagon Pagoda, the Myanma Traditional Art Exhibition, and the Bogyoke Aung San Market, and shopped at the duty free shop at Nanthida Jetty. The ship sailed for Madras in the afternoon. (WPD 11/11) Nov. 13: Editorial: Tourism in comfort. [What a pity the tourists could not visit Mandalay and Bagan-Nyaung-U! In such situations, "How about a special rail coach? ... If we have enough special coaches we can run a special train to carry them with comfort and luxury to more distant places like Mandalay.... The railways itself could earn considerable foreign exchange by this means. It will be a travettury {sic} hotel on bogies. And this will be a novel way of seeing of Myanmar the possibilities of which may be well worth exploring and exploiting to the full if found economically feasible."] Thai Commander-in-Chief Nov. 10: A goodwill delegation headed by Air Chief Marshal Voranat Aphichari, Supreme Commander of the Royal Thai Armed Forces, arrived by special aircraft and called on SLORC Chairman General Than Shwe. Others in delegation are Gen. Visit Artkhomewongs, Gen. Charoon Poonsanong, Gen. Supit Wora-Uthai, Lt-Gen. Mongkon Amponrpisit, and Lt-Gen. Prajuab Sangtaweep. Later, the delegation visited the Shwedagon Pagoda, and the Myanma Folk Art Exhibition, before flying back to Thailand. (WPD 11/11) US Congressman Rangel Nov. 10: US Congressman Charles B. Rangel, Chairman of the Select Committee on Narcotics Abuse and Control of the United States Congress, arrived. He was accompanied by Committee members Benjamin A. Gilman and Frank J. Guarini, and by retired Congressman Lester Wolff. In the evening Minister for Foreign Affairs U Ohn Gyaw hosted a dinner at the Kandawgyi Hotel. (WPD 11/11) Nov. 11: Congressman Rangel visited Chin Shwe Haw in Shan State, where they toured the Parkyet Haw hydro-power station, and the Nationalities Youth Training School at Kunlong. (WPD 11/12) Nov. 12: In addition to attending the narcotics destruction exhibition [see below], he called on Minister for Planning & Finance Brig-Gen. Abel, and on SLORC Secretary-1 Maj-Gen. Khin Nyunt. (WPD 11/13) Japanese Veterans Nov. 13: A 33-member delegation headed by President Mr. kawamura Hajime of the War Veterans Organization of Japan, accompanied by Vice-President Mr. Yoshiaei Furuno and Sayadaw U Vijjananda of Moji Myanmar Kyaungtaik of Japan, attended the inaugural ceremony of the Memorial Clock Tower in Myitkyina on Nov. 12, and delivered 1 million yen for maintenance and 300,000 yen for the expenses of the ceremony. The Clock Tower was built "in memory of the Japanese soldiers who fell during the World War II in Myitkyina Township and its vicinity. The tower, completed Apr. 21, 1992, cost K190,329. (WPD 11/14) Thai Cooperation Delegations Nov. 16: An 8-member Thai technical cooperation delegation, headed by Deputy Secretary-General Mr. Thongchai Petcharatana of the Ministry of Agriculture and Co-operatives, arrived. They will remain until Nov. 21 to discuss technical cooperation. (WPD 11/17) // Nov. 19: The delegation met with Director-General U Maung Hti of the Co-operative Department. (WPD 11/20) // Nov. 21: The delegation left. (WPD 11/22) Nov. 16: Another 8-member Thai technical co-operation delegation, led by Deputy Director-General Mr. Pichet Scontornpipit of the Department of Technical and Economic Co-operation of the Prime Minister's Office, arrived to discuss technical cooperation. (WPD 11/17) // Nov. 19: The delegation left. (WPD 11/20) MYANMAR DELEGATIONS Study Delegations Nov. 1: A delegation led by the Planning Department Director [name not given] left for Thailand to study the east coastal project implementation activities of the Thai National Economic and Social Development Board from Nov. 2-12. Other members are Deputy Director U Sai, Assistant Directors U Win Kyi and U Than Aye, and Deputy Director (Survey) U Sein Myint and Deputy Director (Planning) U Than Htut Win. (WPD 11/2) Nov. 5: Deputy Minister for Mines U Myint Thein left for Canada to study solvent extraction and electrowining of bronze and gold producing by means of 'carbon in pulp' method, at the invitation of Ivanhoe Capital Corporation. (WPD 11/6) // Nov. 23: He returned from Canada and the United States Nov. 14: Research Officers Dr. Maung Maung Cho and U Khin Maung Naing of the Nutrition Unit of the Medical Research Bureau left for India to attend a Seminar on Isotope Tracer in Human Nutrition Research, sponsored by the International Atomic Energy Agency. (WPD 11/15) Nov. 17: Rector U Ohn Thaw of the Department of Myanmar Language, Mandalay University, left for Japan where he will serve as a Visiting Professor at Osaka Foreign Languages University to give lectures on "Myanmarsar." (WPD 11/18) Nov. 23: An education delegation headed by Head of Division U Aye Myint of the Border Area Development Programme of the Basic Education Department left for China to "study border area education in China ...." Other members are Township Education Officer of Kyaington U Sai Peng Mong, Assistant Township Education Officer of Kunlong U Khin Maung Ohn, and Headmaster of Nantit Primary School, Hopang Township, U Sai Aike Thein. (WPD 11/24) Nov. 24: An education delegation left for Thailand to study border area education in Thailand under the Programme of Strengthening and Upgrading of Teacher Education in Myanmar. It consists of Education Officer of Hopang Township U Tun Paw, Education Officer of Tachilek Township U Sai Hla Kyaw, and the Headmaster of Yankyein Primary School, Kyaing Tong Township [not named]. (WPD 11/25) Delegations to Meetings & Events Nov. 1: A 10-member environmental delegation headed by Prof. U Nyunt Wynn of the Chemistry Department at Yangon University left for Bangkok to attend the Nov. 2-6 Second Princess Chulabhorn Science Congress on Environment, Science and Technology. It includes "officials with environmental expertise from various Ministries and National Commission for Environmental Affairs." (WPD 11/2) // Nov. 8: The delegation returned. (WPD 11/9) Nov. 2: A 3-member delegation left for Thailand to attend the Eighth Meeting of the Medical Research Council of Analogous Bodies and Concerned Research Foci in the Relevant Ministries (MRCS), to be held from Nov. 3-6 under WHO auspices. They are Director-General Dr. Myint Lwin of the Medical Research Department, Professor and Head of Medicine Department Dr. Ko Ko Hla of the Institute of Medicine-2, and Assistant Director Dr. Myint Htwe of the Health Department. (WPD 11/3) Nov. 5: A delegation headed by Minister for Health Rear-Adm. Than Nyunt left for New Delhi to attend the Second Asia and Pacific Regional Conference on AIDS from Nov. 8-12. Other members are Deputy Director of Medical Services of the Defence Services Col. Tin Thein Lwin, Specialist at Yangon General Hospital Dr. Ye Mya, and PSO of the Minister Capt. Tin Oo. (WPD 11/ 6) // Nov. 14: The delegation returned. (WPD 11/15) // Nov. 18: While in New Delhi, the Minister met with South-East Asia Regional WHO Director Dr. Ko Ko, and with US Congressman Jim Macdermott. He told the Conference that Myanmar had declared AIDS to be a "National Cause," and was implementing measures "aimed at educating the masses as well as high-risk groups, case management and counseling services, treatment of AIDS victims" and "activities to ensure a safe blood-supply." (WPD 11/19) Nov. 26: Minister for Foreign Affairs U Ohn Gyaw left for Vientiane to attend the State Funeral of President Kaysone Phoumvihane. He was accompanied by Deputy Director-General of Protocol U Lu Maw and Personal Secretary Daw Moe Thuza. (WPD 11/27) Nov. 28: Director-General Lt-Col. Thein Han of the Office of the Work Committee for Development of Border Areas and National Races, and Acting Director-General U Soe Kyi of the Forest Department left for Kathmandu, Nepal, to attend the Nov. 30-Dec. 2 18th Meeting of the Board of Governors of the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development, and will then observe ICIMOD until Dec. 6. (WPD 11/29) Business Delegations Nov. 14: An industrial delegation led by Minister for Industry-1 Lt-Gen. Sein Aung left for Japan and Korea. Other members Managing Director U Kyaw Myint of Myanma Heavy Industries, Managing Director U Soe Myint of Myanma Ceramics Industries, Deputy Director U Zaw Win of Myanma Foodstuff Industries, and the Minister's PSO Maj. Hla Moe. (WPD 11/15) Delegations Return [Return of Delegations that departed in previous months.] Nov. 5: The health delegation led by Deputy Minister for Health Col. Than Zin returned from the ministerial level malarial conference on Oct. 26-27. The delegation also visited England from Oct. 28-31 and France from Nov. 1-2 to see malarial research projects. (WPD 11/6) Nov. 11: The delegation led by Chairman of the Central Co-operative Society U Myo Myint returned from an Oct. 27-30 international co-operative conference in Tokyo. They also visited coop services in Tokyo, and in Chiangmai and Bangkok in Thailand. (WPD 11/12) GOVERNMENT New Forest Law (& Commentary) Nov. 3: SLORC Law No. 8/92, the Forest Law, reads [full text]: 1. This Law shall be called the Forest Law. 2. The following expressions contained in this Law shall have the meanings given hereunder:컴 (a) Reserved Forest means land constituted as a reserved forest under this Law; (b) Protected Public Forest means land declared to be protected public forest under this Law; (c) Forest Land means land including reserved forest and protected public forest; (d) Land at the disposal of the Government means land with the exception of land in which a Government department, organization or any person has acquired right of cultivation, right of possession, right of use and occupancy, beneficial enjoyment, heritable right or transferable right under any existing law; (e) Forest-produce means trees, leaves, flowers and fruits grown on or found in forest land or land at the disposal of the Government and their by-products. This expression also, includes wild animals and insects, their parts and their by-products; (f) Minor Forest produce means forest produce declared as a minor forest produce under this Law; (g) Tree includes root, stump, stem, branch, bush, creeper, bamboo, cane, orchid and seedling; (h) Reserved Tree means a teak tree and any tree declared as a reserved tree under this Law; (i) Timber means a tree which has fallen or which has been felled and wood or log, whether cut up, fashioned or hollowed out; (j) Firewood means a tree, part or piece of timber suitable for use as fuel; (k) Domestic Animal means animals raised by man including elephants; (l) Removal Pass means a permit issued under this Law to move forest produce from one township or another within the country; (m) Permit means an order permitting extraction of forest produce or an order permitting right of operation relating to forest produce. This expression also includes an agreement executed to permit extraction of forest produce; (n) Minister means the Minister of the Ministry of Forestry; (o) Director-General means the Director-General of the Forest Department; (p) Forest Officer means the Head of the State, Divisional, District or Township Forest Department; (q) Forest Staff means the forest administrative staff at different levels from a Forest Guard to the Director-General of the Forest Department. Chapter II Basic Principles 3. This Law shall be implemented in accordance with the following basic principles:컴 (a) to implement the forestry policy of the Government; (b) to implement the environmental policy of the Government; (c) to promote the sector of public co-operation in implementing the forestry policy and the environmental policy of the Government; (d) to develop the economy of the State, to contribute towards the food, clothing and shelter needs of the public and for perpetual enjoyment of benefits by conservation and protection of forests; (e) to carry out [sic] in accordance with international agreements relating to conservation of forests and conservation of environment; (f) to prevent the dangers of destruction of forests and bio-diversity, outbreak of fires, infestation of insects and occurrence of plant disease; (g) to carry out simultaneously conservation of natural forests and establishment of forest plantations; (h) to contribute towards the fuel requirements of the country. Chapter III Constituting Reserved Forest and Declaring Protected Public Forest 4. In order to conserve the environmental factors and to maintain a sustained yield of the forest produce, the Minister may, with the approval of the Government constitute the following categories of reserved forest by demarcation on land at the disposal of the Government:컴 (a) commercial extraction reserved forest; (b) local supply reserved forest; (c) watershed or catchment reserved forest; (d) environment and bio-diversity conservation reserved forest; (e) other categories of reserved forest. 