93-09 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. 9, September 1993 Table of Contents POLITICAL CRISIS Slogans 2 Cartoons 2 Political Articles 2 Special Refresher Courses 6 Returnees from Bangladesh 6 Prisoners Released 7 Two Expatriates Defect 7 28 Expatriates Return or Get Passports 7 Union Solidarity & Development Assoc. 8 NATIONAL CONVENTION Preparations 10 Plenary Session Resumed 10 Appraisal by Alternate Chairmen 10 Clarifications by U Aung Toe 26 Speech by Lt-Gen. Myo Nyunt 31 Convention Adjourned to January 33 DIPLOMATIC Diplomatic Calls 33 New Myanmar Ambassadors 34 New Ambassadors to Myanmar 34 Myanmar & Chinese Consulates-General 34 Statement on Israeli-PLO Agreement 34 Diplomatic Relations with Brunei 34 INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION Workshops 35 Foreign Donations 35 Myanmar Donations 36 Myanmar Ad Agent for Singapore 36 FOREIGN VISITORS International Agency Visitors 36 Cultural and Medical Visitors 36 Business Visitors 36 Religious Visitors 36 Foreign Journalists 37 Malaysian Intelligence Chief 37 Thai Public Health Minister 37 Japanese Delegations 37 Thai Naval Commander 37 Thai Foreign Minister 37 Yunnan Cultural Delegation 38 American Judge 38 Bangladesh Border Delegation 38 Vatican Apostolic Delegate 38 Indian Surveyor-General 38 MYANMAR DELEGATIONS Study Delegations 39 Delegations to Meetings & Events 40 Forestry Minister to Indonesia 41 Energy Minister to Thailand 41 Trade Minister on Asian Tour 41 Foreign Minister to Brunei 41 Returning Delegations 41 MYANMAR GAZETTE Probationary Appointments 42 Appointments Confirmed 42 GOVERNMENT Military Promotions 42 Child Welfare Amendment 42 Two Supreme Court Justices Named 42 MILITARY KNU attacks ABSDF 42 Insurgents Surrender 42 ECONOMIC Economic Articles 43 Project Inaugurations 45 Advertisements 45 Joint Ventures 46 Transportation 46 Power Shortage 47 Agriculture 47 Statistics Publications 48 Postal Express 48 Parking in Yangon 48 Marine Insurance Enterprises 48 Demonetization Rumour Denied 48 Civil Service Bonus Rumour Denied 48 Tax Gouging Admitted 48 TV Satellite Dish Licensing Order 49 Rainfall in Yangon 49 SPORTS Sports Articles 49 Myanmar Teams and Delegations 50 Sports for Patriotism 50 Lady Parachutists Trained 50 HEALTH Health Articles 50 Dengue Fever 51 AIDS 51 CULTURAL Literary and Cultural Articles 51 Performing Arts Competition 52 School Books 54 Literary and Journalists Organizations 54 University of Culture Opens 54 Bagan Monuments Inventory 54 MISCELLANEOUS Sunday Supplements 55 Crime 56 Anti-Narcotics Activities 56 Obituaries 57 Birthday Greeting 57 Floods and Fires 57 Bicyclists Injured in Mandalay 58 HIGHLIGHTS -- The National Convention Plenary Session considered 22 proposal papers presented by delegate groups, which were then appraised by the Panel of Alternate Chairmen, and a final version of fundamental principles was adopted by the Convening Commission on behalf of the State Law and Order Restoration Council. The National Convention then adjourned to Jan. 18, 1994, when it will take up chapter-by-chapter recommendations for the new State Constitution [NATIONAL CONVENTION] -- A Union Solidarity and Development Association was formed as a new nation-wide group to support the Government [POLITICAL CRISIS] -- Details of projected Mandalay International Airport (at Tada-U) to be constructed with Chinese aid [ECONOMICS: Economic Articles] 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, each issue has included a changing religious slogan at the top of each front page: Sept. 1: Kalena Dhammasavanam, the timely discussion of the doctrines; this is the way to auspiciousness. Sept. 2-16: Khanti ca, patience; this is the way to auspiciousness. Sept. 17-30: Sovacassata, obedience; this is the way to auspiciousness. Cartoons [During September, there were only a couple of political cartoons; though cartoons relating to safe driving continued.] Sept. 27: Sign: "Submit application forms between 10 am and noon. Purchase permits will be issued immediately." Clock: 11:50. Man in line: "The person who is going to give us permits is still at the tea shop." Sept. 29: First Myanmar: "There are swindlers who play various tricks." Second Myanmar: "And there [sic] victims who get knowingly tricked." 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: Sept. 1: No lapse in information service, by Pyankyar Maung Maung. ["US Congressman Mr Charles B Rangel expressed complete satisfaction with what he personally saw with his own eyes on his visit to Myanmar of strenuous and effective measures being taken to combat the habit of drug abuse...and was curious to know what difficulties had hindered Myanmar government from informing the world about these activities." The Myanmar government has always given full information to foreign Embassies and Missions. Many Embassies collect information carefully, and read The New Light of Myanmar. "But some others... do not make inquiries from responsible officers and instead approach pseudo-politicians and bogus experts whose only expertise is in churning out regular rigmaroles." Statistics on anti-narcotics activities. "The Myanmar TV is beaming Myanmar news to Asia Sat satellite.... In fact, it is being found that parts of those programmes have been lifted, twisted to their taste and diffused again on the Visnews satellite news service."] Sept. 3: Editorial: We try a little harder. ["We try a little harder, in this establishment called The New Light of Myanmar and the results are apparent. Some of us employed in this business of bringing out the daily say we are bigger, better and more beautiful. At least after we have turned it into international size, if we may call it that, and we are all proud of it, as all readers are.... We carry as much foreign news as possible, much more than the Myanmar local dailies because it is easily available through the Myanma News Agency and because we do not have to go through the business of translating it. When it comes to local and national news, it is a totally different matter because we have to translate it, making sure that we convey the meaning and implications in the source language as correctly as possible, and just as accurately, into the target language, as we call it in journalese.... Perspectives which have much to do with the task that is entrusted to the writer, are much of a burden, because people read into them, read between lines and sometimes misread or misinterpret them. What is written in good faith, the truth, so to say, may be found unsavoury, and those who feel there should be less irksome views will naturally react the way they feel they should. That is in the best interest of healthy journalism and is encouraged, for only then will we be able to ascertain how effective or ineffective we are...."] Sept. 5: The voice of the revolutionary KNU, by Maung Thamardi. [A new KNU group has begun distributing the following pamphlet {full text as printed in article}: "To the new generation of revolutionary KNUs. "Comrades, you all know very well that our KNU revolution has come along an over forty-year journey shedding much blood and sacrificing numerous lives." "What have Kayin nations gained from that journey?" "Our achievement is that we have managed to remain alive and active." "But we would like to spotlight on negative aspects too. "(1) Numerous Kayin nationals have suffered and have died under the ravages of war. (2) Numerous hearths, homes, villages and towns have been destroyed. (3) A majority of Kayin womenfolks who had to move into the Thai side for the purpose of foreign aid have become prostitutes in Thailand. (4) A majority of Kayin womenfolks in the delta areas, compelled to work as domestic servants of the wealthy, have become also their lesser wives. (5) In Kayin State, Kayin girls have become Indians' wives and have been converted to other religions. (6) The future generation has lost a link in the chain of educated young Kayins. (7) The progress of Kayin State has fallen very much behind. "What would be the future of our Kayin nationals like if we were to go on in this form and fashion? We are definitely going to drown in shallow waters and the Kayin nationality will disappear. "We are taking part in this revolution on the basis of our patriotism. We are doing it for the betterment of all Kayin peoples. "But...but... "(1) Which Kayins are sacrificing their lives in war fronts? (2) Which Kayins are having to obey orders like robots and die? (3) Which Kayins are sitting at the rear, in safe places, taking leading positions and good positions and keep on issuing orders? (4) Which Kayins are rolling in wealth with business enterprises in Thailand? (5) Which Kayins are refusing to give promotions to us Buddhist Kayins alleging that Buddhist Kayins are liars and crooks? "What is the Nawata (SLORC) doing today? What are the revolutionary forces of our brother national races are doing {sic} today? We have been studying these. We have learnt very definitely that for the sake of their national advancement and progress, they have changed their form of revolution and are gaining numerous successes. For instance, in the Shan and Kachin States, (1) the Wa Group, (2) Kokang, (3) Shan, (4) KIA 4th Brigade, (5) Palaung, (6) Pa-oh, (7) BCP 101 Military Area, (8) BCP Kaw 815 Organization. It is important for our KNU revolution to see that we do not sink deeper as we continue our struggle, to see that the revolution does not miss its momentum and to see that Kayin nationals do not lose a link in the chain of generations. "Let us therefore begin to struggle sharply to gain the right freely to worship our own Buddhist religion, to keep the Kayin revolution going without loss of momentum, to severe [sic] links with pseudo-revolutionaries who are lording it over us in all aspects but who also have profitable personal businesses in Thailand, and to strive, like those organizations of our brother nationals, for peace and progress of our Kayin people. "Peace and prosperity be to our Kayin State! "Revolutionary KNUs" While others are promoting national political progress, KNU leaders "sipping their whiskies and gulping their beers in luxury and comfort" have forgotten their followers "living on boiled bamboo shoots." If these pamphlet serve to the eyes and ears of young Kayins, "such Kayins may still have a future for them."] Sept. 6: Editorial: For smooth change ["In the broader national interest, the State Law and Order Restoration Council, since its advent, has been working overtime to bring about political and economic change.... The National Convention has progressed to the point where thorough discussions have been made on State fundamental principles that will have to form the basis of constitution writing. However, for a smooth change, for a smooth retransfer of power, more needs to be deliberated upon in line with the Six Objectives set down for the Convening of this Convention. All six of them are important.... Whenever political turmoil pushed the Union toward disintegration, the Tatmadaw has had to step in, the last time being 1988. That is why a cardinal objective among the six for holding the National Convention concerns the participation of the Tatmadaw in the leadership role of the future state.... This point must be given utmost priority.... For a smooth change, the National Convention must be thorough in its work. The same applies to the next step, that of writing the new national charter."] Sept. 12: Editorial: If you want to come back, come. ["If you want to come back, come. The message is as simple as that. Simply put, it reflects the cetana of the authorities, namely the State Law and Order Restoration Council, to allow those who have gone abroad for good for reasons of their own but feel they must retrace their roots and make it back home to come back.... The saying 'There's no place like home' holds true especially for people who, for reasons of their own, have gone abroad and then realized the difficulty in fitting into society that is different, mixing into culture that differs, or run into some unexpected snags. The kinky situations thus prevailing for a few of Myanmar citizens might have made them feel stranded. To ease their plight, the {SLORC}, after due deliberation, came to the conclusion that stranded as they might be, our own kin shall not feel abandoned. Realizing that they would rather go home and be home with their own kin, be a little more comfortable rather than suffer the kind of alienated plight they might have to go through, individuals could decide to take up the {SLORC's} good offer. Creature comforts or material accomplishments may make people feel better off in a foreign country, but they may feel spiritually deprived due to cultural or spiritual differences. This sense of privation can adversely affect an individual's sense of security and wellbeing. Materially rich people may be, but they may be the poorer for failing to merge into a society that is different in many ways. The {SLORC} has no intention of debarring those desirous of returning from doing so. Formalities, of course, need to be met. Provided people who might benefit from the offer are willing to fill forms and go through some processing, there is no reason why they should hold back. Those who wish to return are welcome."] Sept. 13: Time for a change, by Ko Kyi (Pyin Oo Lwin). [Things have changed in Yangon since I was a schoolboy. "Not only that my old girlfriends are bigger and fatter, the roads are now much bigger and wider. Even newspapers are bigger, better and more beautiful. Eyesores such as rotting rubbish heaps and squalid squatters' slums have vanished. Eyecatchers such as parks and gardens have sprung up everywhere. New buildings are getting higher, girls' skirts are getting shorter and earrings are getting longer. A spirit of change is in the air. [Commodity prices have changed too. A twenty-five-pya cup of tea now demands six kyats. And teacups have also changed. They look prettier, petite...to be precise, more resembling thimbles than cups. A stalk of gladiolus, a rare coloured one, costs K 40. So even the pious are obliged to a change. They have switched to offering imitation flowers to the lord, instead of fresh flowers. [Children also join in the changes. My six-year-old niece was in heated argument with her mother.... She must, she insisted, wear skirts that fly up in swirls when she turns. Like lambada dancers, she explained. She must, she said, skip tonight's homework, because the TV feature is superb.... [Transportation is another sector that has changed a lot within four years or so .... The buses are much bigger and bulkier. Yet bus fares are unbelievably cheap. Just a kyat for a round-the-city trip.... [What is the most necessary change for our country?.... The most imperative, the most demanding, is a change in our mentality. Or else!.... The public lacks a sense of civic duty...." People jay-walk, throw trash on the streets. "We have made quite a headway in only five years, incomparable to any previous administration. Yet we have had very little or no progress in changing the mentality of the people, much more so in the aspect of citizenship, civic duties. The time is ripe for all of us to initiate a spiritual reform...."] Sept. 14: Beware of Western domination of Asian news media, by Mya Win. ["'Star TV' that came into vogue just after Myanmar has successfully installed TV receiving equipment" is owned by "Rupert Murdoch, an Australia-born US citizen.... Western owned newspapers are dominating the whole of Asia. Each and every Asian happening is being portrayed in accordance with Western concepts. Their news commentaries and analyses are biased, one-sided and subjective. Truth is turned into falsehood in this fashion and, more often than not, a complainant is turned into an accused. The issue of the Bengalis of Buthitaung and Maungdaw Townships in the north of Rakhine State in Myanmar is a case in point .... At the present time, the CNN TV network and the BBC broadcasting network are in complete control of the whole of Asia. Dow Jones...has established a base at Hong Kong, from where it publishes the Far Eastern Economic Review and the Asian Wall Street Journal.... The Correspondent for Myanmar for the Far Eastern Economic Review... {Bertil Lintner--HCMacD.} has for the past thirty years been fomenting hatred between the Myanmar government and the Myanmar people.... The BBC...notorious for its strident slanders of Myanmar government and for its staunch defence of all British interests, regularly uses Hong Kong Dow Jones' publications as its news source {and} the Bangkok Post, a Western owned newspaper being published in Bangkok...."] Sept. 17: Reply from a seaman brother to seaman elder brother, by Maung Hla Swe. ["You want to know something about the formation of a Seaman's Union of Burma (SUB), recently reported in some foreign newspapers, and also about the return to Myanmar from Australia of eleven Myanmar seamen. I will tell you all I know about these matters. There is not a single lawful organization abroad of Myanma seamen.... Dear brother, the so-called SUB must be an organization of a handful of renegades who defected from the country and are trying to destroy an honest way of living of Myanmars in the field of world ocean shipping. They must be fugitives of the law of Myanmar.... Eleven Myanmar seamen returned to Myanmar from Australia but not for the reason as reported in some foreign newspapers.... The foreign newspaper had given all sorts of stories as if these seamen had been on their way to Thailand to seek asylum when they were sent back to Myanmar from Singapore, and that these eleven seamen had last month won a dispute in Australia over the difference of pay. But as you know all seamen whose employment is terminated by the shipping company concerned have to return home.... Of course, departmental action will have to be taken against them for their violation of bonds they had signed before they boarded ship.... Myanmar seamen have become notorious on two counts; the first is on account of seamen being sent back home by the shipping company for the ITF incident and the other is that of jumping ship. If they go on behaving this way all Myanmar seamen will get discredited and nobody will hire them for being too problematic.... Some countries...are inciting seamen from some developing countries to demand higher pay. They promise to help the seamen get higher pay and they tell these seamen not to work if they do not get what they want.... I hear that those eleven seamen were sacked by their shipping company because they were misled by those agitators and followed their advice. Myanmar seamen have not earned a bad name in the seamen employment market.... I learn that about seven hundred Myanmar seamen are boarding ship every month...."] Sept. 18: Editorial: Five years of new deal. ["Five years ago there were stormy scenes in Myanmar and they wreaked havoc to the extent that the life and security of people in cities and towns affected by them were threatened. The uncertain situation and its explosive nature required the Tatmadaw to step in and put the rambunctious acts to a stop.... Why did the Tatmadaw take over the duties of State? Not without special reason. We all know it. Myanmar was a country to be ashamed of herself, with the electronic media taking the gruesome scenes of decapitation and strife right into the homes around the world. Looting, rampaging, chaos, anarchy--you name it, we had it.... This, all who have witnessed the turmoil know. The enormity of public property destruction, even the dismantling and removal of entire factories by looters and the senseless killings, warranted the action that had to be taken by the Tatmadaw in the wake of those disturbances. Today, we take stock. There has been political and economic change. Reminisce over the reports in the papers, on radio and TV and you get a clear picture of what has been accomplished. There is no denying the fact that change has been for the better...."] Sept. 23: Together, with a common identity, to serve a common cause, by Min Kyaw Min. [Founding of the Union Solidarity and Development Association (USDA) on Sept. 15 reviewed.] Sept. 23: Deserving of Welcome, by Min Maung Maung. [The new Constitution will, through a Commission to grant self-administration, ensure that all national groups in Myanmar are protected. "These stipulations will definitely be welcomed by all those who love their own country and their own people."] Sept. 25: Must never secede from the Union, by Min Maung Maung. [Under Royal rule, "there were occasional feudings among vassal states but there had never been any major racial conflict in Myanmar. No instances of racial oppression can be found in history." After the British conquest of 1886, "the British openly pursued a divide and rule policy to be better able to suppress the anti-imperialist national peoples of Myanmar.... Class contradictions and conflicts were engendered by helping Myanmars, who served the British rule in high official positions, to become rich and prosperous and by fostering a new class of big capitalists. Throughout the neocolonialist rule of Myanmar national races remained estranged and class contradictions sharpened...." The 1947 Constitution, "written under the coercion of the British," gave States to only three national groups, but "the worst was the provision that permitted secession of States from the Union." This led to federalism, insurgency, and the necessity of Tatmadaw takeover in 1962 and 1988. Now, however, the principle of no secession has been adopted, and "an opportunity has now appeared for all national groups to unitedly establish a strong and monolithic State...."] Special Refresher Courses Sept. 4: Minister for Home Affairs Lt-Gen. Mya Thinn addressed the concluding ceremony of Special Refresher Course No. 1 for the People's Police Force. It was attended by 248 trainees (all police): 7 colonels, 23 lieutenant-colonels, 44 majors, and 174 captains. The objectives of the State-sponsored course are: "to enable the trainees to review, appraise and place in high value, in correct outlook and ideological thought, the activities of the State Law and Order Restoration Council; for them to provide correct leadership; and to enable them smoothly deal with affairs in management, maintenance of discipline and social problems so that welfare of the people should be fully served." (NLM 9/5) Sept. 14: Special Refresher Course No. 3 for Junior and Senior Assistant Teachers was addressed by SLORC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt. "In Myanmar culture, the Secretary-1 said, teacher-pupil relationship is not only pedagogical but also parental. Recalling the past, such parental relationship waned in the country under colonial rule, and only the colonial education that would turn out those who would serve the colonialists flourished.... After the national independence was regained, he said, the government in power continued the education system that would turn the educated into service personnel and had not made any remarkable change. After 1962...the education system was reformed in conformity with socialism and...also helped promote the vocational education system.... Regarding the mentality of youths [in 1988], he said, deteriorations such as thinking highly of the alien culture, disregarding the law, ignoring of Myanma traditional customs, among others, had occurred.... The Secretary-1 exhorted [the teachers] to make concerted efforts to abstain from all misconducts of the destructive elements to belittle and to disrupt the National Convention...it is the duty of all the teachers to nurture the students to clearly understand the acts of destructive elements and to actively participate as a national task in laying down fundamental principles for the constitution...."] Returnees from Bangladesh Sept. 2: 331 "abscondees" from 79 households returned to Kanyinchaung camp on Sept. 2, "under the agreement reached between Myanmar and Bangladesh," bringing the total to 34,826 since Sept. 22, 1992. (NLM 9/3) Sept. 6: 260 "abscondees" from 61 households returned to Kanyinchaung camp on Sept. 4, bringing the total to 35,086. (NLM 9/7) Sept. 7: 296 "abscondees" from 73 households returned to Kanyinchaung camp on Sept. 6, bringing the total to 35,382. (NLM 9/8) Sept. 10: 271 "abscondees" from 62 households returned to Kanyinchaung camp on Sept. 9, bringing the total to 35,653. (NLM 9/11) Sept. 15: 493 "abscondees" from 113 households returned to Kanyinchaung camp on Sept. 13, bringing the total to 36,146. (NLM 9/16) Sept. 17: 439 "abscondees" from 98 households returned to Kanyinchaung camp on Sept. 16, bringing the total to 36,585. (NLM 9/18) Sept. 20: 515 "abscondees" from 104 households returned to Kanyinchaung camp on Sept. 19, bringing the total to 37,100. (NLM 9/21) Sept. 23: 515 "abscondees" from 104 households returned to Kanyinchaung camp on Sept. 21, bringing the total to 37,615. (NLM 9/24) Sept. 28: 410 "abscondees" from 91 households returned to Kanyinchaung camp on Sept. 25, bringing the total to 38,025. (NLM 9/29) Prisoners Released Sept. 1: 25 persons were released from Maubin Jail, after their terms were reduced in accordance with SLORC Declaration No. 11/92. (NLM 9/2) Sept. 18: 59 men and 3 women were released from Myaungmya Jail under SLORC Declaration No. 11/92. (NLM 9/19) Two Expatriates Defect Sept. 3: Ko Ko Oo (a) Tun Lwin, who had served as liaison officer for internal and foreign relations for the NCGUB expatriate group in India, accompanied by his new wife Ma Saw Nan Mon (a) Ma Maw Yi (a) Kyi Kyi Lwin, turned themselves in at the Myanmar Embassy in India, and were flown back to Myanmar on Aug. 26. They "were exasperated at their plight on having to subsist on the meagre provisions of most organizations in New Delhi, disunity among the members of the group and after realizing uncertainty of their future." (NLM 9/4) 28 Expatriates Return or Get Passports Sept. 9: [full text] Permission granted to citizens desirous of returning to Myanmar after settling abroad The State Law and Order Restoration Council issued Declaration No 3/93, dated 6 May 1993 in connection with the granting right of application to persons, who, for various reasons have left Myanmar for good and have taken up the citizenship of any foreign country, to return and take up permanent residence in Myanmar. Moreover, the Home Affairs Ministry issued a notification on 12 May 1993 for extending the term of Myanmar passports held by Myanmar citizens abroad or issuing new passports to those who have not taken up citizenship of any foreign country although the term of the Myanmar passports has expired or those whose Myanmar passports have been suspended. After the issuing of the declaration and notification there were those who wished to return and resettle down together with their parents and relatives in Myanmar and to engage in the Myanmar economic enterprises which have changed and developed and to take part in the development activities of the State applied for Myanmar citizenship. Altogether 14 persons Ma Sanda Kyaw Shin of Russia; Maung Than Myint Zaw, Maung Than Myint Kyaw, Maung Kyi Win, Ma Kyi Phyu (a) Wah Jing Ju, U Tin Oo and U George Wong of Taiwan; Haroon Ismail Jeewa of United Kingdom; Banwari Lal Goenka (a) U Maung Shwe and Mr K K Gulati of India; Maung Min Oo, U Wai Lin and Maung Kyaw Tun Oo of Australia and U Ko Ko Maung (a) U Hoke Hlaing of Macao were granted permission to reside in Myanmar. Similarly, there were some residing in some foreign country who asked for extention [sic] of the validity of their passports and to issue them new passports. Of them, 14 comprising U Khin Maung Gyi, Daw San San Thi, Ma Shwe Zin Oo and Mr Uttar Singh who are in India; U Aung Ye Myint, Daw Mya Mya Aye and Maung Myo Myint Aung who are in the United Kingdom; U Kyaw Phone, Daw Yin Win Sein and Ma Khine Min Min Phone who are in the United States of America; U Tun Myat and Daw Myint Myint Kyi Myat who are in Italy and Daw May Kyi Win (a) Mary Joy who is in Canada, had the validity of their passports extended or new passports issued to them. In consideration of social or economic requirements or difficulties of such persons in other countries, the State Law and Order Restoration Council made this special arrangement after due deliberations and decisions. According to Declaration No 3/93 of the State Law and Order Restoration Council more such applicants will be scrutinized and permission granted. (NLM 9/10) Union Solidarity & Development Assoc. Sept. 15 [full text]: The Union Solidarity and Development Association has been founded and registered as a social organization with the Home Affairs Ministry with effect from today, 15 September 1993. The aims of the Association are:-- (1) Non-disintegration of the Union. (2) Non-disintegration of national unity. (3) Perpetuation of sovereignty. (4) Promotion and vitalization of national pride. (5) Emergence of a prosperous, peaceful and modern Union. The Four Oaths to be pledged by each member of the Association are:-- (1) I shall be loyal to the Union of Myanmar and her citizens; (2) I shall endeavour for Our Three Main National Causes, namely, non-disintegration of the Union, non-disintegration of national unity and perpetuation of sovereignty. (3) I will constantly strive for the emergence of a prosperous, peaceful and modern Union. (4) I will abide by the Code of Conduct of the Association. The Code of Conduct of the members of the Association is:-- A member of the Association shall (1) be loyal to the Union and her citizens, (2) defend and protect the sovereignty and perpetuity of the Union, (3) earnestly strive for the affection and unity of the national races, (4) be loyal to the Association, (5) dutifully perform the tasks assigned by the Association, (6) render assistance to other members in the spirit of comradeship, (7) always maintain good character and conduct, (8) uphold the honour and integrity of the Association, (9) protect the rule of law and order and peace and tranquillity, (10) vitalize a keen sense of patriotism with a view to promoting nation [sic] pride, and (11) preserve and protect national culture. The duties and responsibilities of the Association