95-05 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 IX, No. 5, May 1995 Table of Contents POLITICAL Slogans 2 Political Articles 2 Returnees from Bangladesh 4 Special Refresher Courses 4 National Races 5 USDA 6 Myanma Not Involved in Thailand 6 DIPLOMATIC Diplomatic Calls 7 New Ambassadors to Myanmar 8 New Myanmar Ambassadors 8 Diplomatic Tours 8 International Fashion Show 8 INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION Joint Workshops & Projects 9 Donations from Abroad 9 Border & Regional Affairs 10 Social and Economic Cooperation 10 FOREIGN VISITORS Medical Visitors 10 Business Visitors 11 Religious Visitors 12 Journalists 13 Lao President 13 Japanese Trade Official 14 Singapore Tax Officials 14 Japanese Parliamentarians 14 Czech Trade Official 14 Chinese Delegations 14 Vietnam Ministerial Delegations 14 US Congressman 14 MYANMAR DELEGATIONS Study Delegations 15 Delegations to Meetings & Events 15 Religious Delegations 15 Than Shwe to Indonesia & Singapore 15 Delegations Return 15 MYANMAR GAZETTE Probationary Appointments 16 Appointments 16 Appointments Confirmed 16 GOVERNMENT Workers Day Message 16 Yangon City Law Amendment 17 Central Bank Law Amendment 17 MILITARY Insurgent Attacks 17 Tatmadaw Actions 17 Surrenders by Armed Group Members 18 ECONOMIC Economic Articles 18 Inauguration of Projects 19 Advertisements 19 International Business Projects 19 Business Courses 20 Computers 21 Banking 21 Privatization 21 Company Blacklisted 21 Economic Figures 22 New Hill Station Planned 22 Tourism 22 Twantay Canal 22 Nationalities Village 22 National Forestry Plan 22 Rainfall in Yangon 22 HEALTH Health Articles 23 No Tobacco Day 23 Drugs Recalled 23 Birth Control 23 SPORTS Sports Articles 23 Myanmar Teams and Officials 23 Hole In One 23 CULTURAL Cultural and Scientific Articles 23 Universities & Institutes 24 Buddhism 24 Publications 25 National Library Building 25 Warning on Culture 25 YU Diamond Jubilee 25 MISCELLANEOUS Sunday and Holiday Supplements 25 Crime 26 Anti-Narcotics Activities 27 Articles on Narcotics Law 27 Obituaries 28 Fires 28 Special Delivery Mail 28 Earthquakes 29 Weddings and Engagements 29 Parking Permits 29 Drifting Fishermen 29 ------------------------------------------ HIGHLIGHTS -- Several articles discuss troubled relations with Thailand because of insurgencies. [POLITICAL] -- Interview by American entrepreneur Ms. Miriam Marshall Segal with Kokang National Leader U Yan Moe Hlyan. [POLITICAL: National Races] -- Khun Sa dislodged by Tatmadaw from west Tachilek and Mongkyawt areas. [MILITARY] -- Official visit by Lao President [FOREIGN VISITORS] ------------------------------------------ POLITICAL Slogans 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 [reverted back from "Union of Myanmar." The top of each back page bears the slogan: The Tatmadaw has been sacrificing much of its blood and sweat to prevent disintegration of the Union. All nationalities of the Union are urged to give all co-operation and assistance in this great task. Religious Slogans: Since August 1991, each issue has included a changing religious slogan at the top of each front page: May 1-16: Anavajjani kammani, to perform faultless actions; this is the way to auspiciousness. May 17-31: Arati papa, to abstain from evil, this is the way to auspiciousness. Political Articles May 1-5: Good neighbour, by Nyan Win Kyaw [Cont. (2) Atrocities, especially the mining of railways, committed by the KNU operating out of Thailand from 1982-88. [(3) On Nov. 5, the KNU "formed the All Burma Students Democratic Front (ABSDF). Everyone knows this was an attempt by the KNU to act as monkey grinder and collect money at the cost of the poor monkey." On Nov. 14, 1988, the KNU "orchestrated" foundation of the Democratic Alliance of Burma (DAB). Non-governmental organizations formed the Burma Coordinating Group (BCG), a grouping of 18 "so called religious and relief organizations" with Jack Dunford of the Church of Christ in Thailand (CCT) as coordinator. Other main participants were the International Rescue Committee (IRC), the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS), the United States of Burma Relief Committee (USBRC), and the Burma Relief Committee (BRC). Other groups were the Bangkok-based Burma Information Group (BIG), the Information for Action and International Campaign for Peace and the Grassroots Education and Organizing which published Burma Issue. The groups "disseminated not the truth" but "churned out concoctions for reasons of their own." The KNU established close relationships with officials of the Thai Internal Security Operation Command (ISOC). Other Thai-based groups which "interfered in Myanmar internal affairs" are "those which comprise remnants of the expatriates," such as the Committee for Restoration of Democracy in Burma (CRDB) headed by Tin Maung Win, and the Alliance for Democratic Solidarity Union of Burma (ADSB) headed by U Nu's son Maung Aung. "It is beyond one's ken whether the Thai authorities are pretending not to know what's going on or simply looking the other way." [(4) Activities of Thai-Myanmar Regional Border Committee. Myanmar has shown friendship by deporting Thai fish poachers who violate territorial waters, destroy fish stocks, and blow up coral reefs. Myanmar welcomes foreign investments: FOREIGN INVESTMENT OF PERMITTED ENTERPRISES AS OF 31-3-95 Categories: Total Permitted [P]: Number-Approved Amount (in US$ millions); Existing Enterprises [T] : [same]: Terminated Enterprises [same]: Australia: P:4-$28.2; E:3-$3.0; T:1-$31.2 Bangladesh: P:2-$3.0; E:1-$0.1; T:1-$2.1 China: P:4-$5.5; E:4-$5.5 France: P:1-$465.0; E:1-$499.9 Hong Kong: P:17-$64.4; E:13-$41.0 Japan: P:5-$101.1; E:4-$61.1; T:1-$62.1 Korea: P:9-$60.6; E:9:$91.2 Macau: P:1-$2.4; E:1-$2.4 Malaysia: P:7-$69.6; E:7-$69.6 Netherlands: P:2-$83.0; E:1-$3.0; T:1-$93.7 Philippines: P:1-$6.7; E:1-$6.7 Singapore: P:25-$315.9; E:23-$295.7 Sri Lanka: P:1-$1.0; E:1-$1.0 Thailand: P:26-$410.9; E:19-$257.2; T:7-$18.1 U.K.: P:10-$632.2; E:9-$630.6; T:1-$18.2 U.S.A.: P:13-$226.3; E:10-$269.1; T:3-$68.5 Canada: P:1-$22; T:1-31.6 Austria P:1-71.5; T:1-[no figure given] TOTAL: P:130-$1569.2; E:107-$2237.2; T:23-$326.4 Review of DKBO split with KNU and capture of Manerplaw and Kawmura. [(5) History of insurgent refugee camps in Thailand. Most of their funds come from the Consortium of Christian Agencies, which includes 13 groups: Church of Christ in Thailand (CCT), Thailand Baptist Missionary Fellowship (TBMF), Jesuit Refugee Services (JRS), Inter Aid International (IA), International Rescue Committee (IRC), ZOA Refugee Care Netherlands (ZOA), Catholic Relief Services (CRS), World Vision Foundation of Thailand (WVFT), Compassion International, Japan Sotoshu Relief Committee (JRSC), Committee Aid Abroad, Japan International Volunteer Centre (JVC), and Food for the Hungry International (FHI). However, their funds "instead of going to their civilian refugees, fall into the hands of the Karen Refugee Committee. Assistance from the CRS up to June 1992 amounted to over US$ 1.9 million. Now, in the KNU refugee camps, the Christian KNUs are "forcibly preventing the Buddhist Kayin families from returning to Myanmar interior." Reports that the Tatmadaw has entered refugee camps in Thailand are false. [Map of 23 KNU refugee camps in Thailand. [(6) Statement made in the Apr. 30 Bangkok Post by Thai Army Chief Gen. Wimol Wongwanich that "the best solution to the problems surrounding Karen refugees along the border was to push them all back into Burma." Noting that he had pushed out 40,000 Cambodian refugees, he said he could do it in a week "regardless of how many hundreds of thousands of Karens were now in the country." According to the article, the General's suggestion has been endorsed by Interior Minister Sanan Kachornprasart, but is opposed by the Foreign Ministry. {photocopy of article}.] May 6-7: The Problem Neighbour--A Review, by U Pe Kin, Ambassador to Thailand 1953-56. [(1) Despite their common Theravada Buddhist heritage, "no two neighbours have ever been so suspicious and mistrustful of each other, and so slow in healing historical wounds.... The ancient monarchs of Thailand and Myanmar must share the blame equally for the past misunderstanding and hostility between our two peoples." Recollections of problems with the KMT troops in Shan State after World War II, and the author's efforts to improve relations with Thailand. [(2) Involvement of United States Central Intelligence Agency with the KMT. Final agreement with Thailand for KMT evacuation, supervised by US General Donovan. Now there is a possibility of building lasting friendship with Thailand.] May 8-11: The Other Country, by Pho Khwar. [(1) Three kinds of refugees in Thailand: KNU troops ("If they say that they are in distress, they themselves have brought distress on them"), KNU family members ("They belong to the KNU milieu and there is nothing strange in their also being in trouble"), and real refugees ("forced against their wish to abandon their heart and home, their village and their native place"). Each group has split into two factions, with the first splitting into the KNU and the DKBA ("if they continue to move about freely carrying arms in Thailand after they have become the DKBA, that is hardly anything unusual"); they have the same right to do so as the KNU itself. Now the DKBA is attacking camps in Thailand to rescue their families, whom the KNU holds as "virtual hostages". Among the real refugees, the Buddhists want to flee, but the KNU has "issued orders to gun down those who try to escape" and the DKBA uses force to rescue them. "This is a problem for the KNU and the DKBA to solve. Thailand keeps supporting the KNU; why has Myanmar so long done it the courtesy of referring to it as "the other country" in vain. [(2) Accounts of fighting between the KNU and the DKBA at refugee camps in Thailand during February-May 1995; the DKBA trying to rescue family members and the KNU trying to prevent it. [(3) Early history of KNU presence in Thailand, going back to 1952. [(4) KNU responsible for all the problems on the Thai-Myanmar border.] May 10: Beware, Cooking Smell! by Kyaw Saw Han. [Myanmars think it improper to inflict cooking odors on other houses in the community. "Myanmar...has suffered long enough because its neighbour has been blasting it with nauseous fumes."] Returnees from Bangladesh [Articles reporting the return of refugees from Bangladesh list the cumulative total since Sept. 22, 1992. Not all returns are reported in NLM, and, indeed, returns have increasingly been skipped, as the discrepancy between specific reports and the running total indicates.] May 5: 755 persons from 136 households returned to reception camps on May 4, bringing the total to 191,377. (NLM 5/6) May 10: 369 persons from 71 households returned to Kanyinchaung camp on May 8, bringing the total to 191,746. (NLM 5/11) Special Refresher Courses May 2: Special Refresher Course No. 16 for Basic Education Teachers began, and was addressed by SLORC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt. In a review of the Myanmar scene, he discussed programmes for upgrading education, noting that there are now 36,499 primary schools, 2,062 middle schools, and 857 high schools. A total of 266,376 teachers have been appointed. Turning to nationalism, "He spoke of the need to nurture the youths who will take pride in being Myanmar.... Today some youths fail to appreciate high Myanmar culture standard but readily accept the alien culture, he said. After accepting the alien culture, they have copied it and finally looked down and discarded the Myanmar tradition. He noted that although the people clearly understand interferences of some neo-colonialists, their minions had been news agencies in political, economic and social spheres since the assumption of State responsibilities of the State Law and Order Restoration Council, the youths today have subconsciously accepted penetration of counter culture." That is why the State Law and Order Restoration Council is concentrating on preservation of national culture." The four-week course in being attended by 1,506 trainees. (NLM 5/3) May 2: Short-term Refresher Course No. 1 on Administration of Justice opened at the Supreme Court, and was addressed by Chief Justice U Aung Toe. 52 judicial officers are attending the four-week course, the first of its kind. (NLM 5/3) May 27: Special Refresher Course No. 16 for Basic Education Teachers concluded, and was addressed by SLORC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt. He "spoke of the important task of teachers to explain to their pupils the true intentions of internal and external machinations disturbing the government's endeavours with intent to cause disunity among national brethren and difficulties in nation-building.... "The youth must discern these internal and external machinations..., he asserted.... "At this juncture, it can be found that some external elements are encouraging the armed groups which turn a deaf ear to the State's invitation to return to the legal fold, he said, noting that a few of these groups hold on to narrow racism and accept Western policies to the delight of their supporters. "He said some nations which do not bear to see Myanmar prosper and their radio stations, some external non-governmental organizations under the name of donor organizations and some self-seeking politicians utilizing Myanmar's political arena are now collaborating to stir up concoctions. "Besides, he said, some organizations under the guise of international organizations are backing not only some armed groups and some expatriates who broke the law in Myanmar and absconded but also drug trafficking groups.... "He also explained teachings of Lord Buddha regarding good friends and stressed that Myanmar always tries to be a good friend in dealing with any nation with forgiveness upholding the ethics. "However, he said, it is found that there are fabricated reports by some foreign radio stations and newspapers, as if Myanmar is trying to insult a neighbour with aggressive attitude. "Reports are also fabricated that Myanmar is responsible for the splits of the anti-government organizations, which were accepted by that neighbour, and fights among themselves and that Myanmar encouraged them to do so...." Khun Sa's March 1995 attack on Tachilek, and protection of them by "the other country." DKBO's rescuing of family members from KNU camps "in the other country." "He said the clashes between the two armed groups had later been dubbed Myanmar Tatmadaw's