93-04 BURMA PRESS SUMMARY From the Rangoon "Working People's Daily/New Light of Myanmar" Compiled for the Burma Studies Group by Hugh C. MacDougall Published by the Center for East Asian and Pacific Studies, University of Illinois Volume VII, No. 4, April 1993 Table of Contents POLITICAL CRISIS Slogans 2 Cartoons 2 Political Articles 2 Returnees from Bangladesh 4 Prisoners Released 5 NATIONAL CONVENTION Papers on Chapter Headings 5 U Aung Toe Clarifies 7 U Aung Toe Clarifies Again 8 Chairman Adjourns to June 7 9 Delegate Ousted as Terrorist 11 Table of Chapter Headings 11 Vigilance Urged 12 DIPLOMATIC Diplomatic Calls 12 New Myanmar Ambassadors 13 Thai Border Incidents 13 Indian Border Insurgencies 13 INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION Workshops 14 Foreign Donations 14 FOREIGN VISITORS International Agency Visitors 14 Business Visitors 14 Academic and Health Visitors 14 Religious Delegations 14 Foreign Journalists 15 Indian Foreign Secretary 15 US Aviation Counsellor 15 Japanese Parliamentarian 15 US Ex-Congressmen 15 Vietnam Deputy Foreign Minister 15 Chinese Rail Delegation 15 MYANMAR DELEGATIONS Study Delegations 15 Delegations to Meetings & Events 16 Fisheries Minister to US 17 Returning Delegations 17 MYANMAR GAZETTE Probationary Appointments 17 Appointments Confirmed 17 Transfers 17 GOVERNMENT New Army Commander 17 Old Laws Repealed 17 Development Committees Law 18 Olympic Council Law 19 University of Culture Law 19 Patent Law Revision Needed 19 MILITARY Tatmadaw Actions 19 Insurgent Attacks 20 Insurgents Surrender 20 DSA Graduation 20 Laws of War Course Given 20 ECONOMIC Economic Articles 21 Construction & Other Projects 23 Advertisements 23 Joint Ventures 23 Plan Targets 24 Taxes Lowered 24 Airport Duty-free Shop 24 Company News 24 Foreign Exchange Changer Licences 24 Tourist Hotels 24 Sausage Factory 25 Dagon Myothit 25 Government Employees Co-op 25 Oil and Gas Wells 25 Basic Commodity Prices 26 Myanmar Industries Association 26 Fish Fingerlings 26 Rainfall in Yangon 26 SPORTS Myanmar Teams & Delegations 26 Visiting Teams & Delegations 27 CULTURAL Literary and Cultural Articles 27 Pyu Funerary Urn 28 Monastic Schools 28 Universities 29 Newspapers Change Names 29 Thingyan 29 Abbot Training Course 29 MISCELLANEOUS Crime 29 Anti-Narcotics Activities 29 Obituaries 30 Fire 30 Train Wreck 30 Engagements 30 Postal News 30 ------------------------------------------- HIGHLIGHTS -- On New Years Day, Burmese Era 1355 (April 17, 1993), The Working People's Daily changed its name to The New Light of Myanmar, and also changed format from tabloid to full-sized [see CULTURAL]. -- National Convention "agrees" on Chapter Headings, and adjourns until June [see NATIONAL CONVENTION]. -- Lt-Gen. Maung Aye appointed Commander-in-Chief (Army) [see GOVERNMENT]. Note: Issues for Apr. 9, 16, 25 not received. POLITICAL CRISIS Slogans Regular Slogans: See January 1993 issue. For some time, the slogan at the bottom of each issue of The Working People's Daily has been Emergence of the State Constitution is the duty of all citizens of Myanmar Naing-Ngan. From Apr. 3-5, only, this was replaced by "Only a government based on the Tatmadaw is the type of government capable of securing peace and prosperity for the State". Variable Slogans: Since August 1991, The Working People's Daily/New Light of Myanmar has run a changing religious slogan at the top of each front page: Apr. 1-2: Natakananca sangaho, to support the relatives; this is the way to auspiciousness. Apr. 3-16: Anavajjani kammani, to perform faultless actions; this is the way to auspiciousness. Apr. 17-30: Arati papa, to abstain from evil; this is the way to auspiciousness. Cartoons Apr. 6: Doctor to patient: "You feel sleepy during day-time and can't sleep at night? You must be an office clerk, aren't you?" Apr. 10: Wife: "Selling of goods no longer goes well for us." Husband: "In that case sell the house." Apr. 17: Observer to "public servants" carrying a bundle of "corruption" from 1354 ME to 1355 ME: "Hey you! Leave that thing behind in the Old Year will you?" Apr. 17: Man with sign reading "Wanted...one employee", being run down by a horde of applicants. Apr. 18: Wife: "What do you know about today's prices?" Husband: "None at all! That's why I am so free from care." Apr. 18: Man: You women are after beauty!" Woman: "Hmm! You're far behind. Not beauty, but oil and rice." Apr. 19: Man leaving theatre: We'd like to get a doctor like the one in the play... who's dedicated and loves the rural people." Apr. 20: First Myanmar: "I hear you applied for a bus conductor post. How's it?" Second Myanmar: "After all, I didn't get it as I'm too soft spoken and polite." Apr. 22: First Myanmar: "What kind of creature is that which gobbles up wood, sand, cement, nails and even CI {corrugated iron--HCMacD.] roofing sheets?" Second Myanmar: "I know.... It must be a contractor!" Apr. 23: One Myanmar to another: "Aba. Is there something you want to find out? That's easy. You can inquire about it at a road-side tea shop. All sorts of people are there." Apr. 29: Doctor to patient's wife: Well now...the diagnosis is complete... All that's needed is the medicine...go and buy it outside." Political Articles Following the pattern begun in October 1988, many issues contain lengthy feature articles, translated from Burmese, designed to bolster government views and policies. Editorials sometimes touch on similar themes. We note them briefly, with excerpts of typical or particularly significant portion: Apr. 1 : Thet-le and Shwethway Discussions, by Warazein. [Cont. (1) Those who talk with forked tongues. Two US Congress members, Mr. Archer and Ms. Johnson, after visiting Myanmar, testified Mar. 25 to the House Asia-Pacific Sub-committee, and said "that a lot of reforms and improvements have been made in Myanmar Naing-Ngan's education, health and economic affairs; {and} that the American government would do well...to help the government of the Myanma Tatmadaw to carry out the continuation of this reform and to engage in economic co-operation...." Yet the "die-hards... still continue to disbelieve and to reject anything said by the two....] Apr. 1: If I speak out, it may amount to Aung Min's taking too much for granted, by Aung Min. [Cont. What I once told my friend Hkun Saw.... I remember discussing Shan-Bamar friendship with him in college in 1955; we must all realize that solidarity between all Myanmar nationalities is essential.] Apr. 2-3: Those who look, see; those who see, believe, by Ko Ko Lwin. [(1) At last week's hearings of the US House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee Asia-Pacific Affairs Sub-committee, testimony was given by Congressmen Bill Archer (Texas), Nancy Johnson (Connecticut), and Dana Rohrabacher (California), as well as "Joseph Silverstein of Rutgers University, David Steinberg of George Town University [sic] as well as Maureen Aung Thwin of the Burma Studies Foundation.... It was known that Senator Daniel P Moynahan and Entrepreneur named Marian Segye who has been engaged in commercial enterprises in Myanmar Naing-Ngan also wrote their impressions to the committee." The Chairman is Edgar Mann (New York), who replaced Stephen Solarz who meddled in Myanmar affairs "during the period of the disturbances" but lost election "as a result of abuse of Congressional privileges...." Among Sub-committee members are Jim Leach (Iowa) and Rohrabacher, who in 1991 "illegally sneaked into Myanmar...to meet absconding students and terrorist insurgent organizations to encourage them and agitate among them," and then left after failing to pay a hotel bill in "the other country." Hence, up to 1992, the Sub-committee "was dominated by those who held prejudiced views," and as a result of "the pessimism, scepticism and prejudice which prevailed," US policy towards Myanmar was "totally divorced from the reality at hand." Similarly, the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee heard testimony from "'Asiawatch' an organization well-known for its animosity towards Myanmar Naing-Ngan, one Bela Raschid supposed to be the representative of the so-called Expatriate 'parallel government' and CRDB Chairman Tin Maung Win ...." and as a result blocked the appointment of Parker Borg as new American Ambassador to Myanmar. Now, however, though Congressman Rohrabacher, Professor Joseph Silverstein, and Senator Moynahan are "openly biased and prejudiced" against Myanmar, the Sub-committee is also hearing others like Congressmen Archer and Johnson, and Marian Segye, "who are not known to have any subjective attitudes" towards Myanmar. These latter were able to testify to what they had seen: that there is no discrimination against Catholics, that the government is not neglecting anti-narcotics activities, and that the people are not oppressed. Bill Archer recommended closer relationships with Myanmar and the posting of an Ambassador to Myanmar. More on the testimony of Archer and Johnston later. [(2) Favourable testimony of Bill Archer and Nancy Johnston summarized. The latter's praise of positive actions of Tatmadaw quoted: "'All their energies are being directed towards not only the development of the border areas but also towards agriculture, the construction of hospitals and clinics and the building of schools.... The way they are going about their border area development activities is really impressive. While we were in a particular region, we witnessed for ourselves the families of Tatmadawmen led by no less than the wife of a General being actively engaged in the rural areas teaching the rural people the basic elements of hygiene and health and disease prevention, and also numerous family matters. Basically, the fields of activities cover combating the threat of narcotic drugs, leadership in the rural affairs, and self-reliance activities. And all of these are concepts which are invaluable for the people.'" Congressman Charles Rangel has also visited Myanmar, and this led to co-operative sampling of opium yield, which accomplished a month's work in five days. Unfortunately, certain groups and individuals still stand by those who "have been committing the worse of atrocities and cruelties against the people mining trains, massacring people, robbing and looting and raping...." However, "as the number of those who see and realize the truth increase in number the fabricated reports and the fraudulent allegations as well as the rumour-mongering are bound to gradually lose their effect and eventually will disappear in the light of genuine truth."] Apr. 2: Brutal massacre aimed at undermining national unity, by Po Toke. [Account of the March 20 massacre of Shan and Lahu nationals on the Mai Pan Creek in Monghsat Township.] Apr. 3-4: "Only a government based on the Tatmadaw is the type of government capable of securing peace and prosperity for the State," by U Chan Tha Oh. [Comparisons of strong and weak Myanmar Kings from various dynasties.] Apr. 4: To think a Dove of Peace to be a Mina bird; To believe a terrorist bandit to be a son-in-law, by Maha Thamun. ["I heard the voice of VOA announcer U Khin Maung Htay giving the report...that considerable surprise was reported on the part of Congressional colleagues when they heard laudatory accounts of the reformation being made by the {Tatmadaw Government} ...." If reforms are not perfect, it is because of the terrorists. "Myanmar-born Maureen Aung-Thwin of a private research organization is reported to have declared that reformatory measures in Myanmar Naing-Ngan cover only limited areas." This is because of smuggling, narcotics, etc., in border areas. "Maureen Aung Thwin was at least forced to admit that there have been considerable economic development. She declared, however, that there is not much progress in human rights and that there is cause for concern in the matter of political changes. What she meant to say, of course, was that there has been no improvement at all." At this time, economic development and peace and tranquillity are more important that political change, and the National Convention "is for the future long-term welfare of the Myanmar Naing-Ngan." What "Maureen Aung Thwin should really be concerned about...are the activities of terrorist insurgents and bandits.... Maureen Aung Thwin, please try and understand that saboteurs with bombs, armed terrorist and spys don't have horns on their heads to be easily observed... Scrutiny and check is the only way...." As for refugees fleeing Myanmar because of lack of freedom, "an immense number of peplle have been trying to sneak into the Myanmar Naing-Ngan illegally because they are being drawn and attracted by economic opportunities which may be found and by the rich natural resources which are in this country. If fact, the number of those who want to come to the Myanmar Naing-Ngan outnumbered by far the ones who call themselves 'refugees'. And there is also the consideration according to the saying, 'a race does not disappear because it is swallowed by the earth; a race disappears because it is swallowed by another race'..... and that is why we continue to exercise scrutinization and proper checking of travelling documents and identity cards. Therefore please Ms Maureen it is something which has to be done according to the conditions!"] Apr. 5: The State and the Tatmadaw want you, by Ne Wun Tin. ["Those who have the blood and guts to risk their lives in the service of their country and their people really love their country and their people." In 1885 the Hluttaw surrendered to the British; the Tatmadaw did not, but dispersed through the country and "civilians with national spirit became soldiers." A few traitors should not spoil the record. "Only dauntless men will be worthy sons of the soil. You, with a vigorous patriotism and nationalism, are wanted by the country and the Tatmadaw." Apr. 6: Atrocities of murderous Loimaw terrorists, by Htway Kyi. [The March 20 massacre by "about 80 insurgents led by Hsamkham and belonging to the Khunsa-Kansit Loimaw opium bandits."] Apr. 11: A New Year Prayer and an Old Record, by Aye Thura Win. [At Thingyan avoid "excessive merry-makings," and the "old records of moribund politicians," which is "propagation of alarmist rumours in order to delay and deter the strivings of the government."] Apr. 17: May all be well with you in the New Year, by Min Kyaw Min. [Traditions and goodwill of Thingyan.] Apr. 18: An auspicious New Year to you, by Hla Tun (Twantay). [Happy New Year. "Everybody, including service personnel, must work still harder to achieve further success."] Apr. 19: Back to work after a long vacation, by Lin Lin. [After Thingyan, it's time to get back to work, in both the public and private sectors.] Apr. 21: Co-operation that will promote bilateral relations, by Swe Thant Ko. [Joint US-Myanmar cooperation in assessing opium poppy crops in Shan State last February, as well as visits by US Congressmen, reviewed. "To put it briefly, the recent US-Myanmar joint action in prevention and control of narcotic drugs at a time when Myanmar is being falsely accused of refusing to co-operate with international community in this task, is only the first co-operative effort. Success achieved in this co-operative effort will contribute to promote relations betrween Myanmar and the United States...."] Apr. 24: To perpetuate national sovereignty, by Shwe Baw Phyoe (Sindewa). [Commentary on Apr. 9 graduation of the 34th Officer Cadet Training course at the Defence Services Academy.] Apr. 24: With sympathy and bitterness, by Maung Kyaw Hoe (Pyanset). [March 20 massacre that killed the family of a National Convention delegate.] Returnees from Bangladesh Apr. 27: 111 persons from 27 households returned Apr. 23 to the Kanyinchaung reception camp, bringing the total to 22,554 since Sept. 22, 1992. (NLM 4/28) Apr. 29: 148 persons from 28 households returned Apr. 25 to the Kanyinchaung camp, bringing the total to 22,702. (NLM 4/30) Prisoners Released Apr. 9: Seven men were released from Insein Jail under SLORC Declaration No. 11/ 92. (WPD 4/10) NATIONAL CONVENTION Papers on Chapter Headings Apr. 3: A National Convention Plenary Session convened at 10 am, presided over by U Za Khun Ting Ring of Kachin Stte Special Region-1. 