93-06 BURMA PRESS SUMMARY From the Rangoon "The 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. 6, June 1993 Table of Contents POLITICAL CRISIS Slogans 2 Cartoons 2 Political Articles 2 Gen. Than Shwe on Subversion 4 Ex-Diplomat Returns Home 5 Political Refresher Courses 5 NLD Vice Chairman Returns Home 5 Returnees from Bangladesh 5 Prisoners Released 6 NATIONAL CONVENTION Preparations for Reopening 6 Lt-Gen. Myo Nyunt's Opening Speech 6 U Aung Toe's Clarification 10 Convention Proceedings 18 DIPLOMATIC Diplomatic Calls 18 New Myanmar Ambassadors 20 New Ambassadors to Myanmar 20 Timber Dispute with Thailand 20 INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION Workshops 20 Foreign Donations 20 News Cooperation with Singapore 21 Ship Agreement with Yunnan 21 US Book Exhibit 21 Workers Going Abroad 21 FOREIGN VISITORS Study Delegation 21 International Agency Visitors 21 Business Visitors 21 Academic and Health Visitors 22 Religious Delegations 22 Foreign Correspondents 22 Thai Home Minister 22 British Diplomat 22 Malaysian Port Delegation 22 Thai Foreign Ministry Delegation 23 MYANMAR DELEGATIONS Study Delegations 23 Delegations to Meetings & Events 23 Delegation to ILO Conference 24 Speech at Human Rights Conference 24 Energy Minister to France 27 Health Minister to Thailand 27 Returning Delegations 27 MYANMAR GAZETTE Appointments Confirmed 27 GOVERNMENT Plant Pest Quarantine Law 27 MILITARY Insurgent Attacks 27 Insurgents Surrender 27 ECONOMIC Economic Articles 28 Project Inaugurations 28 Advertisements 29 Joint Ventures 30 Private Enterprise 30 Natural Gas Sales to Thailand 30 Environment 30 Imports 31 Agriculture 31 Gems Emporium 31 Coop Industrial Fair 31 Rainfall in Yangon 32 SPORTS XVII SEA Games 32 Team Registration 33 Sports Articles 33 Myanmar Teams and Delegations 33 Foreign Teams and Delegations 34 HEALTH Health Articles 34 Baby Friendly Hospitals 35 Rabies 35 CULTURAL Sunday Supplements 35 Literary and Cultural Articles 36 Buddhist Missionaries & Conversions 36 Publications 36 Education 36 Universities 36 Funeral of Bago Myoma Sayadawgyi 37 Monastic Schools 37 Myanmar Culture 37 Archaeology 37 MISCELLANEOUS Crime 37 Anti-Narcotics Activities 37 Obituaries 38 Earthquake 38 Fires 38 Engagement 39 Marriage 39 HIGHLIGHTS - National Convention resumes. U Aung Toe "clarifies" recommendations on fundamental principles for a new Myanmar Constitution, including a strong Presidential executive, bi-cameral Hluttaw, military representation in Hluttaw and administration, new non-ethnic names for States, emergency powers to be invoked by military, no secession possible, mixed economic system, etc. [NATIONAL CONVENTION: U Aung Toe's Clarification] - SEA Games in Singapore [SPORTS] Issue for June 22 not received. POLITICAL CRISIS Slogans Regular Slogans: See January 1993 issue; notably, the bottom of each front page continues to bear the slogan Emergence of the State Constitution is the duty of all citizens of Myanmar Naing-Ngan. 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: June 1-15: Appamado ca dhammesu, to be diligent in laws; this is the way to auspiciousness. June 16-30: Garavo ca, reverence; this is the way to auspiciousness. Cartoons [There were also frequent cartoons, with Burmese captions, intended to promote safe driving.] June 2: First Myanmar Girl: "I must blame mother for my being ugly." Second Myanmar Girl: "Why?" First Myanmar Girl: "Too much priority is given to beautiful ones whenever I apply for a job." June 3: One elderly Myanmar to another: "A pensioner's office duty is over, but home duty is not - shopping on wife's behalf!" June 17: First Myanmar: "A day away from office means a lot to me." Second Myanmar: "Why? Work pile up?" First Myanmar: "No. It means no 'outside income' for that day!" June 18: Wife to Husband: "Want to keep away house guests? Easy! Borrow money and don't repay them." June 19: First Myanmar: "You come to office and do nothing." Second Myanmar: "It's better than not coming at all." June 20: Woman: "How are your private tuition classes." Teacher: "Okay! All my pupils in school come to them." June 21: Man with pillow and blanket, bottle of medicine, and large bag of money: "I'm going to be an inpatient at the hospital." June 24: Teacher snoozing at desk: "So tiring, running from round to round of tuitions... Only now, back at school, I can rest ..."] 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: June 3: Editorial: Fundamental steps for promotion of Sasana [full text]: ["The Government of Myanmar is now making all-out efforts for purification, promotion and perpetuation of Buddha Sasana. Among its prominent endeavours for acheiving success in the three main tasks, opening monastic education schools and sending Buddhist Missionary Sayadaws to hill regions and far-off places are, at the fundamental level, the most signification historic milestones that are worthy of honour. In the past, when modernized schools were not known, monastic schools were the sites for distributing knowledge and wisdom of both religious and worldly values. Abbots or presiding Sayadaws of respective monasteries taught children Buddhist scriptures and other subjects giving guidelines in culture, economy and commerce, agriculture and livestock breeding, social dealings and even military science. In the times of Myanmar kings, monastic teaching was a factor for achievement of high standards in morality, culture and religion. Kings usually sent their sons to the learned and wise Sayadaws to be taught in their schools. It is evident that the monastic schools played a crucial role. In fact they became the arteries of education of that time. Invasion of the colonialists put an end to the monastic schools affecting future generation of loose character and depraved morality [sic]. And as such, Myanmar elders were hoping to revive monastic schools. They opine that Buddhist scripture are the only means to prune their children who are lacking in manners, behaviour and sense of obedience. While nurturing the future generation to become young men of wisdom and religious affairs which is the most basic factor for promotion of the Sasana, missionary Sayadaws are sent to hill regions and far-off places to carry out religious duties. Nationalities resident in hill regions had practised their own traditional faiths, but became believers in various religions during colonial rule which means that their religious aspects were tainted. Sayadaws now preach to them Buddhist scriptures and essence of Buddhism turning them into believers who find absolute faith in Buddhism. The Government's endeavours in opening monastic schools and sending missionary Sayadaws to hill regions and far-off places are the most fundamental steps towards purification, promotion and perpetuation of Buddha Sasana. And the fruits of their endeavours are of the worthiest values."] June 10: A letter from Manila, by Moe Moe. [A member of Minister for Foreign Affairs U Ohn Gyaw's delegation gives sidelights on his Philippines visit.] June 11,13-16,19-20: A Presidential Form of Government is Preferred, by Minye Kaungbon. [(1) Myanmar history demonstrates failures of parliamentary system. (2) Plot of Arthur Hailey's novel High Places, about a Canadian Prime Minister who falls under the control of blackmailer, and almost costs Canada its sovereignty. "My concept is quite clear. I want to depend upon a qualified, experienced, morally upright, stable, wise and bold leader as a president. As Polybius had observed over two thousand years ago, I want an emperor-like strong president, the Pyidaungzu Hluttaw (assembly of deputies representing the fourteen major regions) and comprising all wise aristocracy, and a National Hluttaw (Lower House in contemporary jargon) comprising representatives of the people elected in a democratic process. It is my desire that these three institutions do their very best sharply and independently to serve the interests of the people." (3) Examination of Presidency in France. (4) Presidency in the United States. (5) Presidency in Indonesia. (6) Advantages of presidential system. "The already threadbare cliche that democracy can be established by a parliament...this shop soil {sic} record today deserves only to be sent to a museum.... We have already clearly seen the success and vigour achieved by presidential rules all over the world.... Not long after the first instalment of this article of mine appeared in the newspapers, a number of already discredited old time politicians are known to have commented that the article was a blow at the era of party politics. Do they mean that their pastures have been destroyed by me? Well, they should not be as selfish as that." Many important matters cannot be decided by a committee; i.e., the Inchon Landings in Korea ordered by Gen. MacArthur despite the objections of the US President, the Defence Secretary, the Army Chief of Staff, the Navy Chief of Staff and others. Even in India the parliamentary system is being criticized (excerpt from article in the May 13 Hindustan Times). (7) Presidency in the Philippines.] June 12: The main trunk of the Union needs to be strengthened, by Maung Thamardi. [Growth of expenditures in the States/Divisions. "It must be noted that regions which are like branches of a tree will flourish only when the trunk which is the Union is strong. Main consideration, I feel, should be focussed on strengthening, rather than weakening, the main roots of the Union."] June 17: World Conference on Human Rights: Some background developments, by Kyaw Thu Win. [Western Group wants priority for civil and political rights, emphasizes individual rights, is not interested in a fundamental right to development, and wishes a more prominent role for non governmental organizations. The Developing Countries want equal importance for economic, social and cultural rights, and of collective rights, want to highlight the fundamental right to development, and believe that only governments should draft international human rights declarations. Western bloc also seeks to exempt human rights question from non-intervention principles, on the theory that violations of human rights pose a danger to regional security and are therefore subject to collective action under the UN Charter. Western countries practice a double standard, of criticizing human rights only when they want to interfere. But human rights are different for different countries, and each has the right "to choose and practise human rights norms that are in keeping with its traditions, values, concepts and objective historical, political, economic and social conditions...."] June 17-18: Western Life style, by Thukhi Aung. [(1) "Western culture has overwhelmed Myanma life style; the younger generation thinks highly of Western culture and has come to accept it more and more. If such a state of affairs goes on Myanmar will decline and wither day by day and may even relapse into slavery...." Examples: English and Christian schools during the colonial period. Use of English given names by school children. Singing "Jingle Bells," having birthday cakes, singing "Happy Birthday." But "this slavish mentality is still rooted in pro-western decadent movies and musical world." Even under SLORC, "revellers had gone berserk at stereo and stage shows...." (2) Western habits in "pop" or "stereo" musical performances described with disgust. "We must destroy this dirty kind of life style."] June 18-30: Tatmadaw and its leadership role in national politics, by Min Maung Maung. [(1) (Pre-independence Period). Tatmadaw before and during colonial era. (2) (Thirty Comrades and the BIA). World War II. (3) (From BDA to Bama Tatmadaw). World War II. (4) (Tatmadaw & Anti-fascist revolution). World War II. (5) [not received] (6) (Tatmadaw & Kandy Agreement). 1945 negotiations with British. (7) (The Tatmadaw that secured National Independence). 1946 insurgencies; 1947 negotiations with British. (8) (Problems of Independence). 1948 KNU revolt. (9) Fundamentals of leftist insurgency. Rise of communists, PVO, etc. (10) (Fundamentals of Racist Insurgency). Rise of KNU. (11) (Insurgency at its worst). 1948-49. (12) (Tatmadaw stood on the side of the people). 1949. (13) (The decline of insurgency). 1949-1952.] June 19: Editorial: Teach the young to value cultural heritage. ["Nowadays, Myanmar culture is tainted with western culture. Many of the young think a great deal of the western culture and has {sic} come to accept it more and more. Number of the young vying among themselves for possessing and wearing the latest models of western dresses and imitating the western style, listening to the western music, watching western videos, etc is increasing. And in this case, they have become the slaves of that culture. In other words they have fallen under alien cultural influence."] June 21: Please refrain, by Aung Min. [The SLORC's "leadership is meeting with all-round success.... Masses of the people who keep listening or reading the radio, the TV and the newspapers for news of the National Convention are now heartened with progress already made. Gossipers and back-chatters should please refrain from talking nonsense and making scandalous attacks for the time being."] June 24-26: Indonesian national politics and the role of Indonesian army, by Minye Kaungbon. [(1) 1950s in Indonesia, from article, "Notes on Indonesian military policy" by ex-Chief of Staff A.H. Nasution. Efforts by politicians to use Army. (2) More from article. In Myanmar "The army is only struggling to gain its deserving place in national politics and is only reinforcing the essence of democracy." (3) Extracts from speech by Indonesian General Nasution in 1962, praising Indonesian Army.] June 25: Editorial: To guard against invasion of alien cultures. ["It is believed the ultimate aim of rekindling the spirit of patriotism, coupled with the national pride, will be better accomplished by the creation of an environment where everything looks Myanmar and everything sounds Myanmar. It is direly necessary to guard against the invasion of alien cultures."] June 27: What importance to other nations give their armies, by Minye Kaungbon. [Role of the Army in Brazil, Mexico, Switzerland, Honduras, Spain, Sweden, and Israel.] June 28: How do nations elect their presidents?, by Minye Kaungbon. [Procedures in 18 countries; 1989 Myanmar rules on disqualifying Hluttaw candidates.] June 29: If I speak out, it may amount to Aung Min's taking too much for granted: Different ways of loving, by Aung Min. ["The Tatmadaw is an institution with a strong tradition of courage and loyalty loving the country with its own lives. Only when such a Tatmadaw is given a leadership role in future Myanmar will Myanmars life a secure life. Isn't that true?"] Gen. Than Shwe on Subversion June 3: Speaking at the final day of the first 1993 four-monthly meeting of State/ Division LORCS, SLORC Chairman Senior General Than Shwe "stated that while striving for economic development, politically the State is leading to right path, saying that on the very first stage, it is striving for obtaining fundamental principles to write an enduring State Constitution. While the State is making great efforts for the emergence of the constitution, he said, all must beware of machinations and subversions of internal and external destructive elements. He stressed the need to organize people to enable them to understand and be acquainted with the State's developmental activities both in economic and political fields, and in so doing, he said, the local authorities have to explain to the people about the State's activities and principles and objectives. Some external forces, he said, who are reluctant to feel [sic] Myanmar prosper are engaged in instigating the people under pretext of democracy and human rights. He explained to them that human rights and democratic norms of the Western countries and those of Asian countries cannot be the same, pin-pointing the need to choose the human rights and democratic norms that are suited to Myanmar traditional customs. In conclusion, he reminded them of misusing peoples' labour in implementing the tasks for development of the people." (NLM 6/4) Ex-Diplomat Returns Home June 4: U William Han Lwin, former Second Secretary of the Myanmar Embassy in India, who "took part in the 1988 disturbances," returned to the legal fold, with his wife and children. He was not given promised support by UNHCR and found that "U Maw Thiri [of Friendship of Burma] and Daw Than Than Nu [of All Burma Student's Union] did not keep their word of providing all assistance for food, clothing and shelter needs of his family which they promised him when he asked for political asylum; the personnel of the UNHCR office regarded the refugees as sub-humans only allowing them to enter their office from the back door; his children have also grown up and he feared that they might get married to foreigners." So he decided to return home, gave himself up to the Indian Embassy in New Delhi, and was flown home on May 27. [photo] (NLM 6/5) Political Refresher Courses June 14: Addressing the opening of Special Refesher Course No. 1 for Senior and Junior Assistant Teachers, SLORC Secretary-1 Maj-Gen. Khin Nyunt "remarked that though material deteriorations can markedly be changed, morally deteriorated ideals are being reforged by degrees up to now for they cannot be mended overnight.... [He] stated that false allegations and machinations of some broadcasting stations and the axe-handles at home and abroad and false accusations of terrorists misled the people to get morally corrupt ideas.... Refresher courses are opened for those who will serve as the eye-openers spotlighting what is right and what is wrong and organizing the youth to instill patriotism in them and to explain to the people the State's genuine goodwill in performing its tasks regarding all-round development and safeguarding the nation.... Recounting the Tatmadaw's tradition, he noted that the Tatmadaw is the only organization which plays and will always play a crucial role for the nation.... At present juncture, there was rivalry between destructive lackeys of imperialism desirous of weakening the Tatmadaw and constructive forces desirous of the Tatmadaw's leadership role in national politics...." (NLM 6/15) June 28: The Seventh Special Refresher Course for Doctors began at the Institute for Public Services in Hlegu, and was addressed by SLORC Secretary-1 Maj-Gen. Khin Nyunt. (NLM 6/29) NLD Vice Chairman Returns Home June 14: Nai Ba Hlaing, who was Vice-Chairman of the expatriate NLD group, "returned to legal fold through the Myanmar Embassy in Bangkok, Thailand, and arrived back here on 9 June." During the 1988 disturbances he was patron of the South Okkalapa Lunge Thamagga (united youth), and became chairman of the South Okkalapa Township Democracy Party and member of the Democracy Party Central Committee. He "absconded to Maesot" on Mar. 9, 1989, and joined the Pyithu Pyichit Party of U Thwin as political organizer and member of the DAB Central Committee. Finally, he went to Bangkok and served as Vice-Chairman of the CRDB (Thai) chaired by Ye Kyaw Thu and Vice-Chairman of the expatriate NLD. "Disenchanted with the acts of expatriate groups he lost confidence in the armed struggle underground. Convinced of the goodwill of the government, he returned to the legal fold." (NLM 6/15) Returnees from Bangladesh June 10: 442 persons from 104 households returned to Kanyinchaung camp on June 6, bringing the total to 26,319 since Sept. 22, 1992. (NLM 6/11) June 11: 192 persons from 48 households returned to Kanyinchaung camp on June 8, bringing the total to 26,511. (NLM 6/12) June 14: 173 persons from 40 households returned to Kanyinchaung camp on June 10, bringing the total to 26,684. (NLM 6/15) June 15: 493 persons from 118 households returned to Kanyinchaung camp on June 13, bringing the total to 27,177. (NLM 6/16) June 28: 464 persons from 106 