5. The Minister may, with the approval of the Government declare as protected public forest, specifying limits on land at the disposal of the Government, outside reserved forests for the following purposes:컴 (a) protection of water and soil; (b) conservation of dry-zone forests; (c) conservation of mangrove forests; (d) conservation of environment and bio-diversity; (e) maintaining the sustained yield of the forest produce. 6. The Minister shall컴 (a) before constituting a reserved forest or declaring a protected public forest, declare in the manner prescribed that it is proposed to constitute any land a reserved forest or to prescribe any land a protected public forest; (b) in respect to constituting a reserved forest appoint a Forest-settlement Officer to inquire into and determine in the manner prescribed the affected rights of the public in the relevant land and to carry out demarcation of the reserved forest; (c) in respect of specifying a protected public forest delegate the Director-General to inquire into and determine in the manner prescribed the affected rights of the public which may arise under the prohibitions contained in the declaration; (d) publish a notification constituting a reserved forest after consideration of the report submitted through the Director-General by the Forest-settlement Officer after carrying out [sic] in accordance with sub-section (b); (e) publish a notification determining a protected public forest after consideration of the report submitted by the Director-General after carrying out in accordance with sub-section (c). 7. The Minister may, with the approval of the Government컴 (a) alter the category of the whole or a portion of the reserved forest; cancel the category of being a reserved forest; convert into a protected public forest; (b) cause the whole or a portion of of the protected public forest which no longer requires conservation to cease to be a protected public forest. 8. (a) A standing teak tree wherever situated in the State is owned by the State. (b) The Minister may declare, alter or cancel according to the locality the varieties of reserved trees which are to be conserved by the Forest Department. Chapter IV Management of Forest Land 9. The functions and responsibilities of the Forest Department are as follows:컴 (a) implementation of the forestry policy of the Government; (b) implementation of the schemes relating to conservation of water, soil, bio-diversity and environment, sustained yield of forest produce and protection of forest covered land; (c) management of forest land in accordance with the provision of this law; (d) submitting proposals to the Minister for the determination, alteration or cancellation of reserved forest, protected public forest and varieties of reserved tree; (e) making arrangments for opening schools and training courses relating to forestry and sending forestry State scholars abroad; (f) administering Forestry College; (g) collecting inventory data of forest resources; (h) carrying out works of forest research. 10. In order to carry out the forest and environment conservation work successfully, in accordance with the basic principles contained in this Law, the Director-General shall draw up the following schemes and submit to the Minister:컴 (a) scheme relating to the forest sector, to be used as a guideline in the Government department, organizations and private enterprises; (b) scheme relating to forest administration. 11. The Director-General shall, in respect of the schemes contained in Section 10컴 (a) report the progress of the implementation work annually to the Minister; (b) review from time to time and if requirements warrant alteration submit a proposal to the Minister; (c) collect and compile necessary inventory data of forest resources in the prescribed manner every ten years. 12. Whoever, within a forest land and forest covered land at the disposal of the Government컴 (a) is desirous of carrying out any development work or economic scheme shall obtain the prior approval of the Forestry Ministry; (b) is desirous of carrying out educational or research work or conducting a training course or a study tour shall obtain the prior sanction of the Director-General or the Forest Officer empowered by him. Chapter V Establishment of Forest Plantation 13. The Director-General may, with the approval of the Minister establish the following plantations in a forest land or land at the disposal of the Government컴 (a) commercial plantation; (b) industrial plantation; (c) environmental conservation plantation; (d) local supply plantation; (e) village firewood plantation; (f) othr plantation. 14. If permission is obtained from the Government컴 (a) the Government and any person or any organization have the right to carry out in joint-venture; (b) any person or any organization has the right to carry out in accordance with the stipulation cultivation and maintenance of forest plantations with the exception of village-owned firewood plantations cultivated by the villagers for their own use. 15. The Director-General may grant permission to establish with stipulation the following village-owned firewood plantations in a reserved forest or protected public forest or land at the disposal of the Government in the vicinity of the village:컴 (a) firewood plantation cultivated by the Forest Department for a certain period and then transferred to be maintained and used as village-owned; (b) village-owned firewood plantation cultivated, maintained and used by the villages by collective labour. 16. A person having obtained the right to extract forest produce on a commercial scale who has the responsibility of establishing forest plantation or carrying out natural regeneration under a permit for the State shall carry out the same at his own expense and in accordance with the stipulation. Chapter VI Permission for Extraction of Forest Produce 17. Forest produce may only be extracted after obtaining a permit. However, if it is for personal use or for use in agricultural of fishery enterprise not on a commercial scale, forest produce may be extracted in an amount not exceeding the stipulated quantity, without obtaining a permit. 18. In permitting the extraction of forest produce the Forest Department shall use the competitive bidding system if the extraction is on a commercial scale. However, extraction for the following purposes may be permitted without using the competitive bidding system:컴 (a) where extraction of forest products and sales in and around the country are carried out as a State-owned enterprise; (b) where the Minister is empowered by the Government in respect of the extraction of forest produce; (c) where minor forest produce is permitted to be extracted on a commercial scale; (d) where forest produce to be used in the following works not on a commercial scale is permitted to be extracted:컴 (i) research and educative work; (ii) work beneficial to the public or religious work. 19. (a) In respect of permission for extraction of forest produce on a commercial scale:컴 (i) the Minister may grant permission for a period of 5 years and above; (ii) the Director-General may grant permission for a period extending from over 2 years to 4 years; (iii) the State/Divisional Forest Officer may grant permission for a term which may extend to 1 year. (b) The person granting permission for extraction of forest produce under sub-section (a) may, for sufficient reason extend the term of the permit for not more than 6 months at a time and not more than twice. 20. The Director-General may, with the approval of the Minister determine the following in respect of the permission for extraction of forest produce:컴 (a) variety of minor forest produce; (b) rate of royalty and other fees; (c) the quantity of each forest produce, the extraction of which is allowed by the Forest Officers, without a permit for personal use or for use in agriculture or fishery enterprise not on a commercial scale; (d) penalty to be imposed for violation of condition contained in the permit; (e) terms and conditions. 21. A person who has obtained permission for extraction of forest produce shall:컴 (a) abide by the conditions contained in the permit; (b) abide by the orders, directives, prohibitions and restrictions issued by the Forest Department in accordance with this law; (c) pay the royalties, security deposits and advances due; (d) affix the mark or affix the property-mark which has been registered, after measuring in the manner prescribed. 22. The Forest Officer may permit the construction of charcoal kiln and burning of charcoal subject to conditions prescribed to enable burning of royalty-paid firewood extracted from forest land and land at the disposal of the Government. Chapter VII Moving of Forest Produce 23. (a) Whoever is desirous of moving any forst produce from one township to another within the country shall apply for a removal pass from the Forest Officer empowered by the Director-General for this purpose. (b) The provision of sub-section (a) shall not apply to the following cases:컴 (i) moving forest produce within the area permitted for extraction thereof; (ii) moving minor forest produce not exceeding the prescribed quantity and not on a commercial scale; (iii) moving from one township to another in a City Development area. 24. The Forest Department may establish the required revenue-stations to examine forest produce in transit and to collect the royalties due. 25. A person moving forest produce shall:컴 (a) carry the removal pass together with him; (b) submit to the examination and assessment of royalty at the relevant revenue-stations. 26. (a) The Director-General shall determine the rafting stations where timber are to be joined together in rafts and floated. (b) A person moving forest produce shall float timber only in rafts under control from the rafting station. Chapter VIII Disposal of Drift, Stranded and Ownerless Timber 27. Raft or timber floated below a rafting station without control is determined to be "adrift." 28. (a) The following timber shall be deemed to be ownerless timber unless and until any person establishes his right thereto within the prescribed period:컴 (i) timber found adrift, stranded or sunk; (ii) timber to which a registered property-mark has not been affixed; (iii) timber on which a registered property-mark has been obliterated. (b) the forest staff has the right to collect timber mentioned in sub-section (a) and bring to the revenue stations or timber depots. 29. The Forest Officer shall dispose of in the manner prescribed drift and ownerless timber. Chapter IX Establishment of Wood-based Industry 30. A private entrepreneur who is desirous of establishing a sawmill, sawpit, tongue-in-groove mill, plywood mill, veneer mill or a wood-based industry with the exception of wood-based cottage industries and furniture industries has the right to establish the same only after obtaining a permit from the Forest Officer empowered for this purpose. 31. The Director-General may, with the approval of the Minister determine the rates of royalties, term of the permit and conditions of the permit for the purpose of section 30. Chapter X Search, Arrest and Administrative Action 32. Powers relating to search, arrest, seizure and disposal of exhibits, which forest staff are authorized to exercise under this Law shall be established by rules. 