605 delegates attended. Delegates read out "their proposal papers regarding the allocation of chapter headings to be included in the Constitution." National League for Democracy Hluttaw Representative-elect U Lwin: Legislature: "He said [the Hluttaw] is an organization elected by the public that wields sovereignty and that has to exercise, in accordance with the law, the three main branches of sovereignty컴legislative, executive, and judiciary...." If 'Legislature' is used instead of 'Hluttaw' "it may convey the sense that it is an organization that is concerned only with legislation.... The Hluttaw is responsible for the establishment of a democratic state, the flourishing of a genuine multiparty democracy system and the further burgeoning of the noblest and worthiest of the worldly values such as justice, liberty and equality." Hence, as in past Constitutions, 'Hluttaw' should be used instead of 'Legislature'. The Executive: "He said the Government that has to be formed by the Hluttaw elected by the public in accordance with democratic practices, is to exercise the executive power of the State, in other words, it is the second highest authoritative organization next to the Hluttaw. Hence, he suggested a more accentuated and elegant term 'the Government' should be used." Provisions on State of Emergency: He said that "every country is prone to state of emergency under changing conditions and times," but as in the 1947 and 1974 Constitutions, it is usually put under a Constitution heading "instead of designating it as a separate chapter." He proposed the same for this Constitution. Transitory Provisions: "He said the NLD has not used the words 'not necessary' in its previous submissions of proposals on the heading...." "He emphasized the importance of establishing a new democratic state and said a new democratic state means a state ruled by a government elected by the public for public benefit." Shan Nationalities League for Democracy General Secretary U Sai Aik Poung: Union State: He insisted that Union State be included as a Chapter heading after Basic Principles, since this was the basis of the historic Panglong Agreement. Role of Member States of the Union: "If a Union system would be used the role of member states of the Union is essential. The role of states should be included as a heading under Basic Principles. But he felt sorry that it did not include in the fundamental rules compiled by the Panel of Chairmen [sic]." He did not believe that the Constitution would be completed without the chapter heading컴the role of member states of the Union. As for the Shan Nationalities League for Democracy, it "emphatically discussed to submit the role of member states of the Union as a chapter heading." Head of State: "Everybody knows that President is the highest position in the State," and should be used for the "highest position in the State...and only one position...." The newspapers have referred to the members of the SLORC as "Head of State." Legislature and Executive: He recommended 'Pyidaungsu Hluttaw' and 'Pyidaungsu Government'. [Note: Pyidaungsu is Burmese for Union--HCMacD.] After all, the first objective of the National Convention is "Non-disintegration of the Union'. State of Emergency: This heading was discussed by only one group. "The heading 'state of emergency' should be discussed under the heading, 'Pyidaungsu Hluttaw' (Legislature) or under the heading of the 'President' or under the heading of the 'Pyidaungsu Government' not to be considered as a chapter heading." National Unity Party delegate U Tun Yi, after some discussion, approved the Chapter headings proposed by the Alternate Chairman, though suggesting "Amendment of the State Constitution", to make clear that the section refers to the national constitution and not those of the Union states. He presented 16 proposed Chapter headings. Union Pa-Oh National Organization Delegate U Hkun Sein Win said that in order for Myanmar to practice a multiparty democracy system, "activities concerning democracy administration should be invariably implemented in villages, wards, townships and districts; Regional Administrative should be put under the main executive chapter heading to enable to basically expedite the democratic system in Myanmar." In addition, Public Service Personnel "should be included in the executive chapter heading instead of designated as a separate chapter heading." Shan State Kokang Democratic Party Joint General Secretary U T Daung Wai: Union States: "All the national races desire for the Union States to be prescribed as a chapter heading." The Union cannot exist without the states, and in the same way "there should be autonomous regions, national territories, villages, village tracts, wards, townships and township zones which are joined together in forming the Union states.... Union states and autonomous regions should be allocated as separate chapter headings." President: "The heading should not be State Leader [sic] but the President as this would be more significant and comprehensive." The Hluttaws: This should be the heading, rather than Legislature, because "it includes Union Hluttaw, Hluttaw of the States and autonomous regions and leading bodies." Union Government: This is preferable to Government, and "in keeping [with] the Union which is the name of the State." Mro or Khami National Solidarity Organization General Secretary U Maung Pain (a) U Khin Maung Thein approved the idea of a Provisions on a State Emergency heading, and called for "ensuring the benefits of national groups." Lahu National Development Party delegate U Yaw Aye Hla approved the suggested Chapter headings, save that Head of State should become President, Legislature become Union Hluttaw, and Executive become Union Government. There should also be a Chapter headed Union States. Union Kayin League delegate U Saw Mahn Aung said that the Kayin affairs department should be under the Union Government heading. Kokang Democracy and Unity Party delegate U Khin Maung Aye said that local government and State employees can properly be included under the heading Executive. Wa National Development Party delegate U Nyi Pa Loke suggested that Legislature become Union Parliament and Executive become Union Government. (WPD 4/4) Representatives-elect delegate [not named] from the National League for Democracy, representing 87 NLD Pyithu Hluttaw representatives and two independents (from Bahann-1 and Kya-in-Seikkyi-1) presented their combined proposals. He noted that the Chairman of the Work Committee had said on Mar. 24 that political parties can suggest substitutions for current Chapter headings. In this connection he said that: "The National League for Democracy had also discussed that the Constitution is as vital to the State as life itself. Therefore discussions on chapter headings would be made objectively. As all will be engaged in the construction of a new democratic state, all should begin from now in practising according to the democratic principles and at the same time not to lose sight of the 12 pillars of democracy. The pillars are컴 (1) the sovereign power emanates from the people (2) human dignity is not to be undermined (3) the government should be based on the aspirations of the people (4) majority or the winning political organization is to govern (5) respecting the rights of the minority (6) respecting the basic human rights (7) holding free and fair elections (8) all should be equal before the law (9) management work should be carried out according to law (10) Government should be restricted by the Constitution (11) all benefits should be taken into consideration in political, economic and social matters (12) to honour such matters as having patience, working to bring about benefits, cooperating and understanding one another." He went on to say that the delegates had agreed, entirely or in principle, to 11 of the proposed chapter headings, and no further discussion was needed. Local government is a needed heading, but since it is to be included under Administration no further discussion is needed on it; it is the same with State Service Personnel. However, he proposed again that Political Parties be a chapter heading. He agreed that Interpretation was not needed, since "respective articles could be written in such a way that they can be fully understood and cannot be controversial in the future." Representatives-elect delegate U Tuang Kho Thang (Tamu) spoke on behalf of delegates from the Shan Nationalities League for Democracy, National Unity Party, Union Pa-oh National Organization, Shan State Kokang Democratic Party, Mro or Khami National Solidarity Organizations and 5 independents (Damawhso-1, Thatlang, Namhsan, Tamu, and Ywangan). The heading Legislature should be changed to Pyidaungsu Hluttaw, since group had "stated that the state to be established is made up of different national races residing together and the Union came into being following the signing of the historic Panglong Agreement, that the first objective of the National Convention being non-disintegration of the Union reflects that there should be a Union, and the that the group was of the opinion that the state to be established should be a Union and there was no other way." Moreover, the "'Hluttaw' is concerned not only with law making but also with sovereign powers of the State on behalf of the people. Hence the term 'Hluttaw' will be more appropriate that 'legislature'. 16 parties and groups had taken this position. Nationalities delegate U Saw Reh Mi approved the 16 proposed headings. Peasants delegate U Sai San Tun approved the 16 proposed headings. Workers delegate Daw Aye Kyi approved the 16 proposed headings. Intelligentsia and technocrats delegate Dr. Tha Hla Shwe approved the 16 proposed headings. Public service personnel delegate U San Aung approved the 16 proposed headings. Other invited delegates delegate U Hsay Htin approved the 16 proposed headings. (WPD 4/5) U Aung Toe Clarifies Apr. 4: The Plenary Session opened with 603 delegates present. National Convention Work Committee Chairman Chief Justice U Aung Toe, addressed the delegates "to give clarifications on the proposals and suggestions submitted by the delegate troups on the allocation of chapter headings...." He reviewed these at considerable length [text published], concluding: "The summary of my clarifications are컴 of the Preamble, 15 chapter headings which should be allocated and three chapter headings which should not be allocated; the Preamble, 10 chapter headings which should be allocated and three which should not be allocated as I have clarified which all the political parties and groups have unanimously suggested to do so. Hence, there are only five chapter headings left on which there is difference of opinion. They are컴'The Head of State'; 'The Legislature'; 'Executive'; 'Provisions on the state of emergency' and 'Provisions for the period of transition'. There are only three political parties and one delegates group which have a difference of opinion in this matter. They are the National League for Democracy; Shan Nationalities League for Democracy; Shan State Kokang Democratic Party, and the representatives-elect gorup.... It is to be suggested that time should not be wasted and there should be some kind of arrangement to complete the discussions at an appropriate time. At the present situation it would take long to reach the state of a draft constitution. The public is also supporting the National Convention and is waiting in great expectation and raising a lot of questions such as what are being done? and Who all are discussing? and so on. As for me I do not wish the National Convention to be discredited.... "National League for Democracy, Shan Nationalities League for Democracy and Shan State Kokang Democratic Party included in the Political Parties Delegate group and Representatives-elect Delegate group can revise their proposals on the "Head of State", "Legislature," "Executive", "Provisions on State of Emergency" and "Provisions for the period of transition" which I have explained earlier, based on suggestions of the members of the Panel of Chairmen and the conditions arising from the process of designating chapter headings. They are requested to reply in writing to the National Convention Work Committee how changes, if any, should be made and no changes would be made if there is none. The Plenary Session will be held once all the replies are received. Thank you all." The Alternate Chairman then announced that the Plenary Session would resume after receiving the complete proposal papers of these groups, and he would inform the delegates in advance at least one day. The Plenary Session closed at 10:45 am. (WPD 4/5) U Aung Toe Clarifies Again Apr. 7: The Plenary Session of the National Convention convened again with 652 delegates present. Work Committee Chairman Chief Justice U Aung Toe again gave a lengthy clarification of the situation, reviewing the discussion of proposed Chapter headings in detail [full text published]. He noted that as of the last session, full agreement had been reached on ten of fifteen Chapter headings: Preamble; Fundamental principles of the State; State structure; The Judiciary; The Tatmadaw; Citizens and their fundamental rights and responsibilities; Election; Political parties; Amendment to the Constitution; State Flag, State Emblem {Seal}, National Anthem, and State Capital; General provisions. There was still disagreement on five headings: Head of State; Legislature; Executive; Emergency provisions; and Transitory Provisions. This disagreement came from only three Political Parties (National League for Democracy; Shan Nationalities League for Democracy; Shan State Kokang Democratic Party), and the Representatives-elect delegates group (which had submitted two separate papers). These Parties and the Representatives-elect "were requested that they could either make further discussions regarding the proposals, and if they wish to make modifications to their proposals to state what kind of modification they would like to make and if they did not wish to make any modification to state that they did not wish to do so and send it to the National Convention Convening Work Committee. On Apr. 4-5, the three Political Parties separately wrote back that they had no reason to change their original proposals. The Representatives-elect responded in three different forms: (1) The National League for Democracy representatives-elect and two independents (for Kya-in-Seikkyi and Bahann-1) replied that they had no reason to change their original proposals. The Shan Nationalities League for Democracy, Union Pa-oh National Organization, Shan State Kokang Democratic Party, and Mro or Khami National Solidarity Organization representatives-elect, and three independents (for Thangtlan, Tamu, and Ywangan) also replied that they did not wish to modify their proposals. The National Unity Party representatives-elect replied separately that they now were now "in full agreement with the chapter headings which were stated in the address made by the Working Committee Chairman." Two