households returned to Kanyinchaung camp on June 26, bringing the total to 27,673. (NLM 6/29) Prisoners Released June 9: 46 men were released from Insein Central Jail and Myaungmya Jail, under SLORC Declaration No. 11/92. (NLM 5/1) June 26: 17 prisoners were released from Insein Central Jail and Pakokku Jail on June 25, including Thakin Tin Mya, "who was detained as he had taken part in the activities that obstructed the State Law and Order Restoration Council." (NLM 6/27) NATIONAL CONVENTION Preparations for Reopening May 31: Meetings were held by the Transport Sub-Committee and the Work Committee of the National Convention. (NLM 6/1) June 4: Delegates began to arrive for the renewed National Convention session. The Myanmar Embassy in Islamabad and others donated 3,000 ball pens for the Convention. The Mangagement Committee met. (NLM 6/5) June 5: More delegates arrived. (NLM 6/ 6) June 6: More delegates arrived. Preparations for the renewed Convention were inspected by Convening Commission Chairman Lt-Gen. Myo Nyunt. Entertainment was provided for delegates at Saya San Hall at the Kyaikkasan Grounds in Yangon. (NLM 6/7) June 7: Note was taken that delegate U Maung Ngwe of the Union Pa-Oh National Organization died on Apr. 25. (NLM 6/7) Lt-Gen. Myo Nyunt's Opening Speech June 7: The National Convention resumed its sessions at the Central Meeting Hall of the President's Residence on Ahlon Road, with 680 delegates present. Convening Commission Chairman Lt-Gen. Myo Nyunt delivered the opening address [full text]: Esteemed delegates, I am very happy and greatly gratified to meet the esteemed delegates on you return from the various regions of the country, congregating for the continuation of the National Convention. I pray that all the esteemed delegates would be able to continue to carry out the respective responsibilities in soundness of physical well-being and mental freshness. Esteemed delegates, The esteemed delegates have before you the task of compiling proposal papers concerning the 15 chapter headings which have been procured. Of these, the first chapter heading is "Fundamental Principles of the State." Discussions are to be carried out, coordinations made and the papers compiled. Comprehensive Discussions Comprehensive discussions covering all pre-requisities regarding this chapter heading are to be systematically conducted. If one is asked on what matters and what aspects are to be used as bases in compiling the fundamental principles of the State, it is to be said that it will have to be based on the remaining 14 chapter headings and the most basic principles which are to be involved in these respective chapter headings. The discussions will have to be carried out on the basis of this and the proposals are also to be made on these bases. In truth, the discussions which are to be conducted by the esteemed delegates, as one may see from the term of the chapter heading is of the most important fundamental nature. If this matter can be comprehensively and precisely covered in the discussions, all the future matters to be dealt with in the remaining chapters will also be covered smoothly and without any difficulty. In this light, comprehensive and meticulous discussions for chapter heading No 1, as I have said, entail discussions of the principles involved in chapter headings No 2 to No 15. This being so, the discussions which are to be conducted by the esteemed delegates are naturally of the utmost importance. Now that the time has arrived for discussions of the paramount chapter, the esteemed delegates will have to be extraordinarily dedicated to the matter at hand, more broad-minded than ever before, and be more mutually tolerant and understanding among various groups as well as individuals and with such studious dedication it is now time for all to submit the best of ideas and proposals in their discussions. Ample experience Esteemed delegates, We have had ample experience of our national history in order to be able to realize the matters which ought to be considered in the discussions to be conducted regarding the fundamental principles of the State. With the objective of bringing about a genuine multiparty democracy system, we can have a brief review of historical developments which have taken place. From 1920, the era of GCBA right up to 1948, the time of independence, is 28 years; from 1948 to 1962 when the Revolutionary Council emerged, the era of the Pha Hsa Pa La (AFPFL), the span of time is 14 years; the total of 42 years which can be procured for these two eras represent the multiparty period. Now from 1988 to 1993, a matter of over four years to five years represents a period in which multiparty democracy is once more being brought into being. In fact, just as there are shortcomings and defects in a one-party system, so also there have been shortcomings and defects in the multiparty system. It is only natural that there should exist a certain amount of anxiety in attempting to return to a multiparty system which has previously shown to have possessed certain defects and shortcomings. Hence, in the present period there is an urgent necessity for us to seriously consider and evaluate so as to be able to lay down sound fundamental principles for the emergence of a genuine multiparty democracy system. It is necessary to pay priority to national politics in relation to party politics. It is equally important to exercise the greatest possible vigilance so that there will be no abuse or misuse of democratic rights and freedoms. We have but recently been confronted with a heap of bitter experiences in which anarchy has followed closely in the wake of excessive democracy. Right preconditions Esteemed delegates, Once of the six objectives of the National Convention is that of bringing about the right preconditions for the burgeoning of the noblest and worthiest of worldly values such as justice, liberty and equality. Justice, liberty and equality which are the noblest and worthiest of worldly values constitute the basic characteristics of democracy. If these three values are lacking, it is extremely difficult for democracy to emerge and to develop. In the matter of justice, there is social justice, economic justics and political justice. The second point, that of liberty, includes freedom of thought, freedom of expression, freedom of belief, freedom of worship, freedom to seek a livelihood and freedom of organization. The third, that is of equality, includes the equality of status, equality in opportunity and equality before the law. The burgeoning of these noblest and worthiest of worldly values will not come about of their own accord. The right preconditions must be created to bring this about. The lotus flower does not bloom in the lake which is contaminated and dirty. It can only bloom where the water is clean and fresh. That is why the noblest and worthiest of worldly values will emerge within our society only when there are a lot of people who are disciplined in their ways, a lot of people who are aware of their responsibilitiesand a lot of people who love their own land and their own people. This being so, we must forever exercise vigilance and prevent emergence of anarchy, prevent the rise of unscrupulous opportunists because such beings and such conditions are totally contrary to the noblest and worthiest worldly values. Hence, we must try our very best to bring about an increase in the number of people who are disciplined in their ways, those who are aware of their responsibilities and those who are patriotic. We must constantly keep in our mind that just as we will have to provide all the rights and freedoms for the people we must at the same time contrain those who aim to disrupt the livelihood and freedoms of the people by passing rules and regulations inherent in the fundamental principles to be laid down. Strong and durable Esteemed delegates, I am sure that all the esteemed delegates have noticed that the objective "non-disintegration of the Union" which is one of the six objectives of the National Convention is directly related to the fundamental principles for consideration in the chapter heading No 2 "The State Structure". It is necessary to establish our nation strong and durable. It is also necessary for all the nationals to take pride one and all, as the citizens of Myanmar Naing-Ngan without entertaining any narrow and extreme racist attitudes. I feel great honour and much gratification because I have come to know that all the esteemed delegates are opposed to the concept of the so-called "genuine federalist" principles which in 1962 nearly resulted in the disintegration of the Union and also because the esteemed delegates are known to be also opposed to any threat of separatism. It is incumbent on all of us to get together and prevent as well as foil any kind of attempt likely to be made in the future for any particular region or for any particular national group of the Union of Myanmar to follow separatist path. Our Tatmadaw, on its part, will continue as it is now doing to adhere to Our Three Main National Causes, we will continue to adhere to the principles and foil any attempt by anybody to drive the Union towards disintegration. The Tatmadaw will never watch with hands folded - we wish all the esteemed delegates here to be assured of this. The future Myanmar Naing-Ngan towards which we are driving is to be a nation where the noblest and wortheist values such as that of justice, liberty and equality may be experienced in full measure. The responsibility of removing all unscrupulous elements which would attempt to bring about the disintegration of the nation lies not only with the Tatmadaw but with all the people who love their nation at a time when the worthiest of values are being placed in the fore as the fundamental principles and national policy of the noblest time is being followed. Equitable opportunities It will also be necessary to consider and make provisions so that certain national groups would be given their equitable opportunities such as that of self-administration. What is more, all those who are able to think and consider will realize that the concept of equality would not be fully realized if legislative, administrative and judicial powers are given access to those in the states while such powers are denied to those in the divisions. To make the point clear, suppose the people of Kayah State are given access to legislation in their own region as well as administration and judicial matters, would it be natural for such rights to be denied to the people of Bago Division? Would it be just? The total population of Kayah State is just a little over 160,000 whreas the population of Bago Division is over 3.8 million. Similarly, the Tanintharyi Division has a population of one million, Sagaing Division has a population of 3.9 million, Magway Division has a population of 3.2 million, Mandalay Division has a population of 4.6 million, Yangon Division has over 4 million, Ayeyarwady Division has a population of over 5 million. It is therefore equally important to think and consider whether regions with populations of hundreds of thousands are to be left without democratic rights. Hence, to sum it up, the seven States and the seven Division should invariably be provided with equal status.... this is something which can only be suitable under the circumstances. Changing names At this juncture, I wish to take the opportunity to suggest that there is a need to consider the possibility of changing the name of the States and Divisions so that it would be more natural and appropriate and also more harmonious from the point of view of fraternity and unity among the nationalities. There is a certain narrowness of views attached to the way in which the States have been named according to the names of the specific national races. The fact is that in any of these regions, there reside a large number of different national groups within a large region and hence giving any particular region or calling any particular region by the name of any specific national race, it may amount to a negligence of other races which may be residing within the same region. Those races whose names have not become part of the name of the State would naturally feel offended. As all have known, there are in most of the Unions the world over, practically no cases in which the States or the regions have been named after specific racial groups or nationalities. Within the contemporary context, there are numerous cases in which conflicts continue unabated as a result of the fact that certain regions have been given the names of specific nationalities or national groups. America with its 51 States [sic] is an example in which no particular State has been named according to the names of a specific nationality or racial group. Hence, it is to be presumed that it would be most appropriate if in the future Myanmar Naing-Ngan in the different regions would be called, for example Kanbawza, Kantarawady, Dhannyawady, Ramanya, Oktha, Dagon, Yadanabon etc., etc. Head of State Esteemed delegates, I wish to make a few comments regarding considerations which should be carried out in connection with the matter of the Head of State. According to the 45 years of experience since our Myanmar Naing-Ngan became independent, the post of President as the Head of State has been nothing more than a ceremonial post. The administrative authority or executive authority of the President is practically negligible. The only prominent authority which is vested with the President is that of granting pardon. During the multiparty era, the real holder of power and authority was the Prime Minister. Even though the Prime Minister was supposed to have genuine power he was responsible to the Hluttaw which was able at any time to move a no-confidence motion against the Prime Minister. And what is more, if the Government is a coalition government which has to depend upon the support of some other party, the Prime Minister was even more constraint [sic] in his ability to carry out work for the benfit of the nations; these have been clearly shown in the international events. Hence, the national leader who will lead the future Myanmar Naing-Ngan should be one who has had vast experience in politics, administrative, economic and defence matters and who should be able to carry out his responsibilities for the development of the country without any constraint whatsoever. I believe that there should be a desire for the national leader of the future Myanmar Naing-Ngan to be vested with the kind of the powers and authority as possessed by the leaders of those big countries which are today enjoying high momentum in economic and political development. Hence, I would like to stress that the time has come to seriously consider whether or not it is time for a fully empowered presidential administrative system to be brought into being. And when we arrive at a particular chapter heading we will also have to consider how such a fully empowered President ought to be elected. Participation of the Tatmadaw Esteemed delegates, It will also be necessary in discussing the fundamental principles to discuss matters in connection with the sixth objective of the National Convention that being "For the Tatmadaw to be able to participate in the national poltiical leadership role of the future State". It will be necessary to lay down principles as to how many representatives of the Tatmadaw are to be included in the legislative sector which is that of the political leadership role of the future State, and also in the administrative sector, how many representatives of the Tatmadaw are to be included in the different levels ranging from the central to the districts and in what role they are to carry out their responsibilities. Besides this, there will also be a need to lay down the fundamental principles so that the Tatmadaw's military capabilities will reach the point when it can successfully defeat all threats of internal terrorism and disturbances which can give trouble to the country at any time, to defend and protect the country against aggression, to strengthen the cohesiveness of the Tatmadaw, and to enable the Tatmadaw to be able to uphold the worthiest and noblest of traditions and in order to achieve all this we should consider what kind of rights should be vested with the Tatmadaw. Emergency provisions Esteemed delegates, In the discussion to arrive at the fundamental principles there will also be a need to discuss the Chapter Heading "Emergency Provisions". Regarding this matter, I wish to quote an excerpt from a speech delivered by National Leader Bogyoke Aung San on 11 February 1947 at Panglong on the eve of the Union Day. Among other things Bogyoke Aung San said: - "There are bound to be certain differences of opinion among ourselves, however, when some other countries come to commit aggression against our country risking our lives to defend our nation is a matter which concerns all of us [sic]. In such a case, it does not matter whether the Commander-in-Chief is a Kayin, or a Kachin, or a Chin no matter what he is all of us must work together according to one order and in one concerted action." This was unequivocally stated by Bogyoke Aung San. And it is the same in the contemporary context the Commander-in-Chief of the Tatmadaw must be vested with clear-cut authorities and powers so that he would be able to deal effectively with emergencies. It is of course important to see that the emergencies are not given a chance to arise. However, when emergencies do occur it is imperative that the person who is able to overcome such emergencies be given the powers of doing it. Best of ideas Esteemed delegates, Discussions to be carried out now at the continuation of the National Convention are of utmost importance for the well-being of the nation. Hence, I reiterate what I already said in the first part by calling for the esteemed delegates to do the best of the abilities [sic] and deepest of considerations so that the best of ideas, the most suitable concepts and most harmonious according to the conditions of the nation and also best in the sense that they would be practically applicable may be brought out in the interest of the country. As everybody here realizes, there are today some countries which are being confronted with a lot of problems and difficulties in connection with the constitution. As we are a member of the family of the nations we are in sympathies with such nations. Since we are also conducting the National Convention leading towards procuring the fundamental principles for framing a constitution, we must also critically appraise the happenings in those countries and draw appropriate lessons from their experiences. Under the circumstances, we must with utter seriousness consider, co-ordinate and discuss how legislative power, administrative power and judicial power are to be separated. We should also consider how they are to be kept in proper balance, how the central and the major regions are to share power. Oldest treatise Esteemed delegates, Efforts have been made in our country to administer according to law in the different eras and different epochs. The earliest known record may be found 115 years ago on the 7th Waxing Moon of Nadaw, 1240 ME, when Yaw Mingyi U Po Hlaing compiled Raja Dhamma Sangaha Treatise. If that treatise is to be critically appraised, we may find it is a constitutional treatise which was far ahead of its age. It was a treatise which was compiled with democratic ideas so that King Thibaw may be turned into a constitutional monarch. At one point in the treatise, one may find references to European experiences in the legislative system. The statement which may be found in the treatise that there were two legislative bodies: one representative of the people and one representative of the nobles and those employed by the monarch reflects an attempt to translate into Myanmar terms the bicameral nature