are:-- (1) to defend the independence and sovereignty of the Union, (2) to strive for the affection and unity of the national races, (3) to vitalize a keen sense of patriotism with a view to promoting national pride, (4) to endeavour for the emergence of a prosperous, peaceful and modern Union, (5) to preserve and protect national culture, (6) to assist in achieving rule of law and order and peace and tranquillity, (7) to protect State and public property, (8) to assist in drug enforcement activities, (9) to assist in developing the Five Strengths of the youth, (10) to assist in the cleanliness, hygiene and upkeep of public utilities such as roads, bridges, schools, hospitals, markets, parks and gardens, (11) to take active part in rescue and relief work in case of disasters such as fire, flood, earthquake, storm and epidemics, (12) to assist in social development schemes for farmers and workers, (13) to render the Tatmadaw all-round assistance, and (14) to actively render assistance in religious and humanitarian affairs of other members. Membership to the Association is regardless of sex, class, creed or faith. Those in the age group 10 to 18 are to enroll as Junior Members, and those above 18 are to enroll as Senior Members. Application forms can be obtained from the wards and villages in which the applicant resides. Junior Members do not have to pay membership or monthly fees, whereas Senior Members are to pay a monthly fee of K5. Government employees may also become members. The Association is to be formed systematically nationwide, beginning with ward and village tracts in each township. The formation of ward and village tract Associations is to be under the supervision of Township Associations. The Association will be established at village tract, ward, township, district and division levels, and Panel of Patrons, Secretary-General, Joint Secretary-General, Secretariat and Central Executive Committee will be formed to lend leadership to the Union Solidarity and Development Associations throughout the country. The Secretary-General of the Union Solidarity and Development Association is U Than Aung (Minister, Cooperatives Ministry) and members of the Secretariat are U Khin Maung Thein (Minister, Energy Ministry), U Win Sein (Minister, Rail Transportation Ministry) and U Ko Lay (Mayor). Central Executive Committee members are U Soe Tha (Minister, Communications, Posts and Telegraphs Ministry), U Than Shwe (Minister, Industry No 2 Ministry), U Thein Sein (Deputy Minister, Information Ministry) and U Pan Aung (Secretary, Yangon City Development Committee). The Headquarters of the Association will be temporarily set up at Yangon City Hall. The Association will begin accepting as members those imbued with love for the nation and patriotism and like the Association's aims, are capable of living up to its Code of Conduct and are desirous of taking up its duties. Extensive organizations will be carried out continuously nationwide. Emblem of the Association: -- a red shield surrounded by yellow eugenia leaves against a green rectangle (width 2«" by length 3¬"). -- a crested lion is sketched in Myanma traditional outline on the shield. -- under the shield against the green background are inscribed in white the Association's motto "Morale, Discipline, Solidarity, Unity". The Association's Flag is:-- -- Length 10 feet by width 6 feet, green with a red canton at the left top of length 4 feet and width 3 feet, in the middle [of] which is a five-pointed white star of height one foot and eight inches. -- The colour green signifies peace. -- The colour red signifies bravery. -- The single white star signifies the Union in unity, emitting brilliance on its own as significant of stars and traversing on a straight course on its own. The motto of the Association is:-- "Morale, Discipline, Solidarity, Unity". The Executive Committee at various levels of the Union Solidarity and Development Association will be handed down in a centralized manner in the formative five years. Those desirous of membership may submit their application in the forms duly prescribed either to the Executive Committee of their ward or village tract of permanent residence. The Township Association Executive Committee will promptly process the applications endorsed and submitted by ward or village tract Association Executive Committees and contact applicants through the respective ward or village tract Associations concerned, it is learnt. (NLM 9/16) Sept. 17: Editorial: An organization that meets today's needs [full text]. ["An organization that meets today's needs, that responds to the aspirations of those who seek identity with what is wholesome and enjoyable, that will be benefit for the future has been founded. The reason many young and old will find it to their taste is that it is a social organization with aims any and all members can meet and the kind of code they can live up to. The organization, of course, is the Union Solidarity and Development Association. True to its name, it will strive for the solidarity and development of the Union we love and must perpetuate. Its aims, in part, fall flush with our Three Main National Causes which help to strengthen our existence as a national entity--non-disintegration of the Union, non-disintegration of national unity and perpetuation of sovereignty. Then, the aims will be to strive for promotion and vitalization of national pride and the emergence of a prosperous, peaceful and modern Union. Taken together, these are what every citizen worthy of identity with the Union of Myanmar would aspire for. These are very noble aims which even those not having set their sights on joining such an organization would like to see come to fruition. Moreover, the Four Oaths USDA members will be pledging further reaffirm the aims already elaborated. The Code of Conduct and the Duties and Responsibilities enumerated in the news the other day are not the ones which members will find tough to live up to, for they are simple and implementable in the practical sense by one and all desirous of a good a prosperous future. In addition to getting the members to be imbued with patriotism and good will in their endeavours, the aims and codes are intended to nurture individuals to become physically strong, morally straight and mentally awake. As we hail the founding and emergence of the Union Solidarity and Development Association, we believe the public, among whom will be millions of prospective members, will share our sentiments. The new social organization should better help us shape the kind of future all worthy of identity with this great Union desire and deserve."] Sept. 22: USDA Secretary-General Minister for Cooperatives U Than Aung, visiting eastern Shan State, "clarified" that "the government, with the aim of working for the emergence of a prosperous, peaceful and modern Union with the people's force has founded the Union Solidarity and Development Association...[which] will accomplish the national task with the participation of all citizens in harmony and unison." (NLM 9/23) NATIONAL CONVENTION Preparations Sept. 2: At its 15th Work Meeting, Chairman U Aung Toe of the National Convention Convening Work Committee said that the Plenary Session would resume Sept. 6, when "the Panel of Chairmen would give an overall appraisal of the discussions presented by delegates groups." (NLM 9/3) Plenary Session Resumed Sept. 6: The Plenary Session of the National Convention met at the Central Meeting Hall in the President's Residence compound on Ahlon Road, with 648 of 698 delegates present. :Appraisal by Alternate Chairmen The Panel of Alternate Chairmen presented an appraisal of the proposal papers submitted by the various delegate groups [text as published in NLM]:. "overall appraisal and clarification" [text as published in NLM]: [Overall appraisal and clarification] by U Thein Lwin National Convention Convening Commission Chairman and members National Convention Convening Work Committee Chairman and members and National Convention delegates. I would like to express great pleasure at seeing National Convention Convening Commission Chairman and members, National Convention Convening Work Committee Chairman and members and National Convention delegates, refreshed and fine, in attendance at this plenary session of the National Convention, and extend my greetings to all present at the meeting with my best wishes for their physical and spiritual well-being. Esteemed delegates, Now, delegates in the respective delegates' groups have presented to their satisfaction all that they wish to discuss and propose, in discussion papers submitted to the National Convention plenary session, on principles that should form basis in formulating State fundamental principles to be contained in the enduring State Constitution that is of vital importance to the State and the citizens. As the discussions and proposals are found to have been presented within the framework of the six objectives of the National Convention including Our Three Main National Causes of Non-disintegration of the Union, Non-disintegration of National Solidarity and Perpetuation of Sovereignty, I would foremost like to express thanks to all delegates to the National Convention. As the proposals discussed and presented by the delegates at the plenary session of the National Convention are ones to be placed on historical record, they need to have strong factual support, they need to have grand significance, and they need to succinctly convey the intended meaning. Moreover they need as well to be free as far as possible of the Four Kinds of Unrighteousness due to subjective Sentiment, Aversion, Apprehension, and Delusion. However, it was found that some presentations by some delegates, though well-intentioned, were lacking in factual support and were erroneous and there have been a few cases where the respective delegate group chairmen had to call in those delegates to meet, discuss and coordinate with them in a family spirit. The delegates on their part were satisfied and accepted it, and for that I would like to express my praise for and pride in them. [Proposals Presented by Delegate Groups] by U Thein Lwin Esteemed delegates, You have heard 22 papers of discussions on principles to form basis in formulating State fundamental principles, presented by delegates in the respective delegates groups. In the papers so presented: Six papers were presented from representatives-elect group, out of altogether eight groups attending the National Convention: -- one by representatives-elect from Shan Nationalities League for Democracy, -- one by representatives-elect from National Unity Party, -- one by representatives-elect from Mro or Khami National Solidarity Organizations, -- one by representatives-elect from Union Pa-O National Organization, representative-elect from Shan State Kokang Democratic Party and five representatives-elect namely Dr Hmu Thang from Thantlang Constituency, U Khin Maung Cho from Dimawhso Constituency No 1, U Thawng Hko Thang from Tamu Constituency, U Tun Kyaw from Namhsan Constituency, and U Aung Thein of Ywangan Constituency, -- one by representatives-elect from National League for Democracy and independent representative-elect from Kya-in Seikkyi Constituency No 1 U Hla Maung, -- and one by independent representative-elect from Bahann Constituency No 1 U Tun Hlaing. Six papers were presented by six groups out of eight groups attending the National Convention. -- one by nationalities delegates group, -- one by peasant delegates group, -- one by worker delegates group, -- one by intelligentsia and technocrat delegates group, -- one by State service personnel delegates group, -- one by other invited delegates group. Ten papers were presented from political party delegates group, out of eight groups attending the National Convention. -- one by Shan Nationalities League for Democracy, -- one by National Unity Party, -- one by Union Pa-O National Organization, -- one by Shan State Kokang Democratic Party, -- one by Mro or Khami National Solidarity Organization, -- one by Lahu National Development Party, -- one by Union Kayin League, -- one by Kokang Democracy and Unity Party, -- one by Wa National Development Party, -- one by National League for Democracy. In appraising the papers so presented, it was found that just as there were discussions and proposals in connection with the 14 chapter headings as suggested by the Chairman of the National Convention Convening Work Committee on 7 June 1993, there were also discussions with addition of proposals that have some connection with these chapter headings. For a comprehensive appraisal of discussions and proposals of political parties and delegate groups, I will give a presentation of main points from the papers on one matter after another. I will also present excerpts of proposals for inclusion of principles that have some connection with the State fundamental principles. In so doing, I will mention the principles which, according to discussions and proposals submitted by Convention delegate groups, should form basis in laying down State fundamental principles. Esteemed delegates, In an overall appraisal of discussions by various delegate groups in connection with the objective of non-disintegration of the Union, it is found that the delegate groups have held discussions highlighting the fact that the national races since the beginning of history have always lived together in amity hand in hand in tranquillity or adversity, that the Three Main National Causes should be prescribed as fundamental policy of the State, and that the objective of non-disintegration of the Union that is to be held uppermost by all the people of the country should be laid down as a fundamental principle. [States and Regions] by Col. Thaik Tun Esteemed delegates, As regards constituting of territories within the country, among the principles on the State structure, you have heard the discussions and proposals from the respective delegate groups. The essence of these presentations in connection with constituting of territories are found as follows: (a) To constitute the Pyidaungsu State comprising states and divisions, as have all along been designated as states and divisions (b) To constitute the existing 7 states and 7 divisions as 14 equal-status states or 14 equal-status regions (c) To constitute the Pyidaungsu State with Kachin, Kayah, Kayin, Chin, Bamar, Mon, Rakhine and Shan national states, (d) To constitute the Pyidaungsu State with Kachin, Kayah, Kayin, Chin, Bamar, Mon, Rakhine, Shan and Wa etc states, (e) To keep the states and divisions as they are and additionally constitute Wa state as a Pyidaungsu member state. Of the five above, the proposal to constitute the Pyidaungsu State comprising states and divisions as have always been designated as states and divisions was presented by the National League for Democracy from the political party delegates group and by representatives-elect from the National League for Democracy and an independent representative-elect from the representatives-elect delegates group. The proposal to constitute the existing 7 states and 7 divisions as 14 equal-status states or 14 equal-status divisions was presented: -- by representatives-elect of National Unity Party -- by representative-elect of Union Pa-O National Organization, representative-elect of Shan State Kokang Democracy Party and five independent representatives-elect, -- from the representatives-elect delegates group, -- by delegates from nationalities delegates group, -- by delegates from peasant delegates group, -- by delegates from worker delegates group, -- by delegates from intellectual and intelligentsia delegates group, -- by delegates from State service personnel delegates group, -- by delegates from other invited delegates group, -- by National Unity Party, -- by Union Pa-O National Organization, -- by Kokang Democracy and Unity Party from political party delegates group. The proposal to constitute the Pyidaungsu State with Kachin, Kayah, Kayin, Chin, Bamar, Mon, Rakhine and Shan national states was presented by representatives-elect of Shan Nationalities League for Democracy, from the representatives-elect delegates group and by Shan Nationalities League for Democracy from the political party delegates group. The proposal to constitute the Pyidaungsu State with Kachin, Kayah, Kayin, Chin, Bamar, Mon, Rakhine, Shan and Wa etc states was presented by Lahu National Development Party from the political party delegates group. The proposal to keep the States and Divisions as they are and additionally constitute Wa state as a Pyidaungsu member state was presented by Wa National Development Party from the political party delegates group. What I have presented just now are points highlighted by the delegates as regards the constituting of territories within the Pyidaungsu State. Some delegates have discussed and proposed that states and divisions should be constituted as they have always been constituted as states and divisions, that the State would be constituted with regions or states, and the Pyidaungsu Myanmar Naing-Ngan-Daw should be constituted with states in accord with provisions in the State Constitution. Esteemed delegates, A comprehensive review of proposals of the delegate groups shows proposals made for constituting the existing seven states and seven divisions on equal status and constituting the State in accord with Pyidaungsu system. In connection with the existing states and divisions, it is found, some delegates groups proposed that states should be called states as they are now. Some delegate groups proposed that states and divisions should be called regions and some proposed that states and divisions should be called as they are being called now and the State should be called Pyidaungsu Thamada Myanmar Naing-Ngan-Daw. With serious consideration of discussions and proposals of the delegate groups, it is appraised that principles should be laid down -- to name the State as Pyidaungsu Thamada Myanmar Naing-ngan-daw, -- to constitute the State in accord with Pyidaungsu system, -- to prescribe that the territory of the State is as it is on the date the State Constitution comes into force, -- to designate the existing seven divisions as seven regions and the existing seven states as states, -- to prescribe that these seven regions and seven states are of equal status. In a comprehensive review of proposals presented by delegates from delegate groups that discussed the matter of calling the existing states and divisions by their historical names, it is found, delegates from states maintained that their states' names should be kept as they are now; that it could not harm national solidarity, that if the names are changed, it would take quite some time to make it understood by the people of the states that have difficult accessibility and low literacy, that the seven states and the seven divisions should be called regions or states and that the names of these regions or states should be retained as they are now, and that if it is desired to change the name of a region or state, it should be done only after seeking the mandate of citizens residing in that region or state. It is found that proposals of the delegates are suitable. As it is believed that there is no reason to adversely affect Our Three Main National Causes of non-disintegration of the Union, non-disintegration of national solidarity, and perpetuation of sovereignty which we all hold highest, it is appraised that, as proposed by the delegate groups, principles should be laid down. -- to keep the names of regions and states as they are at present, -- in case it is desired to change the name of a region or state, to do so after seeking the mandate of the citizens residing in that region or state and enacting a law. [Self-Administered Areas] by U Wan Tin Esteemed delegates, You have already heard the discussions of the National Convention delegate groups on constituting of self-administered areas within regions and states if necessary, as one of the fundamental principles of the State Structure. National Convention delegate groups were found to have made it clear that self-administered areas should be permitted to be constituted within regions or states as necessary. In discussing the rights of the self-administered areas, the delegates maintained that national unity would be more consolidated and the Union would be everlasting if provisions were made to emphatically satisfy especially the desires for self-administration; and that way the national races residing closely together will be able to manage affairs of their own villages and townships, social and cultural affairs in accord with the wishes of the majority. It is therefore appraised that, in laying down principles that should form basis in formulating State fundamental principles concerning the State structure, the following principles should be laid down in order to provide for the right to constitute in accord with the State Constitution self-administered areas depending on necessity within regions or states: -- To provide for the right to constitute in accord with the State Constitution self-administered areas depending on necessity within regions and states. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx [No Right of Secession] by U Mya Sein Esteemed delegates, What I have just presented are the discussions of the Convention delegates in connection with the point that no territory of the Myanmar Naing-Ngan ever secedes from the Union. It is found that the Convention delegate groups expressed their sentiments that no part of territories of the State such as regions, states and self-administered areas included in Myanmar Naing-Ngan should ever be permitted to secede from the State. So, among the principles to form basis in formulating State fundamental principles in connection with non-secession from the Union, a principle should be laid down to enact that: -- No part of the territories of the State such as regions, states and self-administered areas included in Myanmar Naing-Ngan shall ever secede from the State. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx [Multiparty Democracy] by U James Bond Esteemed delegates, In an overall review of excerpts from presentations by delegate groups as to what political system should be practised in the country, Convention delegate groups, it is found, clearly proposed that genuine multiparty democracy system be practised. So, it is appraised that, in laying down principles to form basis in formulating State fundamental principles, a principle should be laid down for the State to practise genuine multiparty democracy system. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx [Presidential Executive] by U Ba Han Esteemed delegates, In a comprehensive review of proposals submitted by the delegate groups, it is found they have clearly proposed that the system of executive headed by the President should be practised. So, it is appraised that, among the principles that should form basis in formulating State fundamental principles concerning the Head of State, the following principles should be laid down: -- The Head of State shall be the President. -- The President shall be elected by a presidential electoral college. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx [Separation of Powers] by U Tun Yin Law Esteemed delegates, In an overall review of the proposals presented by the delegate groups in connection with principles on sovereign State powers that should be included in the chapter on State fundamental principles, it is found that they have clearly stated that sovereign State power emanates from the people and covers the whole of the country, and that, in the exercise of its three branches namely, legislative, executive and judicial powers, they should be exercised, as much as possible separately and distributively, with the practice of a system of reciprocal control, check and balance. So, it is found that, in laying down principles to form basis in formulating the State fundamental principles in connection with sovereign State powers, the following principles should be laid down: -- To prescribe that Myanmar Naing-Ngan is a sovereign independent nation, -- To prescribe that national sovereignty emanates from the citizens and covers the whole country, -- The three branches of sovereign State power--legislative, executive and judicial powers--are to be exercised separately as much as possible with reciprocal control, check and balance, -- The three branches of State powers so separated shall be distributed among Pyidaungsu, regions and states, and self-administered areas. [Two-chamber Hluttaw; Local Hluttaws] by U Tin Oo Esteemed delegates, In an overall review of discussions and proposals by delegate groups in connection with the concept of having one Hluttaw representing seven regions and seven states equally and one Hluttaw representing the people--a fundamental principle that should be included in formulating State fundamental principles--it is found the delegate groups have spoken clearly for the principle of having two Hluttaws at the central level--one Hluttaw representing seven regions and seven states equally and one Hluttaw representing the people of the whole country--for exercising legislative power. In so doing, they also maintained that by having two Hluttaws there would be reciprocal control between the two. So, it is found, the following should be laid down as principles to form the basis in formulating fundamental principles concerning legislative affairs: -- To distribute the State's legislative powers to the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw, region Hluttaws and state Hluttaws, -- To delegate legislative power prescribed by the State Constitution to the self-administered areas, -- To have two chambers of Pyidaungsu Hluttaw--one Hluttaw elected on the basis of population and one Hluttaw elected with equal numbers of representatives from regions and states. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx [State/Regional Hluttaws] by U Myo Thant Esteemed delegates, In an overall review of proposal of the National Convention delegate groups on the matter of having a legislative Hluttaw in each of the seven regions and seven states --a principle that should be included as a fundamental principle in formulating the State fundamental principles, it is found the delegate groups have proposed having a legislative Hluttaw in each of seven regions and seven states for them to have the right to prescribe their regional legislative matters. So, in connection with the matter of having a legislative Hluttaw in each of seven regions and seven states, it is found, it should be laid down as a principle as follows: -- To have a region Hluttaw in each of the seven regions and a state Hluttaw in each of the seven states. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx [Tatmadaw Legislative Participation] by U Myo Thant Esteemed delegates, In an overall review of discussions by the National Convention delegate groups as regards participation of Tatmadaw representatives in legislative branch, they clearly presented the view that the interests of the State and the citizens will be better served by the Tatmadaw participating as appropriate in legislative matters of Hluttaws so as to serve the interests of the State to the maximum in future, and that a principle should be laid down to the effect that Tatmadaw member Hluttaw representatives nominated by the Defence Services Commander-in-Chief shall be included in the legislative Hluttaws at different levels. So, it is appraised that, in laying down principles to form basis in formulating State fundamental principles, in connection with the matter of Tatmadaw member Hluttaw representatives participating in legislative Hluttaws, the following should be laid down as a principle: -- To prescribe that Tatmadaw member Hluttaw representatives nominated by the Defence Services Commander-in-Chief in numbers stipulated in this State Constitution are included in Pyidaungsu Hluttaw, region Hluttaws and state Hluttaws. (NLM 9/7) Sept. 7: On the second day of the plenary session, with 649 of 698 delegates present, members of the Panel of Alternate Chairmen continued their "appraisal and clarification" of the proposal papers [texts as published in NLM]: [Executive Branch] by U Ba Han. Esteemed delegates, In connection with fundamental principles on executive matters among State fundamental principles, delegate groups have held discussions and presented proposals clearly to the effect that the three powers should be should be exercised separately and distributed among central, regions and states and provisions should be made to have reciprocal control, check and balance among them; that in such exercise with distribution of executive powers, precise provisions should be made to define rights and responsibilities of central and lower levels in accord with the State Constitution; that in doing so, it is necessary to take into consideration the right of national races to prescribe for themselves and to proceed in accord with democratic practice within the framework of perpetuation of sovereignty; and that the presidential executive system should be practised. So, it is appraised that it should be laid down as follows, as a principle to form basis in formulating State fundamental principles concerning executive branch: -- The head of executive of the State is the President of the State, -- The executive power of the State is distributed among Pyidaungsu, regions and states. Self-administered areas are to be given self-administration powers as prescribed by the State Constitution. