95-10 BURMA PRESS SUMMARY From the Rangoon "The New Light of Myanmar" Compiled for the Burma Studies Group by Hugh C. MacDougall Published by the Center for East Asian and Pacific Studies, University of Illinois Volume IX, No. 10, October 1995 Table of Contents POLITICAL Slogans 2 Political Articles 2 Returnees from Bangladesh 3 Special Refresher Courses 3 National Races 4 General Maung Aye on Tour 4 Anti-Government Pamphleteer Arrested 4 Prisoners Released 5 Sen-Gen. Than Shwe on Tour 5 NATIONAL CONVENTION Convention to Reconvene Nov. 28 5 DIPLOMATIC Diplomatic Calls 5 New Ambassadors to Myanmar 6 New Myanmar Ambassadors 7 Myanmar UNGA Address 7 UN Golden Jubilee 10 Border Treaty Ratified 11 UNGA Special Session 12 INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION Joint Workshops & Projects 13 Donations from Abroad 13 Border & Regional Affairs 14 Social and Economic Cooperation 14 FOREIGN VISITORS International Agency Visitors 15 Cultural Visitors 15 Medical Visitors 15 Business Visitors 16 Religious Visitors 17 Media Visitors 17 Korean Economic Official 17 Bangladesh Parliamentarian 18 Thai Delegations 18 German Deputy Aid Minister 18 Vietnam Home Minister 18 Laos Defence Minister 18 MYANMAR DELEGATIONS Study Delegations 18 Delegations to Meetings & Events 19 Religious Delegations 20 Business Delegations 20 FAO Meetings 20 World Conference on Women 21 Delegations Return 21 MYANMAR GAZETTE Probationary Appointments 22 MILITARY Surrenders by Armed Group Members 22 GOVERNMENT Police Force Renamed 23 Gems Bye-laws 23 Armed Forces Day 23 Independence Day Committee 23 Veterinary Council Law 23 ECONOMIC Economic Articles 24 Economic Inaugurations 24 Advertisements 25 Foreign Investment Projects 25 Business Courses 25 Banking & Currency 26 Industrial Production 26 Special Economic Projects 26 Tourism 26 Gems Emporium 27 Radiation Workshop 28 Imports 28 Planned 1996 Trade Fairs 28 Agriculture 28 Invitation to Mining Investors 28 Rainfall in Yangon 29 HEALTH Health Articles 29 SPORTS Sports Articles 29 Myanmar Teams and Officials 29 Foreign Teams, Coaches, etc. 30 Holes-in-One 31 Traditional Boxing 31 CULTURAL Cultural and Scientific Articles 31 Yangon University Diamond Jubilee 31 Traditional Performing Arts 31 Motion Pictures Diamond Jubilee 32 Religion 33 Computers 33 MISCELLANEOUS Sunday and Holiday Supplements 33 Crime 37 Anti-Narcotics Activities 37 Articles on Narcotics 37 Obituaries 37 Death of 102-year old Sayadaw 38 Hole-in-One 39 Floods 39 Riverboat Capsizes 39 Commemorative Postage Stamps 39 Marriage 39 Earthquakes 39 ------------------------------------------- HIGHLIGHTS -- Myanmar People's Police Force renamed Myanmar Police Force [GOVERNMENT] -- Survey of Myanmar Heavy Industries factories [MISCELLANEOUS: Sunday Supplements] -- Address to UNGA by Foreign Minister U Ohn Kyaw [full text] [DIPLOMATIC] -- Reconvening of National Convention postponed to November 28 [NATIONAL CONVENTION] -- Death of 102-year old Shwehintha Taikthit Sayadaw; low-level funeral ordered [MISCELLANEOUS] -- Fiftieth Anniversary of United Nations, with Message from Sen. Gen. Than Shwe [full text], and address to UN Special Session by Gen. Maung Aye [full text] [DIPLOMATIC] -- Hotels and Tourism Minister cites past problems with Inya Lake Hotel project partner [ECONOMIC: Tourism] -- Work supplied by convicts [MISCELLANEOUS: Sunday Supplements: "Towards a modern nation...."] ------------------------------------------- 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 usually 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. Another slogan has begun to appear regularly: Since it took up the duties of State on 18 September 1988, to safeguard the nation in the face of great danger, the State Law and Order Restoration Council has been bringing peace and stability, due to the Tatmadaw's noble cetana and joint endeavours with the people. The building of the nation is an untiring effort that will continue to involve cooperation of the people because it is common weal. Religious Slogans: Since August 1991, each issue has included a changing religious slogan at the top of each front page: Oct. 1-2: Nivato ca, modesty; this is the way to auspiciousness. Oct. 3-31: Santutthi ca, contentment; this is the way to auspiciousness. The Twelve Objectives: Beginning July 6, 1995, each issue of NLM lists the following, generally on the front page: Four political objectives * Stability of the State, community peace and tranquillity, prevalence of law and order * National reconsolidation * Emergence of a new enduring State Constitution * Building of a new modern developed nation in accord with the new State Constitution --------------- Four economic objectives * Development of agriculture as the base and all-round development of other sectors of the economy as well * Proper evolution of the market-oriented economic system * Development of the economy inviting participation in terms of technical know-how and investments from sources inside the country and abroad * The initiative to shape the national economy must be kept in the hands of the State and the national peoples ---------------- Four social objectives * Uplift of the morale and morality of the entire nation * Uplift of national prestige and integrity and preservation and safeguarding of cultural heritage and national character * Uplift of dynamism of patriotic spirits * Uplift of health, fitness and education standards of the entire nation Political Articles Oct. 2: Letter to my younger brother, by Naung Sitthi. [Succeed in your career in the Tatmadaw, and keep constant military vigil.] Oct. 3-4: Let's establish and safeguard a befitting abode, by An Observer. [(1) Opening up of Myanmar society and economy will bring both good and bad. Myanmars must beware of importing international crime, or listening to the blandishments of neo-colonialists. Myanma has been the golden land because Theravada Buddhism provided ethical values restraining the individual. "Man want a prosperous and secure life. At the same time, he wishes to enjoy freedom fully. Today, people who are not normal or who are human beings only in name even long for absolute freedom." (2) Government's twelve objectives recalled. Myanmar cultural life had once been "peaceful and clean", until changed by colonial rule and independence up to 1988 disturbances. Neo-colonialist efforts to enslave weak nations. "A befitting or suitable abode is adorable and desirable. But only the blessed ones will be fortunate enough to live in such an abode. It is the bounden duty of all the citizens and national peoples to build Myanmar to become such an abode and safeguard it."] Oct. 19-21,23-26: Easy to mar, hard to make, by U Phyo. [(1) An ex-monk thanks the Tatmadaw Government for its services. (2) Various cultural and economic achievements noted. (3) Fight against insurgency. From 1988-May 1991 there were 5,755 battles, with Tatmadaw losses of 3,266 killed, 11,210 injured, and 186 missing. Importance of non-disintegration of the Union. (4) A correspondent asked visiting UN Human Rights representative Mr. Yozo Yokota "whether he had visited the bridge construction project across the river near Myitkyina and the hydro-electric power generating plant construction project in Kengtung and whether he had seen forced labour there. Then he answered that he had visited those construction projects and that it could not be described as forced labour as people were not forced to do the job. He said he thought wages should be increased for those who had to work hard in the sun." Tradition of voluntary labour going back to King Kyansittha's time. Now there is peace and security. (5) Praise of Myanmar by Ms. Miriam Marshall Segal of America quoted at length. (6) Further quotations from Ms. Miriam Marshall Segal. Myanmar's unhappy experiences with foreigners over the years, culminating in the assassination of Bogyoke Aung San. (7) Political groups in Myanmar constantly split; even the Paw Pyu Lar group has three rival factions. It has acted improperly in seeking to involve service personnel in politics.] 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.] Oct. 13: 203 persons from 39 households returned to various reception camps on Oct. 11, bringing the total to 193,518. (NLM 10/14) Oct. 25: 248 persons from 47 households returned to various reception camps on Oct. 20, bringing the total to 193,766. (NLM 10/26) Special Refresher Courses Oct. 2: Special Refresher Course No. 19 for Basic Education Teachers opened, and was addressed by SLORC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt. The four week course is being attended by 1,505 teachers. The Secretary-1 discussed education, stressing patriotism and warning "against direct copying of foreign thinking and foreign practices." He spoke of "plans to introduce computers to every basic education school and said [,] equipped with computer application skills at basic education level and ability to make full use of computer at higher education level [,] students will be in better position to bring about international level education system." Discussing economic education, he said "courses for Master of Business Education (MBA) have been conducted at the Institute of Economics in addition to regular degree and diploma courses to contribute directly to the economic sector. Moreover, cooperative colleges are conducting diplomat courses and arrangements are under way to open a cooperative university, he said. He disclosed plans to enable those who have obtained diploma certificates from cooperatives colleges to attend the Institute of Economics." (NLM 10/3) Oct. 28: The course [noted above] concluded, and was again addressed by SLORC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt. He reviewed government developmental achievements and aims, but said "it is impossible to copy the kind of unruly Western democracy and inequitable human rights practises which are in no way compatible with Myanmar's own stand based on different background history and different cultural traits.... The government, he said, is striving for enabling every citizen to fully enjoy the human rights of Eastern types which Myanmar people cherish, to have eased living conditions, to live healthily and happily, to be wise and to be serving the country with what one is skilled in, to have good morals, and high character, and to be able to enjoy loki and lokottara benefits.... "Some foreigners who were formerly deceived by the fabricated reports concerning the 'forced labour' in Myanmar came to realize that Myanmar people are contributing their voluntary labour happily and they came to understand the customs of Myanmar people when they came to visit Myanmar, he said. They are even puzzled how this accusation surfaced as they saw Myanmar people taking part in religious and social activities happily and joyfully, he said. Every nation, however, has necessary restrictions to protect against acts that undermine the national interests, stability of the State and breaking of the existing laws, he said...." (NLM 10/29) National Races Sept. 30: Work Committee for Development of Border Areas and National Races Chairman SLORC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt received national leader U Sai Naung and members of Northern Shan State Special Region 3, and national leader U Tun Kyaw and members of Kayah State Special Region 2. He then hosted a dinner for the two groups, plus national leader U Za Khun Ting Ring and members of Kachin State Special Region 1. (NLM 10/1) Oct. 28: Work Committee for Development of Border Areas and National Races Chairman SLORC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt received national leader U Za Khun Ting Ring of Kachin State Special Area 1 and members U Moke Yin Daung Hawng, U San Wai Khaung Lun, U Htoo Khine, and U Nyein Aye, to discuss regional development. (NLM 10/29) General Maung Aye on Tour Sept. 30: On Sept. 29, Vice-Chairman of the State Law and Order Restoration Council Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Commander-in-Chief (Army) Gen. Maung Aye inspected military installations and development projects in Bahtoo Tatmyo and Yawksawk. On Sept. 30, he flew by helicopter to Nyaungshwe, and paid obeisance to the Innlay Phaungdaw U Buddha images, which were brought by Karaweik barge to the Jetty for public obeisance. He viewed and awarded prizes at the Traditional Innlay Boat Race ["leg-rowers" -- rowers stand on one and manipulate their paddles with the other -- HCMacD.]