of the British parliament. Within the contemporary context we may not have any nobles and King's men; however, the bicameral nature may be procured if there is a Hluttaw which representes fourteen main regions of the country and another Hluttaw which represents the entire country. With this we may arrive at a system in which legislation and legislators work may be effectively carried out upon a bicameral basis. In that Raja Dhamma Sangha Treatise, which more or less represents the earliest constitutional treatise in Myanmar Naing-Ngan, there revealed a certain code of conduct for monarchs called "Aparihaniya Dhamma", the meaning of this expression is "Sans adversity and sans destruction": in other words it means the way to progress and development. In the "Aparihaniya Dhamma" there are the following expressions: sannipata - meeting together in close harmony samagga - working together in unity and solidarity pannatta - administration after enacting laws. These three elements are clearly revealed in the treatise. I conclude by further urging the esteemed delegates to keep in mind these three elements as stated in the "Aparihaniya Dhamma" and thereby according to sannipata, meet together in close harmony, and energetically and according to samagga, work together in unity and solidarity and in concert wish full co-operation with each other. (NLM 6/7) U Aung Toe's Clarification June 6: Following the opening address to the resumed National Convention by Lt-Gen. Myo Nyunt, a "clarification address" was given by Convening Work Committee Chairman U Aung Toe [full text, except for quotations from a January speech]: Respected Chairman and esteemed delegates, May I greet you wishing "May you all enjoy a surfeit of auspicious benefactions!" As all the esteemed delegates have known, co-ordinations on chapter headings have been conducted so as to be able to lay down fundamental principles for framing the State Constitution. Having done this, the Plenary Session is to begin discussions on the chapter heading "Fundamental Principles of the State". I would like to emphatically urge you, all the National Convention delegates of political parties and of various categories of delegate groups to conduct necessary observations and studies so as to be able to discuss the matters of your choice with proper reasons. I gave clarifications at the Plenary Session of the National Convention on 7 April 1993. Respected Chairman, I would like to present some excerpts from the opening address of the National Convention Convening Commission Chairman Lt-Gen Myo Nyunt at the Plenary Session of the National Convention on 9 January 1993, to recall to your mind how the drafting of the State Constitution including fundamental principles is delicate and serious. [Five paragraphs quoted, calling on delegates to work for the welfare of the nation, prevent national disintegration, preserve national solidarity, include justice, liberty and equality, and give a leadership role to the Tatmadaw.].... Respected Chairman, The points contained in the address by the National Convention Convening Commission Chairman Lt-Gen Myo Nyunt on the opening day of the National Convention and the address delivered today constitute the most important points for consideration in formulating fundamental principles to be followed in framing the Constitution. The fundamental principles to be enshrined in the Constitution are those which the State as well as the people are to adhere to, interminably; and in addition, those principles would be instrumental in promoting the long-term welfare of the State and the people. As such, they are as important as life itself. Long-term welfare I presume and hope that all the esteemed delegates to the National Convention have already deeply considered the fundamental principles which should be laid down keeping in mind the long-term welfare of the State and of the people. At this point, I wish to clarify and explain a few points which the Work Committee has researched and studied so that the esteemed delegates would be able to deal with the matter as comprehensively as possible according to the well-known saying "to pour molasses or treacle on what is already sweet". Respected Chairman, In considering the fundamental principles of the State, it will be necessary to take a long-term view in the discussions so that principles would be in close harmony with the natural environmental conditions of the Myanmar Naing-Ngan, the historical experiences which have been encountered, the current trend in politics, economics, social matters, culture and traditions within the country, demographically heterogeneous nature of the nationalities residing within the country, the natural resources and other similarly relevant matters; and thereby bring about the emergence of an enduring Constitution capable of ensuring in the future Sate greater peace, tranquillity and prosperity as well as political stability. The six objectives as stipulated by the State Law and Order Restoration Council Order No 13/92 are to be used as basis in laying down the fundamental principles because they are relevant for bringing about the realization of the most basic interests of the Myanmar Naing-Ngan. Six objectives As the esteemed delegates already know, the six objectives are: - Non-disintegration of the Union; - Non-disintegration of National Solidarity; - Perpetuation of Sovereignty; - For a genuine multiparty democracy system to flourish; - For the further burgeoning of the noblest and worthiest values such as justice, liberty and equality; and - For the Tatmadaw to be able to participate in the national political leadership role of the future State. Regarding the first objective that of "Non-disintegration of the Union", the following are the basic points: - The Myanmar Naing-Ngan has been a unified nation for many aeons with all the varied nationalities living in places of their own choice in all parts of the country in a heterogeneous population. - In such a demographically heterogeneous population there are cases in some regions in which one particular nationality or national race residing there would be a majority. - The cultural traditions and customs of the various nationalities have many similar characteristics and also there are contrasts as it is to be naturally expected. - Regarding the matter of territorial divisions, the Myanmar Naing-Ngan according to the 1947 Constitution was made up of four States and nine Divisions including Chin Special Division. - According to the 1974 Constitution, the territories were organized into seven States and seven Divisions. Now, with the rising awareness of the various nationalities and racial groups, it will be necessary for the fundamental principles to be laid down for the drawing of the new Constitution to be in close harmony with the new awareness which is prevalent. Hence, we have now reached a stage in which we should seriously consider territorial designation of the country with a total of 14 States and Divisions of equal status constituting the major regions; within these major regions there may perhaps be certain "Self-Administered Areas". In deliberating upon these matters the points made by the Commission Chairman in his address should be used as bases to create the right preconditions for stronger unity and solidarity among the nationalities. At the same time, it would also be most opportune to consider whether or not the names of the 14 major regions should revert back to their traditional names of Kanbawza, Kantarawady, Dhannyawady, Ramanya, Oktha, Dagon, Yadanabon, etc. which are all historic names. - The Myanmar Naing-Ngan as such came into being because the nationalities of the country have been living together from the beginning of history in friendship, harmony and unity through weal and woe. The future longterm welfare of all the nationalities will be assured only if this Naing-Ngan-daw (nation) upon which all these nationalities rely and depend upon is to exist in perpetuity. For this reason, fundamental principles which can ensure them that all the nationalities live together in continued cordiality, friendship, unity and solidarity and thereby ensure the continued perpetuity of the entire Union must be laid down after due deliberations. Non-secession In laying down these principles, "None of the territories of Myanmar Naing-Ngan shall ever secede" must necessarily be a commitment of the most basic nature. Respected Chairman, I shall further clarify the second objective that of "Non-disintegration of national solidarity". In order to be able to avoid the disintegraion of national solidarity, it is emphatically essential to bring about conditions in which all the nationalities will be equal before the law, and to promote with increasing momentum in all the different administrative levels of all the nationality regions the noblest and worthiest values of justice, liberty and equality. And in the endeavours to bring this about, serious consideration should be given to the matter of power sharing between the central and the regional authorities in the three branches of State power, that is legislative, administrative and judicial powers. National solidarity is bound to suffer if the fundamental principles which have been stated cannot be put to practice. If national solidarity suffers in such a way the numerous bitter experiences which the country has had to go through in the past, such as the putting in the fore of narrow racist attitudes, misuse and abuse of political power, the giving of priority for the interest of one party or one group etc., etc. and such shortcomings and defects will once more become pervasive and with it national solidarity and unity will begin to be destabilized and eventually conditions may lead to the worst of conditions in which the country may be broken asunder. But if, on the other hand, the fundamental principles as have been presented to you are used to good effect, it will fulfil the desire of the nationalities for self-administration and will more effectively give impetus to the matter of national solidarity. Narrow down gap In order to be able to drive towards the objective of national unity and solidarity in building up a nation, it is essential to endeavour to narrow the gap which may exist between the regions into which the territory of the nation has been divided. Indeed, the State itself must, with serious intent, attempt to bring about development among those nationalities who are lacking in development. That is why this particular point has been submitted as an essential point or a fundamental principle in attempting to strengthen unity and solidarity among the nationalities. Respected Chairman, Now I wish to continue with a clarification of the third objective, that is the perpetuation of sovereignty. There are many factors involved in this matter. This is according to the experiences of our own country as well as the experiences of other countries. The loss of sovereignty need not have to be accompanied by the loss of national independence. If a nation is no longer able to act independently of its own desire and volition in political matters, economic matters, military matters, social matters, in the matters of foreign affairs and in cultural matters and matters of customs and traditions then it is as good as the loss of its sovereignty. And also if a nation is no longer able to stand on its own but to depend on some others then it is as good as the loss of its sovereignty. What is more if a nation in exercising its political system has to follow the directives and orders from abroad then this too may be referred to as having lost sovereignty. Hence, the matter of the perpetuation of sovereignty is something which ought to be exhaustively and widely discussed in utter seriousness in laying down the fundamental principles. Respected Chairman The fourth objective, that of creating the right precondition for the emergence of a genuine multiparty democracy system will now be clarified. Among other things, fundamental principles must also be laid down so that political parties may be systematically set up and established. While this is being done on one hand, there should be on the other hand endeavours made so that the three powers of the State vested with the people may be separately exercised. In so doing proper arrangements should also be set down so that the bodies vested with the powers to exercise these respective powers of the State may be able to exercise their powers separately. Experiences within our own country and the experiences of other countries have shown that the people would not be able to enjoy their democratic rights if all the three powers of the State are exercised by only one body or one organization. For example, negative repercussions and evil results such as misuse and abuse of power and exercise of bias for the welfare of the individual groups of organizations may come about if such separation of powers is not brought into being. For instance, if the body or organization vested with legislative power is able to exercise executive power or judicial power or both or else if it is able to interfere in the exercise of the two latter powers or else if it is able to exercise pervasive influence in the giving of responsibilities for the exercise of such powers, then the evil and undesirable results are like to emerge. Under such circumstances, a system of one-party dictatorship may emerge. In order to avoid such a turn of events there must be a separation of three arms of State power that of legislative power, executive power and judicial power and every endeavour should be made so that they would be separately and independently exercised. Such a separation of power is indeed in need. Powers of State It is only when these three powers of the State are separately and independently exercised would there be a balance. In the endeavours to achieve such a separation of powers the exercise of legislative power or the legislative assembly so to speak and what should be its structure should be discussed. For instance, the question as to whether or not it should have at the centre the Hluttaw made up of the representatives of the people coupled with another Hluttaw which will represent the fourteen major regions of equal status that is the States and Divisions. In other words, whether or not a bicameral Hluttaw ought to be constituted. Considerations should also be given as to whether or not there should be one legislative Hluttaw in each of the 14 major regions so mentioned. The concrete realization of the objective "for the Tatmadaw to be able to participate in the national political leadership role of the future State" may be realized if Hluttaw representatives of the Tatmadaw whose names have been nominated by the Defence Services Commander-in-Chief are included as members of these legislative Hluttaws. This being so, the required fundamental principles for this matter must also be laid down. Respected Chairman, I shall now clarify matters regarding the exercise of executive power. There are generally two ways of exercising executive power among the countries of the world. One way of which is the Prime Minister is the Chief Executive and another way is the system in which the President is the Chief Executive. In the system in which the Prime Minister is the Chief Executive, the Prime Minister is elected by the Hluttaw and he may be deposed at any time through a no-confidence motion moved by the Hluttaw. In practising this system, there are cases in which a government has to be formed with a very slim majority and there are also cases in which a coalition government has to be formed because no single party has sufficient number of votes to be able to form a government on its own. Under such circumstances, the Prime Minister who heads such a kind of government has to be under constant anxiety because the Hluttaw representatives who have been supporting him and thereby keeping him in power may at any time move a no-confidence motion and depose him. The outcome of it is such a Prime Minister has to be constantly endeavouring to appease the Hluttaw representatives and it may be seen that because of this such a Prime Minister is unable to be effective in promoting the interest of the State and the people. The result, naturally, is a lack of decisive leadership. And consequently or subsequently, because of such weaknesses, whole-hearted endeavours cannot be made for the fuller development of the nation. These too may be seen. At one time, our country employed a system in which the Prime Minister was the Chief Executive. Everyone here realizes that at that time, according to experience, the Prime Minister was apparently unable to prevent and take measures to avoid the possible loss of sovereignty which was confronting the nation, and he was unable to arrest the impending dissolution of national solidarity and eventually the impending threat of total national disintegration. In order to avoid such defects, shortcoming and weaknesses, there is a necessity now to deeply consider whether or not a system in which the President is the Chief Executive, elected through an electoral college should be brought into being. In this system in which the President is the Chief Executive, the President is not under constant threat of a no-confidence vote as in the case of the Prime Minister and so the President is able to continue to dedicate himself towards working for the interest of the State and the people without any fear or anxiety. Chief Executive Hence, serious considerations should be given as to whether or not there should be a change to the system in which the President is the Chief Executive; it is a system which most assuredly be able [sic] to bring about improvements in the interest of the State and the people. Respected Chairman, In changing over to a system in which a President is a Chief Executive, it is particularly important that in order to be able to dedicate himself effectively towards the development of the nation, the President must necessarily possess qualities and capabilities which would enable him to efficiently, effectively and decisively carry out responsibilities in the affairs of the State such as political affairs, administrative affairs, economic and military affairs. In addition to possessing such qualities and capabilities, the President must of necessity be a national as well as a citizen who is loyal towards the State and towards the people. It is only when there is a President of such qualities and abilities acting as the Chief Executive that it would be possible to uphold "Our Three Main National Causes" being non-disintegration of the Union; non-disintegration of national solidarity and perpetuation of sovereignty, and furthermore, be able to work effectively for the development and prosperity of the State. In applying the system in which the President is the Chief Executive of the State, there will also be means in which the executive power will be delegated and shared in an appropriate manner by the major regions, self-administered areas etc. and different administrative areas in matters of administration, social affairs, assessment and collection of revenues, commerce and trade. It will be necessary to consider what kind of fundamental principles should be laid down in the light of experiences gained in the Myanmar Naing-Ngan about how those powers are to be distributed and exercised in an appropriate way. If such fundamental principles are to be formulated and laid down and implemented, they will be supportive in the attainment of the fourth objective which is to bring about the flourishing of a genuine multiparty democracy system. Respected Chairman, I wish to continue my clarification regarding the fifth objective which is "For the further burgeoning of the noblest and worthiest of worldly values such as justice, liberty and equality". There are numerous basic characteristics in the practise of