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx [Tatmadaw Executive Participation] by U Ba Han Esteemed delegates, In an overall review of discussions on the matter of Tatmadaw members participating in the executive branch at Pyidaungsu, regions, states, self-administered areas and districts level--among fundamental principles on the executive--it is found the delegate groups have held discussions and made proposals clearly to the effect that the importance of the role of the Tatmadaw by tradition in the course of history of the nation should be respected; that the Tatmadaw is a consolidated and united national force; whenever the nation encountered difficult times, the Tatmadaw had to step in and shoulder responsibilities of security of the State, maintenance of law and order and administration in addition to its original duties; at present too, the Tatmadaw is safeguarding sovereignty, and national identity and the sasana and carrying out nation building works and economic restructuring measures; in future too, it is necessary to take timely action to ward off dangers of destruction from within and without; and so, for the Tatmadaw with its fine traditions and mature experiences to participate hand in hand with the people inclusive of nationals in border areas in executive organs at different levels and to remain undissociated from national politics, Tatmadaw members nominated by the Defence Services Commander-in-Chief should participate in suitable proportion in suitable places in the executive branch, from central to district level. So in connection with the matter of Tatmadaw members nominated by the Defence Services Commander-in-Chief participating in performance of duties of Pyidaungsu and regional defence, security, border area administration etc, it is appraised that it should be laid down as follows as a principle to form basis in laying down State fundamental principles: -- Tatmadaw members nominated by the Defence Services Commander-in-Chief are included to shoulder duties of defence, security, border administration etc in the executive organs of Pyidaungsu, regions, states, self-administered areas and districts. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx [Judicial Affairs] by Mya Sein In connection with fundamental principles on judicial affairs, there was no discussion by --Union Pa-O National Organization, --Shan State Kokang Democratic Party, --Lahu National Development Party, --Union Kayin League --Kokang Democracy and Unity Party. Esteemed delegates, In an overall review of discussions and proposals of respective delegate groups on fundamental principles concerning judicial affairs, among the State fundamental principles, it is found they have clearly stated that the following should be prescribed as fundamental principles: -- For administration of justice independently in accord with law, for more flourishing of the worthiest of worldly values in the State, -- For administration of justice in public except where restricted by law, -- For there to be right of defence and right of appeal in cases, -- For no penal law to have retrospective effect, -- For no punishment to violate human dignity, if there be punishments included in laws to be enacted. Some delegate groups submitted that administration of justice should be conducted by benches, that no-one shall be deemed guilty until and unless so found by the court, that every one shall be equal before the law, and that a person who has committed an offence should be punished in such a way as to repent and reform to become a good person; and moreover that no-one shall be held in custody or kept in restraint for more than 24 hours without a court order. Of these related discussions and proposals, what is suitable will be mentioned in related chapters. So, it is appraised that it should be laid down as follows, as principles to form basis in formulating State fundamental principles in connection with administration of justice: -- For administration of justice independently in accord with law, -- For administration of justice in public except where restricted by law, -- For there to be right of defence and right of appeal in cases, -- Not to prescribe provisions with retrospective effect in penal laws, -- Not to prescribe punishments that violate human dignity. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx [Law Courts] by U Wan Tin Esteemed delegates, In an overall review of discussions and proposals on the principle of setting up courts, which should be included in the State fundamental principles, it is found the delegate groups have clearly spoken for setting up Pyidaungsu Taya Hluttaw at the central level, a region taya hluttaw in each region and a state taya hluttaw in each state, and courts in self-administered areas, districts and townships. In proposals as fundamental principles on administration of justice, it was proposed to have the Pyidaungsu Taya Hluttaw should have right to issue writs and take action for prompt and effective redress and protection in case of violation of fundamental rights of the people. Moreover, it was also proposed that a Constitutional Tribunal be set up to exercise rights to safeguard provisions of the Constitution, interpret the Constitution and decide on disputes concerning the Constitution. It is found that, in the light of experiences, it is really necessary to lay down as a principle for our country. So, it is appraised that the following should be laid down as fundamental principles for setting up law courts: -- To distribute legislative [sic] powers of the State to law courts at different levels including the Pyidaungsu Taya Hluttaw, region taya hluttaws, state taya hluttaws and self-administered area law courts, -- To have a Pyidaungsu Taya Hluttaw as the highest law court of the State, -- For the Pyidaungsu Taya Hluttaw to have the power to issue writs, -- For each region to have a region taya hluttaw and for each state to have a state taya hluttaw, -- To set up a Constitutional Tribunal to interpret provisions of the Constitution, to scrutinize whether or not laws enacted by legislative Hluttaws and activities of executive organs from the central level to self-administered areas are in conformity with the Constitution, decide on disputes in connection with the Constitution and perform other duties prescribed in the Constitution. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx [Unitary, Modern Tatmadaw] by Col. Thaik Tun Esteemed delegates, In an overall review of proposals submitted by the delegate groups, it is found they made it clear that a solidly and strongly organized modern Tatmadaw is a national force pre-requisite for a steadfast and strong State; that the sole modern Tatmadaw built up with offspring of the people is the armed organization representing the people in the State; so a principle should be laid down for building up strong, modern and sole Tatmadaw; and that, moreover, the Tatmadaw is to safeguard the Constitution and it should have the right to plan and manage for participation of the entire people in State security and defence. So, it is appraised that the following should be laid down as fundamental principles for formulating the State fundamental principles in connection with matters of building strong, modern and sole Tatmadaw, safeguarding the Constitution, and Tatmadaw having the right to plan and manage for participation of the entire people in State security and defence: -- To build up the Tatmadaw as a strong, modern and sole Tatmadaw; -- To prescribe that the Tatmadaw is mainly responsible for safeguarding the Constitution; -- For the Tatmadaw to have the right to plan and manage for participation of the entire people in State security and defence. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx [Tatamadaw Responsibility] by U Thein Lwin Esteemed delegates, You have already heard discussions of the delegate groups on the matter of assigning the Tatmadaw the responsibility to safeguard Our Three Main National Causes-- non-disintegration of the Union, non-disintegration of national solidarity, and perpetuation of sovereignty. In an overall appraisal of the discussions of the delegate groups, it is found they have clearly highlighted the fact that the Tatmadaw has historical traditions of having safeguarded the State whenever it encountered dangers; that it had rescued the nation from dire situations wherein the Union was about to disintegrate and fall into servitude--once in 1949, once in 1958, once in 1962 and once in 1988; that the Tatmadaw is paving the way practically as necessary for building a new State of genuine multiparty democracy; and that the Tatmadaw is a national force that has gained maturity in military, economic, social and administrative fields through its experiences; and so the Tatmadaw should be assigned the responsibility to safeguard Our Three Main National Causes. So, it is appraised that the following should be laid down as a principle to form basis in formulating the State fundamental principles regarding the matter of assigning the Tatmadaw the responsibility to safeguard Our Three Main National Causes: -- The Tatmadaw is mainly responsible to safeguard the causes of non-disintegration of the Union, non-disintegration of national solidarity and perpetuation of sovereignty. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx [Tatmadaw Independent Management] by U James Bond The remaining political parties of the political party delegates groups and delegates of the representatives-elect delegates group have held discussions on the Tatmadaw's role but there was no discussion concerning the Tatmadaw's right to manage its own affairs independently. Esteemed delegates, It is found that, in connection with the right of the Tatmadaw to manage its affairs independently--as a matter of principle in State fundamental principles--discussions have clearly highlighted the fact that the Tatmadaw should deservingly participate in the national political leadership role; that no-one should be able to influence and dominate the Tatmadaw; that the Tatmadaw should be given the right to plan and manage its own affairs independently. So, it is appraised that the following should be laid down as a principle to form basis in formulating State fundamental principles regarding the right for the Tatmadaw to independently plan and manage affairs concerning the forces: -- For the Tatmadaw to have the right to independently plan and manage all affairs concerning the forces. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx [Authority of Commander-in-Chief] by U Tun Yin Law Esteemed delegates, I have presented salient points taken from proposals of delegates groups on the matter of assigning the Defence Services Commander-in-Chief to be the head of all armed organizations in the State. Mro or Khami National Solidarity Organization and Union Pa-O National Organization from the political party delegates group, representative-elect of Mro or Khami National Solidarity Organization from the representatives-elect delegates group and six delegates groups made it clear that all armed organizations in the State should be responsible to the Defence Services Commander-in-Chief; otherwise, if they are separate, there could be danger for the country; so the Defence Services Commander-in-Chief should be assigned as the head of all armed organizations in the State. So, it is appraised that the following should be laid down as a principle to form basis in formulating State fundamental principle for assigning the Defence Services Commander-in-Chief as head of all armed forces: -- The Defence Services Commander-in-Chief is the head of all armed forces. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx [Justice, Liberty and Equality] by U Tin Oo Esteemed delegates, In an overall appraisal of discussions and proposals of the delegates groups, it is found they made it clear that further flourishing of the worthiest of worldly values such as justice, liberty and equality in the State should be laid down as a fundamental principle. So it is appraised that the following should be laid down as a principle to form basis in formulating State fundamental principle in connection with further flourishing of the worthiest of worldly values such as justice, liberty and equality in the State: -- For every citizen to have the right to enjoy equality, liberty and justice etc prescribed in this State Constitution. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx [Citizenship] by U Myo Thant Esteemed delegates, In an overall review of the discussions by delegates groups on citizenship, naturalization and revocation of citizenship, it is found that they made it clear that all born of parents both of whom are nationals should be citizens and that citizenship, naturalization and revocation of citizenship etc. shall be as prescribed by law. The main points from the proposals above which are to be included in the fundamental principles and the details are to be discussed when we get to respective chapters. So it is appraised that the following should be laid down as a principle to form basis in formulating State fundamental principle on citizenship, naturalization and revocation of citizenship: -- All persons born of parents both of whom are nationals are citizens. All persons who have become citizens on the date this State Constitution comes into force are citizens. Citizenship, naturalization and revocation of citizenship shall be as prescribed by law. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Esteemed delegates, In an overall review of the discussions of the delegate groups on the rights of citizens, it is found they have covered every citizen's right to equality in status, equality in opportunity, equality before law, and social justice, economic justice and political justice on the basis on [sic] eternal principles of justice, liberty and equality; in doing so, they included matters to be guaranteed by law in accord with the nature of democracy, such as rights of expression, publication, assembly, worship, ownership and livelihood and they also included proposals to avoid excessive and indisciplined exercise of these rights and live up to integrity that should be upheld the people in accord with law [sic]. They also made it clear that there should be the right for all the people, with no-one high or low, to enjoy them equally. So it is appraised that the following should be laid down as a principle to form basis in formulating State fundamental principle on rights of citizens: -- To prescribe that necessary law will be enacted for effectiveness, firmness and completeness of freedoms, right, privileges, responsibilities and restrictions of citizens. (NLM 9/8) Sept. 8: The plenary session continued, with 645 of 698 delegates present. The Panel of Alternate Chairmen continued appraisals and clarifications of proposal papers [text as published in NLM]: [Equality Before the Law] by U Wan Tin Esteemed delegates, In an overall review of the discussions by delegate groups on laying down a fundamental principle that every citizen is equal before the law, it is found that they have expressed sentiments that every citizen should be equal before the law, and that only when there is equality before law irrespective of race, religion, sex, social or economic status will it be a country where law prevails. That is included in the principle for every citizen to have the right to enjoy equality, liberty and justice etc, prescribed in this State Constitution and so it is appraised it need not be laid down as a separate principle. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx [Duty of Citizens] by U Wan Tin Esteemed delegates, In an overall review of the discussions and proposals of delegate groups for laying down fundamental principles for not just the Tatmadaw but all the people of the Union to safeguard the Three Main National Causes, it is found that they have made it clear it is necessary to lay down a principle that it is the duty of every citizen to safeguard non-disintegration of the Union, non-disintegration of national solidarity and perpetuity of sovereignty. So it is appraised that it should be laid down as follows as a principle to form basis in formulating State fundamental principles for every citizen to have the duty to maintain the Three Main National Causes: -- Every citizen has the duty to safeguard non-disintegration of the Union, non-disintegration of national solidarity and perpetuation of sovereignty. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx [Citizens' Rights and Responsibilities] by U Mya Sein Esteemed delegates, What I have just read out are associated proposals in connection with citizens, citizens' fundamental rights and responsibilities. It is found that these proposals should be laid down as principles to form basis in formulating State fundamental principles concerning citizens. So, it should be laid down as principles that: -- Every citizen shall be responsible to abide by the State Constitution, -- Every citizen shall be responsible to learn military science in accord with law, -- Every citizen shall be responsible to undergo military service in accord with law, -- To prescribe that public peace and tranquillity and prevalence of law and order is the responsibility of every citizen, -- there shall be no right to hold a citizen in detention for more than 24 hours without the permission of a law court, -- The State is to help promote the interests of intellectuals and intelligentsia, -- The State is to care for mothers and children, orphans, fallen Tatmadaw members' children, the old and the infirm, and the disabled, -- The State is to arrange to permit citizens the right of ownership, right of inheritance, right of private enterprise, right of invention and right of patent in accord with law. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx [Culture] by U Thein Lwin Esteemed delegates, In an overall review of discussions by delegate groups on fundamental principles concerning cultural matters, it is found they made it clear that principles should be laid down for the rights of every national to freely cultivate, preserve, speak and write one's own language, literature, culture and customs, that there should be arrangements to safeguard them, that it is necessary to preserve national culture so as to ward off cultural colonization, nationalities language and literature should be prescribed and taught as subjects at the University of Culture; only then would it be possible to preserve national pride and national characteristics along with development of the country and that it is appropriate to undertake the work concerning literature, culture, fine arts that are cultural heritages within the framework of national culture. So it should be laid down as follows as a principle to form basis in formulating State fundamental principles concerning culture: -- The State shall assist in development of nationalities language, literature, fine arts and culture, -- The State shall assist in development, consolidation and preservation of national culture. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx [Nationalities Development] by Col. Thaik Tun Esteemed delegates, Delegate groups have discussed and proposed fundamental principles that should be laid down for development of our national brethren of less developed areas. Moreover, they have proposed that the State help promote mutual friendship and respect, mutual cooperation and solidarity among the nationalities. In an overall review of the delegate groups' discussions, it is found they have clearly spoken for the State to help develop education, health, economy, transport and communications of the nationalities in the less developed areas and promote mutual friendship and respect, mutual cooperation and solidarity among the nationalities. So, it is appraised that it should be laid down as follows, as principles to form basis in formulating State fundamental principles on nationalities in the less developed areas: -- The State is to help promote social and economic development including education, health, economy, transport and communications of less-developed nationalities, -- The State is to help promote solidarity, mutual friendship and respect and mutual cooperation among the nationalities. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx [Peasants and Workers] by Col. Thaik Tun Esteemed delegates, In an overall review of discussions by delegate groups on fundamental principles concerning peasants and workers, it is found they have spoken for the peasantry to have guarantees for equitable value of their agricultural produce and for workers to have equitable wages, safe and pleasant working conditions and social security benefits. It is found that, just as they have submitted points concerning uplift of the life of the peasantry such as the right to freely sell agricultural produce and form associations, they have clearly discussed fundamental principles that should be laid down to make laws and rules on work-site conditions, wages, right to form associations, reduction of unemployment, and opportunity to get gender-compatible employment, for betterment of the life of workers. So, it is appraised that it should be laid down as follows, as principles to form basis in formulating State fundamental principles: In connection with the peasantry: -- The State is to enact necessary laws to protect the rights of the peasantry, -- To help the peasantry get equitable value for their agricultural produce. In connection with workers, -- The State is to enact necessary laws to protect the rights of workers, -- The State is to help as much as it can to reduce unemployment. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx [State Service Personnel] by U Tun Yin Law Esteemed delegates, In an overall review of discussions by the delegate groups to get fundamental principles concerning the State service personnel, it is found they want personnel in the service of the State to have security in life, develop their physical and intellectual abilities and enjoy rights in full and they also want them to serve the State and the people, to be free from party politics, to be good service personnel and to conduct themselves with integrity. They have clearly discussed fundamental principles on the need to ensure fair sufficiency while in service as well as after retirement from service of the State and to lay down suitable codes of conduct for them. So, it is appraised that it should be laid down as follows as principles to form basis in formulating State fundamental principles concerning personnel in the service of the State: -- State service personnel are to be free from party politics, -- The State is to enact necessary laws for State service personnel to have due guarantee in service and sufficiency of food, clothing and shelter, for married women in service to get maternity benefits, and for welfare to ease living conditions of persons who have retired from service. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx [Education and Health] by U Ba Han Esteemed delegates, In an overall review of discussions by various delegate groups concerning fundamental principles on education and health, it is found the delegate groups spoke mainly for having education and health policies that will contribute towards building of the State and raising of the living standards of the people. In connection with the fundamental principle on education, delegates spoke for giving free compulsory primary education to all children of school-going age to give them all-round physical, intellectual and moral education; providing education contributory to livelihood; providing monastic school education; establishing a system of education that is firm and up to international standards; and upgrading the teaching of arts, sciences, technology and medicine up to international standards; and stressed that, in so doing, there should be no lack of teachers in remote, hardly accessible areas and there should be opportunities to get vocational education and learn nationalities languages as optional subjects, and it is necessary to concentrate on school education and contribute to growth of good citizenry with grounding of civics. As regards fundamental principles on health, discussions highlighted the fact that it is necessary to lay down policies for free medical service for the people, primary health care and prevention of diseases and for sports and physical education to bring out national characteristics, and it should also be included as fundamental principles to have no lack of doctors in states; to permit private sector to undertake medical services in addition to the services provided by the Government and to produce more doctors and engineers from among the national races. So, it is appraised that it should be laid down as follows as principles to form basis in formulating State fundamental principles on education and health: -- The State is to earnestly strive to improve education and health of the people, -- The State is to enact necessary law to enable the national people to participate in matters of education and health of the people, -- The State is to implement free compulsory primary education system, -- The State is to implement a modern education system that will promote all-round correct thoughts and good morals and contribute to building the nation. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx [Agriculture and Industry] by U James Bond Esteemed delegates, In an overall review of discussions and proposals of delegate groups on agriculture and industry, it is found the delegate groups have stressed that it is advisable to change over to mechanised agriculture as much as permitted by conditions, that only when there is development of agriculture will there be development of the economy of the State and that only when there is development of agriculture and industries will there be development of the national economy. Moreover, they made it clear it is necessary to aim at modern development of agriculture, fish and meat and forest production and development of domestic industries and to encourage innovations and research in industry and strive for progress in keeping with the times. So it is appraised that the following should be laid down as a principle to form basis in formulating State fundamental principles regarding agriculture: In connection with agriculture, -- The State is to provide inputs such as technology, investment, machinery, raw materials etc as much as it can for changeover from manual to mechanised agriculture. In connection with industries, -- The State is to provide inputs such as technology, investment, machinery, raw materials etc as much as it can for development of industry. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx [Youth and Religion] by U Tin Oo Esteemed delegates, In an overall review of discussions and proposals of the delegate groups on fundamental principles concerning youths, it is found they have stressed that youths should be trained and cultivated to have strong and patriotic spirit, correct thoughts and Five Strengths and opportunities should be created to enable them to participate in an appropriate role in activities of benefit to the country for the future State. So it is appraised that the following should be laid down as a principle to form basis in formulating State fundamental principles regarding youth: -- The State is to strive to imbue youths with strong and dynamic patriotic spirit, correct thoughts and the Five Strengths. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Esteemed delegates, On laying down a fundamental principle for avoiding misuse of religion in political matters, delegate groups clearly proposed that there should be freedom of worship and that it is necessary to avoid misuse of religion for political purposes and draw a line to keep politics and religion separate. It is held that in freedom of religion it should not be freedom without control; moreover, the State should as much as it could help and look after religions it has recognized. So it is appraised that the following should be laid down as principles to form basis in formulating State fundamental principles concerning religion: -- In religious affairs, every citizen shall have equal right to freedom of thought and freedom of worship and composition, provided it is not contrary to the rule of law and order, public morals or public health or other provisions of the State Constitution. -- The above right shall not cover allied economic, financial, political and other secular undertakings, though they may be associated with religious worship and composition, -- Although such freedom and rights have been given, it should in no way hinder enactment of law by the State in public interest and reformation matters, -- The State shall recognize that Buddhist sasana is the religious sasana replete with its specific glory worshipped by most citizens of the State, -- The State shall recognize Islam, Christianity, Hinduism and nat worship as religions existing in the country on the day this Constitution comes into force, -- The State shall help and protect as much as it can the religions it recognizes, -- Religion shall not be misused for political purposes. Moreover, any act that is meant to or is likely to cause enmity, hostility or discord between one side and another or between one order and another is contrary to the State Constitution. Law may be enacted to punish such acts. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx [Economy] by U Myo Thant Esteemed delegates, In an overall review of discussions and proposals by delegate groups regarding fundamental principles on economy, it is found they have stressed it should be arranged to enable various forces namely the State sector, regional organizations sector, cooperative organizations sector, joint ventures sector and private enterprises sector to participate actively to practise and economic system compatible with national objectives can be practised [sic]; in laying down economic policies, the State should help and coordinate for development of internal general resources, and enable all national economic forces to participate in boosting commodity production and finished products exports in commercial activities. They have proposed that in the process there should be plans for the State to assist the private sector, to ease material living conditions of the people, to promote cooperative sector, to stabilize commodity prices and to narrow the standard of living gap between various regions and also that the State should be able to implement the economic system in such way that it does not become a burden for the people. The delegates spoke for the State to have an independent economic policy, to have a market-based independent economic system and to be able to change economic strategy as necessary according to situation and in conjunction they also discussed matters of building the economic base for national economic development and having guarantees so as to be able to make full use of investments, expertise and innovations. In addition, they clearly made the points that financial policies and economic plans should suit the market-based economic system and that economic enterprises should not be nationalised and there should be given guarantees in monetary matters. So, it is appraised that it should be laid down as follows as principles to form basis in formulating State fundamental principles concerning economy: -- The State economic system shall be market-based economic system, -- The State shall permit all economic forces such as the State itself, regional organizations, cooperative organizations, joint venture organizations and private concerns etc to take part in economic activities for the development of national economy, -- The State shall prevent acts that harm public interests through monopolisations of markets or manipulation of prices by an individual or group with intent to jeopardize fair competition in economic activities, -- The State shall strive towards uplift of living standards of the people and development of general investments, -- The State shall assist to acquire technology, investments, machinery and raw materials for development of national economy, -- The State shall not nationalise economic enterprises, -- The State shall not demonetize currency that is legal tender. (NLM 9/9) Sept. 9: The plenary session resumed with 643 of 698 delegates present, and appraisals and clarifications by the Panel of Alternate Chairmen continued for a final day, following which the plenary session adjourned to Sept. 16 [texts as published in NLM]: [Natural Resources] by U Myo Thant Esteemed delegates, In an overall review of discussions by delegate groups on fundamental principles on State's natural resources, it is found the delegates spoke for laying down a fundamental principle that the State is the ultimate owner of all the land, resources above and below the ground, above and beneath the waters and in the atmosphere; they made proposals to have necessary laws, plans, policies and supervision in order to extract and utilize them beneficially; they said it should be arranged to have scientific protection of natural environment and to make it possible to use natural resources most beneficially for generations. It is therefore appraised that the following should be laid down as a principle to form basis in formulating State fundamental principles on natural resources: -- The State is the ultimate owner of all the land, natural resources above and below the ground, above and below the waters and in the atmosphere, -- The State shall enact necessary laws to supervise economic forces' extraction and utilization of State-owned natural resources. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx [Elections] by U Wan Tin Esteemed delegates, In an overall review of the delegate groups' proposals it is found they have made it clear every citizen should have democratic rights such as the right to stand for election, the right to freely vote and the right to recall representatives according to law, and the secret ballot system should be practised in voting and necessary principles therefore laid down. So it is appraised that the following should be laid down as principles to form basis in formulating State fundamental principles in connection with elections: -- Every citizen shall have the right to vote and to stand for election according to law, -- Voters concerned shall have the right, in accord with provisions of the State Constitution, to recall elected peoples' representatives. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx [Political Parties] by U Tun Yin Law Esteemed delegates, In connection with principles concerning political parties, the delegate groups made it clear that necessary laws must be made for disciplined and systematic formation of political parties under genuine multiparty democracy in the State; that, just as there will be political parties covering the whole country, there can also be parties formed locally; that political parties should have appropriate guiding philosophy, basic political programme and practices; and that only if political parties are systematically formed in accord with laws, rules and discipline will democracy flourish and sere the interests of the State and the people. So it is appraised that it should be laid down as a principle to form basis in formulating State fundamental principles in connection with political parties: -- The State shall enact necessary law for systematic formation of political parties concerning flourishing of genuine multiparty democracy system. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx [State of Emergency] by U Mya Sein Esteemed delegates, An overall review of discussions and proposals of delegate groups on the fundamental principle concerning state of emergency provisions--a fundamental principle that should be involved in writing of the Constitution--will now be given. In a study of discussions concerning state of emergency, it is found they have made it clear that there have been instances when the Tatmadaw, capable of standing unitedly as a national force, unavoidably had to take over State power and restore stability in the State when political means became incapable of solving political problems that arose due to political instability in the country or when there were splits of political parties and the rule of law and order, public peace and tranquillity broke down in the country; and that when it becomes necessary to unavoidably take over State power due to general situation that really comes about in the country, the Tatmadaw will be free of criticism from both within and without by proceeding in accord with provisions of the Constitution. Moreover, in a study of discussions and proposals put forward by delegate groups, it is found, they proposed that, in case a state of emergency comes about endangering security, life and property of the people, the Tatmadaw should be given rights to deal with the situation and provide protection. They have discussed and proposed with clarity for laying down fundamental principles empowering the Defence Services Commander-in-Chief to take over and exercise State power in accord with the provisions of the Constitution if there arises a state of emergency harmful to the Three Main National Causes due to takeover of State power or attempt therefor by wrongful and forcible means such as insurgency. In addition to states of emergency discussed by other delegate groups, it is found the worker delegates group pointed out that, just as there had been states of emergency arising form political instability in the State, there had also been states of emergency arising from mixing of politics, religion and business interests; and that the government of the State should issue necessary orders, rights [sic] and laws and take necessary steps, in the interests of the people, for the rule of law and order, for security and defence of people's life and for stability and peace if such situations arise in future. In a study and appraisal of the discussions, it is found that there can also arise states of emergency characterised by inability to carry out administrative functions in accord with provisions of the Constitution in a region, a state or a self-administered area. It is appraised that a fundamental principle should be laid down to empower the President of the State to exercise executive power in the area of such a state of emergency and if necessary also to exercise legislative power concerning that area, in accord with provisions of the Constitution. So, the following should be laid down as principles to form basis in formulating State fundamental principles concerning state of emergency: -- When there arises a state of emergency characterised by inability to carry out administrative functions in a region or a state or a self-administered area in accord with provisions of the Constitution, the President of the State is empowered to exercise executive powers in that region, state or self-administered area and if necessary in doing so, the President of the State is empowered to exercise legislative powers concerning that region, state or self-administered area in accord with provisions of the Constitution, -- When there arises or there is sufficient reason to arise a state of emergency endangering life and property of the people in a region, a state or a self-administered area, the Tatmadaw shall have the right, in accord with provisions of the Constitution, to pre-empt that danger and provide protection, -- When there arises a state of emergency that could cause disintegration of the Union, disintegration of national solidarity and loss of national sovereignty, due to takeover of sovereign State powers or attempts therefore by wrongful forcible means such as insurgency or violence the Defence Services Commander-in-Chief shall be empowered to take over and exercise State power in accord with provisions of this State Constitution. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx [Amendment; National Symbols] by U Ba Han Esteemed delegates, We find that some delegate groups have discussed matters in connection with fundamental principle on amendment of the Constitution. It is noted that some delegate groups, though, have deferred discussions thereon as it will come up for detailed discussions later when we get to relevant chapter heading. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Esteemed delegates, We find some delegate groups have discussed matters in connection with the fundamental principle on the State Flag, Emblem, National Anthem and Capital but it is noted that most of the delegates, though, have deferred discussion thereon as it will come up for detailed discussions later when we get to relevant chapter heading. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx [Foreign Affairs] by U Thein Lwin Esteemed delegates, You have already heard the delegate groups' discussions on foreign affairs. In an overall review of the discussions, it is found they clearly expressed sentiments for practising the following fundamental principles: -- Myanmar Naing-Ngan is to practise independent, active and non-aligned foreign policy, -- To maintain friendly relations with nations, with aims at world peace, -- To uphold the principle of peaceful co-existence of nations. Moreover, some delegate groups spoke for upholding the five principles of peaceful co-existence. There also emerged in association proposals to lay down fundamental principles that the State shall never start aggression against any nation and that the State shall not allow deployment of any foreign troops in the country, in accord with the essence of the principles of "non-aggression by one nation against another" and "non-interference in one another's internal affairs" as contained in the five principles. So, it is appraised that the following should be laid down as principles to form basis in formulating State fundamental principles on foreign affairs: -- The State shall practise independent, active and non-aligned foreign policy, -- To aim at world peace and friendly relations with nations, -- To uphold the principles of peaceful co-existence among nations, -- The State shall never start aggression against any nation, -- Not to allow deployment of any foreign troops in the country. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx [Environment; National Language] by U James Bond Esteemed delegates, It is found that delegates' discussions on protection of the natural environment are points to be earnestly considered for the future of the nation. So, it is appraised that the following should be laid down as a principle to form basis in formulating State fundamental principles on protection of the natural environment: -- The State shall protect the natural environment. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Esteemed delegates, It is found that presentations on prescribing Myanmar language as the official language of the State should be included as a fundamental principle. So, the following should be laid down as a principle to form basis in formulating State fundamental principle on connection with Myanmar language: -- Myanmar language is the official language. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx [Interpretation; Transition Period] by U Tin Oo Esteemed delegates, In an overall review of the delegate groups' proposals on the matter of laying down that the fundamental principles are guidelines for interpreting the Constitution and other laws, it is found that they have clearly spoken for prescribing the State fundamental principles as guidelines in making laws or interpreting provisions of the Constitution and other laws. In a study of the constitutions of other nations, too, it is found that the State fundamental principles contained in them are prescribed as guidelines to be followed in making laws or interpreting provisions of the constitutions and other laws. So, it is appraised that the following should be laid down as a principle to form basis in formulating State fundamental principles in connection with interpretation of the Constitution and other laws: -- The State fundamental principles are to be guidelines to be followed by the legislative hluttaws in enacting laws and in interpreting provisions of the Constitution and other laws. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Esteemed delegates, Some delegate groups have discussed principles concerning provisions in the period of transition. It is taken that most of the delegate groups, though, have deferred discussions thereon as they will come up for detailed discussions later when we get to relevant chapter heading. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx [The Six Objectives] by Col. Thaik Tun Esteemed delegates, In an overall review of the delegate groups' discussions on the six objectives of the National Convention, it is found that they have proceeded on the basis of the six objectives in discussing and proposing principles to form basis in formulating the State fundamental principles for inclusion in writing the Constitution. So, it is appraised, in conclusion, that these six objectives, stated below, should be laid down as objectives in the State fundamental principles: -- 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 of worldly values such as justice, liberty and equality, -- For the Tatmadaw to be able to participate in the national political leadership role of the future State. (NLM 9/10) :Clarifications by U Aung Toe Sept. 16: The plenary session of the National Convention resumed, with 649 of 698 delegates present, and heard clarifications by Convening Work Committee Chairman U Aung Toe and a speech by Convening Commission Chairman Lt-Gen. Myo Nyunt. U Aung Toe said [full text]: Esteemed Chairman and National Convention delegates, In connection with the matter of laying down the principles to form basis in formulating State fundamental principles for the drafting of the State Constitution, proposals contained in 22 papers presented by eight Convention delegate groups have been analysed thoroughly by the Panel of Alternate Chairmen at the National Convention Plenary Session held from 6 to 9 September 1993 and principles that should be laid down as basic principles have been presented in an overall appraisal covering each of the subject matters. The National Convention Convening Work Committee met and coordinated with the Panel of Alternate Chairmen and it is found that appraisals of the Panel of Alternate Chairmen are ones that should be taken seriously. It is also found that virtually all these appraisals are congruent with discussions and proposals of delegate groups on fundamental principles concerning chapter headings as expounded in the National Convention Convening Commission Chairman's address and my clarification in the matter of laying down basic principles for formulating State fundamental principles at the National Convention Plenary Session on 7 June. So, taking the appraisals of the Panel of Alternate Chairmen as a basis, the National Convention Convening Work Committee hereby submits that basic principles for formulating State fundamental principles are laid down as follows: (1) In connection with the State, it is laid down that-- (a) Myanmar Naing-Ngan is a sovereign, independent nation; (b) the State shall be known as Pyidaungsu Thamada Myanmar Naing-Ngan-Daw; (c) sovereign power of the State is derived from the citizens and is in force in the whole country; (d) the territorial boundary of the State is as it is on the day this State Constitution comes into force. (2) In connection with the aims and objectives of the State, it is laid down that: the State is consistently aimed at-- (a) non-disintegration of the Union; (b) non-disintegration of national solidarity; (c) perpetuation of sovereignty; (d) flourishing of a genuine multiparty democracy system; (e) further burgeoning of the noblest and worthiest of worldly values namely justice, liberty and equality in the State; (f) for the Tatmadaw to be able to participate in the national political leadership role in the State. (3) In connection with multiparty democracy, it is stipulated that-- -- the State practises genuine multiparty democracy system. (4) In connection with State structure, it is laid down that-- (a) the State is constituted by Pyidaungsu (Union) system; (b) the existing seven divisions are designated seven regions and the existing seven states are designated seven states. Those seven regions and seven states are of equal status and authority; (c) the names of those seven regions and seven states are retained as they are at present; (d) if it is desired to change the name of a region or a state, it shall be done so with enactment of law after ascertaining the wishes of citizens residing in the region or state concerned; (e) in regions or states, self-administered areas are to be prescribed for national races who reside together in communities on the same common stretches of land in appropriate sizes of population, other than national races who have already got regions or states; (f) depending on size of population and inhabited area, they are to be prescribed as self-administered divisions or self-administered zones as suitable; (g) no part of the territory of the State, namely regions, states and self-administered areas etc. shall ever secede from the State. (5) In connection with the Head of State, it is laid down that-- (a) the Head of State is the President of the State; (b) the President of the State is elected by presidential electoral college. (6) In connection with separation and distribution of sovereign State power, it is laid down that-- (a) the three branches of State power, namely, legislative power, executive power and judicial power are separated as much as possible and exert reciprocal control, check and balance among themselves; (b) the three branches of State power so separated are distributed among Pyidaungsu (Union), regions, states and self-administered areas. (7) In connection with legislature, it is laid down that-- (a) the legislative power of the State is distributed among Pyidaungsu Hluttaw, Region Hluttaws and State Hluttaws; legislative power stipulated by the State Constitution shall be distributed to self-administered areas; (b) Pyidaungsu Hluttaw consists of two Hluttaws--one Hluttaw elected on the basis of population and the other one with equal number of representatives elected from regions and states; (c) there will be a Region Hluttaw in each of the seven regions and a State Hluttaw in each of the seven states; (d) Pyidaungsu Hluttaw, Region Hluttaws and State Hluttaws include Tatmadaw servicemen Hluttaw representatives nominated as such by Defence Services Commander-in-Chief in numbers stipulated by the State Constitution; (e) for national races with appropriate sizes of population, national race representatives are to be permitted to participate in legislatures of regions, states or self-administered areas concerned. (8) In connection with executive branch, it is laid down that-- (a) the head of executive of the State is the President of the State; (b) the executive power of the State is distributed among the administrative organs of the Pyidaungsu, regions and states; self-administrative power shall be distributed to self-administered areas as stipulated by the State Constitution; (c) Pyidaungsu, regions, states, self-administered areas and districts' executive organs include Tatmadaw servicemen nominated by Defence Services Commander-in-Chief to undertake responsibilities of defence, security, border administration etc. (d) for national races of which representatives are so permitted to participate in legislatures of regions, states or self-administered areas in accord with above paragraph (7) sub-paragraph (e), representatives are to be permitted to participate, mainly to undertake their national race affairs, in administration of respective region, state or self-administered area; (e) the State is to set up commission and undertake matters stated in above paragraph (4) sub-paragraphs (e) and (f) and paragraph (7) sub-paragraph (e) and this paragraph sub-paragraph (d). (9) In connection with the judiciary, it is laid down that-- (a) the judicial power of the State is distributed among Pyidaungsu Taya Hluttaw (Supreme Court), Region Taya Hluttaw (Region High Court), State Taya Hluttaw (State High Court) and law courts of different levels including law courts of self-administered areas; (b) in the Pyidaungsu is constitute one Pyidaungsu Taya Hluttaw. Pyidaungsu Taya Hluttaw is the supreme law court of the State; (c) Pyidaungsu Taya Hluttaw has powers to issue writs; (d) a Region Taya Hluttaw is constituted in each of the regions and a State Taya Hluttaw is constituted in each of the states; (e) the following are stipulated as judicial principles: -- independent administration of justice in accord with law; -- administration of justice in public except where restricted by law; -- giving of right of defence and right of appeal by law in cases. (10) In connection with the Tatmadaw, it is laid down that-- (a) the Tatmadaw is strong, modern and must be the sole existing Tatmadaw; (b) the Tatmadaw has the right to independently administer all affairs concerning the forces; (c) the Defence Services Commander-in-Chief is the Supreme Commander of all armed forces; (d) the Tatmadaw has the right to administer for participation of the entire people in State security and defence; (e) the Tatmadaw is mainly responsible for safeguarding non-disintegration of the Union, non-disintegration of national solidarity and perpetuation of sovereignty; (f) the Tatmadaw is mainly responsible for safeguarding the State Constitution. (11) In connection with citizens and citizens' fundamental rights and responsibilities, it is laid down that-- (a) all persons born of parents both of whom are nationals are citizens; all persons who have become citizens in accord with law on the date the State Constitution comes into force are citizens; and citizenship, naturalization and revocation of citizenship shall be as prescribed by law; (b) every citizen shall enjoy rights of equality, rights of liberty and rights of justice etc. as prescribed in the State Constitution; (c) there shall be no right to hold a citizen in detention for more than 24 hours without the permission of a law court; (d) every citizen has the duty to safeguard non-disintegration of the Union, non-disintegration of national solidarity and perpetuation of sovereignty; (e) every citizen is responsible to abide by and uphold the State Constitution; (f) every citizen shall have the duty to learn military science as prescribed by law; (g) every citizen shall be responsible to undergo military service as prescribed by law; (h) public peace and tranquillity and prevalence of law and order is the responsibility of every citizen; (i) necessary law shall be enacted to make citizens' freedoms, rights, benefits, responsibilities and restrictions effective, firm and complete. (12) In connection with the national races, it is laid down that-- (a) the State shall help develop language, literature, fine arts and culture of the national races; (b) the State shall help promote solidarity, mutual amity, and respect and mutual help among the national races; (c) the State shall help promote socio-economic development including eduction, health, economy, transport and communications of less developed national races; (13) In connection with the peasantry, it is laid down that-- (a) the State shall enact necessary laws to protect the rights of the peasantry; (b) the State shall help the peasantry get equitable value for their agricultural produce. (14) In connection with workers, it is laid down that-- -- the State shall enact necessary laws to protect the rights of workers. (15) In connection with intellectuals and intelligentsia, it is laid down that-- -- the State shall help promote the interests of the intellectuals and intelligentsia. (16) In connection with the State service personnel, it is laid down that-- (a) State service personnel shall be free from party politics; (b) the State shall enact necessary laws for State service personnel to have due security in service and sufficiency of food, clothing and shelter, for married women in service to get material benefits, and for welfare to ease livelihood of persons who have retired from service. (17) In connection with national culture, it is laid down that-- -- the State shall help for development, consolidation and preservation of national culture. (18) In connection with education and health, it is laid down that-- (a) the State shall earnestly strive to improve education and health of the people; (b) the State shall enact necessary law to enable the national people to participate in matters of education and health of the people; (c) the State shall implement free compulsory primary education system; (d) the State shall implement a modern education system that will promote all-round correct thoughts and good morals and contribute towards building of the nation. (19) In connection with agriculture and industry, it is laid down that-- (a) the State shall provide inputs such as technology, investments, machinery, raw materials etc. as much as it can for changeover from manual to mechanized agriculture; (b) the State shall provide inputs such as technology, investments, machinery, raw materials etc. as much as it can for development of industries. (20) In connection with employment it is laid down that-- -- the State shall, as much as it can, help reduce unemployment among the people. (21) In connection with mothers, children, the old and the infirm, it is laid down that-- (a) the State shall care for mothers and children, orphans, fallen Tatmadaw servicemen's children, the old and the infirm, and the disabled; (b) the State shall arrange for disabled Tatmadaw servicemen to be able to make a respectable livelihood and get free vocational training. (22) In connection with the youths, it is laid down that-- -- the State shall strive to imbue youths with strong and dynamic patriotic spirit, correct way of thinking and the five noble strengths. (23) In connection with religion, it is laid down that-- (a) every citizen is equally entitled to freedom of conscience and the right freely to profess and practise religion, subject to public order, morality or health and to the other provisions of the State Constitution; (b) the above right shall not include any economic, financial, political or other secular activities that may be associated with religious practice; (c) the freedom so guaranteed shall not debar the State from enacting laws for the purpose of social welfare and reform; (d) the State recognizes the special position of Buddhism as the faith professed by the great majority of the citizens of the State; (e) the Sate also recognizes Islam, Christianity, Hinduism and Animism as some religions existing in the State at the date of the coming into force of the State Constitution; (f) the State shall help and protect as much as it can the religions it recognizes; (g) the abuse of religion for political purposes is forbidden; and any act which is intended or is likely to promote feelings of hatred, enmity or discord between racial or religious communities or sects is contrary to the State Constitution and may be made punishable by law. (24) In connection with the economy it is laid down that-- (a) the State economic system shall be market economic system; (b) the State permits all economic forces such as the State itself, regional organizations, cooperative organizations, joint venture organizations and private concerns etc. to take part in economic activities for the development of national economy; (c) the State shall prevent acts that harm public interests through monopolization or manipulation of prices by an individual or group with intent to jeopardize fair competition in economic activities; (d) the State shall strive towards uplift of living standards of the people and development of general investments; (e) the State shall assist to acquire technology, machinery and raw materials etc. for development of national economy; (f) the State will not nationalize economic enterprises; (g) the State will not demonetize currency that is legally put into circulation. (25) In connection with the land, the waters, the atmosphere and natural resources, it is laid down-- (a) the State is the ultimate owner of all the land, and natural resources above and below the ground, above and beneath the waters and in the atmosphere within its territorial boundary; (b) the State shall enact necessary law to supervise economic forces' extraction and utilization of State-owned natural resources; (c) the State shall permit citizens' right of private property, right of inheritance, right of private enterprise, right of initiative and right of