independents (for Dimawhso-1 and Namhsan) were on leave and are thus held to continue their original proposals. U Aung Toe then reviewed in detail the varying proposals of these groups. The Work Committee will continue to work for allocation of chapter headings "by facilitating appropriate discussions." This work will be "based on the 15 chapter headings which have been proposed," and are "designated merely to expedite discussions of one chapter heading after another." They will be comprehensively discussed, and "if as a result of such comprehensive discussions a specific expression or terminology becomes obviously suitable as a heading for specific chapter then it will become the chapter heading for the particular chapter on unanimous agreement." The terms proposed (Head of State, Legislature, Administration) "are merely very broad expressions used...so that the semantic constraints of specific terminology may be avoided before wide-ranging discussions are held.... All delegate groups concerned are free to make their own specific proposals with most specific terminology. For instance if the broad expression used is Head of State, the political parties delegates group may want to use Union President or Union Chairman or else Naing-Ngan Okshaung or even Adipati as they may wish according to their desire." Similarly, they may wish to replace Legislature with "Hluttaw or Pyithu Hluttaw, Taingyintha Hluttaw or Amyotha Hluttaw...." "The very first chapter heading which is to be discussed is fundamental principles of the State. When this particular chapter and the principles involved are discussed by the political parties and the delegate groups, the problem of specific terminology will emerge invariably [sic] of its own accord and the answer too will eventually emerge.... I urge one and all of you to involve yourselves in adequate studies so that you will be able to discuss all matters comprehensively...." (WPD 4/8) Chairman Adjourns to June 7 Apr. 7: Following the clarifications by U Aung Toe, National Convention Convening Commission Chairman Lt-Gen. Myo Nyunt adjourned the Convention until June 7, 1993, making the following statement [full text]: Esteemed delegates The National Convention commenced on 9 January, 1993, and today nearly three months have elapsed since then. During this period the esteemed delegates, in conducting discussions for laying down the fundamental principles for the formulation of the State Constitution, have engaged with vigour and energy in their discussions to obtain the headings of each of the chapters. The esteemed delegates to the National Convention have been residing here at the Kyaikkasan Grounds in friendship and harmony and participating in the discussions since the cool of the winter and today we have arrived at the beginning of summer; before long the Thingyan Water Festival is to be held and the old year is soon to give way to the new. Having known about the energy and initiative taken by the esteemed delegates to arrive at the suitable chapter headings, I feel very grateful. At this point of time we have procured the chapter headings which are in the closest harmony as possible with the proposals and the suggestions which have been made by the delegates. All that remains to be done is for proposals and suggestions to be made so that the fundamental principles may be laid down according to the respective chapter. I have noticed frequent references made by some of the esteemed delegates to Paragraph 20 of State Law and Order Restoration Council Declaration No 1/90, dated 27 July 1990, during the myriad discussions made for arriving at suitable chapter headings to be incorporated in the State Constitution. A particular emphasis was placed on the passage, "...the represenatives elected by the people are those who have the responsibility to draw up the Constitution of the future democratic State." What is noticeable in the references made to the State Law and Order Restoration Council Declaration No 1/90 is that there is a tendency towards selecting quotations of individual paragraphs to suit one's own purpose. Actually, what is most important is that Declaration 1/90 should be taken as a whole so that overall essence will be gained. What is stated in Paragraph 18 is: "It can be seen from the statements issued that the desire of the majority of the political parties which contested in the Multi-Party Democracy General Election is to draw up a new Constitution. It will be seen that when the Constitution of 1947 was drawn up, matters concerning the national races were discussed among only the Shan, Kachin and Chin nationals at the Panglong Conference and that they were not discussed with the Mon and Rakhine nationals. Today, in Myanmar Naing-Ngan there are many national races who have awakened politically and it is obvious that it is especially necessary to draw up a firm Constitution after soliciting their wishes and views." Everyone knows that this is the reason why we are procuring the proposals and suggestions of the national races at this National Convention. The National Convention has today reached the stage where the representatives-elect, delegates of the various poltical parties, delegates of the national races, delegates of the peasants, delegates of the workers, delegates of the intelligentsia and technocrats, State service personnel as well as invited delegates are all able to gather together and discuss matters in harmony and cordiality making suggestions and proposals. The fact that delegates from all classes and all strata are able to join in the discussions and submit their proposals and suggestions together with the representatives-elect at this National Convention symbolizes the successful implementation of Declaration No 1/90 and does not in any way symbolize any kind of opposition to its stand. At such a time when progress is being achieved in the political sphere the principal need to engage in all activities with full concentration upon arriving at the fundamental principles for the framing of the Constitution is the most important task at hand. The most basic and principal national task at hand has been laid upon the shoulders of the esteemed delegates including us. Esteemed delegates The importance of the National Convention in which the esteemed delegates are today deeply involved was underscored by State Law and Order Restoration Council Chairman General Than Shwe on the occasion of the 48th Anniversary of the Armed Forces Day. The State Law and Order Restoration Council Chairman General Than Shwe said: "As explained earlier our Tatmadaw will systematically retransfer State power to the people to whom it initially belongs as the situation of the country allows. That is why the National Convention is being held for the emergence of a genuine multi-party democracy, for the development of eternal principles of justice, liberty and equaity and for prevalence of firm principles which will guarantee Our Three Main National Causes which are 'Non-disintegration of the Union; Non-disintegration of National Unity; and Consolidation and Perpetuation of Sovereignty', which we hold uppermost. The National Convention is to coordinate and lay down the basic principles for the writing of the State Constitution which will see to the flourishing of the essence just mentioned." That it why it is incumbent upon all of us to fulfil the Six Objectives of the National Convention to the most of our ability as stated in the State Law and Order Restoration Council Order No 13/92. As all the esteemed delegates are aware, the National Convention is endowed with meaningful essence; that is why all of us here in considering all matters have to do so in close consultations and harmony. We have also avoided any inclination or intent to encourage quick decision-making on matters which we believe to be good or correct. With the greatest of respect and patience, we have taken all the suggestions and proposals which the esteemed delegates have found it proper to submit. However, when such patience and respect is shown and sufficient time given for the discussions to take place, there are complaints that it is taking too long; some are inclined to say that there is too much procrastination and wasting of time. But then, when a specific date is fixed for the conclusion of the work, then there are complaints that there has not been sufficient opportunity to discuss matters at length and to their satisfaction. There are criticisms that there is too little time and that there are restrictions on the time given. As for us, if it is a matter for the welfare of the nation and the people, we will carry on with what needs to be done no matter who finds fault or whoever tries to criticize. Now too, in the steps being taken for the designation of the chapter headings there are some who have proposed that instead of using the expression 'Legislature", "Hluttaw' should be used; and there are others who feel that the former expression is more suitable. On the same way there are differences of opinion regarding the use of the expression 'Administration' and the expression 'Government'. So also there are likes and dislikes between the use of the expression 'Head of State' and the expression 'President'. The heading 'State structure' concerns the way in which a State is formed and as such, all the esteemed delegates are aware that matters concerning the various states will also have to be included in the discussions. That is why we feel that we and the esteemed delegates will be of one mind in considering that unnecessary terminological constraints should not be involved so as not to cause difficulties in the discussions. The main importance is for us to gain the best of essence. Hence, in the forthcoming discussions to be made for laying down fundamental principles, it would be essential to see that whatever is considered and whatever is discussed is essentially good in essence. If the essence is the very best obtainable and if the terminology used is the best that can be thought of, then everyone would be happy. I wish to candidly declare that it would be inappropriate to waste too much time on choosing a good name or a good form of terminology and spend too little time on the goodness of the essence to be gained. We have by now obtained 15 chapters on which further discussions and further proposals are to be made at this National Convention. As everyone here realizes, each of these chapter headings is possessed of deep meaning and essence. Hence, in order to enable the esteemed delegates to carry out appropriate studies and research regarding the first chapter heading, that of the fundamental principles of the State, and the chapter headings from 2 to 15, the National Convention shall be adjourned. Originally, we planned for such an adjournment to take place only after the completion of discussions regarding one or two chapter headings and for the adjournment to take place at the peak of the summer heat so that the esteemed delegates can rest. However, as the esteemed delegates are well able to experience, the heat of the Myanmar month of Tagu is already very high. Esteemed delegates Prior to the Plenary Session of 3-4-93 the chairman of the workers delegates to the National Convention suggested the adjournment of the National Convention for summer. Similarly, the nationalities and many other individual representatives have also proposed recess for summer. This being the case, we have decided to adjourn the National Convention from 8 April 1993, to 6 June 1993. I conclude hereby wishing all the esteemed delegates the best of regards while expressing my wish that you would all meet again together in good health and joy when the National Convention reconvenes again on 7 June 1993. I wish you all well by saying "Nayon La Hma Hson Kya Mai". Following the speech, delegates left their hostels in the evening to return home. They were given daily allowances and travel allowances. (WPD 4/8) Delegate Ousted as Terrorist Apr. 7: The authorities announced that U Marl Ko Ban, independent representative-elect for Pekhon-1 and a National Convention delegate, has been cancelled from the list of delegates. He attended the Convention from Jan 9-11, and returned home with the other delegates, but did not return when the Convention reconvened on Feb. 1. "He reportedly left Pekhon by bus on 29 January, 1993, to attend the National Convention and got down at Mobye. On 30 January, he arrived at his sister Daw Pee Set's house in Lweyin Village in Pekhon Township and met with Secretary of Village Law and Order Restoration Council U Pee Yo. "He told U Pee Yo that he made anti-governmental talks when he was engaged in a chat with other delegates at the hostel on 9 February 1993, after attending the National Convention. He also told him that he heard twelve delegates were arrested for talking anti-government speeches and that he would be arrested if he went back to attend the National Convention. Saying he was going to join the Kayin terrorist group, he left Lweyin Village round about noon taking the route to the west. "According to the BBC's report which was broadcast at 20:15 hours on 6 April, 1993, regarding U Marl Ko Ban, it is noted that he was with the Kayin terrorists and that he made fabricated accounts of the National Convention according to what was liked by the terrorists and the BBC broadcast his false allegations. "The authorities concerned explicitly declared that there had never been the case like arresting twelve delegates. It is common knowledge that arrangements are being made for holding free and open discussions at the National Convention and that all undertakings concerning the National Convention is made known to the masses of the people by publishing news about the National Convention." (WPD 4/8) Table of Chapter Headings Apr. 8: A table showing the Preamble and Chapter Headings, as approved or opposed (or proposed to be modified) by the eight groups of delegates: (1)-(10) Political Parties (specified); (11)-(14) Representatives-elect (split into 4 sub-groups: (a) NLD + 2 Independents; (b) 3 NUP delegates; (c) delegates from four other parties + 3 Independents; (d) 2 Independents (15) Nationalities (16) Peasantry (17) Workers (18) Intelligentsia and technocrats (19) State service personnel (20) Other invited delegates Total: 20 groups Chapter Headings Support 1. Preamble 20 2. Fundamental principles of State 20 3. State Structure 20 --Section of Union Member States (proposed additional heading by Shan Nationalities League for Democracy컴SNLD) 1 --Sector of State (proposed additional heading by Shan State Kokang Democratic Party컴SSKDP) 1 --High Authority of autonomous region and its rights (proposed additional heading by SSKDP) 1 --States (proposed additional heading by Reps-elect subgroups c,d) 2 4. Head of State 14 --President (alternative proposed by National League for Democracy 컴NLD, SNLD, SSKDP, Reps-elect subgroups a,c,d) 6 5. Legislature 14 --Hluttaw (alternative proposed by NLD, Reps-elect subgroup a) 2 --Union Hluttaw (alternative proposed by SNLD, Reps-elect subgroups c,d) 3 --Hluttaws (Union Hluttaw + Hluttaws of the States + departments) (alternative proposed by SSKDP) 1 6. Executive 14 --Government (alternative proposed by NLD, Reps-elect subgroup a) 2 --Union Government (alternative proposed by SNLD, Reps-elect subgroups c,d) 3 --Pyidaungsu Asoya Aphwe (alternative proposed by SSKDP) 1 7. Judiciary 20 8. Tatmadaw 20 9. Citizens and their rights and duties 20 10. Election 20 11. Political Parties 20 12. Provisions on Emergency Measures 16 --(opposed as Chapter heading by NLD, SNLD, SSKDP, Reps-elect subgroup a) 4 13. Constitutional