93-10 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. 10, October 1993 Table of Contents POLITICAL CRISIS Slogans 2 Cartoons 2 Political Articles 2 Special Refresher Courses 3 Returnees from Bangladesh 4 Prisoners Released 4 Peace Talks with Kachins 4 Political Guidance 5 Union Solidarity & Development Assoc. 6 Press Conference on Seamen 7 Merchants Warned on Rice Prices 8 Security in Yangon 10 Terrorists Use Forged Passports 10 Wa Delegation 10 DIPLOMATIC Diplomatic Calls 10 New Myanmar Ambassadors & Consuls 11 New Ambassadors to Myanmar 12 Message to India 12 Andaman Sea Trijunction Point 12 INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION Workshops 12 Foreign Dopnations 13 Advertising Agreement 14 Myanmar-China Boundary Committee 14 UNICEF Programme Review 14 Myanmar-India Narcotics Meeting 14 UN Day Messages 14 Workers to Malaysia 16 Quadripartite Drug Agreement 16 FOREIGN VISITORS International Agency Visitors 16 Cultural and Medical Visitors 17 Business Visitors 17 Religious Visitors 17 Foreign Journalists 17 Indian Surveyor-General 18 German Parliamentary Delegation 18 Japanese Parliamentary Delegation 18 MYANMAR DELEGATIONS Study Delegations 18 Delegations to Meetings & Events 19 Myanmar Assistance Missions 20 UN General Assembly 20 Foreign Minister to Mexico 24 Health Minister to Mexico 25 Delegations to China 25 Returning Delegations 25 MYANMAR GAZETTE Probationary Appointments 26 Appointments 26 Appointments Confirmed 26 GOVERNMENT Independence Day Committee 26 Wireless Fines Raised 26 Hotel & Tourism Law 26 Fishing Laws Amended 26 MILITARY Insurgent Attacks 27 Insurgents Surrender 27 Terrorists Captured 27 ECONOMIC Economic Articles 27 Project Inaugurations 28 Advertisements 29 Joint Ventures 29 Company Registrations 30 Mid-year Gems Emporium 30 TV Satellite Dish Licences 31 Tourism 31 Agriculture & Forestry 31 Oil and Gas 32 Transportation 33 Chinese Fishing Trawlers 33 Taxation Reforms 33 Cooperatives 33 Rainfall in Yangon 33 SPORTS Sports Articles 34 Myanmar Teams and Delegations 34 Foreign Teams and Delegations 34 Regatta 34 Hole-in-One 34 Traditional Equestrian Festival 34 Sports Training Course 35 Parachutists Federation Formed 35 HEALTH AIDS 35 CULTURAL Literary and Cultural Articles 36 Education 36 Buddhism 36 MISCELLANEOUS Sunday Supplements 37 Crime 38 Anti-Narcotics Activities 39 Obituaries 40 Earthquakes 40 Airplane Overshoots Runway 41 Town Moved 41 Postage Stamps 41 HIGHLIGHTS -- Negotiations with Kachin Independence Organization [POLITICAL CRISIS] -- Press Conference on Seaman Working Abroad [POLITICAL CRISIS] -- Foreign Minister Address UNGA [MYANMAR DELEGATIONS] -- Yangon Commander Warns on Price Gouging [POLITICAL CRISIS] -- Hotel and Tourist Facility Licensing [GOVERNMENT] 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: Oct. 1-15: Samanananca dassanam, to visit the monks; this is the way to auspiciousness. Oct. 16-31: Kalena dhammasavanam, timely discussion of the doctrines; this is the way to auspiciousness. Cartoons Oct. 2: Clerk, with pile of packages at his side: "For a small favour...No need to see your boss. I'm good enough!" Oct. 5: First Myanmar: "Want to live long?" Second Myanmar: "Of course, I do." First Myanmar: "Then, don't cling ride!" Oct. 6: Librarian: "Used to borrow two or three novels, why only one today?" Young woman: "Well, office closed today." Oct. 11: Teacher: "Tell me where population density areas are." Pupil: "Bus stop!" Oct. 12: First Myanmar: "Can't hand full pay to wife. Short by K 100." Second Myanmar: "Just say you crossed street and got caught." 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: Oct. 9: A Historical Presentation of Unity and Solidarity of the Myanmar People and the Tatmadaw, by U Soe Nyunt. [Early accounts of Myanmar forts, soldiers, and military organization, from the Pyu period to 1824.] Oct. 9: Editorial: Don't Rock the Boat. [{Full text}: "Don't rock the boat. That should be a clear message for those who are trying to foment trouble in churning up a witch's brew of problems to lay obstacles in the path of Myanmar boys who sail the seven seas, so to say, in quest of an honest living. We have promptly come out to back the authorities who explained the situation concerning the plight of our seamen. Under instigation of some warped minds misusing the good name, the ITF is being turned into a weapon to attack these honest boys. For years and years our boys have earned the best reputation of having done their utmost even under the most trying conditions at sea or in port. Their tenacity and industry have earned them the admiration of ship's officers wherever there are allowed to join. Now, there is talk of smearing their good reputation, of under-rating them and mistreating them in the guise of goodwill, which actually is absent. Pickles! Sounds like exclamation after stepping on some filth. In fact that man's ill intent is transparent the way he has been trying to spread the contagion. He, according to reports, is trying to torpedo our seamen's chance of continuing to make a good and honest livelihood. Thoughtless, one might say, that in the name of getting them better pay and facilities, we has been instigating our good seafarers into demanding more than their due and getting fired on that account. With Pickles is a purported goodwill group taking the name Seamen's Union Burma. That SUB is also torpedoing boats plying the high seas, getting them to rid themselves of Myanmar crew. For what? Heaven knows, but all this certainly is bad omen for those who have had to suffer termination of their jobs. Considering a substantial income is obtained by both the men and their dependents, what seemingly is an act to get their pay boosted is to kick them up and see them plunk down. The scum of the sea, SUB, and Mr Pickles are up to some trick, getting bread-earners to lose their jobs. To add insult to injury, the duo have not only instigated ship-owners but also local agents, like Gewin. Job security is being whittled away for obvious reasons. One newsman was heard to ask if all this was politically motivated. No doubt about it. The spectator must, as always, see more of the game. There's a lot of harm done. Those who are rocking the boat had better stop. Pickles and SUB, et al, are ill winds that will blow nobody good. Don't rock the boat. Stop it!"] Oct. 14: Speedy Disposal of Cases vs Handing Down Effective Deterrent Punishment, by K M O. [Both are needed.] Oct. 18: Editorial: Combating corruption. ["Recently, and much earlier, when some of our top-echelon leaders went on inspection tours or had occasion to address some gathering, they touched upon bribery and corruption, and, most distinctively, how to uproot it. For the public also, it has been and will continue to be a much-talked-about subject, for it is a lingering problem .... Here in this country or in any other, corruption related to bribery, or vice versa, may not be too widespread at any given time. However, it is a matter of getting at the root of the problem. Those who bribe a person are as guilty as the person who takes that bribe.... Time was when bearers who guard the swing door of the boss's office would be given 'tea money'. Today, considering the price of a cup of tea has risen atrociously, and bribe-takers being not easily satiated, there has to be bigger stakes, depending on what one would want in return.... No doubt it will take an enormous amount of guts and real action, but we must do all we can in combating 'lepers' among us."] Oct. 22: Thet Lai-Shwe Thway Discussions: Ah, How Nice?, by Warazein. [Praise of Lady parachutists; sorrow for Kayin attack on football spectators on Oct. 14. Foreign media gave only a brief account of latter, and called the terrorists 'Kayin Separatists.' "That's right! Just like buffoons in a theatre would say a boy urinating is 'a boy pouring water out of a golden conduit'... How nice it is that those advocates of democracy and of human rights should designate 'killers and butchers' as "Separatists'.] Special Refresher Courses Oct. 9: Concluding Special Refresher Course No. 3 for Senior and Junior Assistant Teachers, SLORC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt told trainees that "In accordance with Myanmar belief, teachers are those who are not only to teach their pupils but give them proper guidance...." He reminded them "not to let their pupils be misused by unscrupulous persons to jeopardize the wellbeing of the State...." and "to look after their pupils in order that they may be able to counter, out of the spirit of nationalism, instigations of all sorts...." (NLM 10/10) Oct. 26: Special Refresher Course No. 4 for Senior and Junior Assistant Teachers opened, and was addressed by SLORC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt. He said that "he has already explained, as conditions permit, that certain neo-colonialist nations wishing to enslave Myanmar Naing-Ngan and certain organizations under their command are trying to discredit Myanmar Naing-Ngan and ostracize it from the world community while at the same time instigating their lackeys at home to destabilize the country and cause disintegration of the Union. He said that the Government has to constantly inform the people of instigations of the unscrupulous elements who are spreading rumours to play down the Government's endeavours and its goodwill, to sow doubts among the national brethren and to cause loss of public self-confidence." He said "disintegration of the unions in Europe and racial riots there caused by foreign interferences serve as lessons for Myanmar Naing-Ngan," and "once a strong and consolidated union got disintegrated because of sweet words like 'for the national races' rights', 'human rights', and 'for the cause of democracy". This is a good lesson to learn...." He cited Georgia, Azerbaijan, and Ukraine. "He said Slovenia Republic and Croatia Republic declared independence and break away from the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia.... Due to this the republic has disintegrated and it can be seen that there is a savage war raging there.... The Serbs resident in Croatia did not wish to break away .... Hence there is a fierce war between Croats and the Serbs. He said the Croats and Muslims in the region manoeuvred for Bosnia-Herzegovina to break away.... The Slavs living in the region objected to this and so racial war broke out there.... The Muslims and Croats who were allies became bitter enemies when they started to grab land in Central Bosnia and Mostar and they began fighting each other.... He said in studying such racial wars breaking out, it can be seen that these are the sad and evil legacies caused by outside influences and conspiracies which brought about disintegration of national unity." He reviewed similar situations in Africa, notably Somalia, Angola, and South Africa, where also outside interference "complicated the situation...." "If we consider the fighting and killing between the racial groups, the splitting up and breaking up of the Unions, he said, the majority of the countries which are accused of human rights violation and lack of democracy are former Socialist countries and countries which were liberated from colonial rule and became independent countries. He said that at such a time as this, in Myanmar Naing-Ngan, which was once under colonial rule and where many national races reside, it is vital for people to be constantly aware of and to prevent the instigations of neo-colonialists, their tendency to breed lackeys and to interfere in the internal affairs and their conspiracies and fabricated stories...." "He said at a time when the Government is making efforts to forge national unity in the country with good intentions, the terrorists who are continuing to exist with the help of some countries and their lackeys are still brutally murdering innocent people." Hand-grenades thrown at football crowd in Ye Township cited, together with massacres of villagers in Shan State. "He said at a time when some groups, who are lackeys of colonialists, are making efforts to invite some of the terrorist groups to attend the United Nations, it is especially necessary for patriotic Myanmar nationals to constantly stand united...." (NLM 10/27) Returnees from Bangladesh Oct. 1: 398 persons from 100 households returned to Kanyinchaung camp from Bangladesh on Sept. 29, under the agreement between Myanmar and Bangladesh, bringing the total since Sept. 22, 1992 to 38,423. (NLM 10/1) Oct. 4: 695 "abscondees" from 151 households returned to Kanyinchaung camp Oct. 2, bringing the total to 39,118. (NLM 10/5) Oct. 7: 635 "abscondees" from 147 households returned to Kanyinchaung camp Oct. 5, bringing the total to 38,753. (NLM 10/8) [NLM seemingly omitted a report.] Oct. 12: 694 persons from 148 households returned to Kanyinchaung camp Oct. 9, bringing the total to 40,447. (NLM 10/13) Oct. 13: 651 persons from 137 households returned to Kanyinchaung camp Oct. 12, bringing the total to 41,098. (NLM 10/14) [NLM seemingly omitted a report.] Oct. 19: 707 "abscondees" from 159 households returned to Kanyinchaung camp Oct. 18, bringing the total to 42,150. (NLM 10/20) [NLM seemingly omitted a report.] Oct. 27: 661 "abscondees" from 154 households returned to Kanyinchaung camp Oct. 25, bringing the total to 43,391. (NLM 10/28) Prisoners Released Oct. 8: 41 persons were released from Insein Central Jail and Toungoo Jail, with their prison terms reduced under SLORC Declaration 11/92. (NLM 10/9) Oct. 15: 31 persons were released from Myaungmya Jail. (NLM 10/16) Peace Talks with Kachins Oct. 2: A delegation headed by Chairman of Work Committee for Development of Border Areas and National Races SLORC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt flew to Myitkyina Oct. 1, and held discussions on regional development measures with Kachin national leaders U Zaw Mai, U Lamon Tu Jai, U Zaw Phan, Dr. Lah Ja, and Dr. Tu Ja. (NLM 10/ 3) Oct. 3: An Hte Gaw Kahpu Kanau Rai Nga Ai; Brothers are we, by Minye Kaungbon. [Message to Kachins. "Our Kachin brethren have discarded the shadowy doubts that lurked in the past, buried the hatchet and started to smoke the pipe of peace. Unfortunate deeds of the past are forgotten and forgiven, switched from bullet to ballot, and changed over from rifle to shovel. They now clearly believe that mistrust has brought us nowhere...."] Oct. 4: Editorial: Brethren, all together. [During the colonial period, colonialists drove wedges between the different national races of Myanmar, though all united to seek independence. "However, the wedging had been so good, had become so ingrained, that differences later showed up among the brethren.... To put the long story short, the State Law and Order Restoration Council, more than other previous administrations had done, worked overtime to see to the bridging of the rifts and the healing of wounds that had been inflicted by colonialism. The success story was written the other day, with the get-together of Myanmar and Kachin brethren, or the delegation of the State Law and Order Restoration Council and the delegation of the Kachin Independence Organization, to be more precise, where it was conceded that what might be called a family squabble had been exploited to involve outsiders, and, thanks to the understanding reached, a new pledge to work together for the development of peaceful Kachin State was voiced together. Such unanimity of views, such consensus, was what both sides had striven for and attained. Both sides had used different wording, but the meaning was the same. It was the best chance of a lifetime, and it should {be} materialized as intended by both sides. It speaks eloquently of the mutual 'cetana' that has been expressed. We, all of us in this great country, are, after all brethren, all together."] [Oct. 13: See also speech of Minister for Foreign Affairs U Ohn Gyaw at UNGA.] Oct. 14: Speaking at a coordination meeting for development of Kachin State, SLORC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt "said the Kachin national armed group is beginning to realize and understand the true goodwill of the State Government. They are now desiring to return to the legal fold and to join hands with the State Government to work for the development of Kachin State and to make efforts for non-disintegration of national solidarity and perpetuation of sovereignty, he pointed out .... He said Kachin State was at one time a very pleasant and developed region, but villages, schools, dispensaries and other buildings were destroyed for various reasons. He said arrangements are to be made to reconstruct the buildings, hand in hand with the regional people. The ravaged villages should also be rehabilitated systematically, he added...." (NLM 10/15) Oct. 16: SLORC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt met in Yangon with U Matu Naw, "leader of the Kachin Nationals of No. 5 Special Region, Northern Shan State," and his party at the Tatmadaw Guest House on Inya Road, to discuss "regional development, education, health, agriculture and livestock breeding activities." (NLM 10/17) Oct. 17: Editorial: For greater momentum in Kachin State development. ["Recently, we have seen a vivid account in the cause of national consolidation--the high-level get-together of Myanmar and Kachin brethren. More specifically speaking, it was get-together of the delegation of the State Law and Order Restoration Council and the delegation of the Kachin Independence Organization. It is a proven fact that our national brethren, realizing true cetana of the State Law and Order Restoration Council, have been unitedly and wholeheartedly joining hands in the State's development activities...."] Oct. 27 [full text]: Secretary of the Work Committee for the Development of Border Areas and National Races Secretary-1 of the State Law and Order Restoration Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt "received Kachin intermediaries for peace--retired Ambassador U La Wang, General Secretary of the Kachin Baptist Church Rev U Sabwe Juam and businessman U Khun Myat--who have been trying to establish peace with KIA armed organization, at the Tatmadaw Guest House on Inya Road here at 4 pm today. Also present were Deputy Director of the Defence Services Intelligence Col Kyaw Win, Director-General of the State Law and Order Restoration Council Office Lt-Col Pe Nyein and officials. The intermediaries for peace recounted their experiences of a news conference at the United Nations Headquarters in connection with peace efforts. The Secretary-1 discussed future programmes in connection with peace efforts and tasks for the development of Kachin State. The meeting ended at 5.15 pm." (NLM 10/28) Political Guidance Oct. 5: Speaking at the second four-monthly 1993 coordination meeting of the SLORC and State/Divisional LORCs: SLORC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt "clarified matters in connection with the National Convention; the coordinations carried out and measures taken for the local terrorists of the Kachin State to return to legal fold; the situation of the terrorist groups; spreading of fabricated news; seizure of illegal timber and suppression of bribery and corruption among government employees." SLORC Secretary-2 Lt-Gen. Tin Oo "clarified matters on formation and assigning duties to District and Township Law and Order Restoration Councils, the situation of implementing tasks and the situation of the economic development of the State." SLORC Chairman Senior General Than Shwe "said it is especially necessary for all to make concerted efforts in producing without fail 800 million baskets of paddy, which the people value greatly, according to the target set for this year. He pointed out that in order to produce 800 million baskets of paddy, counting on monsoon paddy is insufficient but arrangements must also be made for double cropping of summer paddy on 4 million acres...and stressed on the timely completing of dams and reservoirs. He said there are certain crops which thrive well in a particular state or division.... He cited as examples paddy and jute that thrive well in Ayeyarwady Division; oil palm and rubber in Tanintharyi Division; and cotton most significantly in Magway and Mandalay Divisions and pointed out the need to cultivate these crops successfully. He continued to say that projects have been laid down for greening the nine driest upcountry districts in order to enhance the standard of living of the people residing there.... In connection with the industrial sector, he said mills, factories and establishments under the various ministries must be made to operate to full capacity, not by ad hoc maintenance and repair, but by resorting to various ways and means in drawing up factory-wise [sic] projects. He said that although the economic policy in the country has been changed and the private sector is given permission to carry out economic undertakings legally, there still exist illegal transactions and smuggling of goods through blackmarket routes. He said as there is opportunity in the country to import goods legally, there should be no blackmarketeering any more. He spoke of the need for reconsidering the shipping of goods through the Yangon Port only and to make arrangements to enable the exporting of goods directly from other ports also...." (NLM 10/7) Oct. 15: Commander-in-Chief (Air) Lt- Gen. Thein Win addressed graduates of the Defence Services (Air) No. 55 Pilot Training Course. "Speaking of the National Convention, he explained to them that State fundamental principles to be incorporated in the State Constitution have already been laid down and now the Convention has been adjourned to enable the delegates to ascertain the wishes and aspirations of the public and to study the principles to be able to offer relevant suggestions when the session resumes. In this respect, he told them that some radio stations have been cooking up stories on adjourning of the National Convention as if it had been adjourned because there had been misunderstandings or as if it had loitered. The success of National Convention, he said, depends on all individual delegates, and if they keep the national cause at heart, it will be successful whatever the instigations of the foreign media." Wings were presented to eleven pilots. (NLM 10/16) Union Solidarity & Development Assoc. Oct. 7: The USDA will hoist its flag and put up its signboard at the Yangon City hall, on Oct. 9. (NLM 10/8) Oct. 9: A ceremony to unveil the 60' x 18' signboard of the Union Solidarity and Development Association (USDA) was held at Yangon City Hall, attended by Commander-in-Chief (Army) Lt-Gen. Maung Aye, SLORC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt, SLORC Secretary-2 Lt-Gen. Tin Oo, Secretary-General of the USDA Minister for Cooperatives U Than Aung, and numerous others, and a crowd of 5,000. The signboard covers the main front facade. Thirty applicants submitted membership applications to the Association, along with three months' subscriptions. The building was illuminated, and there was entertainment by the Myanmar Orchestra of the Fine Arts Department. Later, SLORC Chairman Senior General Than Shwe viewed the signboard. [photos] (NLM 10/10) Oct. 13: A coordination meeting on the formation of USDA "was held at the Office of Commander-in-Chief (Army) this afternoon and Patron of the Association Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Than Shwe graced the occasion," and gave "all-round guidance on formation, organization, training and activities of the association at lower levels and getting qualified members who could effectively implement the five objectives of the association." (NLM 10/14) Oct. 28: USDA announced that "application forms, copies of basic rules of the Association and receipts for monthly subscriptions are being printed and the documents will soon be distributed to interested persons through the Association Offices of the States/Divisions/Districts/Townships/ Wards/Villages. Enquiries may be made through these Association offices to be opened soon." (NLM 10/29) Oct. 30: The USDA of Ayeyarwady Division was inaugurated Oct. 29 with the unveiling of a signboard at Bandoola Hall, Strand Road, Pathein. (NLM 10/31) Press Conference on Seamen Oct. 9: The SLORC Information Committee held a press conference "in connection with seamen of Myanmar Naing-Ngan," at the Myanma Television and Radio Department. [See also under Political Articles.] Deputy Minister for Transport U San Wai spoke, saying that the Seamen Employment Control Division of the Department of Marine Administration "is the sole organization which enters into agreements with the shipping companies concerned and looks after the welfare and rights of Myanmar seamen." There are now over 28,000 registered seamen, of whom more than 11,000 are employed by over 120 foreign shipping companies. Director-General U Hla Min of the Department of Marine Administration reviewed the history of government "seamen employment control" since 1956. The Control Division "makes contacts with foreign shipping companies for the employment of Myanma seamen. It enters into general agreements with the respective foreign shipping companies...after due coordination...on salaries and benefits to be enjoyed by Myanmar seamen and the responsibilities to be borne by them." When difficulties are encountered over "language, food, behaviour and culture," SECD helps resolve them. When Myanmar seamen work on ships flying flags of convenience "there are some instigations." Unions affiliated with the International Transport Workers Federations (ITF) board such ships and "instigated the seamen of developing countries including Myanmar Naing-Ngan with allegations of low wages and inadequate benefits." The ITF is "out to get seamen of developing countries ...to lose jobs and to destabilize the market. In the meantime, an illegal group by the name of SUB (Seamen Union of Burma) which is non-existent in Myanmar Naing-Ngan surfaced. It made contacts with the ITF as if it represented Myanmar seamen.... The ITF received the group knowing it is not based in Myanmar...." He complained of false allegations of Myanmar using flags of convenience. Director U Tun Aung Myint of the Seamen Employment Control Division said that an ITF agent approached 11 Myanmar crewmen of the mv Angelic Faith when it touched at Hay Point, Australia, and advised them to "demand ITF salaries, more than their contract salaries." When they did so, and threatened to "pose hindrance to the ship," they were replaced by the owners and sent home. He denied a Bangkok report that "they were being persecuted and their families were under threats." Within two months, ITF groups boarded five vessels, Angelic Faith, Angelic Spirit, Sun P., Anangel Solidarity, and Anangel Altas, "and replaced Myanmar seamen with other foreigners and sent them back to the country against their will, Myanmar seamen sent back from Australia numbering 37." On Oct. 7, he said, a Mr. Pickels of Dampier Port, Australia, contacted Gewin Shipping Company and demanded replacement of 18 Myanmar seamen from the mv Oceania by "ITF-accepted seamen." "He explained that what Mr Pickels said was to deter Myanmar seamen who were being exploited by both ship owners and the Myanmar Government which was purchasing weapons with foreign currencies earned by Myanmar seamen. He went on to say that due to the ITF agents threat to stop the ships with Myanmar seamen from sailing a total of 155 Myanmar seamen on 23 ships of shipping companies that have signed contracts with the SECD have been sent back home from Australia.... It was a blow dealt to lessen employment for Myanmar seamen." Deputy Minister for Transport U San Wai spoke, saying that the SUB "is none other than that of persons who have left the country and live illegally in other countries, those who have fled their ships, opponents to the Myanmar Government and undisciplined seamen who cannot return to the country for various reasons." He added that there was no legal seaman's organization inside or outside the country, since the SECD supervised "benefits and assurances for the seamen." A SUB spokesman had claimed that Myanmar registered ships were flying flags of convenience (FOC) {i.e., really owned by other countries--HCMacD.}. With regard to the 11 seamen, the Sept. 2 Canberra Times carried a "fabricated false report" that they had been forcibly sent back to Myanmar via Singapore. In fact, they were not arrested or threatened when they returned home. Myanmar seamen must sign pledges to follow the Guideline of Rules of Conduct and Behaviour, and if they do not their CDC's may be deregistered. He denied that Myanmar, in agreement with foreign shipping countries, "have long made Myanmar seamen enjoy reduced salaries and rights...." The Deputy Minister continued by describing the "latest case that took place at Dampier Port in Australia," where an ITF agent of Western Australia telephones the Gewin Co., owners of the mv Oceania, and "said that the Myanmar Government was buying weapons with the foreign exchange earned by Myanmar seamen and so Myanmar seamen must be substituted with those accepted by the ITF and that only after the substitution, the ship would be let for sailing and if not, it must remain anchored." In fact, it was not a salary case, "but a mere act of dealing a blow." The news account was intended to prevent ships from hiring Myanmar seamen "and to bring dishonour to Myanmar," he said, explaining "that at present, fifty per cent, formerly 25 per cent, of a seaman's salary has to be remitted to the State while the remainder is to be kept in his hand for use in accordance with his wish, and they made up the report knowing of such little amount of the 25-per-cent paid to the State." [A bit garbled--evidently, the Government formerly kept 50% of sailors' foreign exchange earnings, but now it keeps only 25%-- HCMacD.] He then responded to correspondents' questions. In response to questions from Kyodo News Agency correspondent U Sein Win, the Deputy Minister said that "employment of the seamen is an agreement reached between the captain, on behalf of the owner of the ship, and the seaman concerned," and that the owner "can send back the seaman whenever he likes." The SECD "has entered into a general agreement protected the seamen to ensure that he is not sent back without good reason." At Hay Point, the ITF representative "made them demand more salary than originally agreed in the agreement. The amount is not obtainable by Myanmars or by Asians." He threatened to stop the ship from sailing. "The owner then replace Myanmar seamen with other foreign seamen and sent them back." In response to a question from U Hla Htwe of Antara News Agency, he said it was not yet known whether the Myanmar seamen on the mv Oceania had yet been replaced. "Previously, 50 per cent of seamen's salaries had to be remitted as home allotment. But beginning 1989-90, only 25 per cent of the salaries has to be remitted. The remaining 75 per cent of the earnings can be spent freely by the seamen." In response to a question from U Maung Maung of Ji Ji Press, he said "it was not known where the SUB was formed." In response to a question from U Khin Maung Myint of NHK TV and Radio, he said the 25% of seamen's salaries remitted to the Government totals US$600,000 per month. (NLM 10/9) Merchants Warned on Rice Prices Oct. 18: Yangon Commander Lt-Gen. Myo Nyunt told merchants that they "would have to take the consequences for manipulating prices of rice, cooking oil, meat and fish and for creating the problem of increasing price of rice using the dollar in order to cause disintegration of the Tatmadaw, to make the majority unhappy and to undermine the National Convention.... He said although rice of the Ministry of Trade was distributed and sold it did not benefit the consumers. Instead, he said, attempts were made to weaken the Tatmadaw, PPF and service personnel. He recalled how service personnel on duty were bribed by merchants during the transport of goods. This led to taking of action against the service personnel, he said. He then pointed out that in response to difficulties of transport and scarcity of fuel as cited by them, trucks, trains and vessels were arranged. However, he said, the price of rice brought down per pyi was 15 pyas or 25 pyas compared to a possible decrease of between two kyats and five kyats. Action had to be taken against the merchants for misuse of fuel. "Thirdly, he said hullers were ordered to close as suggested by the merchants. But this led to misunderstandings towards the Government, he said. Fourthly, he said milling of paddy was restricted to the rice mills only as called for by the rice millers. But there was dissatisfaction among those who would like to mill for family consumption, the farmers and merchants because of malpractices at rice mills.... He then recalled how price of rice rose following increase of the salaries of service personnel. "He also spoke of rumours of demonetizing of K 200 notes and that K 500 notes would be issued in order to boost sale of the gold and cars. "Another point he cited was about rumours spread by merchants, some politicians and some non-party members. They spread rumours about economic sanctions against Myanmar Naing-Ngan and expatriate Sein Win's trips to some nations begging for military assistance thereby causing panic-buying. "The ninth point he mentioned in connection with the rumour cooked up to raise the price of rice was that good news would be announced on the fifth anniversary of the State Law and Order Restoration Council that K20,000 interest-free loan would be granted to every service personnel and that the Secretary-1 told this to training course graduates in Phaunggyi. "Another rumour spread to gain a similar purpose was that personnel of paddy warehouses and rice mills were purchasing rice at available prices as authorities of General Merchandise Trading were taking action against them for shortage of rice in their warehouses and mills, he said. "He said there are some other means to raise the rice prices in addition to these ten points. "Regarding the rumours floated by some politicians, he stated that there have been campaigns spread by those, who staged demonstrations against socialism, that the present government is responsible for distributing equal quota of rice not only for service personnel but also for the public both in the plains and the hills as it was during Lanzin Party days. "Though the rice merchants were requested not to raise the prices during his meeting with them in May this year, the prices are still high and so it is like rebelling in collaboration, he said. "He advised the rice merchants to consider whether the donations which they often made are noble or not as they gain profits from the poor and also by taxes evasion. "He spoke of 20 kinds of noble charity mentioned in a periodical on Buddha's scriptures and stated that some rice merchants had ulterior motives...." [Government aid to farmers detailed.] "He said none of the merchants ever see to the interests of the peasants other than their own interests. They have never imported farm implements for the peasants although these items are duty free, they have never lent interest-free cultivation loans or extended advance loans to them, but are ready to exploit the peasants when paddy is harvested...." "He went on and recalled that, looking back into the archives, the issue of rice being used as an instrument for power politics, citing instances such as the Peasants' Uprising led by Saya San, the Htantabin rice issue engineered by the Red Flag Communists in 1947, the rice issue of 1967 masterminded by pro-left and pro-right politicians as a plot against the Lanzin Party. These events stand witness to the fact that rice played and still plays an important role in the political history of Myanmar, he said, and it can be discerned that the same holds true for today, when elements within and outside the country are applying the same old formula to create unrest and instability. "Lt-Gen. Myo Nyunt also reminded of the attempts to undermine the patriotic restructuring efforts of the State Law and Order Restoration Council by some human rights activists, by some Nobel laureates visiting the terrorist hideouts, by channelling the vigour and vitality of the students onto the path of doom by following the line of armed struggle. Some alien print and electronic media, he said, timed agitations for some political parties and underground elements to engage in malicious acts, but could not elicit public support as in 1988. The price-hikes of rice and other commodities are just other clandestine tactics, infiltrating into the general market and upsetting the flow of goods by manipulating foreign exchange rates based on dollars, with the ill intent to foil the ongoing National Convention. He warned that the consequences of such subversive acts will boomerang to the merchants who designed this economic unrest. "He went on to say that in such a time of the year when multiple cropping is being harvested and rice should be in abundance, the price of rice soaring instead of falling is rather bizarre, and the malevolence of neo-colonialists is attributable for such turbulence. "He issued a stern warning to minions of imperialism to halt their futile attempts to foil the National Convention, and also made a point that the country is not yet practising democracy, but only on the march to democracy...." "He urged those present to be vigilant and be on the alert for the danger of colonialists, expose such malicious quarters whenever possible and protect the country, this being the bounden duty of all patriots. Even nine groups of nationals who once staged armed resistance against the Tatmadaw are now hand in hand with us, working coherently for the prosperity of their respective regions, he said, there is no reason for the merchants to ignore the goodwill of the Tatmadaw. "Lt-Gen. Myo Nyunt made it clear that the recent price-hikes of commodities, especially rice, is the responsibility of the merchants. It is their duty to reveal greed-infested persons among themselves, he warned, and in a market-oriented economy, no acts that harm the interest and welfare of the people will be condoned, and deterrent punitive action will have to be taken according to the law. (NLM 10/19) Security in Yangon Oct. 19: Deputy Yangon Commander Col. Thura Myint Maung, at a coordination meeting on "taking security measures in Yangon City," "dwelt upon the need to ensure security the basis of which, he pointed out, is the rule of law. He also spoke of the importance of individual security. Security in Yangon at present, he said, is in a better position compared to that of the cities in South-East Asia or in the world. However, he said, individual security has come under a threat these days. There have been blatant acts committed by rascals. Unless such acts are stopped there would be a threat to the security of the city itself, he said. He then called for preventive measures against an increase in criminal acts in the city." (NLM 10/20) Terrorists Use Forged Passports Oct. 24: There have been reports that "terrorist groups engaged in robbery, looting, killing, mining and bomb explosions" have been travelling with forged Myanmar passports "with the assistance of extremist groups from which they have been winning support," and that when abroad "they criticize Myanmar Naing-Ngan by cooking up stories and try to apply political pressures." An article in The Straits Times of Singapore on Oct. 23 [photocopy in NLM], says that "Foreign Minister" Em Marta of the KNU left Thailand using a passport of one Maung Maung Wyn with a replaced photograph; apprehended in Singapore, he was returned to Thailand. (NLM 10/25) Wa Delegation Oct. 27: A Wa delegation led by Wa Leader U Pau Yu Chan of No. 2 Special Region in Northern Shan State met with Border Areas and National Races Minister Lt-Gen. Maung Thint. (NLM 10/28) // Oct. 28: The delegation called on SLORC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt. (NLM 10/29) DIPLOMATIC Diplomatic Calls The following calls were paid on Burmese officials by foreign Embassy or UN officials accredited to Burma. Oct. 1: Israeli Ambassador Ori Noy called on Minister for Agriculture Lt-Gen. Myint Aung. (NLM 10/2) Oct. 7: Philippine Ambassador Rosario V. Carino called on Deputy Prime Minister Lt-Gen. Tin Tun, and on Election Commission Chairman U Ba Htay. Israeli Ambassador Ori Noy called on Minister for National Planning and Economic Development Brig-Gen. Abel. (NLM 10/8) Oct. 8: The Philippine Ambassador called on Minister for Industry 1 Lt-Gen. Sein Aung, on Minister for Forestry Lt-Gen. Chit Swe, on Minister for Home Affairs Lt-Gen. Mya Thinn, on Minister for Prime Minister's Office Brig-Gen. Lun Maung, and on Minister for Education Col. Pe Thein. The Israeli Ambassador, "who has completed his tour of duty in Myanmar," called on Minister for Forestry Lt-Gen. Chit Swe. (NLM 10/9) Oct. 9: Russian Ambassador Valeri Vartanovich Nazarov called on Deputy Minister for Culture U Soe Nyunt. (NLM 10/10) Oct. 11: Israeli Ambassador Ori Noy called on Deputy Prime Minister Vice-Adm. Maung Maung Khin, and on Minister for Communications, Posts & Telegraphs U Soe Tha. Australian Ambassador Stuart Hamilton Rawdon Hume called on Minister for Agriculture Lt-Gen. Myint Aung. (NLM 10/12) Oct. 13: Philippine Ambassador Rosario V. Carino called on Minister for Trade Lt-Gen. Tun Kyi, on Minister for Agriculture Lt-Gen. Myint Aung, and on Minister for Hotels and Tourism Lt-Gen. Kyaw Ba. In the last call, he said "he fell in love [with] Myanmar at first sight and that contrary to reports he had heard, peace and tranquillity prevails here. Tourists, he said, can freely and safely visit the country, adding Yangon is one of the most beautiful cities he had visited. An ambassador, he said, urged him to visit Ngapali Beach, which was called Naples by Portuguese who first arrived in Myanmar because of its beauty which can be compared to that of Naples Beach of Italy. He said the country will be full of visitors if doors are fully opened to them and spoke of the need to preserve nature as it is." Bangladeshi Ambassador Mostafa Faruque Mohammed called on Minister for Home Affairs Lt-Gen. Mya Thinn. (NLM 10/ 14) Oct. 14: Philippine Ambassador Rosario V. Carino called on Deputy Prime Minister Vice-Adm. Maung Maung Khin, and on Minister for Culture Lt-Gen. Aung Ye Kyaw. Bangladeshi Ambassador Mostafa Faruque Mohammed called on Minister for Forestry Lt-Gen. Chit Swe. (NLM 10/15) Oct. 15: Philippine Ambassador Rosario V. Carino called on Chief Justice U Aung Toe., on Minister for Livestock