33. (a) A Forest Officer may pass any order relating to the following administrative action in respect of forest produce seized:컴 (i) in a case of seizure of teak timber not exceeding 1 ton or timber from a reserved tree not exceeding 3 tons, causing payment to be made of a penalty not exceeding kyats 10,000 and confiscating the timber; (ii) in a case of seizure of timber other than timber from teak or reserved tree not exceeding 3 tons, causing payment to be made of a penalty not exceeding kyats 10,000 and double the local value of the timber and releasing the timber; (iii) in a case of seizure of other forest produce the local value of which does not exceed kyats 5000, other than timber, causing payment to be made of a penalty not exceeding kyats 10,000 and double the local value of such produce and releasing the same. (b) No legal proceeding shall be instituted under this Law against a person who abides by the order passed under sub-section (a). Legal proceeding shall only be instituted under this Law against a person who fails to abide by the same. 34. If a person who has obtained permission to extract forest produce or his agent or his labourer violates any condition of the permit, the person granting permission to extract forest produce may pass any of the following orders:컴 (a) causing the suspension of the whole or any portion of the work carried out under the permit; (b) causing payment of the prescribed penalty to be made and permitting the work to be carried on; (c) cancelling the permit; (d) cancelling the permit and confiscating the security deposit and advances; if it is considered necessary causing payment of the prescribed penalty to be made. 35. The Forest Officer may cause payment of a penalty not exceeding kyats 5000 to be made by a person who moves without a removal pass forest produce lawfully owned under this Law and allow the forest produce to be moved. If there is failure to pay the penalty, the forest produce shall be confiscated. 36. (a) The forest staff may, in respect of any forest produce keep in custody such forest produce until and unless the royalties and penalties payable to the Forest Department have been recovered. (b) In case of failure to pay the royalties and penalties within the prescribed period, the Forest Officer shall dispose of the forest produce kept in custody under sub-section (a) in the manner prescribed. Chapter XI Appeal 37. (a) A person dissatisfied with an order or decision made by the Township Forest Officer under this Law may file an appeal to the relevant District Forest Officer or State/Divisional Forest Officer as may be prescribed, within 30 days from the date of such order or decision. (b) The District Forest Officer or the State/Divisional Forest Officer may confirm, alter or set aside the order or decision made by the Township Forest Officer. 38. (a) A person dissatisfied with an order or decision made by the District Forest Officer or the State/Divisional Forest Officer may file an appeal to the Director-General within 60 days from the date of such order or decision. (b) The Director-General may confirm, alter or set aside the order or decision made by the District Forest Officer or the State/Divisional Forest Officer. 39. (a) A person dissatisfied with an order or decision made by a Forest-settlement Officer or the Director-General may file an appeal to the Minister within 60 days from the date of such order or decision. (b) The Minister may confirm, alter or set aside the order or decision made by the Forest-settlement Officer or the Director-General. (c) The decision of the Minister shall be final and conclusive. Chapter XII Offences and Penalties 40. Whoever commits any of the following acts shall, on conviction be punished with fine which may extend to kyats 5000 or with imprisonment for a term which may extend to 6 months or with both:컴 (a) trespassing in a reserved forest; (b) pasturing domestic animals or permitting domestic animals to trespass; (c) breaking up any land, clearing, digging or causing damage to the original condition of the land without a permit in a reserved forest; (d) causing damage to a water-course, putting poison in the water, using chemicals or explosives in the water in a reserved forest; (e) catching animals, hunting or fishing in a reserved forest; (f) kindling, keeping, carrying any fire or leaving any fire burning which may set fire to the forests in a reserved forest; (g) moving forest produce without submitting to examination at the revenue station; (h) violating any provision of the rule, procedure, order, directive or notification issued under this Law. 41. Whoever commits any of the following acts shall, on conviction be punished with fine which may extend to kyats 10,000 or with imprisonment which may extend to 1 year or with both:컴 (a) extracting, moving, keeping in possession unlawfully any forest produce, with the exception of timber from teak and reserved tree, without a permit; (b) selling or utilizing in other industry forest produce extracted under section 18 sub-section (d), without the prior permission of the person authorized to grant permission for extraction. 42. Whoever commits any of the following acts shall, on conviction be punished with fine which may extend to kyats 20,000 or with imprisonment for a term which may extend to 2 years or with both:컴 (a) felling, cutting, girdling, marking, lopping, tapping or injuring by fire or otherwise any tree in a reserved forest; (b) extracting, moving or keeping in possession unlawfully timber from teak or a reserved tree, without a permit; (c) establishing and operating a saw pit, saw-mill, tongue-in-groove mill, plywood mill, veneer mill or a wood-based industry with the exception of wood-based cottage industries and furniture industries without a permit; (d) constructing a charcoal kiln or burning charcoal without a permit. 43. (a) Whoever fells, cuts, girdles, marks, lops, taps, injures by fire or otherwise any teak tree or extracts, moves or keeps in possession unlawfully any timber in a forest land or land at the disposal of the Government without a permit shall be punished with fine which may extend to kyats 50,000 or with imprisonment for term which may extend to 7 years or with both. (b) If the commission of offence under sub-section (a) is in respect of teak timber or teak tree growing or standing upon land other than forest land and land at the disposal of the Government, such person shall be punished with fine which may extend to kyats 5,000 or with imprisonment for a term which mauy extend to 6 months or with both. 44. Whoever commits any of the following acts shall, on conviction be punished with fine which may extend to kyats 30,000 or with imprisonment for a term which may extend to 3 years or with both:컴 (a) having in his possession or counterfeiting a marking hammer used by forest staff; having in his possession a counterfeit marking hammer or affixing a mark on the forest produce with counterfeit marking hammer; (b) unlawfully affixing a mark on the forest produce with a marking hammer used by forest staff or with a property marking hammer. (c) altering, defacing or obliterating any mark affixed on the forest produce by the forest staff or by a person delegated by him; (d) altering, moving, destroying or defacing any boundary mark of a forest land without permission. 45. Any forest staff who, by misusing the power conferred on him under this Law, vexatiously seizes any forest produce without valid reason shall be punished with fine which may extend to kyats 10,000 or with imprisonment for a term which may extend to 1 year or with both. 46. Any forest staff who, by reason of his power accepts from any person cash or kind in a corrupt manner or in contravention of the law and participates and conspires in extracting, moving or unlawfully having of possession forest produce in a wrongful manner shall be punished with imprisonment which may extend from a minimum of 1 year ato a maximum of 7 years. 47. The convicting Court shall, in respect of any legal proceeding instituted under this Law award punishment for the relevant offence and in addition:컴 (a) shall pass order for confiscation of all forest produce in respect of which the offence has been committed; (b) may pass order for the confiscation of vehicles/vessels, animals and other machinery, tools and implements used in the commission of the offence; (c) may pass order for the value of the loss and damage to the Forest Department as a result of the commission of the offence, to be paid by way of compensation to the Forest Department. 48. The Court:컴 (a) shall hand over the confiscated forest produce to the Forest Department; (b) may pay as damages to the person whose property has been wrongfully seized, the whole or any portion of the fine imposed under section 45. Chapter XIII Miscellaneous 49. (a) The Minister may reduce, waive or exempt from payment of any royalty due, in respect of forest produce permitted to be extracted under this Law. (b) The Director-General may reduce, waive or exempt from payment of any royalty due, in respect of forest produce permitted to be extracted under section 18 sub-section (d). 50. The Director-General may delegate the powers conferred on him under this Law to the Forest Officers. 51. All money payable to the Forest Department under this Law shall be recovered as if it were an arrear of land revenue. A Forest Officer who has been assigned responsibility by the Ministry of Forestry for this purpose shall exercise the powers of a Collector under the existing laws. 52. When a request is made by the Forest staff for assistance in the performance of their duties, the People's Police Force shall render necessary assistance. 53. If an exhibit relating to any legal proceeding instituted under this Law is not easily produceable before the Court, such exhibit need not be produced before the Court. However, a report or other relevant documentary evidence as to the manner of custody of the same may be submitted. Such submission shall be deemed as if it were a submission of the exhibit before the Court and the relevant Court may dispose of the same in accordance with law. 54. In a case where administrative action is taken or in a case where a legal proceeding is instituted under this Law, the burden of proving a lawful ownership or lawful right of possession in respect of the forest produce shall be on the person against whom action is taken. 55. The reserved forests existing under the Forest Act, 1902 shall be deemed to be reserved forests constituted under this Law. 56. Before the issuance of rules, procedures, notifications and directives under this Law, rules notifications, directives and circulars issued under the Forest Law, 1902 may continue to be applicable in so far as they are not inconsistent with this Law. 57. For the purpose of carrying out the provisions of this Law:컴 (a) the Ministry of Forestry may issue rules and procedures as may be necessary with the approval of the Government; (b) the Ministry of Forestry and the Forest Department may issue orders, directives and notifications as may be necessary. 58. The Forest Act, 1902 is hereby repealed. (Sd) Than Shwe General Chairman, The State Law and Order Restoration Council (WPD 11/4) Nov. 20: The Forests Act that serves State interests, by A Retired Forest Officer. [The new Law greatly increases penalties for violation, and allows conviction for mere possession of illegally cut trees. Other changes from the 1902 Law discussed.] Nov. 25: Forest & environmental protection in Myanmar, by A Retired Forest Officer. [Speaking at the Myanma Timber Enterprise on Oct. 20, Minister for Forestry Lt-Gen. Chit Swe "gave his first emphasis on AAC or the Annual Allowable Cut. To give a brief explanation of what AAC means: in Myanmar all timber now be extracted are from natural forests and the extractions are being done in accordance with Myanmar Selective Extraction Method...{which} differs from the total felling methods now being practised in some other countries.... Only mature trees are felled...