patent in accord with law. (26) In connection with elections, it is laid down that-- (a) every citizen shall have the right to vote and to stand for election according to law; (b) voters concerned shall have the right, in accord with the provisions of the State Constitution, to recall elected people's representatives. (27) In connection with political parties, it is laid down that-- -- the State shall enact necessary law for systematic formation of political parties for flourishing of genuine multiparty democracy system. (28) In connection with state of emergency, it is laid down that-- (a) when there arises a state of emergency characterised by inability to perform executive functions in accord with provisions of the State Constitution in a region or a state or a self-administered area, the President of the State is empowered to exercise executive power in that region, state or self-administered area and if necessary in doing so, the President of the State is empowered to exercise legislative powers concerning that region, state or self-administered area in accord with provisions of the State Constitution; (b) when there arises or there is sufficient reason to arise a state of emergency endangering life and property of the people in a region, a state or a self-administered area, the Tatmadaw has the right, in accord with provisions of the State Constitution, to pre-empt that danger and provide protection; (c) when there arises a state of emergency that could cause disintegration of the Union, disintegration of national solidarity and loss of national sovereignty, due to takeover of sovereign State power or attempts therefor by wrongful forcible means such as insurgency or violence, the Defence Services Commander-in-Chief has the right to take over and exercise State power in accord with provisions of the State Constitution. (29) In connection with foreign affairs, it is laid down that-- (a) the State practises independent, active and non-aligned foreign policy, aims at world peace and friendly relations with nations, and upholds the principles of peaceful co-existence among nations; (b) the State never starts aggression against any nation; (c) no foreign troops are permitted to be deployed within the borders of the Union. (30) In connection with punishments, it is laid down that-- (a) there is no right for any penal law to provide for retrospective effect; (b) there is no right to prescribe punishments that violate human dignity. (31) In connection with the natural environment, it is laid down that-- -- the State shall protect the natural environment. (32) In connection with general provisions, it is laid down that-- (a) Myanmar language is the official language; (b) the State fundamental principles are guidelines to be followed by the legislative hluttaws in enacting laws and in interpreting provisions of the State Constitution and other laws; (c) a Constitutional Tribunal shall be set up to interpret provisions of the State Constitution, to scrutinize whether or not laws enacted by Pyidaungsu Hluttaw, Region Hluttaws and State Hluttaws and functions of executive authorities of Pyidaungsu, regions, states and self-administered areas are in conformity with the State Constitution, to decide on disputes in connection with the State Constitution between Pyidaungsu and regions, between Pyidaungsu and states, between regions and states, among regions, among states, and between regions or states and self-administered areas and among self-administered areas themselves [and?] to perform other duties prescribed in the State Constitution. Esteemed Chairman and National Convention delegates, After the basic principles have been so laid down for formulating State fundamental principles, it will be carried on as follows: -- of those basic principles are to be taken as basis in discussing basic principles in respective chapters; -- of those basis principles, those that should be mentioned in the preamble of the State Constitution should be mentioned also in that preamble; -- principles concerning the State are to be mentioned separately in the chapter heading "The State"; -- likewise, principles concerning respective chapters are to be transferred to respective chapters when discussions are held for those respective chapters; -- principles concerning the chapter "State fundamental principles" are to be retained in the chapter on State fundamental principles. The National Convention Convening Work Committee has reported to the National Convention Convening Commission that the work will be carried on as detailed above. The Commission accepted and confirmed it and directed that it be presented to the National Convention Plenary Session. Hence, this clarification. Esteemed Chairman and National Convention delegates, As it is known to all delegates, the basic principles for formulating State fundamental principles are the very life of the State Constitution, key points of the State Constitution, and the essence of the Constitution and the work for laying down those basic principles is extremely important and the most primary. For having worked heart and soul for successful completion of such an extremely important and vital task like this, special thanks to all National Convention delegates and all members of the Panel of Chairmen who have led and supervised the proceedings are expressed in conclusion on behalf of the National Convention Convening Work Committee. (NLM 9/17) :Speech by Lt-Gen. Myo Nyunt Concluding the plenary session, and adjourning the Convention to January 18, 1994, National Convention Convening Commission Chairman Lt-Gen. Myo Nyunt delivered the following address [full text]: Esteemed delegates of the National Convention, I extend my best wishes for auspiciousness and well-being in body and mind of the delegates to the National Convention. Now is the time of extremely good momentum in the convening of the National Convention. Such a success is due to the delegates and respective committees working systematically, stage by stage, in cooperation between one another. With goodwill, perseverance, tenacity, wisdom and foresight, the delegates have for three months held discussions in coordination to obtain basic principles to form basis in formulating State fundamental principles, compiled proposals and presented them at the plenary session. It is learnt that the Panel of Alternate Chairmen has thoroughly studied proposals for State fundamental principles in 900 pages of 22 discussion papers at the Convention plenary session. The essence of these proposals were analysed by the Panel of Alternate Chairmen and the National Convention Convening Work Committee Chairman and it was due to the fact that primarily the proposals of the delegates in themselves are complete and good in essence. Esteemed delegates, As is the law of nature, such values as sentiments and views are not wont to be of only one kind, only one form or concurrent. That being so is only natural. Moreover, it is not in the nature of thoughts and views of ordinary human beings with the usual failings and foibles to be perfect. Accordingly it is not surprising that different thoughts and views occurred among our delegates. As for us, we have to earnestly consider, along with the sentiments of delegates of political parties and sentiments of representatives elected in the election, sentiments of national race delegates, peasant delegates, worker delegates, intellectual and intelligentsia delegates, State service personnel delegates and other invited delegates as well. In this way we have been able to bring out what are prominent sentiments and associated proposals. As principles to form basis in formulating State fundamental principles have been presented only after repeated rounds of discussions and coordination group-wise by the eight delegate groups at this National Convention of ours, these presentations are not just quantitative but qualitative as well, as is inherent in themselves. Delegates to the National Convention have systematically presented their respective proposal papers on the State fundamental principles to the Plenary Session. Thereafter, the Panel of Alternate Chairmen took time to scrutinize them and made overall appraisal to get principles to form basis in formulating State fundamental principles, and has already submitted them to the Plenary Session most comprehensively. After that, the National Convention Convening Work Committee met for coordination with the Panel of Alternate Chairmen. Moreover, it made in-depth study and appraisal of points proposed by the delegate groups and fully reported to the National Convention Convening Commission on basic principles for the State fundamental principles and the programme of work to be carried on. Thereupon the National Convention Convening Commission made earnest studies and appraisals of presentations concerning the State fundamental principles. In so doing, it made serious scrutiny to see whether the principles proposed by the National Convention delegates to form basis in formulating the State fundamental principles can bring about realization of the following which are included in the six objectives of the National Convention: -- the objective of non-disintegration of the Union; -- the objective of non-disintegration of national solidarity; -- the objective of perpetuation of sovereignty; -- the objective for flourishing of a genuine multiparty democracy system; -- the objective for further burgeoning of the noblest and worthiest of worldly values such as justice, liberty and equality; -- the objective for the Tatmadaw to be able to participate in the national political leadership role of the future State. Esteemed delegates, The National Convention Convening Commission being an organ formed and assigned by the State Law and Order Restoration Council, it is responsible to the State Law and Order Restoration Council, which in fact, is the Tatmadaw that has great historic traditions. Thus, the Tatmadaw is the organization that saved the country from the danger of disintegration in the nick of time and has been safeguarding and building the nation, so much so as to have already brought about political, economic and social progress that all can see today. So, the State Law and Order Restoration Council being the most responsible and shouldering the greatest responsibility in the country, it is a great responsibility for the National Convention Convening Commission to take charge on its behalf and work for getting the fundamental principles for the State at the National Convention. Truly as being such a responsible organization, it has to responsibly make serious consideration and appraisals. Esteemed delegates, The National Convention Convening Commission, with a basic attitude of promoting the interests of the nation and the people that are all national races, accepted and approved the recommendations that have been presented by the National Convention Convening Work Committee. Just as these principles need to be not only noble and correct but also appropriate for the motherland and the life situation of the people, it is highly essential that they serve the interests of the State. There often are instances that some things in the world, good as they may be, are not compatible with one's objective conditions. Now a considerable way has been covered in coordination to get principles to form basis in writing the State Constitution as is the main task of the National Convention. As we move ahead, the principles that have been brought out are to serve as central pillars in coordination and discussions to get principles chapter-wise in detail. So, it is seen that bases have been obtained for the way forward of the National Convention. Esteemed delegates, As you have taken part in the National Convention with enthusiasm and vigour, with might and main, with strenuous efforts of the body and mind, you will more or less be feeling the strain. Moreover, you have had to stay here away from home for many days. So in order that you may go back home for some time to take rest and attend to family, business and social affairs and in order that you may have time to study more to get the best of ideas concerning matters in the chapters entitled 'The State', 'The State Structure', etc, which will be discussed when the National Convention is resumed soon, the Convention will go into recess beginning tomorrow up to 17 January 1994. I conclude expressing ardent wishes to see you all together again in the best of health and good cheer when the National Convention is resumed in coolness and purity of January. (NLM 9/17) Convention Adjourned to January Sept. 16: The National Convention was adjourned, to resume on January 18, 1994. (NLM 9/17) Sept. 20: The Invitations, Receptions and Accommodations Sub-Committee met and "said that the National Convention has been adjourned till 17 January 1994 and therefore, it was necessary to renovate the hostels, to check whether the electrification was good or not and to effect repairs, to store the furniture and to wash and systematically store bed clothes." (NLM 9/21) Sept. 21: Chairman U Aung Toe of the Work Committee "said that on resumption of the Plenary Session the remaining chapter headings on the fundamental principles for writing of the Constitution will be discussed in detail and in order and it is necessary for the Work Committee members to study them while the session remained adjourned." (NLM 9/22) DIPLOMATIC Diplomatic Calls The following calls were paid on Burmese officials by foreign Embassy or UN officials accredited to Burma. Sept. 1: Australian Ambassador Stuart Hamilton Rawdon Hume called on Deputy Prime Minister Lt-Gen. Tin Tun to discuss foreign investment, and on Minister for Industry 1 Lt-Gen. Sein Aung. Malaysian Ambassador John Tenewi Nuek called on Minister for Trade Maj-Gen. Tun Kyi. (NLM 9/2) Sept. 2: The Australian Ambassador called on Minister for Forestry Lt-Gen. Chit Swe, Minister for Trade Lt-Gen. Tun Kyi, and Minister for Livestock Breeding & Fisheries Brig-Gen. Maung Maung. (NLM 9/3) Sept. 3: The Australian Ambassador called on Deputy Prime Minister Vice-Adm. Maung Maung Khin, and on SLORC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt. Malaysian Ambassador John Tenewi Nuek called on Minister for Transport Lt-Gen. Thein Win. (NLM 9/4) Sept. 6: Australian Ambassador Stuart Hamilton Rawdon called on Minister for Industry-2 U Than Shwe. UNDP Resident Representative Jehan Raheen called on Minister for National Planning and Economic Development Brig-Gen. Abel, accompanied by Dr. Mano Perera, Team Leader of the UNDP Programme Framework Formulation Mission. (NLM 9/7) Sept. 7: Japanese Ambassador Takashi Tajima called on Minister for Finance and Revenue Brig-Gen. Win Tin. Indonesian Ambassador Mochamad Sanoesi called on Minister for Rail Transportation U Win Sein. UNDP Resident Representative Jehan Raheen called on Deputy Minister for Health Col. Than Zin, accompanied by Dr. Mano Perera and by UNDP Deputy Resident Representative Douglas Gardner, and on Minister for Education Col. Pe Thein. (NLM 9/8) Sept. 10: Singapore Charge d'Affaires Anthony Chng Chye Tong called on Minister for Trade Maj-Gen. Tun Kyi. (NLM 9/11) Sept. 13: FAO Resident Representative Oscar J. S. Lazo, "who has completed his tour of duty," called on SLORC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt and Minister for Foreign Affairs U Ohn Gyaw. [Since starting the Burma Press Summary in 1987, your compiler has noted and chronicled the gradual departure of the members of the diplomatic and international agency community who were his friends and colleagues in 1981-84. Oscar Lazo is the last of them. During his long tour of duty in Burma, he well served both the United Nations and the people of Burma, and was a credit to his native Philippines. We wish him and his family well.--HCMacD.] (NLM 9/14) Sept. 15: Japanese Ambassador Takashi Tajima called on Election Commission Chairman U Ba Htay. (NLM 9/16) Sept. 16: Chinese Ambassador Liang Feng called on Minister for Home Affairs Lt-Gen. Mya Thinn to discuss anti-narcotics cooperation. (NLM 9/17) Sept. 17: Yugoslav Ambassador Dr. Svetozar Jovicevic called on Minister for Transport Lt-Gen. Thein Win to discuss aviation cooperation. (NLM 9/18) Sept. 21: FAO Resident Representative Oscar J. Lazo called on Minister for Information Brig-Gen. Myo Thant. (NLM 9/21 photo caption) Sept. 21: The FAO Resident Representative called on Minister for Forestry Lt-Gen. Chit Swe, on Minister for National Planning and Economic Development Brig-Gen. Abel, and on Minister for Livestock Breeding & Fisheries Brig-Gen. Maung Maung. To the latter he "said he felt unhappy at the thought that he would be leaving the country before he could render assistance in the livestock breeding activities in Myanmar Naing-Ngan up to the point of satisfaction. He said Myanmar Naing-Ngan is free of water, land, air and other pollutions...." (NLM 9/22) Sept. 22: The FAO Resident Representative called on Minister for Agriculture Lt-Gen. Myint Aung. (NLM 9/23) Sept. 23: Australian Ambassador Stuart Hamilton Rawdon Hume called on Minister for Agriculture Lt-Gen. Myint Aung. (NLM 9/24) Sept. 29: Newly-appointed United States Naval Attache, Capt. Terris L. Hanson (USN), resident in Bangkok, called on Commander-in-Chief (Navy) Vice-Adm. Than Nyunt, accompanied by US Army Attache Col. Damwill A. Lee and US Air Attache Lt-Col. Michael F. McCarthy. Australian Ambassador Stuart Hamilton Rawdon Hume called on Minister for Communications, Posts & Telegraphs U Soe Tha. (NLM 9/30) New Myanmar Ambassadors Sept. 9: U Maung Maung Lay, Myanmar Ambassador to Nepal, left for Nepal. (NLM 9/10) Sept. 15: U Hla Myint Oo on Sept. 8 presented credentials in Dhaka to President Abdur Rahman Biswas as new Myanmar Ambassador to Bangladesh. (NLM 9/15) New Ambassadors to Myanmar Sept. 15: Mr. J. Gwyn Morgan presented credentials to SLORC Chairman Senior General Than Shwe as new Head of Delegation of the Commission for the European Communities to Myanmar. (NLM 9/16) Sept. 21: Myanmar has approved the appointment of Mr. Ioannis Fotoupoulos as new Greek Ambassador to Myanmar. He was born in 1936 and obtained Political Science degrees form Pantios University in Athens and Free University in Berlin. He joined the diplomatic service in 1971 and has served in Boston, Moscow, Berlin, and Nicosia. In 1993 he was appointed Greek Ambassador to Thailand. (NLM 9/21) Sept. 23: Mr. Rosario V. Carino presented credentials to SLORC Chairman Senior General Than Shwe as new Philippine Ambassador to Myanmar. (NLM 9/24) Sept. 30: The Myanmar government have agreed to the appointment of Brig. Chowdhury Khalequizzaman (Retd.) as new Bangladesh Ambassador to Myanmar. Brig. Khalequizzaman was born Feb. 6, 1946 and graduated from the University of Dhaka in 1964. He took courses abroad, including one at the University of Leeds in the UK in 1984. He served in the Bangladesh Army until 1981. He was then Chairman of the Bangladesh Road Transport Corporation from 1982-86, the Dhaka Water and Sewerage Authority from 1986-1990, and the Bangladesh Fisheries Development Corporation from 1990-1993. He is married, with a son. (NLM 9/30) Myanmar & Chinese Consulates-General Sept. 1: Myanmar and China have agreed, through the exchange of Notes in Beijing on Aug. 19, to re-establish their respective Consulates-General. The Myanmar Consulate-General will reopen Sept. 1 in Kunming, Yunnan Province, and the Chinese Consulate-General will reopen shortly in Mandalay. (NLM 9/1) Statement on Israeli-PLO Agreement Sept. 16: The Foreign Ministry issued the following Press Release [full text]: The Government of the Union of Myanmar has learnt with great interest and enthusiasm the news of the successful conclusion of an agreement between the Government of the State of Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization on 13 September 1993, for self-rule in the Gaza Strip and Jericho, culminating in the official ending of three decades of hostilities, through mutual recognition. It is evident that both State of Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization have displayed rare courage and mutual accommodation in reaching an accord which will facilitate the brighter chances of lasting peace in the Middle East. In welcoming the joint initiative and shared understanding established by both the parties, the Government of the Union of Myanmar reaffirms its support to the principle of inalienable rights of the Palestinian People and the right of Israel to exist as an independent state. (NLM 9/16) Diplomatic Relations with Brunei Sept. 22: The following Joint Statement was published [full text]: The Government of the Union of Myanmar and the Government of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, in conformity with the interest and desire of the two peoples, have decided to establish diplomatic relations between the two countries at the ambassadorial level as from 21 September 1993. The two countries have agreed to develop friendly relations and cooperation between the two countries on the basis of the Five Principles of Peaceful Co-existence and the Principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations. (NLM 9/22) INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION Workshops Sept. 2: The third 3-day course for Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative, cosponsored by the Health Department and UNICEF, opened, attended by Medical Superintendents, OG Specialists, Pediatricians, Matrons, Sisters, Trained Nurses and personnel from 11 Lower Myanmar hospitals. (NLM 9/3) // Sept. 7: A fourth Baby-Friendly course was held. (NLM 9/8) Sept. 7: An International Continuing Education Course in Ophthalmic Nursing, cosponsored by the Health Ministry and by Orbis International, opened. The course, the second in Asia, will be from Sept. 6-10. Speakers included Orbis International Coordinator Miss Bella Barbin; lecturers from abroad include nursing experts, consultants, and doctors. (NLM 9/8) Sept. 20: A Country Course on Statistics for Gender Responsive Planning opened, sponsored by the Statistical Institute for Asia and Pacific (SIAP) and the Central Statistics Organization of the Ministry of National Planning and Economic Development. Course director is Ms. Heidi R. Arboleda, giving her second course in Myanmar. 20 trainees from 9 Ministries are taking the course. (NLM 9/21) // Ms. Arboleda called on Minister for National Planning and Economic Development Brig-Gen. Abel. (NLM 9/26) Sept. 25: A Seminar on Modern Computer Technology sponsored by the A & T Computer Group was held at the Shwewunthmon Restaurant, to promote "publication systems, mass media, office automation and teaching methods by effective use of modern electronics, focused on desktop publishing graphics and animations, and multimedia creations." Speakers included Mr. Peter Lin of Xin Computer Co. Ltd. of Singapore. (NLM 9/26) Sept. 28: A Joint Red Cross Dissemination Course, jointly sponsored by the Myanmar Red Cross and the International Committee of Red Cross opened at the YMCA Building, with ICRC delegate Mrs. Friedrun Medert. (NLM 9/29) Foreign Donations Sept. 1: A fourth ceremony for receiving cash donations for the Sasanika Buildings in Lumbini Park, Nepal [birthplace of the Buddha--HCMacD.] was held. "122 American donors handed K1,892,671 and US$ 1,520 to officials who presented certificates of honour to them." (NLM 9/2) Sept. 2: Japanese Naval Veterans who served in Myanmar during World War II donated supplies worth 926,634 to Myanmar primary schools; the supplies will be distributed to schools "in Bago, Sittoung, Mawlamyine and Myaungmya regions where they had been during the WW II." (NLM 9/ 3) Sept. 3: The Republic of Korea donated "over 85 power tillers" to the Border Areas and National Races Development Ministry. Development of Border Areas and National Races Minister Lt-Gen. Maung Thint noted that Korea had also donated 365 water pumps. (NLM 9/4) Sept. 10: The Thai Government donated K400,000 for Myingyan fire relief. (NLM 9/ 11) Sept. 14: Medicine du Monde, represented by the French Cultural Attache M. Didier Maule, donated apparatus for cardiac and neuro surgery to the Health Department. The Cultural Attache then signed an agreement for orthopaedics cooperation between the Health Department and the Franco-Asiatic Cooperative Association. (NLM 9/15) Sept. 15: Ciba-Geigy SEA (Pte) Limited, represented by Manager Mr. Christopher Le Yoanc donated footballs worth US$1,225 to the Sports and Physical Education Department. (NLM 9/16) Sept. 18: Managing Director Cheng Tin Juam of Thong Trade (S) Pte Ltd. of Singapore donated K30,000 of medical equipment, and Mr. Lim Leng and Mr. Woung Chim Chih and associates US$2,400 of medicine and surgical apparatus, to Defences Services General Hospital, "as a tribute to the valiant and selfless Tatmadaw members." (NLM 9/19) Sept. 28: Great Britain donated 1,000 bottles of Ringer Lactate Drip for DHF patients at Children's Hospital. (NLM 9/29) Myanmar Donations Sept. 1: Myanmar donated 100 baskets of teak seeds to Laos to help in its reforestation project. The donation was made Aug. 27 at Wampong Village on the Myanmar-Laos border. (NLM 9/2) Myanmar Ad Agent for Singapore Aug. 31: The Mac Comm Marketing (Singapore) Pte. Ltd. has been named official advertising agent for the Myanmar daily newspapers, under an agreement signed between General Manager Mr. Wilson K.Y. How and Managing Director U Than Maung of the News and Periodicals Enterprise. "The agreement was signed to extend recognition to the firm as official agent of Singapore to take charge of advertisements dealing with foreign products. This is the first official advertising agent appointed for Myanmar Naing-Ngan. (NLM 9/1) FOREIGN VISITORS International Agency Visitors Sept. 3: UNICEF Regional Education Adviser Mr. Barry Harley called on Education Minister Col. Pe Thein to discuss the continuous assessment and progression system being practiced in the primary schools in Mon State. (NLM 9/4) Sept. 23: Asian Development Bank consultant Mr. Vinjar Asbjorn and party called on Minister for Construction U Khin Maung Yin. (NLM 9/24) // Sept. 24: He called on Minister for Energy U Khin Maung Thein. (NLM 9/25) Cultural and Medical Visitors Sept. 9: The Myanmar Health and Defence Ministries signed an agreement with the Myanmar Red Cross and the International Committee of the Red Cross for the production of artificial limbs. (NLM 9/10) Sept. 15: President Prof. Dr. Gestenbrand of the European Neurologist Society called on Health Minister Vice-Adm. Than Nyunt to discuss establishment of a neuro scientific centre in Myanmar. (NLM 9/16) Sept. 27: Prof. John G. Brockutne of Stanford University will lecture Sept. 29 at the Myanmar Medical Association on Endotoxemia. (NLM 9/28) Business Visitors Sept. 16: President Hisashi Kohno and General Manager Paul Mishuku of Nissan Denso Co. Ltd., and Mr. Hisashi Ishida of Service International and Yarthetpan Trading, called on National Planning and Economic Development Minister Brig-Gen. Abel to discuss telephone communication in Myanmar. They donated 3 million to the Ministry of Communications, Posts and Telegraphs. (NLM 9/17) Sept. 23: Mr. Peter C. Church of the Trade Policy Advisory Council and Australia Abroad Council, and Mr. John Fisher of Coopers Lybrand Pty. Ltd. called on Minister for Information Brig-Gen. Myo Thant to discuss "matters on mass media regarding promotion of television and radio systems in Myanmar Naing-Ngan and their cooperation in extension of newspaper work." (NLM 9/24) Sept. 29: Manager Bodo Koch of Siemens AG of Germany signed a contract with Managing Director U Htay Aung of the Myanma Posts and Telecommunications Department for auto exchange equipment to be installed at Mandalay and Amarapura. On Sept. 24, Ericsson Telecommunications Pte. Ltd. of Singapore signed a contract with MPT for cables and fibre optics transmissions system to be installed at Mandalay and Amarapura. (NLM 9/30) Sept. 29: A memorandum of understanding was signed by the Hotels and Tourism Department, represented by Director-General U Myo Min, and Atlantic Outline Myanmar Co. Ltd. of Malaysia, represented by Managing Director Mr. Hj Shamshudeen. It provides for a 250-room international standard hotel to be constructed on Salon Island, west of Kawthoung [Tanintharyi], which after a 30-year lease will revert to Myanmar ownership under the "Build and Operate and Transfer (BOT)" system. (NLM 9/30) Religious Visitors Sept. 21: Adviser Mr. Akiar Toyama of the Agon-Shu Buddhist Association of Japan, with his wife, accompanied by officers of Myanmar MCG Corporation, called on Minister for Religious Affairs Maj-Gen. Myo Nyunt. (NLM 9/22) Sept. 26: A Thai Buddhist delegation led by Director Mr. Presern Ratanarat of the Thai Religious Affairs Department, visiting Myanmar at the invitation of the Department for Promotion and Propagation of the Sasana, called on Minister for Religious Affairs Maj-Gen. Myo Nyunt. The delegation arrived Sept. 20, and discussed religious cooperation on Sept. 21. (NLM 9/27) // Sept. 27: The delegation returned to Thailand, after visiting pagodas in Yangon, Bago, Bagan-Nyaung-U, and Mandalay. (NLM 9/28) Foreign Journalists Sept. 24: Correspondents Mr. K.P. Chung and Mr. B.G. Lee of Munhwa TV Radio Broadcasting Corporation of the Republic of Korea called on Minister for National Planning and Economic Development Brig-Gen. Abel; also present was departing Korean Commercial Attache Mr. Oh Nam Kwon. (NLM 9/25) Malaysian Intelligence Chief Aug. 31: Chief of Defence Intelligence Staff Maj-Gen. Raja Dato Abdul Rashid Bin Raja Badiozaman and his delegation, guests of Chief of the Office of Strategic Studies of the Ministry of Defence Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt, called on Forestry Minister Lt-Gen. Chit Swe. (NLM 9/1) // Sept. 1: He called on Transport Minister Lt-Gen. Thein Win to discuss "upgrading Yangon airport... extending Thilawa jetty of Myanma Port Authority, upgrading wharves in Yangon and resuming flights between the two countries." He later departed. (NLM 9/2) Thai Public Health Minister Sept. 2: A five-member Thai delegation headed by Public Health Minister Mr. Boon Pun Kaevatana arrived, and