Breeding & Fisheries Brig-Gen. Maung Maung, and on Minister for National Planning and Economic Development Brig-Gen. Abel. Singapore Charge d'Affaires Anthony Chng Chye Tong called on Minister for Labour Lt-Gen. Aye Thoung. Bangladeshi Ambassador Mostafa Faruque Mohammed called on Border Areas and National Races Minister Lt-Gen. Maung Thint. Korean Ambassador Jung Hwan Kim called on Minister for Agriculture Lt-Gen. Myint Aung. (NLM 10/16) Oct. 18: Bangladeshi Ambassador Mostafa Faruque Mohammed called on Minister for Information Brig-Gen. Myo Thant. Philippine Ambassador Rosario V. Carino called on Minister for Industry-2 U Than Shwe, Minister for Mines Lt-Gen. Kyaw Min, and on Yangon Mayor U Ko Lay. Australian Ambassador Stuart Hamilton Rawdon Hume called on Minister for Mines Lt-Gen. Kyaw Min. (NLM 10/19) Oct. 19: Philippine Ambassador Rosario V. Carino called on Attorney-General U Tha Tun, and on Minister for Transport Lt-Gen. Thein Win. Australian Ambassador Stuart Hamilton Rawdon Hume called on Minister for Information Brig-Gen. Myo Thant. British Ambassador Julian D.N. Hartland-Swann called on Minister for National Planning and Economic Development Brig-Gen. Abel. Bangladeshi Ambassador Mostafa Faruque Mohammed called on Attorney-General U Tha Tun. French Ambassador Alain Briottet called on Border Areas and National Races Minister Lt-Gen. Maung Thint. (NLM 10/20) Oct. 20: Japanese Ambassador Takashi Tajima called on SLORC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt. (NLM 10/21) Oct. 21: Philippine Ambassador Rosario V. Carino called on Auditor-General U Khin Zaw. (NLM 10/22) Oct. 22: Japanese Ambassador Takashi Tajima called on Minister for Finance and Revenue Brig-Gen. Win Tin. (NLM 10/23) Oct. 26: Bangladeshi Ambassador Mostafa Faruque Mohammed called on Deputy Prime Minister Vice-Adm. Maung Maung Khin, and on Minister for National Planning and Economic Development Brig-Gen. Abel. (NLM 10/27) Oct. 27: Singapore Ambassador Brig-Gen. Chin Siat Yoon called on Minister for Forestry Lt-Gen. Chit Swe, on Minister for Hotels and Tourism Lt-Gen. Kyaw Ba, on Minister for Transport Lt-Gen. Thein Win, and on Minister for National Planning and Economic Development Brig-Gen. Abel. (NLM 10/28) Oct. 28: Singapore Charge d'Affaires Anthony Chng Chye Tong called on Deputy Prime Minister Lt-Gen. Tin Tun. // Indonesian Ambassador Mochamad Sanoesi called on Minister for Forestry Lt-Gen. Chit Swe. Korean Ambassador Jung Hwan Kim called on Border Areas and National Races Minister Lt-Gen. Maung Thint, and said Korea had donated 85 power-tillers for border areas this year. Japanese Ambassador Takashi Tajima called on Border Areas and National Races Minister Lt-Gen. Maung Thint. Laotian Ambassador Kideng Thammavong called on Minister for Forestry Lt-Gen. Chit Swe. (NLM 10/29) Oct. 29: Bangladeshi Ambassador Mostafa Faruque Mohammed, "who has completed his tour of duty in Myanmar," called on SLORC Chairman Senior General Than Shwe. Indonesian Ambassador Mochamad Sanoesi called on SLORC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt, and on Minister for Hotels and Tourism Lt-Gen. Kyaw Ba. Egyptian Ambassador Mohamad Hassem Ghanem called on Minister for Forestry Lt-Gen. Chit Swe. Philippine Ambassador Rosario V. Carino called on Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement Brig-Gen. Thaung Myint. (NLM 10/30) New Myanmar Ambassadors & Consuls Oct. 12: U Maung Maung Lay on Oct. 8 presented credentials in Kathmandu to King Birendra as new Myanmar Ambassador to Nepal. (NLM 10/13) Oct. 27: U Khin Maung Soe on Oct. 22 presented credentials in Helsinki to President Dr. Mauno Koivisto as new Myanmar Ambassador to Finland. (NLM 10/27) Oct. 30: U Win Aung left Oct. 27 for Kunming, China, to assume his position as Myanmar Consul-General in Kunming. (NLM 10/30) New Ambassadors to Myanmar Oct. 1: The Myanmar government approved the appointment of Mr. Kutlu Ozguvenc as new Turkish Ambassador to Myanmar. Mr. Ozguvenc was born June 4, 1937 in Mahaliccik, Turkey, and studied political science at Ankara University. He joined the Foreign Service in 1964 and served in Ottawa, Baghdad, London, New Delhi, and Teheran. He was Consul-General in Marseille, France. He is presently Ambassador to Bangladesh, resident in Dhaka, and will be concurrently accredited to Myanmar. He is married. (NLM 10/1) Oct. 29: The Myanmar government approved the appointment of Mr. Mordehay Karni as new Israeli Ambassador to Myanmar. Mr. Karni was born in Czechoslovakia in 1930 and immigrated to Israel in 1947, where he served in the Israel Defence Forces and then the Defence Ministry. He joined the Foreign Ministry in 1957 and served in Ankara, Belgrade, Los Angeles, Boon, Bucharest, and London. At present he is Ambassador to Jamaica, St. Lucia, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, Dominica, Grenada, and Bahamas. He studied Political Science Management at the University of Southern California, and speaks six languages. He as two children. (NLM 10/29) Message to India Oct. 2: SLORC Chairman Senior General Than Shwe has sent a "message of sympathy" to the President of India because of the disastrous earthquake in Maharashtra State on Sept. 30. (NLM 10/3) Andaman Sea Trijunction Point Oct. 27 [full text]: "The following is a joint press release issued on the occasion of the signing of the agreement on the trijunction point between Myanmar, India and Thailand in the Andaman Sea: "1. On 27th October, 1993, and agreement between the Government of the Union of Myanmar, the Government of the Republic of India and the Government of Kingdom of Thailand on the determination of the trijuncture point between the three countries in the Andaman Sea was signed in New Delhi by HE U Wynn Lwin, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Government of the Union of Myanmar, Dr Sheel Kant Sharma, Joint Secretary of the Government of India and Dr Praphot Narintiirangura, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Government of Kingdom of Thailand. "2. The agreement determining the trijuncture point between Myanmar, India and Thailand in the Andaman Sea equidistant from the nearest points of Myanmar, India and Thailand is subject to ratification by the three governments. The three parties to the agreement are of the view that the conclusion of this agreement will further strengthen the existing relations among the Governments and peoples of Myanmar, India and Thailand." (NLM 10/28) INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION Workshops Sept. 30: Speaking at a Seminar on Draft National Report on Population, jointly sponsored by the Immigration and Manpower Department and by the UNFPA, Minister for Home Affairs Lt-Gen. Mya Thinn reviewed world population trends. He said Myanmar's population had grown from 16 million in 1941 to 35.3 million in 1983, doubling in 42 years. The current estimate is 43.1 million, growing by 800,000 per year; it will reach 68.5 million by 2020. "He said the rapid rate of growth of population can offset social and economic development and this means more natural resources of the country is to be used. However, the State's highest aim is to raise the living standard of the people.... He said in making efforts to check the fast population growth rate, the security and defence of the State are also vital factors which are to be taken into consideration. He said it is necessary not to lose sight of the fact that Myanmar Naing-Ngan is situated near the most populous countries of the world and is a neighbour of the most densely populated country. He said the National Health Committee is taking steps to lay down a national population policy which will assist in bringing progress and development to the State and ensuring perpetuity and sovereignty of the State...." (NLM 10/1) Oct. 1: Closing the two-week Country Course on Statistics for Gender Responsive Planning, organized by the Ministry of National Planning and Economic Development and the Statistical Institute for Asia and the Pacific (SIAP), Minister for National Planning and Economic Development Brig-Gen. Abel congratulated Course Director Ms. Heidi Arboleda "for the enormous and untiring efforts she has made in lecturing this very valuable subject." Certificates were presented to the 22 participants. (NLM 10/2) Oct. 11: Basic and advanced courses No. 1/93 opened at the G T C Printing Press of the Printing and Publishing Enterprise. The G T C Press came into existence under a Myanmar-German agreement for technical assistance. 40 trainees are attending the three-month course. (NLM 10/12) Oct. 18: IRRI-model Low-lift Waterpump and Rice-husk Stove Production Technology Training Course No. 1/93, jointly conducted by the Vocational Training Centre of the Labour Department and San San Industrial Producers Cooperative Society, concluded. Minister for Labour Lt-Gen. Aye Thoung said the fuel-efficient rice-husk stoves will contribute towards preventing deforestation, and rice-husks are available in unlimited quantity in areas such as Ayeyarwady, Yangon, Bago, and Mon Divisions/States. (NLM 10/19) Oct. 19: A course on Human Resources Development Project and Labour Market Analysis, jointly sponsored by the Labour Department, UNDP, ILO, and Asian Regional Employment Development Organization, opened at the Inya Lake Hotel in Yangon. Speakers included UNDP Resident Representative Jehan Raheem and Mr. John Cameron. (NLM 10/20) // Oct. 28: The course concluded. (NLM 10/29) Oct. 26: A 3-day Forum on Port Modernization and Improvement of Amenity, jointly sponsored by Overseas Coastal Area Development Institute (OCDI) of Japan and the Myanma Port Authority, opened, and was addressed by Minister for Transport Lt-Gen. Thein Win. (NLM 10/27) // Oct. 27: The Forum continued, attended by about 55 officials and others. Papers were read Deputy Director Mr. Ikuo Fujita and Senior Adviser Mr. Heiroku Hanada of OCDI, and by Myanmar officials. (NLM 10/28) // Oct. 28: The Forum continued. Papers were read by Director Mr. Takeshi Horie of the Institute of Port Research, Japan, by Chairman Mr. Takao Hirota of OCDI, and by Myanmar officials. (NLM 10/29) Oct. 26: A Seminar on Approaches to Development Planning in a Market-oriented Economy, jointly sponsored by the Planning Department of the Ministry of National Planning and Economic Development and UNDP opened, and was addressed by Minister for National Planning and Economic Development Brig-Gen. Abel. The aim, he said, was "to identify practical approaches for institutionalizing efficient and effective development planning in Myanmar." 24 participants from 14 Ministries and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry will attend the four-day seminar. (NLM 10/27) // Oct. 29: The seminar closed, with a speech by Minister for National Planning and Economic Development Brig-Gen. Abel. UNDP Resident Representative Mr. Jehan Raheem and UNDP Senior Economist Dr. Sheila Margaret Smith also spoke. (NLM 10/30) Foreign Donations Oct. 1: Under the Thai-Myanmar technical exchange programme, a Thai delegation on Sept. 27 turned over medical equipment and two ambulances worth US$300,000 at the Tachilek Military Region Hall; they will be used for hospitals in Eastern Shan State and the Bago Model Township Project. // Mr. Stone K. Lee, adviser of the Sam Ju Overseas Co. Ltd. of Korea, donated US$1,500 to the Myanmar Judo Federation. // The Santiforestry Co. Ltd., represented by Mr. Santi Vayakon Vichitr, donated an ambulance valued at US$23,327 to the Buddha Sasana Hospital on Kaba Aye Hill. (NLM 10/2) Oct. 4: Managing Director U Moe Kyaw of the Ky Tha Trading Pte. Ltd. of Singapore donated K1 million to the Football Federation for training and competition expenses; previously it had donated K500,000. (NLM 10/5) Oct. 6: Daewoo Corporation Myanmar, represented by President Mr. Chai Pill Suh and Managers Mr. Jung Han Kim and Mr. G.H. Lee, donated K100,000 to the Taekwondo Federation; present was coach Mr. Jun Woong Hwan. (NLM 10/7) Oct. 8: Managing Director Mr. Matthew Kuan of Thai Industrial Connection Co. Ltd. donated K180,000 for border area and national races development. (NLM 10/9) Oct. 15: Life International Trading Co. Ltd. donated US$10,000 to the Ministry of Religious Affairs. (NLM 10/16) Oct. 20: Seven "well-wishers" in Singapore, U Khin Maung Oo, U Zaw Win Shwe, U Maung Maung Kyaw, U Sein Toke, U Thein Win, Mr. Cheong Teck Eng, and Mr. Joseph Myint, donated K300,000 to Myanmar athlete Pa Pa for training. (NLM 10/21) Oct. 20: Germany donated K1.5 million of stretchers, blankets, and first aid kits to the Myanmar Red Cross. (NLM 10/21) Oct. 28: Japan donated 128 books worth 1 million to the Universities Central Library and the Institute of Education. (NLM 10/29) Advertising Agreement Oct. 9: A agency agreement was signed between Ad Grand Advertising Pte. Ltd. of Singapore and the News and Periodicals Enterprise naming Ad Grand as agent for NPE to advertise foreign goods in NPE publications. "Ad Grand is an organization which undertakes commercials of foodstuff, medicines, beverages, hotel and tourism services, vehicle tyres, computer and banking services." (NLM 10/10) Myanmar-China Boundary Committee Oct. 13: A 7-member delegation headed by Ambassador Mr. Xu Wenyi of the Chinese Foreign Ministry arrived to attend the second meeting of the Chief Representatives of the Myanmar-China Joint Boundary Inspection Committee. (NLM 10/14) // He called on Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs U Nyunt Swe. (NLM 10/15) // Oct. 21: He departed, after signing Agreed Minutes of the meeting with the Myanmar Delegation headed by Capt. Tun Aung (Navy). (NLM 10/22) UNICEF Programme Review Oct. 14: The 2-day Myanmar-UNICEF Mid-Term Review of Country Programme (1991-1995) opened at the Department of Medical Research. Out-of-country speakers included UNICEF Bangkok Regional Director Mr. D.J. Brooks and UNICEF Programme Division Director Mr. Kul Gautam. Opening the review was Minister for National Planning and Economic Development Brig-Gen. Abel. (NLM 10/15) Myanmar-India Narcotics Meeting Oct. 16: A Myanmar delegation led by CCDAC Secretary Police Maj-Gen. San Thein returned from the first coordination meeting on Myanmar-India Cooperation in Anti-drug Activities, held in New Delhi Oct. 13-14. Other members were Lt-Col. Win Han and Lt-Col. Kyaw Thein of the Defence Ministry, Assistant Director U Ngo Kho Pau and Deputy Director Police Lt-Col. Kham Aung. [We did not see any report of this delegation's departure--HCMacD.] (NLM 10/ 17) UN Day Messages Oct. 24: SLORC Chairman Senior General Than Shwe issued the following Myanmar Government Message on the occasion of the 48th Anniversary of the United Nations, which was read to a UN Day Ceremony by Minister for National Planning and Economic Development Brig-Gen. Abel [full text]: "Today is the forty-eighth anniversary of the founding of the United Nations. It is an important annual occasion to renew our strong commitment to the Purposes and Principles of the United Nations and to reflect on the vision envisaged in the Charter and the new realities faced by the Organization. "The United Nations was designed not only as an instrument for the cardinal purpose of maintaining international peace and security, but also to develop friendly relations among nations based on respect for the principle of equal rights and self-determination of peoples, and to achieve international cooperation in solving economic and social problems. The United Nations was born of global historical necessity implying that no single nation, or restricted alliance of nations, however powerful and wealthy, can replace it in its function. "While substantial accomplishments for the maintenance of international peace and security have been made, the United Nations is still facing difficulties and obstacles in supporting the development efforts of the poorer countries. We are still witnessing the widening gap between the developed and the developing. "In this interdependent world of nations, it has been recognized that the developing world needs a supportive international environment. It is, therefore, fitting that in the Report of the Secretary-General on the work of the Organization for 1993, the Secretary-General rightly mentioned that he would be submitting a report to the General Assembly entitled "An Agenda for Development". "The Cold War has now come to an end. We should seize this new opportunity that has thus arisen to establish a new world order based on mutual trust, understanding, equality and cooperation. An international climate supportive of peace and development needs to be established by all countries, developed and developing, for peace and development is interlinked and mutually reinforcing. It is true that peace is a prerequisite to development. It is also true that there can be no peace unless there is economic development and social progress. The world community can have a safe and prosperous future only if economic and social progress in developing countries is assured. The United Nations must be allowed to play the pivotal role in establishing a new world order of peace and development which its founders envisioned half a century ago. The United Nations is now humanity's best hope in the global pursuit of peace, economic development and social progress. "On this solemn forty-eighth anniversary of the United Nations, let us reaffirm our confidence in the United Nations Charter as well as re-dedicate our utmost efforts for lasting global peace and security, international law and order, and international cooperation for accelerated development in developing countries." In turn, UNDP Resident Representative Jehan Raheen gave the following address [full text]: "Today's message [from the UN Secretary-General] called for 'New Foundations of Support' to the twin tasks of peace and development. It is increasingly evident that these foundations are sustainable only if they rest firmly upon a changed and global concept of human security. It is a concept that must be universal in scope, and combine the strength of communities, with the authority derived from the consensus of nation states all over the world. "It must be a concept that goes beyond mere territoriality, and recognises new and universally present threats of HIV/AIDS, drugs, and pollution and other complex transborder problems, such as migration. It must confront the longstanding but yet unresolved paradoxes in attaining a new vision of global self-sufficiency; paradoxes that perpetuate poverty and undermine opportunity. We must move from a theory of basic needs to a commitment to human development and through it to a compact for human security. "The concept must also deal with the paradox, that, in the post-cold war world, the absence of global conflict has neither influenced world-wide confrontation between tribes, communities and even neighbours; nor has it produced an effective peace dividend for development. "The process by which these foundations of support can emerge, is being encouraged through the building of global consensus. The United Nations therefore has held conferences on environment and development and also on human rights. From 1994 through 1996, international conferences will be held (in Japan) on Natural Disaster Reduction (in Cairo) on Population and Development (in Denmark) on Social Development (in Beijing) on Women and (in Turkey) on Human Settlements. "These conferences are a part of a continuum that links ideas to results in the work of peace, human security and economic and social development. They must result in practical policy setting and in goal determination as happened at the historic Alma Ata meeting or at the path breaking world summit for children. "Along with participating in these conferences Myanmar has also been active in the regional meetings that examine achievement and progress in implementing the policy goals set at earlier conferences. Following UNCED, a National Commission on Environmental Affairs was set up and is now actively reviewing policy options for implementation. Following the world summit for children Myanmar has adopted the goals of the summit and incorporated them into a national programme. It has acceded to the Convention on the Rights of the Child and promulgated a Child Law. The national adoption of these global goals permit all of us to jointly review emerging policies in the light of other national and global experiences. "The search for these new foundations of support, is the responsibility of any organization that reflects upon the global human condition. In 1995 the United Nations will be fifty years old. Many International Organizations are much older, as indeed are many ancient religions and institutions that influence human behavior and collective governance. "There are also many new institutions today, governmental and non-governmental, which link scientists, philosophers and merchants and strengthen global dialogue in the search for solutions to human dilemmas. In this immensely rich market-place of ideas, a new opportunity to fulfil the original promise of the UN Charter, has presented itself. "This opportunity is yet our best hope, to secure a useful, relevant and modern United Nations. "Thank you." (NLM 10/25) Workers to Malaysia Oct. 25: Director-General of Labour Department U Tun Shwe met with welders who are going to work at