. He inspected construction at Heho Airport before flying on to Mandalay. (NLM 10/1) Oct. 1: On Sept. 30, he flew by helicopter from Mandalay to Momauk, where he met Tatmadawmen and then went by helicopter to inspect the Yadana Kadaykada Camp of Myanmar Gems Enterprise in Mogok Township, returning to Momauk in the evening. (NLM 10/2) Oct. 2: On October 1, he toured Mogok Gemland, Mabein, Wuntho and Katha, visiting religious and economic sites, and meeting officials. At Wuntho he visited flooded areas and supervised relief efforts [see below under Floods]. In the evening he went on, by helicopter, to Bhamo. (NLM 10/ 3) Oct. 3: On Oct. 2, he met officials at Northern Command in Bhamo, before flying on to Myitkyina and then to Phakant to visit jade mining [see also below, under Floods]. He then helicoptered to Mogaung, and then back to Myitkyina. The next day, he visited Myitkyina then left for Mandalay by air. They then visited Sagaing, and returned to Yangon. (NLM 10/4) Anti-Government Pamphleteer Arrested Oct. 3 [full text]: "Author of concoctions on Myanmar for anti-government groups nabbed. A man who concocted news stories about Myanmar and sent them to anti-government groups was nabbed together with evidence by the Defence Services Intelligence Personnel on 27 September. He is Ye Htut, son of U Maung Maung, of Room 29, Building 12 of Pha Hsa Pa La Ward here. "He admitted that he had been sending concocted news to Yin Htwe and Ma Win Win Htay in Canada since 1991. In 1992, he sent false news to Kyi Zaw (a) Zaw Gyi (a) Aung Zaw, PO Box 22 Bajathevee Post Office Phayathai Road, Bangkok 10401, Thailand, and Mr. John Jackson, P.O. Box 1204, Nana Post Office, Bangkok, 210112, Thailand, as contacted by Ma Win Win Htay, on payment. "Kyi Zaw (a) Zaw Gyi (a) Aung Zaw, who received his news is leader of the illegal Burma Information Group (BIG) which has been publishing false reports about Myanmar to foreign countries in its publications -- The Irrawaddy, Radio Burma, Burma Issue etc. Those opposed to Myanmar including expatriate U Thaung (Aung Bala) and Bertil Lintner contribute to them. Publications brought out by BIG have been sent regularly to US Senate Foreign Relations Committee, House Foreign Affairs Committee and the Office of the President's adviser on South-East Asian Affairs. Moreover, it also made its publications available to organizations such as Amnesty International (London), Lawyers Committee for Human Rights (New York), Human Rights Watch (Asia) (New York), Burma Relief Centre (Japan), Evangelical Church in Germany, Churches Development Services, AFP Bangkok, JVA (Japan), etc. "Non-governmental organizations in US, Australia, Norway etc. are said to be funding these publications. "Action is to be taken against Ye Htut who sent these concoctions to Burma Information Group on payment in order to mislead foreign nations concerning Myanmar." [photos] (NLM 10/4) Prisoners Released Oct. 26: 30 persons, including two women, "who are serving their prison terms according to the existing laws" were released from Mawlamyine Jail after their prison terms were reduced. (NLM 10/27) Sen-Gen. Than Shwe on Tour Oct. 28: SLORC Chairman Senior General Than Shwe flew to Bagan to inspect "projects for greening of the Dry Zone" and new tourist facilities. (NLM 10/29) Oct. 29: He inaugurated the Natmauk Reservoir in Magway Division, and visited the Kyetmauktaung Dam in Kyaukbadaung Township and the Taungtha Reservoir Project in Taungtha Township [Mandalay]. [page of photos] (NLM 10/30) Oct. 30: He inspected irrigation works in Mandalay Division, before driving to Meiktila. (NLM 10/31) NATIONAL CONVENTION Convention to Reconvene Nov. 28 Oct. 4: National Convention Convening Commission Announcement No. 7/95 of October 4, 1995, reads as follows [full text]: 1. The National Convention Convening Commission designated 24 October (Tuesday) 1995 as the date to reconvene the National Convention. Accordingly, the National Convention Convening Commission, the National Convention Convening Work Committee, the National Convention Convening Management Committee and various sub-committees have been making necessary preparations and carrying out programmes to ensure smoothness in all aspects at the National Convention to be reconvened. 2. However, many of the of the delegates of the respective delegate groups are inclined to attend to their business undertakings especially agricultural matters as well as charities at a time when the rainy season is withdrawing, so they have expressed their wish that the National Convention be reconvened after the Tazaungdine Festival, instead of reconvening it after the Thadingyut Festival. 3. Taking into serious consideration of the wishes of many of the National Convention delegates thus informed, the National Convention Convening Commission hereby designates 7th Waxing of Nadaw, 1357 ME (28 November, 1995) as the date for reconvening of the National Convention to enable all the delegates to attend it. Sd. Myo Nyunt Lieutenant-General Chairman National Convention Convening Commission (NLM 10/5) Oct. 20: National Convention delegates are to arrive in Yangon between Nov. 23-25, for the session which is to reconvene on Nov. 28. (NLM 10/21) 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.] Oct. 2: Philippine Ambassador Mrs. Sonia C. Brady called on Yangon Mayor U Ko Lay. (NLM 10/3) Oct. 3: French Ambassador Bernard Pottier called on Minister for Livestock Breeding & Fisheries Brig-Gen. Maung Maung. (NLM 10/4) Oct. 5: Philippine Ambassador Mrs. Sonia C. Brady called on Minister for Industry-2 Maj-Gen. Kyaw Than. FAO Resident Representative Abdul Wahid Jalil called on Minister for Agriculture Lt-Gen. Myint Aung. (NLM 10/6) Oct. 9: UNDP Resident Representative Mr. Douglas Gardner of Human Development Initiative II Formulation Mission, and Dr. De Silver [sic], called on Minister for Health Vice-Adm. Than Nyunt to discuss 1996-98 health projects under UNDP. (NLM 10/10) Oct. 10: Col. Ongard Ratanawichai, newly appointed Thai Defence, Army and Air Attache, called on Vice-Chairman of the State Law and Order Restoration Council Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Commander-in-Chief (Army) Gen. Maung Aye, accompanied by outgoing Attache Col. Prajan Karasudhi. (NLM 10/11) Oct. 11: French Ambassador Bernard Pottier called on Vice-Chairman of the State Law and Order Restoration Council Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Commander-in-Chief (Army) Gen. Maung Aye. New Zealand Ambassador Phillip H. Gibson called on Minister for Energy U Khin Maung Thein. (NLM 10/12) Oct. 12: The New Zealand Ambassador called on Minister for National Planning and Economic Development Brig-Gen. Abel. (NLM 10/13) Oct. 13: Indian Ambassador Lal Thanzaua Pudaite called on Deputy Prime Minister Lt-Gen. Tin Tun, and Minister for Industry 1 Lt-Gen. Sein Aung. Philippine Ambassador Mrs. Sonia C. Brady called on Minister for Culture Brig-Gen. Thaung Myint, and on Attorney-General U Tha Tun. (NLM 10/14) Oct. 16: Italian Ambassador Dr. Benito Volpi called on Chief Justice U Aung Toe. Indian Ambassador Lal Thanzaua Pudaite called on Minister for Forestry Lt-Gen. Chit Swe. Newly-appointed Pakistan Defence Attache Lt-Col. Zahid Hussain Khan called on Commander-in-Chief (Navy) Rear-Adm. Tin Aye (acting on behalf of Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Commander-in-Chief (Army) Gen. Maung Aye). (NLM 10/17) Oct. 17: Philippine Ambassador Mrs. Sonia C. Brady called on Chief Justice U Aung Toe. (NLM 10/18) Oct. 19: Indian Ambassador Lal Thanzaua Pudaite called on Deputy Prime Minister Vice-Adm. Maung Maung Khin. United States Charge d'Affaires Ms. Marilyn A. Meyers called on Minister for Communications, Posts & Telegraphs U Soe Tha. (NLM 10/20) Oct. 20: Indian Ambassador Lal Thanzaua Pudaite called on Minister for Home Affairs Lt-Gen. Mya Thin. French Ambassador Bernard Pottier called on Minister for Information Maj-Gen. Aye Kyaw. (NLM 10/21) Oct. 26: Philippine Ambassador Mrs. Sonia C. Brady called on Auditor-General U Aung Khin Tint. Chinese Ambassador Mrs. Chen Baoliu called on Chairman of the Security and Management Committee of the SLORC Lt-Gen. Phone Myint, to discuss anti-narcotics cooperation. (NLM 10/27) Oct. 27: Thai Ambassador Poksak Nilubol called on Minister for Religious Affairs Lt-Gen. Myo Nyunt. (NLM 10/28) Oct. 30: Pakistani Ambassador Abbas H. Mirza called on Minister for Trade Lt-Gen. Tun Kyi. (NLM 10/31) New Ambassadors to Myanmar Oct. 2: The Myanmar government has agreed to the appointment of Mr. Maamar Ahmed as new Ambassador of Algeria to Myanmar. He graduated with a Masters Degree in Public Law, and was a militant in the FLN from 1956-59 and an officer in the ALN in 1959. He served as an administrator to the Presidency of the Council from 1962-64, when he joined the Foreign Ministry. He was Ambassador to Bangladesh from 1988-1990, with concurrent accreditation to Myanmar and Thailand. He became Ambassador to Vietnam in 1993 and is resident in Hanoi. He is married and has four children. (NLM 10/2) Oct. 6: Mr. Lal Thanzaua Pudaite presented credentials to SLORC Chairman Senior General Than Shwe as new Indian Ambassador to Myanmar. (NLM 10/7) Oct. 13: Mr. Robert Anthony Eagleson Gordon (OBE) presented credentials to SLORC Chairman Senior General Than Shwe as new British Ambassador to Myanmar. (NLM 10/14) Oct. 20: Mr. Abdel Rahim Ismail Shalaby presented credentials to SLORC Chairman Senior General Than Shwe as new Egyptian Ambassador to Myanmar. (NLM 10/21) Oct. 21: The government has agreed to the appointment of Ms. Maria Laetitia Alice Crispiniana van den Assum as the new Ambassador of the Netherlands to Myanmar. Ms. van den Assum was born Sept. 18, 1950 in Tilburg, the Netherlands, and studied law at the University of Amsterdam. She joined the Foreign Ministry in 1977, and served as head of the UNICEF Office in Tanzania from 1988-92, and is now Head of the International Organizations Department in the Hague. She will reside in Bangkok, Thailand. (NLM 10/21) Oct. 23: The government has agreed to the appointment of Mr. Gabriel Maria da Costa Mesquita de Brito as new Ambassador of Portugal to Myanmar. He was born in 1956 and graduated in law from the University of Lisbon. He joined the Foreign Service in 1963. He is now Portuguese Ambassador to Thailand, and will be concurrently accredited to Myanmar with residence in Bangkok. (NLM 10/23) Oct. 27: Dato' Abdul Wahab bin Harun presented credentials to State Law and Order Restoration Council as new Ambassador of Malaysia to Myanmar. (NLM 10/28) New Myanmar Ambassadors Oct. 3: Dr. Kyaw Win presented credentials Sept. 20 in Ottawa to Governor General Mr. Romeo LeBlanc, as new Myanmar Ambassador to Canada. (NLM 10/3) Oct. 10: U Khin Nyunt has been appointed as new Myanmar Ambassador to Russia. (NLM 10/10) Myanmar UNGA Address Oct. 4 [full text]: Peace reigns in Myanmar like never before and momentum for positive change continues[;] U Ohn Gyaw tells UNGA disparity between developed, developing countries still widening. The following is the statement made by U Ohn Gyaw, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Chairman of the delegation of the Union of Myanmar in the General Debate of the Fiftieth Session of the United Nations General Assembly, 3 October 1995. Mr. President, It gives me great pleasure to extend, on behalf of the Delegation of Myanmar and on my own behalf, warm congratulations to you on your assumption of the Presidency of the fiftieth session of the United Nations General Assembly. The diplomatic skills and experience that you bring to the high office assure us of a successful session. Allow me to take this opportunity to express our appreciation of His Excellency Mr. Amara Essy, Foreign Minister of Cote d'Ivoire, for having so successfully guided the deliberation of the previous session. Mr. President, The United Nations is fifty years old this year. It is both a time for celebration and an opportunity for reflection. The Organization has evolved over time and has served us well for half a century. The significant increase in the membership -- from the original 51 to the present 185 -- underscores the continuing relevance of the Organization. However, vast transformations are now taking place and reforms in the structure and work of the Organization must be instituted to reflect the new realities. We wish to see a more efficient and result-oriented Organization, one that retains mechanisms that have proven effective and adopts