{which} means a tree whose natural growth has ceased. Such mature trees are first investigated and examined specie by specie {sic}. And then, trees of prescribed girths according to their species are permitted to be extracted. Younger trees are also enumerated at the time of examination of mature trees. Extraction in a particular forest compartment is allowed only once in thirty years. How many younger trees enumerated earlier would have attained maturity after thirty years can be calculated and the Annual Allowable Cut is determined in this way.... {The system} resembles withdrawing from a bank savings account only the interest accrued leaving the original savings intact. Myanmar has been practising this Selective Extraction method for over 130 years now ....{and} Myanma natural forests are capable of producing 350,000 cubic tons of teak and 1,300,000 cubic tons of other hard wood without disturbing the environment.... ["The Minister also reminded the staff to explain the truth whenever appropriate about allegations being made by the World Environmental Protection Group and certain other major powers against developing countries including Myanmar. Allegations being made are found to relate particularly to loggings in frontier areas. {Because of insurgencies} illegal and indiscriminate loggings have been going on in collaboration with insurgents for many years.... To eliminate illegal loggings...legal logging concessions were given in 1989. These concessions are for very short terms and they stipulate loggings strictly in accordance with Myanma Selective Extraction method.... Nobody made any protest during the past forty years when indiscriminate loggings were going on in full scale. To make allegations of deforestations only now wwhen we are permitting systematic loggings is not at all objective: they are all subjective allegations.... Are these protests {against cutting of tropical forests around the world} being made with a view to driving the peoples of developing countries back into a lithic age when peoples of developed countries already riding first class air planes? Developed countries have already levelled down their forests, with some countries being left less than 10 per cent of their land mass covered by forests. {Since}...to prevent global warming up every nation... should have at least 40 per cent of its land mass covered with forests {,} industrialized nations should therefore increase their forested area to cover 40 per cent of their land mass." {Table of forested per cent of various countries shows Myanmar at 80%, China at 17%, Thailand at 33%, France at 27%, and United Kingdom at 9%, etc.}] Atomic Energy Committee Nov. 11: The Myanma Atomic Energy Committee held its first meeting under its Chairman, Deputy Minister for Education Col. Kyi Maung. He said that the Committee had been formed "to bring about quick and effective development...in such fields as education, health, agriculture and livestock breeding and industries." Atomic energy does not just mean nuclear reactors and huge nuclear power plants, "but it can also be produced through radio isotopes and machinery for use in agriculture and livestock breeding work and medical treatment and detecting diseases and other purposes." It was important to use atomic energy "systematically, properly and in a disciplinary manner...[to] assure the safety of the users as well as the public and prevent environmental pollution." At present there are "no such arrangments, directives and law and rules," and the Committee must draft and submit them. It must also "draw up long-term and short-term programmes for peaceful use of atomic energy in the interests of the State and the people." (WPD 11/12) National Day Message Nov. 19: SLORC Chairman General Than Shwe issued the annual Message on the occasion of the 72nd Anniversary of National Day [full text]: To the people of all the national races, Today is the 72nd Anniversary of the National Day. Since National Day is a day of great significance in the history of Myanmar Naing-Ngan, I send my greetings to all of you on this auspicious occasion. National Day is not only an unforgettable day but also a milestone in the history of the struggles for the Myanmar Naing-Ngan's independence. Union of Myanmar is a country which existed since time immemorial as a separate independent and sovereign nation having its own kings and own system of ruling, own race, own religion and own culture and customs and lived as a proud and stately nation. However, the greedy and avaricious colonialists who coveted the natural geographical conditions of Myanmar Naing-Ngan and its natural resources and wealth, invaded the country and fought three aggressive wars, once in 1824, once in 1852 and once in 1885 and captured lower Myanmar Naing-Ngan on 20 December 1852 and annexed upper Myanmar Naing-Ngan on 1 January 1886. They then turned the whole of Myanmar Naing-Ngan into a colony of theirs and enslaved the entire people of Myanmar Naing-Ngan. From that time onwards, the colonialists looted and exploited rice, teak and timber, oil and other natural resources. They not only took out countless amount of our precious natural resources such as teak and timber, minerals and gems but also oppressed and tortured the people for nearly 100 years. The people of Myanmar Naing-Ngan opposed and revoted against the colonialists resorting to various means throughout the country. On 1 December 1920, the colonial government promulgated the Yangon University Act. Since it was an Act that not only enforced the colonial education system but also would prolong their evil enslavement of Myanmar Naing-Ngan, the students of Yangon College launched the Boycott movement on 5 December 1920 AD 컴 10th Waning of Tazaungmon, 1282 ME. That Boycott was not only against the colonial education system but also against the political restrictions and suppressing and economic exploitation of the imperialists as well as their one-sided oppressive measures taken against the Myanmar under their bureaucratic administrative machinery. As this Boycott was an open political struggle launched by the Myanmar against colonialism, the National Day became the symbol of a struggle of great tradition of all the national liberation struggles and anti-imperialist struggles. The Boycott of 1920 filled the minds of the people of Myanmar Naing-Ngan with the spirit of patriotism and nationalism and kept it alive and dynamic. It also instilled in their minds the will and desire to make personal sacrifice for the country and the race and brought about its maturity. Moreover, it also gave birth in the minds the national solidarity spirit that made them realize that they would be able to win victory over the imperialists only if the entire masses of the people remained united. That is why, the Boycott of 1920 not only sounded the clarion call for the struggle for independence of Myanmar Naing-Ngan, but also repeatedly brought into being revolutionary forces that fought for independence, that Boycott movement was referred to as a movement that set the people on the path leading to Myanmar Naing-Ngan's independence. Today, the imperialists are making their utmost efforts, by violent means, to re-establish their domination and rule of Myanmar Naing-Ngan by employing neo-imperialist methods. They are especially resorting to such tactics as employing axe-handlers and minions in order to undermine and destroy the solidarity of the national races and to cause disintegration of the country. Therefore, all the people of the national races are to recall and realize the true, deep significant meaning and essence of the National Day and to resist and repulse the dangers posed by imperialist with full patriotic spirit. Therefore, in my greetings to you on this auspicious occasion, I urge the people of all national races to hold in high esteem "Our Three Main National Causes"컴non-disintegration of the Union, non-disintegration of national solidarity and perpetuity of sovereignty컴and under the leadership of the State Law and Order Restoration Council make concerted efforts for the flourishing of a true democracy with the emergence of a firm new constitution in the Union of Myanmar. (WPD 11/19) [In addition to reporting other National Day festivities, WPD published a page of "documentary photos," including one captioned "General Ne Win greets a member of the National Day Golden Jubilee Ceremony Organizing Committee." {presumably in 1970}] MILITARY Offensives and Counter-offensives Nov. 11: Despite SLORC Declaration No. 11/92 of April 24, 1992, calling the National Convention, and the statement of April 28 stopping military offensives in Kayin State as a goodwill gesture, "the KNU terrorists taking advantage of this captured two small Tatmadaw camps on the sly with malicious intent." On July 25, 500 KNU and DNP terrorists attacked and captured the Htimukhi Camp in Southern Command. 23 Tatmadawmen, including 2 officers, were killed; 11 were missing; and 11, including 1 officer, were wounded. Terrorist losses were 8 killed and 23 wounded. On Sept. 1, 400 KNU terrorists attacked Tatmadaw camps in the Hweponglao region in Eastern Command. 44 Tatmadawmen, including 3 officers, were killed or missing. A Tatmadaw counter-offensive in Southern Command began Aug. 1, with battles on the Pawmuthe and Palatkho mountain ranges. The Tatmadaw captured the terrorist Sawhta Camp on Oct. 6 and Point 1629 on Oct. 18. At Sawhta, 25 terrorists were killed, and 10 weapons, a car, and other items [details] seized. 13 Tatmadawmen, including 1 officer, were killed and 77, including 1 officer, wounded. By Nov. 6, the Tatmadaw, with air support, recaptured Htimukhi, the Palatkho mountain ranges, and the entire Sade region. Altogether there were 255 engagements. 142 terrorists were killed and 462 wounded. 88 Tatmadawmen, including 3 officers, were killed, and 437, including 15 officers, were wounded. A Tatmadaw counter-offensive in Eastern Command began Sept. 13. On Sept. 20, terrorists retreated from the Hweponglao area, but 300 had a strong foothold near Point 3222 in the Dawtakhet mountain range. There were 19 engagements, and on Nov. 2 the Tatmadaw captured all the terrorist camps. 25 terrorists were killed, and 74 weapons, 19,501 rounds of ammunition, 278 heavy weapon shells, and 424 mines were captured. [map] (WPD 11/12, corrected 11/ 13) Insurgent Attacks Nov. 13: A KNU bomb, placed in a rubbish heap near a soft drinks shop between Yamanya Sports Grounds and Maiden Market in Mawlamyine exploded, killing 2 women and seriously injuring 35 others. Shrapnel at the 3-foot crater was from a US-made M-16 A-1 mine; an unexploded M-7 A-2 mine was found nearby. (WPD 11/14) Nov. 14: A group of 25 Naga terrorists killed 35 Makuri Naga nationals on Nov. 8 in Htain-ne-hlian village, Leshi Twp. [Sagaing]. On Nov. 11 the same group killed 15 Nagas in Rawpami village by clubbing them to death. (WPD 11/15) // Nov. 21: Relief goods were presented to the seven residents of Htain-ne-hlian village who survived the massacre. (WPD 11/22) Nov. 27: A KNPP mine on Nov. 25 injured an 11-year old student in Loikaw. (WPD 11/ 28) Insurgents Surrender Nov. 16: Between Oct. 1-10, 20 terrorists surrendered, with their arms [names and details]. (WPD 11/17) Nov. 19: Between Oct. 10-14, 19 terrorists "returned to legal fold," with their arms [names and details]. (WPD 11/20) Nov. 20: 61 persons, including men, women and children, led by KNDO Company Commander Bo Letwe, returned to the legal fold at Thanbyuzayat, with arms and ammunition, on Nov. 12. "The group has stood as a splinter party after secession from KNU terrorist group for unsavoury acts in the KNU group such as religious discrimination and oppression, partiality in giving promotions and rights and killing of people without particular reasons." (WPD 11/21) Nov. 21: Between Oct. 17-30, 21 terrorists surrendered, with their arms [names and details], bringing the monthly total to 60. (WPD 11/22) ECONOMIC Economic Articles Nov. 3: Plant fast-growing trees for firewood and environment, buy Maung Thabawa (Forest). ["Firewood plantations must be raised with an increasing rate than the present planting programme at the degraded forest lands, particularly in the dry zone of central Myanmar to help restoring the ecological conditions and the requirements of the firewood."] Nov. 5: Looking back at 'Mezali' jetty, by Htay Aung (Tourist). [Opening up of Tachilek and Kyaington {Kengtung} to tourism from Chiangrai in Thailand. "A new era for foreign currency