Amendment 20 14. State Flag, State Emblem, National Anthem and the State Capital 20 15. Transitory provisions 18 --(opposed as Chapter heading by NLD, Reps-elect subgroup a) 2 16. General provisions 20 --. Index (15 opposed; 5 no opinion; no further discussion needed) 0 (WPD 4/10) Vigilance Urged Apr. 12: Speaking at the end of a two-week course for regional and local LORC members, SLORC Secretary-1 Maj-Gen. Khin Nyunt, said that "Agreement on 15 chapter headings suitable to be included in the Constitution has been reached, and the National Convention was adjourned up to 6 June to avoid the head of summer.... As all know, he said, there are subversive acts to disrupt the National Convention and to split the nation into bits. The neo-colonialists, he said, who having failed in their attempts to enable their followers to gain power, are now trying in every way to break up the unity and solidarity of all nationalities and to break up the Union. Keeping vigilance against their attempts, the regional authorities would have to guide the people to know and guard against these plans, he pointed out...." (WPD 4/13) DIPLOMATIC Diplomatic Calls The following calls were paid on Burmese officials by foreign Embassy or UN officials accredited to Burma. Mar. 31: Shri Lanka Ambassador S.W. Alawathuwala called on Minister for Religious Affairs Maj-Gen. Myo Nyunt. Philippine Ambassador Ms. Rosalinda V. Tirona called on Minister for Co-operatives U Than Aung, and called for rapid implementation of the agreement between the Central Co-Operative Body and the Philippine International Trading Corporation which visited Myanmar in February. (WPD 4/1) Apr. 1: Japanese Ambassador Tomoya Kawamura called on Yangon Mayor U Ko Lay. (WPD 4/2) Apr. 2: The Japanese Ambassador called on SLORC Chairman General Than Shwe. (WPD 4/3) Apr. 6: Chinese Ambassador Liang Feng called on Minister for Construction U Khin Maung Yin to discuss the Yangon-Thanlyin bridge project. Singapore Charge d'Affaires Anthony Chng Chye Tong called on Minister for Trade Maj-Gen. Tun Kyi. Nepalese Ambassador Dr. Thakkan Mallik called on Yangon Mayor U Ko Lay. (WPD 4/7) Apr. 9: UNICEF Resident Representative S.H. Umemoto called on Minister for Education Col. Pe Thein. Indonesian Ambassador Mochamad Sanoesi called on Minister for Forestry Lt-Gen. Chit Swe. (WPD 4/10) Apr. 20: Russian Ambassador Valeri Vartanovich Nazarov called on Minister for Home Affairs Maj-Gen. Mya Thinn to discuss anti-narcotics cooperation. (NLM 4/21) Apr. 23: The Russian Ambassador called on Chairman Maj-Gen. Tin Tun (Rtd.) of the Myanmar Naing-Ngan War Veterans Organization (WVO). (NLM 4/24) Apr. 27: WHO Resident Representative Dr. Klaus Wagner called on Minister for Health Vice-Adm. Than Nyunt to discuss the 46th WHO Conference in May. Indian Ambassador G. Parthasarathy called on Minister for Mines Maj-Gen. Kyaw Min. (NLM 4/28) Apr. 28: Singapore Charge d'Affaires Anthony Chng Chye Tong called on Minister for Trade Maj-Gen. Tun Kyi. United States Charge d'Affaires Franklin P. Huddle, Jr., accompanied by Ms. Constance A. Phlipot [sic], called on Minister for Mines Maj-Gen. Kyaw Min. (NLM 4/29) New Myanmar Ambassadors Apr. 20: U Sein Lwin on Apr. 16 presented credentials in Kuala Lumpur to Sultan Azlan Shah Yang di-Pertuan Agong as new Myanmar Ambassador to Malaysia. (NLM 4/ 21) Apr. 23: U Wynn Lwin on Apr. 22 presented credentials in Teheran to President Hojjatol-Islam Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani as new Myanmar Ambassador to Iran. (NLM 4/24) Apr. 29: SLORC Chairman General Than Shwe has named U Phone Myint, Myanmar Ambassador to Thailand, to be concurrently Myanmar Ambassador to Singapore. (NLM 4/ 30) Thai Border Incidents Apr. 8: A Myanmar Tatmadaw column at Maw Phoke camp on the Thaungyin (Moei) River between Myanmar and Thailand on Apr. 3 "found a suspicious-looking 40-year-old man and called out to him for interrogation. The man made no response and fled, and so Myanmar Tatmadaw column fired a shot. Crossing Thaungyin River, the man made his escale into the territory of the other country." [A photocopy of a report in the Bangkok Post, headlined Officials act on Burmese killing of fisherman, states that Thai members of the Thai-Burma Border Committee have sent a protest letter to Myawaddy, opposite Mae Sot, after soldiers of the Burmese 328th Battalion based in Maw Pookey, opposite Tha Song Yang, shot and fatally wounded Takham Tuenthai, aged 63, as he was fishing in the Moei border river. "Border sources said the Burmese soldiers who shot him might have mistaken the man for a rebel Karen National Union spy."] "Regarding this account...Myanmar-Thailand Border Committee of Myawady Township has sent a note to that of Mae Sot Township stating the fact that there had been a case of shooting by Myanmar Tatmadawmen at an intruder in Myanmar territory who fled when called on to be interrogated and that there had not been the case of shooting of Myanmar forces at any Thai village fishing on Thaungyin River on Myanmar-Thailand border." (WPD 4/10) Apr. 14: One of four Myanmars from Min Letpan village, Myawady Twp., who went shopping in a village in Maesok, Thailand, was allegedly shot and killed Apr. 12 by villagers when they tried to evade seizure. The Thais involved were underlings of a sawmill owner whose mill had been seized for by Myanmar troops for illegal operation on Myanmar territory on Apr. 10. A protest has been filed. (WPD 4/15) Indian Border Insurgencies Apr. 28: The April 22 The Times of India carries an article (partial photocopy reproduced) concerning clashes between two insurgent groups in Manipur, India, using modern weapons. They are the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN) and the Kuki [Chin] National Army (KNA). The NSCN has long sought independence from India, but the Kuki Chin insurgents (KNA) "are a group that has emerged recently and has the formation of an independent 'Kukiland' comprising parts of India and Myanmar as its objective. The two contending groups were based at the border on Myanmar side, the report stated. It also carried hints made by an official about the possibility of the Myanmar government behind the Kuki Chins.... The KSCN...occasionally enters Myanmar villages on the border for committing murder, robbery and arson. The Kuki insurgents are also engaged in similar acts at the border villages on Myanmar side. For these acts there have been clashes between the Myanmar Tatmadaw and the two insurgent groups. According to some Myanmar officials, there is no such support or assistance given by the Myanmar Government to such insurgents groups including Naga and Kukis, and the Government will not allow any outlawed insurgent group, threatening the security of any neighbouring country, to take its base on this side." (NLM 4/29) INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION Workshops Apr. 1: A one-week Strategy Workshop on Education Sector Study (Phase II), cosponsored by the Ministry of Education, UNDP, and UNESCO, opened. (WPD 4/2) // Apr. 7: It concluded. (WPD 4/8) Apr. 26: A two-week Country Course on Statistical Computing, jointly sponsored by the Central Statistics Organization and the Statistical Institute for Asia and Pacific (SIAP), opened under the direction of Mr. Patrick David Pentony. 20 trainees are attending. (NLM 4/27) Apr. 28: A two-day Workshop on Presentation of Draft Proposal for Education Sector Development, jointly sponsored by the Ministry of Education, UNDP, and UNESCO, opened. (NLM 4/29) Foreign Donations Apr. 1: Managing Director Ashok Somani of M/S Somani Biochem Co. of India and Managing Director U Tin Shwe of Mann Engineering and Trading Co. Ltd. donated K10,000 of medical equipment to the No. 2 Military Hospital. (WPD 4/2) Apr. 6: Shri Lanka President Ranasinghe Premedasa donated 500,000 rupees for the construction of the Myanmar-Shri Lanka Buddhist Association Sasanica Building in Yangon. The Japanese Embassy women's society donated K70,000 and school equipment for an orphanage in Yangon. (WPD 4/7) Apr. 7: Australia donated a microfuge to the Parasitology Research Division of the Department of Medical Research, Ministry of Health. (WPD 4/8) Apr. 21: Narong Canning Co. Ltd. of Thailand, represented by U Min Sein, donated 300 boxes of fish (worth US$6,000), and Trans World Co. Ltd. of Thailand, represented by Mr. J.P. Maneck Shaw, a typewriter and a calculator, to the Ministry of Development of Border Areas and National Races. (NLM 4/22) Apr. 27: Executive Director U Maung Maung Nyunt of STAG Company and Myanmar representative of Total Oil Company, donated a Jaguar Demler [sic] motor car to the Ministry of National Planning and Economic Development. (NLM 4/28) FOREIGN VISITORS International Agency Visitors Mar. 31: Dr. I. Machny of the UNICEF Office of South-East Asian Regional Director, and Adviser Dr. Noto Abiprojo, together with Dr. T. Prvulovic of the Yangon WHO office, called on Minister for Health Vice-Adm. Than Nyunt. (WPD 4/1) Apr. 6: WHO Southeast Asia Regional Director Dr. Uton M. Rafei, accompanied by Indonesian Embassy First Secretary I. Ktut Habe-Diantha and local WHO Resident Representative Dr. Klaus Wagner, called on Minister for Health Vice-Adm. Than Nyunt. (WPD 4/7) Apr. 9: Asian Development Bank Executive Director Mr. Tan Song Chuan called on Minister for National Planning and Economic Development Brig-Gen. Abel, and on Minister for Finance and Revenue Brig-Gen. Win Tin. (WPD 4/10) Apr. 23: An IMF/ADB delegation led by Michael Bell called on Minister for Finance and Revenue Brig-Gen. Win Tin. It will remain until May 6, to meet with officials, joint ventures, and private enterprises. (NLM 4/24) // The delegation called on Minister for National Planning and Economic Development Brig-Gen. Abel. (NLM 4/28) Business Visitors Apr. 27: General Manager Mr. H. Sakamoto of Nichimen Corporation of Japan called on Minister for Health Vice-Adm. Than Nyunt to discuss joint ventures. (NLM 4/28) Academic and Health Visitors Apr. 7: Physician Mr. Jia Quo Qino, currently in Myanmar, met with Deputy Minister for Health Col. Than Zin to discuss "physiotherepic treatment by means of indigenous medicine." Apr. 19: Dr. Elizabeth H. Moore of the "School of African and Oriental Studies, University of London and Art and Archaeology of South East Asia," accompanied by US Cultural Counsellor W.J. Weinhold and US Second Secretary Terry R. Davidson, called on Minister for Education Col. Pe Thein to discuss "exchanging archaeological experts for teaching of archaeology and publishing textbooks." (NLM 4/20) Apr. 20: Professor Jean-Paul Desroches, Curator of the Guimet Museum in Paris, called on Minister for Culture Lt-Gen. Aung Ye Kyaw. (NLM 4/21) Religious Delegations Apr. 21: Chairman Mr. Koki Onodera and Director Shigeo Hana of Myanmar MCG Corporation Ltd. called on Minister for Religious Affairs Maj-Gen. Myo Nyunt to discuss a November visit by 50 Japanese pilgrims, and a May visit by a three-man advance party. (NLM 4/22) Apr. 23: Sayadaw Agga Maha Pandita Bhaddanta Vajira Buddhi of Bombay, India, returned home to India via Bangkok. (NLM 4/24) Foreign Journalists Apr. 19: Mr. Hugo Dominic Temple Gurdom of the Daily Telegraph South-East Asian Division in Hong Kong, and his wife Mrs. Megham Cox Gurdom of the Monitor Radio South-East Asia Division, called on members of the Central Committee for Drug Abuse Control (CCDAC). (NLM 4/20) Indian Foreign Secretary Mar. 31: The Indian delegation led by Foreign Secretary Mr. J.N. Dixit departed, after calling on SLORC Secretary-1 Maj-Gen. Khin Nyunt, visiting the Shwedagon Pagoda and signing "the record of discussions between Myanmar and Indian delegations." (WPD 4/1) US Aviation Counsellor Apr. 1, Mr. Donald V. Schmidt, Counsellor of Civil Aviation and Director of the Asia and Pacific Regional Federal Aviation Agency, accompanied by Embassy Political and Economic Counsellor Mr. Donald L. Jameson, called on Deputy Prime Minister Lt-Gen. Tin Tun to discuss civil aviation cooperation. (WPD 4/2) Japanese Parliamentarian Apr. 1: Japanese Member of Parliament Mr. Tatsuo Ozawa, Chairman of the Japan-Myanmar Parliamentarian League, arrived in Yangon at the invitation of the Myanmar Foreign Minister. (WPD 4/2) // Apr. 2: He called on Minister for Health Vice-Adm. Than Nyunt, Minister for National Planning and Economic Development Brig-Gen. Abel, Deputy Minister for Agriculture U Tin Hlaing, Minister for Trade Maj-Gen. Tun Kyi, and finally on Minister for Foreign Affairs U Ohn Gyaw, who hosted a dinner. He also visited the Shwedagon Pagoda. (WPD 4/3) // Apr. 3: He departed, after calling on SLORC Secretary-1 Maj-Gen. Khin Nyunt and donating two sets of HIV detection equipment worth US$80,000 to the Ministry of Health. (WPD 4/4) US Ex-Congressmen Apr. 3: Former US Congressmen Robert L. Leggett and Seymour Halpern, and former US National Security Council member Donald A. Macdonald attended the Apr. 3 National Convention Plenary Session as observers. "They are here to observe current changes and progress in Myanmar Naing-Ngan for one week." They also called on SLORC Secretary-1 Maj-Gen. Khin Nyunt, who was accompanied by Minister for Foreign Affairs U Ohn Gyaw. (WPD 4/4) Vietnam Deputy Foreign Minister Apr. 25: Deputy Foreign Minister Mr. Vu Khoan of Vietnam arrived on a 4-day official goodwill visit at the invitation of Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs U Nyunt Swe. (NLM 4/26) // Apr. 26: He visited the Shwedagon Pagoda and other sights, and called on Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs U Nyunt Swe, Minister for Hotels and Tourism Maj-Gen. Kyaw Ba, Minister for Foreign Affairs U Ohn Gyaw, and Minister for National Planning and Economic Development Brig-Gen. Abel. (NLM 4/27) // Apr. 27: He visited the Shwemawdaw Pagoda and other sights in Bago. (NLM 4/28) // Apr. 28: He called on SLORC Secretary-1 Maj-Gen. Khin Nyunt, prior to leaving for home. (NLM 4/29) Chinese Rail Delegation Apr. 29: A delegation led by Kunming Railway Bureau Chief Mr. Chen Pengnian called on Minister for Rail Transportation U Win Sein to discuss rail cooperation. (NLM 4/30) MYANMAR DELEGATIONS Study Delegations Apr. 2: The following technicians left for Japan to attend courses, with Japanese Government assistance: Tutor Daw Khin Than Yu of Yangon Insitute of Technology (for a Ph.D. course in Aeronautical Engineering); Tutor Daw Myint Myint San of Institute of Education (Ph.D. in Comparative Education); SAT Daw Mya Thet Mu of Institute of Education Practicing School (Masters in Methodology); Lecturer U Kyaw Swa Soe of Institute of Computer Science & Technology (course on Microprocessor Interfacing and System Design); Deputy Assistant Engineer U Aung Aung Thein of the same Institute (course on Integrated Circuit Fabrication Technology); Tutor U San Lwin of the Institute of Economic (Ph.D. in Human Resources Management and Organizational Behaviour); Tutor U Maung Maung of the same Institute (Masters in Government Financing); Assistant Lecturer Daw Aye Aye Ngun of Mandalay University (Ph.D. in History); Tutor U Pyi Aye of Yangon University (Ph.D. in Mathematics); and Research Assistants Daw Mi Mi Kyaw and U Soe Min of the Universities Historical Research Department (Masters in Research Techniques in History). (WPD 4/3) Apr. 10: Assistant Managers U Than Soe and U Aung Thein Tun of Myanma Insurance left for Malta to attend a four-month course on Applied Insurance Studies sponsored by UNDP. (WPD 4/11) Apr. 11: Director U Soe Thein of Accounts, Statistics, and General Division of the Internal Revenue Department left for Malaysia to attend the Third Symposium on Tax Policy and Reforms in the Asia-Pacific