innovative measures to assure cooperation in the post-bloc world. [Security Council reform] Security Council reforms constitute one of the most important issue to be addressed. Myanmar stands for a pragmatic approach that ensures that the Council evolves into a more representative, effective and democratic body. Judging from the work of the Open Ended Working Group on the Question of Equitable Representation on and Increase in the Membership of the Security Council during the last two sessions of the United Nations General Assembly, it is clear that the Council should be enlarged. The enlargement should however be accompanied by measures to make it more effective. It should ensure equitable geographic representation and at the same time preserves the possibility for smaller states to serve on the Council. Myanmar fully supports the position of the Non-Aligned Countries which stresses the importance of enhancing the effective and efficient functioning of the Security Council by adopting measures geared at reforming its working methods and procedures. Myanmar welcomes the actions already taken to enhance the relationship between the Council and the general membership as well as measures to improve its working methods and procedures. We are particularly pleased to see that the council has initiated the holding of orientation debates and briefings by the President of the Council for States non-members of the Security Council. We see the need to enhance cooperation between the Security Council and the General Assembly in accordance with Articles 10, 11, 12 and 14 of the Charter. We also share the view that reforms can best be achieved through a combination of means that include General Assembly resolutions, changes in the rules of procedure and through appropriate amendments to the Charter where necessary. [General Assembly, etc.] At the same time the role of the General Assembly -- the single forum where all the Member States are represented -- should be reviewed to enable it to deal more effectively with outstanding problems and to allow it to focus on the new challenges of our times. We consider it vital that there be a more dynamic relationship between the main organs of the organization -- the General Assembly, the Security Council and the Economic and Social Council. [Peace-keeping] Mr. President, It recent years the United Nations despite constraints, has been in the forefront of the international community's efforts to deal with the unresolved problems of the Cold War decades as well as new ones that have surfaced. It has been called upon to meet the burgeoning demand for peace-keeping. In some cases like Angola, Cambodia, El Salvador and Mozambique, it has scored successes. In some others, like Bosnia and Herzegovina and Somalia it has come under heavy strains and proved to be ineffective. The lesson to be learned is that the Security Council should be far more conscious of when and under what mandate to begin peace-keeping operations. Such operations must have clearly defined objectives. More importantly, agreement among major powers must carry with it the support of the majority of the member states if it is to have the desired result. If the United nations system is to be revitalized and strengthened, the basic issue of adequate financing, particularly of peace-keeping operations, must be addressed. Whether that happens depends on us. The United Nations can only be as strong or as effective as Member States choose to make it. Limitations of the United Nations should not encourage Member States to take precipitate actions. As a Myanmar saying goes, "When mice enter the granary, we must catch the mice and not set fire to the granary". [Development] The founders of the United Nations also envisioned it as an international body for the promotion of the economic and social welfare of all peoples. Even though the right to development is recognized as an inalienable human right, the disparity between the developed and the developing countries continues to widen. Member States should reaffirm their commitment to cooperate in creating an international economic environment conducive to the realization of the right to development. Without development there can be no prospect for lasting peace. In this regard I am pleased to note that in his recommendations on "An Agenda for Development" the Secretary-General last November stressed that development should be recognized as the foremost and most far-reaching task of our time. The United Nations was established on the principle of equality of all its members. The mandate of the Organization is to advance peace and security, bring international justice and economic and social development to all peoples. While it deserves to be commended for its vital role in the historic process of decolonization which led to the independence of more than 80 countries, much less can be said for its efforts to create and equitable international economic order. [Middle East] Mr. President, I am pleased to note that the perceptible improvement in the international climate is generating a favourable impact on some longstanding issues such as the Middle East peace process. The initial steps take two years ago towards a durable peace have now been followed by firm strides. Myanmar joins other nations in welcoming the accord signed by Prime Minister Rabin and Chairman Arafat in Washington DC on 28 September 1995. We hope that it will pave the way to a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in the Middle East. [Change in Myanmar] Mr. President, Just as the family of nations must work together to ensure international peace and stability, individual states must promote peace within their territories. I am happy to be able to say that in Myanmar peace reigns like never before and that the momentum for positive change continues. The Government has set 12 objectives in the political, economic and social fields and is working steadily to achieve them. A unique feature of Myanmar is that it is a union composed of well over a hundred national races. Unity among the different national races is essential for the preservation of our independence and sovereignty as well as for the economic and social progress of the country. The Government has adopted policies to prevent the disintegration of the Union[,] ensure the non-disintegration of national solidarity and ensure the perpetuity of our country's sovereignty. Moreover with a view to building a peaceful, prosperous and modern nation my Government has formulated and is pursuing clear objectives in the political, economic and social spheres. [Myanmar national agenda] Mr. President, Allow me to focus briefly on some of the main issues on our national agenda: First is the issue of ensuring the stability of the State. National reconciliation is an indispensable component of my Government's policy to achieve peace and tranquillity. A national convention has been convened to draft a new constitution which would be harmony with present-day realities and reflect the aspirations of the entire nation. Secondly, in the economic sector guidelines have been formulated to promote all-round development of agriculture which forms the mainstay of the nation's economy. At the same time, Myanmar has laid out a welcome mat to foreign and domestic investors in order to attract capital and technical know-how. Thirdly, progress is sought in the social sector in order to buttress political stability and economic progress which constitute foundation stones for a peaceful, prosperous and modern state. We are engaged in efforts to strengthen the fabric of the society by rekindling the spirit of patriotism and uplifting the moral integrity of our citizens. The Government is endeavouring to preserve the national character and cultural heritage and to raise the standard of education and health of the entire country. [Peace with insurgents; release of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi] It is a source of immense pride and satisfaction that our efforts have achieved a significant measure of success in charting a new course for the country. Insurgency which was born with our independence is now coming to a close. The unprecedented return to the legal fold of 15 out of the 16 armed groups speaks volumes for our efforts at national reconsolidation. The Government also lifted restrictions placed on Daw Aung San Suu Kyi on 10 July 1995. The lifting of restrictions is unconditional. A large number of individuals against whom action had been taken in accordance with the laws of the land has also been released. [War against drugs] Mr. President, I am also pleased to be able to say that we in Myanmar have been shouldering our responsibilities to combat the menace posed by narcotic drugs. The Myanmar Armed Forces have been mounting major offensives against drug traffickers including the forces of Khun Sa. Since end 1988, there have been 823 engagements with the drug traffickers. In these clashes 16 officers and 567 other ranks from the Armed Forces sacrificed their lives for the country, 55 officers and 1,744 other ranks were wounded in action, and 153 weapons were lost. Enemy losses amounted to 720 killed, 118 captured, 221 surrendered and 708 assorted weapons seized. The numbers speak for themselves. We are determined to wage war against the drug traffickers as a matter of national responsibility and see it as our duty to humanity. Our men have sacrificed life and limb so that the world may be rid of the scourge of narcotic drugs. The actions of the Myanmar Armed Forces deserve to be accorded due recognition just as the Blue Helmets have been commended for their valour and courage. [Border development] In order to succeed in the fight against narcotic drugs, the Myanmar Government in May 1989 initiated an integrated rural development programme of unprecedented nature and scope in the border areas. Subsequently in 1992 a separate Ministry devoted to the development of border areas and national races was established. We are fully confident that once those areas are developed, living standards of the local populace raised and alternate means of livelihood made available, poppy cultivation will be totally eradicated. We have relied on our own resources to promote the development programmes in the border areas. Over K 2,842 million (US$ 400 million) has been expended for infrastructure-building. We are grateful that recently Japan approved a grant of Yen 1 billion (US$ 10 million) to be used to purchase fertilizer and agricultural machinery and implements for the food development programme in the border regions. It is our hope that others too will join hands with us to develop those regions in order that humanity may freed from the menace posed by narcotic drugs. [Economic progress] Mr. President, On the economic front, Myanmar has made important gains. The economy registered a growth rate of 6.8 percent in 1994-95 and prospects look bright for the future. Foreign investment in Myanmar totals US$ 2.7 billion and is expected to reach US$ 4 billion by the end of the year. An indicator of the pace of development of the economy is the dramatic increase in the production of the staple crop, rice, permitting the export of over one million tons. In the meantime, Myanmar is fulfilling the basic needs of the people and is striving to narrow the gap in living standards between the urban dwellers and the rural folks. [Foreign policy] Mr. President, In the realm of international relations, Myanmar has consistently pursued a policy of peace and friendship with all states, especially with neighbouring countries. A recent landmark event was Myanmar's accession to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation at the 28th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting in Brunei paving the way for Myanmar's eventual entry into ASEAN. In the light of the political and socio-economic transformations taking place in the country and the increased cooperation with its neighbours, Myanmar continues to make important contributions to peace and stability in the region and in the world. Mr. President, The commemoration of the fiftieth anniversary of the United Nations is a time for reflection and for resolution. I would like to seize this opportunity to renew my country's dedication and commitment to the principles and purposes of the Charter and to pledge that Myanmar will contribute however modestly, to the realization of the United Nations which will serve both the cause of