intrusion and attack on the other country and this accusation was loudly claimed by NGOs in that nation and anti-Myanmar radio stations, which usually engage in airing concocted news, and self-styled journalists.... "At present...these radio stations and newspapers broadcast or wrote news as if Myanmar Tatmadaw had invaded the other country and the Tatmadaw of that country had borne the invasion with head bowed. These allegations were found to be instigating disputes between the two Tatmadaws, he said...." (NLM 5/29) May 30: Special Refresher Course No. 12 for Revenue Officers of the Internal Revenue Department opened. Director-General U Than Nyunt "said the IRD has been collecting five of the 15 types of tax and revenues in the country and in all it has collected 79 per cent of the revenues targeted in the entire nation. He pointed out that the Department had collected nearly 300 million kyats more than the previous year." 85 officers are attending the 3-week course. (NLM 5/31) National Races May 6: Ms. Miriam Marshall Segal interviewed U Yan Moe Hlyan, Kokang National Leader, at Laukkai on Feb. 27, 1995 [full text]: U Yan Moe Hlyan: There has been some successes since we have joined hands together with the government but regarding these successes we are not very much satisfied. We want to develop the area much quicker and we have in our plan the crop substitution program which is being implemented and especially in the rubber growing sector. We want this to develop much quicker and at the same time we are planning to construct a hydro electric power station and with that energy we intend to build cottage industries and to produce the raw rubber material into finished products so we can export them and sell them. At the same time to industrialize the whole area so that the people can have proper work and a proper income then the poppy growing in this area will be totally eliminated. Ms. Segal: I want to tell you a little bit on myself. I am not a reporter I am totally a private citizen who is seeking the truth and I have found about Myanmar that the overseas Press has been totally lacking in understanding of the needs of the country. I also want to know when was opium introduced into this area and how the opium growing started in this area? U Yan Moe Hlyan: Originally this growing of poppy came in from China and this was introduced into China by the British. Later on the Western countries brought in technology of refining poppy into heroin No. 3 and heroin No. 4. This was done even before we were born. So, we inherited that and we had no choice but to carry it onwards. Today, we realize this is wrong and we want to stop it. We on our part together with the government, we will do our best to stop the production and producing of this narcotic drug. Ms. Segal: What can the West do to help you to do that. Is it mainly in the transfer of technology to show you how to help you find out what kind of crop you can grow here -- apples, pears -- things like that which are easily exportable or is it in actual financial aid. What do you see that we can do that would assist you to cut out total poppy growing? U Yan Moe Hlyan: We have been offered some assistance from the Chinese side regarding this agricultural techniques and methods, also at the same time we have the government of Myanmar coming in with the technology and other materials we need to develop our agricultural sector. But the problem in this area is that up to now we found out that sugar cane is the only crop that really grows in this area. The rest of the crops we have substituted were not successful. So, on our part we would like to have assistance from the International Community. If the International Community give support and assistance to the government -- that means they are indirectly supporting and assisting us at the same time. Because what the government receives -- the government will definitely give us the cooperation, coordination and assistance we need. Ms. Segal: So you feel that the Government of Myanmar has been totally supportive of your efforts to eradicate the growing of opium here and they have done all they can possibly to help you. Are you satisfied that they have done all they can to help you eradicate the problem? U Yan Moe Hlyan: The government is not a rich government and this is not a rich country. We believe that the government has given us its all out assistant [sic] and support. But on the government's part -- the development projects are going on at the same time in various places. The government has to spread out the funds to many places and we also get a part of that fund. But that fund, to be very honest, is not enough to implement our projects such as building a hydro-electric power station building up factories etc. Anyhow, we appreciate what the government has given us because the government we understand is doing it on its own without International Community's support and understanding. Ms. Segal: When did you come back to the legal fold and were you the first group to come back to the legal fold and why? U Yan Moe Hlyan: It is very clear because if we continue to fight among each other -- that means we (the country) will become weak. If the country is not united the country automatically becomes weak and if we are weak we will be bullied by outside countries. So, Myanmar as you know is very rich in natural resources. We believe that working together as brothers unitedly we can develop the country with our own natural resources and this country will be very well-off in the near future and there will be a future for our next generation. Ms. Segal: It also gives the next generation a heritage because I believe up until you come back into the legal fold there was no schooling system and all of these roads and everything I see here has been built since then just with the help of the government. Since this is the nation of one -- one nation a united nation sort of thing. It builds the future of your children that is the main desire. U Yan Moe Hlyan: Yes, Madam. I agree with you totally because the government on its part has laid down the policies and we will make sure that these policies are followed because we are also sons of this country. We are brothers. If the whole country develops, all of us living in this country we also develop. So, regarding your statement I agree totally with you. Ms. Segal: What would the average farmer that had a poppy cultivation, what would he get in the way of money are they rich are they poor? U Yan Moe Hlyan: Yes, the poppy growers actually are not rich. Not reach means actually they are very poor. But the problem in this area is the land is not fertile. So, poppy is the only kind of crop that grows without giving much attention to. And for the other crops, if we can substitute these crops for poppy plants and if we can get enough income out of it our people will very willingly give up this planting of poppies. Ms. Segal: Does any other government support you and have there been foreign groups here seeing if they can assist you? U Yan Moe Hlyan: Yes, up to today including you Madam there has been 13 groups that have visited us. Some of these groups have promised to give us technical know-how especially in the hydro electric power sector. But nothing has really materialized so we came to believe that the International Community is not very much interested in our projects because up to know we only have lip services. But we together with the close support and cooperation of the government we have been doing everything we can on our own. (NLM 5/7) [See also under ECONOMIC: Business Visitors] USDA May 6: The foundations were laid for the Union Solidarity and Development Association (USDA) Headquarters at the corner of Thayawady Road and University Avenue in Bahan Township, Yangon, in the presence of SLORC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt, SLORC Secretary-2 Lt-Gen. Tin Oo, USDA Secretary-General Minister for Cooperatives U Than Aung, and other officials. The six-storey building is being constructed by the Wa Wa Win International Co. (NLM 5/7) Myanma Not Involved in Thailand May 9: The Ministry of Defence held a press conference "on the situation along Thai-Myanmar border, engagement between the DKBO and KNU, and attacks on and capture of base camps of drug trafficking terrorist Khun Sa...." Deputy Director of Defence Services Intelligence Col. Kyaw Win noted that many terrorist groups have long lived along the 2,096 kilometer Thai-Myanmar border, including "Khun Sa's drug-trafficking terrorist Mong Tai Army (MTA),...Karen National Union (KNU), The National Council of Union of Burma (NCUB), the Democratic Alliance of Burma (DAB), the National Coalition Government of the Union of Burma (NCGUB), the National Democratic Front (NDF), the National League for Democracy (Liberated Areas) (NLD-LA), the All-Burma Students Democratic Front (ABSDF), the All-Burma Muslim Union (ABMU), the Muslim Liberation Organization (MLO), the Democratic Patriotic Army (DPA), the New Mon State Army (NMSP), the Arakan Liberation Army (ALP), among others...." Other opposition groups using Thailand as a lifeline are the "Overseas National Students of Burma (ONSOB), the Alliance for Democratic Solidarity Union of Burma (ADSB), the Committee for Restoration of Democracy in Burma (CRDB), and others based in Bangkok and Chiangmai...." There are also "over 30 so-called refugee camps...." Khun Sa attacked Tachilek through Maesai, Thailand, on Mar. 20, 1995; when the Tatmadaw fought back, reinforcements were brought in to Homein and Loilem through the Maesareng and Hintek routes in Thailand. As to the DKBO, they are former KNU members and Buddhists who split with Bo Mya, and "still have not returned to the legal fold." They are attacking KNU camps in Thailand to bring back their relatives to Myainggyingu. Over 10,000 DKBO family members have left the camps and returned to Myanmar, despite attempts by Bo Mya to hold them. When Bo Mya resorted to force, "the DKBO, it is known, employed guerilla tactics and entered the camps and took away some of the KNU leaders." On May 1, 1995, 24 82mm shells were fired at Manerplaw from Hwebalu village in Thailand. On May 4, three "military coloured" helicopters from the Thai side" fired seven rockets at the Thumwehta monastery, wounding 15 women and children and destroying six houses. "The Government of Myanmar has at no time become involved in these problems and had not, at any time, encouraged any organization to oppose any neighbour." Problems on the Thai border result from Thailand's having harboured "terrorists who seek to oppose Myanmar." (NLM 5/10) DIPLOMATIC Diplomatic Calls [The following calls were paid on Burmese officials by foreign Embassy or UN officials accredited to Burma. Details of the meetings are rarely reported. Ambassadors generally accompany foreign visitors from their countries on official calls, and their presence is generally not noticed in this Summary. Newly arrived and departing Ambassadors generally make the rounds of Cabinet Ministers and other leading officials.] May 3: Cyprus Ambassador Stavros A. Epaminondas called on Minister for Trade Lt-Gen. Tun Kyi. (NLM 5/4) May 4: Australian Military Attache Col. Richard Douglas Warren, called on Commander-in-Chief (Air) Lt-Gen. Thein Win; he was accompanied by First Secretary Mr. Jonathan Hugh Philip. (NLM 5/5) May 5: German Ambassador Dr. Baron Walther von Marschall, who has completed his tour of duty, called on Minister for Home Affairs Lt-Gen. Mya Thin and on Deputy Prime Minister Lt-Gen. Tin Tun. (NLM 5/6) May 8: The German Ambassador called on Minister for Culture Lt-Gen. Aung Ye Kyaw. (NLM 5/9) May 9: The German Ambassador called on Attorney-General U Tha Tun, and on Minister for Forestry Lt-Gen. Chit Swe. Sri Lankan Ambassador K.B. Fernando called on Auditor-General U Aung Khin Tint. Japanese Ambassador Takashi Tajima called on Minister for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs Lt-Gen. Maung Thint. (NLM 5/10) May 10: The German Ambassador called on Minister for Communications, Posts & Telegraphs U Soe Tha. Outgoing Russian Deputy Military Attaches Col. Nikolai V. Khartchouk and Lt-Col. Vassili I. Savenkov called on Deputy Director Col. Kyaw Win of Defence Services Intelligence. (NLM 5/11) May 17: German Ambassador Dr. Baron Walther von Marschall called on Minister for Agriculture Lt-Gen. Myint Aung, and on Yangon Mayor U Ko Lay. (NLM 5/18) May 19: The German Ambassador called on Minister for Information Brig-Gen. Myo Thant. French Ambassador Bernard Pottier called on Minister for Agriculture Lt-Gen. Myint Aung. Japanese Ambassador Takashi Tajima visited the Myanmar Seafoods JV Co. Ltd. cold storage and ice factory, and a meat shop in Insein. (NLM 5/20) May 22: The German Ambassador called on Minister for Health Vice-Adm. Than Nyunt. Indian Ambassador Gopalaswami Parthasarathy, who has also completed his tour of duty, called on Minister for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs Lt-Gen. Maung Thint, on Minister for Finance and Revenue Brig-Gen. Win Tin, and on Minister for Information Brig-Gen. Myo Thant. British Ambassador Julian D.N. Hartland-Swann, who has completed his tour of duty, called on Minister for Information Brig-Gen. Myo Thant. (NLM 5/23) May 23: The Indian Ambassador called on Deputy Prime Minister Lt-Gen. Tin Tun, and on Minister for Livestock Breeding & Fisheries Brig-Gen. Maung Maung. United States Charge d'Affaires Ms. Marilyn A. Meyers, accompanied by Counsellor for Political and Economic Affairs Mr. Angus T. Simmons and Counsellor for Public Affairs Mr. Douglas M. Barnes, called on Minister for Information Brig-Gen. Myo Thant. Yugoslav Charge d'Affaires Milos Belgic called on Chief Justice U Aung Toe. (NLM 5/24) May 24: The Indian Ambassador called on Minister for Agriculture Lt-Gen. Myint Aung. (NLM 5/25) May 25: German Ambassador Dr. Baron Walther von Marschall called on Minister at the Prime Minister's Office Col. Pe Thein, Minister for Industry-2 U Than Shwe, and Minister for Finance and Revenue Brig-Gen. Win Tin. Indian Ambassador Gopalaswami Parthasarathy called on Minister for Religious Affairs Lt-Gen. Myo Nyunt. (NLM 5/26) May 26: The Indian Ambassador called on Minister for National Planning and Economic Development Brig-Gen. Abel. (NLM 5/27) May 29: Cuban Ambassador Rolando Lopez del Amo called on Minister for Health Vice-Adm. Than Nyunt. (NLM 5/30) May 30: The Cuban Ambassador paid respects to the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Sayadaws. German Ambassador Dr. Baron