Taijikim Company in Malaysia. Present were Taijikim Company Resident Representative U Maung Maung, Manager Daw Hla Myint and the 18 welders; they will leave for Malaysia Oct. 27 and work there for one year. (NLM 10/26) Quadripartite Drug Agreement Oct. 28: A Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen cooperation in fighting illicit drugs in South-East Asia was signed Oct. 26 at United Nations Headquarters in New York by representatives of Myanmar (Ambassador to Israel U Win Mra), Thailand (UN Representative Nitya Pibulsonggram), Laos (UN Representative Alounkeo Kittihoun), China (Vice Minister of Public Security Bai Jingfu), and the United Nations International Drug Control Program (UNDCP) (Executive Director Giorgio Giacomelli). The agreement will expand existing cooperation on "problems of illicit drug production, trafficking, abuse and related HIV/AIDS infection...." (NLM 10/29) FOREIGN VISITORS International Agency Visitors Oct. 2: A five-member delegation led by Coordinator Mr. Pramod Pradgan of the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), based in Nepal, arrived Sept. 27 to visit border areas and to discuss the installation of Geographic Information System (GIS). The delegation went to Kunlong on Sept. 28, and visited Namtip in Wa region and Chinshwehaw in Kokang region. On Sept. 30 they visited Lashio, and teak plantations near Nawnghkio. On Oct. 2 they toured Mandalay and returned to Yangon. (NLM 10/3) // Oct. 3: Minister for Forestry Lt-Gen. Chit Swe celebrated the 10th anniversary of ICIMOD by opening an exhibit at the Institute of Nursing [full text published], concluding that "Under the sponsorship of ICIMOD Centre I am glad to state here that Myanmar had already sent 15 persons of the professional and technical levels to Nepal as the first cycle training programme for a period of six weeks.... The second cycle of the training is schedule to be held in Myanmar and the case study area has already been chosen in the Kyauk-ta-lone Pa-O area in the southern Shan State. Besides it is known that 6 computers are due arrive and will be installed for the case study and practical training programmes." (NLM 10/4) // Oct. 4: The five-man ICIMOD delegation held discussions at the Office of the Work Committee for Development of Border Areas and National Races. (NLM 10/5) // Oct. 5: The delegation called on Minister for Forestry Lt-Gen. Chit Swe. (NLM 10/6) Oct. 11: Dr. U Lay Maung of the UNICEF office in Bangkok called on Minister for Health Vice-Adm. Than Nyunt, to discuss UNICEF projects and "assistance in prevention of iodine deficiency project." (NLM 10/ 12) Oct. 12: Director Mr. K Gautam of the UNICEF Programme Division, UNICEF Headquarters in New York, called on Minister for National Planning and Economic Development Brig-Gen. Abel to discuss the midterm review of the UNICEF 1991-1995 Country Programme, and the implementation of the National Programme of Action for the Survival, Protection and Development of Myanmar's Children in the 1990's. Also present were UNICEF Regional Director Mr. D.J. Brooks from EAPRO, Bangkok, and Dr. P. Kale, Chief (Asia Section), as well as UNICEF Resident Representative Steven H. Umemoto. (NLM 10/13) Oct. 13: Team Leader Dr. J. Narain, Global Programme for AIDS, South-East Asian Regional Director's Office, WHO, called on Deputy Minister for Health Col. Than Zin to discuss anti-AIDS activities in Myanmar. (NLM 10/14) Oct. 21: A four-member Country Programme Review Mission from the International Atomic Energy Agency, led by IAEA Representative Mr. Ali Boussaha, called on Minister for Education Col. Pe Thein and reviewed the three areas "covered under the Myanma Atomic Energy Committee namely, public health, agriculture and installation and use of related technical equipment, requirements and continuation of work." (NLM 10/22) // Oct. 22: The mission called on Deputy Minister for Health Col. Than Zin, and on Minister for National Planning and Economic Development Brig-Gen. Abel. (NLM 10/23) Oct. 25: WHO Short-term Adviser Dr. B.B. Gaitonde, and two team members, called on Deputy Minister for Health Col. Than Zin to discuss pharmaceutical projects. (NLM 10/ 26) Oct. 26: Chairman Mr. Jay Blevins and Mr. Steven Rodis of J.B. Memorial Children's Fund of the United States called on Deputy Minister for Health Col. Than Zin, and donated equipment worth US$42,000. (NLM 10/ 27) Oct. 27: A 3-member Radiation Protection Advisory Team (RAPAT) Mission led by Mr. Peter Strohal of the IAEA called on Minister for Education Col. Pe Thein to discuss "arrangements to be made for radiation protection, sending of scholars for conducting extensive and more effective radiation protection and rendering assistance. (NLM 10/ 28) Cultural and Medical Visitors Oct. 4: Dr. Edward Houseley, Chairman of the Board of Examiners of the Royal College of Physicians called on Deputy Minister for Health Col. Than Zin. (NLM 10/5) Oct. 7: Deputy Director Ms. Chen Rongxian of the Chinese International Exhibitions Agency, currently in Yangon to hold an exhibit of Chinese cultural handicrafts, accompanied by Agency Officer (Art) Mr. Jiang Rong, called on Minister for Culture Lt-Gen. Aung Ye Kyaw. The exhibit will run from Oct. 8-14 at the National Museum. (NLM 10/8) // Oct. 8: The Exhibit was opened by Minister for Culture Lt-Gen. Aung Ye Kyaw. (NLM 10/9) // Oct. 19: The Chinese officials were dined by Minister for Culture Lt-Gen. Aung Ye Kyaw. The exhibition will continue to Oct. 22 in Yangon and Mandalay. (NLM 10/20) Oct. 7: Dr. P. Brenny and Dr. Wiwad Rojan Pthayakorn of the "group for reviewing AIDS control and prevention activities," made up of UNDP, WHO, and UNICEF officials, met with Director-General U Kyi Lwin of the Myanma TV and Radio Department to discuss anti-AIDS educational programs. (NLM 10/8) Oct. 20: Eye Specialists Dr. David Wilson, Dr. Richard Abbott, and Dr. Thomas Gettelfinger of Orbis International called on Deputy Minister for Health Col. Than Zin. They donated a video tape and infra-ocular glasses. (NLM 10/21) Oct. 27: Dr. Fred Kurt of the University of Veterinary Sciences in Vienna called on Minister for Education Col. Pe Thein; he is a geneticist from Aichach, Germany, who is studying ecology and "eth-ology" of Asian elephants. (NLM 10/28) Business Visitors Oct. 20: Managing Director U Mya Han and General Manager J.T. Kim of the Lucky GoldStar International Corporation of Korea gave a presentation on the company's elevators and escalators. (NLM 10/21) Oct. 25: Mr. Takao Hirota, Chairman of Oversea Coastal Area Development Institute and party called on Minister for Rail Transportation U Win Sein. (NLM 10/26) Oct. 29: Chief Pilot Mr. D. Key of Bell Helicopter Asia gave a demonstration flight of the Bell-412 Helicopter at Yangon International Airport, viewed by Minister for Transport Lt-Gen. Thein Win and others. (NLM 10/30) Religious Visitors Oct. 5: Maha Sadhamma Jotikadhaja title-holder Buddhist missionary Mr. Goenka of India arrived via Bangkok. (NLM 10/6) Oct. 8: Principal Ven Seok Ka San of the Korean Buddhist College and party donated US$2,000 and gift to Minister for Religious Affairs Maj-Gen. Myo Nyunt for "use in religious matters." (NLM 10/9) // Oct. 10: He departed. (NLM 10/11) Foreign Journalists Oct. 5: Mr. Basil Clarke, head of the Far Eastern Service of the British Broadcasting Corporation, called on Secretary of the National Convention Convening Work Committee U Aye Maung, Director-General Lt-Col. Thein Han of the Work Committee for Development of Border Areas and National Races, and Lt-Col. Kyaw Thein of the Law Enforcement Committee of the CCDAC. (NLM 10/6) // Oct. 6: He visited Dagon Myothit and called on Minister for Information Brig-Gen. Myo Thant. (NLM 10/7) // Oct. 7: A dinner was hosted for him by Brig-Gen. Myo Thant, Leader of the SLORC Information Committee, at the People's Park Restaurant. (NLM 10/8) Oct. 12: Singapore Bureau Chief Mr. Hiroshi Kashihara of Nihon Keizai Shimbun called on Election Commission Chairman U Ba Htay. (NLM 10/13) // Oct. 13: He called on Minister for Trade Maj-Gen. Tun Kyi. (NLM 10/14) // Oct. 14: He called on Minister for National Planning and Economic Development Brig-Gen. Abel. (NLM 10/15) // Oct. 15: He called on National Convention Convening Work Committee Chairman U Aung Toe. (NLM 10/16) Indian Surveyor-General Sept. 30: The delegation led by Indian Surveyor-General Maj-Gen. D.P. Gupta departed, after discussions from Sept. 28-30 on "inspection, maintenance and repair of boundary pillars on the Myanmar-India border. (NLM 10/1) German Parliamentary Delegation Oct. 11: The Social Democratic Working Group on Narcotic Drugs of the German Federal Parliament, led by MP Mr. Johannes Singer, met with CCDAC officials on Oct. 9. On Oct. 10 the group visited Bago. (NLM 10/12) Japanese Parliamentary Delegation Oct. 21: A delegation led by Mr. Koji Kakizawa, member of the Japanese House of Representatives, arrived Oct. 18. On Oct. 19-20 it visited Bagan and Mandalay before returning to Yangon, where it called on SLORC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt, Minister for National Planning and Economic Development Brig-Gen. Abel, and Minister for Culture Lt-Gen. Aung Ye Kyaw. It then returned to Japan. (NLM 10/22) MYANMAR DELEGATIONS Study Delegations Sept. 30: Scientist U Kyaw Min of the Physics and Engineering Department, Central Research Organization, left for Austria to attend a 6-month course on Nuclear Instrumentation, Electronics and Reactor Control offered by IAEA. (NLM 10/1) Oct. 2: Staff Officer U Ko Ko Aye of the Labour Department left for Tel Aviv to attend the Oct. 4-Nov. 15 73rd international course on the Role of the Labour Movement in National Development. (NLM 10/3) Oct. 3: Rice Mill Managers U Nyunt Oo and U Ko Ko Win of Myanma Agricultural Produce Trading left for China Oct. 2 to attend a 2-month UNDP-sponsored course on Rice Process Technology Research and Development at Wuxi Light Industry College, Jiangsu. // Assistant Managers Daw Khin Aye Myint and Daw Aye Kyu Thein of Myanma Posts and Telecommunications left for Thailand Oct. 2 to attend the 18th Postal Statistics Course from Oct. 4-Nov. 26. // Township Medical Officer Dr. Zaw Htoo of the Ministry of Health left for Egypt Oct. 2 to attend a 10-month diploma course on Population and Development in Cairo sponsored by UNFPA. // Assistant Director U Htin Lin of the Customs Department left to attend the 18th course on Management, sponsored by the Customs Cooperation Council, from Oct. 4-Nov. 12 in Belgium and Japan. (NLM 10/4) Oct. 4: Research Officer U Myat Naing of the Myanmar Education Research Bureau [MERB] left for Seoul, Korea, to attend a UNDP-funded two-month course on Education Research and Comparative Education. // Assistant Research Officer U Bo Gyi of the MERB, and the Headmistress [unnamed] of the Yangon Teacher Training School Thingangyun, left for Sri Lanka and Bangladesh to attend a three-month course on Training in Non-formal Education, given under the Education Sector Study Project. // Head of Division U Myint Thein of the Technical Services Enterprise left Oct. 2 for an 8-week course on Computerized Designing and Production, under an Indian scholarship granted under the Colombo Plan. (NLM 10/5) Oct. 5: Demonstrator U Kyaw Kyaw Khaung of the Botany Department, Taunggyi University, left for Japan on a Japanese-sponsored scholarship to attend a Ph.D. course in Botany. // Senior Assistant Teachers Daw Tin Myo Kyi, Daw Ni Ni Than, U Maung Maung Thu, and Daw War War Lay, and Junior Assistant Teacher Daw San Myint, left Oct. 4 for Japan to attend In-service Teachers Training. // Director (Admin) U Zaw Win and Factory Manager U Than Htut of Myanma Heavy Industries, with Deputy Director-General U Tha Tun Aung and Assistant Manager U Thein Han of Daewoo Electronics Myanmar Co. Ltd. left Oct. 4 for Korea on a one-week study tour sponsored by Daewoo Electronics Co. Ltd. (NLM 10/6) Oct. 6: Assistant Lecturer Daw Hnin Pwint Aung of the Chemistry Department, Pyay College, left for Germany for Post-Graduate Training in Chemistry under the German Academic Exchange Service program. (NLM 10/7) Oct. 7: The following left for Japan to attend courses with Japanese government aid: Tutor Daw Ohnmar Kyaw of the Law Department, Yangon University, to attend a doctorate course in Law; Tutor Daw Aye Aye Myint of the Education Psychology Department, Institute of Education, to attend a doctorate course in Test and Measurement; Junior Assistant Teacher Daw Ohnmar Maw to pursue Japanese studies; Senior Assistant Teachers Daw Tin Tin Yi and Daw Than Than Naing, to attend an In-service Teachers Training. (NLM 10/8) Oct. 8: Associate Professor Daw Khin Aye Win of the Psychology Department, University of Distance Education, left for the UK to attend a UNDP-sponsored 2-month course on Teacher Education. (NLM 10/9) Oct. 11: Director Thura U Myint Shwe of the Customs Department left for Japan to attend the Oct. 13-15 Regional Workshop on Customs Training for 1993/94 cosponsored by the Customs Cooperation Council and the Japan Technological Cooperation Programme. // Administrator U Tin Shwe of the Higher Education Department, Assistant Lecturer U Tin Hmwe of Maubin Technical Institute, and Tutor U Thant Zin Oo of the Insein Technical Institute left for Germany for a 12-day course on Training and Inspection of Electrical Equipment at Leybold Didactic GmbH. (NLM 10/12) Oct. 12: A study group led by Editor U Ye Nyunt of The New Light of Myanmar, accompanied by Assistant Manager U Than Win of Kyemon, and Technician U Aung Mon of Myanma Alin, left for Singapore for a one-week study tour in computer word-processing. (NLM 10/13) // Oct. 19: The group returned. (NLM 10/20) Oct. 12: Assistant Research Officer U San Maung of the Education Research Bureau, and Lecturer Daw Yi Yi Than of the Institute of Economics, left for New Delhi, India for a 1-month Colombo Plan course on Entrepreneurship for Small Business Trainers/Promoters Programme. (NLM 10/13) Oct. 13: Staff Officer (TV) Daw Khin Ma Lay of Myanma Television and Radio Department left for Korea to attend a course in TV Programme Production. (NLM 10/14) Oct. 15: Assistant Director U Oakgar of the Labour Department left for Adelaide, Australia, to attend the Sixth Seminar on Information Network on Technology Development in Asia and Pacific Region. (NLM 10/ 16) // Oct. 25: He returned home. (NLM 10/26) Oct. 19: Assistant Customs Officer U Nyunt Win left for Japan to take a one-month course on Customs Clearance Techniques, cosponsored by the Japanese Government and the Customs Cooperation Council. // Manager Daw Sein Sein Htay of the Mon State Cooperatives Syndicate left for New Delhi to attend a six-month ICA/Japan Training Course for Strengthening Management of Agricultural Cooperatives in Asia. // Director Dr. Tun Aung Pru of the Cottage Industries Department left for Bangkok Oct. 18 to attend a regional coordination meeting on Upgrading of Teaching Techniques and Curriculum in Agri-based Industry. (NLM 10/20) Oct. 24: Deputy Director (Nursing) Naw Win San Myaing of the Health Department and Staff Nurse Daw Hla Win of Sao Sam Htun Hospital in Taunggyi left for Tokyo to attend the 19th Senior Nurses International Workshop. (NLM 10/25) Oct. 27: Lecturer U Zaw Win of the Thayarwady Agricultural Institute and Tutor Daw Than Than Htay of the Mawlamyine Technical Institute left Oct. 26 for Kathmandu, Nepal, to attend Training of TVE Teachers on Environmental Education and Sustainable Development at SPSC from Oct. 28-Nov. 9 under the Colombo Plan. Delegations to Meetings & Events Sept. 30: Deputy Director-General U Khin Maung Oo of the Trade Department left for Hanoi to attend the Oct. 2-3 International Symposium on Agenda 2000, Strategies for the Sustainable Development and Growth of SMEs in Asia and the Pacific. (NLM 10/1) Oct. 7: Director (Treatment) Dr. Aye Kyu of the Health Department left for Washington to attend the Oct. 11-15 World Consultant Meeting on Preventive Vaccination. (NLM 10/8) Oct. 21: Yangon Mayor U Ko Lay left for Japan to attend the third Conference of the World's Capitals, Oct. 26-28. He was accompanied by Head of Market Department U Kyaw Shein and PSO U Tin Win. (NLM 10/ 22) Oct. 22: A delegation comprising Red Cross President Dr. Tin Oo and Honorary Secretary Dr. Ko Ko Gyi left for Birmingham, UK, to attend the Oct. 24-31 Conference of ICRC and Red Crescent Federations. (NLM 10/23) Oct. 24: Executive Engineer U Aung Myint of Road Transport left for Kuala Lumpur to represent Myanmar at a four-day conference on Road Safety in Asia. (NLM 10/25) Oct. 26: Staff Officer U Min Aung of the Fisheries Department, Mon State, left for Thailand to attend the 2nd meeting of the Fishery Technology Advisory Body for Asia and the Pacific to be held from Oct. 27-29. (NLM 10/27) Oct. 29: Minister for Construction U Khin Maung Yin left for Bangkok to attend the Oct. 27-Nov. 2 Ministerial Civil Conference sponsored by ESCAP. Director U Win Myint of Civil and Regional Planning Section of the Department of Human Settlements and Housing Development had already left Oct. 27. (NLM 10/30) Oct. 30: Minister for Agriculture Lt-Gen. Myint Aung left for Rome to attend the 27th Conference of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). He was accompanied by Border Areas and National Races Minister Lt-Gen. Maung Thint, as Deputy Leader, and by Deputy Commander Col. Kyaw Win of No. 33 Light Infantry Division, Managing Director Dr. Mya Maung of the Myanma Agricultural Service, Deputy Director U Tin Htut Oo and Staff Officer U Ye Myint Than of the Agriculture Planning Department, and the Minister's PSO Capt. Hla Myo. En route, the delegation will spend five days in Korea to study agriculture and irrigation. Other delegation members, Director-General U Tin Maung Myint of the Planning and Statistics Department, Ministry of Livestock Breeding and Fisheries, Director-General Dr. Maung Mar of the Agricultural Planning Department, Ministry of Agriculture, and Professor Dr. Kyaw Tint of the Institute of Forestry, will leave on Nov. 3. (NLM 10/31) Oct. 30: Deputy Minister for Health Col. Than Zin left for Dhaka, Bangladesh, to attend the 11th South-East Asia Regional Meeting of Health Ministers. He was accompanied by Deputy Director-General Dr. Hla Myint and Assistant Director Dr. Bo Kywe of the Health Department. On the way home, the delegation will spend three days in Bangkok, under UNICEF auspices, to study prevention of iodine deficiency, iron deficiency, and vaccination. (NLM 10/31) Myanmar Assistance Missions Oct. 7: Four Myanmar fisheries experts led by Divisional Officer U Cin Hkok left for Laos Oct. 2 "under a goodwill technological assistance programme." The others are U Than Aye, U Khin Maung Soe, and U Hoke Sein, all from the Ministry of Livestock Breeding and Fisheries. (NLM 10/8) Oct. 27: Artistes Palei Sein and Daw Myint Myint Shein of the Fine Arts Department left for the School of Fine Arts in Yunnan Province, China, to give Myanmar dance lessons. (NLM 10/28) UN General Assembly Oct. 2: Minister for Foreign Affairs U Ohn Gyaw left for New York to attend the 48th UN General Assembly, which began Sept. 21. He was accompanied by Brig-Gen. Aung Htwe and Maj. Hla Min of the Ministry of Defence, and Deputy Director U Kyaw Nyunt Hman of the Foreign Ministry. An advance team left on Sept. 16, comprising Foreign Ministry Officials Director-General U Aye Lwin, Directors U Zaw Win and U Thaung Tun, Principal Officer U Hla Pe Than, and Head of Branch 2 U Ba Hla Aye. Also in the delegation are Ambassador U Kyaw Min, Permanent Representative to the UN in New York (Alternate Chairman), Ambassador U Thaung from the Myanmar Embassy in Washington, Ambassador U Win Mra from the Myanmar Embassy in Tel Aviv, Minister-Counsellor U Tint Deir from the Permanent Mission to the UN, Charge d'Affaires a.i. U Phae Than Oo from the Myanmar Embassy in Ottawa, First Secretary U Hla Myint, Second Secretary U Maung Maung, Third Secretary U Saw Ba Tun from the Mission in NY and First Secretary Daw Yin Yin Myint from the Mission in Geneva. (NLM 10/3) Oct. 13: "History of modern Myanmar nation synonymous with that of Tatmadaw." Minister for Foreign Affairs U Ohn Gyaw addressed the United Nations General Assembly on Oct. 12 [full text published in NLM]. We transcribe excerpts, including integral transcription of the Minister's remarks about Myanmar domestic affairs: [Intervention in Domestic Affairs]: "As the United Nations assumes a more central role in the area of international security, it is essential that the Organization in pursuit of the purposes stated in Article 1, acts and is seen to act, in accordance with the principles of the Charter. Myanmar would like to believe that in the post-Cold War era States would adhere strictly to the Charter's principles and make concerted efforts to establish a workable system of collective security. Just as the prohibition of the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state is fundamental in inter-State relations, the Charter unambiguously prohibits, in the well-known Article 2(7), any intervention by the United Nations itself in matters which are essentially within the domestic jurisdiction of any state. "This prohibition applies equally to states and to other international organizations. In this time of major political and economic changes in a volatile world, extraordinary care should be taken to uphold basic principles such as respect for the territorial integrity or political independence of States. Myanmar full supports the Security Council's recommendation of 28 May 1993...