world peace and fulfil the needs of humanity. Mr. President, In this new era we must strive to ensure that all nations can live together in peace and harmony. Every nation must also strive to keep its house in order. We have a responsibility in our time just as the founding fathers of the United Nations had in theirs, to bequeath to the generations to come a world that is secure and peaceful. I thank you. ------ [The text was followed by a two column list of highlights from the statement.] (NLM 10/5) UN Golden Jubilee [There were numerous short articles about exhibitions, meetings, artwork, competitions, etc., relating to the UN Golden Jubilee.] Oct. 11: Chairman of the National Committee for Observing the Golden Jubilee of Founding of the United Nations SLORC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt, addressing the second meeting of the Committee, said that in accord with UN suggestions, "arrangements are under way to observe [the Jubilee] in Myanmar on an extensive scale." He noted that the silver bowl sent by Myanmar to commemorate the event had been handed over to the UN Deputy Secretary General by Minister for Foreign Affairs U Ohn Gyaw. "Myanmar has been participating in UN activities with firm conviction and belief, he stated." (NLM 10/12) Oct. 21: The Fiftieth Anniversary of United Nations, by U Pe Kin. [Speech by the retired Ambassador, given in Yangon and Mandalay on the Golden Jubilee of the UN, surveying the history of the UN and of Myanmar's active participation in it. Topics include Kuomintang aggression against Myanmar in 1953, the Suez and Hungarian crises of 1956, Myanmar's role in abandoning the neutralist bloc and voting against Russia on Hungary, current Serbian genocide in Bosnia, the works of social and economic agencies. He concludes by calling for change "with all goodwill, courtesy, and hope." There is no alternative for nations but to learn to live together.] Oct. 22: United Nations and enforcement of International Law, by U Kyaw Min (Retd Ambassador). Speech on international law, and especially the Law of the Sea.] Oct. 23: Fifty years of United Nations and world economic order, by U Thet Tun (Retired Ambassador). [Speech listing UN-sponsored economic organizations and meetings. Declarations on international economic order.] Oct. 24: Myanmar and the United Nations, by U Myo Thant (Maung Hsu Shin). [Speech on Myanmar participation in the UN. Admitted to membership, as the 58th member, on Apr. 19, 1948. In 1995 Myanmar has subscribed over K 19 million (US$ 109,270) as its proportionate UN subscription. Myanmar has participated in cease fire and peace supervision in Lebanon in 1958, Congo in 1960, Kashmir in 1965, and the Middle East in 1967-69. History of UN; Myanmar participation in specialized agencies. UNESCO aid after Bagan earthquake in 1975. UN is praised.] Oct. 24: Message from SLORC Chairman Senior General Than Shwe on the occasion of the 50th Anniversary of the United Nations [full text]: Half a century has passed since the founding of the United Nations. Today is an important annual occasion for Member States to review and reflect with solemnity on the achievements and short-comings of the United Nations in responding to global problems facing mankind. The founding fathers of the Organization, determined to banish war from this planet earth and to create a peaceful and prosperous world, drew up an international charter of peace, justice and freedom for all mankind and on its basis had founded the United Nations. The United Nations has rendered many services of incalculable value to its members and we have to put on record its most striking success in decolonization process. Today, the United Nations is a universal body with more than three times the number of its original membership. The noble purposes and principles enshrined in the United Nations Charter remain universal and still valid. The end of the Cold War and prevailing political and economic conditions of the world have made it all the more important to rededicate our commitment to the cardinal principles of the Organization, namely -- the equality of sovereign states, territorial integrity, political independence of States and peaceful settlement of disputes. It is the responsibility of its members to ensure that the United Nations will not become an international organization where the powerful few dictate their priorities and political preferences on the many weak. The United Nations was also envisaged to be an international machinery for the promotion of the economic and social advancement of all peoples. Regrettably, the disparity between developed and developing countries has been widening. The United Nations has recognised that the right to development is an inalienable human right. It is therefore incumbent upon the Member States of the United Nations to bring the concept of development to fulfilment. Member States should reaffirm to cooperate in creating and international economic environment conducive to the realization of the right to development. Concerns have been expressed that the United Nations paid greater emphasis on peace-keeping than issues of development. Without development there will be no prospect for lasting peace. It must be remembered that the United Nations was founded to strengthen multilateral cooperation and to facilitate the establishment of an equitable and balanced international order. Notwithstanding the limitations and short-comings in fulfilling its responsibilities, the United Nations continues to be humanity's best hope in the global pursuit of international peace and security, economic development and social progress. We must lend our support to the United Nations to play the pivotal role in establishing a new world order based on mutual trust and understanding, equality and democratization in international relations. We must live together and work together for a better and safer world as we approach the next century. On this momentous occasion of the 50th Anniversary of the founding of the United Nations let us reaffirm our faith in the United Nations as a centre for harmonizing the actions of nations in the attainment of universal peace, global prosperity and cooperation, and renew our commitment to the principles and purposes of the Charter. (NLM 10/25) Oct. 24: SLORC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt held a ceremony and dinner to mark the 50th Anniversary, attended by most high officials and the Diplomatic Corps, at which Sen-Gen. Than Shwe's Message [see text above] was read. (NLM 10/25) Border Treaty Ratified Oct. 11: A ceremony on exchange of Instruments of Ratification of the Agreement between Myanmar, China, and Laos on the Demarcation of the Trijunction Point of the Common Boundary, was held in Vientiane, Laos. Present were Myanmar Ambassador to Laos U Thein Han, Chinese Ambassador to Laos Mr. Li Jiazhong, and Lao Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs Mr. Phongsavath Boupha. The Agreement had been signed in Yangon on Apr. 8, 1994. (NLM 10/12) UNGA Special Session Oct. 15: Vice-Chairman of the State Law and Order Restoration Council Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Commander-in-Chief (Army) Gen. Maung Aye left for New York to represent Myanmar at the Special UNGA Session celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the United Nations. He was accompanied by Attorney-General U Tha Tun, Minister for National Planning and Economic Development Brig-Gen. Abel, and Minister for Energy U Khin Maung Thein; already in New York are Minister for Foreign Affairs U Ohn Gyaw, Myanmar Ambassador to the US U Thaung, Myanmar Ambassador to the United Kingdom U Hla Maung, and Myanmar Permanent Representative to the UN U Win Mra. Also in the delegation are Adviser to the Ministry of Health Dr. May May Yi, Chairperson Daw Khin Swe Tun of the Myanmar Educational Research Bureau, Head Daw Khin Thein Yi of the Department of Applied Economics of the Institute of Economics, Chief Editor U Kyaw Min of The New Light of Myanmar and other officials from the Defence and Foreign Affairs Ministries and the SLORC Office. (NLM 10/16) Oct. 24: Vice-Chairman of the State Law and Order Restoration Council Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Commander-in-Chief (Army) Gen. Maung Aye addressed the Special Session of the United Nations General Assembly on Oct. 23 [full text]: Mr. President Mr. Secretary-General, Distinguished Head of State and Government, Distinguished Delegates, It gives me great pleasure to address this Fiftieth Anniversary Special Commemorative Session of the United Nations. I would like to congratulate Your Excellency on your election to the high office of President of the General Assembly. On this historic occasion, I wish to pay a special tribute to the successive Secretaries-General for their selfless efforts to promote international peace and security and the well-being of the peoples of the world. I would also like to express our appreciation to the dedicated men and women who have contributed to the cause of the United Nations. Mr. President, Anniversaries not only offer occasion for celebration but also provide opportunity for reflection. This fiftieth anniversary marks a unique opportunity to review the achievements as well as the limitations of the United Nations. The new international situation we now find ourselves in makes it all the more urgent to strengthen the organization to meet the evolving challenges and problems. Mr. President, The international community has changed considerably in the past fifty years. Yet the Charter of the United Nations framed in June 1945 continues to be valid to this day. The principles enshrined in the Charter -- the equality of sovereign States, territorial integrity, political independence of States and the peaceful resolution of conflicts -- must remain inviolate and be faithfully observed in international relations. Erosion of these fundamental principles will undermine the aims and purposes of the Organization. Any attempt to weaken the time-honoured and universally-accepted principles of sovereignty, non-interference in the internal affairs of States, and of self-determination, would be cause for serious concern. In the process of restructuring the United Nations, utmost care must be taken to ensure that the effectiveness of the Organization will be preserved and strengthened. It must not be allowed to become a tool of a few to impose their agenda on the international community. As responsible members of the United Nations, we pledge ourselves to cooperate with the Organization to maintain international peace and security. We recognize that the security of each and every member state is important. Seen from our perspective security entails non-interference in internal affairs and freedom from external pressures. Security is synonymous with the basic right to freely choose one's own political, economic and social systems and to determine one's future in accordance with cherished values and ideals. Only strict adherence to the fundamental principles of the Charter can assure nations of their security. Mr. President, The United Nations was established, "to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war." The framers of the Charter also aspired to turn the United Nations into an "international machinery for the economic and social advancement of all peoples." The ever-widening gap and rising inequities between the developing and developed countries is now greater than ever before. The United Nations has recognized the right to development as a fundamental human right. Without development there will be no prospects for lasting peace. The principal organs of the United Nations should be restructured to reflect the realities of a changing world. Mr. President, Myanmar fully subscribes to the principles and purposes of the Charter. We are of the view that the United Nations must remain the central element of the evolving international order. Notwithstanding its imperfections, the United Nations as a global organization represents the aspirations of the peoples of the world for a better tomorrow. It has generated in the people of Myanmar a sense of belonging to the global community. Myanmar attaches particular importance to the celebration of the fiftieth anniversary of the United Nations. A high-level national committee established to coordinate commemorative celebrations on a national scale has been active throughout the year. Mr. President, The United