Walther von Marschall called on Deputy Prime Minister Vice-Adm. Maung Maung Khin, on behalf of SLORC Chairman Senior General Than Shwe. British Ambassador Julian D.N. Hartland-Swann called on Minister for Forestry Lt-Gen. Chit Swe. Bangladeshi Ambassador Chowdhury Khalequzzaman called on Minister for Trade Lt-Gen. Tun Kyi. Yugoslav Charge d'Affaires Milo Belgic called on Deputy Minister for Culture U Soe Nyunt, and on Minister for Information Brig-Gen. Myo Thant. Laotian Ambassador Ly Bounkham called on Deputy Minister for Trade U Aung Thaung. UNDP Acting Resident Representative Mr. Douglas Gardner, accompanied by UNIDO consultant Ms Ursula Kraus-Harper, called on Minister for Cooperatives U Than Aung to discuss UNDP rural development programmes. (NLM 5/31) New Ambassadors to Myanmar May 3: Mr. Stavros A. Epaminondas presented credentials to SLORC Chairman Senior General Than Shwe as new Ambassador of Cyprus to Myanmar. He is Resident in New Delhi. (NLM 5/4) May 17: Mrs. Sonia C. Brady presented credentials to SLORC Chairman Senior General Than Shwe as new Ambassador of the Philippines. (NLM 5/18) May 24; Dr. Benito Volpi presented credentials to SLORC Chairman Senior General Than Shwe as new Italian Ambassador to Myanmar. (NLM 5/25) New Myanmar Ambassadors May 12: U San Thein, new Myanmar Ambassador to the Philippines, left for Manila. (NLM 5/13) Diplomatic Tours May 8: Diplomats of donor nations and UN agencies "inspected eradication of opium poppy cultivation and rural development projects" in Kengtung and Mongyang Townships, Eastern Shan State, on May 6-7. They included UNDCP Office Head Mr. Gerald Moore, British Ambassador Mr. Julian Hartland-Swann, Japanese Ambassador Mr. Takashi Tajima, Chinese Ambassador Mrs. Chen Baoliu, American Charge d'Affaires Ms. Marilyn A. Meyers, German Charge d'Affaires Dr. Michael Kohl, French Counsellor Mr. Francois Sastourne, Australian First Secretary Mr. Jonathan Hugh Philp, and American Political and Economic Counsellor Mr. Angus Simon [sic]. The tour flew to Kengtung May 6, flew by helicopter to Hotaung Village, Wa Region, Mongyan Township where Wa national leaders told them "that opium poppy is no longer cultivated in Panghsan, Hotaung and Namtit." The diplomats then visited Mongyang before returning to Kengtung. On May 7, the tour visited projects in Kengtung East Region, Mongyang Township, and Mongla. (NLM 5/9) May 14: Military Attaches in Yangon, led by Dean of the attaches Col. Hiroshi Mamizuka, toured Myitkyina and Putao on May 12-14. (NLM 5/15) International Fashion Show May 28: A dress rehearsal was held of the International Fashion Show scheduled for June 3, jointly organized by the Myanmar Women's Sports Federation and diplomats in Yangon. Fifteen nations will take part: Bangladesh, China, Egypt, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Laos, Malaysia, Pakistan, Philippines, Russia, Sri Lanka, and Myanmar. (NLM 5/29) INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION Joint Workshops & Projects May 3: A 3-day Workshop on Water Supply and Collective Data Management on Sanitation and Media System, so-sponsored by the Water Resources Utilization Department and the World Health Organization opened. (NLM 5/4) May 12: A Seminar on Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Law was held, jointly sponsored by the Central Committee for Drug Abuse Control and the United Nations Drugs Control Programme. (NLM 5/13) May 29: The Seventh Country Course on Sampling Design and Survey Operations, jointly conducted by the United Nations Statistical Institute for Asia and the Pacific (SIAP), and the Central Statistical Organization, opened and was addressed by Minister for National Planning and Economic Development Brig-Gen. Abel, who welcomed SIAP lecturers Dr. Mosleh Uddin and Mr. Kwok Kwan Kit. 25 personnel are attending the course, which will last until June 9. (NLM 5/30) Donations from Abroad [We report donations that apparently come from foreign sources. We do not normally report the numerous articles on donations by Burmese individuals inside Burma and Burmese companies to government, religious, and social organizations and charities.] May 2: The Third World Shop of Japan presented K 200,000 to Yindaikkwin village in Taikkyi Township as capital for rural development projects. (NLM 5/3) May 5: Director Mr. Kitte Patrapayoon of Thai Southern Investment Co. Ltd. donated K 300,000 and a fax machine worth K 70,000 for the Cooperatives Colleges. (NLM 5/6) May 10: China donated 20 "walking tractors trawlers jeeps of Dong Feng 12 type", worth 200,000 yuan, for distribution to returned refugees in Buthidaung and Maungtaw Townships, Rakhine State. (NLM 5/11) May 12: The International Canoe Federation, represented by Mr. Csaba Szando, presented 12 canoes and kayaks, valued at US$ 8,000, to the Myanmar Rowing Federation. (NLM 5/13) May 12: The Japanese Organization for International Cooperation in Family Planning donated 225 bicycles to the Ministry of Health. (NLM 5/13) May 12: The Japan Asia Buddhist Association presented 38,400 notebooks valued at 3.8 million for use in border regions. 40 cartons have been sent to Kokang, Wa, and Kengtung East Regions, and 120 cartons will be sent to schools in Lwekaw, Lwemwe, Tangyang, Hakhan, Hkamti, and Kunlon. (NLM 5/13) May 17: Komatsu Singapore (Pte) Ltd. provided US$ 1,492 for Myanmar citizens who were killed or injured in the Jan. 17 Kobe earthquake. Director-General U Saw Thein of the Relief and Resettlement Department of the Myanmar Red Cross distributed US$ 372 each to "U Tin Aung Cho, elder brother of the late U Lat Maung Cho, Daw May May Thwin, mother of the late Ma Khin Thet Swe, Daw Kyin Shwe, mother of the later Ma Wai Moe Lwin and Daw Hta Hta, mother of injured Ma Aye Thin Hlaing." (NLM 5/18) May 18: Siemens AG Medical Division, Erlangen, donated hospital equipment worth US$ 15,000 to the Health Department. (NLM 5/19) May 18: Fourteen "wellwishers of Japan", assisted by Ashin Kondinna, a missionary Sayadaw in Thailand, and Sayadaw U Vijjananda of Moji, Japan, donated seven fire engines to the Fire Services. (NLM 5/19) May 23: Korean Ambassador Jung Hwan Kim, and Chairman Mr. Han Yoo Ko of the Korean Companies Association, accompanied by members Mr. Jong Heon Park and Mrs. Yoon Sung Hae, presented 10,000 sheets of plywood worth K 2.4 million, MSG powder worth K 18,000, and K 240,000 to Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement Brig-Gen. Thaung Myint, for relief of fire victims in Bago and Mandalay. (NLM 5/14) May 23: Dr. San Aye, a Myanmar resident in the United States, donated eye surgery equipment to the Ministry of Health. (NLM 5/24) May 24: Wirtschaft Hilft Hungernden, a German social foundation, presented an ECG machine and other medical equipment to the Ministry of Health. (NLM 5/25) May 29: Director U Thet Aung of Winner Brothers International Ltd. donated 100 bottles of Via Robo Vites, worth K 60,000, manufactured by Vita Health Laboratories (Australia) to the Children's Hospital. (NLM 5/30) May 30: The National Library of Australia presented 36 books on university subjects to the Universities Central Library. (NLM 5/31) May 30: Dr. Thein Blocher of CT-Arzmeimittel Chemische Tempelhof, Berlin, presented medical equipment worth DM 20,000 to the Ministry of Health. (NLM 5/31) May 30: On May 29, Mr. Bruce Williams of International School donated medicine worth K 27,500, and Dr. Htay Htay Nwe, on behalf of Dahl Hausen Co. of Cologne, Germany, donated surgical instruments worth K 30,000 to the Yangon General Hospital. (NLM 5/31) Border & Regional Affairs May 24: Instruments of Ratification of the Agreement between Myanmar, India, and Thailand on the Determination of the Trijunction Point between the three countries in the Andaman Sea, which was signed at New Delhi on Oct. 27, 1993, were exchanged by Director-General U Aye Lwin of the International Law and Treaties and Research Department of the Foreign Ministry, Indian Ambassador Gopalaswami Parthasarathy, and Thai Ambassador Poksak Nilubol. (NLM 5/26) May 24: A delegation led by Chairman of the Central Committee for Drug Abuse Control Minister for Home Affairs Lt-Gen. Mya Thin left for Beijing to attend the Sixth Joint Coordination Meeting of Myanmar, China, and UNDCP from May 25-27. Other members are CCDAC Joint Secretary Police Col. Ngwe Soe Tun, Lt-Col. Kyaw Thein, Deputy Director U Aye Lwin of the Ministry of Progress for Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs, and the Minister's PSO Capt. Sein Mya. (NLM 5/ 25) May 27: The Second Regional Seminar on Teak will take place at the International Business Centre on May 29-June 3. Representatives of 10 countries and NGOs, researchers, entrepreneurs, and representatives of FAO agencies RAPA, FORSPA, FORTIP, STRAP, and AFTSC, totalling 51 and observers will attend. The first Seminar was held in China in 1991. (NLM 5/28) // May 29: The Seminar began and was addressed by Minister for Forestry Lt-Gen. Chit Swe. He reviewed the history of teak in Myanmar and elsewhere. He said Myanmar has a forest cover of 33 million hectares, or half its land surface, two-thirds of which "are teak bearing forests." The Annual Allowable Cut for teak is 350,000 tons, plus 1.3 million for other hardwoods, for a total of about 3 million cubic meters. The reforestation planting programme is set at 80,000 acres annually, of which about 40% is for commercial plantations, mainly of teak. Many groups have cooperated with Myanmar on wildlife conservation, including the Smithsonian Institution, the Wildlife Conservation Society of New York, the Washington Park Zoo [sic], and the Asian Elephant Specialist Group. Other speeches were given by FAO Resident Representative Mr. A.W. Jalil and by Dr. C.T.S. Nair of the Forestry Research Support Programme for Asia (FORSPA). The seminar is being attended by 51 participants from Bhutan, China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Netherlands, Philippines, Thailand, the United States, and Myanmar. Eleven papers will be presented, including three by Myanmars. On May 31-June 1 the participants will visit a forest camp in Ottwin Township, Toungoo District, Bago Division. (NLM 5/30) Social and Economic Cooperation May 18: Myanmar signed agreed minutes with JICA representative Mr. Hiroshi Izaki, whose delegation has been in Myanmar since May 14, on the use of 1 billion in Japanese Grant Aid for "increase of food production in Myanmar," mainly in border areas. (NLM 5/19) May 23: A Meeting on Aviation Agreement between Myanmar and Vietnam continued into its second day. Myanmar officials are led by Director-General U Tin Aye of the Department of Civil Aviation, and Vietnamese delegates from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Air Vietnam are led by Director Mr. Pham Vu Hein of the Vietnam Civil Aviation Department. The Myanmar side "said the agreement reached at the first coordination meeting held in Hanoi in July 1994 expressed cooperation on bilateral aviation and mutual understanding, and he believed that final agreement would be reached at the meeting." (NLM 5/24) FOREIGN VISITORS Medical Visitors May 17: Orthopaedics Specialist Dr. Lewis G. Zirkle of North-West Orthopaedic Associates, United States will lecture on "Outcome Study in Orthopaedics" at the Myanmar Medical Association Auditorium on May 18. (NLM 5/18) // May 18: The lecture was given. (NLM 5/19) // May 19: He gave orthopaedic surgery equipment worth US$ 20,000 to the Ministry of Health. (NLM 5/ 20) Business Visitors [Although we do not normally report it, business and other visitors calling on Myanmar officials are usually accompanied by the Ambassador from their country. -- HCMacD.] May 4: President Mr. Yasuhiro Matsuda of the Royal Connection International Co. Ltd. in Tokyo, and delegation, called on Minister for Information Brig-Gen. Myo Thant to report on his opening of a Myanmar Centre for Business and Information in Tokyo. The Centre "will offers services to disseminate news and information to the Japanese people." (NLM 5/5) May 8: An industrial delegation led by Senior Vice-President Mr. Fritz Becker of KHD Humboldt Wedag AG of Germany called on Deputy Minister for Trade U Aung Thaung. (NLM 5/9) // May 10: He called on Minister for National Planning and Economic Development Brig-Gen. Abel. (NLM 5/11) May 8: Industry and Business Consultant Mr. Dieter Vogt of G German Consult GmbH called on Minister for Energy U Khin Maung Thein, accompanied by German Economic Attache Mr. Bernerd Herring. (NLM 5/9) // May 10: He called on Minister for Industry 1 Lt-Gen. Sein Aung. (NLM 5/11) // May 12: He called on Minister for National Planning and Economic Development Brig-Gen. Abel. (NLM 5/13) May 10: Chairman Mr. Teddy Setiawan of Tunas Mulia Continental Co. and party called on Minister for Energy U Khin Maung Thein to discuss "laying of a natural gas pipeline to Indonesia from Yetagun offshore oil rig off Taninthayi Coast for importing gas." (NLM 5/11) May 10: Vice-Chairman Mr. Shan Ningwu of Dong Feng Motor Corp. of China and party called on Minister for Industry-2 U Than Shwe. (NLM 5/11) May 10: A 25-member Japanese Economic Mission, led by Mr. Shunji Koike of the Osaka Chamber of Commerce and Industries arrived. (NLM 5/11) // May 11: The delegation called on Minister for National Planning and Economic Development Brig-Gen. Abel, and visited the Myanmar Chamber of Commerce and Industry. (NLM 5/12) // May 12: The delegation studied the Myanmar Segye Garment Factory, and visited the Gems Emporium. It also called on Minister for Trade Lt-Gen. Tun Kyi, on Minister for Industry 1 Lt-Gen. Sein Aung, and on Minister for Foreign Affairs U Ohn Gyaw. (NLM 5/13) // May 13: The delegation returned home. (NLM 5/14) May 11: A delegation from the Bobo Industrial Working Group of Norway, led by Dr. Felice Strollo, called on Yangon Mayor U Ko Lay. (NLM 5/12) // May 12: The delegation called on Minister for Hotels and Tourism Lt-Gen. Kyaw Ba, and discussed tourism and "building of a beach resort hotel." (NLM 5/13) May 19: Vice-President Mr. Hezi Wein of Lego Irrigation Ltd. of Israel demonstrated water supply equipment. (NLM 5/20) May 20: An 8-member delegation led by Vice-President Mr. Iwao Mizusaki of Marubeni Corp. arrived. (NLM 5/21) // May 22: The 27-member delegation [sic] called on Minister for National Planning and Economic Development Brig-Gen. Abel. Mr. Mizusaki called on Minister for Livestock Breeding & Fisheries Brig-Gen. Maung Maung. (NLM 5/23) // May 23: The delegation called on Minister for Agriculture Lt-Gen. Myint Aung. Minister for National