visited the Shwedagon Pagoda. (NLM 9/3) // Sept. 3: He called on Health Minister Vice-Adm. Than Nyunt and visited medical institutions; in the evening, the Health Minister hosted a dinner for him. (NLM 9/4) // Sept. 4: He departed, after sightseeing in Bago. (NLM 9/5) Japanese Delegations Sept. 3: Director Mr. Kei Hara of the Japanese Overseas Economic Cooperation Fund called on Border Areas and National Races Minister Lt-Gen. Maung Thint and on National Planning and Economic Development Minister Brig-Gen. Abel, accompanied by Japanese Ambassador Takashi Tajima. (NLM 9/4) Sept. 7: A Japanese Tourism Mission led by Mr. Toshiyuki Kano called on Director-General U Myo Min of the Hotels and Tourism Department, to discuss promotion of hotels and tourism services, hotel projects, training, and domestic and external transport services. Other mission members include tourism air and communications personnel based in Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand. (NLM 9/8) Sept. 10: Japanese House of Representatives member Mr. Naoto Kan and party called on SLORC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt, on Minister for Foreign Affairs U Ohn Gyaw, and on National Planning and Economic Development Minister Brig-Gen. Abel. (NLM 9/11) Sept. 23: Mr. Koichi Kato and Mr. Shin Sakurai, members of the Lower House of the Japan Diet, called on SLORC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt, and on Minister for Health Vice-Adm. Than Nyunt. (NLM 9/24) Thai Naval Commander Sept. 11: Admiral and Mrs. Vichet Karunyavanij, Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Navy, arrived by special aircraft on a goodwill visit. He called on Commander-in-Chief (Navy) Vice-Admiral Than Nyunt and other naval officers, visited the Shwedagon Pagoda and Dagon Myothit, the Dagon University site, and the Yangon-Thanhlyin bridge. (NLM 9/12) // Sept. 13: He made a "pilgrimage-sightseeing tour by air to Mandalay and to Inlay Lake." (NLM 9/14) // Sept. 14: He was received by Defence Services Deputy Commander-in-Chief (Navy) Vice-Admiral Than Nyunt, accompanied by Chief of the Office of Strategic Studies Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt and Chief of Staff (Army) Lt-Gen. Tin Oo. Later he departed for Thailand. (NLM 9/15) Thai Foreign Minister Sept. 12: At the invitation of Minister for Foreign Affairs U Ohn Gyaw, Squadron Leader Prasong Soonsiri, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Thailand, will soon pay an official visit to Myanmar to attend the First Meeting of the Myanmar-Thai Joint Commission. (NLM 9/12) Sept. 13: An advance party arrived by special flight, led by Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Foreign Affairs Ministry Mr. Saroj Chavanaviraj. (NLM 9/14) Sept. 14: Official-level discussions preparing for the Joint Commission meeting began, and provisional draft agenda was adopted. Three groups were formed to simultaneously discuss different topics: Group A coordinated by Director-General U Tin Tun of the [Foreign Ministry] Political Department and Thai Deputy Permanent Secretary Mr. Saroj Chavanaviraj; Group B coordinated by Director-General U Ba Thwin of the International Organizations and Economic Department and Thai Director-General of the Department of East Asia Mr. Don Pramudwinai; and Group C coordinated by Director-General U Aye Lwin of the Consular, International Law and Treaties and Research Department and Thai Director-General Dr. Krit Garnjana-Goonchorn of the Department of Treaties and Legal Affairs. (NLM 9/14) Sept. 15: Preparatory talks continued, with detailed discussion of the "Agreed Minutes of the Meeting to be signed on the final day of the Joint Commission Meeting." (NLM 9/16) Sept. 16: The talks continued. Thai Foreign Minister Squadron Leader Prason Soonsiri arrived, accompanied by Permanent Secretary of Foreign Affairs Dr. Pracha Guna-Kasen and other officials. A dinner was hosted by Minister for Foreign Affairs U Ohn Gyaw, at which the two Foreign Ministers gave speeches. (NLM 9/17) Sept. 17: The Thai Foreign Minister called on SLORC Chairman Senior General Than Shwe. Meanwhile, the first plenary session of the Myanmar-Thai Joint Commission, under the agreement signed in January 1993, was held at the Inya Lake Hotel. Following the meeting, the Minister flew to Bagan for the afternoon. (NLM 9/18) Sept. 18: The meeting concluded with the signing of Agreed Minutes. "It is reported that the First Meeting of the Joint Commission discussed extensively bilateral and cooperation matters in a frank and open manner, including exchange of visits, tourism, technical and economic cooperation in health, agriculture and education, the construction of a Friendship Bridge, cultural exchanges, energy, trade, investments, forestry, fishery, narcotics suppression and air services." This the first Commission of its sort between Myanmar and any foreign country. Following the meeting, the Thai Foreign Minister returned to Bangkok by air. (NLM 9/19) Yunnan Cultural Delegation Sept. 21: An 8-member delegation led by Deputy Director-General Li Zhengrong of the Yunnan Culture Department arrived via Lashio on a two-week study tour. It will visit Yangon, Bago, Bagan-Nyaung-U, Mandalay, Sagaing, and Pyin Oo Lwin before returning to China by road. (NLM 9/22) // Sept. 22: The delegation called on Minister for Culture Lt-Gen. Aung Ye Kyaw. (NLM 9/ 23) // Sept. 23: The delegation visited the Thanlyin Bridge and the National Theatre. (NLM 9/24) // Sept. 24: The delegation visited the National Museum, and were given a dinner by Deputy Minister for Culture U Soe Nyunt. (NLM 9/25) // Sept. 25: The delegation visited Bago. (NLM 9/26) // Sept. 26: The delegation left for Bagan-Nyaung-U, Mandalay, Sagaing, and Pyin-Oo-Lwin; it will return home by land. (NLM 9/27) American Judge Sept. 23: Mr. A. Wallace Tashima, Central District Judge of California called on Myanmar anti-narcotics officials to discuss anti-drug laws and activities in Myanmar. (NLM 9/24) Bangladesh Border Delegation Sept. 24: A 7-member Bangladesh delegation led by Director-General of Bangladesh Rifles Maj-Gen. Mohammad Anwar Hossain arrived on Sept. 24. Another delegation member was Joint Secretary (Border) Mr. Sara Juha Qud of the Bangladesh Ministry of Home Affairs. On Sept. 24, talks focused on immigration and stepping up of immigration work on the border were held between the Bangladesh delegation and the Myanmar side headed by Director-General U Maung Aung of the Immigration and Manpower Department. Maj-Gen. Hossain called on SLORC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt, and on Minister for Home Affairs Lt-Gen. Mya Thinn. (NLM 9/25) Vatican Apostolic Delegate Sept. 25: Archbishop Luigi Bressan, Apostolic Delegate of Pope John Paul II, called on Minister for Religious Affairs Maj-Gen. Myo Nyunt. He said "he is Papal Nuncio in Thailand and assumes the responsibility for the Catholic Church in Myanmar Naing-Ngan. He thanked the [Minister] for granting free transport to Archbishops in Myanmar," and they discussed the inscriptions of the Emperor Asoka in India. (NLM 9/26) // Sept. 27: He departed. (NLM 9/28) Indian Surveyor-General Sept. 27: A delegation led by Surveyor-General of India Maj-Gen. D.P. Gupta arrived for discussions with the Director-General of the Survey Department, Ministry of Forestry, on "inspection, maintenance and repair of boundary pillars on the Myanmar-India border." (NLM 9/28) // Sept. 28: The delegation called on Minister for Forestry Lt-Gen. Chit Swe, and on Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs U Nyunt Swe. (NLM 9/ 29) MYANMAR DELEGATIONS Study Delegations Aug. 31: Lecturer Daw Thein Thein Yin of the Chemistry Department, Yangon University, left Aug. 30 for Thailand to attend a 3-month course on Analytical Chemistry under IAEA sponsorship. Lecturer U Aung Shwe and Assistant Lecturer U Tin Aye of Aye Thaya Technical Institute, Taunggyi, left Aug. 30 for Britain to attend a 3-month course in Mineral Dressing and Mineral Laboratory Techniques under the UNDP Strengthening Technical Agricultural and Vocational Educational Project. Assistant Supervisor Daw Aye Cho Yin of the Bran Oil Mill Division, Myanmar Agricultural Produce Trading, left for Japan under the 1993 Study Tour Awards for Outstanding Foreign Students of Japanese Language, sponsored by the Japan Foundation. Assistant Lecturer U Myint Swe of Monywa Technical Institute left for Korea to attend Vocational Training in Electricity. (NLM 9/1) Sept. 2: Staff Officer Daw Thein Thein Win of the Cultural Institute left for a 3-month study tour at the Museum of the Culture of the Major Human Races in Osaka, Japan. Staff Officers U Aye Kyu and U Win Myint of the Agriculture Ministry left for Washington to study basic methods on agricultural statistics for six weeks, sponsored by FAO and UNDP. (NLM 9/3) Sept. 4: A delegation led by Director U Aung Naing of the Printing and Publishing Enterprise (PPE) left for the Netherlands to study paper industries. Other members are Managing Director U Than Maung of the News and Periodicals Enterprise, Manager U San Maung of Kyemon, and PPE Manager (Accounts) U Mya Maung as secretary. (NLM 9/5) // Sept. 15: It returned. (NLM 9/16) Sept. 4: A delegation headed by Secretary U Pan Aung of the Yangon City Development Committee left for England to study water supply services, at the invitation of Bennie & Partner Co. of England. Other members are YCDC Water and Sanitation Department Head U San Tun, and Ngamoeyeik Water Supply Deputy Manager U Ba Kyaw. They are accompanied by Company representative U Kyaing. (NLM 9/5) // Sept. 27: The delegation returned. (NLM 9/ 28) Sept. 6: Managing Director U Pe Than of Myanma Port Authority left Sept. 4 for Kobe, Japan to attend a Sept. 5-14 seminar on Asia and Pacific Regional Ports sponsored by the Japan Overseas Ports Cooperation Association, and also to study freight handling and stevedoring in Japan. // Research Officer Dr. Khin Hla Han of the Universities Historical Research Department left Sept. 4 for England to carry out historical research, sponsored by the Charles Wallace Burma Trust, British Council, London. // Under the Colombo Plan, Assistant Tutor U Nwe Win of Meikhtila Technical Institute left for India for a Post-Diploma Course in Tool Design; Assistant Lecturer Daw Thein Thein Yi of Toungoo Technical Institute left for India for a Post-Graduate Course in Tool, Die and Mould Design; Tutor U Tin Myint of the same Institute left for India to attend a Training Course in Advance Machining Techniques of Tool Making. // Lecturer U Thein Win and Demonstrator U Ye Myint Swe, Assistant Lecturer U Hla Phone Aung, Assistant Lecturer U Kyaw Khine and Demonstrators U Saw Naing and U Saw Win of Geology, Chemistry, and Physics Departments of Yangon University, left for Australia for a three-month advanced research training, sponsored by the UNDP funded Upgrading of the Universities Research Centre. // Head of Section Daw Soe Soe Yi of the Universities Press left for Tokyo to attend the 28th Training Course on Book Production in Asia and the Pacific, arranged by the UNESCO Asian Cultural Centre. (NLM 9/7) Sept. 7: Assistant Lecturer U Khin Maung Myint of the German Language Department, Institute of Foreign Languages, left Sept. 6 for Germany to attend a Special Short-term Scholarship Programme for Teachers of German Language. (NLM 9/8) Sept. 8: An education delegation led by Deputy Education Minister Col. Kyi Maung left for China to study educational activities for two weeks at the invitation of the Chinese Education Commission. Other members are Director-General U Maung Maung Than of the Higher Education Department, Acting Director-General U Bo Win of the Basic Education Department, Principal Dr. Hla Myint of Bago Degree College, and Principal Dr. Maung Htoo of Monywa Degree College. (NLM 9/9) // Sept. 24: The delegation returned. (NLM 9/25) // Sept. 25: The delegation visited Beijing Normal University, Beijing University, Provincial authorities in Jiangsu Province and Yangshou, South-East University in Nanjing, Jiangsu Agricultural College, Nanjing College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, the Sun Yat Sen University of Medical Sciences, Guangdong College of Nationalities, the Quangzhou School for the Deaf and Dumb and Vocational Secondary School of Electronics, among other institutions. (NLM 9/26) Sept. 8: Staff Officer U Hla Wai of the Factories and General Labour Laws Inspection Department left for Bangkok to attend a Sept. 9-Dec. 1 course on Information Services in Occupational Safety and Health (Computer Services), cosponsored by UNDP and ILO. (NLM 9/9) Sept. 9: Managers U Tin Soe of Myanmar Agricultural Trade, U Sein Lwin of General Merchandise Trade, and U Khin Soe of Myanmar Import-Export Enterprise left for India for a three-month course on Certificate Programme on Packaging, under the Colombo Plan. (NLM 9/10) Sept. 10: Demonstrator Daw Yu Yu San of Bago Degree College left for Belgium to attend Postgraduate Advanced Studies in Nematology, on a Belgian Government grant. (NLM 9/11) Sept. 11: U Ohn Lwin, of Lwin Battery and Plastic Works, left for Hong Kong to attend a Sept. 13-17 Symposium on Technology Transfer to Small and Medium Enterprises sponsored by the Tokyo-based Asian Productivity Organization. (NLM 9/12) Sept. 12: Yangon University Red Cross Brigade Platoon Commander Maung Bo Htin Kyaw returned from New Delhi, where he attended the Sept. 6-11 Course for Youth Leaders on Drug Abuse Control sponsored by the Colombo Plan Drug Abuse Advisory Programme. (NLM 9/13) Sept. 13: Staff Officer U Win Nyunt of Inland Revenue Department left for Malaysia to attend the International Certificate Course in Property Tax Management under the Malaysian Technology Cooperation Programme. Lecturer Daw Tin Tin of the Commerce Department of the Institute of Economics, who will attend a 3-month course in Small Industry Management Consultancy, and Lecturer Daw Tin May Lwin of the Institute of Computer Science, who will attend a 2-month course in Information Storage and Retrieval Systems, left for Hyderabad, India, on Sept. 11. (NLM 9/14) Sept. 14: Customs Officer Daw San San May left for Korea to attend the Sept. 15-21 Training for Asia and Pacific Regions Customs Officers sponsored by the Korean Government. (NLM 9/15) Sept. 17: Dr. Myo Khin of the Nuclear Research Section, Medical Research Department, left for Australia to attend Training in Nuclear Techniques in Gastroenterological Studies under a WHO programme. (NLM 9/ 18) Sept. 19: Medical Officer Dr. Kyo So, Assistant Township Education Officer U Thein Win, and IPRD Library Assistant U Sai Hla Aung of Muse Township [Shan] left for Bangkok to attend a Sept. 20-Oct. 15 course on Drug Abuse Demand Reduction sponsored by ESCAP and UNDCP. (NLM 9/ 20) Sept. 20: Director-General U Than Po of the Social Welfare Department left for Japan to attend the Sept. 10-Oct. 30 11th study programme for Asian Social Welfare Administrators. (NLM 9/21) Sept. 27: Assistant Lecturer Daw San Yi of Yangon Teachers Training Institute left Sept. 25 for Israel for a course on the education of the young child with special needs, sponsored by Israel. Assistant Lecturers U Lian Cin and U Tin Ngwe of the Insein Technical Teachers Institute left Sept. 25 for Great Britain to attend a UNDP six-week course on Education Technology. Technician Daw Khin Nilar Chit of the Analysis Department, Central Research Organization, left Sept. 25 for Austria and Germany to attend an IAEA course on nuclear analytical techniques applied to environmental pollution studies and monitoring. (NLM 9/28) Sept. 29: Tutor Daw Yin Yin May of Japanese Language Department, Institute of Foreign Languages, left for Japan to attend an in-service Training Course for Teachers of Japanese Language Long-term Training Programme. (NLM 9/30) Delegations to Meetings & Events Sept. 2: Chairman U Myo Myint of the Central Cooperative Society left for Geneva to attend the Sept. 8-10 International Cooperatives General Conference. (NLM 9/3) // Sept. 14: He returned. The Conference was attended by 410 delegates from 70 countries. The International body has a membership of over 200 cooperative societies from 103 countries, and Myanmar has been a new member since Sept. 7. (NLM 9/ 15) Sept. 11: Police Col. Ngwe Soe Tun, Joint-Secretary of the CCDAC, left for Korea to attend the Sept. 13-17 18th meeting of Heads of National Drug Abuse Control Committees in Seoul. (NLM 9/12) // Sept. 21: He returned. (NLM 9/22) Sept. 20: Finance and Revenue Minister Brig-Gen. Win Tin left for Washington to attend the 1993 annual meeting of the IMF and World Bank. He was accompanied by Chairman U Kyi Aye of the Central Bank of Myanmar, Director-General U Thein Aung Lwin and Assistant Director U Win Tin of the Foreign Economic Relations Department and his PSO U Khin Maung Aye. (NLM 9/21) Sept. 20: Defence Services Commander-in-Chief (Air) Lt-Gen. Thein Win, accompanied by two military officers, left for Bangkok to attend "the air show" at the invitation of Air Chief Marshal Gun Pai Mantip of the Royal Thai Air Force. (NLM 9/21) // Sept. 25: He returned. (NLM 9/26) Sept. 26: A delegation led by Minister for Education Col. Pe Thein left for the Philippines to attend the Sept. 27-29 Ministerial Consultation on Goals for Children's Development in the 1990s. Other delegation members are Director-General Dr. Kyaw Win of the Health Department and Rector U Han Tin of the Institute of Education. (NLM 9/ 27) // Sept. 29: Col. Pe Thein was elected one of four vice-chairmen of the meeting. (NLM 9/30) Forestry Minister to Indonesia Sept. 5: A delegation led by Forestry Minister Lt-Gen. Chit Swe left for Indonesia to study "forest sector and timber-based industries." Other members are North-East Commander Brig-Gen. Aye Kyaw, Director-General U Myat Thin of the Planning and Statistics Department, Southern Deputy Commander Col. Maung Maung, Director-General U Soe Kyi of the Forest Department, General Manager U Myint Thein of the Myanma Timber Enterprise, and the Minister's PSO Capt. Aung Lay Htut. (NLM 9/6) // Sept. 16: The delegation returned. (NLM 9/17) // Sept. 17: On Sept. 11, the Forestry Minister called on Indonesia President Soeharto. (NLM 9/18) Energy Minister to Thailand Sept. 5: A delegation led by Energy Minister U Khin Maung Thein left for Thailand to discuss "selling of natural gas produced by Thai-Myanmar joint-venture Mottama off-shore gas wells." He was accompanied by Director-General U Thein Tun of the Energy Department, Managing Director U Pe Kyi of Myanma Oil and Gas Enterprise, Director U Kyaw Nyein of Myanmar Electric Power Enterprise, Assistant Chief Engineer Dr. Thein Tun and the Minister's PSO Daw Marlar Thein. (NLM 9/6) // Sept. 11: He returned. In Thailand he called on Thai Prime Minister Chuan Leekpai, Industry Minister and Prime Minister's Office Minister Savit. (NLM 9/12) Trade Minister on Asian Tour Sept. 15: A delegation led by Trade Minister Lt-Gen. Tun Kyi left for Singapore, Korea, and Indonesia. Other members are LID Commander Col. Ye Myint of the Defence Ministry, Director-General Lt-Col. Kyaw Myint and Director U Aung Kyi of the Trade Department, Director U Tin Win of the Central Bank of Myanmar, Deputy General Manager Maj. Tin Pe of Myanma Agricultural Produce Trading, Assistant Director U Thin Maung of the Foreign Investment Commission Office, and the Minister's PSO Capt. Kyaw Kyaw Oo. (NLM 9/16) Foreign Minister to Brunei Sept. 19: Minister for Foreign Affairs U Ohn Gyaw left for Negara Brunei Darussalam on a goodwill mission at the invitation of the Brunei Foreign Minister. His delegation includes Director-General of the Protocol Department Thura U Aung Htet, Myanmar Charge d'Affaires in Singapore U Kyaw Myint, Assistant Director of the Political Department Daw Mae Ohn Nyunt Wai, and the Minister's PSO Daw Moe Thuzar. (NLM 9/20) // Sept. 23: He returned. (NLM 9/24) Returning Delegations Return of delegations that departed in previous months, and whose composition has been given in previous issues of the BPS: Sept. 1: Sayadaw Agga Maha Pandita Bhaddanta Kisalla returned after a Buddhist Missionary Trip in Hong Kong, Japan, and Korea. (NLM 9/2) Sept. 2: Editors U Soe Win Than and Daw Pa Pa Waddy of The New Light of Myanmar returned from June 10-Aug. 31 journalistic training in Germany. (NLM 9/3) Sept. 3: The delegation led by Construction Minister U Khin Maung Yin returned from an August 30-31 ADB meeting in Manila. (NLM 9/4) Sept. 10: The delegation led by Agriculture Minister Lt-Gen. Myint Aung returned from a visit to Indonesia (Aug. 25-Sept. 2) and the Philippines (Sept. 2-6). In Indonesia the Minister called on President Soeharto on Aug. 28, who said the Indonesian Army "has a fine tradition of shouldering the country's duties, with the full support of the entire people--as a security force as well as a political and a socio-economic force." He also called on Deputy Prime Minister Hatarto, Political and Security Coordination Minister S. Soedarman, and Agriculture Minister S. Baharsjah. He visited agricultural projects in Central and Western Java, Jogjakarta, and Bali. In the Philippines, the Minister called on President Fidel Ramos on Sept. 3, and also on Vice President Joseph Astrada and Agriculture Minister Roberto Sebastian, and visited the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) and other agricultural projects. En route home, the delegation visited Hong Kong and Singapore. (NLM 9/11) MYANMAR GAZETTE Probationary Appointments The SLORC appointed the following, on probation: Sept. 1: U Myat Win, General Manager (Planning) to be Managing Director, Myanma Timber Enterprise, Forestry Ministry. Lt-Col. Kyaw Myint (BC/8921), attached to Trade Ministry, to be Director-General, Trade Department, Trade Ministry. (NLM 9/ 2) Sept. 8: Lt-Col. Thura Win Myint (Air 1315), Defence Ministry, to be Managing Director, Myanma Airways, Transport Ministry. (NLM 9/9) Sept. 29: Lt-Col. Myint Maung (BC/11035), Director (Marketing), to be Managing Director, Myanma Jute Industries, Ministry of Industry-1. Lt-Col. Than Shwe (BC/11708), Ministry of Defence, to be Director-General, Regional Industrial Coordination and Industrial Inspection Department, Ministry of Industry-1. Dr. U Nyunt Lwin, Head of Health Department, Mon State Health Department, to be Director-General, Indigenous Medicine Department, Ministry of Health. Dr. U Htay Saung, Professor/Head, Prosthetic Dentistry, to be Rector, Institute of Dental Medicine, Ministry of Health. (NLM 9/30) Appointments Confirmed The SLORC confirmed the following appointments, after one year's probation: Sept. 15: U Tin Win as Managing Director, No 2 Mining Enterprise, Ministry of Mines. U Soe Myint as Director-General, Geological Survey and Mineral Exploration Department, Ministry of Mines. U Tin Oo as Director-General, Industrial Planning Department, Ministry of Industry-1. (NLM 9/16) GOVERNMENT Military Promotions [We note that a number of Ministers, formerly identified as having the rank of Major General, are now listed as Lieutenant Generals. We are not sure when the promotions, which were not publicized, took place, but are correcting our listings as we notice them.--HCMacD.] Child Welfare Amendment Sept. 21: SLORC Law No. 12/93 of Sept. 21, 1993, the Law Amending the Myanmar Maternal and Child Welfare Association Law [full text published] makes a number of changes, mostly apparently technical, in the amended law. Of possible are the insertion of "without discrimination with regard to race religion status or sex" in Section 21, and the addition of Section 30A: "The Central Council shall open a separate Bank Account for foreign currency accrued to it and has the power to use such foreign currency for the maternal, child and family welfare work in accordance with the existing regulations and bye-laws." (NLM 9/22) Two Supreme Court Justices Named Sept. 23: SLORC Order No. 3/93 of Sept. 23, 1993, Appointment of Supreme Court Justices, names the following as new Justices of the Supreme Court, with immediate effect: U Tin Ohn, U Tin Htut Naing. (NLM 9/24) MILITARY KNU attacks ABSDF Sept. 17: Six ABSDF terrorists were killed and 7 wounded when their column, combined with Mon terrorists, was attacked Aug. 30 by KNU terrorists from the No. 10 battalion, No. 4 brigade at Kyaukme Chaung on the Ngawun Creek, Myeik, Dawei District [Tanintharyi]. As a result, 100 ABSDF terrorists based at the KNU Minthmee camp have shifted to the Mon terrorist Htwe Phet camp. (NLM 9/18) Insurgents Surrender Sept. 2: A Mon terrorist platoon commander surrendered with weapons on Aug. 20 in Ye Township [name and details]. (NLM 9/3) Sept. 15: Between Aug. 1-10, 19 terrorists surrendered, with their arms [names and details]. (NLM 9/16) Sept. 20: Between Aug. 11-22, 28 terrorists surrendered, with their arms [names and details.] (NLM 9/21) Sept. 22: Between Aug. 22-31, 15 terrorists surrendered, with their arms [names and details], bringing the monthly total to 62. (NLM 9/23) Sept. 29: Three Kayin terrorists came back to the legal fold on Sept. 14 [photo]. (NLM 9/30) ECONOMIC Economic Articles [See also under CULTURAL: Sunday Supplements] Sept. 5-6: Environment in Myanmar, "Courtesy: National Commission for Environmental Affairs.": [(1) Myanmar's forest cover is 51% (as of 1989), "vastly more than in any neighbouring country." Myanmar is home to 300 mammals, 300 reptiles, 1,000 birds, and 7,000 plants. Air and water pollution is so far minimal because of low levels of industrialization and limited use of agricultural chemicals. Population is 41.55 million, growing at 1.88 % per year. The Climate is benign, with few floods, droughts, cyclones, or earthquakes. Deforestation: In 1989, forests covered 498,626 square kilometers or 14% of the country; of which 51% "were closed and degraded." From 1975-1989 total forest cover was reduced 15,000 hectares per year, mostly because of shifting cultivation and fuel-wood needs of a growing population. 