Region, sponsored by the Asian Development Bank. (WPD 4/12) Apr. 12: Assistant Director U Tha Zan Hla of the Technical, Agricultural and Vocational Education Department and Lecturer Daw Mya Mya Kyaw of the Tharyarwady Agricultural Institute left for Malaysia to attend a 3-month, UNDP sponsored, course on Veterinary and Animal Husbandry Training. Assistant Lecturer Daw Khin Khin Nyo and Demonstrator Daw Naw Mu Gaw Htoo of the Insein Government Technical Institute left for Malaysia to attend a 3-month course on Curriculum Development and Innovations. (WPD 4/13) Apr. 14: An archaeological delegation led by Director-General U Thawda Sein of the Archaeology Department left for Yunnan, China, for two weeks to study archaeological activities there. Other members are Departmental Research Officers U Kyaw Oo Lwin, U Pauk Pauk, U Hla Gyi Maung, and Cultural Ministry Head of Division U Aung Kyi Myint. (WPD 4/15) // Apr. 28: The delegation returned. (NLM 4/29) Apr. 17: Staff Officer U Wan Kyi of the Agricultural Mechanization Department left for Israel to attend a two-month Advanced International Course on New Concepts in Agricultural Engineering. (NLM 4/18) Apr. 19: A delegation led by Deputy Minister for Health Col. Than Zin left for China to "study and discuss health activities." Other members are Deputy Director-General Dr. Myo Thein of the Department of Medical Research, Director Dr. Aung Naing of the Department of Traditional Medicine, Deputy Director Dr. Myint Htwe of the Ministry of Health (foreign relations), and Assistant Directors Dr. Myo Then Tun and Capt. Zaw Linn Maung of the Department of Health. (NLM 4/20) Apr. 28: Seventeen people from the Caustic Soda Factory Project (Sittaung) left for China to attend eight technical courses for two months. The Project is being implemented under an agreement between Myanma Paper and Chemical Industries and Yunnan Provincial Chemical Import and Export Corporation (YNCIEC). (NLM 4/29) Delegations to Meetings & Events Mar. 31: A delegation led by Minister for Agriculture Maj-Gen. Myint Aung left for China to inaugurate the Myanma Exhibition at the Third International Trade Fair in Beijing, which opens Apr. 2, and to go on a study tour. Other members are Managing Director U Hla Pe of Myanmar Timber Enterprise, Deputy Director U Tin Htut Oo of Agricultural Planning Department, Deputy Factory Manager U Mya Thein of Agricultural Mechanization Department, and the Minister's Personal Secretary Capt. Myo Min. (WPD 4/1) // Apr. 11: "The Myanmar exhibits were all sold out and arrangements were made for customers who wanted to buy more." (WPD 4/12) // Apr. 12: The delegation returned. (WPD 4/13) Apr. 1: General Manager U Aye Pe and Deputy General Manager U Win Pe of Construction and Electric Stores Trading, Government-appointed Directors of Myanmar Natsteel Hardware Centre Ltd., left for Singapore to attend a Meeting of the Board of Directors. (WPD 4/2) Apr. 7: A trade delegation led by Minister for Trade Maj-Gen. Tun Kyi left for China to attend the 73rd Canton Trade Fair from Apr. 15-24. Other members are Director U Aung Kyi of the Department of Trade, Capt. Kyaw Kyaw Oo, personal secretary to the Minister, and Minister Adviser U Win Kyi. A second delegation will leave directly for Guangdong (Canton) on Apr. 12. (WPD 4/8) // Apr. 25: The Minister returned. "The Minister observed the exhibits at the Fair and gave instructions on purchase of necessary goods. Economic and trade activities were discussed in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and Singapore on 20 April." (NLM 4/ 26) // Apr. 26: The rest of the delegation returned. (NLM 4/27) Apr. 19: Deputy Director-General U San Din of the Labour Department left for Geneva, Switzerland, to attend the 9th UN Volunteers Consultative Meeting and Special Consultation from Apr. 21-23. (NLM 4/20) Apr. 20: A delegation led by Myanmar Ambassador to Thailand U Phone Myint left for the Apr. 21-29 49th Session of ESCAP in Bangkok. Other members are Deputy General Manager U Maung Maung Tin of the Ministry of Agriculture, Deputy Director Daw Win Win May of the Foreign Ministry, Deputy Director Daw Nyo Nyo Myint of the Directorate of Trade, and Staff Officer Daw Toe Toe Win of the Foreign Economic Relations Department. (NLM 4/21) Apr. 23: A 3-member delegation headed by Minister for Construction U Khin Maung Yin left for Kenya to attend the 14th meeting of the United Nations Commission on Human Settlement from Apr. 16-May 5. Other members are Assistant Director U Than Moe of the Department of Human Settlements and Housing Development, and personal officer to the Minister U Khin Maung Hse. (NLM 4/24) Fisheries Minister to US Apr. 11: A delegation led by Minister for Livestock Breeding & Fisheries Brig-Gen. Maung Maung left for the United States, at the invitation of Ms. Miriam Marshall Segal, Chairperson of Miriam Marshall Associates International (MMAI), to "study fisheries in the United States and to discuss expanding of fisheries, promotion of export, and other related development facilities in Myanmar." Other members are Ministry Director-General U Tin Maung Myint of the Planning and Statistics Department, Director General U Kyaw Lwin of the Fisheries Department, Managing Director Col. Sein Hmat of Myanma Fisheries Enterprise, Managing Director Dr. Mya Maung of Myanma Agriculture Service, Staff Officer Col. Kyaw Thein, and PSO to the Minister Capt. Win Maung. (WPD 4/12) // Apr. 29: The delegation returned. In the United States it visited fisheries services and fish markets in Minneapolis, New York, Boston, and Washington, and met with businessmen and Congressmen. En route home it visited fisheries in Singapore. (NLM 4/30) Returning Delegations Return of delegations that departed in previous months, and whose composition has been given in previous issues of the BPS: Apr. 4: The Myanmar delegation returned from the International Buddhist Conference in Seoul, Korea. (WPD 4/5) Apr. 5: Myanmar Olympic Committee Joint Secretary U Khin Maung Lwin and Tennis Federation President Police Lt-Col. Tha Oo returned Apr. 3 from a seminar on sports marketing in London, attended by two delegates each from Myanmar, Vietnam, Mongolia, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Shri Lanka and Maldives. (WPD 4/6) MYANMAR GAZETTE Probationary Appointments The SLORC made the following appointments, on probation: Apr. 28: U Kyi Soe, Director, to be Director-General, Planning and Statistics Department, Ministry of Health. (NLM 4/29) Appointments Confirmed The SLORC confirmed the following appointments, after one year's probation: Apr. 7: U Kyaw Myint as Managing Director, Myanma Railways. (WPD 4/8) Transfers The SLORC has transferred and appointed the following: Apr. 21: U Aung Thein, of the Office of the Ministry of Rail Transportation, to be Managing Director, Myanma Railways. (NLM 4/22) GOVERNMENT New Army Commander Mar. 31: SLORC Notification No. 20/93 of Mar. 31, Appointment of Commander-in-Chief (Army) and joint assignment of Defence Services Deputy Commander-in-Chief, reads [text]: 1. The State Law and Order Restoration Council has appointed BC/7875 Lt-Gen Maung Aye, Commander of the Eastern Command, as Commander-in-Chief (Army) with effect from 27 March 1993. 2. Lt-Gen Maung Aye is jointly assigned duties as Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Services. (WPD 4/1) Old Laws Repealed Mar. 31: SLORC Law No. 4/93 of Mar. 31, the Law for the (Second Time) Repeal of Laws, reads [text]: Whereas it is expedient to provide for the repeal of certain laws from among existing laws, which on scrutinizing again, have been found to be no longer in conformity with the changing circumstances, laws which have not been in use for a long time and laws for which there are no reasons for use in future, the State Law and Order Restoration Council hereby enacts this Law. 1. This Law shall be called the Law for the (Second Time) Repeal of Laws. 2. The following laws are hereby repealed:컴 (a) The Stage Carriages Act. (b) The Pilots Act. (c) The Providence Insurance Societies Act. (d) The Life Assurance Companies Act. (e) The Companies Foreign Interests Act. (f) The Cotton Transport Act. (g) The Contributory Provident Funds Act. (h) The Myanmar Patents and Designs Act, 1945. (i) The Liabilities (War-Time Adjustment) Act, 1945. (j) The Myanmar Agriculturalists' Debt Relief Act. (k) (l) (m) (n) (WPD 4/1) Development Committees Law Apr. 1: SLORC Law No. 5/93 of Apr. 1, the Development Committees Law [full text published], authorizes the Ministry of Home Affairs to establish local development committees for townships or groups of townships (except in the Yangon and Mandalay Development areas). Such Development Committees will have authority and responsibility for: town planning; water supply, sanitation, and sewage disposal; road lighting; public, private, and cattle markets; roadside stalls; bakeries and restaurants; "dangerous trade"; precautions against fire, flood, storms, and natural disasters; cattle slaughtering houses and sale of meat; ferries; small loan businesses; slow-moving vehicles; roads and bridges; road bye-laws; road names and house numbers; Committee-sponsored buildings; private building permits; private building permits in rural areas; demolition of squatter buildings; lodging houses; keeping of livestock and disposal of carcasses; arresting of "wandering insane persons, lepers, beggars, and handing over to the authority concerned"; rounding up and disposing of wandering animals; gardens, parks, play grounds, swimming pools, public baths and recreation centres; cemeteries and crematoriums; demolishing of cemeteries; and other development works. Committees may impose and collect duties, taxes, and rates, borrow money, conduct projects in cooperation with local and foreign individuals and organizations, use earned foreign currency, and inspect State-owned buildings (except those relating to national defence or classified as secret). (WPD 4/2) Development Committees may levy and collect building and land taxes; water, street lighting, garbage, and sewage taxes; taxes on vehicles, beasts of burden, and pet; parking taxes; other development taxes. Building and land taxes are limited to 10% of the annual rental value, and 5% of "the total income derived from the privately owned land and building under Government management." They may require landowners to suspend or demolish illegal construction; remove encroachments on public land or facilities; remove buildings obstructing maintenance of public roads or bridges; repairing or demolishing unsafe buildings; whitewash and paint buildings and fences; erect and repair fences around unfenced land; remove "noxious or untidy trees, bushes and undergrowth" and fill up ravines and pitches. They may also require enclosure or repair of dangerous wells or pools; cleaning and repairing of unhygienic wells or water tanks, etc.; proper drainage; installing flush toilets, sewage pipes, and septic tanks; repairing or removing illegal toilets, septic tanks, etc.; constructing sewer lines across others' property, and compensating any damages therefrom. They may require land or building owners to install and maintain garbage bins; prohibit use of unsanitary water supplies; clean and maintain rooms; keep entertainment rooms sanitary and free of fire hazard; prohibit dangerous enterprises or nuisances. Finally, they may require cemetery owners to close, transfer, and/or demolish them. Criteria for regulation of slow-moving vehicles and ferries are provided. (WPD 4/3) Criteria for ferries [cont.], and slaughter houses are provided. Supervision, financing, organizing, auditing etc. (WPD 4/4) No one in the relevant town area shall engage in any activity [spelled out in detail] of the Development Committee's jurisdiction "without the permission of the Committee or without being in conformity with the specifications, contained in the permission or without being in conformity with the terms and conditions issued." Administrative penalties of K100 to K1000 may be imposed. In addition, persons convicted of violating the Law are subject to fines of from K500-K5000, K1000-K10000, or K2000-20000 plus 1 year in prison, depending on the section violated. The City of Mandalay may apply this Law so far as it is not in conflict with the City of Mandalay Development Committee Law. The following Laws are repealed: (a) The Hackney Carriage Act, 1879 (b) The Government Management of Private Estates Act, 1892 (c) The Municipal Act, 1898 (d) The Ferries Act, 1898 (e) The Government Buildings Act, 1899 (f) The Local Authorities Loans Act, 1914 (g) The Myanmar Rural Self Government Act, 1929 (h) The Local Authorities (Suspension) Act, 1946 (i) The Buildings (Regulation of Construction and Repair) Act, 1946 (j) The Cattle Slaughter Prohibition Act, 1947. (WPD 4/5) Olympic Council Law Apr. 19: SLORC Law No. 6/93 of Apr. 19, the Myanmar National Olympic Council Law [full text published], establishes a Council with the objectives of promoting "Union spirit and patriotism," raising Myanmar sports to "international standard," contributing to national defence, training outstanding athletes, and encouraging sports among the young. The Prime Minister is to form the Council, "consisting of suitable citizens," and to appoint its officers. The Council will form sports policies, select athletes and teams for overseas competitions, select persons for training courses, send out study missions, invite foreign sports groups and hire foreign coaches, supervise import and distribution of foreign sports goods, etc., etc. The Council will also appoint the Myanmar Olympic Committee, to organize Myanmar participation in Olympic Games, Asian Games, Southeast Asian Games, and Regional Games, to liaise with the International Olympic Committee, to coordinate training for Olympic and other games, etc. The Council will also establish Sports Federations in each sport, and determine their functions. Until this is done, existing Sports Federations will be deemed to have been formed under the new Law. The Council will also form the Myanmar Sports and Physical Education Committee to organize and coordinate sports and physical education throughout the country, establishing regional and local branches, and establish a Sports Institute and Sports University. (NLM 4/20) University of Culture Law Apr. 20: SLORC Law No. 7/93 of April 20, the University of Culture Law [full text published], establishes a University of Culture to preserve Myanmar's cultural heritage, support Myanmar Fine Arts and the training of outstanding artistes, promote teaching of the culture, customs, and traditions of the national races, contribute to patriotism, and produce "good artistes of sound moral character." A Council is established under the Minister of Culture, to lay down policies, sponsor research, determine the degrees and diplomas to be granted by the University, set qualifications for students and teachers, and set the size of the student body, and conduct other administrative tasks. It will establish a University Academic Body and a University Administrative Body, set tenure rules, etc. (NLM 4/ 21) Patent Law Revision Needed Apr. 27: The first coordination meeting for the Board for Promulgation of Laws for Transfer of Technical Know-how was held at the Central Research Organization. Chairman Minister for Education Col. Pe Thein said that "formerly, technical know-how was transferred among departments and organizations on the basis of providing support to each other without any charges. With the advent of market-oriented economy, he said, there is a need to consider for systematically transferring of developing technical know-how to those who will implement it practically as well as for rewarding the innovators of the know-how. 