earning business has arrived."] Nov. 12: Textile mill No 9 ideal for private entrepreneurs, by Swe Thant Ko. [Description of mill, which produces cotton textiles and mosquito netting, and "is available for rent in whole or in part to private entrepreneurs" or may be operated on a "raw materials for finish products basis or on profit-sharing basis."] Nov. 15: The potential of fish and prawns market, by Aung Naing Myint. [There is a ready world market for them.] Nov. 18: Quality in relation to harvesting time, by Myo U. [Of milled paddy, only 73% becomes whole or broken rice; the remainder is husks and bran. If rice is harvested at the right moment, the percentage of head rice is 57%; five or ten days too early or too late reduces this towards 50%. Similarly, the percentage of rice and broken rice outturn will drop from 66.2% at the right time, to 63-64%. Prompt thrashing, winnowing, and storage is also necessary for peak production; paddy now coming into mills is producing a mere 40% head rice.] Nov. 21: Protecting Private Investments, by Ne Soe U. ["Foundations laid for our market economy are fairly adequate. But care must be taken to provide security to financial investments already made."] Nov. 28: Machines increase paddy production, by Kyaw Kyaw. ["Only a successful farm mechanization will produce enough food for home consumption and for export and develop our national economy at the same time."] Nov. 29: Equal opportunities for development of the entire Union, by Kyaw Thura. [Goal of the State Law and Order Restoration Council.] Cross-border Trading [Series of articles by Maung Hla Swe, interviewing customs officials on cross border trading] Nov. 6: Rewards for Information on tax-dodgers & smugglers, by Maung Hla Swe. [Interview with the Director of the Outposts Supervision Branch of the Customs Department. He said cross-border trading began with China on Nov. 1, 1991; with Thailand at Myawaddy and Kawkareik on Nov. 15, 1991 and at Kawthaung on Dec. 1, 1991; with Bangladesh on Nov. 1, 1991; and with India at Tamu on Dec. 1, 1991, and at Myitkyina on June 1, 1992. The "old system" still prevails at Tachilek. Asked about the revenue implications of the new system, he said "The old system trading is an unlimited trading and yields more. The new system trading limits imports to the volume of exports and does not therefore earn as much revenue as the old system does." Asked about the effect on black-market trading, he said "We find a substantial volume of black-market trading still going on .... A number of greedy traders are still found to be indulging in black-marketting and tax-dodging." He cited seizures of smuggler schooners, "especially in Mawlamyine, Kyaikhami, and Thanbyuzayat." Big hauls were: Kyan Dine Aung, seized with K 40 lakhs {1 lakh = 100,000컴HCMacD.} of contraband near Kyaikhami Lighthouse on July 8, 1989; Ngwe Thein, seized with K 88 lakhs of contraband at the same place on Oct. 19, 1989; 187/A schooner seized near Hnit Hnaing Chaung in Thanbyuzayat Twp. with K 136 lakhs of contraband on Oct. 10, 1990; Narga Thuzar seized in the Warkhayu Chaung in Kyaikhami Twp. with K 81 lakhs of contraband on Nov. 20, 1990; and Thida Hlaing seized in the mouth of Pa-nga Chaung with K 223 lakh of contraband on Mar. 4, 1992. Customs officials in border areas are compensated for extra hardship by rewards; 50% of proceeds from sold contraband goes to the State, 10% to the Staff Welfare Fund, 20% to informants, and 10% to the persons making the seizures. This relieves customs officers from the high cost of living in border areas. In addition, "all public servants serving in border areas," including Customs officials, are "being paid double their normal salaries." Also, the Staff Welfare Fund "is financing, in some border regions, some other lucrative businesses such as operating duplicating and copying services, opening legitimate restaurants and running manageable-scale livestock breeding and farming," and special measures are taken to distribute foodstuffs. Asked about hard-currency, he said that "there are no dollar transactions nor any other hard-currency transactions at cross-border trading points.... {Hard currencies} are pound sterling, French francs, Swiss francs, German Marks and Japanese yen, in addition to US dollars."] Nov. 7: Cross-border trading & customs procedures, by Maung Hla Swe. [Continued interview of Customs Outposts Control Branch officials, which covers Customs outside of the Yangon area. There are six customs zones: (1) Mandalay, Kachin, Sagain, Chin, and Magway; (2) Shan State East, Shan State South, and Kayah; (3) Mon and Kayin; (4) Rakhine and Ayeyarwady; (5) Shan State North; (6) Tanintharyi. While the portion of imports to be handed over to MEIS has been eliminated, certain prohibitions have been adopted. Thus imports of alcohol and beer was prohibited on Aug. 1, 1989, because they are luxury goods; imports of video sets, TV sets, frigidairs and air conditioners were prohibited on Oct. 9, 1989, because they are expensive and because incountry production has begun in cooperation with Toshiba and Daewoo. Exchange rates have changed. In November 1989, 100 kyats equalled 60 {Thai} Bahts, 16 {Chinese} Yuans, 43 {Indian} Rupees, and 90 {Bangladesh} Takas. In Aug. 1991 these had changed to 26 Bahts, 6 Yuans, 27 Rupees, and 52 Takas. Because of this, a new trading system was inaugurated at Muse in 1991.] Nov. 10: The cross-border trading & taxation system, by Maung Hla Swe. [Continued interview of customs official: Formerly, traders could import or export anything they wanted. Now there are two kinds of trading: cross-border and normal. In cross-border trading, imports are permitted only up to the amount of exports, and this trade requires permits from MEIS. Trade Ministry Notification No. 12/91 prohibited exports of certain products {list given; it includes teak, petroleum, gems, rice, antiques, cattle, horses and rare animals, and many agricultural products}. The depreciation of the Kyat at the border "'was principally the traders' fault. A trader becomes very eager to import something immediately after he has exported something. The other side saw this weakness and raised their price and depressed Myanmar kyats.... Speaking off the record I believe Myanmar Kyat currency should be made the medium of exchange at cross-border trading. Myanmar traders should be made to try and secure their export proceeds in Myanmar currency. This will compell traders on the other side to somehow try and get Myanmar currency or transactions. I believe Myanmar currency will appreciate to some extent in that way.'" Asked whether Customs could achieve its target of collecting K 13,000 lakhs in revenue, he said: "We will have to try hard.... Political instability in Thailand had resulted in suspension of cross-border trading at Tachilek from 20 May to 30 June 1992, from 29 March to 18 September at Myawaddy; and from 20 May to 18 September 1992 at Kawthaung. We has suffered some losses of tax...."] Construction & Other Projects Nov. 29: A new telephone exchange was inaugurated Nov. 22 in Mogaung [Kachin]. \\ A gem polishing factory and a telephone exchange were inaugurated Nov. 28 at Aye Thukha village, Daik-U Twp. [Bago]. (WPD 11/30) Advertisements TV Myanmar will carry you far We'll get your message through for sure! For more information contact Myanmar Television and Radio Department (MTRD) Tel.095-01-31850, Tlx.21360 BBSXZK BM, Fax.095-01-30211 ----- Nov. 5: Cars on the Yangon circular [commuter] train today bore advertisements for Lux Soap. Myanma Railways gets K124,632 per year for the ads from Bandoola International Ltd., which also pays a K62,316 yearly tax to the Yangon City Development Committee. (WPD 11/7) ----- Will reopen at new place on 18 November 7-UP HOTPOT RESTAURANT *Would you like to treat foreign guests? *Would you like to entertain friends to meals? *Would you like to treat your close friends and companions? *If you want high quality, more convenient accommodation for entertainment, come to 7-UP HOTPOT RESTAURANT Welcome! Friends old and new. Note: New place No 24, Saya San Road, (East of Kaba-Aye컴Saya San Traffic Light),Bahann Township, Phone 50427 High Rice Prices Nov. 3: "'It is not natural that the price of rice should shoot up sky high within a few days, especially when the weather was favourable, paddy yield was good and was the time when paddy was brought to market. It was the work of some unscrupulous traders who took advantage of slight delay in transporting paddy due to incessant rains during the past week to spread false rumours to manipulate the price of rice.' This was stated by Chairman of the Yangon Division Law and Order Restoration Council Commander of the Yangon Command HQ Maj-Gen Myo Nyunt" at a coordination meeting on rice distribution in the Division. He added that service personnel distributing rice to coops, instead of explaining the transportation problem, "merely said that there was no rice left and had been sold out." Although higher level officials had done their duty, "it was the weakness of those at the lower levels...who could not distribute rice in time." (WPD 11/4) Nov. 16: Speaking at a Yangon Division meeting to coordinate purchase and cultivation of paddy in 1992-93, Yangon Commander Maj-Gen. Myo Nyunt said "Paddy to be bought is not for export but meant for State employees who are shouldering the duties within the country, for students, for patients at hospitals and the public who are not well-off. The surplus paddy will be kept in reserve to assist the public in times of natural disasters." (WPD 11/17) Nov. 21: "Though new crop of paddy is put on sale there's stiff price of rice these days and this is because of restrictions and prohibitions in some regions," said SLORC Secretary-2 Maj-Gen. Tin Oo in Bago. (WPD 11/22) Nov. 29: Editorial: More than enough! ["Paddy to be bought {by the State} is not meant for export but for personnel of the public services, for students, for patients at hospitals and the needy. Whatever is left over will be kept in reserve for emergencies such as natural disasters.... About 40 million more baskets of paddy will be produced than the initial target of 660 million baskets. In terms of rice, this means that there will be five hundred thousand extra tons of rice available.... There ought to be no kind of delay or hindrance in the national staple getting to the consumers. Equally important is that the consumer public should not for any reason be pushed into panic-buying by any kind of rumour. Remember, there's more than enough rice for everybody."] Nov. 28: Ayeyarwady Division LORC Commander Brig-Gen. Tin Hla, speaking in Yangon on Nov. 26, "elaborated points on free trading of rice and paddy in Ayeyarwady Division and stressed the need to make concerted efforts to prevent soaring of price of rice and paddy." (WPD 11/29) Nov. 29: Speaking to officials in Toungoo, SLORC Secretary-2 Maj-Gen. Tin Oo "spoke of the need for the farmers to sell the appropriate proportion of the produce to the Myanma Agricultural Farm Produce Trading which is purchasing on behalf of the State .... The State...is purchasing paddy from farmers at a reasonable price for service personnel, hospitals, prisons and others as well as for emergencies. In doing so, only the prescribed amount, say 60 million baskets of paddy, would be purchased and no more. Otherwise, he said, farmers would have to sell more produce to the State. He then spoke of the need for the farmers to sell their product to the State as a duty conscious citizen. Co-operatives, JVC No 2 and private traders were to buy paddy at the prevailing prices in the open market. Farmers could freely mill and sell thei produce, he said. The State, on its part, would not interfere in the sale and purchase of paddy, he added. The State policy, he said, is to enable the farmers to enjoy benefits and to make rice available at reasonable prices for the people. He said that there should not be exhorbitant prices resulting from competitive buying, adding that due coordination would be necessary to decide prices for rice and paddy suitable for the domestic market. He underscored that State organizations were not to hamper or