Nations today stands at cross-roads. Voices are being raised questioning the effectiveness of the Organization. The United Nations needs strong support and understanding if it is to weather the political and economic storms that batter and erode its foundations. There is no better alternative to the United Nations. In an increasingly interdependent world, the United Nations is the only forum for increased multilateral cooperation. The anniversary is an opportune moment to re-dedicate ourselves to the purposes and principles of the Charter and of the spirit of the theme of the fiftieth anniversary. "We the Peoples of the United Nations ...United for a Better World." I would like to reaffirm Myanmar's abiding faith in the United Nations as a centre for harmonizing the actions of nations in the attainment of universal peace and cooperation. I have come here to renew Myanmar's commitment to the principles and purposes of the Charter and to pledge Myanmar's continued cooperation with the United Nations. I deem it appropriate to conclude my address with a quotation from the preamble of the Charter of the United Nations which advises us all to: "PRACTICE TOLERANCE AND LIVE TOGETHER IN PEACE WITH ONE ANOTHER AS GOOD NEIGHBOURS." I thank you, Mr. President. (NLM 10/25) INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION Joint Workshops & Projects Oct. 3: A Workshop on AIDS Control and Related Laws and Policies, jointly sponsored by the Central Committee for Drug Abuse Control and the UN Counsellor Drug Control Programme, opened at the Institute of Nursing. Speakers included Joint Secretary Police Col. Ngwe Soe Tun of the CCDAC, Attache Mr. Chris Harrison of the British Embassy, and UNDP Resident Representative Mr. Siba Kumar Das. (NLM 10/4) Oct. 17: A four-day Workshop on the Rights of the Child, co-sponsored by the National Committee on the Rights of the Child and UNICEF, opened and was addressed by Committee Secretary Director-General of Social Welfare U Than Po and UNICEF Deputy Resident Representative Mr. Tiruneh Sinnshaw. Also present from UNICEF were Ms. Offie C. Valdecanas and Ms. Chen Xaioyu. (NLM 10/18) Oct. 26: A two-day Workshop on Community Forestry Rules and Forestry Extension was held, including officials of the Ministry for Forestry Ministry of Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development, and officials of FAO, UNDP, and other UN agencies, etc. It will review Forestry laws and draft rules, utilization of forest products under the rural forestry programme, and formulation of plans for "rights of rural people to transport and market activities" and future extensive forestry education. (NLM 10/27) Oct. 30: A Seminar on Commercial Loans, co-sponsored by the Central Bank of Myanmar and the United Overseas Bank, represented by Vice-Chairman Mr. Choo Sin Hua, and Vice-Chairman Mr. Soh Chee Seng. 39 personnel of government and private banks are attending. (NLM 10/31) Donations from Abroad [We report here donations apparently from foreign sources, except for donations incidental to the visits of business visitors, etc., which are included in accounts of the visits. 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.] Oct. 5: Managing Director Mr. Jae-Chul Sah of Daewoo Corporation donated an airconditioned Daewoo Tico Dx worth $ 5,000 as a prize in the Mayor's International Marathon set for Dec. 23. (NLM 10/6) Oct. 6: Korean authoress Mrs. Nam Ji Shin donated $ 1,000 to the State Pariyati Sasana Tekkatho (Yangon). Previously, she had donated a copier machine. The presentation was made by Director-General U Myo Myint of the Department of Myanmar Missions Abroad, on behalf of Mrs. Nam Ji Shin. (NLM 10/7) Oct. 6: Presiding Judge Dr. Dietre C. Umbach of the German State Court of Social Welfare, and Mrs. Gabriele Umbach Kunke, his wife, donated $ 500 to the Shwegondine Residential Centre of the Social Welfare Department. (NLM 10/7) Oct. 10: Managing Director Mr. Bambang Sulistyo of Bursa Myanmar Tobacco Co. Ltd. donated an editing machine to the Myanma TV and Radio Department. He was accompanied by various Myanmar businessmen, as well as Media Adviser Mr. Douglass Khoo of Indo-Ad, Indonesia, and Mr. Wilson K.Y. How of MacComm Media Services. (NLM 10/11) Oct. 13: President Dr. Khin Win Shwe of the Daewoo Women's Association in Myanmar presented K 100,000 to the Myanmar Maternal and Child Welfare Association. (NLM 10/ 14) Oct. 13: Chairman Mr. Daijiro Okuyama of S.S.K. Trading (Myanmar) Ltd., and Shonan Setsubi Kogyo Co. Ltd., presented 75 bicycles to the Social Welfare Department. (NLM 10/14) Oct. 16: On behalf of the Fuyo Group, General Manager Mr. Norimichi Kato of Marubeni Corp. donated $20,000 to the Mayor's Marathon. The Group includes Marubeni, Fuji Bank, Yasuda Fire and Marine, Taisei, and N.K.K. Corp. of Japan. (NLM 10/17) Oct. 30: Managing Director Mr. Chang Joo Leigh of Sam San Corp. of Korea donated K 200,000 to the Ministry of Health Dhammayon, and ultrasound equipment worth K 900,000 to the Thingangyun Sanpya Hospital. (NLM 10/31) Border & Regional Affairs Oct. 11: A meeting on Myanmar-Pakistan aviation was held, between a Myanmar delegation led by Director-General U Tin Aye of the Department of Civil Aviation and Deputy Director-General Air Vice Marshal (Retd) Bahar Ul Haque of the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority. Representatives of Myanma Airways International, Myanma Airways, Pakistan Airways, and other bureaus were present. (NLM 10/12) // Oct. 13: Air Vice Marshal Bahar Ul Haque called on Minister for Transport Lt-Gen. Thein Win. (NLM 10/14) Oct. 19: Minister for Trade Lt-Gen. Tun Kyi inspected India-Myanmar border trade in Tamu on Oct. 16, noting that over US$ 4.5 million of goods were imported from India in border trade during the first six months since it was officially opened. (NLM 10/20) Social and Economic Cooperation Oct. 2: An agreement was signed between the Myanma Electric Power Enterprise, represented by Managing Director U Thaung Sein, and the Export-Import Bank of Korea, represented by Director-General Mr. Chung Duck Koo of the Economic Policy Bureau [see also below under Foreign Visitors]. The loan agreement for the Electric Power Distribution Improvement Project, will include procurement of conductors, transformers, and switchgear. (NLM 10/3) Oct. 6: A meeting was held at the Ministry for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs to coordinate "effective use of Japanese agricultural aid worth two billion yen to be granted under Second Kennedy Round (2KR) to Myanmar. Under the project, Japan will present farm machinery and chemical fertilizers for border area development." (NLM 10/7) Oct. 18: A Myanmar-German aviation meeting was held at the Civil Aviation Training Institute. In addition to Myanmar officials, it was attended by representatives of the German Foreign Ministry, Lufthansa, Lufttransport Airlines, and Condor Flug Airline Co., led by Deputy Director of the Air Transport Department of the German Ministry of Transport Dr. Horst Muerl. (NLM 10/19) // Oct. 19: He called on Minister for Transport Lt-Gen. Thein Win. (NLM 10/20) Oct. 19: Japanese Ambassador Takashi Tajima presented a video feature, Japan Yinthwe, to the Ministry of Information. (NLM 10/20) // Oct. 25: The film will be presented on TV on Oct. 26. It was the first Myanma talking movie directed by U Nyi Pu in Japan in 1936, with actors U Nyi Pu, U Maung Maung Soe, and Aye Mi San (Japanese actress). (NLM 10/26) Oct. 30: Japan will provide a grant of 1,625 million ($ 16.25 million) for expansion of the Institute of Nursing. The agreement was signed between Japanese Ambassador Takashi Tajima and Minister for Finance and Revenue Brig-Gen. Win Tin. (NLM 10/ 31) FOREIGN VISITORS [Although we rarely note it, foreign visitors calling on Myanmar officials are often accompanied by their Ambassadors. -- HCMacD.] International Agency Visitors Oct. 2: UNDP Project Implementation Mission leader Mr. Leelananda de Silva called on Minister for Forestry Lt-Gen. Chit Swe to discuss UNDP forestry projects from 1996-1998. (NLM 10/3) // Oct. 3: He called on Minister for National Planning and Economic Development Brig-Gen. Abel, to discuss UNDP projects for 1996-1998. (NLM 10/4) Oct. 6: UNESCO Special Envoy Mr. Ryotaro Sugi, who is also General Secretary of the Japan-Vietnam Cultural Association, called on Deputy Prime Minister Vice-Adm. Maung Maung Khin, and on Minister for Forestry Lt-Gen. Chit Swe. He also donated disposable syringes and needles to the Myanmar Medical Association. (NLM 10/7) // Oct. 7: He called on Minister for Culture Brig-Gen. Thaung Myint. (NLM 10/8) // Oct. 8: He called on Minister for Information Maj-Gen. Aye Kyaw, and he donated $ 1,000 to the Youth Training School of the Social Welfare Ministry. (NLM 10/9) // Oct. 20: He donated $3,100 and a videodeck to the Myanmar Medical Association; Japanese Ambassador Takashi Tajima made the presentation. (NLM 10/21) Oct. 8: Professor Yozo Yokota, Representative of the UN Commission on Human Rights, arrived in Yangon, accompanied by Mr. Karim Ghezraoui. (NLM 10/9) // Oct. 9 They called on Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs U Nyunt Swe. (NLM 10/10) // Oct. 10: He called on Attorney-General U Tha Tun, and on Chief Justice U Aung Toe. (NLM 10/11) // Oct. 11: He called on Minister for National Planning and Economic Development Brig-Gen. Abel. (NLM 10/12) // Oct. 16: He called on Minister for Home Affairs Lt-Gen. Mya Thin, and on SLORC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt. (NLM 10/17) // Oct. 17: He departed, after holding a press conference. "Generally, he said he had observed many people in markets that were full of goods; there were many cars and cycles; and he saw the life of the people improving. There was improvement in the way of living of the people. He saw many people going to restaurants. This indicated progress, he said." He visited a construction site in Kengtung but did not see many people; at the Ayeyarwady Bridge site in Myitkyina he "saw no sign of forced labour.... He said he visited Yangon Insein Prison and the one in Myitkyina. He saw good acceptable conditions in the prison cells, the conditions being better, much better, than those in some other countries." He saw no negative changes in Myanmar, but did mention the rise in the rate of inflation. "He said his having opportunity to meet with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and NLD leaders too was a change for the good." His report would be published in February 1996 and presented to the Human Rights Commission in March. A preliminary report, prepared before his visit, would be published and sent to the UNGA in November. (NLM 10/18) Oct. 26: IAEA Planning Officer Mr. Tomohiko Kita, Regional In-charge of the Asia and Pacific Region, called on Chairman of the Myanmar Atomic Energy Committee Deputy Minister for Industry-2 U Saw Tun. (NLM 10/27) Cultural Visitors Oct. 2: British Legal Expert Mr. Brian Spiro called on Deputy Attorney-General U Khin Maung Aye. (NLM 10/3) Oct. 30: British Examiners Mr. R Smith and Mr. J.H. Steyn, in Myanmar to administer the FRCS Part I [medical] Examination, called on Minister for Health Vice-Adm. Than Nyunt. (NLM 10/31) Medical Visitors Oct. 2: Dr. Joan Coggin, leader of the Loma Linda University Cardiac Team, called on SLORC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt. (NLM 10/3) Oct. 6: A team of Japanese cardiac surgeons led by Dr. Hideo Tamai of Khoto Shiga Hospital, with their Myanmar counterparts, treated 12 cardiac patients at the Defence Services General Hospital from Oct. 3-6, using the Inoue balloon catheter. Cordis Tonokura Co. of Japan presented equipment worth US$ 40,000 for treatment of cardiac patients. This was the team's fifth visit. (NLM 10/7) Oct. 24: Dr. Alein Suisse of Anaesthesia Mission of Medecins Du Monde presented anaesthetic equipment worth US$ 166,110 to the Yangon and Mawlamyine General Hospitals. (NLM 10/25) Oct. 27: Prof. Valdazo of Caen University in Normandy, France, donated surgical instruments worth US$ 5,000 to the Eye, Ear and Nose and Throat Hospital. (NLM 10/28) Business Visitors [May include Governmental delegations with predominantly commercial aims.] Oct. 3: Director Mr. Rendell Hent of Yashing Ozone Industries (S) Pte. Ltd. demonstrated fire extinguishers, at a seminar sponsored by Sinovest (Singapore) Pte. Ltd. and Grade One International Co. Ltd. (NLM 10/4) Oct. 5: President Mr. Paul Barry of the British Consultants Bureau