[that operational principles for UN peace-keeping operations] include: a clear political goal with a precise mandate subject to periodic review and to change in its character or duration only by the Council itself; the consent of the government and, where appropriate, the parties concerned, save in exceptional cases; support for a political process or for the peaceful settlement of the dispute; and impartiality in implementing Security Council decisions." [Somalia]: The experience in Somalia... underscores the need to exercise great prudence in sanctioning the use of force in such operations and in its application on the grounds. It has also shown that peace-keeping operations cannot succeed without the willing cooperation of all the parties concerned...." [Bosnia and Herzegovina]: Much more needs to be done to stop the fighting and find a peaceful solution.... Unless appropriate actions are taken the United Nations runs the risk of being seen as protecting only certain countries or interests...." [Cambodia]: The United Nations' effort to foster a democratic process and to bring back peace and stability to a country ravaged by two decades of civil strife and war is an outstanding achievement. We should like...to pay warm and special tribute to Mr. Yasushi Akashi, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General.... As close neighbours, we look forward to peace and stability in Cambodia and to working closely with the Government and people of Cambodia." [South Africa]: "The effort to end apartheid in South Africa, sustained over decades, has produced positive results.... It is our hope that [the 1994 elections] will ensure that the objective of the people of South Africa for a democratic, non-racial and united South Africa will be achieved ...." [Middle East]: "The historic agreement between Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization on mutual recognition has effectively removed a major obstacle to peace in that region. We welcome this positive step and the signing of the Declaration of Principles which envisions self-rule by Palestinians in the Gaza strip and in Jericho. We are also pleased to note that Israel and Jordan have signed the Agreed Common Agenda of the peace negotiations between them...." [Disarmament]: "The new climate of cooperation between the United States of America and the Russian Federation...is amply demonstrated by the signing of the Chemical Weapons Convention in Paris.... Myanmar had been part of the Geneva Conference process leading to the comprehensive instrument and continues to take an active part in the Preparatory Commission for the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons. "The increased attention that we have been devoting to chemical weapons should not distract us from nuclear disarmament issues, notably from the need to strengthen the international non-proliferation regime and from the need to ban all nuclear testing.... Myanmar will work with other delegations for the success of the 1995 NPT Review and Extension Conference.... "The United States and Russia should reduce their forces more drastically than agreed to in START II, and refrain from improving their nuclear arsenals both qualitatively and quantitatively. In the meanwhile every effort must be made to fulfil the commitment undertaken in the 1963 Treaty Banning Nuclear Weapon Tests in the Atmosphere, in Outer Space and Under Water...." [International Economic Issues]: "We... welcome the statement of the G-7 at the Tokyo Summit which recognizes that sustainable development and integration of the developing countries into the world economy is essential for peace and prosperity of the world.... Debt strategy, in our view, should not be carried out on a case-by-case basis. It should be comprehensive for all indebted countries. "We are encouraged by the statement that the major industrialized countries are determined to curb protectionism.... High priority must be given to the successful conclusion of the Uruguay Round. The Punta del Este Declaration is still valid, as are the provisions therein on special and differential treatment for the developing countries.... We share your view, Mr. President, that 'An Agenda for Peace' must now be complemented by 'An Agenda for Development'...." [Myanmar National Convention]: "In Myanmar we believe that political progress and economic development are interdependent and that both are vital to the well-being of the country. For this reason we have been endeavouring to ensure political stability while promoting economic reforms. "Last year from this rostrum, I stated that steps were being taken to convene a National Convention in order to formulate guidelines for a firm and enduring constitution. I am now happy to report that the National Convention commenced work on January 9 of this year. The Convention is an essential prerequisite for the building of a democratic society in Myanmar and its significance can hardly be over-emphasized. It has the participation of nearly 700 delegates comprising elected representatives, representatives of the national races, political parties, peasants, workers, intelligentsia and technocrats, State service personnel, and specially invited persons. There is universal agreement that the objectives of the Convention should be: -- to uphold the principles of non-disintegration of the Union, non-disintegration of national solidarity and perpetuation of national sovereignty; -- to see to the flourishing of a true multiparty democracy system; -- to nurture the universal values of justice, liberty and equality; and -- to enable the Tatmadaw (Myanmar Defence Services) to participate in a leading role in the national politics of the country. Following intensive deliberations, agreement has been reached on the chapter on the fundamental principles of the State which is of paramount importance as it embodies the essence of the new constitution. Following extensive discussions, consensus has also been reached on these Fundamental Principles. In a period of nine months, much has been accomplished. Much of course remains to be done. The Convention is presently in recess in order to provide time for the delegates to make necessary preparations for the next phase which will commence on 18 January 1994. "The delegates to the Convention have had the opportunity to study constitutions of various countries so that they may cull the best from around the world. However, there can be no single model that can be copied and superimposed on Myanmar. The Constitution to be drafted must be in harmony with our own conditions and must reflect the wishes and aspirations of the entire nation. The history of the modern Myanmar nation is synonymous with the history of the Tatmadaw. Since the time of our struggle for national independence it has been in the forefront of national politics. On four occasions since independence when the national sovereignty and independence were threatened, the Tatmadaw was called upon to shoulder national responsibilities to protect and safeguard the nation. The Tatmadaw does not covet power. Nor does it have any desire to hold on to the reins of power. It is above party politics. However, as it represents the single disciplined organization in the nation it is incumbent upon it to play a leading role in national politics, safeguarding the nation, the national unity and national sovereignty. [Myanmar Economy]: "On the economic front efforts are being made to ensure a smooth transition from a centrally planned economy to a market economy. Now that teething pains have been overcome the economy is on the mend. It is significant that the GDP grew by 20.9 per cent in 1992-1993. The private sector, which only a few years ago was almost non-existent, is expanding. Today there is a growing number of investors--both local and foreign--in the fisheries, mining, oil exploration, manufacturing and in various other sectors. Major off-shore oil and gas finds in our waters have also heightened interest among friends and neighbours in establishing mutually beneficial economic cooperation. "The political and economic change occurring in the country is evidenced by the vast transformation taking place in much of the country. In both urban and rural areas as well as in the border regions there is unprecedented infrastructure building: schools, hospitals, dispensaries as well as railways, roads, bridges and multi-purpose dams are going up everywhere. That the living standards of the people are rising is plain for all disinterested observers to see. [Human Rights]: "In spite of the positive political and economic changes taking place in Myanmar some continue to point an accusing finger at us in regard to human rights. "It bears to be repeated that when we speak of human rights our diversity in historical, cultural and religious backgrounds must neither be minimized nor forgotten. There is no unique model of implementation of human rights that can be superimposed on a given country. Any attempt to do so would only spell chaos. If parts of the international community are now beginning to contemplate the use of the issue of human rights as a pretext to intervene in domestic affairs of States they will only undermine the very rights they wish to protect and promote. [Poverty]: "Poverty is one of the most pressing human rights issues in our world today; and that is what we should seek to overcome. In Myanmar we are giving priority to the elimination of poverty and the narrowing of the gap between the rich and the poor, the city dwellers and the rural folk. We are redoubling our efforts to ensure that all citizens have equal opportunity in their access to food, housing, transportation, employment, education and health services. [Bangladesh Returnees]: On our western borders, over 40,000 returnees from Bangladesh have been systematically received and returned to their hearth and home. This is the result of the good neighbourly relations that exist between Myanmar and Bangladesh. In accordance with the agreement reached between the two countries in April 1992, we will continue to receive those who are eligible to come as soon as their cases can be processed by the authorities concerned in the camps. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Madame Sadako Ogata, who visited Myanmar recently has been fully briefed of the important measures we have taken. A Memorandum of Understanding between Myanmar and the UNHCR will be signed shortly, which will provide for the latter's presence on the Myanmar side of the border. We realize the need to find a lasting solution to the complex problem of transborder migration of people due to economic or environmental reasons, and to that end we intend to hold consultations with the Bangladeshi friends. [Human Rights Commission]: "It has been our consistent policy to cooperate fully with the United Nations, in every field, including human rights. Not only have we furnished information sought by various UN bodies dealing with human rights but have also received in 1992 the Special Rapporteur appointed by the Human Rights Commission, Professor Yozo Yokota. We will receive him yet again this year to demonstrate our goodwill. It is our hope that Myanmar's traditional respect for human rights as well as the remarkable changes taking place throughout the length and breadth of the country--from the cities and towns to the border areas--will be seen and appreciated. [Surrender of Insurgents]: "In the light of the constructive measures taken in the past five years, ten terrorist groups have now returned to the legal fold. Just last week, as the result of negotiations held between the Government and Kachin National leaders in a spirit of mutual accommodation and understanding as befits blood brothers, the Kachin terrorist group returned to the legal fold and has already joined hands with the Government in promoting peace and prosperity in the Kachin State. "Just as the representative of the nine preceding groups are actively participating in the National Convention, the representatives of this group too will enjoy the same rights. It augurs well for the peace and unity of our country that these ten terrorist groups which have renounced the use of force have been re-integrated into the national mainstream. "The return of our prodigal sons from ten different national races give the lie to allegations that minority groups in Myanmar are being oppressed, that their human rights are being grossly violated and that democracy in non-existent in the country. Never before in the history of independent Myanmar have so many terrorist groups returned to the legal fold in such numbers. That they have done so is an unmistakable testimony of the complete trust and confidence which the national races repose in the policy of national reconciliation espoused by the State Law and Order Restoration Council and in its goodwill and sincerity. Few governments can claim such positive achievements. [War on Drugs]: The problem of illicit drugs is like a cancer that poses a great threat to the stability and well-being not only of our country but also of the international community. Myanmar remains steadfast in its resolve to overcome this scourge. We realize that the problem of illicit drugs and trafficking transcends borders and is too complex a problem to be tackled by any country working alone. We have accordingly been working together with the UNDCP and neighbouring countries to expand activities aimed at reducing the supply of illicit drugs and to eventually eliminate opium cultivation altogether. In June 1992 Myanmar took the initiative to sign agreements with the People's Republic of China and the UNDCP and also with Thailand and the UNDCP regarding crop substitution, demand reduction and law enforcement. UNDCP experts are already in the country working to achieve these goals. Myanmar and Laos have also agreed to cooperate in this regard. The governments of Myanmar, Laos, Thailand and China cognizant that the problems of illicit drug production, trafficking and abuse can be addressed only through concerted international efforts will sign a Memorandum of Understanding with the UNDCP during the course of the high-level plenary meeting of the General Assembly on drug control to be held in New York from 26 to 27 October. "In April last Myanmar signed a drug agreement with India and a similar agreement will be worked out with our remaining neighbour, Bangladesh. We are confident that this comprehensive and coordinated effort at the sub-regional level will produce the desired results. [Border Area Development and Narcotics]: "In the past year the strategy of combining prevention, education, treatment and rehabilitation of addicts, law enforcement and border area development has borne fruit. Significant amounts of illicit drugs and drug paraphernalia have been seized and destroyed. UN personnel and other visitors have been provided the opportunity to visit the regions where opium is grown. In August United States Congressman Charles B. Rangel, Chairman of the House Narcotics Abuse and Control Committee and Congressman Bill Richardson visited eastern Shan State to acquire first-hand knowledge of the illicit drug problem. During the visit they witnessed the destruction of large amounts of opium, heroin, opium oil, liquid opium and other drugs seized by the Myanmar authorities. "Myanmar will continue to give top priority to overcoming the threat posed by illicit drugs and it is our hope that more and more countries will join hands with us in this noble endeavour. [Myanmar's Future]: "Myanmar today is on the threshold of a new era. The political, economic, social and administrative reforms being implemented herald a united, stable, peaceful and prosperous country. The new society will guarantee the unity of the national races and ensure the perpetuation of our national independence and sovereignty. It will be in harmony with its environment, its historical experiences, and the political, economic and social conditions of the nation. It will reflect the diverse culture and traditions and of the national races in the Union. "The new Myanmar nation that is envisaged by the National Convention will be a genuine multi-party democratic state. It will be a nation based on the universal values of justice, liberty and equality. There will be social justice, economic justice and political justice. There will be a complete separation of powers of state and the judiciary will enjoy total independence. Freedom of thought, freedom of expression, freedom of belief, freedom of worship, freedom to seek a livelihood and freedom of organization will also be guaranteed. There will also be equality of status, equality in opportunity and equality before the law. "These conditions, Mr. President, will not materialize of their own accord. The right atmosphere must be created. To this end my government is doing its utmost to vindicate the trust placed in it by the people. As the democratic society envisaged is for the people of Myanmar, it must reflect the objective conditions of the country and must be established in a manner and at a pace best suited to it. "Allow me to conclude by saying that the Tatmadaw have never failed the people in their hour of need and will not do so at this historic moment when a new nation is being created. "I thank you, Mr. President. (NLM 10/14) Oct. 15: Minister for Foreign Affairs U Ohn Gyaw will pay a friendly visit to Cuba in the near future. (NLM 10/15) Foreign Minister to Mexico Oct. 13: Minister for Foreign Affairs U Ohn Gyaw will pay a friendly visit to Mexico in the near future. (NLM 10/13) Oct. 21: Minister for Foreign Affairs U Ohn Gyaw visited Mexico Oct. 18-20. The following Joint Communique was issued Oct. 20 [full text]: "The Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Union of Myanmar, U Ohn Gyaw, paid an official visit to Mexico from the 18th to 20th October 1993. Minister U Ohn Gyaw headed a governmental delegation that included the Permanent Representative to the United Nations and concurrent Ambassador to Mexico, U Kyaw Min, Brigadier General Aung Htwe, Ministry of Defence, and other Myanmar officials. "Following an evaluation of the prospects for the promotion and further strengthening of bilateral relations during the working session held between the delegation of the Union of Myanmar headed by Minister U Ohn Gyaw and the delegation of Mexico headed by Fernando Solana, Secretary of External Relations of Mexico, it was agreed: -- to exchange technical knowledge in the fields, among others, of tourism, fisheries, environmental protection and economic reforms, -- to study the possibilities of establishing bilateral cooperation projects in the areas of tourism, fisheries and mining, -- to explore the exchange of delegations of experts in areas or reciprocal interest. "Minister U Ohn Gyaw extended an invitation to Secretary Fernando Solana to pay an official visit to the Union of Myanmar at a mutually convenient time. Secretary Fernando Solana accepted the invitation. "Minister U Ohn Gyaw expressed his profound gratitude for the warm hospitality received by him and his delegation during his stay in Mexico." (NLM 10/21) Health Minister to Mexico Oct. 14: A delegation led by Minister for Health Vice-Adm. Than Nyunt left for Mexico, via Thailand, to attend the National Health Week Launching Ceremony and to study UNICEF-assisted projects from Oct. 18-22. On their way home, they will visit the University of California at Los Angeles UCLA), and study health activities in Japan. Other delegation members are Assistant Director (Foreign Relations) Dr. Lin Aung and the Minister's PSO Capt. Tin Oo. (NLM 10/15) // Oct. 29: He returned. (NLM 10/30) Delegations to China Oct. 20: A delegation led by Managing Director U Myint Thein Lwin of Myanma Heavy Industries left for China to "discuss cooperation in production of electrical and industrial goods," at the invitation of China International Trust and Investment Corporation, CITIC Technology Inc. Other members are MHI Director (Finance) Daw Hta Hta Yi, Factory Manager of Factory No. 4 U Kyaw Win, Deputy Director (Admin) U Win Win, and Assistant Director (Production) Daw Aye Cho. (NLM 10/21) Oct. 27: A delegation led by Deputy Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement U Win Naing left for China to coordinate social welfare activities. Other members are Director U Htein Win of Fire Services, Deputy Director U Maung Pi of the Department of Relief and Resettlement, Deputy Director U Myat Swe of the Social Welfare Department, and Staff Officer U Khin Maung Than. (NLM 10/28) Returning Delegations Return of delegations that departed in previous months, and whose composition has been given in previous issues of the BPS: Oct. 1: The delegation headed by Minister for Education Col. Pe Thein returned from the Philippines. (NLM 10/2) Oct. 5: The delegation led by Minister for Trade Maj-Gen. Tun Kyi returned from Singapore, Korea, and Indonesia. (NLM 10/6) // Oct. 6: On Sept. 30 he called on President Soeharto of Indonesia. (NLM 10/7) // Oct. 7: On Sept. 20, while at the Taejon Exposition in Korea, he