'It is necessary to promulgate up-to-date rules and systems for transferring of technical know-how,' he said, 'as well as to update the existing patent laws.'" (NLM 4/28) MILITARY Tatmadaw Actions Mar. 31: Tatmadaw columns pursuing the Hkunsa and Kansit Loimaw terrorist bandits who perpetrated the Mar. 20 massacre along Mai Pan Creek, caught up with 10 of them on Mar. 24 18 miles east of Monghsat, and killed one. On Mar. 26 the Tatmadaw caught up with 20 more 20 miles east of Monghsat, and killed two. (WPD 4/1) Insurgent Attacks Mar. 31: A time bomb in a home in Mudon [Mon] on Mar. 30 killed three youths and wounded four others. (WPD 4/1) Mar. 31: Shan and Lahu people wounded in the Mar. 20 massacre along Mai Pan Creek by "terrorists of Hkunsa and Kansit Loimaw bandit and opium groups" are being treated at Monhsat and Taunggyi hospitals. The massacre killed 61 and seriously wounded 37. (WPD 4/1) Apr. 20: 15 Naga terrorist insurgents on Apr. 16, "who passed through the border area from the other country," entered Wet Yu Village, Tamu Twp. [Sagaing], killed one Kuki Chin civilian, burned down 21 houses and a Co-operative shop, and left 110 people homeless. Kayin terrorist insurgents on Apr. 12 shelled Nan Kaw Toe village, Kawkareik Twp. [Kayin] seriously wounding nine villagers (seven of them young children). (NLM 4/21) Apr. 21: A group of 15 Kayin terrorists on Apr. 13 entered Minlan Thanseik village, Shwegyin Twp. [Bago] and beheaded a man and woman, as well as stealing gold from shops. (NLM 4/22) Apr. 25: Kayinni terrorist insurgents on Apr. 17 hijacked and burned a tractor near Konsut village, Loikaw Twp. [Kayah]. (NLM 4/26) Apr. 26: A terrorist mine near Papun [Kayin] injured a woman on Apr. 17. \\ Loimaw terrorists shot up a house in Honphein village, Mongtong Twp. [Shan], on Apr. 16, killing three and wounding one. One of those killed had defected from the Loimaw Narpakaw Camp on Apr. 14, after serving with them for two years. (NLM 4/ 27) Insurgents Surrender Mar. 31: Ten KNLP terrorists led by platoon commander Maung Kar (a) Nyo Aung returned to the legal fold at the Mobye Tatmadaw Camp on Mar. 30 [names and details]. (WPD 4/1) Apr. 2: 11 terrorists and 5 families returned to the legal fold in Rakhine State from Mar. 14-20, with their arms [names and details]. (WPD 4/3) Apr. 14: 96 terrorists, including women and children, led by commanding officer Soe Thein (a) Soe Thinn of the Dawei National Army (a splinter of the KNU), returned to the legal fold at Nat-ein-taung camp on Apr. 7. They brought with them 42 weapons, 2,888 rounds of ammunition, 32 rocket bombs, and 98 mines. They had split from the KNU "as the KNU terrorists did not keep to their words and indulged in violence, brutality, extortion of money and due to the unfair dealings of the KNU leaders." (WPD 4/15) Apr. 16: From Mar. 2-11, 25 terrorists surrendered, with their arms [names and details]. (NLM 4/17) Apr. 17: From Mar. 12-22, 27 terrorists surrendered, with their arms [names and details]. (NLM 4/18) Apr. 18: From Mar. 23-30, 28 terrorists surrendered, with their arms [names and details], bringing the month's total to 80. (NLM 4/19) DSA Graduation Apr. 9: Addressing the graduating cadets of the Defence Service Academy Course No. 34 in Pyin-Oo-Lwin [Maymyo], Chief-of-Staff (Army) Lt-Gen. Tin Oo said "a Tatmadawman must always be strong in spirit of patriotIsm and in love for the nation, language, literature and cultural heritage and also possess the will intolerant of any danger that may harm the country and the people, the undaunted will and resolute mind in face of enemy and danger." (WPD 4/10) Apr. 10: SLORC Chairman General Than Shwe and Madame Than Shwe Daw Kyaing Kyaing went to Mandalay to attend the No. 34 DSA graduation dinner. At the 27th Convocation of the DSA, Principal Col. Soe Win Maung presented degrees to 132 science graduates and 30 arts graduates. (WPD 4/11) [Gen. Than Shwe spent the next few days touring religious, cultural, and economic sites in Mandalay, Sagaing, and Magway Divisions.] Laws of War Course Given Apr. 19: A three-day "Dissemination Course for High Ranking Officers of the Myanmar Armed Forces", on "Geneva Convention and International Humanitarian Law" opened at No. 2 Military Hospital. Chief of Staff (Army) Lt-Gen. Tin Oo opened the course, which is being attended by 28 Tatmadaw officers. Also present were Myanmar Red Cross President Dr. Tin Oo, ICRC Regional Representative Mr. David Delaprez, ICRC Delegate Lt-Col. Bruno Doppler, and ICRC Yangon Office Administrative Officer Ms. Freidrum Mederet. (NLM 4/20) ECONOMIC Economic Articles Apr. 1: More kyats for the housewife, by Shwe La Win. [Will result from recent pay raises for civil servants.] Apr. 2: New scales of pay for service personnel, by Duwun Kyai. [As a result of pay raise, "all public servants are now quite happy with smiles wreathed on their faces." Inadequate pay can lead to loss of productivity, premature retirement, loss of manpower to foreign countries, accepting of bribes, pilfering of supplies, unauthorized sale and bartering of State stores, and general corruption.] Apr. 6-7: Striving with all might for golden crops to grow, by Shwebaw Phyo (Sinde Wa) [The Zaungu Hydro Electric Project, 36 miles north of Bago, which will generate 5 megawatts and irrigate 30,000 acres, and the related 39-mile Bawnatkyi-Zaungtu-Taikkyi road, inaugurated Mar. 15.] Apr. 11: Second paddy crop cultivation, by Ko Soe Myint. [Fertilizer and second crop culture.] Apr. 11: Nwai Khwe reservoir project, by Saw Hla Tun (Chaung-U). [Visit to the K15 million project, which will irrigate 1200 acres and prevent flooding.] Apr. 11: Expand fish and prawn breeding, by Maung Kyaw Aye. ["Let us therefore strive to raise our national economy by methodically harvesting the dollars that keep rolling in with the tides."] Apr. 13: Every body concerned is responsible, by Min Raza. [For proper production of long-staple cotton, as a raw material for Myanma spinning, weaving, and textile mills. Requirements and problems in cotton growing discussed.] Apr. 17: Protect Myanma prestige, Myanma teak, Myanma forests, by Ye Myint Pe. [Importance of forests in the Bago Yoma.] Apr. 18: South Nawin will develop agricultural economy, by Nyein Chan U. [When completed in 1994, the dam will irrigate 62,500 acres in Pyay, Paukkhaung, and Thegon Townships {Bago}.] Apr. 19: Private cargo haulage services, by Aung Nyunt. ["The {Road Transport} Enterprise {of the Ministry of Rail Transport}, in collaboration with private traders has now opened a private traders' haulage service under the name of Mandalay-Yangon Freight Forwarder Agency (MYFA)." It places Government trucks on charter or loan to private traders, and also transports goods for private traders by weight.] Apr. 20: Early summer paddy is high yield paddy, by Nyein Chan U. [It can yield over 70 baskets per acre.] Apr. 20: The Law which every urban-dweller should know, by Pe Than. [SLORC Law No. 5/93 of April 1, the Development Committees Law, which was "framed in the interest of the people especially those living in towns highly prone to the menace of urbanization."] Apr. 21: Adding impetus to our agricultural endeavours, by Theimm Htut. [Agricultural projects in central Myanmar.] Apr. 22: Bago Mazinn producers' co-operative, by Sein Hlaing Bo. [A successful producers' co-op in Bago.] Apr. 22: Myanma Pearls, by Kyaw Kyaw. ["Myanma pearls sold in Myanmar gem emporium are harder in core, larger in size and more durable than pearls from other countries and are therefore priced higher.'] Apr. 23: The Tuntay-Maubin Motor Road, by Tuntay San Ngwe. [Praise for new 20-mile dirt road connecting Yangon and Ayeyarwady Divisions, completed between Jan. 26 and Mar. 21, 1993. It can be traversed in "about an hour." "Six thousand labour contributors worked on the project every day with more volunteers from the eight wards of the town of Tuntay, departmental workers and Tatmadaw personnel from No. 70 Infantry Regiment who contributed labour every Saturday."] Apr. 26: Thank you everybody, by Tekkatho Chit Swe. [Thank you for all the new roads in Dagon Myothit.] Apr. 26: Colourful TV ads provide a new dimension, by Min Kyaw Min. ["Time was when TV Myanmar was quite docile컴no ads to pop up an interrupt programming.... Today, local and foreign products are being pushed by companies dealing in them in such a competitive way that the consumer has a hard time trying to reckon the difference in products of the same line.... Here, what you generally see are ads of what appeal to the kids컴biscuits, different kinds of preserves, etc.... Then, there are cosmetics컴from thanakha..., shampoo, lipstick, eye-liner, and others which are indispensible in the line of make-up. Then, there are trendy clothes, both traditional woven stuff and the 'imported' varieties which appeal more to those who can afford, or have cash to spare. Cigarettes, food-seasoning and other products right up to paints...and farming implements are also advertised on TV today.... What we see on TV here during the commercial pitches is both pleasant and appealing. The colourful TV ads provide a new dimension for those who promote their products and services."] Apr. 27: To provide security to the life of service personnel, by Swe Thant Ko. [New Government Employees' Co-operatives in Yangon, soon to open, "will make regular monthly sales to co-op members of basic foodstuffs such as rice, cooking oil, salt, chillies, garlic and onions, personal goods and household goods produced by various Ministries and imported stores.... All government employees [and retired employees] are eligible for membership.... (In Yangon Division there are over 160,000 permanent government employees or about 300,000 total employees including daily-wage workers.) They all can join the co-operative societies.... The four co-operative societies now established for the four districts of Yangon Division are experimental. Their success would lead to formation of similar co-ops for all districts...."] Apr. 27: Let us promote exports with high quality agricultural products, by Dr. Maung Mar. [Raise quality. "Some unscrupulous producers and brokers are said to be adulterating export sessamum with sand, dust and rocks.... Such quality products, if exported, will even destroy our export markets...."] Apr. 28: Nga Laik Dam: Playing an important role in boosting paddy production, by Theimm Htut. [Dam, 16 miles north-west of Pyinmanaa, forms the Nga Laik Chaung reservoir of 121 square miles, storing 75,000 acre-feet of water. It will irrigate 21,110 acres of farmland.] Apr. 28: The biggest city water supply scheme, by Soe Myat. [The Ngamoyeik Reservoir Project in Hlegu Township will supply 90 million gallons of water to Yangon; a pumping station is scheduled for completion by December 1994. History of Yangon water supply detailed. In 1842 King Tharrawaddy dug 33 wells. In 1879 water was piped in 10-inch pipes from Kandawgyi to Botataung and Pazundaung, when the Yangon population was about 35,000. In 1884 Inya Lake was built at a cost of K17 lakhs {1 lakh = 100,000컴HCMacD.}, and the water piped to Kandawygi in 30-inch pipes. Water supply to the area between Theinbyu and Morton Streets began with 27-inch pipes. A 1 million gallon reservoir was built at the foot of the Shwedagon Pagoda, and a booster pump with 27-inch pipes located on Po Sein Street. By 1898 the population was 650,000. In 1904 Hlawgar Lake, capable of supplying 25 gallons of water per person, was built at a cost of K 35 lakhs, and the Kandawgyi and Inya Lake water supplies ceased. Between 1921-24 the Hlawgar Lake was extended north, and the Po Sein Road booster pump provided with 42-inch pipes. In 1906 {sic; presumably 1926} the Yegu booster pump station was built with 42-inch pipes, and the Po Sein Road booster pump closed. In 1925 a 20 million gallon reservoir was built on high ground in Kokkine. A new booster pump station was built at Sangyiwa Quarter in Mingaladon to move more water from Hlawga Lake; the system provided 15 million gallons per day. In 1928 another booster pump was installed at Yegu. Between 1928-1937 the Gyobyu Reservoir was built, and in 1940 water sent from Gyobyu to Kokkine Station in 56-inch steel pipes. By 1958, Yangon had 755,000 people and the system, including tube wells, provided 34 million gallons per day. New pumps at Yegu in 1964 increased the daily supply to 40 million gallons, with tube wells in Kyimyindine providing an additional 3-4 million gallons. In 1973 the Phugyi Water Supply scheme was begun at a cost of K45 crores {1 crore = 10,000,000컴HCMacD.}, and in May 1987 water from Phygyi was connected to the Gyobyu line with 56-inch pipes. In 1989 the Hlawgar reservoir was put back in service, and the total daily supply today is 78 million gallons. The Ngamoyeik Reservoir will provide 90 million gallons on completion. It will cover 160 square miles, compared with 27 for Phugyi, 10.5 for Hlawgar, and 12.9 for Gyobyu.] Apr. 29: Most exhilarating, by Thukhi Aung. [Offshore oil and gas prospects.] Apr. 29: Maha Nanda Lake to be effectively used for agriculture purposes, by Theimm Htut. [Lake in Shwebo, built by King Alaung Mintayagyi in 1763 to irrigate 7,000 acres. Because of silting, its capacity was reduced to 1,400 acres, but is now being restored.] Apr. 30: The Mandalay Division Government Employee Co-operative, by Sein Shwe Hlaing. [Established Apr. 2, 1992, it is paying a 10% dividend to shareholders. Each member can purchase, each month, 8 pyis of rice, half a viss of cooking oil, a bottle of kerosene, and a packet of candles. Other goods and clothing are occasionally sold. On installments it has sold 3,000 bicycles, and also sells 14-inch Daewood TV sets for K7,900. Total sales were K21 million last year.] Construction & Other Projects Apr. 1: The Yangon City Bank Ltd. was inaugurated at City Hall, with a capital of K60 million from the Yangon City Development Committee. (WPD 4/2) Apr. 2: The 25-bed K5.1 million Daw Oo Hospital was inaugurated Mar. 31 in Ayemyatha, Taunggyi Twp. [Shan], as the gift of Daw Oo's children. The Kyein Kharamkha Hydel Power Plant near Myitkyina was inaugurated. A poultry processing factory was inaugurated by the Livestock, Feedstuff and Milk Products Enterprise at the Ywathagyi Integrated Livestock Breeding Centre, which can process 800 kg. of duck feathers per 12 hours, at a cost of K20 per kilo. (WPD 4/3) Apr. 3: Officials celebrated the beginning of work on a 54-mile Chaung U-Pakokku railroad on the west bank of the Ayeyarwady; Minister for Rail Transportation U Win Sein "cordially greeted over 2,500 volunteers at the site." (WPD 4/4) Apr. 5: A post office and 100-line telephone network were opened Mar. 31 in Ketumadi Myothit [Bago]. A Myanma Economic Bank branch was opened Apr. 4 in Mawlamyinegyunn Twp. [Ayeyarwady]. A law office and court building was opened in Kamaryut Twp. [Yangon] . (WPD 4/6) Apr. 16: The Nampan Chaung Hydel Power Station was inaugurated in Hsenwi [Shan] on Apr. 11. (NLM 4/17) Apr. 19: A TW 100 radio telephone transmitter/receiver was inaugurated Apr. 7 in Loilem. (NLM 4/20) Apr. 21: The six-lane, 6-mile, expansion of the Bayintnaung Road from downtown Yangon was inaugurated; it links up with Highway No. 4. It cost K173 million plus K90 million for 31 bridges. Tatmadawmen contributed K1.4 million of voluntary labour. (NLM 4/22) Apr. 22: Clinic No. 30 of the Medicine & Medical Equipment Trading opened in Dawbon Twp. [Yangon]. Its consulting fee is K2 for Government employees and K3 for the public. (NLM 4/23) Apr. 25: The 12� mile Highway No. 4 from Yangon to Hmawby was inaugurated by SLORC Secretary-2 Maj-Gen. Tin Oo and other officials. (NLM 4/26) Advertisements PEARL INN No. 114/A, Dhammazedi Road, Bahan Township, Yangon. Opening April 3rd, 1993. Tel: 72851 for reservations. Fully air-conditioned rooms with fridge and colour T.V. Bed and breakfast. Quiet, convenient area. ----- New Year is ushered in Want to lead a new life with fresh thoughts & ideas? contact SHWE MINN THA General Enterprise Beginning Myanmar New Year 'SHWE MINN THA' is dedicated to ensuring your satisfaction with prompt, fast services in dealing and renting homes, real estate and motorcars and all sorts & and also offers construction services. Myat Thu Winn B.A. (English) Office: 217, [1]A], 36th Street Ph. 84304 Residence: 146[D], 9th Mile, Pyay Road Ph. 60979/64485 Joint Ventures Mar. 31: Myanmar PL International Ltd. was formed by an agreement between Myanmar Fisheries Enterprise and PL International (Pte) Ltd. of Singapore to "carry out prawn farming and marketing of marine products." [see March 1993 issue for details] (WPD 4/1) Apr. 9: Holding of shares in Joint Venture Corporation No. 9 (JVC-9) was explained by Deputy Minister for Trade Col. Aung Thaung. "The JVC 9 is to be set up with a working capital of 5,000 million kyats to work for the welfare of the service personnel and pensioners. An individual or an organization can buy a maximum of 60 K 5,000 shares." (WPD 4/10) // Apr. 21: It began selling shares at 542 Merchant Street. (NLM 4/22) Apr. 29: JVC No. 6 on Apr. 27 inaugurated a new 100-ton capacity cold storage in Myeik [Mergui], purchased from Ong Siew Tung Co. for US$290,000. With a capital of K500 million (half from the Government and half from private investors), JVC-6 had profits of K60 million in 1992-93. In December it bought a US$450,000 cold storage vessel. "It is carrying out distribution of marine products on profit-sharing basis jointly with local entrepreneurs and private enterprises in Rakhine State and Ayeyarwady Division. The production in Tanintharyi will begin this year. Director Mr. Ong Chin Seng of Ong Siew Tung Co., and others, spoke. (NLM 4/30) Plan Targets Mar. 31: The 1993-94 Financial Plan sets out targets and objectives, among which are the following: Per capita GDP: K5,749 (K1,354 in 1985-86 prices), a 3.9% increase; Per capita income: K5,476 (K1,272 in 1985-86 prices), a 3.7 increase; Per capita consumption: K5,042 (K1,116 in 1985-86 prices), a 6.7% increase; Per worker GDP: K14,698 (K3,459 in 1985-86 prices), a 3.3% increase; Exports: K4,484 million; Imports: K6,934 million; Gross investment: K28,742 million. (WPD 4/1) Taxes Lowered Mar. 31: Ministry of Finance and Revenue Notification No. 19/93 establishes income tax and exemptions under the new civil service pay scale. For a civil servant with wife and three school children, the old and new taxes are as follows (monthly, in kyats): Old Pay Tax New Pay Tax 1250 --- 1575 --- 1275 6.40 1600 3.42 1300 12.95 1625 8.63 1325 19.62 1650 13.92 1350 26.42 1675 19.30 1400 36.06 1750 35.87 1450 38.86 1800 38.30 1500 41.66 1850 40.54 1700 57.66 2125 57.66 1800 65.66 2250 65.66 1900 73.66 2375 73.66 2000 81.66 2500 81.66 (WPD 4/1) Airport Duty-free Shop Apr. 2: The Aviation Department and Myanmar D F S Ltd., represented by Director Mr. Phillip Lee, signed a contract to lease a salesroom at Yangon International Airport for a duty-free shop, which will sell "food and personnel [sic] goods for dollars." (WPD 4/3) Apr. 22: The Myanmar Duty-Free Superstore at Yangon International Airport, jointly operated by the Civil Aviation Department and Ben Foods Ltd., opened under Chief Executive Officer Mr. Philip Lee. (NLM 4/23) Company News Apr. 2: The Myanmar Concord Development Organization Ltd. was placed in voluntary liquidation on Mar. 31, with Accountant U Hla Tun named as Liquidator. (WPD 4/3) Apr. 10: Pioneer Myanmar Holdings Limited was formed, attended by Minister for Hotels and Tourism Maj-Gen. Kyaw Ba and Deputy Minister for Mines U Hlaing Win. (WPD 4/11) Foreign Exchange Changer Licences Apr. 7: Bye-laws for "Foreign Exchange Certificate Changer Licenses" were issued [full text published]. Licenses are good for one year and cost K3,000. Changers must make an initial purchase of US$1,000 of Foreign Exchange Certificates, and open a foreign currency account at the Central Bank of Myanmar. Foreign Exchange certificates can be purchased in multiples of US$100. They may be exchanged only for US dollars or pounds sterling, or for travellers cheques from American Express, Bank America, The Bank of Tokyo, Citicorp, Master Card, or National Westminster Bank. A US$2 service fee will be charged for exchanging travellers cheques. The license holder may exchange the foreign exchange certificate with a maximum discount rate of 5%. They shall not be sold for Myanmar kyat. Foreign exchange received in exchange for certificates is transferrable to the licensee's foreign currency account up to the amount initially deposited; subsequent amounts are subject to a 10% service charge. The Byelaws also include various administrative procedures, etc. (WPD 4/7) Tourist Hotels Apr. 6: A contract was signed between Myanmar Hotel and Tourism Services and Baiyoke Suite Hotel Co., Ltd., of Thailand, represented by Managing Director Robert Thein, for the renovation, extension, and upgrading to international standard of Yangon's Kandawgyi Hotel. Under the agreement, the Baiyoke Kandawgyi Hotel Co. Ltd. will rent the Kandawgyi Hotel for 30 years. The existing 35 rooms are to be renovated and 162 new rooms built. After 30 years the property reverts back to Myanmar Hotels and Tourism Services. (WPD 4/7) Apr. 25: Minister for Hotels and Tourism Maj-Gen. Kyaw Ba on Apr. 21-23 visited two new tourist attractions in Kawthaung [Tanintharyi]: the Kawthaung Motel and the Thahtay Island Beach Hotel, run by Mr. Vikrom of the VES Group Company. He also met with Chairman Mr. Somkit of the Jansam Thara Hotel Company. (NLM 4/26) Apr. 29: Two new hotels managed by Zay Kaba Company will open May 1: Myayeiknyo Hotel No. 1 at 23/25 Kaba Aye Pagoda Road in Bahan Twp. and No. 2 at 16(A) Thukhawady Street in Yankin Twp. [Yangon]. "Single-rooms and double-rooms totalling 70 are targeted for visitors of foreign economic organizations, diplomats and tourists who will pay the charges in dollars." Hotel No. 2 has a tennis-court and swimming-pool. (NLM 4/30) Sausage Factory Apr. 18: The Daik-U Canning Factory in Bago Division, run by the Livestock, Feedstuff and Milk Products Enterprise, plans to produce 120 tons of sausage, 468 tons of ham, and 164 tons of bacon in 1993-94 for hotels and restaurants and for export. It began production July 3, 1986, and produced 176 tons in 1985-86, 250 tons in 1986-87, 272 tons in 1987-88, 120 tons in 1988-89, 115 tons in 1989-90, 63 tons in 1990-91, and 302 tons in 1991-92. Sausage ingredients include raw pork, salt, sugar, spirits, gun powder, and soya bean sauce. Ham and bacon ingredients are raw pork, salt, sugar, spirits, gun powder, and spices. (NLM 4/19) Dagon Myothit Apr. 19: Since 1983 Yangon has grown from 2.5 million to 2.9 million. Dagon Myothit (Dagon Myothit North and Dagon Myothit South Townships), on the eastern bank of the Ngamoeyeik Creek, begun in 1989, "has now emerged as a model town equipped with modern facilities and characteristics well fashionable to a modern town." The town plan cost K2,086 million; "total sum earned for altogether 80,000 40'x60' housing plots" is K640 million. The State will spend K4,913 million on the town, including the railway station, university, and hotel. Roads include 200 miles of 40' granite [gravel??] paved roads, and 20 miles of 60', 33 miles of 80', and 47 miles of 100' tarred roads. The State has charged K12,000 (formerly K8,000) for the 40'x60' building lots, to cover roadways and water supply. There are now 34,205 houses with 200,563 inhabitants. Bridges (K98.6 million), including the concrete bridge linking Dagon Myothit and North Okkalapa Townships, have been built, and a "town-circular railroad is being constructed." Other public works include flood control (K40.3 million), water supply (K66.8 million), electricity (K156.5 million), 240 telephones and a 500 line auto-exchange (K13.7 million), schools including 58 primary, 5 middle, 5 high, and Dagon University (K576 million), 2 hospitals and 8 dispensaries (K46.7 million), a central market (K108.72 million), sports grounds and stadiums (K9.2 million), and various monasteries. Transportation supplied for Dagon Myothit includes 1,175 buses, 2 vessels, and 2 trains. A modern railway station, timber depots, highway bus terminal, and an industrial zone have been established. (NLM 4/20) Government Employees Co-op Apr. 20: The Government Employees' Co-operative Society Ltd (GEC) will open shops in Yangon beginning Apr. 24, to sell "basic commodities such as rice, cooking oil, salt, chilli, garlic and onion as well as household goods produced by the various Ministries and imported items. Shareholders will get rebates and share the profits. Service personnel (all Government employees in Yangon Division) may buy shares at K1000, either in a lump sum or in 10 monthly installments. The Government is providing K100 million in capital as an expression of its goodwill towards current employees and pensioners. "Formation of the GEC has been implemented in accordance with the guidelines personally laid down by the Chairman of the State Law and Order Restoration Council General Than Shwe. The plan is to benefit government employees as share holders their entire life. (NLM 4/21) Oil and Gas Wells Apr. 22: The Fisheries Department has warned fishing vessels to stay away from the area of Yadana II natural gas Appraisal Well (Lat. 15�09'53.7" North, Long. 94�47'58.1" East) for a period of 45 days, where the Maersk Vanguard started drilling operations, and from the M-14 Bloc where the Yethiha test well No. 1, is being drilled by Premier Petroleum Myanmar (Lat. 12�27'12.8" North, Long. 96�43'52.2 East) for a period of 45 days. (NLM 4/23) Apr. 23: "New prospects for production of oil and natural gas on commercial scale have reportedly been discovered at the Union of Myanmar off-shore oil-exploration blocks in the north of Myeik [Mergui] in Tanintharyi Division." At the "Deep Sea Ice" drilling vessel at Yedagun test well No. 1 (Oct. 1992), north of Myeik, "it has been found that 2,600 berrels of crude oil and 107 million cubic-feet of natural gas can be produced per day." At Sagawa test well No. 1 (Dec. 1992), thick crude has been found. At Yedagun test well No. 2 (Mar. 1993), potential production is estimated at "2,800 barrels of crude plus 85 million cubic-feet of natural gas per day." At Yethiha test well No. 1, 40 miles south of Yedagun, "prospects for production are reportedly good." At Yadana gas well No. 1, 80 miles south of Bogale Twp., Ayeyarwady Division, prospects for production of 70 million cubic-feet of natural gas have been found at the 340-feet limestone layer (Apr. 12); drilling there continues. [map] (NLM 4/ 24) Apr. 29: Trawlers are warned not to enter oil exploration blocks M-12, M-13, and M-14 off the Tanintharyi coast where the Western Horizon of Western Geophysical will conduct 2-D Marine Seismic Survey for 29 days, under the agreement between Myanma Oil and Gas Enterprise and Texaco Exploration Myanmar Inc. (NLM 4/30) Basic Commodity Prices Apr. 22: Yangon Commander Lt-Gen. Myo Nyunt told officials that "of the total population of 41 million in this country, the majority of over 35 million are more liable to suffer stringencies from food, clothing and shelter needs, than the minority컴merchants and those who are engaged in rice trading .... He explained to the peasants and rice millers that if they sell rice at a reasonable price without seeking too much profit, the minority will have peace of mind. He said the main aim in his meeting with them was to co-operatively tackle the problem of possible rise of rice price which would more affect the poor, casual workers and daily wage earners.... He said this problem can be solved by two means컴through consultation awith wise men and through saying words worthy of love.... Concerning two rumours floating at present, he said some rice dealers were predicting the rise of rice price in rainy season if summer crop has not turned up during these days, and parallel to this rumour, some politicians were also saying, with intent to cause disruption to the National Convention, that 'second great movement' would take place soon. In his conclusion address, the Commander reminded them of ill-effects of being avaricious." (NLM 4/23) Myanmar Industries Association Apr. 29: A license was granted by the Ministry of Trade for the formation of the Myanmar Industries Association at No. 74/86 Bo Cun Bik Street, Pabedan Twp., Yangon. "Citizens engaged in industrial services and private industrial organizations and companies can also join it as members." (NLM 4/29) Fish Fingerlings Apr. 29: The Myanma Fisheries Enterprise will distribute tilavia (red) and catfish fingerlings to private fish breeders. "These two species of fish are of good taste and flavour, the kind that consumers like and they are reportedly brisk in international market." 344,245 catfish fingerlings were interbred with 50,000 African catfish and 15,000 Thai catfish at the Hlawga Fish Breeding Camp, and this year they are producing catfish on commercial scale. 