and party called on SLORC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt. They were accompanied by Mr. Robert Anthony Eagleson Gordon (OBE), "who has been accredited as the Ambassador of Britain to Myanmar." He also called on Minister for National Planning and Economic Development Brig-Gen. Abel, and on Minister for Agriculture Lt-Gen. Myint Aung. (NLM 10/6) // Oct. 6: He called on Minister for Transport Lt-Gen. Thein Win, on Minister for Rail Transportation U Win Sein, and on Minister for Hotels and Tourism Lt-Gen. Kyaw Ba. (NLM 10/7) Oct. 6: President Mr. Raymond Lim Sian Heong of the Seafood Industries Association of Singapore and Secretary of the ASEAN Fisheries Federation called on Minister for Trade Lt-Gen. Tun Kyi to discuss "purchase of Myanmar sea fish and prawns and providing fishing-equipment." (NLM 10/7) Oct. 9: President Mr. Lum Choong Wah of Temasek Holdings (Private) Ltd. of Singapore, called on Chairman of the Myanmar Investment Commission Deputy Prime Minister Vice-Adm. Maung Maung Khin. (NLM 10/ 10) // Oct. 10: He called on Yangon Mayor U Ko Lay, and was accompanied by Director Mr. Teo Soon Hoe of the Keppel Group. (NLM 10/11) Oct. 9: Chairman Dr. Tan Sri Datuk Abul Khalid Bin Sahan of Bank Bumiputra Malaysia Berhad, called on Minister for National Planning and Economic Development Brig-Gen. Abel. (NLM 10/10) Oct. 10: Chairman Mr. Keiichi Terada of the Japan Consulting Institute (JCI) and party called on Minister for Energy U Khin Maung Thein, and on Minister for Transport Lt-Gen. Thein Win. (NLM 10/11) Oct. 10: Managing Director Mr. Akira Yukawa of Hitachi Asia Pte. Ltd. and party called on Chairman of the Myanmar Investment Commission Deputy Prime Minister Vice-Adm. Maung Maung Khin. (NLM 10/11) Oct. 11: Executive Chairman Dr. Yeo Ning Hong of Singapore Technologies and party called on SLORC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt, on Minister for National Planning and Economic Development Brig-Gen. Abel, and on Minister for Transport Lt-Gen. Thein Win, and met with Head of Office U Tet Tun Kyaw at the Office of the Minister for Rail Transportation. (NLM 10/12) // Oct. 13: He called on Minister for Energy U Khin Maung Thein. (NLM 10/14) Oct. 12: Managing Director Mr. John Lawrence of Wave Island Holdings Pty. Ltd., Perth, Western Australia, and Mr. Christopher Joseph, called on Minister for Health Vice-Adm. Than Nyunt. (NLM 10/13) Oct. 12: Chairman Lt-Gen. (Retd) Ng Jiu Ping of Chartered Industries, Singapore, called on Minister for Energy U Khin Maung Thein. (NLM 10/13) Oct. 12: Managing Director Mr. N.J. Klaver of Daimler Benz Industries Group (AEG) and party called on Minister for Energy U Khin Maung Thein. (NLM 10/13) Oct. 12: Managing Director Mr. Michio Kinoshita of Chubu Industrial Advancement Centre (CIAC) of Japan and party called on Minister for Energy U Khin Maung Thein. (NLM 10/13) // Oct. 13: The 20-member delegation called on Minister for National Planning and Economic Development Brig-Gen. Abel. (NLM 10/14) Oct. 13: Managing Partner Mr. Bobby Chin of K.P.M.G. Peat Marwick and party called on Chairman of the Myanmar Investment Commission Deputy Prime Minister Vice-Adm. Maung Maung Khin. (NLM 10/14) Oct. 14: A 4-member Indonesian Industry and Trade Delegation led by Assistant Minister for the Coordinating Ministry for Industry and Trade Mr. Bachrum S.A. Harahap arrived at the invitation of the Ministry of Agriculture, to discuss bilateral cooperation in agriculture, mines, and livestock breeding and fisheries. (NLM 10/15) // Oct. 15: The Assistant Minister called on Minister for Forestry Lt-Gen. Chit Swe. (NLM 10/16) // Oct. 16: He called on Deputy Prime Minister Vice-Adm. Maung Maung Khin, and on Deputy Minister for Agriculture U Tin Hlaing. (NLM 10/17) // Oct. 17: He called on SLORC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt, on Minister for Livestock Breeding & Fisheries Brig-Gen. Maung Maung, and on Deputy Minister for Trade U Aung Thaung, before leaving for home. (NLM 10/18) Oct. 17: A delegation from the Franco-Thai Chamber of Commerce, led by Mr. Gilbert Salvi, called on Deputy Minister for Trade U Aung Thaung, and on Minister for Finance and Revenue Brig-Gen. Win Tin. (NLM 10/18) Oct. 18: Executive Vice-President Mr. Yamaga and delegation of NKK Corporation of Japan called on Chairman of the Myanmar Investment Commission Deputy Prime Minister Vice-Adm. Maung Maung Khin, and on Minister for Transport Lt-Gen. Thein Win. An NKK Corp. branch office was opened at the Strand Hotel, where the company hosted a dinner. (NLM 10/19) // Oct. 19: The delegation called on Yangon Mayor U Ko Lay. (NLM 10/20) Oct. 20: The Higher Education Department signed a contract with Chairman Mr. Christopher P. Harney of Arvin International Inc. of the United States for the purchase of US$ 500,000 worth of books on science and technology. Last year Arvin International donated books on advanced learning through the Myanmar UNESCO National Commission. (NLM 10/21) Oct. 24: A 30-member delegation of the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce, led by Mr. Simon K.Y. Lee, called on Minister for Finance and Revenue Brig-Gen. Win Tin, and on Deputy Prime Minister Lt-Gen. Tin Tun. (NLM 10/25) // Oct. 26: The delegation met with Myanmar entrepreneurs and members of the Myanmar Chamber of Commerce and Industry. (NLM 10/27) Oct. 26: Manager Mr. Yasumitsu of Glencore Far East AG of Japan and party called on Chairman of the Myanmar Investment Commission Deputy Prime Minister Vice-Adm. Maung Maung Khin to discuss the mining sector and investments. (NLM 10/27) Oct. 26: President Mr. Kenneth MacLeod of International Panorama Resource Corp. called on Deputy Prime Minister Lt-Gen. Tin Tun. (NLM 10/27) Oct. 26: Director Mr. Robert Duffin of Mandalay Mining Co. N.L. of Australia and party called on Minister for Mines Lt-Gen. Kyaw Min; the company has "applied for undertaking Namtu Mines under joint venture." (NLM 10/27) Oct. 26: Managing Director Mr. Zenichi Ishikawa of Daiwa Research Ltd. of Japan and party called on Chairman of the Myanmar Investment Commission Deputy Prime Minister Vice-Adm. Maung Maung Khin. Later, Mr. Ishikawa explained "work and methods for sale of bonds in Myanmar." (NLM 10/27) Religious Visitors Oct. 4: Rev. Shi Neng Xiu, Buddhist Abbot of Damang Temple and party of Young Zu in China called on Yangon Mayor U Ko Lay. (NLM 10/5) // Oct. 6: The delegation, which included Deputy Director Mr. Yanghuaiyi of Young Zu Religious Affairs Department of Kyaing Su Province, and Deputy Mayor of Young Zu Mr. Huang Xue Qi, departed. (NLM 10/7) Oct. 25: An 18-member Bangladesh religious delegation, including 5 monks and 13 lay persons, led by Sangha Raja U Sila Lankara, arrived at the invitation of the Ministry of Religious Affairs. (NLM 10/26) // Oct. 26: It called on State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee Chairman Sayadaw Abhidhaja Maha Rattha Guru Abhidhaja Agga Maha Saddhamma Jotika Bhaddanta Sobhita. Later it visited the Tooth Relic Pagoda construction site and other pagodas in Yangon. (NLM 10/27) // Oct. 28: The delegation visited Bago. (NLM 10/29) // Oct. 30: The delegation visited Mandalay. (NLM 10/31) Oct. 30: A 9-member Laos Buddhist Delegation led by venerable Phra Bounsung Chamleum Souk arrived to seek Myanmar suggestions for "promotion and propagation of the Patipatti Sasana" in Laos. (NLM 10/ 31) Media Visitors Oct. 13: Mr. Saeki and officials of Yomiuri Shimbun of Japan called on Minister for Forestry Lt-Gen. Chit Swe, to discuss aid for reforestation of tropical zones in Myanmar in honor of Yomiuri Shimbun's 120th anniversary. (NLM 10/14) Oct. 16: Bangkok Bureau Chief Mr. Katsuhiko Meshino of Nihon Keizai Shimbun of Tokyo called on Minister for Livestock Breeding & Fisheries Brig-Gen. Maung Maung. (NLM 10/18) Korean Economic Official Oct. 2: Director-General Mr. Chung Duck Koo of the International Economic Policy Bureau of the Korean Ministry of Finance and Economy called on Minister for National Planning and Economic Development Brig-Gen. Abel. He was also received by Deputy Prime Minister Vice-Adm. Maung Maung Khin. (NLM 10/3) Bangladesh Parliamentarian Oct. 5: Deputy Leader Prof. A.Q.M. Badrudozza Chowdhury of the Bangladesh Parliament arrived on an official visit at the invitation of Minister at the Prime Minister's Office Col. Pe Thein, who hosted a dinner for him. (NLM 10/6) // Oct. 9: He called on SLORC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt. (NLM 10/9) // Oct. 9: He departed. (NLM 10/10) Thai Delegations Oct. 10: A 32-member Thai goodwill delegation led by Deputy Minister of Commerce Sub-Lt. Pairote Suwunchwee called on Minister for National Planning and Economic Development Brig-Gen. Abel, on Minister for Forestry Lt-Gen. Chit Swe, and on Minister for Trade Lt-Gen. Tun Kyi. (NLM 10/11) Oct. 22: A 16-member Thai Parliamentary delegation led by First Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Mr. Grich Gongpech arrived on an official visit, at the invitation of Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs U Nyunt Swe. (NLM 10/23) // Oct. 23: The delegation visited the Shwedagon Pagoda, and went to Kyauktan. In the evening, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs U Nyunt Swe hosted a dinner. (NLM 10/24) // Oct. 24: the delegation called on Minister for Home Affairs Lt-Gen. Mya Thin, on Chief Justice U Aung Toe, and on SLORC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt. It then departed for home. (NLM 10/25) German Deputy Aid Minister Oct. 18: German Deputy Minister of Economic Cooperation Mr. Wighard Hardtl and delegation called on Deputy Prime Minister Vice-Adm. Maung Maung Khin to discuss investments and economic cooperation. (NLM 10/19) Oct. 19: He called on Minister for Finance and Revenue Brig-Gen. Win Tin, and was received by SLORC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt. (NLM 10/20) Vietnam Home Minister Oct. 25: A 7-man goodwill delegation led by Vietnam Minister for Home Affairs Mr. Bui Thien Ngo arrived at the invitation of Minister for Home Affairs Lt-Gen. Mya Thin, who hosted a dinner. (NLM 10/26) Oct. 26: He called on Minister for Home Affairs Lt-Gen. Mya Thin, and was received by SLORC Chairman Senior General Than Shwe. (NLM 10/27) Oct. 27: He called on Yangon Mayor U Ko Lay. (NLM 10/28) Oct. 29: He visited Mandalay and Sagaing Divisions on Oct. 28-29. (NLM 10/30) Oct. 30: He called on Minister for Home Affairs Lt-Gen. Mya Thin. (NLM 10/31) Laos Defence Minister Oct. 27: An 18-member Laos goodwill military delegation headed by Minister for Defence Lt-Gen. Choummaly Sayasong arrived at the invitation of Minister at the SLORC Chairman's Office Lt-Gen. Min Thein. The Minister was received by SLORC Chairman Senior General Than Shwe. A dinner was hosted by Lt-Gen. Min Thein. (NLM 10/ 28) // Oct. 29: He flew to Mandalay by special plane on Oct. 28, and visited Mandalay and Pyin-Oo-Lwin, returning to Yangon Oct. 29. On Oct. 29 he visited the National Defence College at Konmyintha in Yangon, and the No. 435 Bn LIR. (NLM 10/30) // Oct. 30: He visited the Shwedagon Pagoda, prior to departing for home. (NLM 10/31) MYANMAR DELEGATIONS Study Delegations Oct. 3: Deputy Director U Tin Hla of the Department of Technical, Agricultural and Vocational Education left Sept. 30 for Manila to attend a special course on computer-based instruction materials development, under the Colombo Plan. (NLM 10/4) Oct. 3: A delegation led by Minister for Immigration and Population Lt-Gen. Maung Hla left "to study UNHCR activities in African States and functions of UNHCR Headquarters." He is accompanied by Director-General U Maung Aung of the Immigration and Manpower Department, Director U Win Myint of the Border Immigration Inspection and Control Head Office, and Programme Manager U Aye of UNHCR. (NLM 10/ 4) // Oct. 22: The delegation returned. (NLM 10/23) Oct. 6: Assistant Lecturer Daw Khine Khine Nyunt of the Department of Information Science, Institute of Computer Science and Technology, left for Singapore to attend a two-month course on Relational Data-Base Management System and Applications, under the Colombo Plan. (NLM 10/7) Oct. 9: Deputy General Manager U Aung Khin of Myanma Agricultural Produce Trading left for Korea to attend the Oct. 10-13 Regional Seminar on Developing Competitive Cooperative Marketing System under Trade Liberalization. (NLM 10/10) Oct. 13: Director U Htin Aung of the Labour Department left for Singapore to attend the Oct. 16-18 Meeting on Human Resource