delivered a speech for "Myanmar Day" at the Exposition. Over 20,000 people visited the Myanmar showroom daily, and nearly all the goods exhibited were sold "through contracts in advance." On Sept. 23, the Myanmar delegation attended a Seminar on Business Opportunities in Myanmar, jointly sponsored by the Korea Trade Promotion Corporation--KOTRA and the Myanmar Embassy; over 150 Korean entrepreneurs attended. On Sept. 17, a similar Seminar was held in the World Trade Centre in Singapore, attended by over 450 entrepreneurs. The Minister called on Singapore Minister for Trade and Industry Mr. S. Dhanabalan, and on Minister for Finance and Communications Commodore Teo Chee Hean, on Sept. 16. Another Seminar was held Sept. 27 at the Convention Centre in Hong Kong. (NLM 10/8) Oct. 13: The delegation headed by Minister for Finance and Revenue Brig-Gen. Win Tin returned from the annual meeting of the World Bank and IMF in Washington, DC. It also held discussions with the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, UNDP, and UNICEF. Returning via Singapore, it met the Board of Commissioners of Currency, Monetary Authority, and Development Bank of Singapore. (NLM 10/14) MYANMAR GAZETTE Probationary Appointments The SLORC appointed the following, on probation: Oct. 20: U Tin Oo, General Manager, to be Managing Director, Myanma Port Authority, Ministry of Transport. (NLM 10/21) Appointments Oct. 14: Bar Council Notification No. 5/93 names Supreme Court Justice U Aung Myint as a Member of the Bar Council, in accordance with Law Amending the Bar Council Act. (NLM 10/15) The SLORC appointed the following "as heads of service organizations...from the date they assume charge of their duties": Oct. 20: U Ohn Khin, Managing Director, Stationery, Printing and Photographic Stores Trading, to be Managing Director, Inspection and Agency Services, Ministry of Trade. U Pe Than, Managing Director, Myanma Port Authority, to be Director-General, Waterways Department, Ministry of Transport. (NLM 10/21) Oct. 27: U Myo Nyunt, Rector of the University of Distant Education, to be Director-General of Basic Education, Ministry of Education. (NLM 10/28) Appointments Confirmed The SLORC confirmed the following appointments, after one year's probation: Oct. 6: U Thein Aung Lwin as Director-General, Foreign Economic Relations Department, Ministry of National Planning and Economic Development. U Than Po as Director-General, Social Welfare Department, Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement. (NLM 10/7) Oct. 13: U Myat Thinn as Director-General, Planning and Statistics Department, Ministry of Forestry. U Mya Thein as Director-General, Settlements and Land Records Department, Ministry of Agriculture. (NLM 10/14) Oct. 20: U Myint Thein Lwin as Managing Director, Myanma Heavy Industries, Ministry of Industry-2. (NLM 10/21) GOVERNMENT Independence Day Committee Oct. 13: Government Notification No. 16/93 of Oct. 13, Formation of the 1994, 46th Anniversary Independence Day Celebrations Committee [full text published in NLM], establishes a 32-member committee under the Chairmanship of SLORC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt, with two Vice-Chairmen, SLORC Secretary-2 Lt-Gen. Tin Oo and the Yangon Command Commander. (NLM 10/14) Wireless Fines Raised Oct. 22: SLORC Law No. 13/93 of Oct. 22, The Law Amending the Myanmar Wireless Telegraphy Act [full text published in NLM], amends Section 6(1) to establish the penalty for possessing unauthorized wireless telegraphy apparatus at 3 years jail and/or K30,000 fine. Section 10(3) is amended to read K5,000 instead of 100 rupees. (NLM 10/23) Hotel & Tourism Law Oct. 23: SLORC Law No. 14/93 of Oct. 23, the Myanmar Hotel and Tourism Law [full text printed in NLM], regulates the tourist industry in detail, with the purposes of promoting development of the industry, enabling tourists "to observe Myanmar cultural heritage and natural scenic beauty," preventing "destruction and damage" of that heritage and beauty by the industry, contributing to "international friendship and understanding," aiding the industry and providing more jobs, and providing "security and satisfaction of tourists." The Law establishes a Hotel and Tourism Board of Authority, chaired by the Minister and including representatives from relevant Government entities, to lay down policy and give guidance. The Ministry of Hotels and Tourism is assigned numerous functions, including supervising, regulating and developing the industry, classifying hotels and lodgings, determining hotel and tourism zones, and establishing licence fees. The Directorate of Hotels and Tourism issues and polices licences, and supervises the industry. Persons or other entities wishing to operate hotels or lodging houses must obtain prior authorization from the Ministry, by applying for a licence in due form, and licence-holders must obey their terms, file reports, allow inspection, pay fees, etc., on penalty of forfeiture. (NLM 10/24) Fishing Laws Amended Oct. 25: SLORC Law No. 15/93 of Oct. 25, the Law Amending the Law Relating to the Fishing Rights of Foreign Fishing Vessels [full text published in NLM], adds a Section 35A prohibiting public servants from "(a) replacing another person for the offender or concealing the offender without taking any action; (b) causing to disappear, altering by wrongful means, substituting or misusing an exhibit involved in an offence." Sections 38-44 of the Law are also amended increasing the penalties for violations. (NLM 10/26) Oct. 28: SLORC Law No. 16/93 of Oct. 28, the Law Amending the Myanma Marine Fisheries Law [full text published in NLM], makes similar changes. Where the accused are foreigners, fines shall be paid in foreign currency. (NLM 10/29) MILITARY Insurgent Attacks Oct. 17: Seven persons were killed and 45 wounded when Kayin terrorists threw two hand-grenades among spectators of a football match Oct. 14 in Lamaing village, Ye Twp. [Mon]. Among the dead were two school-children and a teacher. 38 of the wounded were sent to hospital. (NLM 10/18) // Oct. 18: Minister for Education Col. Pe Thein visited the injured. (NLM 10/19) Insurgents Surrender Oct. 4: Four insurgents from the DPA (a) BCP (Tanintharyi military region) group surrendered, with their arms, at Myeik, on Sept. 13. Two ABSDF insurgents surrendered in Myeik on Sept. 16. "Officials of Tatmadaw camps heartily welcomed them." (NLM 10/5) Oct. 8: Three Kayin terrorists, "convinced of the true cetana of" SLORC, surrendered at Thanbyuzayat on Oct. 2, and were "heartily welcomed." (NLM 10/9) Oct. 14: Four BCP (White Flag) terrorists returned to the legal fold Sept. 30 in Sakhanthit, Tanintharyi. (NLM 10/15) Oct. 20: Five PLF terrorists returned to the legal fold Oct. 7 in Pinlaung Township [Shan]. (NLM 10/21) Oct. 26: An ABSDF terrorist returned to legal fold, through the Myanmar Embassy in Bangkok, on Oct. 20. A member of Naing Aung's group since 1989, "after realizing disunity and actions of superiors as unjustified, he fled to Bangkok and was arrested there and locked up twice." (NLM 10/27) Oct. 27: Between Sept. 2-13, 28 terrorists surrendered, with their arms [names and details]. (NLM 10/28) Oct. 28: Between Sept. 14-23, 27 terrorists surrendered, with their arms [names and details]. (NLM 10/29) Oct. 30: Between Sept. 24-30, 27 terrorists surrendered, with their arms [names and details], bringing the September total to 82. (NLM 10/31) Terrorists Captured Oct. 21: Tatmadaw Intelligence Unit personnel on Oct. 16 captured three members of a "hardcore Kayinni terrorist splinter group" in a restaurant in Loikaw [Kayah]. Weapons and extorted money were found when a terrorist's house was searched. (NLM 10/22) ECONOMIC Economic Articles [See also under MISCELLANEOUS: Sunday Supplements] [In recent weeks, The New Light of Myanmar has taken to publishing long and extensive articles or compilations of news stories, generally economic in nature, reprinted from publications or news services in Indonesia, India, Pakistan, Singapore, the United Nations and its Agencies, etc.] Oct. 10: Harvesting Nature's Diversity (Dedicated to World Food Day which falls on 16 October 1993), by Ko Kyi (Pyin Oo Lwin). [Importance of biodiversity.] Oct. 11: Invisible men from the cape of the South-East coast, by Htay Aung (Tourism). [Tourism as an invisible export. New border gateways for tourism have been opened: (a) Tachilek-Kengtung--Oct. 1, 1992 (b) Muse-Nankham-Kyukok-Lashio--Dec. 1, 1992 (c) Mongma-Mongla-Kungtung--Mar. 1, 1993 (d) Loigyai-Bhamo--Apr. 16, 1993 (e) Ranaung-Kawthaung--Apr. 23, 1993 An international hotel is being constructed by a Thai company on Thuhtay island, under a 30-year lease, "Building-Operate-Transfer" system. "Under this system, the entrepreneur has to build a hotel and operate, and when the tenure expires, he or she has to hand over it to the department concerned. And if the entrepreneur wants to carry on with the work he or she shall make a new agreement. But the majority of the workers must be from Myanmar. During the operation of the work, rental fees are to be paid annually in proportion .... Foreign entrepreneurs have shown interest in constructing beach resorts on Myanmar islets in the surroundings of the Cape Victoria, that have their own natural beauties.... A local businessman, who is always aware of the buyer's liking, has made a proposal for opening the Kawthaung region trip. He himself is doing hotel business in Ranaung.... Tourists will come to Kawthaung, go shopping and sightseeing and have lunch at Kawthaung Motel. The State will get 18 US Dollars per head for a day's trip. They will also visit the Salon Island to have a bathe and to take rest. The visitors also want to enter the inner part by the ocean liner if condition permits .... As directed by the Minister every arrangement for Kawthaung region trip is being made for the coming open season."] Oct. 15: Forests, Our Renewable Resources (Dedicated to World Food Day, 16 October), by Ko Kyi (Pyin Oo Lwin). [General discussion of forest conservation, taken from an FAO source.] Oct. 27: Priceless Myanma gems to capture heart of world jewellers, by Theimm Htut. [Gems Emporium.] Oct. 28: Editorial: Mid-year Emporium. ["The Gems Emporium has started in 1964 with the aim of properly channelling the gems trade and putting the Myanmar and Myanma gems, jade and pearls squarely on the map of world. During the time of the State Law and Order Restoration Council, two new gem-lands have been discovered-- Nawarat Gem Land (Pyinlon) and Mongshu Gem Land.... The Myanma Gems Enterprise has begun to use a modern wax-mould technique in addition to the traditional handcrafting of jewellery. The Enterprise has been exhibiting and selling jewellery and jade carvings of traditional as well as fashionable designs at the Myanma Gems Emporium since 1969. Under the market-oriented economic system, joint ventures are now operating in Mogok and Mongshu. Moreover, Myanmar embarked on a joint venture with VES Group Company Ltd of Thailand with a view to acquiring sophisticated modern techniques in fashioning personal jewellery and promoting sale in world markets. The Myanma Gems Enterprise was first founded on 1 January 1966, as Trade Corporation No 19 with a staff of 115 persons. Now it has expanded with up to over 1,000 staff and is engaged in extracting, processing and marketing...."] Project Inaugurations Oct. 2: A new Myanma Orchids and Horticultural Salesroom of the Myanma Agricultural Service opened at 119 Sule Pagoda Road, Yangon. "The salesroom has been opened, with a view to ensuring availability of various kinds of flowers, to generate greater public interest in horticulture and for applying scientific horticultural techniques. It will accept orders for flower arrangement." (NLM 10/3) Oct. 3: A new building of the Hlinethayar Township Information and Public Relations Office was inaugurated Oct. 2. (NLM 10/4) Oct. 6: A new haulage terminal was inaugurated Oct. 2 in Aung Yadana Ward, Magway. (NLM 10/7) Oct. 7: The Dhammajoti Vipassana Yeiktha of the International Dhamma Giri Vipassana Committee was inaugurated at Wingapa Yayle Kyaung, Ngahtatgyi Pagoda Road, Bahann Twp. [Yangon]. Deputy Minister for Religious Affairs U Kyaw Aye spoke. // Jewels Palace jewellery sales centre No. 2 opened at Bogyoke Aung San Market in Yangon. (NLM 10/8) Oct. 8: A branch of the Myanma Economic Bank opened Oct. 4 at Bawlake, Kayah State. (NLM 10/9) Oct. 10: The Yangon Division Syndicate of the Government Employee Cooperatives Societies Ltd. was formed, with a 15-member board of directors and U Myint Wai as Chairman. (NLM 10/11) Oct. 19: A chopsticks plant, owned by Bin Sheng Industry Co. Ltd., opened on Ngapyawtaw St., Hlegu Twp. [Yangon]. (NLM 10/20) Oct. 22: The Toungoo Department Store was inaugurated Oct. 21 in Toungoo by Minister for Trade Lt-Gen. Tun Kyi. It will "sell over 3,500 different items such as clothes, foodstuff, medicines, electrical goods, stationery, personal goods and household goods." (NLM 10/23) Oct. 23: Chairman Dr. Sein Maung of the First Private Bank Ltd. inaugurated a Bayintnaung Branch in Mayangonn Twp. [Yangon]. (NLM 10/24) Oct. 24: A new K7.4 million hostel was inaugurated at Mawlamyine University on Oct. 21. (NLM 10/25) Advertisements Whenever you pay a visit to Union of Myanmar Wyndom Hotel will be at your service. * Eminent personnel. Businessmen and Tourists are cordially invited to our cool and calm Wyndom Hotel. * We will render prompt and best services to your satisfaction and comfort with utmost care and hospitality. * We hope you will enjoy our beautiful green lawn surrounded by coconut trees. Wyndom Hotel No. 9(A) Nawarat Lane. Kaba-Aye Pagoda Road. Mayangonn Township. Union of Myanmar Tel: 60338 (NLM 10/3) ----- Under the management of our experienced chefs trained in Thailand, we have established Silver Palace Restaurant specially for the customers who enjoy delicious Chinese, Thai, European and Myanmar dishes. We Proudly Welcome you! We provide 10% SPECIAL DISCOUNT up till 15th November ------------------------------------------- NO.29, NATMAUK LANE 2, PHO SEIN ROAD, TARMWAY TOWNSHIP, YANGON, UNION OF MYANMAR. PHONE: 50489 Ex:166 (NLM 10/19) ----- TST HLAING HTEIK HTA YANGON RIVERINE CRUISES For Pleasure, Recreation and Business Talk. YOUR SIGHT-SEEING JOURNEY NEVER ENDS WITHOUT SEEING RIVERSIDES, DISTANT VIEWS OF YANGON, FROM MID-RIVER, ONBOARD HLAING HTEIK HTA. Cruises & Operating Hours Fore Noon Cruise 10:00-12:00 High Tea Cruise 14:00-16:00 Twilight Cruise 17:00-19:00 ONBOARD FACILITIES - AIR CONDITIONS SALOON - Coffee Counter & Snack Bar - Liquor variety & Soft Drink KARAOKE (YAMA) ADVERTISEMENTS-ARRANGED ON REQUEST. TICKETING HOURS- (09:00-17:00) Where to board PILOT JETTY, MEE PYA STREET, THANLYETSUN CHARTER CRUISES CAN BE ARRANGED ON REQUEST CRUISES STARTED (14-10-93) TST GROUP LTD. No. 63/65, 14th St., Lanmadaw Tsp., Yangon. Telephone : 01-76627 Telex : 21201 BM 1413 Fax : 95-1-89960, Attn: 879 (NLM 10/25) ----- [Soft Drink Can labelled "POKKA POWER ENERGY DRINK--Contain Glucose and Vitamin C"] POWERGOLD A NEW SOURCE OF ENERGY THE POWERFUL ENERGY DRINK FROM POKKA PowerGold. Power-packed with glucose, vitamin C and essential minerals. All the power to lift you up when you're down. The perfect source of energy for anyone who needs to overcome a strenuous day. POKKA Pinya International Trading Co Ltd, No 105 1st Floor 51ST Pazundaung Township Yangon, Myanmar ----- JAPANESE USED CAR EXPORTER We are a leading exporter of a wide range of Japanese Cars, such as Toyota, Nissan, Honda, Mitsubishi, etc and constantly having 300 units in stock. Also dealing in high quality used spare parts including engine. Contact now on the following address. COSMO ENTERPRISES CO. LTD 3-1-72, OHSU, NAKA-KU, NAGOYA, JAPAN. Phone (008152) 264-0361. Fax: (008152) 264-0386 Telex COSMO J59677 (NLM 10/30 ----- Joint Ventures Sept. 30: Ministry of National Planning and Economic Development Notification No. 29/93, announces the formation of The Union of Myanmar Forest Products Joint-Venture Corporation Ltd., as a public joint-venture corporation "for the purpose of increasing export of forest products and fulfilling domestic requirements, with an authorized capital of K1,000,000,000, divided into 100,000 shares of K10,000 each. of which 55,000 will belong to the Government (45,000 to Myanma Timber Enterprise; 10,000 to the Forest Department) and 45,000 will be sold to the public (maximum of 200 shares per individual; 500 per organization) [10 private members listed]. Those with 20 shares shall be eligible as Directors. (NLM 10/6) Oct. 12: A production sharing contract was signed between Roong Siam Mining (Myanmar) Co. Ltd. of Thailand, represented by Chairman Mr. Roongvit Teivat Tanakul, and No. 2 Mining Enterprise, represented by Managing Director U Tin Win, for tin mining off the Tanintharyi coast in the Heinze Basin Area. The contract period is for one year. Minister for Mines Lt-Gen. Kyaw Min said that No. 2 Mining Enterprise had been the highest Foreign Exchange-earning organization in the later 1970s and early 80s when tin prices were good, but has now fallen to third place. He said this is the fourth tin production sharing contract signed with Thai companies, but the first three "had to be cancelled" because of rising oil prices and falling tin prices." (NLM 10/13) Oct. 22: The Union of Myanmar Forest Products Joint Venture Corporation Ltd. has been formed for the purpose of "helping conserve and re-establish forests in the country and establishing timber-based industries," with an authorized capital of K1,000 million divided into 100,000 shares of K10,000 each, of which 55% will be held by Myanma Timber Enterprise and the Forest Department, and 45% individually. Individuals may hold not more than 200 K10,000 shares; holders of 20 shares are eligible to be elected directors. Shares may be purchased at the JVC's head office at the corner of Strand Road and Thittaw St., Yangon, and must pay 50% of their shares when filing applications. (NLM 10/23) Company Registrations Sept. 30: From July-Sept. 1993, the Companies Registration Office has registered 294 companies, 24 foreign companies and branch offices, and 21 joint-venture companies. This brings the totals to 2,888 companies, 230 foreign companies and branch offices, and 895 joint-venture companies. (NLM 10/1) Mid-year Gems Emporium Sept. 30: The new Myanma Gems Emporium Hall on Kaba Aye Pagoda Road was inaugurated in the presence of SLORC Chairman Senior General Than Shwe. The new building, begun in January 1992, has three storeys, including a balcony between the ground and first floor. The main staircase has wooden banisters ornamented with sculpture. The floor is of Loikaw Sagyin and Wutledaw marble; four pillars are ornamented with jade slabs, and the walls have a special harmonizing coating. A mural in the guest-hall shows King Mindon's Minister U Po Hlaing showing the Nga Mauk Ruby to an astonished French delegation in 1236 ME. Jade stones and carving will be displayed on the ground floor. The main hall of the ground floor is for competitive bidding, with a balcony floor above for the display of pearls, gems, and jewellery, from which the competitive bidding can be observed. (NLM 10/1) Oct. 22: SLORC Chairman Senior General and Madame Than Shwe previewed the Mid-year Myanma Gems Emporium. (NLM 10/23) Oct. 25: Minister for Information Brig-Gen. Myo Thant, accompanied by local and foreign journalists, and resident diplomats and UN officials, previewed the Gems Emporium. "Jade will be the main item at this Emporium and a gem museum will be built next door to the new Gems Emporium Hall and more Myanma gems will be put on sale...." The next 31st Gems Emporium will, extraordinarily, be held next March. At this Mid-year Gems Emporium the following lots will be sold by competitive bidding: 318 gems lots, valued at US$5,462,250. 614 jade lots, valued at US$6,512,200. 