2.6 million Myanmars, in Kachin, Kayah, Kayin, Chin and Shan States practice shifting cultivation on 142,000 hectares. Wood constitutes over 90% of Myanmar's renewable energy consumption, and loss of forests is causing "soil erosion accompanied by land degradation, and in dry areas, land salinity and increased saline scalds." Loss of Biological Resources: Their are 16 game sanctuaries covering 2,121 square miles, or 0.8% of the country. Nevertheless, "biological resources have dwindled considerably due to human disturbances and loss of habitat." Birds are widely hunted. "Large numbers of wild elephants are captured annually...to replenish herds working in the timber industry," and despite protection, elephants are subject to illegal poaching for meat and tusks. Pollution: No significant problems, thanks to planning and low industrialization. Environmental Management: History of environmental laws surveyed since last Kings sought to protect teak forests. [(2) The new National Commission for Environmental Affairs, chaired by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, has four specialized committees: Conservation of Natural Resources; Control of Pollution; Research, Information and Education; and International Cooperation. Various activities discussed. The Commission is making arrangements for "early ratification of the Biodiversity Convention and the Climate Change Convention," and is examining the possibility of becoming a party to other Conventions. On March 31, 1992, Myanmar submitted data to the Ozone Secretariat on Myanmar consumption of ozone-depleting substances, stating that Myanmar, though not yet a party to the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer, is in full compliance with it since annual per capita consumption of the controlled substances is less than the stipulated amount of 0.3 kilogramme.] Sept. 11: Editorial: Better place to live and to work. ["Major towns in Myanmar such as Mandalay, Mawlamyine, Pathein and Taunggyi in addition to the nation's capital, Yangon, have grown in size and in population. In a period of nearly five years we have been witnessing constructive efforts being made to meet the basic needs of these towns and their residents. Still the task at hand is too enormous to tackle in view of a steady rise. True, the vast majority of the country's population reside in the rural areas. And there is much room left with better opportunities to lead a convenient life.... With better job opportunities in rural areas many have returned to their native areas leaving congested urban ones. And the new trend will likely catch on. We believe there will certainly be greater efforts for the comfort and convenience of the rural populace. Then only will the rural areas become attractive places to live and earn a living, for the large majority of the country's population instead of seeking to migrate to the urban areas."] Sept. 15: Methodology for Successful Summer Rice Cultivation, by Dr. Tun Saing. [Basic agricultural procedures reviewed.] Sept. 18: Where are we now? by Ko Kyi (Pyin Oo Lwin). [Economic progress during last five years reviewed. Population: Increasing at 1.88% per year, has grown from 39.29 to 42.33 million. Miscellaneous statistics cited, most showing modest growth.] Sept. 21: What has been done in the forestry sector, by Ko Kyi (Pyin Oo Lwin). [Forestry laws and tree planting programs reviewed. In 1992-93 timber exports were K1,207 million, up K264 million over the previous year. "Is Myanmar recklessly depleting her forests ignoring ecological balance? The figures stated above will give you the answer.... The end justifies the means, doesn't it?"] Sept. 21: International Airport at Mandalay Midway Between East and West, by Sein Shwe Hlaing. [There has been news in the past few weeks of another major SLORC project, "that of constructing an international airport in Mandalay...." Brig-Gen. Kyaw Than of Central Command visited the site and met with Mr. Luo Kaifu, Chairman of the CMC Beijing of China, "whose organization is going to collaborate with Myanmar in the building of the airport." The following are facts on the project. "The Mandalay International Airport (Tada-U), is located at longitude 96 East and latitude 21§40' North which is a place 12 miles south of Tada-U town, 8 miles west of Singaing town that is on Yangon-Mandalay highway, 2 miles north of Kyaukse-Nahtogyi motor road and about 2000 feet east of Tada-U-Umin village motor road, on a hard-surface ridge 33,000 feet in length and 2,500 feet in breadth." The elevation is 305 feet above sealevel. "Under arrangements made by the Commander of the Central Command 15,000 local people are now contributing voluntary labour in improving the existing Singaing-Sawye road into a motorable one. Travel time from the airport to Mandalay will be further shortened when a Bailey bridge has been built across the Panlaung river." Land survey and designing has been completed, and structural construction begun. "Myanmar is collaborating with China in implementation of this project. Collaborating agencies from China are the CMC (China National Machinery Import and Export Corporation) and the YMC (Yunnan Machinery Import and Export Corporation). The main runway will be constructed by Myanmar, the International Terminal buildings and all other facilities will be built by the Chinese. Management of the whole project will be by Commander of Central Command and financing by the Civil Aviation Department...." The project is due for completion in 18 months. The airport will have a runway of 14,000 feet, and all facilities will be to international standards. "About 70 international aircraft overfly the territory of Myanmar every day at present. Aircraft that flies across Myanmar air space has to pay a fee of a minimum 192 dollars. If 50 aircraft fly across Myanmar airspace a day fees obtained from them for a month would come to 288,000 dollars or three and a half million dollars a year or 70 million dollars in 20 years." The new airport will be able to take Boeing 747-400 aircraft and larger. It will "become an international airport for Upper Myanmar and have a longer runway than the Lower Myanmar international airport at Mingaladon which has a runway of 8,100 feet.... {It} will provide the shortest route for air transport between the Eastern world and the Western world ...." Tourists will surely come. {maps}] Sept. 21: Postal Service and Mailer Co-operation, by Hninzi. [Letter writers should address letters properly to ensure delivery, e.g.: "(1) U Mg Mg, ( ) Myintzu Street, Parami Yeiktha, Yankin township, Yankin post office, Yangon 11081. (2) Managing Director, Myanma Posts and Telecommunications, 43 Bo Aung Gyaw Street, Kyauktada township, General Post Office, Yangon 11181." In August 1993 in Yangon, 317,575 letters were received for delivery, of which 5,187 (1.63%) could not be delivered "due to boundary errors." {table breaking down figures by postal areas}.] Sept. 24: On the Rubaiyat of Omar Khayam, by Ko Kyi (Pyin Oo Lwin). [Current paddy and rice production figures. "Now, comes the million-dollar question. If such efforts were made and such progress achieved, why is the price of rice and cooking oil unreasonably high?... For 40 million people, 320 million baskets of rice are needed. But we produce more than we can consume. The rest is up to the paddy merchants. Ponder, don't wonder. Ample paddy is being produced for the people, and yet rice happens to be a dear commodity. Obviously, something needs to be done somewhere. Let us find ways and means to remedy this, let us minimize spoilage, economize consumption and pulverize smuggling of rice out of the country...."] Sept. 28: A measure of industrialization in Myanmar, by Ko Kyi (Pyin Oo Lwin). [The industrial sector has 9.9% of the Myanmar workforce, and has increased from 1,441,000 in 1983/84 to 1,500,000 in 1992/93. Industrial production has increased from K6,876 million to K21,209 million. The Ministry of Industry-1 in 1992/93 had production of K6780 million, or 104.8% of target; gross income was K1,286 million and net profits were K118 million. The Ministry's seven Joint-Ventures had an income of K1080 million and net profit of K266 million, including US$50 million from exports. "We all, law-abiding and patriotic citizens are dutybound to contribute our very best in the march to industrialization of our Motherland."] Project Inaugurations Sept. 13: A new building for the Indaing Posts and Telecommunications Centre, Hlegu Twp. [Yangon] was inaugurated Sept. 11. (NLM 9/14) Sept. 19: A K1 million addition to Primary School No. 7 in Pazundaung Twp. [Yangon] was inaugurated. (NLM 9/20) Sept. 20: The 310 foot Tein Nyo Bridge was inaugurated Sept. 18 in Mrauk-U Twp. [Rakhine]. Sept. 21: the Sar Phyaw Liquor House, operated by the Restaurant and Beverage Enterprise, opened at 345 Bogyoke Aung San Street, Yangon. "Various brands of foreign and locally made liquor, beer and wines as well as soft drinks, mineral water and milk products will be sold at the shop retail and wholesale at reasonable prices. Arrangements are being made to sell more varieties of liquor as well as delicacies. It will open from 8 am to 5 pm daily except Mondays. As there are many places where liquor is being sold not in conformity with the existing laws, the enterprise is going to make adequate supply to consumers." The Restaurant and Beverage Enterprise also operates motels, 2 large confectioneries, 23 big restaurants, and 124 small restaurants. (NLM 9/22) Sept. 24: A 149 million, 705-feet long, six-feet wide, suspension bridge was inaugurated Sept. 18, crossing the Malikha River on the Putao-Machanbaw Road in Kachin State. (NLM 9/26) Sept. 29: A new lift, built with a Sing.$ 80,000 donation from Chairman Mr. Tae Chun Hike of the Singapore United Tobacco Pvt. Ltd., was inaugurated at Jivitadana Sangha Hospital. The K353,000 building housing the lift was given Myanmar donors. (NLM 9/30) Advertisements ----- Grand New Premises ARNANDA INN 21, University Ave, Aungzeya Lane, Bahann, Yangon, Myanmar Phone 31251 Provides you * Elegantly furnished, air-conditioned bedrooms with bathroom attached * Enjoyable supply of hot & cold water * Convenient intercom & telephone facilities * Refreshing Minibar * T.V. entertainment * Free airport transport. Special Discount for long-stay guests and Tour Groups. Do come and enjoy our hygienic service, Privacy and Luxury. YOUR NEEDS ARE OURS (NLM 9/12) ----- As You like it 1. Build new buildings? 2. Renovate or extend? 3. On mutual agreement, either labour charges or material value or both will be incurred. 4. Our farm [sic] is managed by high retired officials comprising engineers. 5. Quality, price and completion periods are guaranteed. 6. Any organization including diplomatic and individuals are intended. 7. Consultation free. Managing Director Mya Myint Moh Construction & Trading Enterprise. No. 50, Myaung Mya Street, San Chaung Township, Yangon. Off: 30476 Res:32737 (NLM 9/14) ----- restaurant and beverage enterprise SAR PHYAW LIQUOR HOUSE þ Why get in a fix hunting for quality liquor elsewhere? þ Sar Phyaw Liquor House has every facility of offering you various quality liquors--local and foreign--of the master blenders at reasonable prices. þ Wholesale and Retail! SAR PHYAW LIQUOR HOUSE Address: No. 345, Bogyoke Aung San Street, Yangon, Myanmar. Phone: 71255 (NLM 9/20) ----- IF YOU ARE IN MYANMAR SPEAK MYANMAR LANGUAGE SPECIAL MYANMAR LANGUAGE CLASS FOR FOREIGNER OPENING DATE--OCTOBER 2 MCC BUSINESS CENTER 31(A), Park Lane, Kokkine, Bahan, (Near Joy Restaurant) TEL: 51851, 83969, 82773 (NLM 9/23) ----- SWIMMING POOL Specialist, Consultant and Supplier Contact: Thein Lwin (Tel. 85410) (NLM 9/25) ----- Joint Ventures Sept. 8: Joint Venture Corporation No. 9, "with the intention to serve the welfare of government employees and retired personnel," will sell three 1-lb. packets of Mipon seasoning powder to each shareholder. Yangon shareholders should contact the JVC-9 office. (NLM 9/9) Sept. 12: Speaking at the fourth annual general meeting of Joint Venture Corporation No. 2, National Planning and Economic Development Minister Brig-Gen. Abel noted that "as it is formed based upon the rice millers...its main target is set for self-sufficiency and to export the surplus." In the four years since its foundation, he said, share values have increased from K2,000 to K4,000. Speaking of profits distributed to shareholders, he said that "according to data it can provide 100 per cent though it aims to share 40 per cent this year.... He also pointed out the need to make concerted efforts for enabling the shares of the joint-ventures to enter international stock market so that their values will become higher and more strengthened. It is more essential to reinvest the profit every year to help make the value of shares higher and strengthened rather than sharing a large amount of profit, he suggested. He disclosed that the Government has decided to sell 50 per cent of its shares in the joint-ventures in the private sector." Sept. 18: At the third annual meeting of Joint Venture Corporation No. 6, Chairman U Maung Maung said that JVC No. 6 was mostly concerned with marine produce, and that Myanmar was rich in these products and would become prosperous "when fishing, breeding of fish and prawn were done on our own. He pointed out that resources of the country are only for interest of the people, not for foreigners, but irregularities in sale and production of goods brought them benefits, he said and spoke of the need to produce systematically." (NLM 9/19) Sept. 18: Joint Venture Corporation No. 1 held its fourth annual meeting. Chairman U Po Yin spoke. The JVC made a profit of over K15 million in 1992-93, and is giving 28% of it to the shareholders. "He dealt with the good news for rubber growers that as raw rubber is in great demand they will earn more profit as much as they can expand their production. (NLM 9/19) Sept. 21: Joint Venture Corporation No. 9, "formed on 25 March 1993 for the welfare of State in-service and retired personnel," has exported 1,300 tons of matpe and gram, and a further 1,900 tons is under way. "Those wishing to purchase shares may contact JVC 9 (Head Office), No 76, 8th Street, Lanmadaw Township, Yangon and trade organizations in States and Divisions." (NLM 9/22) Transportation Aug. 31: Rail Transportation Minister U Win Sein visited the Pazundaung Locomotive Shed, and inspected a rail-car engine and three coaches constructed from parts of three inoperative Renault buses. The rail-car was built in 2 months at a cost of K700,000, and will carry 70 passengers on the Mokpalin-Thaton line. "Although construction of a rail-car, an engine and two coaches, in the country cost only K300,000 [sic], an exported one will cost K 3 million, he said. Introduction of rail-cars, he said, has solved the problem of inbalance between the number of passengers and the number of trains, to some extent.... He said the rail-cars will be sold to private entrepreneurs who wish to take up rail transportation business...." Sept. 17: Myanma Hotels and Tourism Services will operate a regular Chiangmai-Mandalay-Bagan air service between Chiangmai in Thailand and Bagan in Myanmar, via Mandalay, beginning in November, using a chartered Sky Van from Bangkok Airways. (NLM 9/18) Sept. 26: Minister for Rail Transportation U Win Sein inspected 6 2000-HP diesel engines manufactured by the Dalian Railway Engines Plant, and two upper-class and two ordinary-class coaches manufactured by the Sifang Coaches Factory, arriving in Yangon from China on the mv Magway. Also aboard were 150 trucks, 1,000 power tillers, 100 trailers, and 1,353 tons of other Chinese goods. (NLM 9/27) Sept. 27: The Rail Minister inspected 30 "'Dong Feng' trucks imported from...China which were changed into truck cum buses" and 15 new 'Dong Feng' buses." (NLM 9/28) Sept. 28: In a discussion of the expansion of the Yangon-Mandalay highway into a six lane highway, Southern Commander Maj-Gen. Soe Myint "said the expansion work at the Bago section of the Yangon-Mandalay Highway into a six-lane highway was temporarily disrupted during the monsoon due to heavy rainfall.... He spoke of the need to effect repairs on the damaged sections of the road caused by incessant rain." As the monsoon ends, work will be resumed. (NLM 9/29) Sept. 28: Managing Director U than Aung of San Thawda Co. Ltd. said his company's joint venture with Myanma Railways said each train on the Yangon-Mandalay route transported 464 tons in September, compared with 270 in June, and each freight car earned K29,741 in August compared with K11,078 in June. The Company plans to transport 360,000 tons of freight and earn K127 million in freight charges this year. Managing Director U Soe Myint of Mandalay Fast Freight said his company, in joint venture with Myanma Railways, had in one year moved 167,000 tons of freight and earned K66 million in freight charges; there was a current backlog of 1,598 tons. (NLM 9/29) Power Shortage PUBLIC NOTICE Electricity demand for urban and industrial consumers within the Union of Myanmar has significantly risen, consequent to its annual developments. The Myanma Electric Power Enterprise (MEPE) wishing to avoid unnecessary hindrance in the supply and to prevent conflict with the unprojected consumers' demand with the present capacity of supply, hereby notify all relevant parties concerned in the development of Public Housing, Hotels and other Industries to contact and consult the MEPE before initiating their projects, together with the projected electricity consumption and the estimated completion dates. Myanma Electric Power Enterprise (NLM 9/3) Agriculture Sept. 4: 4,225 tons of urea arrived in Yangon Aug. 31 from Norsk Hydro Far East Ltd., Hong Kong, part of 10,000 tons purchased by the Central Cooperative Society. (NLM 9/5) Sept. 10: Speaking in Yangon, Trade Minister Lt-Gen. Tun Kyi said "only Trade Ministry would purchase 12 baskets of paddy per acre from farmers beginning this year, township officials should know the true conditions of paddy cultivation.... There will be much benefit for farmers by disbursing cultivation loans...and paddy purchase depots are moved and opened for the convenience of the farmers...." Yangon Commander Lt-Gen. Myo Nyunt "urged officials concerned to purchase paddy based on true conditions, not on targets." (NLM 9/11) Sept. 15: The Settlement and Land Records Department, with aid from UNDP and FAO, completed an agricultural census of the whole country from Feb. 22-April 11. "The sample enumeration will restart in the townships where agricultural census was taken for correct and complete statistics according to international methods." A 2-day enumeration training course opened at the Agricultural Census Enumeration Project Office with 51 trainees. (NLM 9/16) Sept. 17: Visiting the Central Agriculture Farm in Hmawby, Agriculture Minister Lt-Gen. Myint Aung said that 250,000 acres of paddy would be harvested in September, over 2 million in October, and the remainder in November. Yields at the farm in Hmawby were 65 baskets per acre. (NLM 9/ 18) Sept. 18: Speaking at the Myanma Agriculture Service seed shop, Agriculture Deputy Minister U Tin Hlaing said that in its efforts to attain an 800 million basket paddy harvest, nearly 600,000 tons of chemical fertilizer had been distributed, three times that of last year. (NLM 9/19) Sept. 21 [full text]: Rice to be sold in advance for three months. The Ministry of Trade will sell rice in advance for three months (September, October and November) for service personnel and Tatmadaw family members nationwide. Service organizations may contact Myanma Agricultural Produce Trading in their respective localities. (NLM 9/22) Statistics Publications Sept. 7: The Central Statistical Organization, Ministry of National Planning and Economic Development, published the Selected Monthly Economic Indicators for May and June, 1993, with data on imports and exports, retail and consumer prices, spot gold prices, foreign exchange rate, tourism, and employment. They are on sale at the Sarpay Beikman Bookshop, Merchant Street. (NLM 9/8) Sept. 14: A publication entitled "Statistical Profile of Children and Women in Myanmar in 1991" was recently released by the Central Statistical Organization, with information on the socio-economic status of Myanmar women and children, and seven topics such as population and vital statistics, labour force, education, health and nutrition, social welfare services, rural water supply, and crime. Various government departments and the Red Cross cooperated in the study. (NLM 9/15) Postal Express Sept. 9: Myanmar Posts and Telecommunications conducts express postal services between Yangon and Magway, Pyinmana, Pyay, Meiktila, Pathein, Mawlamyine, and Monywa. The service will soon be extended to Myeik and Taunggyi, and also between Pyinmana-Mandalay, Magway-Mandalay, and Pakkoku-Mandalay. Mail, documents, foodstuff, personal goods and parcels "sent today are guaranteed delivery the next day." (NLM 9/10) Parking in Yangon Sept. 9: Car owners in Yangon are reminded by the YCDC that those who have garages must park their cars in their garages; those who do not may park on the street overnight "only after paying the prescribed parking fee." Car owners with garages must obtain certificates certifying their ownership of garages. (NLM 9/10) Marine Insurance Enterprises Sept. 15: A marine insurance seminar was organized by Myanma Insurance in cooperation with Willis Faber and Dumas Ltd. Under the new Myanma Insurance Law of July 23, private entrepreneurs are permitted to form insurance enterprises for the first time. Speakers from Willis Faber, "one of the largest broking firm and has long-standing relationship with Myanma Insurance," were Mr. J. Kuyper, Mr. Christopher Rogers, and Miss Ann Waite, who discussed hull and cargo underwriting. On Sept. 16, speakers from Willis Faber, as well as from Hill Taylor Dickinson, Sinclair Roche & Temperley, Allchurch, and Hogg International will discuss such subjects as maritime claims, collision and salvage claims, total loss, and general and particular average. (NLM 9/16) Demonetization Rumour Denied Sept. 15: "News saying K200 notes are soon to be demonetized are just rumours fabricated by some quarters and are totally groundless.... The Government has no plans whatsoever regarding the legal tender of the country, and...the currency in circulation is to be used with full confidence.... Some car dealers, whose business has slumped recently, are adding fuel to the fire in the hope of escalating car prices while boosting sales and are abetting in the whispering campaign, raising false alarm among the public that K200 notes will soon be demonetized...." (NLM 9/16) Civil Service Bonus Rumour Denied Sept. 16: "Rumours have been rampant these days, quoting Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt's speech at CIPS, Phaunggyi, that a bulk payment would be made to the government employees on 18 September, and that such a lump-sum payment would be lavish enough to cause those in government service to cry for joy." According to the SLORC Information Committee, "the rumours afloat were just fabricated and baseless.... There are...malevolent politicians who are doing so with ill-intent so as to sky-rocket commodity prices...." (NLM 9/17) Tax Gouging Admitted Sept. 29 [full text]: Ministry not in knowledge of excessive tax assessments. Reports are at large in Yangon these days that the Internal Revenue Department is levying unreasonably excessive commercial and income taxes on restaurants and food stalls in Yangon and that even leading businesses are on the brink of having to close as they are in no position to pay their due. Such reports are liable to cause panic and instability to the private sector and pose hindrances to economic growth especially at a time when the Government is making incessant endeavours to achieve economic progress by practising market-oriented economy and at the same time promoting hotels and tourism services. The media took the responsibility of seeking an interview with authorities of the ministry concerned and made an inquiry on such reports. According to the officials, the lower echelons of the Internal Revenue Service are levying excessive commercial and income taxes on restaurants and food stalls without the knowledge and directives of the Ministry concerned. Investigations will be made into the motive behind the tax assessments and effective action is to be taken against those responsible if their intentions are proved to be uncalled-for. (NLM 9/30) TV Satellite Dish Licensing Order Sept. 29: The Ministry of Communications, Posts and Telegraphs issued Order 1/93 "in connection with equipment for receiving satellite television transmission." Ministry Notification No. 3/93 of July 27 ordered persons possessing satellite reception equipment to notify the Posts and Telecommunications Department by Aug. 31; those who did so now have 30 days to apply for a licence, which may be accepted or rejected. "According to the order, each of those whose applications are accepted will have to pay K12,000 as licence fee and K30,000 as fine for possession of the equipment to the department concerned. After these payments they will be issued licences. Specific individuals or organizations prescribed by the Ministry will be exempted from paying fines." The order specifies the following as satellite TV reception components: dish antenna, feed horn, LNB (low noise blockdown) converter, and receiver. Persons who do not apply for licence, or whose applications are rejected, must hand all such equipment over to the Department. Those not affected by the order are to apply for licences "to keep in possession equipment which were legally imported." Persons wishing to import such equipment must receive approval in advance. Licensed equipment must be used at the prescribed address, use only one dish, pay 100% of the fee for each extra receiver and 10% for each TV receiver hitched to it. Licencees may not change the system of receiving programmes, affect national broadcasts, telecasts or telegraph services "by making changes and improvements in the equipment's reception," or transfer the licences without approval. Anyone violating a licence will have his equipment confiscated. "Fee exempted licences will be issued to government departments and organizations, diplomatic missions...., UN agencies...." (NLM 9/ 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: September 1 64.25 87.88 79.29 September 15 72.99 97.91 86.10 September 30 77.76 105.83 90.94 SPORTS Sports Articles Sept. 4: Myanmar athletes of international fame, by Maung Maung Soe. [Interviews with athletes Aye Aye Lwin (discus) and Gopal (runner).] Sept. 11: To nurture more outstanding Myanmar athletes, by N Tin Maung. [At the upcoming Second National Sports Festival.] Sept. 18: Myanma Marathon, by Thaung Win Bo. [Review of Myanma marathon racing, and profile of Maung Phone Myint.] Sept. 25: Success achieved in Myanma sports world, by Thaung Win Bo. [Myanmar success at the South-East Asian Games was "due to the effective assistance and encouragement given by the State," notably cash awards to winners: US$200 + K7,000 + a K45,500 20" TV set to gold medalists, $150 + K5,000 + an 18" TV set to silver medalists, and $100 + K3,000 + a 14" TV set to bronze medalists. "As the State bestowed honour on the athletes in such a fitting manner not only abroad but again when they returned to the country, the athletes on their part were overwhelmed with joy to realize how much the State was encouraging them. This is not all, the respective Ministries also held ceremonies to honour the athletes and on such occasions they were not only presented with gifts but some of them also got promoted...."] Myanmar Teams and Delegations Sept. 2: A two-member delegation led by Tatmadaw Martial Arts and Sports Institute Principal Col. Ngo Cin Pau left for Beijing, via Bangkok, to study sports institutes in China for a week. The other members are SPED Director U Saw Shwe and Sports Officer U Than Htut. (NLM 9/3) Sports for Patriotism Sept. 10: Closing Diploma Course in Sports No. 2/93, SLORC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt said he expected trainees to achieve "the sports objectives laid down by the State." He said the State is "making undaunted efforts to enliven and dynamize the patriotism and national pride of the people by revitalizing the traditional cultural heritage eclipsed for quite a long time.... That is why...seasonal festivals such as the Traditional Regatta and Equestrian Festival are being held again as it had been done in the times of Myanmar sovereigns.... Sports had always been in concert with national defence, and the Myanmar Kings had lauded soldier-heroes who were outstanding sportsmen.... The sports standard of a country is an indicator of the unity, standard of living and morale of that country, and the success of an athlete is regarded as the success of the country itself.... "The State has been sending sports contingents to sports meets and seminars abroad with the intention of affording experience to athletes.... Athletes who had brought fame to the country will be well looked after by the State as well as individuals and organizations, and skill and competency in sports will be regarded as professional competence on the job.... The individual conviction, patriotism and incessant efforts of the sports personnel and athletes play the most important role in promotion of the sports sector." The fundamentals mandatory for sports promotion are, he said: -- the State must support promotion of sports with due interest -- the public must cooperate with enthusiasm in sports activities -- there must be sufficiency materially, -- athletes must possess sporting spirit, competency and international experience -- athletes must be well cared for so as to be sufficient in basic needs so that they can concentrate on their training -- last, but not least, athletes must possess keen patriotism enabling the nurturing of new generations of up-and-coming sportsmen and he urged all those responsible to bear these criteria in mind. "Unlike the previous course," he said, "Tatmadawmen and PPF members have been included among the trainees from various ministries, giving priority to sports officers and sports instructors." (NLM 9/11) Lady Parachutists Trained Sept. 13: Special lady parachutist training course No. 1 was opened at Land-Air Warfare and Paratrooper Training School in Hmawby. "The course is being attended by 35 trainees." Present was Chairman Col. Sein Htwa of No. 77 LID, Chairman of the Second National Sports Festival Opening and Closing Ceremonies and Decoration Committee. (NLM 9/14) HEALTH Health Articles Sept. 15: Editorial: AIDS is a national concern. ["In the Union of Myanmar Naing-Ngan, eradication of AIDS is being taken up as a national concern and the government works in close cooperation with WHO, UNDP and other agencies.... Sex and drug abuse are the main causes of spreading the disease, The spread of AIDS in Myanmar was started by some men and women who went across the border and were inflicted with AIDS virus.... The Health Department is carrying out public education activities, testing of blood donors, giving treatment and encouragement to patients and proper sterilizing of hypodermic syringes and surgical equipment. Educative talks on AIDS infection situations in the world and in the Union of Myanmar, symptoms of the disease and education of patients were carried out all over the country. To prevent it from spreading, the WHO calls for careful sex relations, sticking to one partner or use of condoms. The worst is the inflicted [sic] children who are innocent but are shunned by relatives and community. Most of the population in the Union of Myanmar believe in Buddhism. As a Buddhist, one should adhere strictly to the Five Precepts by abstaining from killing, theft, impurity, lying and intoxication. Impurity is not only prohibited by Buddhism but also other religions in the world. Strictly abstaining from impurity and careful sex relations will prevent spreading of the disease. Public cooperation in preventive measures and cooperation between countries are both badly needed in our fight against the dreadful AIDS."] Sept. 24: UNICEF Update: Myanmar Among Fastest in Raising Measles Coverage. [Between 1985 and 1991, Myanmar (with a per capita GNP of $200) has raised the percentage of measles immunization fro 3% to 63%. Myanmar has a high infant (before 5 years) mortality rate of 117 per 1,000; given its GNP, the figure should be 174. 32% of children in Myanmar under 5 are under weight, with a regional average of 26% and a developing world average of 36%. Myanmar has a birth rate of 4.3 births per woman, compared to a regional average of 2.4 and a world average of 3.4. Myanmar's maternal mortality rate is high, probably above the 160 regional average. At the same time, the female literacy rate is 72%] Dengue Fever Sept. 1: A medical team headed by Township Medical Officer Dr. Aung Soe visited 2,000 homes in Phaungpyin Twp. [Sagaing] and "took preventive measures against dengue haemorrhagic fever from 28 to 30 August." They educated the public on mosquito control and use of mosquito nets, especially for children under 12 years between June and October. (NLM 9/2) AIDS Sept. 9: Speaking to the third meeting of the AIDS Prevention and Control Central Committee, Health Minister Vice-Adm. Than Nyunt "said the number of AIDS-afflicted persons has risen from four in the first quarter of last year to 16 in the same period this year, and 22 have been admitted at hospitals as AIDS patients since the second quarter this year. Citing figures from the constant survey in March this year, he said, of the HIV-positives, 74.3 per cent account for intravenous drug users, nine per cent were prostitutes and 6.9 per cent venereal disease patients. He explained that instruments for HIV detection are being sent to townships on priority basis and arrangements are underway to extend this nationwide. He then called for efforts to be made for HIV detection all over the country. He also laid stress on special care to be taken in treatments requiring blood transfusion lest contaminated blood be used in such cases.... The infection is found mostly in young men within the age bracket 20-40, which constitutes the major productive force.... Another point he stressed is to carry out education on AIDS at schools as the HIV virus is also detected in an age bracket of 15-19.... Other matters discussed...were extension of the Committee, for the Health Deputy Minister to be the Vice-Chairman and for the Director (Management) to be a member, permission for contraceptive sterilization of HIV-infected mothers, transfusion of safe blood at private hospitals and clinics and participation of social organizations in anti-AIDS activities." (NLM 9/10) CULTURAL Literary and Cultural Articles Sept. 3: Pyu musicians and dancers, by Dr. Khin Maung Nyunt. [Ancient Chinese accounts.] Sept. 6: Fauna Conservation, by Hmugyi Hla Aung. [Cont. (5) Discussion of totally protected and partially protected species in Myanmar.] Sept. 10: Preservation is more important than modernization, by Pe Than. [According to thabin artistes interviewed in Kyemon on Sept. 5, "in spite of their desire to present authentic Myanma Traditional Performing Arts, they can not do so due to unpopularity of the same among the audience. 