democracy which can bring into being and further developing the noblest and worthiest of worldly values such as that of justice, liberty and equality. Among all these characteristics, all of us have accepted in utter seriousness that the point that all must be equal before the law and that all actions will be taken only according to law. The fact that the rule of law is an essential prerequisite in the establishment of a democratic country is something which cannot ever be forgotten. Hence, in order to bring about the burgeoning of the noblest and worthiest of worldly values, consideration should be made as to whether or not the following points should be prescribed as fundamental principles in judicial matters. - to administer justice independently, in accordance with law, - to adjudicate in open court unless otherwise prohibitied by law, - to guarantee the right of defence and the right of appeal. Judiciary With regard to the exercise of judicial power, consideration should be given as to whether or not fundamental principles should be laid down for the establishment of courts with the Supreme Court at the centre, with one High Court in each of the major regions, and courts in the self-administered areas, districts and townships. In addition there will also be a need to lay down fundamental principles to ensure that no criminal law have retrospective effect and to ensure that no punishment likely to humiliate human dignity is ever included in laws which are promulgated. Sixth objective Respected Chairman, I shall further clarify the sixth objective "For the Tatmadaw to be able to participate in the national political leadership role of the future State". The Tatmadaw constitutes a powerful national force which while protecting and defending "Our Three Main National Causes" will help bring about the establishment of the genuine multiparty democracy system which the people desire. Besides its original duties of defence and security, it is necessary that the Tatmadaw be given the means to assist and participate appropriately in matters of legislative and executive responsibilities if the Tatmadaw is to be able to participate in the national political leadership role effectively and rightfully, and thereby be in a position to work for the welfare of the nation. Hence, it would also be essential to lay down fundamental principles to enable the Tatmadaw to participate and assist meaningfully in the legislative and administrative matters. After the reorganization of the Myanma Tatmadaw in 1946-47, bitter experiences were encountered due to connections with party politics and also because political influences were able to infiltrate the Tatmadaw. At such times, the Tatmadaw very nearly disintegrated. It was the time when the disintegration of the Tatmadaw would have meant the loss of sovereignty. Such were the conditions. We should therefore draw lessons from these events of history. In order to avoid and prevent political constraints and controls and influences from becoming pervasively influential over the armed forces including the Tatmadaw, a fundamental principle should be laid down that the Defence Services Commander-in-Chief is the Supreme Commander of all the armed organization. A strong and modern single Tatmadaw must necessarily be established if the State security and defence is to be strong and firm. In so doing, the Tatmadaw should be empowered to organize nation-wide, so that the entire people of the country would be able to participate in the defence of the motherland. In addition to this, the Tatmadaw should have the right to independently and freely carry out its own affairs, which would include, among other things, operational matters, matters concerning the deployment of the units, matters concerning border security, administrative affairs, matters concerning military courts, organizational affairs, promotional affairs, training affairs, matters concerning armaments, matters concerning military accounts and others concerning the Tatmadaw. Hence, it is essential that the fundamental principles regarding Tatmadaw affairs be also laid down. Our Three Main National Causes Inevitably laying down as the most basic of principles "Our Three Main National Causes" namely, non-disintegration of the Union, non-disintegration of national solidarity and perpetuation of sovereignty, the Tatmadaw as the paramount force of national politics should be designated as the upholder and defender of "Our Three Main National Causes"; and a fundamental principle to this effect should also be prescribed. It could also be appropriate to formulated fundamental principles regarding regional emergency provisions so that the Tatmadaw would be able to effectively prevent [sic] and defend lives and properties of the people in certain regions where threats and emergencies arise. It would also be appropriate to lay down a fundamental principle which would enable the Tatmadaw Commander-in-Chief to procure and utilize State power according to the provisions of the Constitution in times of national emergencies in which "Our Three Main National Causes" are being endangered as a result of actions or attempts being made to seize the State power through armed terrorist insurgency or other violent means. Respected Chairman, I have now clarified relevant points regarding the fundamental principles which are to serve as bases for the framing of the Constitution in accord with the six objectives. Now I will continue to deal with points regarding economic, social and foreign affairs which would also be included in the fundamental principles of the State. Economic development It would be necessary to lay down fundamental principles to expedite the emergence of an economic system which will harmonize with the national objectives. It will be appropriate to lay down fundamental principles that the State is the ultimate owner of all the lands as well as of all natural resources above and below the ground, above and below the waters and in the atmosphere. In striving to bring about the economic development of the country the State sector, the secotr concerning the regional organizations, the co-operative sector, the joint-venture sector and the private entrepreneurial sector constitute the main elements of the economic force of the country. Consideration should be made as to whether or not fundamental principles ought to be laid down to enable these various sectors to make use of or exploit such State-owned natural resources under the supervision and control of the State for the benefit of the people. Among the numerous points to be considered in laying down economic policies such matters as raising the standard of living of the people, bringing about increases in production to develop domestic investment, distribution of goods and investments as well as to ensure stability of prices are among those which should be deeply considered as to whether or not fundamental principles should be laid down. By the same token, considerations should also be made as to whether or not fundamental principles should be laid down for the formation of a national economic system in which all economic forces can participate in matters such as increasing general all-round production, boosting export of finished goods and trade and commerce. Raising standard of living Respected Chairman, Considerations should also be made as to whether or not fundamental principles should be laid down regarding raising the standard of living of the people, education, improvements in health and for those who are capable or worthy to be given the chance to work at appropriate jobs. Regarding education, considerations should also be made as to whether or not fundamental principles ought to be laid down for the establishment of a more effective education system which would be supportive of national development in addition to being sound from all possible angles while inculcating good character. Considerations should also be made as to whether or not fundamental principles ought to be laid down in matters regarding the involvement of the national people to assist in the State's endeavour for upbringing the people's general and vocational education and for raising the quality of public education. In such considerations, short-term and long-term benefit of the State ought to be weighed. The peasantry and workers play a crucial and dominant role in the economic development of the nation. This being the case, it would be necessary to lay down fundamental principles assuring that the rights of the peasantry and workers are appropriately protected. Considerations should also be given as to whether or not fundamental principles should be laid down regarding guaranteed prices for their produce as befitting those who are members of the agricultural sector which is the principal national economic force. In the case of workers, considerations should be given as to whether or not fundamental principles should be laid down regarding appropriate remunerations for the labour, the existence of good working conditions and suitable social security. Fundamental principles should also be laid down regarding agricultural and industrial sectors so that the State would be able to provide as much as possible the requirements such as technology and know-how, investment, machinery and equipment and raw materials. It would be appropriate for fundamental principles to be laid down so that the State would be able to take the most appropriate measures possible regarding matters concerning public servants such as that of being free from party politics, service security, procurement of satisfactory livelihood and also to assure the welfare of retired personnel. Five kinds of strength Concerning youth, fundamental principles should be considered for sharpening of the patriotic spirit, correct mental development, and development of the five kinds of strength. It will also be necessary to lay down fundamental principles so that women will be able to enjoy equal rights and opportunities as men in employment, and furthermore if they happen to be housewives so that they may also enjoy maternity rights and privileges. Freedoms Fundamental principles will also be necessary to guarantee freedom of worship in religious matters and to prevent the misuse of religion for political purpose. It will also be necessary to lay down fundamental principles so that the State may be able to carry out appropriate measures to ensure national cultural development and to protect it. Regarding the foreign policy of the State, the pursuance of the independent, active and non-aligned foreign policy and the continuation of friendly relations between nations should also be laid down as fundamental principles. Furthermore, fundamental principles should be laid down unequivocally enunciating that just as fundamental principles to be included in the Constitution are to be adhered to when laws are promulgated by the Legislative Hluttaws, they are also to be regarded as directives in the interpretation of the Constitution or of any other laws promulgated. Cardinal points Respected Chairman, What I have explained and clarified here are points which should be considered in the discussions for laying down the fundamental principles of the State. If the political parties and delegate groups discuss and submit their proposals systematically according to the order of chapter headings previously co-ordinated keeping in mind the address delivered by the Commission Chairman and the points which I have explained in connection with the six objectives as well as taking into consideration such affairs as economic, social and foreign matters, I am sure that the discussions cannot but be complete and comprehensive. The chapter headings are as follows: - State structure - Head of State - Legislature - Executive - Judiciary - Tatmadaw - Citizens and their fundamental rights and responsibilities - Election - Political parties - Emergency provisions - Amendment to the Constitution - State Flag, State Emblem, Natioanl Anthem and the State Capital - Transitory provisions - General provisions In conducting the discussions and submitting proposals regarding the fundamental principles, connected with the above chapter headings, I wish the esteemed delegates to deal only with the main points and leave the details for future discussions made according to individual chapter headings. The proposals initially made by the political parties and groups regarding the fundamental principles of the State and which have been recorded by the National Convention Convening Work Committee may now also be discussed as and where appropriate. Respected Chairman and esteemed delegates, I wish to say that the discussions and co-ordinations of the fundamental principles in connection with the fundamental principles of the State should be confined to six objectives which have been stated and also such discussions and co-ordinations should be according to the provisions laid down in Chapter 4 of the National Convention Procedures. I wish to remind you that an enduring Constitution would emerge only if all the discussions and proposals the esteemed delegates are able to make their points are in harmony [sic] with the natural environmental conditions and demographical conditions of the country, the historical events which have taken place and the political, economic, social, cultural and traditional matters which are prevailing and while keeping in mind the demographically heterogeneous nature of the population of nationalities within the country as well as the condition of our natural resources. All these and other relevant factors should be viewed from all possible aspects and taking all these factors into consideration, the basic and the most fundamental principles which will be suitable for the Myanmar Naing-Ngan must be proposed. I conclude by urging all political parties an delegate groups to discuss matters with your respective political parties or delegates groups according to your wishes exhaustively, comprehensively and consequently submit your proposals to the National Convention Convening Work Committee according to the procedures which have been laid down. (NLM 6/8) Convention Proceedings June 8: The National Convention Convening Work Committee met to "discuss the remaining tasks for the convention." (NLM 6/ 9) June 11: All eight delegate groups met separately and discussed fundamental principles [officials and speakers listed]. (NLM 6/12) June 13: Four delegate groups met [officials and speakers listed]: Representatives-elect (adjourned to June 17); Intelligentsia and Technocrats; State Service Personnel (adjourned to June 16); and Other Invited Delegates. (NLM 6/14) June 15: Two groups met: Political Parties received papers from the National Unity Party, Union Pa-oh National Organization, and Union Kayin League (adjourned to June 16); Other Invited Delegates (adjourned to June 16). (NLM 6/16) June 16: Four groups met: National Races (adjourned to June 18); Workers (adjourned to June 17); State Service Personnel (adjourned to June 18); and Other Invited Delegates (adjourned to June 17). (NLM 6/ 17) June 17: Four groups met: Political Parties received papers from Shan Nationalities League for Democracy, Kokang Democratic Party, Mro or Khami National Solidarity Organization, Lahu National Development Party, and Wa National Development Party (adjourned to June 21); Representatives-elect (adjourned to June 21); Workers (adjourned to June 21); Other Invited Delegates (adjourned to June 21). The delegates were entertained at night by the Tha-bar-wa Yin-thway Nge music band at Saya San Hall. (NLM 6/18) June 18: Three groups met: National Races (adjourned to June 21); Intelligentsia and Intellectuals (adjourned to June 21); State Service Personnel. A coordination meeting was held between the National Convention Work Committee and members of the Panel of Chairmen. (NLM 6/19) June 21: [June 22 issue of NLM not received; presumably the groups listed for June 17 met again.] June 22: Two groups met: National Races (adjourned to June 28); Peasants (adjourned to June 23). (NLM 6/23) June 23: Two groups met: Peasants (adjourned to July 5); Workers. (NLM 6/24) June 24: Two groups met: Representatives-elect (adjourned to June 29); Other Invited Delegates (adjourned to June 29). (NLM 6/25) June 25: Two groups met: Intelligentsia and Intellectuals (adjourned to July 1); State Service Personnel (adjourned to June 28). (NLM 6/26) June 28: Three groups met: Political Parties heard proposals from the Shan State Kokang Democratic Party, the Mro or Khami National Solidarity Organization, the Lahu National Development Party, and the Wa National Development Party; National Races (adjourned to July 2); State Service Personnel (adjourned to June 30). (NLM 6/29) June 29: One group met: Other Invited Delegates (adjourned to July 2). (NLM 6/30) DIPLOMATIC Diplomatic Calls The following calls were paid on Burmese officials by foreign Embassy or UN officials accredited to Burma. May 31: Japanese Ambassador Takashi Tajima called on Minister for Labour Maj-Gen. Aye Thoung. (NLM 6/1) June 4: Japanese Ambassador Takashi Tajima, called on Minister for Hotels and Tourism Maj-Gen. Kyaw Ba, on Minister for Construction U Khin Maung Yin, and on Minister for Mines Maj-Gen. Kyaw Min. Indonesian Ambassador Mochamad Sanoesi called on Minister for Hotels and Tourism Maj-Gen. Kyaw Ba. (NLM 6/5) June 7: Indonesian Ambassador Mochamad Sanoesi called on Minister for Prime Minister's Office Brig-Gen. Lun Maung. United States Charge d'Affaires Franklin P. Huddle, Jr., accompanied by First Secretary (Commercial) Ms. Constance A. Phlipot [sic], called on Minister for Hotels and Tourism Maj-Gen. Kyaw Ba. "As he had written a tourist Guide Book, [he] said that he is so much interested in tourism business and inquired upon tourist attraction centres, the number of tourists visits Myanmar and situation of hotels. He also expressed that Americans are interested in visiting Myanmar." (NLM 6/8) June 8: Australian Ambassador Geoffrey Charles Allen called on Deputy Prime Minister Vice-Adm. Maung Maung Khin, marking the end of his tour of duty. Japanese Ambassador Takashi Tajima called on Minister for Home Affairs Maj-Gen. Mya Thinn, on Minister for Development of Border Areas and National Races Maj-Gen. Maung Thint, and on Minister for Prime Minister's Office Brig-Gen. Lun Maung; on June 3 he called on Auditor-General U Khin Zaw.. (NLM 6/9) June 9: Indonesian Ambassador Mochamad Sanoesi called on Minister for Co-operatives U Than Aung. (NLM 6/10) June 10: Japanese Ambassador Takashi Tajima called on Minister for Culture Lt-Gen. Aung Ye Kyaw, and on Minister for Cooperatives U Than Aung. Indonesian Ambassador Mochamad Sanoesi called on Minister for Information Brig-Gen. Myo Thant. Indian Ambassador G. Parthasarathy, and Singapore Charge d'Affaires Anthony Chng Chye Tong, called on Minister for Trade Maj-Gen. Tun Kyi. (NLM 6/11) June 11: Japanese Ambassador Takashi Tajima called on Minister for Information Brig-Gen. Myo Thant. Indonesian Ambassador Mochamad Sanoesi called on Minister for Religious Affairs Maj-Gen. Myo Nyunt. Departing Australian Ambassador Geoffrey Charles Allen called on Minister for Co-operatives U Than Aung, and on Minister for Health Vice-Adm. Than Nyunt to donate A$12.6 million of medical equipment. (NLM 6/12) June 14: Australian Ambassador Geoffrey Charles Allen called on National Convention Convening Work Committee Chairman [and Chief Justice] U Aung Toe. Japanese Ambassador Takashi Tajima called on Minister for Agriculture Maj-Gen. Myint Aung, promised strengthened agricultural bi-lateral cooperation, and said "He expected practical and genuine system depending on culture and political and historical background of the country will be established step by step in transition to multiparty system in Myanmar." He also called on Minister for Religious Affairs Maj-Gen. Myo Nyunt. Indonesian Ambassador Mochamad