198 pearls lots, valued at US$3,015,300. At fixed prices will be sold 1,407 gems and jade lots, and 21,124 pieces of jewellery and jade carvings, valued at US$19,298,590, supplied by Myanma Gems Enterprise, Myanmar VES Joint Venture Co. Ltd., and private entrepreneurs. On sales by private owners, the Government will take a 25% commission. (NLM 10/26) Oct. 26: 306 gems merchants from 14 countries arrived. (NLM 10/27) // Oct. 27: A total of 382 merchants from 16 countries have arrived. Patron Minister for Mines Lt-Gen. Kyaw Min visited the Emporium. (NLM 10/28) Oct. 28: US$1,490,725 of jade and gems were sold on the first day of the Emporium. (NLM 10/29) // Oct. 29: US$6,028,362 of jade and gems were sold. (NLM 10/30) // Oct. 30: US$4,560,772 of jade and gems were sold. (NLM 10/31) TV Satellite Dish Licences Sept. 30: Details for applying for a TV dish licence. [See last month]. (NLM 10/1) Tourism Oct. 1: A memorandum of understanding was signed between the Hotels and Tourism Department and Narawat Land Pte. of Singapore, represented by Managing Director Mr. Lawrence Leow, for the construction of Narawat International Hotel. Minister for Hotels and Tourism Lt-Gen. Kyaw Ba said that 17,607 tourists visited Myanmar from April-August, compared with 5,829 last year. "Peace and stability, he said, now prevails in over 97 per cent of the country, except for certain very remote border areas saying that all visitors to Myanmar understand that accusations of foreign media are baseless." (NLM 10/2) Oct. 4: Opening Workshop No. 2/93 on Hotels and tourism for private entrepreneurs, Minister for Hotels and Tourism Lt-Gen. Kyaw Ba "said that the workshop is opened with the aim of systematic expansion of hotel and tourism industry open to private entrepreneurs, and priority is being given to tourism in many countries for it earns large sums of foreign exchange .... Tourism industry earns millions of dollars in neighbouring countries. Therefore, concerted efforts are being made in this industry by the government for economic development of the country, he said." (NLM 10/5) Oct. 8: [Full text]: "Warning! Authorities concerned today issued a news release saying that deterrent action in accord with the law will be taken against vehicles which are undertaking transport services of local travellers and foreign tourists without tourism service licences." (NLM 10/ 9) Agriculture & Forestry Oct. 2: At the second quarterly agricultural sector meeting at Myanma Farms Enterprise, it was announced that: "Although there is scarcity of rain in the regions of central Myanmar, a total of 11.87 million acres, 99 per cent of the total monsoon acreage of 12 million acres of paddy, could be cultivated in the whole country owing to the utilization of advanced methods, systematic irrigation and active participation of personnel concerned. Cultivation in Ayeyarwady, Bago, Yangon and Tanintharyi Divisions and Kachin, Chin, Kayah, Kayin and Mon States exceeded their respective targets. Officials of the Irrigation Department also reported that nearly 137,000 more acres can be cultivated in 1994..." as new reservoirs are completed. (NLM 10/3) Oct. 6: Minister for Agriculture Lt-Gen. Myint Aung inspected the assembly of Dong Feng power tillers imported from China. The first consignment of 500 of 1000 tillers has arrived, and will be sent to townships on Oct. 9. The power tiller will be sold for K145,000. A total of 1,663 tillers "are imported by the Ministry of Agriculture." (NLM 10/7) Oct. 7: The Central Cooperative Society imported 500 Dai-Shin Coral gasoline engine pumps, for use in summer paddy production, from M/s Bell Indo Company Ltd. of Bangkok. (NLM 10/8) Oct. 11: Minister for Forestry Lt-Gen. Chit Swe told a coordination meeting on rehabilitation of forests in the Dry Zone and forest conservation and management that "The forestry policy being followed in Myanmar Naing-Ngan is no longer in conformity with prevailing conditions since it had been laid down based on the forestry policies practised for many years in India. Presentations had been made so that the forestry policy of Myanmar Naing-Ngan could be revised. He enumerated 12 basic points in connection with laying down policies: to ensure constant supply of forest products and protect natural environment; to prevent all kinds of natural disasters; to extend 30 per cent of forest nurseries and five per cent of conservation area; to guard against the shifting cultivation system and trespassing on the forest nurseries; to preserve and protect wild life; to take measures for extending forest nurseries and conservation areas; to lay down policies for extraction of teak and hardwood; to produce more valuable products while reducing the sale of logs; to use all kinds of timber and use the whole tree; making of decisions by the highest authority for use of forest land; constant flow of forest funds; and public participation in forest conservation." (NLM 10/12) Oct. 15: At a coordination meeting on forest development, Minister for Forestry Lt-Gen. Chit Swe said that Myanmar would join the International Tropical Timber Organization (ITTO), made up of timber exporting and timber purchasing nations. Beginning in 2000, ITTO policy will be not to purchase timber from nations which do not have a system of Sustainable Management. Myanmar's forest management conforms to ITTO principles. In Myanmar, he said, "private timber entrepreneurs were permitted to timber business after 1988" Some have been successful, "but at the same time those who had been permitted for political or organizational reasons, being incompetent, have not been successful." In future, only "competent, genuine and firm organizations" will be allowed. Myanmar would like to end the export of logs eventually. "Export of logs will gradually be reduced as much as domestic timber-based industries of private entrepreneurs can develop. There have been many foreign timber companies offering investments in timber-based industries in Myanmar Naing-Ngan but they are keen to make profits by exporting logs in the short term instead of helping develop timber-based industries. Companies wishing to work for the nation, public and company interests in a fair manner will be chosen, he said." (NLM 10/12) Oct. 16: A second consignment of 500 power-tillers arrived from China in early October. Of the 470 sent to the Agricultural Mechanization Department, 100 have already been distributed. (NLM 10/17) Oct. 20: A nation Horticultural Association, "aimed at disseminating horticultural techniques in the whole country," was formed. Patrons include Dr. Daw Khin Win Shwe, Daw Khin Than Nwe, Daw Myint Myint Khin, and Daw Khin Khin. Officers were elected. (NLM 10/21) Oct 26: During a tour "to oversee special projects for greening of the dry districts," Minister for Forestry Lt-Gen. Chit Swe said "Greening of nine arid districts will be implemented according to a three-year-plan and greening of the whole country will be accomplished by four method namely: laying down a three-year plan for greening of the nine arid districts; planing of 80,000 acres of saplings including 40,000 acres of fuelwood trees; laying down special programmes for greening of significant regions and barren hills and planting trees on either side of the main roads; and construction of dams and reservoirs and digging of a small lake and creation of a forest nursery at every village for preserving water resources and greening of dry regions. The Minister also said that they have come to make arrangements for planting teak and Pyinkadoe trees on either side of Yangon-Mandalay Expressway.... Greening of the nine arid districts, he said, would be carried out as a campaign with the leadership of the Military Command Commanders of the respective regions and with the cooperation of departmental personnel and local populace. In accordance with the Forest Law enacted in November 1992, he said, village fuelwood plantations are being established with funds and technical assistance of the Government and with voluntary labour contributed by villagers and that plantations will be handed over to the villages after afforestation.... Minister Lt-Gen. Chit Swe, accompanied by officials, from 19 to 25 October toured Toungoo, Pyinmanaa, Meiktila, Ywangan, Nyaung Shwe, Taunggyi, Mandalay, Monywa, Butalin, Pakokku, Kyaukpadaung, Chauk, Magway, Taungdwingyi and Pyay townships.... He discussed measures for conservation of Inlay Lake as its overall water surface area is dwindling year after year and also for the greening of Mandalay Hill, Twindaung, Phowintaung and Mount Poppa during his tour." (NLM 10/27) Oil and Gas Oct. 5: Fishermen are warned not to operate in noted drilling areas in Blocks M-12, M-13, and M-14, off the Tanintharyi coast, between Oct. 8-Nov. 13, because the surveyor vessel m/v Teknik Kembara will "carry out well sites survey" under the agreement between Myanma Oil and Gas Enterprise [MOGE] and Texaco Exploration Myanmar, Inc. (NLM 10/6) Oct. 12: Testwell drilling will continue in off-shore blocks M-12, M-13, and M-14, off the Tanintharyi coast, from Oct. 16 to Nov. 20, by agreement between MOGE and Texaco. Fishermen should avoid the vicinity of the Yedagun 2 testwell. (NLM 10/13) Oct. 16: Minister for Energy U Khin Maung Thein inspected laying of gas pipelines at the Sittaung-Thaton-Myainggalay Natural Gas Pipelines Project in Kyaikhto [Mon]. Natural gas from the Aphyauk wells will be sent to a power station and tyre factory in Thaton, and a cement factory in Myainggalay. (NLM 10/17) Oct. 19: Minister for Energy U Khin Maung Thein visited Yedagun No. 2 Oilwell, which is being drilled by the vessel Neddrill. He was accompanied by other officials and by Managing Director Alan R. Satterlee of Texaco Oil Co., and Attache Ms. Laura Kirkconnell of the U.S. Embassy. (NLM 10/ 20) Transportation Oct. 8: "To clear the backlog of vehicles in the port authority's premises, Myanma Economic Bank...accepted the payment of dues on weekends on 4,5,11,12,18 and 19 of September as a special arrangement." It will also open on Oct 9, 10, 16 and 17 "to accept the payment of dues and to issue payment orders exceeding K5,000...." It will also accept cash during the period. (NLM 10/9) Oct. 22: "In order to clear the back-log of vehicles in the Port Authority's premises," Myanma Economic Bank Branch 3 will again remain open over the weekends on Oct. 23, 24, 30, and 31, and will accept cash. (NLM 10/23) Oct. 11: At a coordination meeting for the Ye-Dawei Railroad, SLORC Secretary-2 Lt-Gen. Tin Oo said that since the SLORC took over in 1988 the following railroad construction has been undertaken: Completed: Darbain-Hlay Hlaw Inn (21.5 miles) Tada-U-Myingyan (62.57 miles) Shwenyaung-Lawksawk (37.5 miles) Aungban-Loikaw (53.34 miles) Under Construction: Chaung-U-Pakokku (48.11 miles) Shwenyaung-Namhsan (153.43 miles) Planned: Bago-Thongwa-Tanlyin (67.25 miles) Budalin-Ye-U-Khin-U (51.78 miles) Pakokku-Gangaw-Kale (180 miles) Ye-Dawei (85 miles) (NLM 10/12) Chinese Fishing Trawlers Oct. 10: A reception was held for Chinese trawlers arriving at the Thabyuchaung Cold Storage and Ice Factory, Thandwe, Rakhine State. Attending were Minister for Livestock Breeding & Fisheries Brig-Gen. Maung Maung, other officials, American Embassy Economic Counsellor Ms. Laura Kirkconnell, Chinese Embassy Economic Counsellor Mr. Chen Sie Jie, and Ms. Miriam Marshall Segal of Myanmar-American Fisheries Joint-Venture Company. (NLM 10/11) Taxation Reforms Oct. 25: Speaking to a coordination meeting on collection of revenues, SLORC Secretary-2 Lt-Gen. Tin Oo "said revenue laws have been amended so that revenues could be collected in accordance with the market-oriented system.... The Secretary-2 then singled out points to enable the private sector to invest more in the national economy as the private and cooperative sectors play a greater role in the market oriented economic system. The points, according to the Secretary-2, are: giving opportunities twice to launder black money into white money after paying due taxes, three-year tax holidays allowed starting from the opening of a business under the Foreign Investment Law to add incentive to foreign investment, tax exemption in import, production and sale of agricultural machinery and equipment, chemical fertilizers and pesticides to promote development in agricultural sector and tax exemption on 36 items of household drugs and tax exemption on sports equipment with the objective of promoting sports and fitness...." "He said revenues collected annually amounted to more than K10,000 million from 1991-92 to 1993-94. In terms of GDP it was 5.8 per cent in 1991-92, 4.46 per cent in 1992-93 and about 4 per cent in 1992-94. This indicates that revenues collected by the State have not been high, he said. However, he said, revenues constitute the main source of earnings of the Government and revenues should therefore be collected effectively with no loss and wastage...." (NLM 10/26) Cooperatives Oct. 28: Under the new Cooperatives Law, 1,060 Primary Cooperative Societies and six Syndicates of Cooperatives have been formed. Moreover, arrangements are under way for formation of another 555 Primary Cooperative Societies and 34 Syndicates of Cooperatives. (NLM 10/29) 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: October 1 77.76 105.83 90.94 October 15 80.87 108.78 92.83 October 30 81.93 110.83 94.92 SPORTS Sports Articles Oct. 2: Revival of Hockey through Second National Sports Festival, by Tin Win--Cobra. [The Myanmar Hockey Federation was reorganized on July 5, 1989, with Col. Khin Latt as President and Maj. Aung Myint as Secretary. Hockey will again be played in the Second National Sports Festival. Rules and diagram for field hockey.] Oct. 9: Success achieved in Myanmar sports world, by Thaung Win Bo. [Glory of South-East Asian Games.] Oct. 11: Why Equestrian Festival? by Ko Kyi (Pyin Oo Lwin). [Traditional equestrian festival is being held to perpetuate national tradition. Description of royal cavalry during the time of Myanmar kings.] Oct. 14: Horses and elephants in Myanma history, by Dr. Khin Maung Nyunt. [Historical citations from pre-history to the 16th century.] Oct. 16-17: Hockey: One of the events of Second National Sports Festival, by Tin Win --Cobra. [Rules of field hockey.] Oct. 18: The glory of horsemen who built an empire, by Ko Kyi (Pyin Oo Lwin). [Duels on horseback and elephant-back in the days of the Kings. "Thus let me firmly say, the First Myanmar Empire was architected by patriot equestrians."] Oct. 19: A New Breed of Parachutists, by Dr. Win May. [Oct. 18: "a day which heralded the birth of a new breed of parachutists--lady parachutists." at the Land-Air Warfare and Paratrooper Training School in Hmawby. "On reflection, it was interesting to note the progress they had made. From being barely able to do all the physical exercises at the expected rate to the stage of being able to jump from the psychologically important height of 34 feet to actually jumping from the plane at about 1,000 feet." 30 women were trained for six weeks before the jump.] Oct. 20: Pomp and pageantry our ancestors cherished, by Min Kyaw Min. ["We replay the past to help the present generation further cherish it and make sure the future generation will, in their turn, be able to do their historic duty."] Oct. 23: Equestrian Festival and Tourney, by Kr. Khin Maung Nyunt. [Description of 19th Century festivals.] Oct. 23: Wings Galore!, by Dr. Win May. [Glories of Lady Parachutists, and awarding of their wings.] Oct. 23: Women to participate in hockey at Second National Sports Festival, by Tin Win (Cobra). [A new event for the January, 1994 Festival.] Oct. 30: Myanmar track and field team to become dominating sports power in South-East Asia, by N Tin Maung. ["It is positive that our track and field performers, which declined in the past due to various circumstances will reverse direction and make a climb back into the limelight."] Myanmar Teams and Delegations Oct. 29: A golf team led by Golf Federation President Brig-Gen. Win Hlaing left for Hong Kong to participate in the Nov. 3-6 33rd Putra Cup Golf Tourney. Players are L/Cpl. Myint Thaung, Sgt. Thein Pe, Soe Myint Lay, and Soe Kyaw Naing (a) Soe Soe. (NLM 10/30) Foreign Teams and Delegations Sept. 30: Mr. Horst Kriete of Germany, in Myanmar as Coach for Regional Football Coach Training, called on Secretary of the Olympic Committee U Kyaw Mra. The training will begin Oct. 1 "with a view to promoting Myanmar soccer standard." (NLM 10/ 1) Regatta The forthcoming National Regatta was heralded by a number of slogans, e.g.: -- Myanmars, blithesome and peppy, The Regatta, active and happy. -- Row in unity, with all your might Myanmar Regatta, the nation's delight. -- Show our patriotism, Row in unison. -- Take pride, being a Myanmar Join the annual Regatta -- To enliven our National pride, Row with all our might. -- Patriotic, if you are, Join hands in the Regatta. -- Sports, for pride and fun Regatta, for Myanmar's son. -- Let's preserve our culture, In the Annual Regatta. -- Head unbowed, ensign aflutter, Myanma Traditional Regatta. Hole-in-One Oct. 2: Retired Lt-Col. Myint Maung Maung scored an ace on the 17th hole of the Defence Services Golf Course, using an Altus 3 ball and No. 7 iron. (NLM 10/3) Traditional Equestrian Festival Objectives of the First Myanma Traditional Equestrian Festival: -- To revive Myanmar nationalist spirit; -- To keep patriotism alive and dynamic; -- To enhance the prestige and honour of Myanmar; -- To nurture Union Spirit; and -- To contribute towards safeguarding of the future State. Oct. 12: Events of the Festival will be held from Oct. 15-25 at Aung San Stadium, the Kyaikkasan Grounds, and "a designated place behind Bogyoke Aung San Statue at Kandawgyi." Schedule of events announced; they include show jumping, bare-back riding, equestrian swordsmanship and spearmanship, steeple chase, and dressage. Closing events at Aung San Stadium will cost K50, or US$10 for "foreigners and tourists." (NLM 10/13) Oct. 13: The opening and closing ceremonies were rehearsed. (NLM 10/14) Oct. 15: Selection trials began. (NLM 10/ 16) // Oct. 16: They continued. (NLM 10/17) // Oct 17: They continued. (NLM 10/18) // Oct. 20: Equestrian events went into finals. (NLM 10/21) // Oct 21: Selection trials continued. (NLM 10/22) // Oct. 22: Selection trials continued. (NLM 10/23) Oct. 22: The formal opening ceremony of the Festival was addressed by SLORC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt, who reviewed the history of Myanmar cavalry. The Aung San Stadium was elaborately decorated to resemble "the Yadanabon Palace ground where a traditional equestrian festival was being held with grandeur," or "an ancient venue where equestrian heroes, Mumats, Kalans, Thanbyins, members of royalty and nobles and commanders and warriors showed their combat skills or a venue where outstanding members of Myanmar Royal Infantry were selected." Formal competition events were held. (NLM 10/23) Oct. 24: Bareback gallop semi-finals were held. Finals and closing ceremony schedule published. (NLM 10/25) Oct. 25: Finals in bareback galloping were held at Kyaikkasan Grounds. "The First Myanma Traditional Equestrian Festival reached its grand finale at the Aung San Stadium this evening with a magnificent glitter of lights and colour recounting the regal splendour of our sovereign past brought to the attention of today's generation. Thousands packed the downtown stadium...." Present were SLORC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt, SLORC Secretary-2 Lt-Gen. Tin Oo, the wife of SLORC Chairman Senior General Than Shwe, other high officials, diplomats, etc. After prize giving, "commanders led warriors into the stadium in time to the beating of drums and gongs as it was in ancient times. True to the Myanmar mentality, lovers and spouses of those who left for battlefields never felt forlorn but prayed for the victory of their loved ones. When the victorious Tatmadaw returned home, not only the public but the royalty and nobility welcomed them by sprinkling confetti, offered garlands and eugenia sprigs along the main road leading to the palace...." [photos] (NLM 10/26) Sports Training Course Oct. 19: "Training Course No. 1 for new generation of athletes" opened with 157 trainees, chosen from over 300 selectees, of whom 100 came from the police, Tatmadaw and Ministries. Minister for Prime Minister's Office Brig-Gen. Lun Maung said the course was "being opened as part of the measures to implement one of the objectives of the National Sports Festival--'To nurture a new generation of world class athletes'." (NLM 10/20) Parachutists Federation Formed Oct. 29: The Myanmar Naing-Ngan Amateur Parachutists Federation was formed, with Commandant of the Land-Air Warfare and Paratroopers Training School Lt-Col. Aung than Tun as President, and Head of Parachutist Training Section Maj. Zarni Win as Secretary. This was announced at the ceremony "to honour ladies of the Special Lady Paratroopers Training Course" at National Indoor Stadium 1. Many Ministers were present, and SLORC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt spoke. (NLM 10/39) HEALTH AIDS Oct. 20: A National Consensus Meeting on AIDS Prevention opened, under the auspices of the Ministry of Health, UNDP, WHO, and UNDCP. Minister for Health Vice-Adm. Than Nyunt said that AIDS was spreading in South-East Asia and "the AIDS cases are also increasing from year to year in Myanmar Naing-Ngan. He said the disease is found not only among drug addicts, but also in prostitutes and VD-infected persons. He said the worst is that about one to two per cent of pregnant women in the border areas are found to be HIV positive. He said this can be taken as an indication that the disease has penetrated into families and once this happens it is a danger to the child that will be born to the family.... He said the majority of the people found HIV-positive are those between 15 and 40 years of age, when their productive capacity is at its peak.... He said AIDS prevention in the country should be tackled and kept at bay right from the start by nipping it in the bud before the situation gets worse...." (NLM 10/21) CULTURAL Literary and Cultural Articles [See also under MISCELLANEOUS: Sunday Supplements] Oct. 9: World Post Day, by Mra Hnin. [History of international postal arrangements.] Oct. 12: Anumodana Discourse delivered by Ven Bhaddanta Khamavudha (Abhidhajamaharatthaguru) Vice-Chairman of the State Sanghamahanayaka Committee. ["Till today there has been no suffering in our State; unity and solidarity prevail; because all of the citizens, as birds of the same feather without discriminating against anyone, share the benefit arisen out of unanimous effort, the Union does not disintegrate. Every citizen has a chance