Planning and Economic Development Brig-Gen. Abel hosted a dinner for it, attended by Minister for Livestock Breeding & Fisheries Brig-Gen. Maung Maung and Japanese officials. (NLM 5/24) // May 24: Following a breakfast meeting at the Myanma Agricultural Service, hosted by Minister for Agriculture Lt-Gen. Myint Aung and Deputy Minister for Agriculture U Tin Hlaing, the "delegation then studied rice, beans and pulses, vegetables, fruits, soft drinks, tinned provisions, export quality sugar, purified sugar, rubber blocks and sheets, textiles, silk, jute carpets, cotton, cotton carpets, polypropylene carpets, jute products, toilet requisites and various kinds of flowers." The Agriculture Ministry "will boost its products under contract system as there are prospects to extend agricultural exports to Japan in the future." Then, following a visit to the Shwedagon Pagoda and the Gems Emporium, the delegation left. (NLM 5/25) // May 26: Officials from the Marubeni Corp., led by Mr. Ariya Imagawa, met with officials of the Yangon City Development Committee to discuss Yangon water supply and production of concrete pipes. (NLM 5/27) May 22: An Indonesian delegation led by Chairman Mr. S. Nursalim of P.T. Gadjah Tunggal Group called on Minister for Industry-2 U Than Shwe. (NLM 5/23) // May 23: It called on Deputy Prime Minister Vice-Adm. Maung Maung Khin. (NLM 5/24) May 22: A 32-member delegation from the Singapore Manufacturers Association led by Vice President Mr. Seck Hong Chee arrived, and called on Minister for National Planning and Economic Development Brig-Gen. Abel, who hosted a dinner. (NLM 5/23) // May 23: The delegation called on Minister for Industry 1 Lt-Gen. Sein Aung. (NLM 5/24) // May 24: The delegation called on Minister for Trade Lt-Gen. Tun Kyi, Minister for Cooperatives U Than Aung, and on Yangon Mayor U Ko Lay. (NLM 5/25) // May 25: The delegation donated US$ 3,000 for Bago fire relief. A delegation led by Mr. Moses Koh called on Minister for Industry-2 U Than Shwe. (NLM 5/26) May 23: Director Mr. David Bochm of the Australian Chamber of Commerce, and delegation, called on Chairman of the Myanmar Investment Commission Deputy Prime Minister Vice-Adm. Maung Maung Khin and Minister for National Planning and Economic Development Brig-Gen. Abel. (NLM 5/23) May 23: A delegation of the French Business Association, comprising 18 representatives of 12 Singapore-based French companies, led by Regional Manager M. Michael Scherrer of the Banque Indosuez called on Minister for Finance and Revenue Brig-Gen. Win Tin, and on Minister for National Planning and Economic Development Brig-Gen. Abel, and led by Mr. Christian Giraudon called on Minister for Trade Lt-Gen. Tun Kyi. (NLM 5/24) // May 25: Mr. Jean Malfait of SDV SEA Pte. Ltd., a member of the delegation, called on Minister for Transport Lt-Gen. Thein Win. (NLM 5/ 26) May 25: Executive Chairperson Ms. Miriam Marshall Segal and party of Peregrine Capital Myanmar Ltd. called on Minister for Construction U Khin Maung Yin. Ms. Segal, as Chairperson of Peregrine Investments Holdings Ltd. and some Hong Kong entrepreneurs also called on Chairman of the Myanmar Investment Commission Deputy Prime Minister Vice-Adm. Maung Maung Khin. (NLM 5/26) May 25: The Gestetner Grand Fair, sponsored by UE Myanmar (S) Pte. Ltd., represented by Executive Director Mr. Stephen Huen, and Gestetner (S) Pte. Ltd., represented by Division Manager Mr. Eric Tan, opened at the Strand Hotel, where Gestetner duplicators, De La Rue Cash Counting Machines, computers (ABM-Wearnes Computer System), Epson Printers, and Victron computer equipment were demonstrated. 4030 Electric Duplicators, each worth K 1.8 million, were presented to the Ministry of Trade, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Finance and Revenue, and the Directorate of Procurements. The Fair will last until May 27, "with special discounts for buyers." (NLM 5/26) May 25: General Manager Mr. Andrew Low of Straits Greenfield Ltd. of Singapore, and party, called on Minister for Information Brig-Gen. Myo Thant to discuss "prospects for building multi-purpose highrise complexes on land currently occupied by some cinemas downtown." (NLM 5/ 26) May 29: Director Mr. George Gun of MBF Holdings of Malaysia called on Minister for Industry-2 U Than Shwe. (NLM 5/30) May 30: A delegation led by Chairman and Executive Officer Mr. Andres Sorriano III of San Miguel Corp. [of the Philippines] and delegation called on Minister for Trade Lt-Gen. Tun Kyi, who hosted a dinner for it. (NLM 5/31) Religious Visitors May 10: A Buddhist delegation from Bangladesh led by Sayadaw Bhaddanta Pandita arrived in Yangon, via Sittway, for a two-week visit. It includes 11 Sanghas and 31 laymen, and will visit famous pagodas. (NLM 5/11) // May 11: The monks were offered alms by Minister for Religious Affairs Lt-Gen. Myo Nyunt. (NLM 5/12) // May 12: The delegation visited Yele Pagoda in Kyauktan. (NLM 5/12) // May 13: It attended a water-pouring ceremony at the Bodhi Tree at the Shwedagon Pagoda. (NLM 5/14) // May 14: It left for Bagan. (NLM 5/15) // May 15: It visited Bagan and Mandalay on May 14-15. (NLM 5/16) // May 17: It visited Amarapura and Sagaing. (NLM 5/18) // May 18: The delegation returned home to Bangladesh. (NLM 5/19) // May 19: The delegation met with Myanmar religious associations on May 17. (NLM 5/20) May 17: U Goenka, who runs over 30 Vipassana centres worldwide, arrived in Yangon "to share his experiences on missionary services abroad and on Vipassana practices during his stay in Myanmar." He will lecture in English and Myanmar in Yangon on May 19-21, and then go on to Mandalay, Sagaing, and Myitkyina. (NLM 5/ 18) // May 28: Sayagyi U Goenka of India "recounted his foreign missionary experience and talked about Vipassana meditation at Mahatma Gandhi Hall, with an attendance of over 500. (NLM 5/29) Journalists May 6: Head of the BBC Myanmar Service Mrs. Marcia Poole was given a dinner by Minister for Information Brig-Gen. Myo Thant. (NLM 5/7) // May 9: She called on Minister for Information Brig-Gen. Myo Thant. (NLM 5/10) Lao President May 3: At the invitation of SLORC Chairman Senior General Than Shwe, President and Madame Nouhak Phoumsavanh of Laos will pay a goodwill visit to Myanmar in the near future. (NLM 5/3) May 8: Formal biography of the Lao President. (NLM 5/8) May 8: President Nouhak Phoumsavanh of Laos arrived by special flight for a goodwill visit. He was accompanied by Madame Bounma Phoumsavanh, Minister for Foreign Affairs Mr. Somsavat Lengsavad and wife, Minister at the President's Office Mr. Thongdam Chanthaphone, Minister of Commerce Mr. Sompadit Vorasang, Vice-Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Mr. Siene Saphanghong, Vice-Chairman of the Committee for Planning and Cooperation Mr. Somphong Mongkhonvilay, and other high ranking officials for a total of 28. They were met at the airport by SLORC Chairman Senior General and Madame Than Shwe, who later received the delegation, and in the evening hosted a dinner for it. At the dinner, formal speeches of welcome and friendship were given [texts in NLM], in which the Lao President noted that "To be frank, Yangon nowadays is far more prosperous than Yangon I used to know in the past." and Sen. Gen. Than Shwe noted the growing cooperation between Myanmar and Laos in agriculture, forestry and construction, as well as religion and the fight against narcotic drugs. Other meetings were held: Vice-Chairman Somphong Mongkhonvilay of the Lao Committee for Planning Cooperation, accompanied by Director Mr. Somchit Inthamit of the External Economic Cooperation Department met with Minister for National Planning and Economic Development Brig-Gen. Abel. Minister to the President's Office Mr. Thongdam Chanthaphone met with Minister at the Prime Minister's Office Brig-Gen. Lun Maung. SLORC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. and Madame Khin Nyunt called on President and Madame Nouhak Phoumsavanh. Madame Phoumsavanh later visited Bogyoke Market and the Myanma Department Store. Minister of Commerce Mr. Sompadit Vorasang met with Minister for Trade Lt-Gen. Tun Kyi. The two foreign ministers headed the First Meeting of the Myanmar-Lao Joint Commission for Bilateral Cooperation. A preliminary officials meeting had been held May 5-6. Various agreements were signed: A Trade Agreement was signed by the respective Ministers. Joint Minutes of the First Meeting of the Myanmar-Lao Joint Commission for Bilateral Cooperation were signed, providing for cooperation in "culture and sports, tourism, education, agriculture, forestry, narcotic suppression, boundary matters," etc. An Agriculture Agreement was signed by the respective deputy ministers. [two pages of photos] (NLM 5/9) May 9: Following a visit to the Shwedagon Pagoda, Lao President Nouhak Phoumsavanh and members of his delegation flew to Bagan by special flight, on pilgrimage to the pagodas there, accompanied by Minister for Foreign Affairs U Ohn Gyaw and other Myanmar officials. [photos] (NLM 5/ 10) May 10: The Lao President and party went on to Mandalay, where they visited the Maha Muni Pagoda and other pagodas. Madame Bounma Phoumsavanh visited lacquerware shops in Bagan-NyaungU. [photos] (NLM 5/11) May 11: The Land of One Million Elephants A Good Friend of Myanmar, by Minye Kaungbon. [Background article on Lao history.] May 11: The Lao President and delegation returned to Yangon after visiting Pyin Oo Lwin and Mandalay; they then toured Yangon, visiting the Gems Emporium Hall, the Defence Services Museum, and the Yangon-Thanlwin Bridge. [photos] (NLM 5/ 12) May 12: Between Vientiane and Yangon, the road is but a short one, by Kyaw Thura. [Further Lao history; Myanmar-Lao cooperation against narcotics.] May 12: The Lao President and his delegation departed, after a joint communique was issued noting that the meeting between the two heads of state "took place in an atmosphere full of friendship and understanding." In addition to meetings and agreements noted above, the communique recorded the Exchange of Instruments of Ratification of the Agreement on the Fixed Boundary Along the Mekong River, signed during the visit of SLORC Chairman Senior General Than Shwe to Laos. [two pages of photos] (NLM 5/13) Japanese Trade Official May 2: Director-General Mr. Katsusada Horose and party called on Minister for Energy U Khin Maung Thein, Minister for Trade Lt-Gen. Tun Kyi, and on Deputy Prime Minister Vice-Adm. Maung Maung Khin. (NLM 5/3) Singapore Tax Officials May 2: Myanmar officials led by Director-General U Than Nyunt of the Internal Revenue Department met Apr. 25-28 with Singapore officials led by Divisional Director Mr. Ng Keat Seng of the Singapore Internal Revenue Authority; "the discussions were held for the second time concentrating on current collection systems under the existing tax laws of the two countries." (NLM 5/3) Japanese Parliamentarians May 3: Japanese Diet Member Mr. Tatsuo Ozawa, President of the Japan-Myanmar Friendship Promotion Parliamentarians League, called on Deputy Prime Minister Vice-Adm. Maung Maung Khin. (NLM 5/4) // May 4: He called on Deputy Minister for Health Col. Than Zin. Accompanied by fellow member of the House of Representative Mr. Kawashi Nishimura, he called on SLORC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt. (NLM 5/5) Czech Trade Official May 5: Assistant Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Mr. Tomas Husak and delegation of the Czech Republic called on Minister for National Planning and Economic Development Brig-Gen. Abel, and on Minister for Industry-2 U Than Shwe. (NLM 5/ 6) Chinese Delegations May 11: Chairman Mr. Tong Yong Xi of Jing Gan District of China, and party, called on Yangon Mayor U Ko Lay. (NLM 5/12) May 25: Deputy Director-General Mr. Zhang Ruikum of the Yunnan Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation Department and delegation called on Minister for Trade Lt-Gen. Tun Kyi; it invited the Minister to participate in the Trade Fair to be held in Kunming on Aug. 8-16. (NLM 5/26) // May 28: Minister for Trade Lt-Gen. Tun Kyi hosted a dinner for the delegation, and for that led by General Manager Ms. Zhang Lun of China Economic and Trade Consultants Corp. (NLM 5/29) Vietnam Ministerial Delegations May 15: Vietnam Deputy Minister of Forestry Mr. Tran Son Thuy and delegation arrived for a week-long study of Myanmar's forestry sector. Deputy Minister for Forestry U Aung Phone hosted a dinner. (NLM 5/16) // Mar. 16: He called on Minister for Forestry Lt-Gen. Chit Swe. (NLM 5/17) // May 20: He visited sites in Bagan, and studied forestry at Popa, the Yezin Forest Research Centre, the Seinyay Camp in the Bago Yoma, Oktwin Township, No. 104 Saw Mill in Phyu Township, the Mazin Industrial Producers' Cooperatives Society, and Myanma Timber Enterprise Yeiktha. Returning to Yangon, they met officials of the Forest Products Joint Venture Corp. Ltd. and the Myanmar Timber Entrepreneurs Association. (NLM 5/21) // May 21: He visited Yele Pagoda in Kyauktan Township [photo caption]. (NLM 5/22) // May 22: After signing agreed minutes on cooperation in forestry with the Myanma Timber Enterprise, the Deputy minister departed for home. (NLM 5/23) May 24: A 9-member delegation led by Vietnam Minister of Education and Training Prof. Dr. Tran Hong Quan arrived. (NLM 5/ 25) // May 25: He called on Minister for Education U Pan Aung. (NLM 5/26) // May 26: The delegation visited the Shwedagon Pagoda, Dagon University, and other sights in Yangon. (NLM 5/27) // May 29: The delegation visited Bagan on May 27, and then went on to Mandalay University and Sagaing. (NLM 5/30) // May 30: The delegation visited the Institute of Foreign Languages and other educational institutions in Yangon. (NLM 5/31) US Congressman May 29: United States Congressman Bill Richardson called on SLORC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt and on Deputy Prime Minister Vice-Adm. Maung Maung Khin. (NLM 5/30) MYANMAR DELEGATIONS Study Delegations May 16: A delegation led by Deputy Minister for Hotels and Tourism Brig-Gen. Tin Aye returned to Myanmar after studying hotels and tourism in Singapore since May 10, and attending the inauguration of the Traders Hotel there. (NLM 5/17) May 16: Lecturer U Than Swe of the Institute of Economics left for Japan to research Economics under the Scholars and Researchers Fellowship Programme of the Japan Foundation. (NLM 5/17) May 21: Tour Guide Daw Khin Mar Kyi of Myanma Hotels and Tourism Services left for Israel to attend a Workshop on Development of Rural Tourism from May 23-June 16. (NLM 5/22) May 29: Librarian Daw Yin Yin Sein of the Universities Central Library left for the United States under the International Visitors Project entitled American Libraries, which will last from June 1-28. (NLM 5/30) Delegations to Meetings & Events May 1: A delegation led by Minister for Finance and Revenue Brig-Gen. Win Tin left for Auckland, New Zealand, to attend the 28th Annual Meeting of the Asian Development Bank. Other members are Director-General U Thein Aung Lwin of the Foreign Economic Relations Department and the Minister's PSO U Khin Maung Aye. (NLM 5/2) // May 9: The delegation returned. (NLM 5/10) // May 10: While in New Zealand, the delegation called on ADP President Mr. Sato on May 3, and the Minister attended a lunch hosted by Japanese Minister of Finance Mr. Masayoshi Takemura on May 4. (NLM 5/11) Religious Delegations May 12: A 27-member delegation led by Minister for Religious Affairs Lt-Gen. Myo Nyunt left for Kathmandu in Nepal to attend the foundation-laying ceremony for construction of Lawkamani Cula Pagoda in Lumbini Park, "to be built with the donations of the devotees of Myanmar." It includes Deputy Minister for Construction Col. Aung San, Director-General U Arnt Maung of the Religious Department, and other officials. (NLM 5/13) // Mar. 15: The delegation returned. In Nepal, Minister for Religious Affairs Lt-Gen. Myo Nyunt called on Minister for Education, Culture and Social Welfare Mr. Nod Nath Parshrit and on Deputy Prime Minister Mr. Madhav Kumar. They visited sites in Lumbini, including the statue of Mother Maya and Asoka inscriptions. On May 14, they attended the ceremonies beginning the Lawka Mani Cula Pagoda.