interfere in any way in purchase and transport of rice and paddy from one township to another and from one region to another aying that there should not be a high price of rice because of the State." He warned private traders "not to smuggle rice and paddy out of the country; and to pay due revenues to the State." He warned State organizations "not to hinder purchase, transport and milling of paddy nor collect gate tolls and funds; not to prevent production of and transport of rice and paddy from one place to another....; to make sure that routine checks...do not affect the flow of commodities; to refrain from blackmailing, taking bribes and applying delaying tactics; to prevent smuggling rice and paddy out of the country...." (WPD 11/30) New Export/Import Rules Nov. 4: Ministry of Trade Order No. 12/92 of Nov. 4, "states that 20 per cent of the value of exported goods should be converted into kyats at the official rate. The remaining 80 per cent is permitted to be used in importing goods and purchasing local ones as well as in paying for services. Details of the Order will be mentioned in the TIS News, it is reported." (WPD 11/5) Heavy Industries for Rent Nov. 4: "Individuals can now operate private industrial services, by hiring factories under Myanma Heavy Industries at No 56, Kaba Aye Pagoda Road, Yangon (Phones 61769, 62578 and 62869) or under production-sharing contracts with the MHI, it is learned. "No 2 Heavy Industry (Production Branch) at No 459-469 on Lower Pazundaung Road performs engine boring, grinding and welding; No 3 Industry on Lower Mingaladon, Sintgu Ward, Insein produces large pans, wrought iron pipes, wrought iron ware, and has lathe workshop; No 3 Industry (Production Branch No 1) at No 44-48 on Waizayanta Road, South Okkalapa Township produces beds and furniture for hospitals, screws, hasps and staples and metal parts for water tanks; and No 3 Industry (Production Branch No 2) at No 16, Loktha Road, Thingangyunn, produces cupboards for offices and fire extinguishers. "Other factories are Dry Cell Factory (No 1 Industry) on Kaba Aye Pagoda Rpoad opposite Mayangonn PPF; Dry Cell Factory (No 2 Industry) at Malun Village, Upper Minhla, Magway Division; Welding Rod (Oxyacetylene) Factory (No 3 Industry) at Sinde Village, Padaung; and Battery Factory (No 4 Industry) at Kwinhla Village in Padaung." (WPD 11/5) Other Privatization Measures Nov. 5: Deputy Minister for Information U Soe Nyunt urged personnel at No. 1 Press of the Printing and Publishing Enterprise at Natmauk Lane-1 "to increase the income of the press" by "carrying out the private entrepreneurs' jobs, lending the machines to the private owners, and so on." This, he said, was in accord with the "prevailing market-oriented economy." (WPD 11/6) Nov. 6: Minister for Agriculture Maj-Gen. Myint Aung inspected [shipping] containers at No. 1 Base Stores of the Agricultural Mechanization Department at Kyaikkalo. Fifty containers will be sold to privfate entrepreneurs by auction, beginning Nov. 10. [photo] (WPD 11/7) Electricity Problems Nov. 10: In order "to make necessary arrangements to be able to supply power jointly by the Biluchaung No 1 Power Plant and the Lawpita Power Plant," electricity will be disrupted [in Yangon] form 6am to 6pm on Nov. 14, 15, 21, and 22. The Kinda and Sedawgyi hydro-electric stations and other natural gas power stations will supply and distribute power "as much as possible." (WPD 11/11) Nov. 18: Speaking at a meeting on efficient electric power use, Minister for Energy U Khin Maung Thein stated that "power generation though not in surplus is sufficient to meet all production requirements. The use of power in the day is much greater than in the night. After 10 pm about 70 mega-watt are more than the capacity needed and factories can use as much as possible." On the same theme, SLORC Secretary-2 Maj-Gen. Tin Oo called for cuts in power wastage. "Power shortage...cannot be given as the only cause of low production. There are other reasons." He said that machine oil, natural gas and electricity "are being distributed as needed for the development of production." (WPD 11/19) Nov. 26: The Managing Director of Myanma Electric Power Enterprise told the bi-annual meeting of the Enterprise that "if wastage of the electric power could be reduced to five percent there will be 4,000 more kilowatts of power to be distributed," enough for four small towns or a large town. (WPD 11/27) Bird-nest Export Agreement Nov. 13: Managing Director Mr. Kitti Patrapayoon of Thai Southern Investment Co. Ltd. has signed an agreement with the Central Co-operative Society for "sale of bird-nest worth over one million US dollars." (WPD 11/14) Industrial Promotion Committee Nov. 17: An interministerial National Industries Promotion Committee was established under the Chairmanship of Minister for Prime Minister's Office Brig-Gen. Lun Maung, "to provide links among enterprises, to arrange exchange of technical know-how and machinery, to improve production methods of working, [and] to provide access to the organizations concerned for the development of co-operative and private industries." The meeting was addressed by SLORC Secretary-2 Maj-Gen. Tin Oo; present were representatives of the Ministries of Industry-2; Co-operatives; Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement; Defence; Mines; Prime Minister's Office [no mention of Industry-1]. (WPD 11/18) Joint Ventures Nov. 17: Ministry of Trade Notification No. 14/92 of Nov. 17 establishes a private joint venture company under the name of Myanmar-VES Joint Venture Company Limited, "for the purpose of manufacturing and marketing of High Quality Jewellery," with authorized capital of K30 million divided into 5000 shares of K6000 each, of which 2,600 are subscribed in kyat or in kind by Myanma Gems Enterprise, represented by its Managing Director, and 2,400 in foreign currency or as mutually agreed by VES Group Company Limited of Thailand, represented by its Managing Director, 134/5-6, 3rd Floor, Silom Road, Bangkok 10500. (WPD 11/18) Nov. 17: Contracts for joint-venture gems mining in Monhsu Township, Shan State, were signed between Myanma Gems Enterprise and private entrepreneurs at the Ministry of Mines. "This is the first stage to be permitted to carry out joint-venture mining at the blocks established by the MGE. The General Supervision Committee continues to scrutinize the blocks for joint-venture mining as presented by the private entrepreneurs. Permission will then be granted." (WPD 11/18) Nov. 15: A profit-sharing contract "for production of high quality pearls in Tanintharyi Division" was signed at the Ministry of Mines between Myanma Pearl Enterprises, represented by Managing Director U Win Maung, and Niino International Corporation of Japan, represented by Managing Director Mr. Niino Ye Tun. Minister for Mines Maj-Gen. Kyaw Min said the new venture has "the intention of acquiring new technology in pearl culture and breeding and expanding the existing peral production." (WPD 11/26) Imports Nov. 23: Cement from Indonesia and iron rods from Singapore, for use in construction, arrived on the MV Innwa. (WPD 11/24) Border Area Development Nov. 26: Speaking at the Central Committee for Development of Border Area and National Races, SLORC Chairman General Than Shwe said "In carrying out the tasks for the development of border areas and national races most effectively and successfully, field trips must be made to respective areas, short-term, medium-term and long-term projects must be properly laid down and a complete 'master plan' must be drawn and implemented." In drawing it up, he said that the foreign exchange and local money to be spent should be evaluated and included. Next, SLORC Secretary-1 Maj-Gen. Khin Nyunt, the Chairman of the Work Committee, reviewed progress made during the past four months, including 198 miles of road, 97 bridges, 16 new schools, 2 hospitals and 4 dispensaries, 3 dams, a post office, and 7 TV retransmission stations. He provided other detailed statistics on past and current expenditures and work. (WPD 11/27) Cellular Phone Contract Nov. 27: A contract was signed between Myanmar Posts and Telecommunications and Ericsson Australia PTY Ltd. "to install cellular mobile telephone system in Yangon." It will include construction of two radio stations, one mobile telephone exchange, two micro-waves, and other items. (WPD 11/28) Cold-storage Ship Arrives Nov. 27: A cold-storage vessel bought by No. 6 Joint Venture Corporation for US$ 350,000 from SKS/IKS Company, Singapore, was delivered. JVC 6 "has targeted to earn US $ 12 million in the fiscal 1992-93 producing 1,500 tons of prawn." (WPD 11/28) 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: November 1 80.87 95.63 95.94 November 15 80.87 95.63 95.94 November 30 82.26 95.98 95.94 HEALTH Health & Education Insurance Nov. 19: "Education insurance and health insurance are available at Myanma Insurance beginning 1 September, 1992. Parents or a guardian or a well-wisher can have a student's education insured...through... Myanma Insurance. Insurance agents will receive a commission of designated percentage on an insurance policy. Insured money for education has been designated as a minimum of K 5,000 to a maximum of K 30,000 for a term of one year, and the insurance policy can be renewed year after year." (WPD 11/19) AIDS Day Postage Stamp Nov. 26: A 50-pya postage stamp will be issued December 1 in commemoration of World AIDS Day. [photo] (WPD 11/26) Health Articles Nov. 27: Fattening formulas (or) inviting death, by Kyaw Thet Khaing (Insitute of Medicine). [Young girls are taking a "four-pill package" designed for pig-breeders, in order to put on weight. These pills, from Thailand (Vitamin B-6; Vitamin B-12; Cycodine; and Dexamethazone) are either unneeded or harmful to people, and can cause bloating, bad side effects, or even death.] SPORTS Sports Articles Nov. 17: Myanmar Soccer; infancy to maturity, by Ivan King. [History of soccer in Myanmar, from 1870.] Myanmar Teams Nov. 16: A Myanmar cycling team won third place in the Bangkok-Patra-Ranong Invitational Cycling Race in Bangkok, winning 5,000 bahts, returned to Yangon. Thailand was first and Vietnam second. (WPD 11/17) Nov. 20: A boxing team led by Lt-Cmdr. Aung Khin Kyaw of the Naval Administrative Unit left for China to participate in the Nov. 21-28 international boxing tournament in Guang Zhou. Boxers are Sai Htay Hlaing, San Hla Lay, Kyaw Min, Thaung Tun, Soe Win, and Soe Soe. (WPD 11/21) Nov. 28: A rowing team headed by Rowing Federation EC Member U Ohn Myint flew to Singapore to compete in the First South-East Asia International Rowing Competition from Nov. 28-Dec. 6. (WPD 11/29) Nov. 29: Sixteen Myanmar marathoners participated in the Nov. 29 Invitational Marathon and Semi-marathon Competitions in Bangkok. They won 10 golds and 5 silvers. (WPD 11/30) Visiting Teams & Delegations Nov. 9: A 23-member Thai youth soccer team led by Mr. Sombat Roongrung arrived to play a series of goodwill soccer matches. (WPD 11/10) // Nov. 10: Myanmar beat Thailand 1-0. (WPD 11/11) // Nov. 12: Myanmar beat Thailand 3-1. (WPD 11/13) Nov. 23: A 33-member Singapore soccer team led by Mr. Patrick Ang, and accompanied by 3 journalists, arrived for goodwill matches on Nov. 24-25. (WPD 11/24) // Nov. 25: Singapore beat Myanmar 1-0 in its second game. (WPD 11/26) Swimming Records Set Oct. 31: At the national Swimming and Diving Championships, held by the Myanmar Swimming Federation at the National Swimming Pool, three new Myanmar records were set: Sao Ohn Sai set a record of 2:47.2 in the men's medium 200-metre breaststroke, breaking the record of 2:51.0 set by Maung Maung Win in 1989. Moe Thu Aung set a record of 2:40.89 in the women's junior 200-metre butterfly, breaking the record of 2:49.00 set by Ma Lein Lein in 1979. Moe Thu Aung set a record of 10.29.72 in the women's junior 800-metre freestyle, breaking the record of 10:33.1 set by Swe Mar Lwin in 1979. (WPD 11/1) CULTURAL [Sunday Cultural Special Supplements for Nov. 1, 8, and 15 not included in newspapers received from NIU]. Literary and Cultural Articles Nov. 1: Visit to Myanma Traditional Folk Art Exhibition, by U Min Naing and Tekkatho