'Otherwise, the theatricians would go starving', they added.... Staging of authentic traditional drama seems to be in disfavour with pwe fans of the day." However, "With the exception of few immature youths who come to zat pwe not to enjoy it but to indulge in caddish behaviour, the majority of the pwe lovers come to observe genuine Myanmar dramatic entertainments.... Being oblivious of their main tasks, the youthful leading performers of Myanmar theatre are seen giving priority to alien but ephemeral cultural performances instead of Myanmar traditional ones.... New modes of entertainments such as pop music...are to co-exist with traditional forms of entertainments bearing national characteristics. However, the supercession of the alien dominated pop music and songs over traditional performing arts is highly objectionable." In other countries "traditional national art is still preserved in its original form." Examples: Shakespeare, the Beijing Opera, the Russian Ballet. "These ever popular traditional national shows exist side by side with pop shows."] Sept. 12,16: King Bayint Naung's Palace "Kamboza Thadi", by Dr. Khin Maung Nyunt. [(1) History of King Bayint Naung (1551-1581), founder of the Toungoo dynasty. (2) Further history of the King.] Sept. 20: Editorial: Why don't they listen to us like we listened to? [sic]: ["Why don't they listen to us like we listened to our elders talk to us? That's what the older generation asks of the younger or not so younger generation today.... Because this is happening here in our country and elsewhere, wherever the younger generation, or at least some members among them, feel that they don't have much time to listen to what the older generation talks to them about, as much as the oldsters used to when they were young.... When senior citizens of today were young, they were treated like kids by the elders, made to bow the head a bit when passing before them, speak in hushed tones in their presence, and behave in other respectful ways. All that was good and wholesome.... Is it good that such a development, such adoption of this wayward attitude had crept into our youth, no matter how small the number, we might ask.... It's a matter of attitude. What oldsters see as a shift away from the mores of their time may be seen as something revolutionary and sound. What was tried and true, as far as morals and manners are concerned, cannot and should not be discarded. That can be dangerous. That will not be for the greater good of the nation and the people. If oldsters don't get the young to toe the line insofar as being accommodating to good traits and trends are concerned, the road ahead may one day become rough. Especially for the recalcitrant."] Sept. 22: King Bayint Naung's Palace "Kamboza Thadi", by Dr. Khin Maung Nyunt. [Background on the palace and its construction in 1566.] Performing Arts Competition Sept. 2: A total of 287 competitors will take part in the Sept. 2-10 Myanma Traditional Performing Arts Competition, which will be held in four venues: dance at the National Theatre, songs at the Fine Arts Department Training Theatre, composing at the University of Culture of the Fine Arts Department, and music at Padonma Theatre in Sanyoung. Prizes will be distributed Sept. 11 at the National Theatre. (NLM 9/3) Sept. 4: The Competition opened, with Culture Minister Lt-Gen. Aung Ye Kyaw as patron. Competitions began in the various venues. // Sept. 5: The competitions continued. (NLM 9/6) Sept. 6: The competitions continued. (NLM 9/7) // Sept. 7: The competitions were observed by SLORC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt. (NLM 9/8) // Sept. 8: The competitions continued. (NLM 9/9) // Sept. 9: The competitions continued. (NLM 9/10) // Sept. 10: The competitions continued. (NLM 9/11) Sept. 11: Prizes were distributed, with a speech by SLORC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt [full text published in NLM]: He said [excerpt]: "Myanmars are a people who have lived in dignity and grandeur for thousands of years with their own cultural structure. There is also firm evidence that Myanmars are a people who have had their own culture and literature, high standards of cultural and performing arts, spectacular architecture and cultural traditions and who have had their own sovereign ruling system. History stands proof to the fact that all the national races have unitedly lived for thousands of years, on the same land sharing the same water, like own brothers and sisters with the harmony of action, and they all have stood as Myanmars taking pride in Myanma culture in the whole of South-East Asia. "Such patriotic Myanmars, under servitude, suffered well-schemed oppression by the imperialists who created conditions to cause the decline of patriotic spirit in the nationals and the disappearance of Myanmar cultural traits--Myanma fine arts, Myanma military science, Myanma traditional sports. Moreover, it was clear that they have employed various tactics and means to cause the disintegration of the national races who have lived in unity and solidarity. "When the country was liberated from the imperialists and regained independence, internal insurgency surged due to their machinations, breeding suspicion among the national brethren. It is known to all that the insurgency has existed up to this day, for over forty years. Some politicians who wanted to grab State power through shortcuts have instigated conditions that would lead to disintegration of national consolidation and opportunist tendency for prosperity under influence of other nations. Such situations are indelible lessons of history concerning near disintegration of the Union. "There were also instances that patriotic forces, on the other hand, strove hard to reconsolidate national unity and rekindle Union spirit while trying to get rid of such inferior mentality of elements who were trying to cause extinction of the race." ************* "For the revival of genuine culture of Myanmars, who have lived under their own sovereign ruling system, ancient edifices are being excavated and restored to their original state and related archaeological research is being carried out. Services for the preservation of culture are being carried out with momentum, involving the excavation and research of Bagan Aungmyay Hill and moated walls, the excavation of the King Bayintnaung's Palace in Bago, the renovation of Myanansankyaw Shwenanadaw and palace wings in Mandalay, the maintenance of ancient and religious buildings in other places, etc. "With aims to strengthen the spirit of patriotism, to bring about spiritual uplift and to revive and preserve cultural heritage and traditions, Myanmar traditional festivals are held regularly in preservation of ancient modes. Myanma Traditional Thingyan Festival, Myanma Traditional Regatta Festival, Myanma Traditional Equestrian Festival etc are held by tradition on a grand scale. An exhibition on a national scale was held after collecting works of Myanma traditional arts of rural life. "At present, measures are being taken for the promotion and dissemination of Myanma traditional performing arts while incentives are being given for the flourishing of Myanma traditional arts of architecture, painting, sculpture and gold thread weaving. Arrangements are being made for disseminating Myanma traditional arts through the length and breadth of the nation initially from Basic Education schools." [Survey of Myanma culture and performing arts from Pyu period to the present.] "It is sad to say that the Myanma performing arts, which had stood firm and glorious on its own, gradually diminished due to weakness in disseminating this art and the infiltration of alien culture. Due to opportunist who though highly of other countries and dependent on them in order to serve their own interest by selling out the national cause; those who were weak in patriotism with no aim in life and drifted along with the tide and those who did not cherish Myanma traditions and culture and due to the flourishing of alien culture and entanglement of alien culture with Myanma traditions and customs, the pure tradition and culture and national styles nearly faded away. "In such an era as today, the losing of independence means not only the loss incurred with the invasion of the country and taking over militarily, but also the infiltration of alien culture and the gradual fading away of our own traditions and culture. In other words, it would not be wrong to say that it is a treacherous means to swallow up with alien culture and ultimately wipe out the race. It is the way of the neo-colonialists to resort to various means to influence the people of small countries by making them think highly of other countries and to look down on their own culture. The most delicate method of influencing is by infiltrating through culture and it is to be warned that if this is not guarded with a national awareness, it could one day lead to wiping out the entire race. "There are many cases in which in some countries there seemingly is material development, but the situation is such that their own culture and styles have diminished and their mode of dress, their manners and their ways of life and their traditions are all under alien influence, so much so that there is nothing left of their national culture which they can point out as their own. "It can be said that, although there is increasing penetration of alien culture in Myanmar Naing-Ngan due to people who lack patriotism, the situation is not so bad as to erase Myanma styles and customs which have existed for thousands of years. Due to the existence of artistes who took part in the Myanma traditional performing arts competitions most outstandingly today and patriotic forces who are preserving pure Myanma traditions and culture, I feel extremely happy and greatly honoured." ************** "As for the contestants, there were 91 in the Basic Education level; 69 in the Higher Education level and 124 on the open level and 284 contestants who represented the 14 States and Divisions and it can be said that it was a competition with the highest number of contestants and the highest variety of items." *************** Prizes were awarded in singing, dancing, composing, saung (harp), pattalar (xylophone), saing (circled drums), hnŠ (oboe), and palway (flute). (NLM 9/12) School Books Sept. 6: Education Minister Col. Pe Thein inspected 360,195 primary education books, in 196 categories, recently imported. He "spoke of the need to distribute them to basic education school libraries as soon as possible and to keep them systematically." (NLM 9/7) Literary and Journalists Organizations Sept. 13: The Botahtaung Township Literary and Journalists Organization [LJO] met and elected a seven-member executive committee with the following officers: Chairman U Tun Shwe (Pyay Tun Shwe); Vice-Chairman U Ohn Thwin (Chaungzon Ohn Thwin); Secretary Daw Tin Hmwe (Hmwe Nge Nge). // The Kamaryut Township LJO also met and elected officers: Chairman U Maung Maung Aye (Ko Aye, Geography Honours); Secretary U Ohn Shwe (Maung Maung Moe). (NLM 9/14) University of Culture Opens Sept. 24: The University of Culture of Department of Fine Arts was formally inaugurated by Minister for Culture Lt-Gen. Aung Ye Kyaw at a ceremony at Kanbawza Yeiktha on Kaba Aye Pagoda Road in Yangon. Chairman of the Myanmar Education Committee SLORC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt spoke, reviewing the long history of Myanmar culture. "He spoke at length on Myanma theatrical art which was on the wane due to the imperialists who oppressed Myanmar artists and artisans. Hence, he stressed the interrelation between the perpetuity of independence of the State and existence of national culture, saying acts undermining independence of the State amount to jeopardizing national culture and vice versa. He said efforts for revitalization, preservation and promotion of Myanmar culture in the post-independence eras did not attain satisfactory progress as a consequence of imperialist suppression and the intrusion of alien cultures. Hence, the [SLORC] has taken up plans for spiritual uplift and promotion of national culture...." "After elaborating on cultural revitalization of the [SLORC] such as holding of traditional festivals, restoration of cultural edifices in their original appearance, excavation of historic sites and establishment of museums, he spoke of the objectives of the Union Solidarity and Development Association which aims at molding Myanmar national pride and prestige, strengthening patriotic spirit and preserving national culture. The association is a new force for strengthening patriotic spirit and preserving and upholding national culture, he commented...." "The university [of Culture], he said, has emerged with three objectives-- strengthening patriotic spirit, consolidating national unity and revitalizing and upholding Myanma cultural traditions. "Noble aims set for implementation by the university are--to preserve, promote and propagate Myanma cultural heritage; to conduct research and be engaged in training for the promotion of Myanma traditional performing arts and turning out brilliant artistes; to teach cultures and customs of national races in the Union; to contribute to strengthening of Union spirit and patriotic spirit; and to turn out artists with refined morality...." "Four major subjects, music, painting, sculpture and theatrical art have been prescribed. Music students are to learn fundamentals and aspects of Myanma music and its history, singing and playing musical instruments, practically and theoretically. Painting students are to learn drawing, anatomy in drawing, history of fine arts, painting techniques and Myanma traditional painting. Sculpture students are to learn basic drawing, habit of creation, graphic art, histories of Myanmar and world sculpture. Theatrical arts students are to learn classical and Myanma traditional dramas, singing and dancing, production of theatrical art and Myanma culture. "Degrees to be conferred after four-year terms are BA (Music), BA (Painting), BA (Sculpture) and BA (Theatrical Art). (NLM 9/25) Bagan Monuments Inventory Sept. 29: UNDP Resident Representative Jehan Raheen presented Minister for Culture Lt-Gen. Aung Ye Kyaw with "a copy of the first volume of the inventory of Monuments at Bagan" prepared by Chief Technical Adviser Dr. Pichard in collaboration with the Archaeology Department. UNDP/ UNESCO involvement in Bagan dates back to the 1975 earthquake that damaged most of the 22,149 registered monuments at Bagan. A Master Plan for conservation and preservation of Bagan was funded by UNDP and is being implemented under UNESCO sponsorship. From 1981 to 1993, the third phase of the plan, US$1.75 million has been spent, and it is planned to publish the nine-volume inventory by 1997. He also discussed "inclusion of Bagan in the World Cultural Heritage list to gain its rightful place as one of the most significant historical and architectural sites in the world." (NLM 9/30) MISCELLANEOUS Sunday Supplements [We have moved this section to Miscellaneous, since most of the articles are now economic, plus a few political or cultural items. And, because many stories are continued from one issue to the next, we will no longer list each week separately] Sept. 5,12,26: Let us rally around the Tatmadaw, build and defend the country, by Minye Kaungbon. [Cont. (8) Maha Bandoola in 1824. (9) 1824 fighting around Yangon. (10) Unjust Rantabo Treaty forced on Myanmar in 1826.] Sept. 5: The Dagon University or the State's immense goodwill, by Tekkatho Chit Swe. [Praise for new University being built in Dagon Myothit, a new satellite town outside central Yangon.] Sept. 5: Paddy for the people, paddy for the country, by Pe Than. [Why increasing production from 650 to 800 million baskets requires double cropping.] Sept. 5: Chaung Nyi Akho to enable summer paddy cultivation, by Nyein Aung (Tanse). [Irrigation for summer paddy in Htantabin Twp. {Yangon}.] Sept. 5: Constructing a new building for Myanmar Central Bank, by Ahtet Minhla Nyunt Aung. [K549 million project is 55% completed.] Sept. 5: No rain but water abundant in these areas, by Maung Myo Tun (Myingyan) [Survey of reservoir projects.] Sept. 5: The victory ground at Shwebo, by U Than Tun (Shwebo). [Review of project, initiated in July, for "restoration of King Alaung Mintara's Palace and Victory Ground in Shwebo, building of a Victory Ground Pagoda, construction of a Museum with a model of the Palace, reconstruction of the Walls and the Moats and repair and maintenance of Maha Nanda Lake." The British prison on the site of the Palace is to be moved, and the 108-ft. Aung Mye Pagoda to be built on the spot, with a State contribution of K3 million.] Sept. 5,12,26: To Mandalay by rail, by Tekkatho Hla Kywe. [Reporters attend inauguration, on Aug. 9, of the Malikha-Mandalar-Mandalay-Myitkyina special passenger express train.] Sept. 12: Trees planted need to be protected, by Kyaw Sein. [Inspection of village firewood plantations.] Sept. 12,26: The arcadian scene at Thadugan, by Ahtet Minhla Nyunt Aung. [Visit to Police 6th Battalion at Thadugan, Shwe Pyithar Twp. {Yangon}, where police run a modern farm.] Sept. 12: Beauties of Myanmar paddy fields, by Aung Gyi (Veterinary) (Kyaukse). [Characteristics of good Myanmar draught cattle.] Sept. 12: An honorary organizer farmer harvests her first monsoon paddy, by Myint Zarni Swe. [Success of farmer Daw Than Nwai.] Sept. 12: Welcome to Pann Ekari, by Khayan Soe Myint. [A fruit and flower coop in Payagon village, Thanlyin Twp. [Yangon]. Sept. 18: How immeasurable the gratitude owed to the State Law and Order Restoration Council or the Tatmadaw, by Minye Kaungbon. ["Fundamental principles" adopted by the National Convention listed. "Due to the State Law and Order Restoration Council's leadership, we, as a rising nation have rich prospects in the political, social and economic life conditions of our Union of Myanmar."] Sept. 18: [Two pages of photographs of SLORC activities since it took power on Sept. 18, 1988. Similar double-spreads or single pages of pictures continued on a daily basis through Sept. 23.] Sept. 18: National pride and honour restored, by Min Kyaw Min. [Review of five years of SLORC government.] Sept. 26: Kyuhkok (Pangsai) catches up in development, by Aung Chit. [Visit to border region in Shan State liberated from BCP.] Sept. 26: For beauty and energy, by Pe Than. [Value of planting trees.] Sept. 26: All set to produce 800m baskets paddy this year, by Myint Zarni Swe. [Improved irrigation, etc., in Ayeyarwady Division.] Sept. 26: Breeding white pigs of quality stock, by Kyaw Sein. [Visit to the Daik-U Canning Factory, home of pork, bacon and sausage.] Crime Sept. 6: Two car-part thieves were arrested in Yangon on July 29; they had taken K42,000 of parts. (NLM 9/7) Sept. 10: DSI and police on Aug. 7 seized 68 tons of illegal teak and hardwood logs at the port of Yesagyo [Magway]. (NLM 9/ 11) Sept. 11: DSI and forest personnel seized 299 illegal logs, weighing 186 tons, in Aungmyethazan Twp. [Mandalay], from the monastery compound where they were being piled. \\ DSI and police on Aug. 16 seized 96 barrels of illegal fuel (4,500 gallons, worth K400,000) from the motor-schooner Weikzakyaw arriving from Nyaung-U the at Yesagyo Twp. jetty [Magway]. (NLM 9/12) Sept. 14: Illegally taken jade from the Phakant area, weighing nearly 3 viss, was seized in Mandalay on Sept. 5. (NLM 9/15) Sept. 17: Defence Services Intelligence, Bureau of Special Intelligence, and Forestry Department personnel on Sept. 1 seized 77 trucks carrying 54 tons of illegal teak and 133 tons of other hardwood arriving in Yangon from Pyinmana, Toungoo, and Pyay Townships. (NLM 9/18) Sept. 18: DSI, BSI and Forestry personnel seized 15 truckloads of illegal hardwood logs in Toungoo and Pyay, totalling 118.6 tons. The trucks included two from Toungoo and Phyu Townships, three from Oktwin and Kyaukdaga Townships, and five from Nattalin Township. (NLM 9/19) Sept. 22: A "thief gang leader" was "shot and arrested" when he tried to knife a policeman in Thingangyunn Twp. [Yangon] on Aug. 16. (NLM 9/23) Sept. 24: Yangon Police on Sept. 14 arrested a taxi driver who made off with K150,000 left in his cab by a fare. The money was recovered. (NLM 9/25) Sept. 26: DSI, BSI, and Forestry officials checked 245 log trucks entering Yangon from Sept. 9-16, and seized 69 of them for carrying over 97 tons of hardwood "in violation of the Forestry Law." (NLM 9/27) Sept. 27: The Gambling Law Vs Search Warrant, by K M O. [The new 1986 Gambling Law "defines all forms of gambling as an offence whether money is involved or not." Nevertheless, gambling cases are not declining: "Almost every day, the newspapers carry news reports about the seizures and arrests of card players and Che-hti (numbers game) gamblers." In a leading case, Myanmar vs. Ko Sein Chun and 9 others (1991 BLR, Page 48), the Supreme Court reversed the acquittal of gamblers even though search warrants were irregularly issued.] Sept. 27: Military, police, and forestry officials seized illegal logs in Mandalay, Magway, and Sagaing Divisions: 1 ton of teak and 10 tons of hardwood in Sintgu Twp. [Mandalay] on Aug. 4; 8 tons of teak and 60 tons of hardwood in Yezagyo Twp. [Magway] on Aug. 7; 29 tons of hardwood in Madaya Twp. on Aug. 12. Similarly, they seized 6 tons of teak and 14 tons of hardwood in Sintgu Twp. on Aug. 14. On Aug. 21 they seized 149 tons of hardwood in Madaya Twp. and 13 tons in Sintgu Twp. On Aug. 23 they seized 80 tons of hardwood in Madaya Twp.; on Sept. 1 9 tons of hardwood in Aungmyethazan Twp. [Mandalay]; on Sept. 7, 9 tons of teak and 85 tons of hardwood in Maha Aungmye Twp. [Mandalay]; and on Sept. 9, 78 tons of hardwood in Chanmyathazi Twp. [Mandalay] and 200 logs in Maha Aungmye Twp. (NLM 9/28) Sept. 28: DSI, BSI and police seized 574 of illegal logs in Thandwe Twp. [Rakhine], illegally extracted by the Dawei Thitsa Co. from plots adjacent to those covered by its permit. // A reckless driver who killed a pedestrian in Tarmway Twp. [Yangon] on July 23 was sentenced to three years prison with labour. (NLM 9/29) Anti-Narcotics Activities Sept. 1: The Kalaymyo anti-drug squad seized 255 bottles of Phensedyl from a truck. (NLM 9/2) Sept. 5: 1.5 kilos of heroin were seized in Hopin village, Zalun Twp. [Ayeyarwady] on Aug. 29. 14.1 kilos of opium were seized in Langwa Village, Namti Twp. [Shan] on Aug. 31. (NLM 9/6) Sept. 5: The Drug Abuse Education Exhibition, which was held over from its scheduled Aug. 31 termination, concluded with distribution of prizes. (NLM 9/6) Sept. 8: A gang of eight drug traffickers was rounded up July 2-Sept. 4 in Yangon, Pinlaung [Shan] and Taunggyi. Seized were 1.3 kilos of heroin and 166.6 kilos of raw opium. Sept. 10: Tatmadaw intelligence and the drug squad on Sept. 4 seized 11.5 kilos of raw opium in Pyawbwe village, Mohnyin Twp. [Kachin]. (NLM 9/11) Sept. 13: DSI on Aug. 25 found 1.2 kilos of heroin in bushes near Mongyu Road. DSI members on Aug. 29 seized 2.4 kilos of heroin near Mon-yu village, Muse Twp. [Shan]. (NLM 9/14) Sept. 16: The Yangon anti-drug squad between Aug. 18 and 20 seized 46 grams of heroin. The Mandalay anti-drug squad on Sept. 6 and 9 seized 3.3 kilos of opium at the Railway Station. (NLM 9/17) Sept. 18: During August 1993, the Tatmadaw seized 71.0 kilos of opium, 3.0 kilos of heroin, and 33.5 litres of Phensedyl. Police seized 260.0 kilos of opium (56 cases), 41.0 kilos of heroin (177 cases), 0.004 kilo of heavy opium solution (1 case), 0.005 kilo of liquid opium (1 case), 21.4 kilos of marijuana (52 cases), 407.9 litres of Phensedyl (32 cases), 0.06 litre of Teradyl (1 case), 10 bottles of morphine injection (1 case), and 0.02 kilo of opium dust (2 cases). They also dealt with 156 cases of failure to register, and 4 other drug-related cases. Altogether, the police took action against 653 people in 483 cases. (NLM 9/19) Sept. 22: The Mawlamyine anti-drug squad on Sept. 9 seized 1.4 kilos of marijuana, and on Sept. 10 0.6 kilo of opium. (NLM 9/23) Sept. 23: The Kutkai drug squad on Sept. 13 seized 0.2 kilo of heroin. The army on Sept. 16 seized 487 vials of pathedine and 115 vials of morphine near Zay Ward, Mingaladon Twp. [Yangon]. (NLM 9/24) Sept. 27: DSI and police on Sept. 17 seized 8.4 kilos of opium on a truck travelling from Myitkyina to Mogaung. (NLM 9/28) Obituaries [English language obituaries only; there are obituaries in Burmese as well.] Aug. 31: Mr. William Coomber (Retire Myanma Airways), husband of Matron Daw Naw Gaily (Ex-EENT Hospital), died in Yangon, aged 70. [Anglican] (NLM 9/1) Sept. 5: Naw Mi May, Toungoo, wife of Saw Spurgeon, died in Toungoo, aged 84. [Christian] (NLM 9/6) Sept. 8: Daw Tin Tin (Pyay), wife of U Tun Lwin (a) U Maung, died in Yangon, aged 88. [Christian] (NLM 9/9) Sept. 9: Daw Ohn Yin. [Condolence message from grandson in Singapore] (NLM 9/ 10) Sept. 13: U Tin Tun, BSc (Ygn), MSc (Southampton), Pearl Culture Officer (Retd), husband of Daw Tin Htay (Science Teacher, Ruamrudee International School, Bangkok), died in Bangkok, aged 53. (NLM 9/16) Sept. 14: Dr. Pyi Nyein Aye (Pyin Oo Lwin, wife of U Myint Swe (a) Jack Barber. [Condolence message] (NLM 9/18) Sept. 18: Philip Kyaw Swa Win, President, Altar Boy's Apostalate, St. Francis of Assisi Parish, Tarmway, son of U Myo Myint and Josephine Daw Myint Myint Win, died in Yangon, aged 16. [Christian] (NLM 9/19) Sept. 19: U Tun Thein, Retd. UN Official (ESCAP), husband of Daw May May Pu, died in Bangkok, Thailand, aged 77. (NLM 9/20, 26) Sept. 21: Retd Lt-Col Hla Maung, BC 6382, OTS (7th Course), husband of Daw Oo Oo Khin, died in Yangon, aged 68. (NLM 9/23) Sept. 25: Daw Ohn Tin, of Shwe-sit-thi village, Meiktila, widow of U Ba Yin, mother of Deputy Minister for Culture U Soe Nyunt (Htilar Sitthu), died in Shwe-sit-tha village, aged 87. (NLM 9/29) Sept. 26: Daw Saw Yin Myat, Toungoo, wife of Mr. J.P. Maneckshaw, died in Yangon, aged 69. [Baptist] (NLM 9/28) Birthday Greeting A Happy Birthday to one and only son KO HENRY AUNG TUN office management correspondence student (IS.) Pennsylvania, U.S.A. Library counter clerk (pt) Cultural Section library British Embassy Best wishes from All Friends (NLM 9/1) Floods and Fires Aug. 31: During July 1993 there were 63 fires; 57 were due to negligence. They destroyed 2,194 houses and 12 warehouses, leaving 1,491 persons homeless. (NLM 9/1) Floods: Regular warnings of river levels above flood stage continued through September, but there were no reports of any flood damage until the following: Sept. 19. South West Commander Maj-Gen. Tin Hla "inspected inundated paddyfields and sections on Yangon-Pathein Road and Hsarmalauk Village, and looked into flood preventive measures on 16 September.... He instructed personnel concerned to undertake preventive measures at Thakhutchaung and other bridges and inspected laying of sand bags near Weidaunk Village in Nyaungdon Township.... On Sept. 17 [he] also inspected flood preventive measures at the sections between mile-posts 28/4 and 29/7 on Yangon-Pathein Road. It is reported that the regional populace and members of the Tatmadaw totalling over 1,500 are contributing labour for reinforcement of the embankment near Weidaunt Village. Relief measures are also being undertaken in areas where the Panhlaing river swelled and overflowed its banks." (NLM 9/20) Sept. 23: South-West Commander Maj-Gen. Tin Hla "inspected the breached embankment at Weidaunt village of Nyaungdon Township" and supervised its repair from Sept. 19-21. Arrangements are being made to rehabilitate inundated paddy fields. (NLM 9/24) Sept. 25: Reconstruction of the Weidaunt embankment was completed on Sept. 23. "The flood has now receded and the double-crop paddy is being harvested. Arrangements for recultivation in flood-ravaged areas have been made." (NLM 9/26) Bicyclists Injured in Mandalay Sept. 19: Seven persons on four bicycles were injured by reckless drivers racing a sedan and a pick-up in Mandalay Sept. 18. "Rumours had been spread in connection with that incident.... Angry bystanders gathered at the scene and set fire to the pick-up but the sedan escaped. They then went to the Mandalay People's Hospital and dispersed.... Twenty seven instigators are under investigation and effective legal action will...be taken against them." The drivers of the two vehicles will also be prosecuted. (NLM 9/20) // Sept. 22: Three of the injured were released from hospital [photos of miscreants]. (NLM 9/23) ----- SUBSCRIPTIONS & RENEWALS ATT: Burma Press Summary The Center for East Asian & Pacific Studies University of Illinois 910 South Fifth Street, RM 230 Champaign, IL 61820 Annual Subscriptions: US$ 50.00 Add Postal surcharge for Canada - US$ 2.00 Foreign (surface) - US$ 2.00 Europe (air) - US$ 20.00 Asia (air) - US $ 25.00 [additional charge for US$ check on foreign bank - $5.00] NOTE: Checks should be payable to: University of Illinois, with "Burma Press Summary" annotated on check. Correspondence concerning subscriptions, missing issues, etc., should be sent to the Center for East Asian and Pacific Studies in Champaign, Illinois EDITORIAL CORRESPONDENCE Editorial correspondence, and requests for full texts of articles, should be sent to: Hugh C. MacDougall 32 Elm Street Cooperstown, NY 13326