(NLM 5/18) May 16: Tantkyitaung Yanaung Chantha Sayadaw Bhaddanta Soma Buddha left for the United States to start his sixth missionary work abroad, at the invitation of Tibetan Lama Mr. Thang Tutul, Chairman of Meditation Centre in Berkeley, California. (NLM 5/17) Than Shwe to Indonesia & Singapore May 28: SLORC Chairman Senior General and Madame Than Shwe will pay official visits to Indonesia and Singapore in the near future. (NLM 5/28) Delegations Return [Return of delegations whose departure was noted in early issues, or whose departure NLM did not cover] Apr. 30: The delegation led by Minister for Foreign Affairs U Ohn Gyaw returned from the Ministerial Meeting of the Coordinating Bureau of Non-Aligned Movement, held in Bandung, Indonesia from Apr. 25-27. During the visit, the Foreign Minister exchanged views with Thai Foreign Minister Dr. Karasae Chanawongse, Bangladesh Foreign Minister Mr. Mostafizur Rahman, Indian Foreign Minister Mr. Pranab Mukherjee, Chinese Deputy Foreign Minister Mr. Tang Jiaxuan, and Japanese delegation leader Mr. Matsunaga. (NLM 5/1) May 10: The pilgrimage group led by Agga Maha Pandita Bhaddanta Aggiya returned "from abroad." It included 5 Sayadaws and six disciples. (NLM 5/11) May 13: The delegation led by Minister for Health Vice-Adm. Than Nyunt returned from the World Health Organization Conference in Geneva. (NLM 5/14) May 25: A delegation led by member of the Myanmar History Commission U Maung Maung Tin (MA), which visited Britain May 4 at the invitation of the University of Oriental and African Studies, returned. Other members were U Win Maung (Tampawadi), adviser at the SLORC on ancient culture and history, U Sein Myint, expert in gold embroidery, and Assistant Director U Thaung Shwe of the Department of Archaeology, delegation secretary. [Departure not noted in NLM] (NLM 5/26) MYANMAR GAZETTE Probationary Appointments The SLORC appointed the following, on probation: May 3: U Kyaw Nyein, Director (Admin), to be Managing Director, Myanma Oil and Gas Enterprise, Ministry of Energy. Dr. Hla Myint, Pro-Rector, to be Rector, Taunggyi University, Higher Education Department, Ministry of Education. U Thein Tan, Pro-Rector, to be Rector, Mandalay Institute of Technology, Higher Education Department, Ministry of Education. (NLM 5/4) May 17: Lt-Col. Khin Maung Lat (Air 1425) of the Office of the Ministry of Hotels and Tourism, to be Director-General, Directorate of Hotels and Tourism, Ministry of Hotels and Tourism. (NLM 5/18) Appointments The SLORC has appointed the following: May 17: U Myo Min, Director-General, Directorate of Hotels and Tourism, to be Managing Director, Restaurant and Beverages Enterprise. (NLM 5/18) Appointments Confirmed The SLORC has confirmed the following, after one-year of probation: May 3: U Khin Maung Myint as Director-General, Department of Transport, Ministry of Transport. Thura U Win Myint as Managing Director, Myanma Airways, Ministry of Transport. U Tin Oo as Managing Director, Myanma Port Authority, Ministry of Transport. U Tin Aye as Director-General, Department of Civil Aviation, Ministry of Transport. U Tin Htay as Managing Director, Myanma Department Store, Ministry of Trade. U Aung Par Thein as Director-General, Irrigation Department, Ministry of Agriculture. (NLM 5/4) May 10: U Tin Hla as Director-General, Forest Department, Ministry of Forestry. (NLM 5/11) GOVERNMENT Workers Day Message May 1: SLORC Chairman Senior General Than Shwe's Message on the occasion of 1995 Workers Day [full text]: To all esteemed workers, Ont his auspicious occasion of Worker Day designated in honour of the world's workers, which falls on 1 May 1995, I send this message in honour of the blue collar and white collar workers in the whole of the Union of Myanmar, extending my greetings with love and respect to you and wishing for your physical and spiritual wellbeing. In each and every country, the great mass of workers plays a very critical role in fulfilling food, clothing and shelter needs and social requirements of the respective nationals or in striving for the development of her economy. Hence, every nation of the world has organized Workers Day ceremonies in honour of workers and in recognition of their crucial role. The glorious life of Myanmar nationals with their own sovereigns and palace had changed into servitude of the colonialists for more than 100 years. During these gloomy years, the colonialists systematically designed to cause degeneration of Union spirit and patriotism and nationalism of the nationals and their fine inborn character based on tenacity, diligence and perseverance. Social life of Myanmar workers, peasants and students had gradually degraded. Implanting bureaucratic sentiments in the minds of youths, they caused suppression of Myanmar nationals on their own kins and prolonged the slavery of Myanmars. Bureaucratic administrative machinery or divide-and-rule tactics were employed to impede progress in political, economic and social sectors. Hence, the goal for advancement and development of the nation each and every national wished for was far off with the disintegration of national unity in the post-independence era. Despite the Union of Myanmar being a nation rich in natural resources, its development was sluggish without peace and stability. Under the State Law and Order Restoration Council, national brethren who had gone misled by the colonialist instigation have been invited with genuine goodwill to the legal fold. Realizing the genuine goodwill of the government, various armed groups have renounced their armed struggle line and returned to the legal fold to carry out tasks for their regional development, hand in hand with the government. The State Law and Order Restoration Council is making continued efforts in all sectors for the nation to emerge peaceful, prosperous and modern. As the nation's economic system has been changed from socialist economy into market-oriented economy and opportunities have been created for employment both in the nation and abroad, it depends only on you to try to possess fitting qualifications of a good worker such as diligence and adherence to discipline while improving morale and discipline. The State Law and Order Restoration Council has laid down a guidance on the economy for a short term, from 1992-93 to 1995-96, for quickening the pace of national economic development. In accordance with the guidance, annual plans and aims are formulated and for realization of them, they are being implemented, based on the strength of workers and peasants, with assistance provided and requirements fulfilled. So, good foundations that have been gained consecutively with realization of aims of the first, second and third years of the plan are now in sight for national economic development. These successful results are attributed to exertion of great endeavours by all those, including workers and peasants, who have undertaken and participated in each sector of the national economy with serious attention paid to increasing investments, boosting production, promoting exports and multiplying foreign exchange. These can also be attributed to united and harmonious interaction, cooperation and coordination between State, cooperative and private sectors. To be able to realize or overcome yearly targets of the present 1995-96, the last year of the short-term plan, it is needed for the workers to strive with harmonious combination of productive strength of the peasants. To all esteemed workers, All of us are to take great honour as worker delegates and State service personnel delegates are taking part as a national duty in the National Convention being held to be able to lay down basic principles for the new Constitution of the State. I would like to urge them to continue to strive with all their physical strength and intellectual power for successful conclusion of the National Convention in accordance with its objectives. On this auspicious occasion of peace and tranquillity and stability in the nation with a trend towards modernity and prosperity, I would like to emphatically urge physical and intellectual workers to actively participate in the forefront, together with entire nationals: -- for realization and overcoming the 1995-96 yearly plan targets of the nation; -- for boosting production and services and for improving quality of products; and, -- for emergence of a new Constitution which will bring about a peaceful modern nation. (NLM 5/1) Yangon City Law Amendment May 4: SLORC Law No. 5/95 of May 4, Law Amending The City of Yangon Development Law, sets new penalties for violations at a K 50,000 fine and/or 1 year imprisonment. Daily violation penalties under section 28 are raised to K 200-1000 per day. Violation of orders under the law may be punished up to K 10,000 and/or 6 months imprisonment, and violations of orders under section 30 are set at K 100-500 per day. (NLM 5/5) Central Bank Law Amendment May 5: SLORC Law No. 6/95 of May 5, Law Amending the Central Bank of Myanmar Law, increases the penalty under section 89 from 5-10 years in prison to 10 years to life. (NLM 5/6) MILITARY Insurgent Attacks May 14: Six Khun Sa Loimaw drug-trafficking group terrorists on Apr. 30 tied up and hacked to death a monk, the Sayadaw of Loiting Monastery in Namlan Township. (NLM 5/15) May 20: 30 members of Khun Sa's Loimaw drug-trafficking terrorist group invaded Wun Phwe village in Kehsi Mansam Township, Shan State, on May 13; they killed 4 men and 7 women, and wounded 26 others including a monk. (NLM 5/21) Tatmadaw Actions May 5: From Mar. 11-May 4 the Tatmadaw "raided and smashed" 38 camps of Khun Sa's Loimaw drug-trafficking group in Loihan Kaungmu, Phettumein in western Tachilek Township, Bakyan, Mongkung, and Mongtalang areas of eastern Shan State. The captured Bakyan was visited by Military Attaches, Mr. Gerald Moore of UNDCP, Mr. Gary Carter of DEA, US Embassy personnel, and reporters from APTV, Time Magazine, and NHK. In the campaign there were 55 clashes with the enemy, who suffered 218 killed. Tatmadaw losses were 76 killed, including an officer, and 175, including seven officers, wounded. Captured were 26 weapons and other equipment [details]. (NLM 5/6) May 6: The Tatmadaw crushed Khun Sa's drug-trafficking terrorists in actions from May 11-June 13, 1994 and Mar. 11-May 5, 1995, and "smashed their camps in eastern Shan State." Khun Sa and the Loimaw terrorist group used three routes for drugs from the Golden Triangle, through the "adjoining country," to other countries: Homein headquarters route; Mongkyawt-Monghtaw-Monghta route; and Baja-Mongtalang-LoiHang-Kawngmu-Phettumein route. In the Mongkwawt Operation, Khun Sa's losses were 250 "captured dead" and 163 weapons; 193 Tatmadaw members, including 7 officers, died and 257 were wounded. This year, the Tatmadaw smashed enemy camps in the Nawngkan area on Mar. 19, Kyahpee area on Mar. 21, LoiHang Kawngmu area on Apr. 1, Hokemu area on Apr. 11, Bakyan area on Apr. 16, Mongtalang-Mongtwe area on Apr. 22, and the last strongholds in the Pattumein area on May 5. There were 62 clashes in two months; Khun Sa lost 237 men "captured dead" and 23 weapons; Tatmadaw lost 76 members, including one officer, killed, and 178, including 7 officers, wounded. The Tatmadaw seized 45 camps, large and small, including three clandestine heroin refineries. With Khun Sa dislodged from the west Tachilek and Mongkyawt areas, heroin production has been reduced by two-thirds. [map] (NLM 5/7) Surrenders by Armed Group Members Apr. 30: Between Mar. 27-31, 31 members of various armed groups returned to the legal fold, bringing the March total to 145 [names and details]. (NLM 5/1) May 2: Two members of the Mon armed group returned to the legal fold Apr. 22 at Thanbyuzayat [names and details]. (NLM 5/ 3) May 17: Four members of the Muslim armed group (Hussein's group) returned to the legal fold May 8 at Myeik [names and details]. (NLM 5/18) May 19: 24 members of various armed groups returned to the legal fold at Tatmadaw camps [names and details--no dates but presumably Apr. 1-11]. (NLM 5/20) May 20: Between Apr. 12-30, 26 members of various armed groups returned to the legal fold at Tatmadaw camps [names and details]. May 26: Two members of the BCP returned to the legal fold May 13 at Kanmaw Tatmadaw camp. (NLM 5/27) ECONOMIC Economic Articles May 19: A Historic Day, by Hla Tun (Twantay). [Contract by Myanma Five Star Line to buy two new Freighters from China noted. Myanma Five Star Lines owns 21 ships, as follows: Name Built Tonnage 1. Ocean-going freighters (A) Multi-purpose Sagaing 1985 Germany 13,055 Magway 1985 Germany 13,055 Bago 1983 Germany 13,105 Mandalay 1983 Germany 13,105 Mawlamyine 1979 Germany 11,660 Sittway 1979 Germany 11,660 [Mawlamyine and Sittway can carry 400 containers; others can carry 383 containers] (B) Conventional freighters Inwa 1963 Germany 10,720 Pathein 1963 Germany 10,720 Myeik 1963 