Hla Kywe. [(1) "Weights and Measures."] Nov. 9: Monastic school education, by Mya Kay Khaing. [History of monastic schools from antiquity. Today, "young children of Buddhists have become estranged from Buddhist culture with a result that human culture is on the point of total disappearance. They are ignorant of the honour of the Three Gems, of Parents and of Teachers; they are disrespectful to their seniors and superiors; they lack a spirit of sympathy, compassion, kindness, love among mankind; they have become very rude and rough. The future of these children is a serious cause for concern. One way of taming such children of Buddhists and improve their moral character is to introduce and encourage a monastic school education system that can be available at a very low cost for the rich and the poor across the whole country. Monastic school education will provide the children with the following benefits. The children will be imbued with an awareness in the Laws of Noble Souls; they will become more tolerant and forgiving; they will come to possess a sense of their responsibilities to their parents, their families and their children; they will come to possess an awareness to be respectful to their seniors and superiors and an awareness to remain humble and they will come to possess a sense of shame and fear to do something that is not right. The State Sangha Maha Nayaka Council, aware of this need, has now formulated a monastic school education system.... At the requestion of the...Council President, the Ministry of Education has already issued instructions to Basic Education High Schools countrywide to accept monastic school pupils appearing for Fourth Standard Examinations .... Introduction of this scheme to revive monastic school education across the whole country is also a happy and encouraging move in our strivings to purify, perpetuate and propagate Buddhist religion...."] Nov. 13: National library, by Ratnabon Maung Hmat. [History of national library. Welcome news that new Library building is to be built. But, "the building constructed may be imposing in style but it can not be elegant to look at." Perhaps the public can contribute, "to bring into being a National Library imposing on a world standard."] Nov. 22,29: Poems (in English and Burmese). [(4) "Planting people" by Budalin Chit Lay. (5) "The gift" by Budalin Chit Lay.] Nov. 22,29: Impressions by Min Kyaw Min. [(4) "'Metta' the most important commodity in human relations." (5) "Old-timers and new-comers." Sarsodaw Nay, the Day of Writers, celebrated Nov. 25.] Nov. 22: Flowers that blossomed out of the bosom, by Hein. [Yuwady Jingphaw Mai, who won the short story prize in 1963 with her Yin Hmar Pwint Thaw Pan Gale Myar (Flowers That Blossomed Out Of The Bosom).] Nov. 22: Parental love, by Myint Thein Pe (Meiktila). [Movie actress Daisy Kyaw Win.] Nov. 22,29: Research Paper on Translated Literature (Novels: Myanmar to English), by Taezar Hline. [Cont. Paper read in China in June-July 1992.] Nov. 29: Nyo Win goes through very dark nights, by Maung Hsu Shin. [Nyo Win's Hmaung Lun Thaw Nya Myarr won the novel prize in 1967.] Nov. 29: Khaing Marlar Hninzi, successor to a traditional art, by Nay Wun Tin. [Last move of the late movie artiste Ko Win Oo.] Folk Art Exhibition [Throughout the month there were daily tallies of the number of persons (generally 1-2,000) visiting the ongoing Myanma Traditional Folk Art Exhibition at the Tatmadaw Hall on U Wisara Road.] 8th Standard Exam Nov. 5: The Ministry of Education has announced that, beginning with the February 1993 exam, the "boards of examination of respective schools are to supervise the eighth standard examination." (WPD 11/6) Nov. 14: Speaking at the Teachers' Training Institute, Yankin, Minister for Education Col. Pe Thein stressed the need for "respective schools to supervise the exam systematically by fair means. Corrupt practices must also be avoided." He noted that the Myanmar Naing-Ngan Board of Examinations will no longer supervise these exams, and the school boards of examination must now do so. (WPD 11/15) Literary & Photo Awards Nov. 9: The 1991 National Literary Awards were announced by the Selection Committee of the Ministry of Information. Winners were selected in only eight out of the 14 eligible categories, as follows: Novel: "Naw Yin Hmway," by Mya Thanda. Short Story Collection: "Ledaw-hma Apyan and selected stories," by Htin Lin. Poetry: "Naga Taungdan Pywint-de Pan and other Poems," by Myinmu Maung Naing Moe. Belles Lettres: "An Account of a Mountain Climber Traveler," by U Ba Maung (Dawei). Children's Literature: "Children of the Rural Areas," by Kanbalu Khin Maung Swe. General Knowledge (Arts): "20th Century Myanmar Poets and Poems (Gon Win)," by Htilar Sithu. General Knowledge (Science): "Narcotic Drugs and AIDS," by Dr. Tin Tun Oo. Political Literature: "History of Internal Insurgency," Vols. I - V, by Yebaw Thit Maung, and "A Concise History of Myanmar and the Tatmadaw's Role (1948-1988), Vols. I - III, by A Tatmadaw Researcher. [photo of book covers] (WPD 11/10) Nov. 10: Interviews with prizewinners. Writer/Poet/Journalist Htilar Sithu said he wrote his book "to get the people to come to appreciate good Myanmar poems...and to appreciate Myanmar culture and to promote love for own country and patriotism among the people." Htilar Sithu, who won the Sarpay Beikman Manuscript award in 1962, began writing in 1947 at the age of 14. He has created 30 works including 12 books of poems, as well as over 1,000 poems and 1,500 articles. Col. Ye Htut ("A Tatmadaw Researcher") said he wrote "to counter and smash lies and instigations to sow discord between the Tatmadaw and the people." Maj. Maung Maung Oo (Yebaw Thit Maung) said he wrote because "the students fled to the KNUs because they did not know about KNUs." He said "he would continue to write history of insurgency with the use of mighty pen. He was writing about KIA and ABSDF at present, he said." Saya Htin Lun won a prize for translation in 1974; he has been writing since 1947, and that he had written over 200 short stories and novels. This collection includes short stories written over 30-40 years. Some writers become rich, but "he wrote with the love for his country." Writer Mya Thanda said her novel "depicted cultural traditions of Kayin brethren and way of life for farmers," and was intended to encourage doctors to go to rural areas. The novel was first written in 1982, and won a Sarpay Beikman Manuscript award in 1989. Dr. Tin Tun Oo said he wrote "because narcotic drugs and AIDS would cause extinction of an entire race." Since 1975 he has written over 700 articles, 8 short stories, and 9 novels, and won a Sarpay Beikman manuscript award in 1976. U Ba Maung (Dawei) said he is not a writer, but is interested in sports and that he "fancied travelling and he always noted down travelogues." This is his first book. (WPD 11/11) Nov. 12: The 1991 Sarpay Beikman manuscript awards were announced by the authorities concerned. Novels: 1st prize. Pho Kyawt; 2nd prize. Tin Aung Shwe (Thu-tay-thi). Short Stories: 1st. Daung Aung; 2nd. Maung Yin Hlaing; 3rd. Kyu Yadana Maung Mya Kyaing. Belles-letters: 1st. Tin Myint; 2nd. Chit Ko Ko. Translation: 1st. Ko Kyi (Pyin-Oo-Lwin). Children's Literature: 2nd. Kantbalu Khin Maung Swe [presumably no 1st. awarded]. Myanma Culture and Fine Arts: 1st. Shwebo Mi Mi Gyi; 2nd. U Myat Kyaw; 3rd. Seiktra. General Knowledge (Arts): 2nd. Thein Htay Naing. General Knowledge (Science and Applied Science): 1st. Col. Hla Aung (Rtd.); 2nd. Maung Maw Oo (MC-2); 3rd. Kyaung Myat Thu. (WPD 11/13) Nov. 19: Giving out prizes at the Third Literary and Photo Contests "on the national mottos of the Leading Committee for Compiling National Mottos of the State Law and Order Restoration Council, SLORC Secretary-1 Maj-Gen. Khin Nyunt said the "objectives of the literary contests are컴to strengthen the spirit of patriotism; to preserve national culture; to oppose colonialism; to prevent the Union and the national solidarity against disintegration; to perpetuate independence; to ensure prevalence of law and order; and to improve the maintenance of discipline." He presented prizes to winners in the novel, short stories, articles, and poetry contests, and Minister for Information Brig-Gen. Myo Thant presented prizes in university and high and middle school essay contests and photo contests. (WPD 11/20) Nov. 24: Prizes in the 1991 National Literary Awards and Sarpay Beikman Manuscript Awards were distributed by Minister for Information Brig-Gen. Myo Thant. "It has been 30 years since Information Ministry began presenting National Literary Awards in 1962. Sarpay Beikman Awards have been presented since 1948. The system of accepting both books and manuscripts as entries was practised from 1963 to 1968, and beginning 1969, award-winning works have been selected from books and publications brought out within a calendar year. Sarpay Beikman Manuscript Awards have also been selected from entries of those who could not publish their work since 1969." National Literary Award winners get K50,000. In the Sarpay Beikman contest, first prize winners get K25,000, second prize K20,000, and third prize K15,000. The Minister "spoke of hobby [sic], diligence and goodwill as the three elements essential in bringing out a good literary work, and called on the writers to contribute their works in the interests of the country and to enhance knowledge and strengthen patriotic spirit of the people. He said literature serves as a guide in various periods, making the people into ones who love and are loyal and true to the country, who abide by law and who appreciate and preserve culture. He advised the writers to acquaint themselves with international literature and arts, but reminded them against being influenced by foreign inspiration and thereby degrading Myanmar culture and language. He also spoke of Myanmar culture, Myanmar traditions and customs, Myanmar mentality, Myanmar accomplishments and Myanmar natural beauties that should be portrayed in literature. As the men of letters of the past rose up against the imperialists with the might of pen, the present day literati have to be dutiful not to let the nation into servitude again, he cautioned. He exhorted the public to read not only modern literature, but also ancient literary works that are invaluable and rekindle the spirit of patriotism and nationalism...."] Library Books Needed Nov. 10: Speaking at a meeting to upgrade university and other libraries, Minister for Education Col. Pe Thein "said that at present there were very few books at the libraries at universities and colleges and some of them were about 20 years old. He spoke of the need for the books and journals to be modern in order to be able to raise the standard of education at the universities and colleges. He disclosed that a present the UNESCO was making arrangements to issue coupons in order to distribute books and hence all were to coordinate measures for upgrading the libraries at universities and colleges." (WPD 11/11) Mandalay Education Institute Nov. 17: The Mandalay Institute of Education opened "to enable teachers of Basic Education Department in Kachin, Chin and Shan States and Mandalay, Sagaing and Magway Divisions to obtain B Ed degree without much difficulty." In his opening address, Minister for Education Col. Pe Thein also noted "that Mandalay City had a good historical tradition of being the seat of Myanma culture and customs, arts, literature and where Sasana flourished and the opening of the Institute of Education has made Mandalay shine more brilliantly with the light of education." The ribbon was ceremonially cut by Head of Department of the Mandalay Institute of Education U Ye Myint. (WPD 11/18) Yangon City Publications Nov. 18: The City News, published by the Yangon City Development Committee, celebrated its first anniversary. Yangon Mayor U Ko Lay said "it has turned out more successful than expected." (WPD 11/19) Nov. 28: The Yangon Directory, also published by the YCDC, will be available for K90 from Yangon Directory Publishing Company, No. 7, second floor, 599 Theingyizay E shed, Maha Bandoola Street, Latha Township, Yangon [telephone 73254], as of Nov. 30. The 360 page book includes information on economic enterprises in Yangon, types of services and notable facts, important phone numbers, Government offices and departments, maps, first aid methods, health guides, facts about bus lines, ferries, long-distance bus lines, trains, and airplanes, sports stadiums, restaurants, parks, shops, private businesses, and advertisements. "Services from womb to tomb and helicopter services by foreign countries in Myanmar are some of the significant subjects of the book." [photo of covers] (WPD 11/29) Institute Convocations Nov. 28: The 23rd and 24th Convocations of the Institute of Education were held. At the 23rd Convocation, certificates were conferred on 6 M.Ed. graduates, 435 B.Ed. graduates, and 5 M.Ed. graduates. 