Sanoesi called on Minister for Development of Border Areas and National Races Maj-Gen. Maung Thint. (NLM 6/15) June 15: Indonesian Ambassador Mochamad Sanoesi called on Minister for Agriculture Maj-Gen. Myint Aung. (NLM 6/ 16) June 16: Japanese Ambassador Takashi Tajima called on Minister for Transport Maj-Gen. Thein Win. (NLM 6/17) June 18: Australian Ambassador Geoffrey Charles Allen called on Minister for National Planning and Economic Development Brig-Gen. Abel. Korean Ambassador Jung Hwan Kim called on Minister for Forestry Lt-Gen. Chit Swe. Indian Ambassador G. Parthasarathy called on Minister for Development of Border Areas and National Races Maj-Gen. Maung Thint. (NLM 6/19) June 22: Bangladeshi Ambassador Mostafa Faruque Mohammed called on Minister for Mines Maj-Gen. Kyaw Min. Philippine Ambassador Ms. Rosalinda V. Tirona called on Minister for Agriculture Maj-Gen. Myint Aung. (NLM 6/23) June 24: Australian Ambassador Geoffrey Charles Allen, who has completed his duties in Myanmar, called on SLORC Chairman Senior General Than Shwe. Nepalese Ambassador Dr. Thakkan Mallik called on Minister for Home Affairs Maj-Gen. Mya Thinn. (NLM 6/25) June 25: Singapore Charge d'Affaires Anthony Chng Chye Tong called on Minister for Transport Maj-Gen. Thein Win. (NLM 6/26) June 28: UNDP Resident Representative Jehan Raheen called on SLORC Secretary-1 Maj-Gen. Khin Nyunt. Nepalese Ambassador Dr. Thakkan Mallik called on Minister for Prime Minister's Office Brig-Gen. Lun Maung. (NLM 6/29) June 29: Bangladesh Defence Attache Birg. Sk Abu Bakr called on Defence Services Deputy Commander-in-Chief (Army) Lt-Gen. Maung Aye to present his successor, Brig. Jahangir Kabir. Indonesian Ambassador Mochamad Sanoesi called on SLORC Secretary-1 Maj-Gen. Khin Nyunt, on Minister for Forestry Lt-Gen. Chit Swe, and on Chief Justice U Aung Toe. United States Charge d'Affaires Franklin P. Huddle, Jr. called on Minister for Finance and Revenue Brig-Gen. Win Tin. (NLM 6/30) New Myanmar Ambassadors June 3: U Phone Myint on May 27 presented credentials in Singapore to President Wee Kim Wee as new Myanmar Ambassador to Singapore. (NLM 6/4) June 10: U Hla Maung, Myanmar Ambassador to the United Kingdom, was concurrently accredited as new Myanmar Ambassador to Denmark. (NLM 6/10) June 11: U Win Mra was appointed new Myanmar Ambassador to Israel. (NLM 6/11) June 11: U Aung Gyi, Ambassador to Israel, was named new Myanmar Ambassador to Egypt. (NLM 6/11) June 12: U Aye was named new Myanmar Ambassador to Vietnam. (NLM 6/12) June 25: U Hla Myint Oo was named new Myanmar Ambassador to Bangladesh. (NLM 6/25) New Ambassadors to Myanmar June 1: The Myanmar government has approved the appointment of Mr. Gholamreza Yousefi as new Iranian Ambassador to Myanmar. Ambassador Yousefi was born in Tehran in 1957 and obtained a university degree in political science. He was a journalist before joining the Foreign Ministry. He was Ambassador to Bangladesh, and is now Ambassador to Thailand, resident in Bangkok, and concurrently Ambassador to Laos and Myanmar. He is married with three children. (NLM 6/1) June 4: Mr. Blaise Godet presented credentials to SLORC Chairman Senior General Than Shwe as new Swiss Ambassador to Myanmar. (NLM 6/5) June 13: Myanmar has approved the appointment of Mr. Stuart Hamilton Rawdon Hume as new Australian Ambassador to Myanmar. Mr. Hume was born in 1942, and after joining the Foreign Affairs Department in 1966 served in Yangon, Washington, Berlin, Tokyo, Noumea, and Geneva. From 1989-1992 he was Ambassador to Portugal. (NLM 6/14) Timber Dispute with Thailand June 28: The Ministry of Forestry denied allegations in the June 19 The Nation and June 22 Bangkok Post [texts published in NLM] that Minister for Forestry Lt-Gen. Chit Swe had refused for political reasons to visit Thailand to discuss Thai complaints about the refusal of Myanmar to renew Thai timber concessions beyond December 1993. He does not have time to go now, but the Thai Minister for Agriculture and Co-operatives is invited to visit Myanmar if he wishes. (NLM 6/29) INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION Workshops June 9: A three-day Workshop on Environmental Management Training, jointly sponsored by the National Commission for Environmental Affairs and UNDP, opened. (NLM 6/10) June 18: A Seminar on Owner Controlled Construction Insurance opened, and was addressed by Managing Director U Ba Tun of Myanma Insurance, Managing Director Mr. John Alford Smith and Executive Director Mr. Andrew Morrison Corley of J.H. Minet Ltd. (London). (NLM 6/19) Foreign Donations June 3: The Chinese Sports and Physical Education Department donated sports equipment to the Myanmar Olympic Committee. (NLM 6/4) June 4: President Choi Sang Ho of Komy Tours Korea Myanmar Tour Co. Ltd. donated Taekwando suits worth K60,000 to the SEA Games Myanmar team. (NLM 6/5) June 7: The Russian Embassy Women's Association donated K11,000 for primary schools. (NLM 6/8) June 8: Chinese Ambassador Liang Feng donated electrical equipment for the National Theatre. (NLM 6/9) June 17: Chairman Takeo Sorita of Sorita Transportation Co. and General Manager Mamora Sato of Kyoya Co. Ltd. donated US$1,250 each for the construction of Sasanika buildings in Lumbini Gardens in Nepal. Cash donations for the project now total K5.8 million plus US$17,243. (NLM 6/18) June 22: United States Charge d'Affaires Franklin P. Huddle, Jr., on behalf of the United States Government, donated US$5,000 to the UNDP sponsored relief effort for Myingyan fire victims. The British Embassy on June 11 donated K50,000. Japanese Ambassador Takashi Tajima donated Yen 9.4 million of relief supplies for the fire victims. (NLM 6/23) June 24: The Australian Embassy donated US$10,170 to the UNDP relief effort for Myingyan fire victims. (NLM 6/25) June 26: Mr. Karen Tongpatchote of ONK Mining & Construction Co Ltd., Bangkok, donated hospital equipment worth US$2,000 to the Defence Services General Hospital. (NLM 6/27) June 27: Counsellor Mr. Qi Zhijia of the Chinese Embassy, on behalf of Ambassador Liang Feng, donated K200,000 for Myingyan fire victims. (NLM 6/29) News Cooperation with Singapore Beginning in mid-May, 1993, the second page of The New Light of Myanmar has frequently contained extensive news articles about Singapore, "Courtesy of The Straits Times." Ship Agreement with Yunnan June 4: A contract was signed between Inland Water Transport, represented by Managing Director U Khin Maung Thein, and Yunnan Machinery Import and Export Corporation, represented by General Manager Mr. Wu Wen Kuan, for the supply of 14 vessels (including double and triple-deckers, tug-boats, and cruise vessels) and 28 cargo vessels, financed with a Chinese US$30 million five-year, interest-free, loan. (NLM 6/5) US Book Exhibit June 12: A US Embassy books exhibit at 14 Tawwin Street, "The Edge of Technology Book Exhibit Display of Books and Journals," which will run from June 15-July 2, was inspected by Vice Chairman of Libraries, Museums and Exhibitions Supervisory Committee U Aung San. (NLM 6/13) Workers Going Abroad June 14: A training course opened at the Department of Labour for 60 "foreign-going workers," specifically, "47 welders who are to work for Taijkim Company of Malaysia, nine carpenters for Job Centre Company of Singapore and two carpenters and two welders for N Sol Pac Service Company of Singapore." (NLM 6/15) FOREIGN VISITORS Study Delegation June 18: Two Lao trainees arrived for courses in Myanmar. Mr. Vongayarath Boon Kham will study paddy cultivation and production at the Yezin Central Agricultural Research Department, and Mr. Vilakhane Thaiphachanh will study administration of irrigation networks at the Irrigation Department, both for six months. The courses are conducted by the Agriculture Ministry under the Myanmar-Laos technical cooperation plan. (NLM 6/19) International Agency Visitors June 29: UNDCP Senior Advisor Mr. A.S. Elmi of Vienna, accompanied by UNDCP Adviser in Yangon Mr. Jorn Kristensen, called on CCDAC Joint Secretary Police Col. Ngwe Soe Tun do discuss "ways of controlling production and distribution of illegal drugs in Myanmar." (NLM 6/30) Business Visitors June 9: A delegation from the French Business Association in Singapore, led by Mrs. Marie-Pierre Mol, accompanied by Embassy Economic Counsellor Bruno Desies, called on Deputy Minister for Trade Col. Aung Thaung. (NLM 6/10) // June 10: The delegation called on Minister for National Planning and Economic Development Brig-Gen. Abel. (NLM 6/11) June 14: A delegation from the Kuok Group, led by Chairman Mr. Kuok Khoon Ean of Kuok Oils and Grains Pte Ltd. Singapore Ltd., called on Minister for Trade Maj-Gen. Tun Kyi. (NLM 6/ 15) // June 15: Minister for Prime Minister's Office Brig-Gen. Lun Maung hosted a dinner for the group. Also present were Minister for Hotels and Tourism Maj-Gen. Kyaw Ba, Minister for National Planning and Economic Development Brig-Gen. Abel, and Minister for Co-operatives U Than Aung. The group also held discussions with Minister for Prime Minister's Office Brig-Gen. Lun Maung, Minister for Mines Maj-Gen. Kyaw Min, Minister for Agriculture Maj-Gen. Myint Aung, and Minister for Hotels and Tourism Maj-Gen. Kyaw Ba. (NLM 6/16) // June 16: The group called on Minister for National Planning and Economic Development Brig-Gen. Abel, on Minister for Co-operatives U Than Aung, on Minister for Information Brig-Gen. Myo Thant, on Minister for Forestry Lt-Gen. Chit Swe, and on Deputy Minister for Transport U San Wai. (NLM 6/17) // June 17: The delegation called on Minister for Industry-1 Lt-Gen. Sein Aung, and on SLORC Chairman Senior General Than Shwe. (NLM 6/18) June 28: Chairman Mr. Low Kim Yong of Golden Glory Co., Singapore, accompanied by Singapore Charge d'Affaires Anthony Chng Chye Tong, called on Minister for Trade Maj-Gen. Tun Kyi, and delivered a Konica Colour Film Processing Machine to the Ministry. (NLM 6/29) Academic and Health Visitors June 2: The Chinese academic delegation, led by Prof. Zhao Guangwu of Beijing University, returned home after an eight-day visit. (NLM 6/3) June 7: An 11-member cardiac specialist team from Mount Elizabeth Hospital in Singapore, headed by Medical Superintendent Mr. Robert Clark, and including specialists Dr. Leslie Lam and Dr. Joseph Sheares, arrived May 24 and treated three cardiac patients with the Ballon Catheter between May 24-31. They also operated on four patients with congenital heart disease, and gave lectures at Yangon General Hospital. From May 31-June 3, Prof. Kanji Inoue of Takeda Hospital in Japan, treated eight patients with the Inoue Ballon. (NLM 6/8) June 14: Mr. Bouter, head of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, and Prof. Maclaren, currently in Myanmar at the invitation of the Ministry of Health, called on Minister for Health Vice-Adm. Than Nyunt, to discuss "FRCS Part 1 examinations to be held in Myanmar and future plans." (NLM 6/15) June 22: Prof. William D. Sawyer of the China Medical Board of New York called on Minister for Health Vice-Adm. Than Nyunt to discuss assistance for medical education. "The Professor was glad at the completion of the first three-year term assistance beginning 1990." (NLM 6/23) June 29: Mr. Frederick N. Griffith, President and Executive Officer of the International Federation of Eye Banks, called on Deputy Minister for Health Col. Than Zin. (NLM 6/30) Religious Delegations June 7: A 25-member Chon-Dong Korean Buddhist delegation led by Most Reverend Sayadaw Park Yong Duk arrived on a four day visit to study Theravada Buddhism. (NLM 6/8) // June 8: The delegation donated US$1,500 for construction of Sasanica buildings in Lumbini Park, Nepal. (NLM 6/9) // June 10: The delegation left. (NLM 6/11) June 15: After receiving the Agga Maha Pandita title, Sayadaw Bhaddanta Nanissara of Myanmar Monastery in India returned to Calcutta via Bangkok. (NLM 6/16) June 19: Five sangha members from Galle, Sri Lanka, led by Agga Maha Pandita Bhaddanta Naninda, were re-ordained in a punopasampada mangala ceremony, in the presence of Senior General and Madame Than Shwe. (NLM 6/20) Foreign Correspondents June 23: Correspondents Mr. Nirmal Ghosh and Ms. Amy Balan of the Singapore Business Times were received by Minister for Information Brig-Gen. Myo Thant. (NLM 6/24) // June 24: They called on Minister for Forestry Lt-Gen. Chit Swe. (NLM 6/25) // June 25: They called on SLORC Secretary-1 Maj-Gen. Khin Nyunt. (NLM 6/26) // June 27: Mr. Nirmal Ghosh called on Central Command Commander Brig-Gen. Kyaw Than in Mandalay. (NLM 6/28) Thai Home Minister May 31: Thai Minister for Home Affairs General (Rtd) Chavalit Yongchaiyudh, called on, and was later hosted at lunch by, SLORC Chairman Senior General Than Shwe. Also present were Deputy Prime Minister Vice-Adm. Maung Maung Khin, Deputy Prime Minister Lt-Gen. Tin Tun, Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Lt-Gen. Maung Aye, SLORC Secretary-1 Maj-Gen. Khin Nyunt, SLORC Secretary-2 Maj-Gen. Tin Oo, Minister for Industry-1 Lt-Gen. Sein Aung, Minister for Home Affairs Maj-Gen. Mya Thinn, and Minister for Foreign Affairs U Ohn Gyaw. In addition, the Thai Minister visited the Shwedagon Pagoda and called on Minister for Forestry Lt-Gen. Chit Swe, Minister for Livestock Breeding & Fisheries Brig-Gen. Maung Maung, Minister for Mines Maj-Gen. Kyaw Min. He returned to Thailand by air at 3.45 pm. (NLM 6/1) British Diplomat June 10: Mr. Richard Stuart Cooper of the British Embassy in Bangkok called on Joint Secretary Police Col. Ngwe Soe Tun of the CCDAC to discuss anti-narcotics activities. (NLM 6/11) Malaysian Port Delegation June 18: A delegation headed by General Manager and Chief Executive Officer Mr. M. Rajasingham of Klang Port Authority, Malaysia, arrived and met with Myanmar Port Authorities, and also called on Deputy Minister for Trade Col. Aung Thaung. Other members were representatives of Foog Sun Shipping, Hiap Woon Shipping, Rick Marine Associates Pte Ltd, and Eka Jaya Agencies Pte Ltd. (NLM 6/19) Thai Foreign Ministry Delegation June 25: A delegation led by Deputy Permanent Secretary Mr. Saroj Chavanaviraj of the Thai Foreign Ministry called on Minister for National Planning and Economic Development Brig-Gen. Abel. (NLM 6/26) MYANMAR DELEGATIONS Study Delegations May 31: Assistant Lecturer Daw Khin Khin Aye of the Department of Medicine, Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science, left for China May 29 to attend a two-month Training in Animal Husbandry and Veterinary (Class II). (NLM 6/1) June 1: Assistant Factory Managers U Kyaw Nyein (electrical) and U Aye Thaung (repair), and Workshop-in-Charges U Saw Kyaing (casting) and U Khin Zaw (welding) of Myanma Shipyards left May 30 for Britain to attend a UNDP-sponsored course in advanced welding techniques and welding quality assessment. (NLM 6/2) June 2: A delegation led by Minister for Rail Transportation U Win Sein left for China to study "construction of locomotives and coaches which Myanma Railways will import." Other members are Adviser to the Ministry U Kyaw Myint, Managing Director U Aung Thein of Myanma Railways, General Manager Thura U Thaung Lwin, Deputy General Manager U Myint Wai, and the Minister's PSO Daw Thanda Win. (NLM 6/3) // June 13: He called on Deputy Premier Zou Jiahua on June 4, and on Chinese Rail Minister Han Zhubin. Myanma has purchased 6 locomotives, 6 upper class coaches, 17 ordinary class coaches, rails and communication equipment, which will arrive from China soon. (NLM 6/14) June 3: An energy study delegation led by Deputy Minister for Energy U Tin Tun returned from China [departure was not noticed by BPS--HCMacD.]. Other members, all from Myanma Electric Power Enterprise, were Chief Engineer U Bo Kyin, Assistant Chief Engineers U Sein Ti and U Tin Shein, and Executive Engineers U Aung Khin and U Ye Myint. (NLM 6/4) June 5: Deputy Directors U Thein Oo and U Ye Htut, and Assistant Director U Toe Myint of the Internal Revenue Department left for the United States to attend the UNDP sponsored income tax management course at the Revenue Management Training School in Los Angeles. \\ Assistant Manager U Maung Maung Aye of Myanma Posts & Telecommunications left for Bangkok to attend post office management course No. 25 from June 7-Sept. 24. (NLM 6/6) June 7: Editors U Soe Win Than and Daw Pa Pa Waddy of The New Light of Myanmar left for Germany to attend the June 10-Aug. 31 61st Advanced Training in Journalism course. (NLM 6/8) June 11: Lecturer Daw Khine Oo Mar of the Department of Animal Husbandry, Yezin Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science, left for India to attend an International Seminar on the Conservation of the Asian Elephant from June 13-18, sponsored by the Bombay Natural History Association. Assistant Manager Daw Thuzar Lwin of the Myanma Agricultural and Rural Development Bank left for Israel to attend an 8-week International Training Course on Cooperative Supports System for Rural Development: Marketing, Supply of Inputs, Credit, under an Israeli scholarship. (NLM 6/12) June 12: Project Director U Than Tun Aung of Myanma Agricultural Produce Trading, State Engineer U Aung Than, and Assistant Engineer U Aye Swe Myint left for the United States to attend an Agribusiness Planning and Feasibility Analysis Short Course at Kansas State University from June 14-23, under UNDP auspices. (NLM 6/ 13) June 14: Lecturer U Maung Tin of Pyinmanaa Agricultural Institute, and Lecturer U Tin Maung Yin of Shwebo Agricultural Institute left for Manila on June 12 to attend a 12-day course on Technician Behaviour in Industrial Development under the Colombo Plan. (NLM 6/15) June 16: Deputy Supervisor U Sai Po of Myanma Farms Enterprise left for Korea to attend a June 18-July 15 course on crop production technology. (NLM 6/17) June 26: Branch Manager U Myo Myint of No. 2 Machinery Factory of Myanma Heavy Industries left for India to attend a 10-week course on management in production, and Branch Manager U Saw Win Aung of No. 4 Factory a course on management in maintenance and repair, under Colombo Plan auspices. (NLM 6/27) Delegations to Meetings & Events June 14: Rector U Han Tin of the Institute of Education, Secretary of the Myanmar UNESCO Commission, left June 12 for Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, to attend the June 14-17 meeting of the Advisory Committee on Regional Cooperation in Education in Asia and the Pacific. (NLM 6/15) June 19: A delegation led by Minister for Education Col. Pe Thein left for Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, to attend the June 21-24 Sixth Regional Conference of Ministers of Education and those Responsible for Economic Planning (MINEDAP). Other members are Director General U Sang Khup of the Planning Department, Ministry of National Planning and Economic Development, and the Minister's PSO Maj. Khin Soe. Rector U Han Tin, who left on June 14, is also part of the delegation. (NLM 6/20) // June 27: The Minister returned. (NLM 6/28) Delegation to ILO Conference June 5: Minister for Labour Maj-Gen. Aye Thoung and delegation left for Geneva to attend the June 2-22 80th International Labour Organization Conference. Members are Chairman of the Social Security Board U Chit Than, Assistant Director U Kyin Maung Yi of Central Inland Freight Handling Committee Office, and the Minister's PSO Capt. Tun Oo. (NLM 6/6) June 10: Speaking at the Conference, Minister for Labour Maj-Gen. Aye Thoung said in part [full text in NLM] that: "The State Law and Order Restoration Council is fully committed ot uplifting the standard of the workers in the Union of Myanmar and all efforts are being made with a view to achieving this goal. I may be permitted, at this juncture, to inform the Assembly that despite these noble efforts by the Government, anti-government terrorist insurgents are trying to propagate unfounded and malicious propaganda to creat misunderstanding and tarnish the good reputation of my country internationally. Some