Management in the Emerging Markets. (NLM 10/14) Oct. 15: A 31-member delegation headed by Director-General U Arnt Kyaw of the Department of Human Settlement and Housing Development left to "study rural development services, construction of industrial zones and management of housing complexes in Malaysia (Oct. 15-20) and Singapore (Oct. 21-25). It includes 3 officials from the Department, 2 from Public Works, 2 from Yangon City Development Committee, 2 from Mandalay City Development Committee, 1 from the Attorney-General's office, 31 entrepreneurs, architects, and engineers, and an Executive Committee member from the Mandalay USDA. (NLM 10/16) Oct. 18: Staff Officers Daw Ni Ni Yin and Daw Khin Khin Lay of the Labour Department left for Israel to attend the second Workshop on Role of Women in Labour Affairs from Oct. 22-Nov. 20. (NLM 10/19) Oct. 22: Deputy General Manager U Ye Htut of Myanmar Agricultural Produce Trading left for Korea to attend an Oct. 24-31 Study Meeting on Agricultural Trade Policy. (NLM 10/23) Oct. 23: Deputy Director U Than Tun of Ayeyawady Division Internal Revenue Department left for Jakarta to attend the Oct. 24-26 5th Symposium on Tax Policy and Reforms in the Asian and Pacific Region sponsored by the Asian Development Bank. (NLM 10/24) Oct. 24: A delegation led by Deputy Director U Aung Oo Kyaw of the Hotels and Tourism Department left for Japan to attend a 6-month course for hotel operators sponsored by Maha Toe Travels & Tours Co. Ltd. of Myanmar and Asia Fellowship Society of Japan. (NLM 10/25) Delegations to Meetings & Events Oct. 1: An 8-member delegation led by Minister for Communications, Posts & Telegraphs U Soe Tha left for Geneva to attend the World Telecoms '95 Exhibition from Oct. 3-11. (NLM 10/2) // Oct. 11: The delegation returned. (NLM 10/12) Oct. 3: A delegation led by Minister for Finance and Revenue Brig-Gen. Win Tin left for Washington to attend the Annual Conference of the IMF and the World Bank. He was accompanied by Governor U Kyi Aye of the Central Bank of Myanmar, Director-General U Thein Aung Lwin of the Foreign Economic Relations Department, Deputy Director U Tin Win and Staff Officer Lt. Min Zaw Oo, and the Ministers PSO U Khin Maung Aye. (NLM 10/4) // Oct. 16: The delegation returned. The Minister had met with World Bank Vice-President Mr. Cheethan and IMF Managing Director Mr. Camdesus, as well as with private bank officials. (NLM 10/17) Oct. 4: A delegation led by Deputy Attorney-General U Khin Maung Aye left for China to attend an Oct. 6-10 International Anti-Bribery Conference. Other members are Director-General U Than Myint of the Bureau of Special Investigation and Supreme Court Director U Tin Aye. (NLM 10/5) // Oct. 14: The delegation returned. (NLM 10/15) Oct. 11: A 33-member delegation led by Assistant Manager Daw Khin Than Win of Myanma Hotels and Tourism Services left to attend the Oct. 14-24 Asia Travel Mart in Singapore. "Performance of Myanmar traditional dances, serving of Myanmar food, display of Myanmar handicrafts, and gems, advertisement of travelling goods, paper reading on tourism investment and Press conference will be included at the mart." Delegation leader Deputy Minister for Hotels and Tourism Brig-Gen. Tin Aye and others will leave on Oct. 14. Myanmar participation was arranged by Singapore Myanmar International Leisure Enterprise (SMILE), Summit Park View Hotel, and Air Mandalay. (NLM 10/12) // Oct. 14: Deputy Minister for Hotels and Tourism Brig-Gen. Tin Aye left for the Asia Travel Mart. (NLM 10/15) // Oct. 20: The Deputy Minster returned. (NLM 10/ 21) // Oct. 25: The rest of the delegation returned. (NLM 10/26) Oct. 15: A delegation led by Minister for Industry-2 Maj-Gen. Kyaw Than left for New Delhi to attend the Oct. 19-20 Ministerial-level Meeting on Asia and Pacific Industrial Development and Competitive Progress co-sponsored by UNIDO and ESCAP. He was accompanied by Managing Director U Myint Thein Lwin of Myanma Heavy Industries, Director Col. Aung Hlaing of Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, Factory Manager U Than Htut of No. 3 MHI factory, and the Minister's PSO Capt. Naing Naing Oo. Before the meeting, the delegation will visit Indian industries, and will visit Indonesia and Singapore on the way home. (NLM 10/16) // Oct. 27: The delegation returned. (NLM 10/28) // Oct. 28: The Minister addressed the meeting on Oct. 20, pledging Myanmar cooperation in industrial development. On Oct. 16, he called on Indian Minister of Industry Mr. K. Karunakaran; on Oct. 17-18 he visited a tyre factory in Gwalior and the Gujarat Tractor Corp. Ltd. in Baroda. On Oct. 21 he visited Indonesia, and called on Minister of Industry Mr. T. Arawibowo and the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and visited factories producing nylon thread for the PT Gadjah Tunggal Tyre Factory. On Oct. 24 he visited Singapore and visited the Natsteel Mill iron smelting facility, Jurong Town Corporation, and Jurong Shipyards Ltd. (NLM 10/29) Religious Delegations Oct. 4: A Myanmar Buddhist delegation of 50 Sangha members and 10 lay persons, led by Chairman Myingyan Koehsaungtaik Sayadaw Abhidhaja Maha Ratha Guru Abhidhaja Agga Maha Saddhammajotika Bhaddanta Sobhita of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee, and Deputy Minister for Religious Affairs U Aung Khin left for Japan to consecrate the Nan Zum Reclining Buddha image at Fukuoka at the invitation of the Asia Buddhist Association of Japan. (NLM 10/5) // Oct. 11: The delegation returned. (NLM 10/12) Oct. 14: Agga Maha Ganthavacaka Nun Daw Gunawady, "who has been performing religious duties in Nepal for 30 years," presided at a ceremony to donate cash for construction of a Myanmar-Nepalese Nunnery. 54 donors gave K 1.15 million. (NLM 10/15) Oct. 18: Sayadaw Agga Maha Pandita Bhaddanta Kosalla of the State Central Working Committee of the Sangha left for Thailand for propagation of Theravada Buddhism; he is the author of the treatise Paramattha Rupadipani in English. He will visit Singapore, India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Indonesia. (NLM 10/19) Oct. 20: 94 devotees of the Buddha Gaya Missionary Group will leave Oct. 23 on a pilgrimage to Lumbini and Buddha Gaya in India. (NLM 10/21) // Oct. 23: The delegation, led by Nyaungkanaye Sayadaw Bhaddanta Indaka departed for Thailand, India, and Nepal. The pilgrimage will last 28 days, and will include Kathina robes offering in Calcutta on Oct. 28, temporary ordination to monkhood in Gaya on Oct. 31, and enshrinement of the Lawkananda Sulamani Pagoda in Lumbini Park in Nepal from Oct. [sic--presumably November] 15-17. (NLM 10/24) Oct. 28: Vice Chairman of Local Theravada Ovadacariya Committee Sayadaw Bhaddanta Sobana (Agga Maha Pandita) left for Japan to "say prayer to mark the 50th anniversary of the end of the World War" at the invitation of Mr. Iki Ikida, Chairman of the Japan Buddhist Association. (NLM 10/29) Oct. 28: Sayadaw Pannadipa (Agga Maha Saddhammajotika) of World Vipassana Beikman Kyaung left for Japan to attend a Preservation of Environment Conference on Promotion of Buddhism at the invitation of Managing Director Dr. Shugi Tamura of the Industrial Coordination Board. (NLM 10/29) Oct. 28: A Myanmar Buddhist delegation consisting of Vice-Chairman of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee Agga Maha Pandita Bhaddanta Kitti, and Joint Secretary Agga Maha Pandita Bhaddanta Panna Siha, and led by State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee Chairman Abhidhaja Maha Rattha Guru Abhidhaja Saddhammajotika Mingyan Koehsaungtaik Sayadaw Bhaddanta Sobhita left for Korea at the invitation of the Korean Buddhist Association to attend a ceremony to enshrine Buddha's Relics in Taegu. (NLM 10/29) Business Delegations Oct. 12: A 31-member delegation led by Managing Director U Myo Min of Restaurant and Beverage Enterprise left for Japan to study tourism at the invitation of Nihon Keizai Shimbun Co. Ltd. and Mitsui & Co. A cultural dance group led by Daw Thida Win and General Manager U Soe Win Oo will give performances in Tokyo (Oct. 15-17) and Kyoto (Oct. 18-19) to promote Myanma tourism. (NLM 10/13) // Oct. 24: The delegation returned. There were cultural dances in Tokyo and Kyoto. (NLM 10/25) FAO Meetings Oct. 7: A delegation led by Minister for Agriculture Lt-Gen. Myint Aung left to attend the Ministerial Meeting on Food Sufficiency in Quebec, Canada, and the 28th Conference of the Food and Agriculture Organization in Rome. Delegation members include Managing Director U Sein Win of the Myanma Agriculture Service, Director U Tin Htut Oo of the Agricultural Planning Department, Secretary U Saw Maw Tun of the Bago Division USDA, Secretary U Saw Aung Zeya of the Toungoo District USDA, and the Minister's PSO Capt. Moe Aung Chaw. En route to Rome, the delegation will study agricultural development in Japan for five days. A second delegation will leave for Rome on Oct. 16, including Managing Director U Tin Aung of Myanma Perennial Crops Enterprise, Director Dr. Kyi Win and Deputy Director U Kyi Win of Agriculture Planning Department, Director U Maung Maung Nyunt of Planning and Statistics Department, Director U Shwe Kyaw of Forest Department. (NLM 10/8) Oct. 15: Minister for Agriculture Lt-Gen. Myint Aung spoke in Quebec on Oct. 14 {full text in NLM} outlining Myanmar's programs for ensuring food for all, through multi-dimensional agricultural strategies to: "(1) achieve sustainable higher growth; (2) equally distribute the benefits so derived among all regions; (3) optimize the investment directed at the sector; and (4) prevent environmental degradation." (NLM 10/ 16) Oct. 23: Minister for Agriculture Lt-Gen. Myint Aung addressed the FAO Conference in Rome on Oct. 21 [full text in NLM]. He reviewed progress in Myanmar food production, noting that "sufficiency and security in food is the most basic human right ...." He also discussed Myanmar's move to a market-oriented economic system, and the drafting of a democratic constitution by the National Convention. Noting that agriculture-based countries depend upon primary commodities trade for their development, he said they "should, on that account, be assured an unimpeded access to the world market and world market information." Now they have to contend with "trade barriers of all kinds including subsidies perpetrated by the developing [sic--probaby meant developed] countries. Only when such practices that engender unfair trade could be removed, would there be efficiency in the world economy." (NLM 10/24) Oct. 25: The delegation returned. En route to Canada, the delegation visited Japan Oct. 7-12, at the invitation of Upper House Speaker and Agricultural Development Association (ADCA) Chairman Mr. Okabe; it also met with Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, Livestock Breeding and Fisheries Mr. Hosei Norota on Oct. 11. It also met with over 150 persons at a meeting sponsored by ADCA at Tokyo's Palace Hotel. It also met with Japanese multi-national corporations, and signed Memoranda of Understanding with Marubeni Corporation on "cooperation in vegetables and fruits cultivation and production," and with Mitsubishi Corporation on cooperation in "edible Oil crops cultivation, mining, and production." In Canada, in addition to speaking at the FAO 50th Anniversary [see above], the Minister met with officials and observed agricultural research. Arriving in Rome on Oct. 21 for the FAO 28th Session, where the Minister also spoke [above], the Minister met with FAO Director-General Mr. Jacques Diouf on Oct. 20, and left Italy on Oct. 22. Ambassador U Khin Nyein and others will remain at the FAO session until it ends on Nov. 2. (NLM 10/26) World Conference on Women Oct. 7: Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement Maj-Gen. Soe Myint, leader of the Myanmar delegation to the Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing reported on the meeting. The Minister described various preliminary meetings in which Myanmar had participated. The delegation leader and Dr. May May Yi also attended the Second Meeting of First Ladies of Asia Pacific Region on Advancement of Rural & Island Women, at the China World Hotel. The delegation called on Lao Minister of Civil Affairs Mr. Doge Cering, and received Lao and Cambodian women's delegations at the Myanmar Embassy. Also speaking were delegation members Adviser to the Health Ministry Prof. Dr. May May Yi, Prof. Daw Yi Yi Myint of the Institute of Economics, and Patron of the