699 B.Ed. graduates and 8 Dip.Ed. (Correspondence) graduates received degrees in absentia. In the 24th Convocation, Yangon University Rector Dr. Tun Maung conferred certificates on 7 M.Ed. graduates and 371 B.Ed. graduates. 4 M.Ed. graduates and 53 B.Ed. graduates received degrees in absentia. (WPD 11/29) MISCELLANEOUS Court News Nov. 4: The Supreme Court has suspended the license of lawyer U Myo Htut for three years, from Sept. 29, for breaking the codes of conduct when he was involved in making a deed of sale of land brearing a false value of the land that was less than the real transaction. \\ The mother of an alleged absconding drug trafficker was acquitted by Yangon Division Court on Oct. 30, although 114.3 grams of opium residue were found "hidden in the mud beneath the kitchen." While the house was being searched, an arriving visitor was arrested with 98 grams of heavy opium; he was sentenced to 7 years imprisonment. (WPD 11/5) Nov. 22: The Yangon Division Court on Nov. 11 sentenced a mother and son and another man to 20 years' imprisonment and K50,000 fine for possession of of 8.2 grams of marijuana, which the court ruled was possessed for sale. Three others were acquitted. (WPD 11/25) Anti-Narcotics Activities Nov. 4: The Mandalay anti-drug squad on Oct. 3 seized 0.7 kilo of heroin in Mandalay SE Township. The Lashio anti-drug squad on Oct. 4 seized 3.8 kilos of heroin from two suspicious characters; on Oct. 6 it seized antoher 3.8 kilos of heroin. (WPD 11/ 5) Nov. 6: Authorities seized 1.2 kilos of heroin on the Lashio-Mandalay train, Oct. 10. They seized 1.7 kilos of raw opium Oct. 17 from a Katha-Nabaa passenger bus. They seized 0.3 kilo of heroin Oct. 25 on the same bus. (WPD 11/7) Nov. 19: The Mandalay anti-drug squad on Nov. 8 seized 0.3 kilo of heroin and 0.008 kilo of opium in Mandalay SE Township; at Mandalay Railway Station 5.1 kilos of opium was seized on Nov. 10, and 0.7 kilo of heroin on Nov. 13. On Nov. 10, 0.9 kilo of heroin was seized in Tachilek. (WPD 11/20) Nov. 23: During October 1992, the Tatmadaw and Police seized 50.9 kilos of opium (50 cases), 0.3 kilo of opium oil (3 cases), 150 cc. of liquid opium, 21.9 kilos of heroin (157 cases), 2.7 kilos of marijuana (38 cases), and 346.9 litres of phensedyl (13 cases). They also took action in 151 cases of failure to register as drug addicts and 2 drug-related offenses. Altogether they opened 414 cases and took action against 558 persons. (WPD 11/25) Nov. 24: The Lashio anti-drug squad and DSI personnel on Nov. 13 seized l.6 kilos of heroin near Mongyu village, Muse Twp.; in a gunfight, one trafficker was killed and another captured, while two escaped. (WPD 11/25) Nov. 27: Authorities in Lashio on Nov. 9 seized 0.9 kilo of heroin in a car arriving from Namkhan. (WPD 11/28) Eighth Drug Destruction Exhibition Nov. 12: The eighth "exhibition to destroy narcotic drugs seized by law enforcement agencies," was held in Yangon, in the presence of Minister for Home Affairs Lt-Gen. Phone Myint, SLORC Secretary-1 Maj-Gen. Khin Nyunt, and US Congressman Charles Rangel. Police Col. Ngwe Soe Tun said most of the poppy plantations were along the China, Laos, and Thailand borders, totalling 2,817 miles. Other locations are east of Myitkyina and Bhamo in Kachin State, the Kokang and Wa Regions, east of Kengtung, Mongyawng and southern Mongtong, and Monghsat regions in Shan State. In 1991-92, according to ground reconnaissance, 65,568 acres of popies were grown. During this period, 2,550 acres were destroyed in the Kokang region, 3,286 in the Wa region, and 3,113 in other areas, for a total of 8,949. He went on to describe in detail economic and infrastructure development in the border areas. Police Col. Maung Maung Than then said that the following captured drugs were now to be destroyed at this Exhibition: 115.4 kilos of heroin, 5,090.8 kilos of opium, 34.5 kilos of morphine, 1.8 kilos of opium oil, 0.5 kilo of liquid opium, 292.7 kilos of marijuana, and 1,449.1 litres of Phensedyl. The bottles of phensedyl were then crushed under rollers, and Congressman Rangel pushed the button lighting the flames to burn the other drugs in question. [photo] (WPD 11/13) Obituaries [English language obituaries only; there are obituaries in Burmese as well. Occasional memorial articles are also included.] Oct. 31: Rev. Mahn Nyein Tin, (Thingangyun Baptist Church) (Customs, Retd. Appraiser), husband of Daw Minerva (Retd., American Embassy), died in Yangon, aged 78. [Christian] (WPD 11/2) Nov. 1: U Khin Maung Latt, retired Director-General, Ministry of Agriculture and Forests, husband of Daw Than Nwe Mae, died in Yangon, aged 66. (WPD 11/5) Nov. 5: Dr. Daw Mya Sein, Head of Department (Physical Medicine), Yangon General Hospital, retired, wife of U Khin Maung Nyunt, died in Yangon, aged 68. [Baptist] (WPD 11/6) Nov. 5: Saw Kyaw Lwin Moe (a) Potatoe, Old T.T Student, son of Daphne Nyunt Nyunt Lee (Saw Sonny), died in Yangon, aged 24. [Christian] (WPD 11/7) Nov. 6: Mrs. Betty Warmington, (a) L. Ling Htwe (Pyin Oo Lwin), widow of Mr. R.W. Warmington, died in Yangon, aged 70. [Christian] (WPD 11/7) Nov. 18: Daw Mya Mya, mother of U Set Maung (SLORC Legal Adviser), died in Yangon, aged 88. (WPD 11/20) Nov. 20: U Than Mg, A.G.M., Local Marketing and Milling Dept., Myanma Timber Enterprise, husband of Daw Sein Sein Lwin, died in Yangon, aged 56. (WPD 11/21) Nov. 21: Mr. H Minus, Retired Chief Electrical Engineer, Pyinmana Sugar Factory, husband of Mrs. Ruby Minus, died in Yangon, aged 78. [Christian] (WPD 11/23) Nov. 23: Daw Ma Ma Gyi (Mrs. Gertrude Barry), widow of Mr. Joseph Barry (ex Jailer, Rangoon Central Jail), died in Yangon, aged 84. (WPD 11/24) Nov. 24: Dr. Soe Soe Htay (Deirdre Ba Thein), daughter of U Ba Thein (retd. Director Customs), wife of U Myat San, died in Wheaton, Maryland, USA, aged 41. (WPD 11/ 28) Earthquakes Nov. 1: Southern Command Commander Maj-Gen. Soe Myint "inspected pagodas damaged by earthquake in Toungoo on 31 October." [No earthquake report on this was published.] (WPD 11/2) // Nov. 27: K1.38 million has been donated "for renovation of pagodas in Toungoo which were destroyed by an earthquake." (WPD 11/28) Nov. 22: An earthquake of moderate intensity (5.1 Richter) was recorded at 18:14:50 local time, with epicenter about 25 miles SW of Nyaung-Oo. (WPD 11/23) Traffic Accidents Nov. 4: In Yangon during October 10 people were killed and 113 injured in 71 road accidents. In September 15 were killed and 141 were injured. Action was taken against 5,238 cars, 2,619 slow-moving vehicles, and 1,401 jay-walkers. (WPD 11/5) Marriage Nov. 8: Maung Nay Myo Htet, B.Sc.Q (Chemistry), son of U Khin Maung Aye and Daw Kyi Kyi Aye, married Ma Tin Aye Soe, daughter of U Nyan Soe and Daw Tin Ma Ma, at the Inya Lake Hotel. (WPD 11/9) Inlay Lake Ecology Nov. 19: Minister for Forestry Lt-Gen. Chit Swe visited Inlay [Inle] Lake [Shan State] and said "'It must needs be reiterated to conserve the ecology of Inlay region and to pay great attention to prevent Inlay Lake from being shallow because of plantations at the plots on the floating island.'" He added "that the the water-shed areas in Inlay region were threatened decaly of soil and minimized agricultural production because of the shift cultivation-system and traditional cultivation system. The Minister inspected Inlay Hotel and hot spa and gave suggestions to make the region a place of interest of foreigners and travellers." (WPD 11/20) Nov. 22: Traditional Myanma ways of preserving ecological balance, by Maung Thabarwa. ["There are areas where local peoples are allowed to live in their traditional way in harmony with nature without disturbance and where tourists and other people may come for rest and recreation. Every country has such sanctuaries. The Innlay Area where local people live in harmony with environment creating floating islands and doing cultivations on them is one such area. This is also a way of living unique to Innlay Area. Lakes serve the purpose of storing water during the rains, preventing lower lands from flooding and then again supplying water during the dry seasons. "The 248 square-mile Innlay Lake was declared a bird sanctuary by the Forest Department in 1983. Arrangements are now being made to attract migratory birds coming south from the north. The local people's cultivation operations on floating islands is also serving as a tourist attraction. The Innlay peoples' mode of living is unlike any mode of living of lake-dwellers in other parts of the world. How these people try to preserve the original nature of Innlay Lake is very interesting. "(1) Cutting up grass, reeds and other water plants and making them into floating islands prevents the lake from being encroached upon by the land mass. (2) Dredging moss [sic] out of the lake and using them as fertilizers prevents the lake from being silted up. (3) Dredging land from the bottom of the lake and making floating islands prevents the lake from being silted up. (4) Roots of plants cultivated on floating islands prevents population of the lake's water. (5) The nitrogen and other chemicals of the lake are capable of being used as fertilizers for floating island cultivations. (6) Insects pestering floating island-cultivations are eaten by birds and this prevents crops being destroyed. Chemical fertilizers and insecticides are not used there and the lake water therefore remains unpolluted. (7) Creation of beds for cultivation of crops on the fringes of the lake prevents flowing into the lake of silt. (8) Floating islands are also natural fish hatcheries and fish feeding grounds and this contributes to local fishery operations. (9) The biological fertilizers obtainable from Innlay lake enrich the soil in lower lands. (10) Keeping the Innlay lake unsilted also prevents silt being carried down to the Mobye Dam downstream.... "I am therefore to draw the attention of the people to the fact that living without damaging the environment has been a method practiced by Myanmars since hundreds of years ago."] Fires Nov. 26: During October, throughout Myanmar, there were 79 fires, which destroyed 29 houses and a factory, leaving 2 persons dead, 1 injured, and 29 homeless. 1,200 animals also died. 71 of the fires were due to negligence. (WPD 11/27) Fortune-teller Warned Nov. 27: Fortune-teller U Aung Than of Mandalay has been warned for publishing "Mandalay Maha Thingyan prediction paper for 1355 Myanmar Era which contained facts causing harassment to the public and some forecasts of which are found [sic] to have gone beyond the Vedic reckoning methods." He was warned Nov. 25 "for such concocted forecasts published with the aim of seeking economic gains and for his predictions tend to cause misleading impressions in public and spawn rumours." He allegedly copied old predictions from his grandfather Punna Sayagyi U Lokesara, changing the dates. "Some of his forecasts were exaggerated phrases such as fluctuations of the value of dollar, difficulties to be encountered in rail services, unsteady situation of commodity prices and rarity of goods, large turn-out of illicit liquors, etc, which all were based on the present situations." U Aung Than, 25, "has studied up to eighth standard and learnt Vedas from a member of the State Calendar Advisory Board from 1983 to 1986." (WPD 11/28) ----- 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 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. 69, Nov. 1992