of the the terrorist insurgents are expatriates who have violated the existing laws of the land, and have formed illegal organizations to engage in activities against the government. In matters concerning the workers, a sham organization which does not represent a single member of the workforce of Myanmar, has been formed by these expatriates with the political motivation to propagate groundless allegations against Myanmar...." He went on to discuss the National Convention, the formation of satellite towns for 50,000 civil servants, civil servant pay raises, etc. (NLM 6/11) June 23: The Minister returned. (NLM 6/ 24) Speech at Human Rights Conference June 11: A delegation led by Minister for Foreign Affairs U Ohn Gyaw left for Vienna to attend the World Conference on Human Rights scheduled for June 14-25. Other members were Ambassador U Win Mra, Deputy Director-General U Nyi Nyi Than, Director U Kyaw Tint Swe, Additional Officer U Min Thein, and Personal Staff Officer Daw Moe Thuza. Joining the delegation will be Permanent Representative in Geneva Ambassador U Tin Kyaw Hlaing, Ambassador to Pakistan U Pe Thein Tin, First Secretary at Geneva Daw Yin Yin Myint, and Second Secretary from Bonn U Aung Htoo. (NLM 6/12) June 18: Minister for Foreign Affairs U Ohn Gyaw delivered the following speech on June 17 [full text]: Mr President, I should like, at the outset, to congratulate you, Sir, on behalf of the Myanmar Delegation and on my own behalf, on your assumption of the high office of the presidency of the Conference. I am confident that given your wide experience and well-known diplomatic skills and personal attributes, you will be able to guide this conference to a fruitful conclusion. Allow me also to take this opportunity to express a personal note of friendship and appreciation to Mme Warsazi who has devoted so much of her time to the cause of human rights. My Delegation fully appreciates her endeavours and notes with satisfaction the exemplary manner in which she guides the work of the Preparatory Commission. We are meeting, Mr President, at a time when vast transformations are taking place and when events are unfolding at a dramatic pace. Who would have foreseen, a quarter of a century ago, when nations gathered in Teheran for the first World Conference on Human Rights, that the Cold War and its attendant power struggles would forever be relegated to history or that the political map of a good part of the European continent would be so drastically altered? Yet it will be some time before the faint outlines of a new order become clearer. While we welcome the positive transformations taking place around us, we view with concern the strife and turmoil that prevail in many regions of the world. It is essential that we have an appreciation of where the momentum of present day events are leading us to. We should take care not to be intimidated by the problems we face or be swept overboard by the euphoria over the changes. We must seek to build a truly better world for all the peoples of the world. It is therefore appropriate that we meet at this juncture to take stock of the developments in the field of human rights, assess the effectiveness of the international Bill of Human Rights, consisting of the Universal Declaration and the two International Covenants, complemented by a corpus of other instruments, and to reflect on how best we can ensure a higher degree of international cooperation in the promotion of human rights worldwide without attempting to create novel doctrines that woudl upset established understandings. Indeed if there is to be a better tomorrow we must, while consolidating the positive accomplishments gained so far, seek to enhance international cooperation to encourage genuine respect for human rights. Mr President, There is in our world today no cause which is being accorded more attention than human rights. But I would like to emphasize here that concern for human rights is neither new nor unique to any one culture. Even before the advent of the UN Charter which in its Preamble reaffirms the faith of the Peoples of the United Nations, "in fundamental human rights, in the dignity and worth of the human person, in the equal rights of men and women...", many a society upheld the dignity of the human person through cultural and religious teachings about correct behaviour, the just society and wise leader. Religious teachings of all faiths emphasize tolerance for fellow human beings. In our own Myanmar culture, there are precepts about the duties and obligations of the wise ruler to his subjects, parents to their offspring, husband to wife, and vice versa. I believe therefore that even as we seek universality of human rights, our diversity in historical, cultural and religious backgrounds must never be minimized or forgotten. There is no unique model of human rights implementation that can be superimposed on a given country. What we should strive for then is not the imposition of one's view on another but universal acceptance of agreed norms through dialogue and persuasion. Any international endeavour to promote and protect human rights must be made in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations. Mr President, In order to narrow the gap between aspiration and reality in the field of human rights, we firmly believe that certain facts must be recognized. First and foremost, the clear signals sent by the Bangkok, San Jose and Tunis meetings which were convened under UNGA Resolution 45/155 of December 1990 must be given the attention they deserve. The three regional meetings provided an opportunity for representatives of sovereign nations as well as non-governmental organizations to discuss and coordinate views. The concluding documents of these regional meetings represent the considered views of the overwhelming majority of the international community. Much has been included in these mutually reinforcing declarations providing the seeds of a universal culture of human rights. The Bangkok Declaration reaffirms the principles of national sovereignty, territorial integrity and non-interference in the internal affairs of States, while the San Jose Declaration complements that by stressing the principles of peaceful coexistence and respect for pluralism. The Tunis Declaration too sends an important message in reaffirming the importance that Africa attaches to collective rights of peoples. Mr President, My delegation was pleased to have taken an active part in the deliberations in Bangkok and to be associated with the final declaration. We were happy to join our neighbours and friends from the Asian region in reaffirming our commitment to principles contained in the Charter of the United Nations and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. It is clear that any attempt to use human rights to encroach on the essential domestic jurisdiction of States and to erode their sovereignty can only result in confrontation and spell chaos for the world. The last thing the world needs now is another round of rivalry and confrontation. We are therefore encouraged by the reaffirmation of the principles of respect for national sovereignty, territorial integrity and non-interference in the internal affairs of states. That is not to say that human rights can be systematically violated with impunity behind the protective barrier of the principle of non-interference. Far be it. We wish to see a consensus on accepted norms of human rights and to encourage the promotion of those rights through international cooperation and consensus-building, and not through confrontation and the imposition of incompatible values. What we should strive for is not the right of intervention but genuine international cooperation to bring relief and redress to human rights situations wherever they may occur - whether in the inner cities of Developed Countries or in some poverty-stricken area of the Developing World. Secondly, it must be clearly understood that the principle of the protection of human rights, like any other principle, cannot be invoked in a particular situation and disregarded in another. The call for the promotion and protection of human rights will become a vacuous claim if the principle of human rights is applied selectively. This is a clear need to avoid double standards and the temptation to use human rights as a means to achieve political ends. This leads me, Mr President, to my third point. It is simply that when we speak of human rights we must not fail to address the whoe spectrum of economic, social, cultural, civil and political rights. In recent years while civil and political rights have been highlighted the right to development has [not] been given the attention it deserves. One has only to look at the millions in developing countries who live below the poverty line to see the urgent need to development as an integral part of basic human rights. It is worth recalling that the right to development has already been recognized by the UN General Assembly which in 1986 adopted the Declaration on the Right to Development. In my own country priority is being given to the elimination of poverty and we are striving to promote all round development of our citizens - city dwellers as well as our brethren who live in the remote border areas. We consider it important that they have equal opportunity in their access to food, hosuing, transportation, employment, education and health services. The national race[s] living in remote border areas had traditionally been economically and socially backward as they struggled to survive under the yoke of terrorism. They lived in abject poverty and had no rights to speak of. Today with the return to the legal fold of many terrorist groups and the restoration of law and order the situation has changed. The Government is taking comprehensive measures for the development of the border areas and national races as a national priority. This has not only raised the living standards of those peoples but have made it possible for them to enjoy fully their political and civil rights for the very first time. Representatives of the remote border areas are today taking part in the National Convention that would pave the way to a genuine democratic state. Developing countries, particularly the least developed among them, continue to be faced with the problem of negative net financial transfers, large foreign debts, deterioration in terms of trade, shortage of foreign exchange and falling commodity prices. In view of this situation the developed countries should cooperate with the developing countries to eliminate all obstacles to development. This can be achieved only through constructive dialogue based on the shared belief that the right to development is as important a human right as any other. Any attempt to link developmental assistance with human rights is to debase those very rights. It bears to be repeated that poverty is a major obstacle preventing the full enjoyment of human rights. In view of the growing attention being given to the theme of human rights and the role of the UN in protecting and promoting those rights I cannot but agree with those who see the need to rationalize the work of the UN bodies dealing with human rights and the need to avoid the multiplicity of parallel mechanisms. Instead of encouraging the proliferation of new mechanisms, what is required is the improvement of existing procedures to make them more efficient. Mr President, There is no doubt in my mind that this conference in Vienna will mark an important milestone in our quest to promote human rights. Much can be achieved if we can proceed with an appreciation of the rich and varied cultural, racial, linguistic, economic and religious backgrounds that make up our world. If genuine efforts are made here in Vienna, obstacles in the way may no longer prove insuperable. The atmosphere of confrontation that has characterized human rights debates needs to be replaced by cooperation and understanding. That, I believe, is an impelling call if our quest to promote human rights is to succeed. (NLM 6/19) Energy Minister to France June 7: A delegation headed by Minister for Energy U Khin Maung Thein left for France "to discuss energy matters." Other members are Managing Director U Pe Kyi and Director U Kyaw Nyein of Myanma Petroleum and Gas Enterprise, and the Minister's PSO Daw Marla Thein. (NLM 6/8) // June 19: The delegation returned. (NLM 6/20) Health Minister to Thailand June 15: A health delegation led by Minister for Health Vice-Adm. Than Nyunt left for Thailand to observe and discuss health activities from June 16-19. Other members are Director-General Dr. Kyaw Win of the Department of Health, Director- General U Aye Lwin of the Consular, International Law and Treaties Department of the Foreign Ministry, Professor U Mya Maung of the Biochemistry Department, Mandalay Institute of Medicine, Professor U Win Naing of the Preventive and Social Medicine Department, Institute of Medicine (2), and the Minister's Personal Staff Officer [PSO] Capt. Tin Oo. (NLM 6/16) // June 20: The Minister returned. (NLM 6/21) Returning Delegations Return of delegations that departed in previous months, and whose composition has been given in previous issues of the BPS: May 31: The Myanmar delegation led by Lt-Col. Thein Han returned from the quadripartite regional development meeting of Myanmar, China, Laos, and Thailand, held in Bangkok. (NLM 6/1) June 4: Delegations led by U Tin Myint and U Mya Maung returned from meetings of Myanmar-China Boundary organizations in Kunming from May 27-June 3. (NLM 6/5) June 8: Minister for Finance and Revenue Brig-Gen. Win Tin returned from studying banking services in Germany and Singapore. (NLM 6/9) June 28: Editor U Theimm Htut of The New Light of Myanmar returned from an FPC fellowship programme in Japan, where he toured Tokyo, Yokohama, Kyoto, Okayama, and Hiroshima. (NLM 6/29) June 28: 99 of 200 Myanmar Haj pilgrims returned home from Saudi Arabia. (NLM 6/29) MYANMAR GAZETTE Appointments Confirmed The SLORC confirmed the following appointments, after one year's probation: June 23: U Aung Kyi as Managing Director, Vehicles, Machinery and Equipment Trading, Ministry of Trade. U Shwe Tun Maung as Managing Director, Public Works, Ministry of Construction. (NLM 6/24) GOVERNMENT Plant Pest Quarantine Law June 16: SLORC Law No. 8/93 of June 16, the Plant Pest Quarantine Law [full text published in NLM] provides that imports of any "plant, plant product, pest, beneficial organism or soil," shall be subject to licence or permit by the Myanma Agriculture Service and inspection on arrival. The Agriculture Service may also carry out disinfestation or disinfection services for a fee. Inspection camps are to be established at Yangon International Airport, Yangon Port, Myanma Posts and Telecommunications Foreign Mail Service, Transit Camp, and elsewhere. The Managing Director of the Myanma Agricultural Service makes appropriate regulations for inspection, quarantine, re-export, issuance of phytosanitary certificates, etc. Penalties for violation are provided. The Insects and Pests Act, 1914, is repealed. (NLM 6/17) MILITARY Insurgent Attacks June 28: 10 BCP insurgents entered Hsephyatgon Village, Thayetchaung Twp. [Tanintharyi], killing a 26-year old man "without reason." (NLM 6/29) Insurgents Surrender June 14: On May 12, seven members of KNU No. 16 Battalion under Platoon Commander Tar Cheik surrendered with their equipment at Thanbyuzayat. (NLM 6/15) June 17: Fifteen Kayin terrorists surrendered with their arms at the Tanintharyi Camp on May 24 and 26. (NLM 6/18) June 23: Between May 10-17, 34 terrorists surrendered, with their arms [names and details]. (NLM 6/24) [Statistics from rest of month not noticed - HCMacD.] June 29: On June 24, 6 members of the ABSDF Terrorists 601 battalion surrendered, with arms, at the Naung Kar Tatmadaw Camp. (NLM 6/30) ECONOMIC Economic Articles [See also under CULTURE: Sunday Supplements] June 2: Domestic science training in border regions, by Pwint (Eindwinhmu). [Praise of domestic science training courses in border areas, first organized in Tachilek in 1992 by the author, teaching sewing, embroidering, wool knitting, gold brocading, and culinary arts to "native women," with the following aims: (1) "to deter Myanma national women going to the other country to earn a living by selling their bodies"; (2) "to check the spread of infectious diseases, especially the AIDS"; and (3) "to revive traditional Myanmar culture."] June 4-6: Lest we forget June 5, by Moe Moe and Friends. [Stockholm Conference on Human Environment of 1972, recommended in 1968 by UN Secretary-General U Thant, recalled. Discussion of Rio Conference and Declaration.] June 4: A nation that loves forests, a people who love trees, by Myo Sat Thit. [Myanmar traditional love of planting trees and forests.] June 6: "Poverty and the Environment: Breaking the vicious circle", by Yin Yin Lay. [This year's theme for World Environment Day. "The environmental problems in the developing countries are mainly caused by poverty and underdevelopment." In Myanmar, government is attacking environmental problems with border development and opium-substitute crops, satellite towns around cities, systematic waste collection ending "the once ugly garbage piles", protecting forests, and promoting fuel efficiency with mud stoves for rural areas.] June 12: Nyaungdon Kyun land reclamation scheme, by Swe Thant Ko. [Visit to land drainage scheme, which is reclaiming 38,000 acres of abandoned and 71,000 acres of virgin land.] June 15: A trip to Maing Pauk, by Kyaington Mya Maung. [Visit to border area, once a a KMT and BCP headquarters, which has made "incredible gains by way of development within a very short span of time."] June 16: A drop of clear water from Hmawbi, by Myint Thura. [Local benefits from development project.] June 23: Successful agriculture in frontier areas, by Aye Aye Nyein. [Projects are being implemented in 243 villages in four States and one Division, with the aim of providing food self-sufficiency, increasing cash income, elimination of shifting agriculture, and elimination of opium poppy cultivation.] Project Inaugurations June 1: A Myanma Department Stores of Dagon Myothit (South) [Yangon] was inaugurated by SLORC Secretary-1 Maj-Gen. Khin Nyunt and others. // A Sports Equipment Shop, run by the Sports and Physical Education Department, was opened at Aung San Stadium. The shop, run by Asia Property and Development Co. Ltd., represented by Managing Director U Peter Kyaw, "imports sports equipment and will sell them at the shop" to the public from 9am-5pm and 6pm-9pm daily. // Myatama Hostel was inaugurated May 28 at Mandalay University. // A 50-phone telephone exchange was inaugurated May 30 in Letpanhla village, Singu Twp. [Mandalay]. (NLM 6/2) June 3: A drug and medical equipment shop was opened in Loikaw [Kayah] on June 1 by Medicines and Medical Equipment Trading, opposite the Kayah State People's Hospital. "Drugs and medical equipment will be sold to patients receiving treatment at the hospital, according to instructions by physicians." // "A total of 3,000 people including Tatmadawmen contributed voluntary labour in construction of Shwenyaung-Namhsan railroad section-1 in Shwenyaung on 1 June." (NLM 6/4) June 5: A 30-shop shopping centre was inaugurated June 4 in Sangyoung Township [Yangon]. (NLM 6/6) June 6: A mulberry cultivation farm was inaugurated June 4 in Pyin-Oo-Lwin [Mandalay]. 