Japan 10,075 Pinya 1963 Japan 10,011 (C) Short haul freighters Pagan 1979 Norway 2,076 Hpa-an 1979 Norway 2,076 Myomaywar 1961 Germany 7,082 II. Coastal vessels (A) Coastal freighters Loikaw 1978 Myanmar 790 Lashio 1975 Denmark 700 Phashwegyawywar 1964 Denmark 1,575 Htonywar 1961 Germany 1,720 Shweli 1970 Japan 1,305 (B) Coastal passenger/freighters Hakha 1979 Norway 948 Myitkyina 1979 Norway 948 Taunggyi 1979 Norway 948 [these can carry 315 passengers] TOTAL TONNAGE 137,334 Myanmar Five Star Line operates one other ship, and charters ships as needed. In foreign trade it operates three lines: European Line: Myanmar -- Hull (UK) -- Hamburg (Germany) -- Rotterdam (Netherlands) -- Antwerp (Belgium) -- Myanmar. Far Eastern Line: Myanmar -- Kobe, Yokahama, Nagoya (Japan) -- Hong Kong -- Pusan (Korea) -- Shanghai and other ports (China) -- Myanmar. South Asian Line: Myanmar -- Singapore -- Penang (Malaysia) -- Jakarta, Valawan (Indonesia) -- Mangalow (India) -- Bangladesh -- Bangkok (Thailand) -- Myanmar. Domestic lines are: Rakhine Coastal Route: Thandwai -- Kyaukpyu -- Sittway -- Cocos Island (in open season). Mon-Taninthayi Route: Mawlamyine -- Dawei -- Myeik -- Kawthoung. Container service is provided to Japan (since 1980) and to Singapore (since 1994, using chartered ships). In 1994-95 Five Star Line carried 1,213,000 tons of freight and 77,000 passengers.] Inauguration of Projects May 2: The 27.5 mile Namhsan-Mongnai Railway, the first segment of the Shwenyaung-Namhsan Railroad, was launched by Minister for Rail Transportation U Win Sein. (NLM 5/3) May 5: Skyline Express opened a new bus line between Yangon and Bago. (NLM 5/6) May 11: A modern 10-storey hotel, the Alfa Hotel, with 90 rooms, was inaugurated at 41 Nawade Street, Dagon Township, Yangon. Built by the local Alfa Hotel of Myanmar Associate Co., it cost K 300 million. It was inaugurated by Minister for Hotels and Tourism Lt-Gen. Kyaw Ba. (NLM 5/12) May 12: Komatsu Singapore Pte. Ltd., a construction equipment manufacturer, opened its Yangon Branch on Shwegondine Road, Bahan Township. Present were Myanmar officials, Managing Director Mr. Akio Mitake, and Vice-President Mr. Taizo Kayata. (NLM 5/14) May 18: The Tarli Diversion Weir in Momauk Township was opened May 13. Built at a cost of K 6.1 million, it is 6,500 feet long and will irrigate 2,680 acres. (NLM 5/ 19) Advertisements ========================================== Stay at Yangon City Hotel A HOTEL YOU CAN HOME IN ON FOR RESERVATIONS, PLEASE CONTACT: MYA THI RI TRAVELS & TOURS SERVICE CO. LTD. WIR SPRECHEN DEUTSCH We also provide ENGLISH, FRENCH & JAPANESE speaking tour guides. Welcome to explore exotic and charming MYANMAR. We offer: # Package Tours # Special Occasions # Requested Tours # Guide Services # Special Sites Tours # Hotel Reservations MYA THIRI TRAVELS & TOURS SERVICE CO., LTD. 80(E) Than Lwin Road, Golden Valley, Yangon. Tel: 35609, 36593 Fax: 095-1-36325 Telex: 21201 BM (1636) (NLM 5/3) ========================================== May 12: Full page advertisement from Komatsu Singapore Pte. Ltd. (Construction Machinery) announcing the opening of a Yangon Branch. (NLM 5/12) ========================================== Welcome to Everybody! * Traditional Puppet Show Dances and Drama Aurora Hotel 477, Pyay Road Kamayut Township Yangon. Tel: 34080 20th May '95 (Sat). 3:00 p.m. 350 Ks. Per Person * To welcome The New Chief Cook from Germany "MR. ANDREAS"* (NLM 5/18) ========================================== Will Open On 21 May 1995 The Serenity Music, Bar & Restaurant ADDRESS: 114/B, INYA ROAD, YANGON, MYANMAR Telephone No: 34890 (NLM 5/19) ========================================== May 26: Full page advertisement for Ovaltine, distributed by Super One International Company (Myanmar) Ltd. "Available from every shops in every town." (NLM 5/26) ========================================== International Business Projects [This category will now also include reports on the establishment of Joint Ventures, hitherto a separate category.] May 9: The Ministry of Mines, represented by Managing Director U Tin Win of No. 2 Mining Enterprise, signed a production sharing contract with Sum Cheong Resources Pte. Ltd. of Singapore, represented by President Mr. Low Tuck Kwong, for the Phayaungtaung Gold Mine. Also present was Managing Director Mr. Lai Seck Khui. Speaking on the occasion, Minister for Mines Lt-Gen. Kyaw Min noted that this was the second gold production contract signed by Myanmar; the first was on Feb. 28, 1995, with Pacific Arc Exploration of Australia. Reviewing the history of gold production in Myanmar (the Burma Gold Dredging Co. produced 56,000 ounces of gold in the upper Ayeyawady River from 1903-18), he said that No. 2 Mining Enterprise had begun a pilot project at the Phayaungtaung Gold Mine in 1986. (NLM 5/ 10) May 9: Myanma Shipyards, represented by Managing Director U Percy Maung Maung signed a memorandum of understanding with Mitsui Engineering and Shipbuilding Co. Ltd., represented by President Mr. Jiro Hoshino, and Mitsui and Co. Ltd., represented by Senior Executive Managing Director Mr. Kazuo Sato, for the upgrading of Myanma Shipyards. This will enable it to dock vessels up to 8,000 tons; the MoU also "involves cooperation in engineering enterprises such as building of bridges, jetties, barges, buildings and sluice gates and implementation of Thilawa Port." (NLM 5/10) // May 10: The two Japanese called on SLORC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt. (NLM 5/11) May 11: Myanma Heavy Industries, represented by Managing Director U Myint Thein Lwin, and Daewoo Corp. of Korea, represented by Executive Director Mr. S Kim, signed a contract to establish Myanmar Daewoo Motors Co. Ltd. as a joint venture "for import and sale of new automobiles in Myanmar." The joint venture will import Tico, Damas, Racer, Expero and Super Saloon in the first phase; in a second phase it "target to manufacture the automobiles in Myanmar." (NLM 5/12) May 14: Myanma Five Star Line, represented by Managing Director U Khin Maung Htoo, and Yunnan Machinery Import & Export Corp., represented by Chairman Mr. Wu Wen Kuan signed a contract for the purchase of two 3,000 ton coastal freighters. (NLM 5/15) May 18: Myanma Posts and Telecommunications, represented by Managing Director U Htay Aung, and Telrad Telecommunication and Electronics Industries Ltd. of Israel, represented by Vice-President Mr. Avi Lipski and Director Mr. David Shilo, signed a contract to extend the autophone network in Yangon (16,000 new digital electronic phones), Pyin-Oo-Lwin (1,000), Shwebo (800), Sagaing (400), Hpa-an (400), and Loikaw (400). (NLM 5/19) May 22: Ministry of National Planning and Economic Development Notification No. 22/95 of May 22, Formation of Myanma Narong Fishery Industries Limited, establishes a private joint venture "for the purpose of fishing, processing of marine products, fishmeal production and prawn farming," with an authorized capital of K 120 million, divided into 12,000 shares of K 10,000, of which 4,800 are held by the Department of Fisheries, represented by Director-General U Kyaw Lwin, and 7,200 by NCC Asian Fishery Industries Co. Ltd., represented by President Mr. Narong Piboonthanapattana, 1668/78 SOI 54, New Road, Yannawa, Bangkok 10120, Thailand. May 23: The Information Subcommitteee of Tourist Development Management Committee, represented by Secretary Managing Director U Than Maung of the Printing and Publishing Enterprise, and Mewakasa (M) Sdn Bhd of Malaysia, represented by Managing Director Mr. Azmi Mansor signed a Memorandum of Understanding "to produce and distribute souvenirs commemorating Visit Myanmar Year 1996...." Mr Mansor and Chairman Dr. Tha Tun Oo of Today Media and Information Ltd. signed a contract for local distribution of souvenirs. (NLM 5/24) Business Courses May 10: Seminar on Business Education No. 32 was held. Director of Customs Department Thiha Thura U Thein Tun Tin lectured on A Single International Valuation System. (NLM 5/11) May 15: Ministry of Trade Special Course No. 1 for Graduate Junior Officers opened at the Inspection and Agency Services. Minister for Trade Lt-Gen. Tun Kyi "said the course is aimed at bridging generation gap and 41 trainees were selected from among qualified, honest and dutiful under-40 graduate personnel." The 2-month course covers English and economics, and "the outstanding will be assigned higher duties and vested with suitable rights and authority step by step...." (NLM 5/16) May 21: Seminar on Business Education No. 33 will be held on May 24, with Direct or U Thin Maung of the Directorate of Investments and Companies lecturing on Profiles and Issues of the Investment Laws. (NLM 5/22) May 29: Management Seminars for Leading Managers, presented by the British Council and the Nawarat Concorde Hotel, opened, conducted by Mr. Ralph Lewis of Ralph Lewis Associates. The opening was chaired by British Cultural Attache Mr. Christopher Harrison; Director Dr. Khin Sanda Win of Nawarat Concorde Hotel spoke. (NLM 5/30) May 30: Myanma Insurance and TRB (London) Ltd. jointly sponsored a Seminar on Oil and Gas Insurance at the Strand Hotel; present were Minister for Finance and Revenue Brig-Gen. Win Tin, Managing Director U Ba Tun of Myanma Insurance, and Managing Director Mr. Andrew Morrison Corely of TRS (Asia) Ltd. Managing Director Mr. Simon R. Cartwright of TRB (London) Ltd. lectured and answered questions. (NLM 5/31) Computers Apr. 30: Speaking at Meeting 5/95 of the All-Myanmar Computer Association Organizing Committee, SLORC Secretary-2 Lt-Gen. Tin Oo "spoke of extensive application of computers and computer technology all over the world, noting that progress of computer technology in Myanmar is not satisfactory on the present stage. "He recalled computer history in Myanmar and evaluated that though it was not late to apply computers [sic], there are only a few who can master computer technology. Some computer experts, he said, are eager to work abroad rather than to strive to disseminate the technology at home. He said computers are now widely used in various fields, speaking of the need to upgrade the technology to keep abreast with the times. "It is essential for all State's functions, associations and private establishments to work under a network for extensive exchange of information, he said, speaking of the need to enter into an internet. He also spoke of development modern computer technology in many countries and stressed the need for computer experts to strive in unity for modernizing, extension and development of technology at home. "He dealt with Information Technology (IT), which is crucial for political, economic and social development of a nation, and explained effective application of IT in the world. He suggested that National IT Policy should be laid down as the nation's future strategic aim and called for suggestions and coordination for emergence of Myanmar Computer Association. "Chairman of the Committee Deputy Minister [for Education] Dr. Than Nyunt explained the tasks carried out by the Committee." (NLM 5/1) Banking Apr. 30: The Asia Wealth Bank Ltd. opened at 584 Strand Road, Lanmadaw Township, Yangon; Minister for Finance and Revenue Brig-Gen. Win Tin and Bank Vice-President U Aik Tun spoke. There was also a ceremonial dinner, attended by SLORC Secretary-2 Lt-Gen. Tin Oo. (NLM 5/ 1) May 16: Myanmar Oriental Bank Ltd. opened a Mandalay Branch on May 15. (NLM 5/17) May 24: The Central Bank of Myanmar has authorized the Societe Generale of France to open a Representative Office in Yangon. Such licenses have already been issued to 25 banks from Thailand (6), Singapore (5), Malaysia (3), France (3), Indonesia (1), Cambodia (1), Hong Kong (1), Bangladesh (1), Japan (1), United Kingdom (1), the Netherlands (1), and Canada (1). (NLM 5/25) Privatization May 2: The Union of Myanmar Privatisation Commission announced on Jan. 9 51 State-owned enterprises to be privatised. "The individuals or organizations who are interested in doing business and those who have filled up initial proposals but need to follow some procedures are to contact the Project Appraisal and Reporting Department on Bo Aung Kyaw Street. They can also contact telephone numbers 94490 and 94967. (NLM 5/3) May 18 [full text]: Those who have submitted proposals for privatisation of 51 State-owned enterprises are to fill in the detailed proposal papers after a study of the mills, factories, cinemas and work establishments. They are to send the papers to the Project Appraisal and Progress Reporting Department at 313, Bo Aung Kyaw Street, Yangon by 5 June 1995." (NLM 5/ 19) Company Blacklisted May 3: The Ministry of National Planning and Economic Development has blacklisted Managing Director Daw May Wa Phaw and her company, Din Family Co. Ltd. of North Okkalapa Township for "breaching principles of the market-oriented economy." (NLM 5/4) Economic Figures May 3: Speaking at the assignment of 1995-96 targets for Yangon Division, Division LORC Chairman Lt-Gen. Myo Nyunt said that Myanmar's foreign exchange holdings had risen from an alleged K 8 million on Sept. 18, 1988, when the SLORC took over, to K 2,127 million at the end of September 1994. Economic growth rates were 9.7% in 1002-93, 5.9% in 1993-94, and 6.8% in 1994-95. "The successes have been made possible without the assistance of foreign nations, he said." (NLM 5/4) New Hill Station Planned May 7: SLORC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt "inspected measures for converting Thandaunggyi in Kayin Station into a hill station of Lower Myanmar." Like Kalaw and Pyin-Oo-Lwin [formerly Maymyo], it was used as a hill station by the colonialists before 1940. (NLM 5/8) May 12: Editorial: Hill station of Lower Myanmar. ["Visiting a hill station is...