to have his respective individual rights without discrimination of race and religion...."] Oct. 12: Editorial: Gear up efforts for effective education system. ["For all-round development in education, 'Continuous Assessment and Progression System' was introduced at 18 primary schools in 1990 and with the cooperation of UNICEF, it was included in the five-year Master Plan Operations for implementation beginning 1991. Schools placed under the system have totalled 2,200 in 251 townships. In a gradual change-over to a system by which students will be turned out as brilliant intellectuals and technicians, the practice of the system will be gradually extended to middle and high school systems. Under the system, teachers are to constantly assess the progress of their pupils, scrutinizing their aptitudes and weaknesses to enable them to join vocational institutions of their choice ...."] Oct. 26: Lumbini, by Dr. Maung Maung. [Visit to the birthplace of Lord Buddha, in Nepal, where Myanmar will erect buildings at the Lumbini Development Project.] Education Oct. 12: Presenting prizes to students achieving "outstanding performance" in the 1992-93 Basic Education High School Examination, SLORC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt discussed BEHS Exam results and said that the percentage passing, and the number of students "gaining distinction in all six subjects" was: Passed Six-D winners 1990 25.99% 76 1991 16.03% 112 1992 16.16% 128 1993 29.59% 166 He concluded his speech "by laying emphasis on channelling students onto the right path by teaching them to love and cherish one's country, to be polite and cultured and to improve their intelligence quotient." (NLM 10/13) Oct. 12: Speaking to State/Division Basic Education officers, Minister for Education Col. Pe Thein teachers "should not only lay emphasis on teaching their students school lessons but also lay emphasis on nurturing them to become interested and active in literary, fine arts, culture and sports activities adding that talents in such activities should be considered a part of their academic performance." (NLM 10/13) Buddhism Oct. 14: The State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee held a coordination meeting on purification of the Sangha. Chairman Bhaddanta Kamavudha said "there have been frequent reports that some monks and novices are unfairly soliciting donations.... Such reports continue to flow in owing to laxity of appropriate action by Sayadaws of the respective Sangha Nayaka Committees.... The Sayadaw said certain monks and novices are found to be committing acts contrary to vinaya dhammakam. Of the acts in deeds, words or thoughts they committed in deeds, to elicit adverse opinions of the laity. The Sayadaw advised that practices which are detrimental [to] the Sasana would have to be dissuaded in a brotherly spirit." Later, Minister for Religious Affairs Maj-Gen. Myo Nyunt reviewed measures taken in recent years by the Committee. "The measures included elimination from the Sasana of corrupt monks, suppression of adhamma vadas and removal of lay people from monastery compounds. He also cited consolidation of the Sangha organizations at all levels, conferring of religious titles, holding of more Pariyatti examinations, making increased donations towards successful candidates, repair and renovation of ancient temples, pagodas and monasteries, construction of pagodas and promotion of hill region missionaries throughout the nation.... However, he said, it is an obstacle to the Sasana's purification, perpetuation and propagation to see some monks and novices soliciting donations by unfair means at markets, food stalls, bus terminals, ports and railway stations. he said that vinaya rules are there to stop such misbehaviour...." (NLM 10/15) Oct. 28: The New Light of Myanmar interviewed foreign monks and samaneras (novices) who are attending a Special Two-year Course on the fundamentals of Theravada Buddhism being conducted for overseas Buddhist clergy. Interviewed were seven novices from Russia (Shin Nyama Teza, Shin Nanda Thila, Shin Thitala, Shin Nyarno Daya, Shin Mamarka, Shin Thantamana, and Shin Inkura), three monks from Shri Lanka (Shin Buddhi Vithuddi, Shin Nyama Vithudi, and Shin Thila Vithuddi), and a novice from Korea (Shin Dhammapala). They have four fifty-minute classes per day, in Buddhist Myanma Culture, Pali Language, Myanmar Language, Pitaka English Language, and Cultural English Language. All spoke highly of the course and of Buddhism in Myanmar. (NLM 10/28) Oct. 28: Joint Secretary of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee Thanlyin Minkyaung Sayadaw Agga Maha Pandita Bhaddanta Vennasiri was named Presiding Sayadaw of the Tipitaka Dhamma Rakkhita Committee. (NLM 10/29) MISCELLANEOUS Sunday Supplements Oct. 3,10,17,24,31: Let us rally around the Tatmadaw, build and defend the country, by Minye Kaungbon. [Cont. (11) British support for Kayin and Mon insurgency after the first Anglo-Myanmar war. (12)-(15) Description of the British East India Company, and its imperialistic methods.] Oct. 3: To Mandalay by rail, by Takkatho Hla Kywe. [Cont. (4) Trip on first Mandalay-Myitkyina special passenger express service. Fare is K500 (1st class) and K200 (Ordinary class). The Myitnge railway construction shops.] Oct. 3,10: Kyuhkok (Pangsai) catches up in development, by Aung Chit. [Cont. (2) Development in Shan State. (3) Tourism and other factors; 90 tourists crossed from Wantein, China, from Nov. 1992-June 1993 and made the four-day trip to Lashio. The border exchange rate has dropped from K100 = Yuan 8.5 in April to Yuan 7.3 in July. A 38-room, K60 million, motel is 90% complete. ] Oct. 3: A wonderful trip to booming Mongkhat, by Taungdwin Bo Thein. [Progress since defeat of BCP.] Oct. 3: Hailing the University of Culture, by Pe Than. ["The newly launched cultural undertaking is to be hailed as cultured spirit brings happiness as the motto of the University goes."] Oct. 3: The Nga Moe Yeik Dam project, by Reporter Paw Htin. [In Hlegu Twp. {Yangon}.] Oct. 3: Agriculture generates national wealth, by Nyein Aung (Taze). [Export earnings {in millions of kyat}: 1990/91 and 1991/92. Agricultural produce: 942.4; 1010.7. Livestock and marine produce: 169.4, 160.5; Forest produce: 1131.4, 943.3; Metals and minerals: 172.5, 113.6.] Oct. 10: The changing scenes of Mongkhat, by Taungdwin Bo Thein. [Musings on development. "Now the people there had gained freedom and do and go about as they wish. They are no longer shrouded in darkness and misery as progress and development have opened their eyes and ears. The Akhar nations, who at one time were Nat worshippers, have embraced Buddhism and have become devout Buddhists ...."] Oct. 10: Railroads built in plains and hills, by My Kyaw Aung. [In five years, the Myanmar Railways have "introduced 12 new railroads covering a distance of 248.92 miles...."] Oct. 10: The Pyawbwe-Paya Ngazu motor road, by Kyaw Kyaw (Institute of Technology). [A 16-mile road that will cut off 38 miles between Mandalay and Shan State.] Oct. 10: Bayint Naung Bridge, gateway to Yangon-Pathein highway, by Maung Maung Soe. [1,641 foot bridge under construction]. Oct. 10: Dawn of a new era in agriculture, by Myint Thura. [IRRI Appropriate Technology--small scale mechanization.] Oct. 17: Development can be achieved only through mechanized agriculture, by Thandaing Bo. [Virtues of mechanization.] Oct. 17: Reap while paddy begins to ripe, by Aung Shwe Oo. [Loss and wastage will be minimized.] Oct. 17: Aesthetic things galore at new Gems Emporium Hall, by Pe Than. [Wonders of new Hall.] Oct. 17: The Daik-U Canning Factory, by Reporter Win Kyi. [Pig processing plant.] Oct. 17: Weed the field and boost the yield, by Aung San (Agriculture). [Paddy fields should be weeded two or three times.] Oct. 17: Establishing a wood-based industry for development of national economy, by Khin Maung Than (Industry). ["A piece of wood worth a hundred kyats, that might end up as fire-wood, could fetch five times that value if crafted into a wood-carving in addition to providing a means of livelihood to the craftsman."] Oct. 17: Make more farm machinery, by Tekkatho Chit Swe. [Visit to factory making Ayeyar-1 tractors, with Kubota or Chinese Zinzin engines.] Oct. 24: The Golden Equestrian Festival, by Khin Pyi Chit. [Festivals in Royal times.] Oct. 24: The new Nyaungbinwun bridge to cross Mu river, by Htoo Aung Khaing (Information and Public Relations). [Bridge under construction in Sagaing Township.] Oct. 24: Kinthar Dam that will turn the dry zone lush, by Khin Maung Than (Industry). [New dam in Tatkon Twp., {Mandalay}.] Oct. 24: Protect the plants and suppress the pests, by Thandaing Bo. [Composition of home-made insecticides, including sulphur, arsenic-lead, vitriol-lime, vitriol-soda, kerosene, and arsenic poison.] Oct. 24: A visit to Institute of Nursing, by Pyawbwe Kyaw Kyaw. [Visit to new institution.] Oct. 24: Cultivating more winter crops successfully, by Ko Ko Oo. [Oilseeds, pulses and beans, kitchen commodities, tobacco, sugarcane, etc.] Oct. 31: Myanmar Naing-Ngan Forest School, by Pyin-Oo-Lwin Chit Swe. [Founded 1898 in Thayarwady; moved to Pyinmanaa in 1910; to Insein in 1949; and to Pyin-Oo-Lwin {Maymyo} on 1952.] Oct. 31: Making good use of forest products, by Pe Than. [Carvings, parquet floors, furniture, etc.] Oct. 31: The Gems Emporium Hall: A symbol of Myanma gem land, by Tekkatho Chit Swe. [Description of building.] Oct. 31: Hledan Department Store, by Ahtet Minhla Nyunt Aung. [Seven-storey, circular, building under construction in Yangon; now 95% complete.] Oct. 31: Myanma Heavy Industries' contributions to national progress, by Tun Thant Zin. [Vehicles assembly, vehicle body construction, agricultural machinery, etc.] Oct. 31: The success story of Pyawbwe Livestock Farm, by Myint Lwin Thein (Pyawbwe). [Breeding farm in Pyawbwe Twp., Mandalay.] Crime Oct. 2: "A 53-year old, who extorted money from the subscribers who have paid US dollars for telephones with promises that they will get their telephones promptly or that they will have priority over others or telephone lines will be installed soon at their residences, was nabbed with documentary evidence, in Mayangonn Township [Yangon] on 30 August." He extorted from K300 to K1500 from customers, claiming to be a township engineer. (NLM 10/3) Oct. 3: The Mandalay Forest Department seized 251 tons of illegal padauk logs. Investigation also reveals that "300 tons of logs have been made legal by some Forest Department personnel who reportedly received bribes." (NLM 10/4) Oct. 7: Police have exposed two cases of ivory poaching. A tame elephant was killed for its 7 viss of tusks on May 1 in Oktwin Twp. A Myanmar Timber Corporation elephant was killed Aug 14 for its 5 viss, 35 ticals, tusks. Those involved have been arrested. (NLM 10/8) Oct. 10: Cases of "illegally extracted logs" have been exposed by a special team of DSI, police, and Forest Department personnel during the past two months. On Aug. 5, 20 tons of hardwoods were seized in Shwegu Twp. [Kachin]. On Aug. 24, 10 tons of teak were seized in Mawlaik Twp. [Sagaing]. On Sept. 10, 17 powerboats were intercepted in the Ayeyarwady River near Mandalay, and 358 tons of hardwood and 516 tons of other wood seized. On the same day, 15 tons of hardwoods and 2.6 tons of other woods were seized in Amarapura Twp. [Mandalay]. On Sept. 13, 185 tons of padauk and hardwoods were seized from motor-boat towing two barges in Maha Aungmyay Twp. [Mandalay]. On Sept. 14, 9 tons of teak, 35 tons of hardwoods, and 52 tons of other wood were seized from 5 power-boats near Thabeikkyin [Mandalay]. On the same day, 3 tons of hardwoods and 18 tons of other wood were seized from a boat at Thabeikkyin jetty. On Sept. 18, 70 tons of hardwoods were seized in Mindon Twp. [Magway], and on Sept. 19, 8 tons of teak were seized in Bhamo Twp. [Kachin]. The team also seized 16 tons of hardwoods in Khin-U Twp. [Sagaing]. On Sept. 25 it seized 16 tons of hardwoods from a motorboat in Nyaungdon. On Sept. 27, it seized 81 tons of hardwoods and 191 tons of other wood in Amarapura Twp.; on Sept. 28, 2 tons of teak and 12 tons of other woods in Padaung Twp. [Bago]; On Sept. 30, 30 tons of hardwoods in Danubyu [Ayeyarwady]. (NLM 10/11) Oct. 12: The Insein Township Court sentenced two drivers to two years rigourous imprisonment for a collision in which one bus passenger was killed and 3 others injured. The same court sentenced a man to the same punishment for killing a pedestrian. (NLM 10/13) Oct. 18: "Unscrupulous persons are distributing anonymous letters entitled 'The dream of Thamyinnyataung Sayadaw' by post or by hand in some townships in Yangon Division. It is asked that nine copies be made and distributed, saying compliance would bring changes within five days." The chain letter tells of a Sergeant's daughter who died because he refused to distribute the letter, and of a recipient who won a kyat three-lakh lottery after distributing it. "When the authorities investigated the matter and enquired with the Sayadaw himself, it was found that the Sayadaw had not dreamt so nor urged such distribution. Unscrupulous persons are trying to cause public nuisance." (NLM 10/19) Oct. 19: DSI, police, and Forest Department personnel seized more illegal sawn timber and logs. On Oct. 1, 23 tons of illegal sawn teak was seized in Taunggyi. On Oct. 6, 6 tons of sawn teak was seized in Yawnghwe Twp. [Shan]. On Oct. 1, 29 tons of illegal timber was seized in Myanaung Twp. [Ayeyarwady], and 3 tons of ownerless teak was seized Oct. 2 in Ngaphe Twp. [Magway]. From Oct. 5-8, 354 tons of illegal logs were seized in Monywa Twp. [Sagaing]. On Oct. 6-7 117 tons of illegal logs were seized in Shwegu Twp. [Kachin], and on Oct. 8, 14 tons were seized in Momauk Twp. [Kachin]. From Oct. 1-10, 618 tons were seized in Lashio Twp. (NLM 10/20) Oct. 20: Police in Mandalay who seized stake money of K657,000 from gamblers in Mandalay on Oct. 8 were honored at a ceremony. (NLM 10/21) Oct. 21: Insein Township Court on Oct. 20 sentenced an "errant driver", who let his truck overturn, injuring a passenger, to 1 years imprisonment. The Kamaryut Township Court sentenced an "errant driver" who injured a pedestrian to 1 year in jail. (NLM 10/22) Oct. 27: Eight men were sentenced to 7 years imprisonment for carrying teak logs illegally to Yangon. // A gang of thieves was arrested in Yangon "which committed thefts using car jacks and crowbar in backlanes in Kyauktada and Pabedan Townships." (NLM 10/28) Oct. 28: Myanmar suspended sentences passed on 59 Thai fishermen, "in view of the friendly relations between Myanmar and Thailand and also on humanitarian grounds." During his recent visit to Yangon, Thai Foreign Minister Squadron Leader Prasong Soonsiri and requested leniency for the fishermen. (NLM 10/29) Oct. 29: A gang of car spare parts thieves, who plied their trade in Mingalataungnyunt, Tarmway, and Botahtaung Twps. [Yangon] was apprehended beginning Sept. 21, and K102,000 of stolen parts recovered. (NLM 10/30) Oct. 30: The fine for jaywalking in Yangon will be increased from K100 to K200, said Vice Adjutant-General Brig-Gen. Than Tun. \\ Six of seven members of a gang of thieves operating in Kyimyindine and Ahlon Twps. [Yangon] were apprehended, and K159,000 in stolen property recovered; it had committed 3 thefts in Kyimyindine and 2 in Ahlon Townships. (NLM 10/31) Anti-Narcotics Activities Oct. 6: The Kalay anti-drug squad on Sept. 14 seized 186 bottles of Phensedyl in Pyidawtha village, Tamu Twp. The Lashio anti-drug squad on Sept. 24 seized 2.5 kilos of heroin from a truck arriving from Muse. The Mandalay anti-drug squad on Sept. 29 seized 0.5 kilo of heroin, and in another case, 1.6 kilos of heroin in Chan-E-Thazan Twp. [Mandalay]. The military on Sept. 30 seized 0.3 kilo of heroin in Mogaung. (NLM 10/7) Oct. 7: The Myitkyina anti-drug squad on Sept. 30 seized 1.4 kilos of heroin; some from a boat travelling between Bhamo and Mandalay, and some in Bhamo. (NLM 10/8) Oct. 12: DSI and the Katha anti-drug squad on Sept. 26 seized 0.07 kilo of heroin and 8.1 kilos of opium in Htigyaint Twp. [Sagaing]. (NLM 10/13) Oct. 13: The Yangon anti-drug squad seized 0.4 kilo of heroin in Dagon Myothit (South) [Yangon]. (NLM 10/14) Oct. 14: Mandalay police on Oct. 4 seized 30 kilos of raw opium in a monastery in Namhsam Twp. (NLM 10/15) Oct. 19: The Myitkyina anti-drug squad on Oct. 9 seized 0.7 kilo of heroin in Mansi Twp. [Kachin]. The Mandalay squad seized 1.1 kilos of heroin from bus passengers. Mandalay railway police on Sept. 23 seized 4.1 kilos of raw opium. (NLM 10/20) Oct. 20: During September 1993, the Tatmadaw seized 5.2 kilos of opium and 43.5 litres of phensedyl. Customs seized 6 litres of Phensedyl (1 case). Police seized 195.9 kilos of opium (76 cases), 18.7 kilos of heroin (208 cases), 55.9 kilos of marijuana (51 cases), 276.4 litres of Phensedyl (26 cases), 1.6 litre of Taradine (1 case), 23.6 litres of Phencodine (2 cases), 0.02 kilo of opium oil (1 case), 478 bottles of Pathedine (1 case), and 115 bottles of morphine. There were 164 cases of failure to register, and 3 other drug seizures. Police in cooperation with the Tatmadaw seized 113 kilos of opium (8 cases) and 7.5 kilos of heroin (8 cases). Action is being taken against 610 men and 135 women in 553 drug-related cases. (NLM 10/21) Oct. 20: The Myitkyina anti-drug squad on Oct. 12 seized 55.9 kilos of opium in Mogaung Twp. [Kachin]. Police in Mingaladon Twp. [Yangon] on Sept. 19 seized 1.8 kilos of marijuana. The Taunggyi anti-drug squad on Oct. 6 seized 3.2 kilos of raw opium on a bus between Loikaw and Aungban. (NLM 10/21) Oct. 22: The Lashio anti-drug squad on Aug. 8 seized 1.4 kilos of heroin in Muse. The Katha anti-drug squad on Oct. 6 seized 23.8 kilos of raw opium and 0.3 kilo of heroin in Katha. (NLM 10/23) Oct. 25: DSI on Oct. 6 seized a heroin refining plant and chemicals north of Monglwe village, Mongyang Twp. [Shan}. (NLM 10/26) Oct. 26: Tatmadaw Intelligence and others seized 1.0 kilos of Chu-hnit-kaung Kabalone brand heroin from a bus arriving at Hopang from Mandalay. (NLM 10/27) Oct. 28: A naval vessel commanded by Lt. Myat Soe Win on Oct. 26 seized 2.2 kilos of marijuana from the fishing vessel Hsaung of Thilawa Port. (NLM 10/29) Oct. 29: Mandalay Railway Police on Oct. 27 seized 3.9 kilos of raw opium on the Mandalay-Myitkyina Express. (NLM 10/30) Obituaries [English language obituaries only; there are obituaries in Burmese as well.] Sept. 24: Maung Aung Shwe (a) Htay Lwin Soe, crewman of the M.V. Equator Ruby, died "while carrying out his duties." [Acknowledgement] (NLM 10/14) Sept. 29: Daw Yeo Gait Sue, wife of Dr. Koe Kheng Loke, mother of...Dr. Kyaw Nyunt (Dr. Nannette) (U.S.A.)...U Kyaw Win (U.S.A.) (Daw Khin Mar Lar Win)....died in Yangon, aged 78. (NLM 10/1) Sept. 30: U Aye Aung Win, son of U Ne Win-Daw Tin Tin, younger brother of U Ngwe Soe, died in Yangon, aged 44. (NLM 10/2) Oct. 3: U Shwe Wan (a) Sim Swee Wan (Myeik), husband of Daw Mi Mi Gyi, Daw Khin Tint, died in Yangon, aged 80. (NLM 10/ 6) Oct. 5: U Ye Myint, Inspection Section, Restaurant and Beverage Enterprise, husband of Daw Thaung Thaung Tin, died in Yangon, aged 54. (NLM 10/7) Oct. 9: U Ba Pho, Registered Accountant (Rtd.), AG's Office; International Meditation Centre, Yangon; Chief Accounts Officer (Rtd), Ministry of Trade, Vice-President Y.M.B.A., husband of Daw Than Than, died in Yangon, aged 78. (NLM 10/10) Oct. 9: Daw Sai Pen, widow of Rev. Sang Ling...grand mother of 32 & great grand mother of 35, died in Haka, Chin State, aged 105. [Baptist] (NLM 10/12) Oct. 13: Daw Tin Win Myint, (B.Com., B.L., RA) (Winne Tun Tin) (Auditor), wife of U Tin Maung Lwin, died in Yangon, aged 54. (NLM 10/14) Oct. 15: U Sein Tun, Adviser, Asia Air Survey Co. Ltd., Tokyo, husband of Daw San San Tun,...father of Min Min Tun (USA) died [in Tokyo?], aged 58. (NLM 10/19) Oct. 27: John Venu (a) U Win Maung, Supreme Court, husband of Daw Baby, died in Yangon, aged 54. [Hindu] (NLM 10/28) Earthquakes Sept. 30: An earthquake of moderate intensity (5.2 Richter) was recorded at 23:37:48 Myanmar time, with epicentre about 495 miles NE of Yangon. (NLM 10/2) Oct. 11: An earthquake of moderate intensity (6.0 Richter) was recorded at 22:33:52 Myanmar time, with epicentre about 2,512 miles NE of Yangon. (NLM 10/13) Airplane Overshoots Runway Oct. 8: "A passenger plane of Myanmar Airways, due to the heavy rains and low clouds, overshot the runway at Kawthoung Airport on 6 October. The Fokker F 27, XY-AEP, while on a Yangon-Kawthoung-Yangon special flight, overshot the runway when it landed at the airport. All the 41 passengers aboard the plane were unhurt except a steward who received minor injuries. Officials inspected the accident site." (NLM 10/9) Town Moved Oct. 10: Because of erosion beginning in 1901, which by 1988 and eroded almost half the town area, Laymyethna, on the west bank of the Ngawun River in Laymyethna Twp., Hinthada District, Ayeyarwady Division, is being moved to a new site between Thakhut Creek and Sayaykwin Village-tract on the east bank of the Ngawun River, and a new town plan has been developed. (NLM 10/11) Postage Stamps Oct. 18: A K3 postage stamp will be issued Oct. 23 to commemorate the Myanma Traditional Equestrian Festival. (NLM 10/19) ----- 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