126 acres of mulberry was planted simultaneously in 39 village-tracts; 1,000 acres is the target for the Township. (NLM 6/7) June 9: A K1.5 million new building was inaugurated at Insein Basic Education Primary School No. 12. (NLM 6/10) June 12: A 60-foot concrete bridge linking Galon Ward in Ahlon Twp. with Thida Ward in Kyimyindine Twp. [Yangon] was inaugurated; it cost K313,739. (NLM 6/13) June 22: The Eye Hospital was inaugurated on Natmauk Road, Tarmway Twp. [Yangon] by SLORC Secretary-1 Maj-Gen. Khin Nyunt. The 150 bed hospital cost K99.5 million, and "is up to South East Asia standards." (NLM 6/23) June 26: The 95-mile An-Minbu Road connecting Rakhine State and Magway Division was inaugurated June 17, following tarring of the last 25-mile section. (NLM 6/27) June 27: Two customs coastal patrol boats, Thihayarzar-1 and Thihayarzar-2, built by Myanmar Shipyards, were delivered to the Customs Department. The 33-metre boats, designed and built in Myanmar, are equipped with two 1,026 HP marine diesel engines capable of 19 knots, have births for 31 crew and passengers, and a range of 1,000 miles at 16 knots. They cost US$2 million and K10.3 million. Myanmar Shipyards has built 293 vessels since 1970-71. (NLM 6/28) Advertisements ----- MYANMAR CO-OPERATIVE INDUSTRIAL FAIR TATMADAW HALL, U WISARA ROAD (20-6-93) TO (26-6-93) ----- HOTEL DECEMBER HOTEL Deluxe in Decoration Essential for Visiting Comfortable in Accommodation Excellent in Facilities Memorable in Service Best in Location Easy for Communication Reasonable in Room Rate Air-conditioned bedrooms are tastefully decorated and complete with bathroom attached, bath-tub, balcony, telephone, and also coloured T.V. and refrigerator are included. We guarantee maximum satisfaction to all tenants. HOTEL DECEMBER No.89, Pyay Road, Dagon Township (At the corner of Pyay Road and Pyidaungsu Yeiktha Street.) Situated in the heart of diplomatic community Phone: 01-31943 TLX: UTL (533) BM 21236 (OR) 21201 FAX: 095-1-89960 ATTN: 307 (U THET LWIN) (NLM 6/13) ----- IF YOU USE SAN SAN COOP: "RICE HUSK STOVE" IT LEADS TO PRESERVATION OF FORESTS. The stove is made through the technical assistance and encouragement of Dr. Reynaldo M. Lantin, Tech: Assistance Expert, United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) based on Vietnam origin "LO-TRAU" stove design adopt the method of International Rice Research Institute (IRRI). The stove is easy to start light the fire; has effective heatness; low cost; smokeless and clean; easily portable; make stove users like much and is become well known. To contact:- SAN SAN INDUSTRIAL COOP: LTD. 279, Shwegondine Street, Bahan Township Yangon [Ph] 01-52638 (NLM 6/16) ----- 12 items of Myanmar Traditional Marionette Dances in a superb 40 min VHS video (NTSC system) Available at souvenirs shop of Inya Lake Hotel Telephones: 62866, 62857, 62859 (Ext. 649) (NLM 6/19) ----- SALATHAI RESTAURANT the first restaurant in myanmar served with THAI CUISINE [logo] A.A. GROUP 56, SAYASAN ROAD, BAHAN. TEL. 50997 (NLM 6/19) ----- JOY MELODICA RESTAURANT AND ONE MAN BAND NO. 150, KABA AYE PAGODA ROAD AND NEW UNIVERSITY AVENUE ROAD (NEAR KOKKINE TRAFFIC LIGHTS) PHONE 53281 (NLM 6/19) ----- EVERY MONDAY, WEDNESDAY AND FRIDAY YANGON TO SINGAPORE NON-STOP ON SILKAIR, NOW THREE TIMES WEEKLY From 27 June, SilkAir offers you the convenience of three non-stop services a week to Singapore, the bustling cosmopolitan city with the best shopping and entertainment in the region. Flights leave from Yangon for the sunny island state every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 1.45pm, arriving in Singapore at 6.05pm. On the way, you'll experience a standard of service that is uniquely Asian from our warm and friendly cabin crew. For reservations and information, call your travel agent or SilkAir at (1) 84600 or (1) 82653. [map and photo] (NLM 6/25) ----- Thai Airways International Limited NOW WE FLY 4 FLIGHTS A WEEK YANGON------------------------BANGKOK MONDAYS WEDNESDAYS THURSDAYS SATURDAYS [Logo] Thai Reservation: 75988, 75936 Cargo: 74922 (NLM 6/25) ----- FREE BIRD TOURS ON THE ROAD TO MANDALAY "For the wind is in the palm-trees, and the temple-bells they say: Come you back, come you back to Mandalay:" Rudyard Kipling YANGON-MANDALAY TOURIST COACH EXPRESS Form [sic] Yangon: Every Friday - 5 PM Departure Form Mandalay: Every Sunday - 5 PM Departure - Overnight in the coach saves time and money - It is confortable [sic] and getting more time for sightseeing. - Two days-one night is enough to see Mandalay and its surroundings. - Buy a ticket with US $ 15 for one way. Yangon Head Office: 213, Bo Myat Tun (Creek) street: Phone: 01-71031 Mandalay Branch Office: 145, 74th street (btwn 29 & 30 th) Phone: 02-22752 Please feel free to call for more information about Package Tours and Car Rental. as free as the grass grows as free as a bird tours (NLM 6/27) ----- FOR BUSINESS SUCCESS! ADVERTISE IN TOURIST GUIDE MAP OF YANGON CITY SOON TO BE PRINTED IN MULTICOLOUR AND DISTRIBUTED FOR SALE BY PPE * HOTELS, MOTELS, TOURIST GUIDE AND TRAVEL AGENCIES WILL BENEFIT MOST FROM ADVERTISEMENT. FOR INQUIRY, JUST RING: Ph. Nos. 74003, 73151 81123, 74729 ADVERTISEMENT IN FIRST PRINT WILL BE ACCEPTED NOT LATER THAN 30-6-93 Printing and Publishing Enterprise 228, Theinbyu Street Yangon, Myanmar (NLM 6/28) ----- Joint Ventures June 8: Ministry of National Planning and Economic Development Notification No. 17/93 of June 7 establishes, as a joint venture company, Myanmar Garming Fisheries Limited, "for the purpose of shrimps cultivation, processing and marketing of fresh water and marine products," with authorized capital of K50 million, divided into 50,000 K1,000 shares, of which 25,500 are subscribed by Myanma Fisheries Enterprise, represented by its Managing Director, and 24,500 by Garming Marine Products Trading Company Limited, represented by Executive Director Thomas Ho Chit Hung, 215-239 Wu Shan Road, Sun Wah Storage Building, Tuen Mun N.T., Hong Kong. (NLM 6/9) Private Enterprise May 31: Addressing the conclusion of Workshop on Trade Matters for Private Entrepreneurs No. 2/93, Minister for Trade Maj-Gen. Tun Kyi said that as of May 31, the State had registered 9,471 private entrepreneurs, and that private exports account for half the nation's exports. (NLM 6/ 1) Natural Gas Sales to Thailand June 2: Governor Mr. Leum Crisnakri and officials of Petroleum Authority of Thailand (PAT), and officials of Total Oil Co. of France and Unocal Oil Co. of the the United States met May 31 to discuss "local distribution and sale of natural gas to Thailand." The talks will last through June 3. (NLM 6/ 3) Environment June 5: Speaking on World Environment Day, Minister for Foreign Affairs U Ohn Gyaw said that Myanmar "was committed to promote and protect the environment to the best of its ability within its own resource capability... There were some degradation of forests due mainly to indiscriminate felling of trees by villagers for fuelwood and charcoal...." Thus, the National Commission for Environmental Affairs [NCEA] on June 23, 1992, had established the Central Tree-Planting Committee. The Ministry of Forestry had been planting fuelwood trees for two decades, and has also planted 4.5 million fast-growing trees annually. Last year 11 million trees were planted in Myanmar, and the goal is the same for this year. Myanmar has signed the Climate Change and Bio-Diversity Conventions at the Rio Conference, and the NCEA "was in the process of fulfilling domestic requirements to ratify the Convention. Myanmar is also actively studying joining the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movement of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal, and the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer. The Foreign Minister was followed by a speech from UNDP's Mr. Rohinton Sethna. (NLM 6/6) Imports June 7: The MV Magway arrived with 6,001 tons of general cargo plus 1,795 tons of iron beams for the Bayintnaung Bridge. (NLM 6/8) June 23: 800 crates of machine parts from Eastbourne Chemical Industry Pte Ltd., valued at US$500,000, to be assembled into 320 Huanghai DF 121 power tillers, arrived at Yangon on June 9. Parts and spares worth US$1.1 million, for 640 power tillers, arrived June 5 and have been distributed. (NLM 6/24) Agriculture June 9: Officials examined various hand-tractors: Chinese: Dongfeng 12HP K160,000 Gongong 12HP K180,000 Sifang 12HP K117,000 Huanghe 12HP K117,000 Korean: Daedong 8-11HP K180,000 Myanmar: Ayeyar 1 8-10HP K145,000* Ayeyar 2 5HP K 75,000** Thai: --- 10HP * = Myanma Heavy Industries ** = Agricultural Mechanization Dept. "Among the tractors, Minister for Agriculture Maj-Gen. Myint Aung said that Command Commanders and LID Commanders choose to buy Ayeyar 1 hand-tractors for their durability, and reasonable price. The Agriculture Ministry, he mentioned, is arranging to jointly produce 5,000 units of Ayeyar 2 tractors with the Ministry of Industry 2." (NLM 6/10) June 16: Speaking to officials of the Settlement and Land Records Department, Minister for Agriculture Maj-Gen. Myint Aung noted that land revenues [taxes] ranged from 25 pyas to K7.25 per acre for rain-fed land and from K1.25 to K9.75 for irrigated land; "the revenues were kept very low to keep the cultivation costs to a minimum." (NLM 6/17) Gems Emporium June 10: Another "Mid-term" Myanma Gems Emporium will be held in October, and will be the first held in the Myanma Gems Exhibition Hall now under construction on Kaba Aye Pagoda Road. Minister for Mines Maj-Gen. Kyaw Min noted that jade production in 1992-93 was 315,107 kilos, much higher than the target of 98,000 kilos, and was from the Maramgam and Hsama jade mining camps. Jade sales at recent Gems Emporiums were: 26th Emporium US$ 5,400,000 27th Emporium US$ 7,200,000 28th Emporium US$ 7,000,000 29th Emporium US$ 4,500,000 1992 midterm E. US$ 6,300,000 30th Emporium US$ 11,300,000. (NLM 6/11) Coop Industrial Fair June 18: SLORC Chairman Senior General Than Shwe previewed the Myanma Coop Industrial Fair, scheduled to open June 20 in Tatmadaw Hall on U Wisara Road. 1,560 kinds of goods will be shown, produced by 58 cooperative societies in 12 states/divisions, ranging in price from K2 to K300,000. "The exhibits include farm implements and machinery, metal goods, bronzeware and aluminium-ware, plastic products, house models, woodwork, mats, umbrellas, hats, wood beads, porcelain and glassware, earthenware, silk fabrics, golf accessories, iron products, leather goods, dairy products, silverware, garments, small musical instruments and personal goods." (NLM 6/ 19) June 20: The Fair was inaugurated by SLORC Secretary-2 Maj-Gen. Tin Oo. (NLM 6/21) June 20: 6,882 people visited the fair on opening day, and K2.6 million of goods were sold. (NLM 6/21) June 21: [June 22 issue of NLM not received] June 22: 10,779 persons attended, and cumulative sales were K5.8 million. (NLM 6/23) June 23: 11,766 persons attended, and cumulative sales were K7.3 million. The Fair is extended through June 30. (NLM 6/24) June 24: 14,000 persons attended, and cumulative sales were K9 million. (NLM 6/25) June 26: 25,712 persons (including civil servants) attended, and sales were K1.6 million, bringing the total to K19.8 million. (NLM 6/27) June 27: 21,185 persons (including diplomats and businessmen) attended, and sales were K1.3 million, bringing the total to K23 million [sic]. (NLM 6/28) June 28: 19,098 (including civil servants) attended, and sales were K1.3 million, bringing the total to K29 million [sic]. (NLM 6/29) June 29: 25,000 persons (including civil servants) attended, and cumulative sales reached K49.7 million. (NLM 6/30) 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: June 1 10.12 13.27 11.02 June 15 14.88 17.25 16.34 June 30 25.67 33.78 32.13 SPORTS XVII SEA Games From the first of the month, each issue carried photographs of different Myanmar teams scheduled to go to Singapore. June 8: An advance team led by Olympic Committee Secretary Sports and Physical Education Department Director U Kyaw Mya left for Singapore and the XVII SEA Games. He was accompanied by SPED Deputy Director U Khin Maung Lwin and Capt. Tin Aung of the Transportation Support Committee. // Thailand beat Myanmar 2-0 in Group B Soccer; the first event of the games. (NLM 6/9) June 9: Myanmar beat Laos 7-1 in Group B soccer. (NLM 6/10) June 10: Two contingents of 60 athletes and officials, led respectively by Olympic Committee Vice President Lt-Col. Myint Tun and Western Command Commander Maj-Gen. Win Myint, left for Singapore. The first includes officials, umpires, sharp-shooters, cyclists and yachtsmen; the second medical officials, security personnel, and the Paik-kyaw-chin, track and field, swimming/ diving, and men's volleyball teams. (NLM 6/11) June 11: The two contingents arrived in Singapore. (NLM 6/12) June 12: Myanmar will play Malaysia in Group B soccer on June 13. (NLM 6/13) June 13: The Games officially opened to a crowd of 55,000, with over 3,000 competitors from Thailand, the Philippines, Indonesia, Vietnam, Myanmar, Malaysia, Laos, Brunei, and Singapore. Thailand beat Myanmar in Men's Volleyball, 15-8, 15-12, 15-3. Myanmar beat Malaysia in Soccer, 2-1. Shwe Aung won silver in Men's 1,500 Metre race; Thida Mon won bronze in Women's Judo (under 72-kilo); Aye Aye Soe won bronze in Women's Springboard Diving. (NLM 6/14) June 14: Myint Soe won gold in Mens's Individual Air-Pistol, and Tin Tin Maw won gold in Women's Judo (under 66-kilo). In Women's Judo (under 61-kilo), Phyu Phyu Thant won silver. In Men's Judo Maung (under 86-kilo) Maung San won bronze. In Men's Judo (under 78-kilo) Zaw Lwin won bronze. Shwe Aung won silver in Men's 1,500 metres with a time of 3:47:83. Thida Mon tied for bronze in Women's Judo (over-72 kilos). Tun Tin won silver in Men's Walk (20 kilometer). Thit Lwin won bronze in Taekwando (featherweight). Aye Aye Nwe won bronze in Women's Shot-put. Moe Thu Aung lost in the 100-meter freestyle, but moved to the finals in Women's 200 metre individual medley. Indonesia beat Myanmar in Men's Volleyball 3-0 (15-8, 15-2, 15-3). (NLM 6/15) June 15: Myanmar beat Brunei 6-0 in Group B football. Khin Soe Thike won gold in Women's Air Pistol, and the Myanmar team also won gold. In Men's Judo Zaw Win tied for bronze (78-kilo), and Maung Maung San tied for bronze (86-kilo). Tun Tun took silver in Men's 20-kilometer Walk. In Men's Weightlifting Ye Tun took bronze (76-kilo) and Myint Naing Oo took bronze (76-86 kilo). (NLM 6/16) June 16: In Men's Weightlifting, Kyaw Thet took gold with 307.5 kilos (83-91 kilo). Tun Tin took gold in Men's 10,000 metre walk. In Women's Women's 3,000 metres, Pa Pa took silver with 9:27.62. In Men's 5,000 metres, Gopal took silver with 14:20.33. In Smallbore Free Rifle, Kyaw Lwin Oo took bronze. In Women's Judo (48-52 kilos), Kyi Kyi Wai took bronze. In Women's Taekwondo (bantamweight), Nilar Myint took bronze. Myanmar beat Malaysia 15-9, 15-12, and 15-9 in Men's Volleyball. In Sepaw Takraw, Myanmar beat Philippines 3-0, but lost to Thailand 3-0. (NLM 6/17) June 17: Tin Tun took gold in Men's 10-kilometre Walk (47:01.08). Aye Aye Nwe took gold in Women's Discus, with a new SEA record of 49.92 metres. Win Hlaing took gold in Men's Individual Pistol. Thaung Tun took bronze in Boxing (featherweight) after losing to Philippines. Tun Win Thein took bronze on Men's 800-metre (1:52.22). Phyu Phyu Thant took bronze in Women's Individual Judo. In Taekwando (pinweight), Win Kyaw took bronze for men and Thaung Thaung Win for women. In soccer, Myanmar beat Singapore 7-6 and moved to the finals. (NLM 6/18) June 18: Pa Pa took silver in Women's 10,000 metre (37:28.74). Gopal took silver in Men's 10,000 metre (30:09.56). Ma Kyin Lwan took silver in Women's 5-kilometer Walk. Myanmar took silver in the 10-oar and 20-oar Traditional Boat Races (400 & 800 metre). Myanmar took bronze in Women's 400-metre Relay (45.70). Myanmar moved to the finals in soccer, defeating Singapore 8-7 in sudden death overtime, and will play Thailand. (NLM 6/19-20) June 19: 55 returning Myanmar athletes were welcomed home by Olympic Committee Chairman Minister for Agriculture Maj-Gen. Myint Aung. (NLM 6/20) June 20: Thailand beat Myanmar 4-3 in the soccer final, leaving Myanmar with a silver. A second batch of 31 returning athletes were greeted by Minister for Agriculture Maj-Gen. Myint Aung. Final results of the SEA Games, for Myanmar, were 9 gold, 6 silver, and 19 bronze. Myanmar stood seventh out of the nine competing nations. (NLM 6/21) June 22: More returning athletes were welcomed by SLORC Secretary-1 Maj-Gen. Khin Nyunt and Cabinet Ministers. (NLM 6/ 23) [Other articles covered the athletes' return, honors shown them, and extensive gifts and cash given to them, often in the form of payments to last several years.] Team Registration June 12: Football teams registering with the Myanmar Naing-Ngan Football Federation for 1993-94 season must do so by June 16; the fee is K1,000. (NLM 6/13) Sports Articles June 3: XVII SEA Games, by Myint Swe Myint. [Background to the games, to held June 12-20 in Singapore.] June 5: Show the World Myanma 'Thaing', by Kyaw Swe Aung. [Myanmar traditional "fencing."] June 7: Myanma selected football team taking intensive training, by Kyaw Swe Aung. [Preparations for the SEA Games.] June 7,21,28: Exclusively yours in Sports, by Ivan King. [(1) Reminiscences of sports, closing with humerous column on intoxication taken from "Dear Abby," of whom King is a "keen follower." (2) Changes in tennis. (3) Problems of Myanmar sports analysed.] June 9: Myanma Top Boxers Being Given Intensive Training, by Kyaw Swe Aung. [Six Myanma boxers will compete in the XVII SEA Games: Sai Htay Hlaing (pinweight); San Hla Lay (light flyweight); Zaw Min Aung (flyweight); Kyaw Min (bantamweight); Thaung Tun (featherweight); and Moe Thu (lightweight). Biographic data.] June 10: Myanma volleyball team aiming at XVII SEA Games Gold, by Kyaw Swe Aung. [Upbeat article.] Myanmar Teams and Delegations June 14: A six-member team headed by Chess Federation EC Member U Phone Lwin left for Malaysia to participate in the June 14-26 Asia-Pacific Chess Championships. Other members are Myo Naing, Myo Zaw Min, Zaw Win, Aung Aung, and Aung Thant Zin. (NLM 6/15) June 24: A traditional boat racing team led by Irrigation Department Assistant Director U Myint Thein, YCDC Deputy Head U Kyi Hla, and Assistant Director U Ohn Myint of the Ministry of Industry-2 (Joint Rowing Federation Secretary) left for Singapore to participate in the Fourth World Invitational Traditional Boat Race on June 26-27. Team members are Toe Win, Tun Kyaw, Joatu, Myint Thein, Saw Al Doe, Thihla, Jimmy, Tun Lin Kyi, Soe Thein, Aung Myint Sein, Aye Shwe, Thant Zin, Aye Lwin, Win Zaw, Win Oo, Aung Hla, Kyaw Moe, Myint San, San Maung, Myint Thein, Thein Win, Shein Win, and Hla Tun. (NLM 6/25) Foreign Teams and Delegations June 29: Deputy Sports Minister Mr. Liu Ji of China, and President of the Asian Traditional Rowing Federation, arrived to discuss Myanmar participation in the Federation; he will stay until July 1. (NLM 6/ 30) HEALTH Health Articles June 4: Eating for Health, by Dr. Hla Myint (Nutrition). [Eat for health, not for taste, as monks do.] June 4: How opium addicts had to be rescued from a treatment camp in the jungles, by Aung Chit. ["Kachin State... [has] the largest number of drug addicts. Many young addicts can be found especially in the jade mining area in Karmaing Township of Phakant, Lonekhin, Saitaung and Tarmakhan areas. A large number of young addicts as well as those non-addicts are flocking those areas where money is easy to get. Once there, addicts spoiled the non-addicts. And thus young persons became victims of narcotic drugs and died horrible deaths.... In 1990, the KIA insurgents rounded up these drug addicts in the jungles and mercilessly put them to death. At the present time, there are over 500,000 people including locals who are trying in that area to accumulate wealth. Thousands of young persons are now mining jade. And they are being ensnared by narcotic drugs, gambling, liquor and women. ["When opium addicts began to proliferate in these jungles some private individuals, in October 1992, illegally established a treatment camp, known as the New Life Rehabilitation Camp in the Nathamaw jungles of Saitaung. They then rounded up addicts and confined them at this Camp. They collected lakhs and lakhs of kyats