{a} way of evading the summer's sun.... {Myanmar} hill stations...are not merely popular summer resorts, but are also famous for their beautiful scenery and interesting places, which are frequented year by year by local and foreign visitors.... As rays of peace and stability are starting to beam brilliantly in Kayin State...establishment of a new hill station in the state is a considerable step towards its progress as well as promotion of tourism industry."] Tourism May 10: 35 American tourists arrived by chartered flight, sponsored by New Horizons Travels & Tours Ltd. They will visit Bagan and Yangon before departing May 13. (NLM 5/11) // May 13: They departed by chartered DC-8. (NLM 5/14) Twantay Canal May 21: Minister for Transport Lt-Gen. Thein Win toured the Twantay Canal, which is to be transferred from the Irrigation Department of the Ministry of Agriculture to the Waterways Department of the Ministry of Transport. "He said traffic of vessels has to be suspended eight hours a day due to whirlpools in the eroded parts and so. eroded river bed is to be filled up with bags of stones and toll collected from vessels using the canal is to be updated." For at least three years, maintenance will be carried out jointly between the two departments. The Minister "spoke of the need to salvage vessels that have sunk in the river bed since pre-war era and registration of wrecks...." (NLM 5/22) Nationalities Village May 23: Speaking to a coordination meeting of the Subcommittee on Nationalities, Minister for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs Lt-Gen. Maung Thint "said traditional houses of nationalities are on display temporarily at the People's Square and People's Park before the establishment of a nationalities village that contributes to the development of tourism. The 39-acre nationalities village is being created near Thanlyin Bridge by Maha International Ltd. and some nationalities will reside there according to their customs so that tourists will have the opportunity to observe the nature of the national people in Myanmar, he said.... The establishment of the village will take one year. He also spoke of the need to provide traditional objects for the houses on display...." (NLM 5/24) National Forestry Plan May 25: The National Forestry Action Plan Steering Committee held its first meeting, chaired by Deputy Minister for Forestry U Aung Phone. He noted that the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) had begun the Tropical Forest Action Programme (TFAP), and countries were laying down National Forestry Action Plans (NFAP) to realize its objectives. "Myanmar is the last to do so and it has been drafting the plan due to be completed in the last week of June 1995, he noted." The Steering Committee was to review and amend the draft. He reviewed six points to be included in drafting the NFAP: "collection of data and seeking the suggestions of the department, appraisal of the forestry sector, appraisal of separate sectors, stating the policy, methods and performance, drafting of NFAP and implementation." An issues paper by FAO consultant Mr. C. Smith was read and discussed. (NLM 5/26) 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 82.64 111.18 95.12 1994 120.16 120.94 117.36 1995 as of: May 1: 0.00 0.00 0.00 May 15: 2.36 3.78 2.44 May 30: 9.88 8.62 7.95 HEALTH Health Articles May 6: The control of occupational exposure to radiation, by Khin Maung Tin (Radiation Health). [Background information.] May 24: The Role of Radiology and Radiologist in the Practice of Medicine, by Dr. Kyaw Myint (Radiology). [What radiologists do.] May 28: Neonatal Tetanus, the Infant Killer to be Eliminated This Year, by Dr. Saw Myint. [It is time to end this cause of infant mortality: Statistics for Myanmar Percent Mothers No. Cases/10,000 immunized cases Live births 1990 71.1% n/a 1991 81.1% 189 1.89 1992 81.9% 111 1.11 1993 81.5% 105 1.05 "In conclusion, it is confident with sound reasons that the preparedness in Myanmar will definitely eliminate neonatal tetanus by the end of this year."] No Tobacco Day May 16: A coordination meeting was held on World No-Tobacco Day, which falls on May 31, 1995, attended by Deputy Director-General Dr Tin Wan of the Health Department. The motto "Tobacco Costs More Than You Think" was chosen for 1995. (NLM 5/ 17) Drugs Recalled May 24: In view of the recall by Upjohn Company of two lots of Solu-Cortef, (100mg AOV Lot No. BI 255 and BJ 055), the Drug Advisory Committee decided to disseminate information to the general public that those in possession of these drugs "should stop using them." (NLM 5/25) Birth Control May 29: The Myanma Maternal and Child Welfare Association (Central) opened a "birth-spacing course" in Taunggyi on May 24. "A total of 150 trainees from maternal and child welfare associations of 18 townships in Taunggyi and Loilem districts" attended the two-day course. (NLM 5/30) SPORTS Sports Articles May 4: Praiseworthy Persons, by Kyaw Soe Myint. [Sportsmen donating medals to an exhibit honored by Minister at the Prime Minister's Office Brig-Gen. Lun Maung, Chairman of the National Olympic Committee, n Apr. 27.] Myanmar Teams and Officials May 20: A 3-member sports delegation led by President of Myanmar National Olympic Council Minister at the Prime Minister's Office Brig-Gen. Lun Maung left for Seoul, Korea, to attend the May 23-25 14th Meeting of the Olympic Council of Asia. Other members are General Secretary of the Olympic Committee and Director of the Sports and Physical Education Department U Kyaw Mra and the Ministers Personal Staff Officer Capt. Tin Htut Aung. (NLM 5/ 21) May 30: Three Myanmar kick-boxers returned from the International Kick-Boxing Tournament in Duisburg, Germany. (NLM 5/ 31) Hole In One May 19: U Bo Bo scored an ace on May 18 at the 170 yard Hole No. 12 of the City Golf Resort. (NLM 5/20) CULTURAL Cultural and Scientific Articles May 6: Editorial: Role of mass media in development. ["At present there are five retransmission stations in Kengtung East Region, two in Wa Region, one each in Kokang Region and Kachin Special Region-1, two in Tanintharyi Region and one in Kayin Region totalling 12 stations constructed with border area development funds. There is one station in Kachin North-East Region.... Ten similar stations were constructed in the border areas with the funds of Myanma TV and Radio Department. There is one station constructed on self-reliance basis...in Muse Township.... A total of 24 such stations were constructed ...up to the end of the fiscal 1993-94. A total of 12...were constructed during 1994-95 in Kachin Special Region-1 Kachin Special Region-2, Kengtung East Region, Kayah Region, Kabaw Valley and Sagaing."] May 30: Editorial: Back to school [full text]: After the long, hot summer's vacation, children under basic education system will go back to school this week. For all of them, the vacation had been enjoyable whether they stayed home or really went on vacation somewhere else. Apart from such excursion trips as organized by township groups, there was merit-making in many cases also, with the boys entering novicehood and the girls trying out nunhood, temporary as that might be. [End of holidays means start of schooldays. All of the children, are going back to school on promotion to the next higher classes. Those who finished high school will also be readying themselves to enter institutions of higher learning. [For parents sending children back to classes for the new academic year, the deal means money for admission and other fees, new clothes, footwear, school stationery, not to mention umbrellas and raincoats, and, donations. [This has meant stashing away some of the cut budget and devising ways and means to supplement it. For most parents with more than one or two children, money management in this period may reach crisis proportions. [This is when the worker welfare committee comes in most handy, with a few hundred kyats for each employee with or without children to help their own as well as others under the same roofs, those young nieces and nephews who find such uncles and aunts very useful. [Worker welfare committees can only be helpful if they have money to help. The savings and credit societies can help with loans repayable in instalments, and are thus not of much help although they can be useful in case some shoring up is needed. [This is a time when Parent-Teacher Associations should be able to help, specially pupils with parents who are strapped for expenses. However, most PTAs do not actually function till a few months into the new school year or halfway through, not before the new executive committees are formed. [This leaves much room for thought, and, action. The PTAs should help those who are in straitened circumstances, the children of truly poor parents who cannot scrape up enough to meet new-term expenses. [Today, money anywhere in the world buys much less than it used to even a decade ago. All the more reason resources should be pooled to help those who need it, that is, when school days are just weeks away.] Universities & Institutes May 14: The Institute of Paramedical Sciences held its first Convocation, and Rector Dr. Saw Kyaw Aung distributed B.PS degrees to 40 graduates. (NLM 5/15) May 19: Yangon University held its 79th Convocation, with Rector Dr. Tun Maung conferring degrees on 321 law graduates, 771 arts graduates, and 312 economics graduates. (NLM 5/20) // May 20: On the second day of the Convocation, Rector Dr. Tun Maung conferred degrees on 924 arts graduates and 646 science graduates. (NLM 5/20) May 26: Mawlamyine University welcomed 2,800 first year students ("freshers") on May 24. (NLM 5/26) Buddhism May 1: SLORC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt and religious officials attended a ceremony for the completion of a Buddha image of Maha Waiyanbontha Bagayakyaung, and a Pitakat Museum, in Amarapura Township, Mandalay. (NLM 5/2) May 14: Four sacred Buddha images from Bawgyo, Hsipaw Township, that have been touring Myanmar for a month or so, were conveyed from the Sule Pagoda in Yangon to the Shwedagon Pagoda, where they will remain until May 23. They were originally donated by King Naraptisithu of Bagan. [NLM has run photographs of the four Buddhas in each issue for several weeks.] (NLM 5/15) // May 24: Following 30 days in Yangon (Botahtaung Pagoda Apr. 23-May 3; Sule Pagoda May 4-13; Shwedagon Pagoda May 14-23), the four sacred Bawgyo Buddha images were ceremoniously conveyed to Thayawady. (NLM 5/25) May 16: 402 Akha and In nationals in Mongphyat Township became Buddhists on Apr. 29. (NLM 5/17) Publications May 15: The Golden Mrauk-U: An Ancient Capital of Rakhine, by U Shwe Zan. An English-language guidebook to the ancient Rakhine capital of 1430 AD to 1785 AD, the "fortress city of Myanmar." (NLM 5/16) May 17: Selected Monthly Economic Indicators, January-February 1995, available at the Sarpay Beikman and Central Statistical Organization. (NLM 5/18) May 19: The first volume of an anthology by writer Maha Swe will be available a K 130 at Wa Moe Aung Sarpay, 50 43rd Street, Botahtaung Township. It includes 16 articles, one novel, and 15 short stories. The Myanmar Writers and Journalists Association has published three volumes of an anthology of writer Zawgyi and two of P. Monin. (NLM 5/20) May 28: Imex (Myanmar) Co. Ltd. on May 27 launched the first edition of its Myanmar Yellow Pages 1995. General Manager U Ye Linn explained how it was produced; the edition is complimentary. (NLM 5/29) National Library Building May 12: SLORC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt inspected progress on ground-levelling at a "site for building of National Library at the corner of Laydaungtkan and East Race Course Roads...." in Thingangyun Township. (NLM 5/13) Warning on Culture May 21: At a preliminary meeting for the Third Myanma Traditional Performing Arts Competitions, SLORC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt spoke: "Traditional culture...cannot be the same between one country and another nor one race an another, he said. Different cultures should not get mixed up, he remarked. He warned of losing one's identity if the culture of another is copied as one's own. He stressed the need not to imitate the culture of other when one's own culture is in existence.... "The Secretary-1 cited rising tendencies among some circles of the present-day youths who think highly of alien culture. Hence, he said, those concerned are to provide proper guidance in order to eliminate such attitudes and tendencies. Then only will the youths be brought back onto the right path, he said. If they float down the trend in the absence of proper care and attention, the nation and the race will suffer.... "He reminded that attempts are intentionally made these days to tarnish the traditional culture which Myanmar peoples hold in esteem and to overwhelm it with counter culture. He called for concerted efforts to guard against the danger...." (NLM 5/22) YU Diamond Jubilee May 28: Co-eds of Inya Hall, pre- and post-war, met to discuss the upcoming Diamond Jubilee of Yangon University; patrons for the celebrations were Dr. Khin Win Shwe and Dr. Nan Oo. (NLM 5/29) MISCELLANEOUS Sunday and Holiday Supplements May 7,14,21,28: Text of "Our Three Main National Causes. List of Special Projects (6 bridges and 12 dams). Further List of Special Projects (11). For texts see January issue. -- Seven National Convention Slogans. For texts see April issue. May 7,14,21,28: Towards a modern nation through all-round development, by Warazein. [Cont. Ministry of National Planning and Economic Development is achieving planned objectives (ii) Main features of the short-term five year plan (1992-93 to 1995-96) are: to raise GDP to K 62,046 million in 1985-86 prices, for an annual growth rate of 5.1%; increase exports to K 5,604 million; increase imports to K 7,280 million; invest K 104,099 million (39.6% State, 60.4 Coop and private). Targets for 1994-95 are: GDP of K 61,514 million, or annual growth of 6.4%; investments of K 35,688 million (K 13,567 million State and K 22,121 million Coop and private); exports of K 4,379 million; imports of K 7,256 million. (iii) Statistics on investments, exports, and imports. [Ministry of Finance & Revenue plays an important role in the economic sector. (i) Different branches of the Ministry. (ii) Review of recent banking legislation.] May 7: Pumped water agriculture is new trend, by Kyu Kyu Thinn. [Visit to irrigation in Yegyibauk Village, Mandalay.] -- Golden Carp Co-op repeats successes, by Ahtet Minhla Nyunt Aung. [Production by Coop in Khayan Township has risen from 580,000 viss in 1991-92 to 1,348,000 viss in 1993-94, with a pond acreage of 720.] -- Kabaw Valley forges ahead, by Salai Nwai. [Area in Kalay Township, Sagaing Division, on the Indian frontier, progresses.] -- A sanctuary for Myanmar golden deer, by Swe Thant Ko. [In Minbu Township, Magway Division.] -- Khayan, a town with many splendours, by Thura Nyunt. [Growth of a small town 36 miles from Yangon.] May 14: Ywataung diesel locomotive workshop, by Khin Maung Than. [Founded in 1969, now has 700 workers and a 43 acre workshop, engaged in repairs, production, and Railways Engineering Training Schools.] -- Road traffic in a modern city, by Mawgyun Soe Myint. [Myanmar now has over 250,000 motor vehicles, of which 130,000 are in Yangon and 44,000 in Mandalay. In