90,000 tilavia (red) catfish were bred in 1992-93. The Fisheries Enterprise has sold 8.3 million fish and 6.9 million fingerlings in the last four years, and also distributed 1.4 million fingerlings to State-owned fish breeding ponds. (NLM 4/30) 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 118.35 109.92 122.84 1991 91.81 83.78 96.65 1992 81.34 96.02 95.98 1993, as of: April 1 00.00 00.04 00.00 April 15 00.00 00.04 00.08 April 30 00.00 00.04 00.08 SPORTS Myanmar Teams & Delegations Apr. 12: In the Pocari Sweat Open Golf Tournament in Daiwacho, Japan, Kyi Hla Han came in ninth with a total score of 282. Japan's Shinji Ikeuchi won with 274. (WPD 4/ 13) Apr. 18: Myanmar youth swimmers competed in the 20th South-East Asia Age Group Swimming Contest in Kuala Lumpur, Apr. 9-11. Ma Moe Thu Aung won the silver in the 200-metre individual medley (11-12 age group) with 2:38.49; Ma Nwe Hnaung won bronze with 2:47.16. Ma Ei Wai Wai Kyaw won silver in the 100-metre breaststroke (under 10 age group) with 1:28.82. Ten Myanmar youths took part in the contests, which brought together 275 youth swimmers from 15 countries. (NLM 4/19) Apr. 27: A 50-member Myanmar team led by Vice-Adjutant-General Col. Than Tun left for China to play goodwill matches in Yunnan Province; it includes track and field, weightlifting, swimming, gymnastics, basketball, table-tennis, and badminton athletes. (NLM 4/28) Visiting Teams & Delegations Apr. 16: The 31-member Macao soccer team, which will be playing in World Cup qualifying matches, led by Mr. Chan Kai Meng, arrived for goodwill games. (NLM 4/ 17) // Apr. 18: Myanmar beat Macao 7-1. (NLM 4/19) // Apr. 20: Myanmar beat Macao 3-2 in the second goodwill match. (NLM 4/ 21) // Apr. 22: Myanmar beat Macao 1-0 in the third match; Kam Wo Co. Ltd. presented a trophy. (NLM 4/23) CULTURAL Literary and Cultural Articles Apr. 8: Cultures of Myanma ancient capital cities, by U Soe Nyunt. [Myanmar history, traced by archaeologists, goes back 2000 years. Beikthano Civilizaion of the Pyus (1st Century AD); Hanlin Civilization (4th-9th Centuries AD).] Apr. 10: A competition saturated with significance, by Monywa Win Pe. [The 48th Tatmadaw Day art and literature competitons, in which 70,000 people took part.] Apr. 11: On the bund of Kyet Mouk Taung reservoir, by Maung Hsu Shin. [1965 poetry prize winners revisited.] Apr. 11: Short Stories. [(1) "Living apart" by Pe Than.] Apr. 14: Visit Mandalay and discover the real Myanmar, by Saw Hanson Yah (Hotels & Tourism). [Tourist sights and specialties of Mandalay.] Apr. 15: A prologue to an anthology of Myanmar literature Vol VI, by U Soe Nyunt. [Rapid survey of Myanmar history and culture. Five volumes of compilations of Myanmar literature have been published, and the first four revised. Volume VI is now coming out, to be followed by at least two more dealing with the Konbaung period.] Apr. 18: Preservation of Natural Environment in line with the Buddha's Teaching, by Aggamahapandita Bhaddanta Pannavamsa. [Full text of paper presented at the International Buddhist Conference on the Protection of the Environment, Seoul, Korea, Mar. 26, 1993. The paper concludes: "In sympathetic and serious consideration of the facts and points presented in this paper, it is earnestly requested in the interest of the welfare of men and all other living beings, that this conference should adopt the following as its resolutions: (1) To protect the forests from diminishing and destruction the governments of all countries in the world demarcate forest preserves and for the protection of wildlife 컴beasts, birds, and all living creatures컴 the governments issue orders prohibiting shooting, killing, hunting, catching, persecuting, molesting of all creatures and cutting and burning of trees. (2) Every one and every body should be educated and enlightened that replenishing of natural environment by planting trees not only brings benefits and happiness in the present life, but also invests great merit (kusala) for life hereafter. (3) All religions should preach and urge men to keep to two moral deterrents -- Hiri and ottapa (shame and fear {of doing evil}) so that men can control the three evils {visama lobha or greed for others' property, micchadhamma or homosexuality, and adhammaraga or adultery and incest, which lead to three evil periods: satthantara-kappa or carnage and destruction, dubbhikkhantara-kappa or famine, and rogantara-kappa or pestilence}. -- desire (lobha), anger and hatred (dosa), and ignorance (moha). (4) For the moral upliftment of everyman all religions should instruct men to observe and practice the four precepts of Brahmacariya dhamma {metta or loving kindness, karuna or compassion, mudita or joy in the happiness of others, and upekkha or indifference to one's own enjoyment or suffering....}. (5) The governments of all countries in the world should educate their people to abstain from wearing erotic dresses, sexual malpractice, and indugence etc. and should issue orders and laws prohibiting such evil acts."] Apr. 20: Simple and charming, by Thukhi Aung. [Increasingly, "Myanmar girls are now being seen beginning to curtsy in greeting and salutation, this raises certain suspicions if the western royal style of salutation has come to infect Myanmars. Anyway, it is my point that in Myanmar eyes, Myanmar girls accepting prizes with a slight bow of the head and the body without bending the knees, is the most simple and charming style of showing respect."] Apr. 22: Inlay컴a 'must' on the tourists' itinerary, by Saw Hanson Yah (Hotel & Tourism). [Features of the unique, shallow Inlay Lake in Shan State.] Apr. 26: Bird Watching, by Hmugyi Hla Aung. [Introduction to birds and birdwatching.] Apr. 27: Mya Nan San Kyaw Golden Palace: An ideal for further strengthening patriotism, by Theimm Htut. ["The Mya Nan San Kyaw Golden Palace of Konbaung dynasty in Mandalay City was destroyed by bombs during the Second World War. It is now being rebuilt undr the five-year project. It will be an idol for dedicating our patriotism among our people.... In the Mya Nan San Kyaw Golden Palace, altogether nine thrones of Myanmar kings will be placed magnificently.... In the Golden Palace there are many buildings including Myay Nandaw (left wing and right wing), East Samok Saung, Sanu Saung, Nan Pyatthat Tawgyi, East Sanu Saung, museum, Zaytawun Saung, Laythar Saung, North Dawei Saung, Assembly Sanu Saung, Baungdaw Saung, South Dawei Saung, Laphet-yay Saung, Hman Nan Sanu Saung, Shwetaik Saung, Nan Myint tower, South Pan Khon, North Sanok Saung, Shwe Nandaw Saung, Hman Nandaw Gyi, Shwe Saungdaw, South Samok Saung, buildings for queens, buildings for princesses, West Samok Saung, Pwe Shu Saung, Pwe Yondaw Saung and others totalling over 100. All the buildings are decorated with wood carvings, mouldings and gilted with gold.... At the Golden Palace, the original features have been retained in the renovation for public display with the aim of strengthening the spirit of patriotism and nationalism, safeguarding independence and preserving cultural heritage...."] Apr. 29: A trip to Taunggyi University campus, by Than Wai (Taunggyi). [Since last visit some time ago, "The campus was no more in an open ground like before. Several new structures have appeared on previously vacant lots. The 600-ft long brick and iron grill walling stretched from in front of the Principal's Residence to the central class-rooms. There were barbed-wire fencings in some other stretches with gate-houses built here and there.... In the four years, new class rooms, libraries, a dispensary, teachers dormitory, students dormitory, co-ed's dormitory, post office, a flower garden, a canteen, a water tank, new kitchens and new tube wells have been added.... A K 69-lakh {1 lakh = 100,000} structure to house 100 more girls was under construction.... The campus has become a pride of the Shan State...."] Apr. 30: A Tribute: Bago Myoma Sayadawgyi Bhaddanta Indacara (1259-1355 ME), by Min Kyaw Min. [Tribute to recently deceased religious figure컴see obituaries]. Apr. 30: The "Mya Nan San Kyaw" golden palace, by Shwe Baw Phyoe (Sindewa). [Description of King Mindon's palace in Mandalay, now being rebuilt and restored. "The Palace at present already stands in grandeur though there {is} a lot more to be done."] Pyu Funerary Urn Apr. 1: A massive funerary urn of a Pyu King, was found in Mound 31 in the ancient Shrikshetra Walled City on Mar. 18. It is cylindrical, with a height of 3� feet and a circumference of 8 2/3 feet, inscribed with 964 words in Pyu script. It is tentatively dated from the 2nd to 5th Century, A.D. Four similar, but smaller, urns were discovered in 1911. [photo] (WPD 4/2) Monastic Schools Apr. 1: Six monastic schools have been opened in Kamaryut Township [Yangon], K43,800 donated for furniture and stationery. (WPD 4/2) Apr. 6: Minister for Religious Affairs Maj-Gen. Myo Nyunt attended the inauguration of five monastic schools in Hline Township [Yangon]. In 1889-90 there were 2,327 monastic schools in Yangon, but by 1933-34 only 928 were left. "Now the monastery education system is introduced to teach youths of today." (WPD 4/7) Apr. 25: Monastic teaching was inaugurated at three monasteries in Botataung Township [Yangon]; 95 children and 14 novices of Wa, Pa-O, Shan, Palaung and Mon nationality "will begin learning rudiments of education...." (NLM 4/26) Apr. 27: Two monastic schools were opened in Thingangyunn Township [Yangon]. (NLM 4/28) Apr. 28: Six monastic schools opened in Dagon Myothit (South) [Yangon], and will teach 130 children and 37 novices. (NLM 4/ 29) Universities Apr. 4: Lectures and practical courses for first to fifth year science students of the University of Distance Education for 1993 will begin at Universities and Degree Colleges, and for first year science students at Pyay and Meiktila on Saturdays and Sundays beginning May 15. Lecture classes (second year and above) for economic students at the UDE will also begin at the Institute of Economics, Yangon, on Saturdays and Sundays beginning May 15. (WPD 4/5) Apr. 6: Mandalay University (Correspondence Course) held its 29th Convocation on Apr. 3. Rector U Tin Maung conferred degrees on 1,066 graduates, and presented degrees for another 238 in absentia. "The degrees include B.A. (Myanmasar), (History), (Psychology) and (Geography); and B.Sc (Botany) and (Physics)." (WPD 4/6) Newspapers Change Names Apr. 9: Effective on New Year's Day (April 17), the Loktha Pyithu Nezin will appear with the new name Myanma Alin, and the Working People's Daily will appear with the name The New Light of Myanmar. (WPD 4/10) Apr. 12: "There will be no change of rates of newspapers which will appear with new names.... The same newspapers agents will also deliver the papers and the readers should get their copies as usual." (WPD 4/13) Apr. 17: Volume 1, Number 1 of The New Light of Myanmar appeared, with a large newspaper format (15"x27�"), in contrast to the tabloid sized Working People's Daily (11"x15"), and with much larger headlines and photographs. Otherwise, the content was little changed. (NLM 4/17) Apr. 20: Beginning with the April 20 issue, The New Light of Myanmar masthead bore the additional statement "Established 1914." (NLM 4/20) Thingyan [Thingyan, the four day Myanmar New Year festival, celebrated this year Apr. 13-16, was discussed before during and after the event, with descriptions of pandals and mandats sponsored by governmental and other organizations, exhortations to merry-makers to behave themselves, and accounts of Thingyan dances, water throwing, etc., as well as the traditional shampooing of elders and releasing of live fish. The temperature in Yangon was, as usual for the season, a bit over 100 degrees Farenheit, and the first sprinkles of the upcoming rainy season were felt. Apr. 17 is the first day of the year 1355 ME {Myanmar era}컴HCMacD.] Abbot Training Course Apr. 25: Abbot Training Course No. 6 opened at the Yangon Division Abbot Training School. Minister for Religious Affairs Maj-Gen. Myo Nyunt said that there were about 48,000 monasteries in Yangon, for over 50,000 villages, and that "because of the rarity of Sangha who can take presidency of a monastery and administer discourses properly, the remaining villages are still lacking in monasteries." This is why the Abbot Training School was opened in 1983. It has "turned out 193 trainee monks," and there are other schools in other States and Divisions. A recent count determined that there were in Myanmar more than 140,000 members of the Sangha and over 200,000 novices. The course lasts two years. (NLM 4/26) MISCELLANEOUS Crime Apr. 7: An "honest nurse" at the Kandawgyi clinic of JVC 7 was honoured because she "returned jewellery worth K 250,000 to the owner," and she was given cash awards, gifts, and a certificate of honour. (WPD 4/8) Apr. 21: A man was arrested in Yangon for chopping and selling snake meat (at K70 per viss) in a public place, and will be prosecuted for cruelty to animals. A man (a narcotics addict) was arrested Apr. 6 for snatching a gold chain from a Yangon commuter train passenger (who was injured) on Apr. 1; he proved to be also wanted for running away after conviction on a similar offence on Aug. 5. (NLM 4/22) Anti-Narcotics Activities Apr. 1: Hsenwi [Shan] police on Jan. 8 seized 5.7 kilos of heroin in Nantzalat village. (WPD 4/2) Apr. 22: Lashio authorities on Apr. 13 seized 7.8 kilos of heroin on a truck arriving from Kyuhkok Township. (NLM 4/ 23) Apr. 23: The Kyaing Tong [Kengtung] anti-drug squad on Apr. 15 seized 1.1 kilos of heroin from drug traffickers headed for Tachilek. The Katha anti-drug squad on Apr. 12 seized 9.8 kilos of opium. The Mandalay anti-drug squad on Apr. 6 seized 49 bottles of phensedyl. (NLM 4/24) Obituaries [English language obituaries only; there are obituaries in Burmese as well.] Mar. 30: Hilary D'castro (Pussy), daughter of Clarence D'castro and the late Dorothy D'castro, died in Yangon, aged 51. [Christian] (WPD 4/1) Mar. 31: Mr. J.A. Johnstone, retired S.E.M.O, husband of Mrs. D. Johnstone, died in Thanlyin [Syriam], aged 75. [Christian] (WPD 4/1) Apr. 3: Daw Tel Za Kai (Saizang village, Tiddim, Chin State), relict of the late Chief Thawg Za Khup, ATM, died in Saizang, aged 83. [Christian] (WPD 4/7) Apr. 4: Daw Khin Lay (Mrs. Po Sa), relict of U Po Sa, died in Yangon, aged 93. (WPD 4/5) Apr. 4: Mrs. Theresa Juliana, relict of Mr. N. Bernard, died in Yangon, aged 59. [Christian] (WPD 4/6) Apr. 13: U Saw Chit Aung (Retired Customs), husband of Daw May Sha, died in Pyin-Oo-Lwin, aged 76. [Christian] (WPD 4/ 15) Apr. 20: Tony Vandockum (a) U Khin Mg Htun, (Foodstuffs and Beverage Corp.), husband of Daw Mya Mya Lwin (Sybil), died in Sinde, aged 49. [Christian] (NLM 4/21) Apr. 20: Grace Ali [remainder in Burmese] died, aged 57. [Muslim] (NLM 4/21) Apr. 21: U Aung Nyunt (Assistant General Manager, Myanmar Investment and Commercial Bank), husband of Daw Khin San Yin (International School), died in Yangon, aged 57. (NLM 4/22) Apr. 22: Rev. Thra Mooler Theh, husband of the late Thramu Marina, died in Taunggyi, aged 88. [Baptist] (NLM 4/23) Apr. 28: Abhidhaja Maha Ratthu Guru Abhidhaja Agga Maha Saddhamma Jotika Bhaddanta Indacara, Chairman of State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee, Presiding Sayadaw of State Pariyatti Sasana Tekkatho, Padhana Nayaka Sayadawgyi of Bago Myoma Sarthintaik, vassa 77, died in Yangon, aged 97 [article]. SLORC Chairman General Than Shwe paid homage to his sacred remains. Other articles on plans for cremation. (NLM 4/29) // Apr. 29: Numerous articles on those (including a small snake!) paying homage to the deceased, and plans for the ceremonial cremation. He had been Maha Nayaka Committee Chairman for 14 years. (NLM 4/30) Fire Apr. 9: A fire in Haymar Zala Ward, North-East Township, Mandalay, on Apr. 8 destroyed 240 buildings including 158 houses, leaving 2,100 people from 475 houses homeless. Damage is estimated at K41.6 million. Donations are being collected for fire victims. (WPD 4/10) Apr. 11: The fire area and relief measures were inspected by SLORC Secretary-2 Maj-Gen. Tin Oo. 210 houses were destroyed and one person died. (WPD 4/12) Train Wreck Apr. 10: The Mandalay-Yangon No. 8 Express Down ran into a freight train between Yangon and Bago. A private and two civilians were injured. Traffic has been restored. (WPD 4/11) Engagements Apr. 18: Clarence Michael David, son of Sylvester and Gladys David of Perth, Australia, became engaged to Beverly Natalia Pereira, daughter of Philip and Myrtle Pereira of Yangon, at [Catholic] St. Mary's Cathedral, Yangon. (NLM 4/19) Apr. 18: Ma Myintzu (B.Com), daughter of Mr. G. Haddock and Daw Than Than Tin, became engaged to Maung Kyaw Myat, son of Daw Thin Thin and the late U E. Maung. (NLM 4/23) Postal News Apr. 19: The Post Office reminds the public "to stick full 50-pya stamps on the letters" and not to use less than 50-pya stamps, or 50-pya revenue stamps. In case of violation the addressee will have to pay a 1 kyat fine. (NLM 4/20) Apr. 20: The Post Office is placing on sale K 1 stamped envelopes, and K 1.25 air letters. They do not require additional postage for domestic use. (NLM 4/21) ----- SUBSCRIPTIONS & RENEWALS ATT: Burma Press Summary The Center for East Asian & Pacific Studies University of Illinois 910 South Fifth Street, RM 230 Champaign, IL 61820 Annual Subscriptions: US$50.00 Add Postal surcharge for Canada - US$ 2.00 Foreign (surface) - US$ 2.00 Europe (air) - US$ 20.00 Asia (air) - US $ 25.00 [additional charge for US$ check on foreign bank - $5.00] NOTE: Checks should be payable to: University of Illinois, with "Burma Press Summary" annotated on check. All correspondence concerning current subscriptions, missing issues, etc., should be sent to the Center for East Asian and Pacific Studies in Champaign, Illinois 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