from jade miners as contributions towards maintenance of the Camp. They however gave no systematic treatment to addicts. They shackle those who are delirious and those who cannot pay. They do not feed the patients properly. They feed them only thin bean soup and boiled pumpkins sprinkled with salt. They recapture those who escaped from the Camp and beat them up till they were nearly dead. They released those from the Camp who could find funds for them. Occasionally about two hundred addicts would be brought to the Camp and all of them were kept locked up in cramped wards...." Article goes on to say that in March, 1993, the Tatmadaw discovered the Camp and sent the addicts to the Myitkyina Drug Addict Hospital. Of 93 addicts sent, 18 escaped and one died; of 74 who arrived, one immediately died of AIDS symptoms. The others are being treated, despite difficulties, by Hospital Superintendent Dr. Ba Thaung. {photos}] June 5: Myanmar's Fight Against AIDS, by Dr. Kyaw Win. [Criticism of Washington Post article entitled "Burmese Slow to Confront AIDS." Since HIV was first reported in 1988, a total of 5,151 HIV and and 47 AIDS cases have been reported, and it is increasing. "There has never been any attempt by the government to conceal the actual problem situation from the public." Prevention is given high priority, including "distribution of condoms to those engaged in high-risk behavours," and "promoting condom use by means of TV spots on national TV and pamphlets." Anti-AIDS campaigns are carried out in mass media. "People with HIV/AIDS are not discriminated against and are allowed to enter Myanmar, unlike some Western countries." Vocational training schools have been opened to discourage "Myanmar girls in the border areas from being lured into the sex trade of other countries."] June 8: Drug addicts treatment programme in Kachin State, by Aung Chit. [Outline of treatment at Myitkyina Drug Addicts Hospital, which has treated 11,030 patients, including 5,370 heroin users, 5307 opium users, 473 heroin and opium users, and 73 users of other narcotics. Patients, compulsory and voluntary, are given a two month program, including treatment for withdrawal symptoms for one week, psychological treatment and counselling, and occupational therapy. There is extensive followup. Mass admissions of all addicts from a single visit are designed to ensure that graduates return to a drug-free environment.] June 9: Treatment of drug addicts and prevention of AIDS, by Aung Chit. [In Myanmar, 62% of drug addicts are found to be HIV positive.] June 11: Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Law and its effectiveness, by KMO. [Increased momentum in anti-narcotics activities. Myanmar Supreme Court has held that irregularities in conducting a search for narcotics to not vitiate the search if narcotics are found.] June 13-14: Some Medical Facts, by Ivan King. [(1) Sudden death of The New Light of Myanmar Chief Editor U Ko Ko Lay is reason for reviewing the symptoms, prognosis, and treatment of stroke. (2) Treatment of Age-related Macular Degeneration in the eye.] June 30: Offenders in drug-related cases vs benefit of doubt, by KMO. [Supreme Court correctly overruled the acquittal of a drug suspect when drugs were found in his compound, noting that "benefit of doubt could not be given to the offender in drug-related case since narcotics drugs were found in his possession."] Baby Friendly Hospitals June 4: The Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative (promoting breast-feeding of infants) was launched in Myanma in 1992, with the objective of making all Myanma hospitals Baby Friendly by 1995. In the first phase, seven hospitals in Yangon and one in Mandalay were targeted; four have been designated Baby Friendly and two have obtained Committment Awards. In April-May, 1993, five more hospitals were assessed; three were designated Baby Friendly and two were given Committment Awards. In the second phase, 42 Township Hospitals will be targeted. WHO and UNICEF are involved. (NLM 6/5) Rabies June 12: Veterinary teams, under the Rabies Prevention Project, will tour Lanmadaw, Latha, Pabedan, Kyauktada, Botataung, and Pazundaung Townships in Yangon to register pet dogs, vaccinate members of households against rabies, and treat general diseases, beginning June 14. "The YCDC will alos crack down [sic] stray dogs in the City." (NLM 6/13) CULTURAL Sunday Supplements Sunday, June 6 - When mist lingers at the foot of the hill, by Maung Hsu Shin. [Life and works of Writer Ma Hninn Phway, whose novel Taung Khoe Ngwe Ngwe Gyar Wai was a 1967 prizewinner.] - Myanma Instrumental Music & Myanma Dancing, by Tekkatho Maung Thu Hlaing. [History of dancing in Myanmar.] - Prevent spillage in summer paddy harvesting, by Aung San (Sikepyoyay). [Harvesting losses are about 5.2 per cent, and can be prevented.] - Poem: Ayeyarwady @ Our people, by Monywa Win Pe [in English and Burmese]. - Myanma Gems Exhibition Hall, by Maung Maung Soe. [Description of project, due for completion by September.] Sunday, June 13 - The Tatmadaw has a rightful role to play in national politics, by Min Kyaw Min. [History shows need for the Tatmadaw.] - Nayon, the month of the festival of religious examinations, by Dr. Khin Maung Nyunt. [Traditional time for examinations of monks.] - Precious land has emerged from under the water, by Swe Thant Ko. [Reclamation projects in Ayeyarwady Division.] - Traditional Myanmar Drums, by Tekkatho Maung Thu Hlaing. [History and description of traditional drums.] - The 300-bed Hospital in Thingangyunn, by Ah-Htet Minhla Nyunt Aung. [Description of project.] - Poem: A present of cheroots, by (Anonymous) [in English and Burmese]. Sunday, June 20 - A Tatmadaw Dedicated to National Politics, by Kyatika Kyai. [People must join hands with the Tatmadaw.] - Poem: The Rolling Doll [in English and Burmese]. - Traditional Myanma Brass Instruments, by Tekkatho Maung Thu Hlaing. [History and description of traditional brass gongs.] - Bayintnaung Bridge for Regional Economic Development, by Myint Zarni Swe. [K250 million bridge project across the Hlaing River to Yangon.] - Myanmar Traditional Marionette show, by Pe Than. [History and description. "It is really deplorable to see the traditional marionette show eclipsing to such extent that total extinction of the same is being feared."] - Grand Buildings for the Dagon University, by Ah-htet Minhla Nyunt Aung. [1300 acre project begun in March 1992. First phase will be completed, for K180 million, in November 1993.] Sunday, June 27 - Chaung-U-Pakokku Railroad, a legacy for posterity, by Ye Myint Pe. [June 1 visit to project.] - Poem: On the Occasion of Offering Flowers of Loving-kindness to the Whole World, by Htilar Sitthu [In English and Burmese]. - Doubling of paddy cultivation loans, by Tekkatho Chit Swe. [Good effects of 1990 increase in agricultural loans.] - A National Museum under Construction, by Ahtet Minhla Nyunt Aung. [Description of project: a 380 x 200 foot, five storey, building.] - An Art Exhibition in the Rains, by Tin Tun. [Second Magazine Illustrators' Art Exhibition, held in Bogyoke Market, with 97 paintings by 35 illustrators.] Literary and Cultural Articles June 1: To Lonhtonshway, by Tin Hlaing Nyunt. [Visit to a Shan State village "inhabited by Monehon national group," and its Monastery, which still needs a Buddha image; praise for Government efforts at propagating Buddhism in border areas.] June 7: The Black Colour, by Thukhi Aung. [Improper to wear a black jacket at a wedding; in Myanmar, white is appropriate colour for weddings.] June 7,14,21,28: Bird Watching, by Hmugyi Hla Aung. [Cont. (1) Chapter 7: Food Collecting Habits of Birds. (2) Chapter 8: The Courtship Behaviour of Birds. (3) Chapter 9. The Usefulness of Bird. (4) Epilogue. "Myanmar, unlike many other countries, can be proud of the fact that the fauna and flora of the country have been preserved. The country's wildlife is a heritage of the past, which adds prestige to the country that possesses it, and it is our duty to preserve it for posterity."] June 12: Today's child is tomorrow's adult, by Ma Kywe Kywe. [Praise of Social Welfare Department treatment of abandoned children.] Buddhist Missionaries & Conversions May 31: Training Course No. 3 for Buddhist Missionary Sayadaws opened for Sangha members charged with performing the "tasks for flourishing of Buddha Sasana in hill regions." Deputy Minister for Religious Affairs U Kyaw Aye "elaborately described historic record of Myanmar's absolute faith in Buddhism and efforts for flourishing of Sasana." (NLM 6/1) June 4: 1,050 villagers, comprising the entire population of three villages in Pruhso Township [Kayah], became Buddhists on June 2 at a ceremony at the Township LORC. (NLM 6/5) Publications May 31: Sarpay Beikman published the Encyclopaedia Myanmarnica Yearbook for 1993, with 326 pages; price K 75. (NLM 6/1) June 23: The Review of the Financial, Economic and Social Conditions of the Union of Burma for 1993-94 (English version) is available from Sarpay Beikman Bookshop, 529 Merchant Street, Yangon, for K90. (NLM 6/24) Education June 1: 36,499 primary, 2,062 middle, and 857 high schools opened throughout Myanmar for the 1993-94 Academic Year. In Yangon Division, 2,100 primary, 228 middle, and 148 high school opened. (NLM 6/2) June 15: Presenting prizes to the winners of the "first Myanmar traditional song, dance and music contests" in basic education schools in 13 states and divisions, and 117 townships, SLORC Secretary-1 Maj-Gen. Khin Nyunt noted that there are over 16,000 Senior Assistant Teachers, 80,000 Junior Assistant Teachers, and 110,000 Primary Assistant Teachers in the system. He "emphasized the importance of preserving and protecting one's own cultures adding that the race would disappear once its cultures disappeared.... He cautioned that though improvements were to be made in cultural traditions such improvements should be consonant with the Myanmar society and should not go against Myanmar culture. Singing, playing music and dancing, he said, should not only be able to give pleasure and satisfaction but should also be able to give knowledge to distinguish between what is right and what is wrong.... Art has a power to boost the spirit for accomplishing feats for the nation and the people, he added. Music, he pointed out, could organize the people in participating in the nation building tasks...." (NLM 6/16) Universities June 2: Speaking at the beginning of new courses at the University for Development of National Races (UDNR), Vice-Chairman U Aung Thein "noted with delight that 4,118 students of regular four-year course, 97 of middle school teachership course and 49 B.Ed graduates are discharging duties in border regions, underdeveloped areas and remote places serving their national brethren with heart and soul." (NLM 6/3) June 4: The University of Culture Council held its first meeting, under its Chairman, Minister for Culture Lt-Gen. Aung Ye Kyaw. (NLM 6/5) // June 8: It will open on August 1, and will confer BA (Music), BA (Theatrical Art), BA (Painting), and BA (Sculpture) degrees after a four-year course. . (NLM 6/9) Funeral of Bago Myoma Sayadawgyi June 3: It was announced that total expenses for the cremation and funeral of the late Bago Myoma Sayadawgyi totalled K1,211,727; the Department of Religious Affairs will establish a permanent exhibition on the his life story. (NLM 6/4) Monastic Schools June 5: A Monastic Education School was inaugurated at the Myo-U htan-ta-bin Monastery in Shwepyitha Township [Yangon]. (NLM 6/6) June 5: Throughout Yangon Division, 468 monastic schools have been opened in 43 townships, with 10,379 pupils; another 167 schools will open soon. (NLM 6/6) June 26: A Monastic Education School was inaugurated at the Ngasoh Taikkyaung in Chan Aye Thazan Township [Mandalay], on June 23. (NLM 6/27) Myanmar Culture June 11: Speaking at the Department of Fine Arts, which is organizing Myanmar traditional cultural song, dance, composing and music contests, SLORC Secretary-1 Maj-Gen. Khin Nyunt "recalled the country's servitude for more than 100 years under colonialists and said the invasion of Western cultures on youths who have gradually come to think highly of them poses menace to the country of being in servitude again. In his explanation about servitude, he said if a nation is under influence of other countries politically or culturally, not necessarily under their rule, it comes to the condition of being in servitude.... In conclusion, he called for united, harmonious participation of all for successfully holding the contests with six aims - to further strengthen the spirit of patriotism and national pride in all citizens including youths; to bring about flourishing of Myanmar cultural arts; to revitalize Myanma music, dance and the prestige of the nation and its origin; to prevent [sic] the nation against intrusion of Western cultures; to expose genuine traditional arts; and to bring about intellectual development of youths."] Archaeology June 12: Excavation is proceding at the Palace of King Bayintnaung Mintayagyi in the ancient Hanthawaddy Town in Bago, and was visited by SLORC Secretary-1 Maj-Gen. Khin Nyunt, Minister for Culture Lt-Gen. Aung Ye Kyaw, and other officials. The Secretary met with families living on the excavation site, and explained the importance of the excavation, "to uphold the prestige of the nation and the people; to be able to show that Myanmars have lived under their own monarchs with glory since many years; and to enable the youths to rekindle the national spirit." He mentioned the economic boost of the excavations to Bago, and called on local people to assist. "Systematic arrangements, he said, are being carried out by the State for moving the people to appropriate places." [photos of meeting and models of palace] (NLM 6/ 13) MISCELLANEOUS Crime June 10: A multiple burglar was captured May 15 in Dagon Myothit (South) [Yangon], who had burglarized five houses in Ywathagyi Village; police recovered four sewing machines, three bicycles, a wristwatch, and two gold chains worth K118,900. (NLM 6/ Anti-Narcotics Activities June 1: The Tatmadaw on May 25 seized 1.1 kilos of heroin and 7.4 kilos of opium in Maw Han village, Mohnyin Twp. [Kachin]. (NLM 6/2) June 7: The Yangon anti-drug squad on May 27 seized 1.9 kilos of marijuana, and on May 30 seized 0.4 kilo of heroin and 0.5 kilo of raw opium. The Mandalay anti-drug squad on May 24 seized 40 bottles of Phensedyl. (NLM 6/8) June 9: The Tatmadaw Intelligence Unit on May 6 seized 7.5 kilos of raw opium from three houses in Mongshang village-tract, Mongpyin Twp. [Shan]. (NLM 6/10) June 9: From May 1 to June 7, under Operation Tagun Phase VIII, special narcotics squads seized 6.5 kilos of heroin, 50.5 kilos of opium, 1.9 kilos of marijuana, 201.6 litres of phensedyl, 3.6 kilos of opium oil, 0.2 kilo of solidified opium oil, and 0.05 kilo of opium liquid. Action was taken against 295 persons in 178 cases. Cases included seizure of narcotics and a Toyota Corolla car in Golden Valley, Bahann Twp. [Yangon] on June 4, of a .45 weapon on a bus in Kutkai [Shan] on May 31, of phensedyl and raw opium at Monywa jetty on June 3 [details]. (NLM 6/10) June 14: Under the Tagun Phase VIII Project, the Lashio anti-drug squad on May 20 seized 133 viss of jade and 1.1 kilo of heroin from several buses in Lashio. On June 4, the Lashio anti-drug squad seized 0.6 kilo of heroin on a Muse-Mandalay bus. (NLM 6/15) June 15: DSI and the Lashio anti-drug squad on June 9 seized 8.4 kilos of heroin from two vehicles arriving from Kunlong. (NLM 6/16) June 18: The Lashio anti-drug squad and others seized 0.5 kilo of heroin in Muse on June 3. (NLM 6/19) June 18: During May 1993, the Tatmadaw seized 171.3 kilos of opium and 1.1 kilos of heroin. The police seized 152.3 kilos of opium (54 cases), 3.6 kilos of heavy opium solution (6 cases), 4.6 kilos of heroin (145 cases), 13.9 kilos of marijuana (33 cases), 200.2 litres of Phensedyl (18 cases), and 3.9 litres of Texilec (2 cases) [the first mention we have ever seen of this item - HCMacD.]. Action was taken in 176 cases of failure to register and 15 other drug related cases. Action was taken against 593 persons in 449 cases. (NLM 6/19) June 19: Authorities seized 4.1 kilos of heroin at Wetwun village, Pyin-Oo-Lwin [Mandalay] on June 13. 17.2 kilos of raw opium were seized from the Mandalay-Myitkyina up-train at Mandalay on June 14. (NLM 6/20) June 22: The Mawlamyine anti-drug squad on June 12 seized 30 litres of taradyl [first we have seen of this item - HCMacD.] and 816 kilos of marijuana in Mudon. (NLM 6/23) June 26: DSI and the Myitkyina anti-drug squad on June 23 seized 0.3 kilo of heroin. Under Dagun Project Phase 8, the Monywa anti-drug squad on June 15 seized 0.3 kilo of heroin. On June 19, the Katha anti-drug squad seized 10.2 kilos of opium from a boat. The Mawlamyine anti-drug squad on June 19 seized 71 litres of Taradyl, and confiscated a powerboat and car involved in transporting them. (NLM 6/ 27) Obituaries [English language obituaries only; there are obituaries in Burmese as well.] June 2: Lt. Col. Ba Kyin, B 5125 (Retd), Retd, Chairman. E.S.B., Retd. Director Burma Five Star Line, husband of Daw Than Than, father of U Khin Mg Kyi (a) Kenneth Ba Kyin (Louise Mary Sung Voom, U.S.A.)..., died in Yangon, aged 76. (NLM 6/ 3) June 5: U Ko Ko Lay (G Ko Lay) (Tho Han), Chief Editor, The New Light of Myanmar, husband of Daw Nyunt Nyunt Win, died in Yangon, aged 57. (NLM 6/6) June 6: Shri Piyarelall Dinodiya, Chairman of the R. Piyarelall Group of Companies, died in Yangon. (NLM 6/8) June 8: Daw Si Si, daughter of the late U Ni and Daw Thay Yin, died in Yangon, aged 86. [Christian] (NLM 6/10) June 11: Daw Hla Than, Yit Kan Gyi, Kawa Township, daughter of U Po Kun and Daw Thinn Hton, died in Yangon, aged 73. (NLM 6/12) June 16: Daw Baby (Beatrice Smith), mother of U Soe Naing & Georgie (Singapore), died in Yangon, aged 89. [Christian] (NLM 6/17) June 17: Sayadaw Agga Maha Pandita Bhaddanta Ariyavamsa, Hinthada Three-storey Sarthintaik Patron Tipitakadhara Selection Board Chairman, vassa 63, died in Yangon, aged 83. [article] (NLM 6/28) June 23: Maj. Chit Po (B 4070, Retd.), husband of Daw Khin Hla Myint, died in Yangon, aged 68. [Christian] (NLM 6/26) June 27: Miss Cecelia Burjorjee (a) Daw Si Si, (English Teacher YWCA), daughter of the late Mr+Mrs M.D. Burjorjee, died in Yangon, aged 67. [Christian] (NLM 6/28) Earthquake June 3: An earthquake of moderate intensity (5.1 Richter) was recorded at 07:47:46 local time, with epicentre about 462 miles NE of Yangon. (NLM 6/4) Fires June 17: Myanma Insurance on June 14 paid out K4.68 million fo twelve insured buildings burned in the Apr. 1 and May 12 fires in Myingyan. They were among 1,700 houses and buildings destroyed in Nos. 5, 6 and 19 wards. (NLM 6/18) // June 19: Donations for victims total K2.5 million. (NLM 6/20) // June 22: The May 13 fire destroyed 78 acres of settlement, leaving destitute 8,273 persons from 1,757 families. (NLM 6/23) June 25: During May 1993, there were 99 fires in Myanmar, which destroyed 2,640 houses and buildings, 9 factories and workshops, and 4 godowns, rendering 12,979 people homeless. Three people and 838 domestic animals were killed. 91.9% of the fires were due to negligence with 91 kitchen fires. (NLM 6/26) Engagement June 21: Ma Aye Sanda Kyaw Win (Yangon Inst. of Economics), daughter of Brig-Gen. Kyaw Win and DAw Kyi Kyi Chit Maung became engaged to Maung Aung Kyaw Soe (Yangon Inst. of Technology), son of Lt-Col. Minn Hlaing and Daw Khin Saw Ngwe. (NLM 6/24) Marriage June 29: Ma Nyein Nyein Win (2nd Year (Hons) (Physics)), daughter of the late U Win Maung and Daw Myint Myint, married Maung Toe Toe (Senior year, Bimedical Engineering Technology), son of U Tha Hla and Daw June Hla of Maryland, Columbia, USA, were married at the Inya Lake Hotel. (NLM 6/30) ----- 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