Yangon there are 15,000 trucks, 6,600 passenger buses, and 80,000 taxis. "Yangon...has not yet experienced any traffic jams excepting at the Hledan traffic lights where vehicles have to wait a fairly long time for the right to go ahead."] -- Irrigation canals in Thaton district, by Ahtet Minhla Nyunt Aung. [Agricultural progress in Mon State.] -- Summer paddy in Waidaungt village, by Reporter Tin Ohn Maung. [Agricultural progress in Toungoo District.] -- Preventing forest fires, by Pyin-Oo-Lwin Chit Swe. [Importance of obeying forest rules.] -- Growing paddy in Bilin by irrigation, by Zaw Min Thein. [Agricultural progress in Mon State.] May 21: Farm machines production co-operative, by Myint Thura. [Various small farm appliances.] -- Machinery beginning to roar in Myanma paddy fields, by Paungde Min Thein. [Progress in Shwebo area.] -- Growing oil palm for self-sufficiency in cooking oil, by Ahtet Minhla Nyunt Aung. [There is an annual deficit of 100,000 tons of cooking oil.] -- South Nawin Dam Project, by Myint Zarni. [Completed dam in Paukkhaung Township, Bago Division, inaugurated Apr. 28, 1995.] -- Conquering Hlaing River, by Sein Shwe Hlaing. [Recently opened bridge.] May 28: A resort town on west bank of Ayeyawady, by Swe Thant Ko. [Visit to Pakokku, and its Myakanthar Garden.] -- Developing Okkan Township and surrounding area, by Ahtet Minhla Nyunt Aung. [Visit to area in Taikkyi Township.] -- Valuable Myanmar marble slabs, by Mawgyun Soe Myint. [Plans to exploit granite and marble. Discovered reserves are as follows: Granite, light grey, nr. Yezin, Pyinmana Township, Mandalay: 134 million tons Granite, black, Kyaikto Township, Mon: 45 million tons Granite, grey, Yay Township, Mon: 200 million tons Granite, grey, Katan Isles, Myeik Township, Tanintharyi: 8,800 [million] tons Granite, grey, Salon Island, Myeik Township, Tanintharyi: 2,800 million tons Granite, light grey, Kawthoung Township, Tanintharyi: 5,000 million tons Marble, pink, Thandaung Township, Kayin: 160 million tons TOTAL: 17,139 million tons Panthu Geological Services Co-operative Society of Myanmar plans to produce marble, and will be discussing formation of a joint Italian-Myanmar marble factory this month.] -- Constructions for urban development, by Khayan Soe Myint. [Housing project plans in Yangon.] -- Long-staple cotton cultivation in Yesagyo, by Tin Win (Yesagyo). [Plans.] -- An important course of technology on fish and prawn breeding, by Thein Mya Lwin. [Course on "Fresh Water Fish and Prawn Breeding and Production" given by Khattiya Technological Extension Co. Ltd. for two weeks beginning Apr. 24.] Crime May 5: Police on May 4 raided the Pegasus Karaoke Lounge at 5 Kaba Aye Pagoda Road, Yangon, and will take action against its foreign owner, a Mr. Ham, Manager U Tint Lwin, and the young ladies "on breach of public morals." The "young ladies who sang karaoke, sat intimately with customers and wore defiled dresses." Police found "twenty-three ladies, ten of them with miniskirts, entertaining the customers, who visited the shop at the rate of K 1,000 an hours, with karaoke music and sitting questionably at the tables. It was also found that some 20 ladies went into the shop in the evening and some of them left in their customers' cars." (NLM 5/6) May 9: A 20-year old man in Maungtaw Township was sentenced Apr. 27 to life imprisonment for raping a woman on Mar. 26 and stealing K 1,500 from her. (NLM 5/10) May 16: Police and DSI on May 6 raided various houses in Mingaladon, Lanmadaw, and Tharkayta Townships [Yangon], exposing a ring producing and selling imitation liquors labeled as famous brands, including Mandalay Rum, Black and White Whiskey, Vat 69, Johnny Walker Red Label and Black Label, and others. (NLM 5/17) May 30: Police have seized various persons trying to smuggle ancient artifacts out of Myanmar at Nyaung U and Yangon International Airports. On Apr. 16, Mr. Vincent Cerre, a Frenchman, was seized at NyaungU airport with two 13th century votive tablets. On April 23 Miss Sherri Elizabeth, a Canadian, was seized at NyaungU airport with an 11th century "floral accent object." On May 1, Mr. Lin Yun Han, a Taiwanese, was seized at Yangon airport with five ancient Buddha images, 2 porcelain vases, and 6 porcelain cups. On May 12, a Myanmar, acting as liaison for two American tourists, Mr. Coughlin Hugh James and Mrs. Overman Susan [sic], with various 18th century bronze objects purchased at Tommy's in Mandalay for US$ 440. In addition, on May 12, 6 votive tablets, 2 bronze Buddha images, and 2 stone-age implements were seized from the Ever Stand Lacquerware shop in Bagan, and on May 4 bronze Buddha images, 2 bronze hintha images, 3 bronze keinnara figures, 2 silver bracelets, 58 Yadanabon and Pyu coins, and 21 silver coins were seized at Tommy's. (NLM 5/31) Anti-Narcotics Activities Apr. 30: 1.9 kilos of opium oil, 4.9 kilos of opium, and paraphernalia were seized Apr. 23 during a search of "the houses on Phwenusiset Street, Ywama West Ward" in Insein Township, Yangon; 14 persons were arrested. Further searches turned up 1.1 kilos of raw opium, 0.9 kilo of opium oil, TV sets, jewellery, and other valuables. (NLM 5/1) May 3: 0.002 kilo of heroin, and heroin-mixed products, were seized May 1 in Chanaye Thazan Township, Mandalay Division. 12 gallons of acetic anhydride, smuggled in from Imphal, was seized Apr. 24 in Tamu. (NLM 5/4) May 4: 1.6 kilos of opium were seized Apr. 26 in Hopang. 10.5 kilos of opium were seized Apr. 28 in Mohnyin Township. (NLM 5/5) May 6: 19.5 grams of heroin were seized on May 2 in Botahtaung Township, Yangon, and five drug traffickers arrested. (NLM 5/7) May 15: 0.0004 kilo of heroin was seized May 3 in Mandalay; 0.02 kilo of heroin was seized May 5. (NLM 5/16) May 17: 3.6 kilos of raw opium were seized Apr. 9 in Mandalay; another 1.3 kilos of raw opium were seized Apr. 10. (NLM 5/18) May 18: 6.6 kilos of raw opium were seized May 5-9 in Kutkai Township. (NLM 5/19) May 18: During April 1995, the Tatmadaw seized 0.08 kilo of heroin and 12.8 litres of Phensedyl. The police seized 2.6 kilos of heroin (126 cases), 97.8 kilos of opium (40 cases), 18.8 kilos of marijuana (40 cases), 73.5 litres of Phensedyl (16 cases), 1.9 kilos of opium oil (2 cases), 0.003 kilo of dried opium (1 case), 0.9 litre of Comethazine (3 cases), and 12 gallons of acetic anhydride. There were 97 cases of failure to register for treatment and 7 other drug-related cases. The police took action against 479 persons in 335 drug-related cases during April. The police and Tatmadaw acting together seized 0.3 kilo of heroin (6 cases), 33.6 kilos of opium (8 cases), 0.02 kilo of marijuana (1 case), and 63.3 litres of Phensedyl (14 cases) during April. (NLM 5/19) May 24: 960 bottles of Benedryl, 630 unlabeled bottles and 104 empty bottles, were seized May 13 in Monywa. 4.8 kilos of opium were seized in Hopong. (NLM 5/25) May 30: 2,727 litres of acetic anhydride and 0.05 kilo of heroin were seized May 24 in Kyukok-Pangsang. 120 bottles of Comethazine were seized May 26 at the Sao Sam Htun Hospital quarters in Taunggyi. (NLM 5/31) Articles on Narcotics Law [Articles by "KMO" were previously reported under GOVERNMENT, but since virtually all of them concern narcotics cases, we shall in future report them here. HCMacD.] May 1: Legal feature of the term "knowledge" under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Law elucidated by the Supreme Court, by KMO. [Supreme Court overturned the acquittal of one Maung Nyunt Oo for knowingly possessing heroin, and sentenced him to five years. The heroin was found buried in his house compound, and a large quantity of money found in the house; the defendant had pleaded that he knew nothing about the heroin, had a agreed to a search only after being beaten by police, and that the money was from the sale of a house. The Supreme Court held that because the heroin was buried "it must be deemed [to be] purposely...concealed" and "it must...be construed that the money must be the proceeds of the sale of heroin."] Obituaries [English language obituaries only; there are obituaries in Burmese as well.] Apr. 13: Daw Thein Tin (Thanbyuzayat), widow of Rev. Nai Po Chit,...grandmother of Daw Khin Mar Oo-U Nyein Thwin (Canada), Reginald D. Chit-Selma Chit (USA)...died in Myitkyina, aged 90. [Christian] (NLM 5/20) Apr. 30: Mrs. E.D. Nasse (nee Baker), St Johns Dio: Ex-Teacher, died in Yangon, aged 75. [Christian] (NLM 5/2) Apr. 30: U Gabriel Pyan, Kayan National Guard -- Mobye, husband of Daw Annie Talbot, died (in Mobye?), aged 48. [Christian] (NLM 5/17) May 1: Rev. Fr. Cyril U Tun Myat, died in Yangon, aged 81. [Catholic] (NLM 5/2) May 1: Dr. Khin Ma Ma Nyo (Lucy Nyo), Retd Headquarters Assistant Department of Health, Taunggyi, died in Yangon, aged 70. (NLM 5/3) May 8: U Nyunt Thein, Retired Asst. Superintendent Aerial Survey, husband of Daw Khin Hla Hla, died in Yangon, aged 82. (NLM 5/9) May 8: Daw Sein Tee, wife of U Thein Maung, died in Yangon, aged 85. (NLM 5/10) May 10: U Zau Awng, Director-General (Rtd), Forest Department, husband of Daw Nang Ja, died in Yangon, aged 76. [Christian] (NLM 5/11) May 11: Steven Khup Do Dal, Retired Officer (Oil Dept.), Heho Airport, husband of Nu Angela Niang Go Cing, died in Kalemyo, aged 59. [Christian] (NLM 5/13) May 21: Daw Nyein Shwe (Morton Lane Judson) Mawlamyine, widow of U Aung Gywe, died in Yangon, aged 90. [Christian] (NLM 5/22) May 21: Ebrahim G.H. Doo, husband of Daw Gori Azam Alloo, father of...Gulam Hussain Doo (USA)...died in Yangon, aged 81. [Muslim] (NLM 5/22, corrected 5/23) May 22: U Maung Maung Lay (Haroon Vali), Advocate, Taunggyi, husband of Daw Khin Kyin Aye, died in Taunggyi, aged 62. [Muslim] (NLM 5/25) May 25: Miss Caroline Jacobs died in Yangon, aged 64. [Christian] (NLM 5/26) May 27: Daw Chit Sein (Tharyargone), widow of U Aye Maung, mother of...Khin Pyone Lwin (Sally) (USA),...Daw Mya Mya Oo (USA), U Zaw Win-Daw Khin Saw Yu (USA)...died in Yangon, aged 85. (NLM 5/ 28) May 28: U Tha Lun, Burma Railways, husband of the late Daw Thit, died in Yangon, aged 96. [Christian] (NLM 5/29) May 29: Kanti Kumar (Gon Htoo Sarpay), husband of Bhariti, died in Yangon, aged 51. [Hindu] (NLM 5/31) May 30: Augustus Ernest Ross, Retired ATCO 2, Mingaladon Airport, Secretary, Thai Military Attache, husband of Beatrice Ross, died in Yangon, aged 70. [Christian] (NLM 5/31) Fires During the early part of May, there were repeated calls for, and reports on, donations for victims of the Apr. 27 fire in Shin Saw Pu and Leikpyakan Wards, Bago, which destroyed 745 houses. May 5: Japanese Ambassador Takashi Tajima donated 3,000 blankets and other supplies worth US$ 97,000 for Bago fire relief, and visited the area. (NLM 5/6) May 7: Fire Brigades which extinguished a fire on Mar. 30 in Ward 12 of Thongwa Township, Yangon, were honoured. (NLM 5/ 8) May 24: United States Charge d'Affaires Ms. Marilyn A. Meyers donated US$ 10,000 to UNDP for Bago fire relief, which has been earmarked for "the provision of rice, cooking oil and school supplies to the affected families of a fire which gutted 745 homes and made 4,558 people homeless in two residential wards in Bago on 27 April." The gift was received by Acting UNDP Resident Representative Mr. Douglas Wagner. (NLM 5/25) May 25: Chinese Ambassador Mrs. Chen Baoliu presented the Ministry for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement, on behalf of the Chinese Red Cross, with US$ 10,000 for Bago fire relief. (NLM 5/26) Special Delivery Mail May 6: Myanma Posts and Telecommunications will launch a pilot special delivery system on May 8. Under it, letters, publications and gifts will be "sent to the respective addresses in time." During the pilot stage, regular postal rates will be charged. The system will cover Botahtaung, Pazundaung, Mingala Taungnyunt, Tamway, Kyauktada, Pabedan, Latha, Seikkan, Lanmadaw, Alon, Kyimyindine, Sangyoung, Dagon, Bahan, Kamayut, Hline, Mayangon, and Yankin Townships and the Yangon Institute of Technology. For information, call 91873 or 86411. (NLM 5/7) Earthquakes May 6: An earthquake of strong intensity (6.3 Richter) was recorded at 08:31:16 hours, local time, with epicentre 564 miles NW of Yangon. (NLM 5/7) May 17: An earthquake of moderate intensity (5.2 Richter) was recorded at 04:20:40 local time, with epicentre 60 miles E of Yangon. (NLM 5/18) Weddings and Engagements May 4: Mr. Sigmund Lee, son of Mr. Yock Chang Lee and Mrs. Chai Her Lee of Chicago, USA, married Ma Nu Nu Yee, daughter of Loo Yap Khin (a) U Mya Khin and Daw Kyin Pu of Yangon. (NLM 5/18) May 6: Ma Sandar Kaung Myint (Assistant Surgeon, Pyay Myo), eldest daughter of U Kaung Yin and Daw Aye Myint, married Maung Hla Aung (Managing Director, Techmat Myanmar Co. Ltd.; Director, Air Mandalay), son of the late U Ngain and Daw Kee, at the Inya Lake Hotel, Yangon. (NLM 5/8) May 7: Ma Cho Mar Kaung Myint, second daughter of U Kaung Yin and Daw Aye Myint, became engaged to Mg Kyaw Zaw Thein, son of U Aung Kyaw Thein and Daw Mya Mya Saw, at Karaweik Hall, Yangon. (NLM 5/8) May 7: Ma Lwin Mar Kaung Myint, youngest daughter of U Kaung Yin and Daw Aye Myint, became engaged to Mg Soe Aung Lwin, son of U Kyi Lwin and Daw Kyi Thein Lwin of Honolulu, Hawaii, USA, at Karaweik Hall, Yangon. (NLM 5/8) May 7: Ma Than Cho Nwe, Managing Director, TCN Construction & Trading Co. Ltd., daughter of U Pe Than and Daw Cho Cho Tun, became engaged to Maung Thant Sin Soe, son of U Soe Thein and Daw Khin Hnin Yee, at the Mya Yeik Nyo Royal Hotel, Yangon. (NLM 5/8) Parking Permits May 17: Since July 1, 1993, the Yangon City Development Committee has issued permits to vehicles "after they paid tax for permission for overnight parking." Vehicles "which have paid tax for night-stop permits are to keep them visible or else they will be considered as those which have not paid tax." (NLM 5/18) May 19: The Traffic Rules Enforcement Supervisory Committee met to "coordinate parking of cars at schools and measures to prevent traffic jams." (NLM 5/20) Drifting Fishermen May 18: More than 100 Myanmar fishermen who drifted to neighbouring countries during storms were repatriated. 76 were brought back between January 1- May 5, by ship, plane, and land. On May 18, a plane brought 78 back from Calcutta. (NLM 5/19) ----- SUBSCRIPTIONS & RENEWALS ATT: Burma Press Summary Center for East Asian & Pacific Studies University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign 230 International Studies Building 910 South Fifth Street Champaign, IL 61820 Tel: (217) 333-7273. 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