Magway MCWA Dr. Tin Lin Myint. (NLM 10/8) Delegations Return [Return of delegations whose departure was noted in early issues, or whose departure NLM did not cover] Oct. 3: The Myanmar labour delegation led by Minister for Labour Lt-Gen. Aye Thoung returned Sept. 29 from his visit to China. On Sept. 21 he called on Chinese Labour Minister Mr. Li Boy Yong (who later hosted a dinner), and on Vice-Chairman Mr. Li Jishing of the All-China Federation of trade Unions. On Sept. 22 he visited the Labour Employment Head Office in Beijing, and studied the feedstuff industry run by the Labour Employment Division. On the 23rd, he called on Deputy Prime Minister Mr. Wu Banggyo. On Sept. 24, he we on to Shanghai, and on the 25th toured Labour Department activities in Shanghai and the Fudon Economic Development Zone; in the evening Vice-Governor Mr. Mang Cian of Shanghai hosted a dinner. On Sept. 26, he visited a bicycle factory in Xianjian and was given dinner by Vice-Governor Mr. Li Decheng. On Sept. 28, he went on to Hong Kong and visited the Provisional Airport Authority; he returned to Yangon on September 29. (NLM 10/4) Oct. 3: The delegation led by Minister for Cooperatives U Than Aung returned from the Centennial Conference of International Cooperatives Alliance (ICA) held in Manchester, England. On the way back, the delegation studied the Cooperatives Agriculture Organization in Paris, and the World Foodstuff Trade Fair in Cologne. (NLM 10/4) Oct. 5: The Myanmar delegation led by Director-General Daw Khin Than Tin of the Auditor-General's Office returned from Incosai XV of the International Organization of Supreme Audit Institutions, held in Cairo Sept. 24-Oct. 2. (NLM 10/6) Oct. 6: Assistant Surgeon Dr. Swe Swe Hlaing of the Nutritional Development and Research Division of the Health Department reported on her four-months' study nutritional development activities in Indonesia, which she visited with WHO assistance. (NLM 10/7) Oct. 19: Managing Director U Khin Shwe of Zaygabar Co. Ltd. returned from Japan where he discussed Myanmar investment opportunities in Hakata and Yokohama at the invitation of Mitsui Co. Ltd. (NLM 10/ 20) Oct. 19: A Myanmar delegation led by Deputy Minister for Industry-2 U Saw Tun returned from the East Asian Young Leaders Congress '95 held in Beijing on Oct. 8-15. The Deputy Minister addressed the Congress on Oct. 9, saying that Myanmar's adoption of the market-oriented economic system and social programs "is the essence in assuring democracy, human rights and freedom in the country...." Also speaking was delegation member Lt-Col. Than Tun, a member of the National Convention Convening Commission. Other delegates were National Convention delegate U Saw Hla Tun, Yangon Division USDA Secretary U Aye Myint, and Myeik District USDA officer Daw Than Than Aye. 92 delegates from 15 countries (Brunei, Cambodia, North Korea, South Korea, Japan, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar, Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore, and China) as well as from ESCAP. The Myanmar delegation also visited Shanghai and Yangyo, and returned to Yangon Oct. 19. (NLM 10/20) Oct. 22: The delegation led by General Manager U Soe Win of Myanmar Hotels and Tourism Services returned from Japan after promoting Myanmar Tourism Services at the invitation of Nihon Keizai Shimbun Co. Ltd. and Mitsui & Co., Japan. (NLM 10/23) MYANMAR GAZETTE Probationary Appointments The SLORC appointed the following, on probation: Oct. 4: Dr. Than Swe, Deputy Director-General, to be Director-General, Medical Research Department, Ministry of Health. U Ye Tun, Director, to be Managing Director, Technical Service, Ministry of Industry-2. Dr. Myint Naing, Professor/Department Head, to be Rector, Institute of Dental Medicine, Ministry of Health. (NLM 10/5) Oct. 11: U Arnt Kyaw, Deputy Director-General, to be Director-General, Foreign Economic Relations Department, Ministry of National Planning and Economic Development. (NLM 10/12) MILITARY Surrenders by Armed Group Members Oct. 1: 11 members of the Loimaw drug trafficking group returned to the legal fold Sept. 18 in Monghsat Township [names and weapons. (NLM 10/2) Oct. 3: Eight members of the ABSDF armed group returned to the legal fold Sept. 29-30 at Myawady Tatmadaw camp [names]. (NLM 10/4) Oct. 16: Seven members of the Loimaw drug trafficking armed group returned to the legal fold Oct. 6 in Monghsat Township [names and details]. (NLM 10/17) Oct. 17: Seven members of the KNU armed group returned to the legal fold Oct. 13 at Taungthonlone camp in South-East Command [names and details]. (NLM 10/18) Oct. 19: Between Sept. 19-30, 38 members of various armed groups returned to the legal fold [names and details], bringing the total for September to 79. (NLM 10/20) [We cannot find any article reporting surrenders from Sept. 1-18--HCMacD.] Oct. 23: 18 members (including families) of various armed groups returned to the legal fold on Oct. 15-16 [names and details]. (NLM 10/24) Oct. 25: Two remnant members of the BCP armed group returned to the legal fold Oct. 18 in South-East Command [names and details]. (NLM 10/26) GOVERNMENT Police Force Renamed Sept. 30: SLORC Order No. 1/95 of September 13; Subject: Changing of name from "Union of Myanmar People's Police Force" to "Myanmar Police Force" reads as follows [full text]: 1. The State Law and Order Restoration Council hereby changes "Union of Myanmar People's Police Force" to "Myanmar Police Force". 2. "People's Police Force" included in the existing laws, rules, procedures, orders and directives shall be deemed to have been substituted with "Myanmar Police Force". 3. This Order shall (a) have the force of law; (b) be effective 1 October 1995. By order Sd. Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt Secretary-1 State Law and Order Restoration Council (NLM 10/1) Gems Bye-laws Oct. 4: The Ministry of Mines introduced the Myanmar Gemstone Bye-laws to implement the Myanmar Gemstone Law promulgated as SLORC Law No. 8/95 on September 29, 1995. They include nine chapters covering different aspects of the Law. "Interested persons may contact the Ministry of Mines and Myanmar Gems Enterprise for details." (NLM 10/5) Oct. 14: Ministry of Mines Order No. 74/95 of Oct. 14 requires "any person who has owned or possessed raw gemstones [as defined by the Law of Sept. 29, 1995] by prospecting or by any other means since before the promulgation of the law...to report to Myanma Gems Enterprise or the MGE's respective township branch office for registration not later than 15 November 1995.... In so registering, the person has the right to exemption of tax to be paid in kyat under Section 27 of the Myanmar Gemstone Law...." (NLM 10/15) Armed Forces Day Oct. 11: The following were announced as Objectives of the 51st Armed Forces Day on March 27, 1996 [full text]: -- to give priority to national defence for stability of the State, community peace and tranquillity and prevalence of law and order; -- to direct efforts toward modernization of the Tatmadaw to be able to provide full protection to the emerging new, modern and developed nation; -- to actively contribute to realization of the political, economic and social objectives of the State; -- to unswervingly accomplish the aims for the Tatmadaw to be able to participate in the political leadership role of the future State. Speaking to the Leading Committee for the occasion, Chairman SLORC Secretary-2 Lt-Gen. Tin Oo "said certain big nations are meddling in other nations on the pretext of human rights, inventing weapons, instigating feuds between smaller nations and selling weapons. These nations, he said, employ all available means and resort to guile and wiles to float rumours with intent to create feuds between races in a nation or between nations and, on the pretext of human rights, paid small amounts to those who pine for the aunt over the shoulders of the own mother [sic] for concocting news." (NLM 10/12) Independence Day Committee Oct. 18: Myanmar Government Notification No. 18/95 of Oct. 18 establishes the 1996, 48th Anniversary Independence Day Celebrations Central Committee. Chairman is SLORC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt; Vice-Chairman is SLORC Secretary-2 Lt-Gen. Tin Oo; there are 33 members (all officials), and a Secretary. (NLM 10/19) Veterinary Council Law Oct. 19: SLORC Law No. 9/95 of Oct. 19, the Veterinary Council Law [full text in NLM], establishes a Veterinary Council under the Ministry of Livestock Breeding and Fisheries, composed of seven veterinary surgeons named for four years by the Minister (including the Chairman), another seven elected by registered Veterinary Surgeons, and a Registration Officer. The Council is to receive an act on applications for registration as Veterinary Surgeons or Auxiliaries, prescribe a Veterinary Code of Ethics, punish violators, arrange international recognition of Veterinary Science degrees, advise the government, etc. (NLM 10/20) Provisions are made for registration of Veterinary Surgeons and Veterinary Auxiliaries, and for their discipline. (NLM 10/21) ECONOMIC Economic Articles Oct. 1-2: Economic reforms in Myanmar, by Soe Myint. [Paper outlining Myanmar's economic reforms, given by Dr. Tin Soe of the Institute of Economics at the Sept. 20 Special Seminar on Myanmar before the World Economic Forum in Singapore {full text on NLM}]. Oct. 3: Legal framework in the Union of Myanmar, by Soe Myint. [Excerpts from paper on the legal framework of Myanmar, given by Dr. Tun Shin, Legal Adviser to the Ministry of National Planning and Economic Development at the Special Seminar on Myanmar in September. Survey of various aspects of Myanmar law relating to foreign economic activity.] Oct. 5: Towards the first Europe-Asia Government Meeting, by Soe Myint. [The Europe/East Asia Economic Summit held in Singapore proposed the convening of an Asia-Europe Government Meeting in Thailand in March 1996, and identified seven areas for priority action where tangible results can be achieved in a short period, namely: "(1) Strengthening of the multi-lateral trading system; (2) Expanding and improving bilateral trade relations; (3) Expanding financial and investment flows between the two regions; (4) Intensifying technology cross-flows between the two regions; (5) Strengthening the infrastructures in East Asia with increased European economic presence in the region; (6) Broadening the political dialogue and co-operation; (7) Cultural and education co-operation."] Oct. 9: 9 October 1995 -- 121st anniversary of the UPU, by Mra Hin. [Brief celebration of the Universal Postal Union anniversary.] Economic Inaugurations Oct. 1: The Ga Mone Pwint Department Store opened at 245 Bagaya Road, Myanigon, attended by Daw Khin Than Nwe, wife of SLORC Secretary-2 Lt-Gen. Tin Oo, Minister for Finance and Revenue Brig-Gen. Win Tin, and other high officials. (NLM 10/2) Oct. 1: The Road to Mandalay was launched at Thilawa Port, by KLN Group, represented by U Yan Naung Oo, in partnership with Myanmar Hotels and Cruises of Singapore-based Sea Containers (Eastern and Oriental) Co., represented by Chairman Mr. Bjerrum and Director Capt. Brian Hills. Purchased at a cost of US$ 16 million, including transport from Hamburg, it has 72 cabins, amusement hall, restaurant, swimming pool, bar and a separate sun-bathing deck. Beginning in 1996, it will operate cruises between Bagan and Mandalay. The crew includes "foreign technicians and 75 locals." (NLM 10/2) Oct. 5: Director Mr. Lee Kin Yui of Sinamex Group opened the Philips Sales Centre at 157 Sule Pagoda Road, in the presence of local representative Mr. Tony Lim and others. (NLM 10/6) // Oct. 7: Sinamex Senior Manager Mr. Simon Peter Tan of Singapore opened a products demonstration, and products were explained by Country Manager for Indochina Mr. Tony Lim, Mr. Wong Kim Whatt, and Mr. Victor Tan. A dinner was given. (NLM 10/8) Oct. 20: A shop of wood-substitute fuels and stoves, produced by the Camp Commandant's Office of the Ministry of Defence, opened at 112 Pyay Road, 8th Mile, Yangon. Production and sale of briquettes began in January 1995, and 14 shops, including this one, have been opened in Yangon Division. (NLM 10/21) Oct. 21: The 231-room Baiyoke Kandawgyi Hotel held its "soft opening" with a dinner addressed by Minister for Hotels and Tourism Lt-Gen. Kyaw Ba. It had been the Union Club during colonial times, and reopened as the 19-room Kandawgyi Hotel in 1980; in 1982 it became a hotel training school run by UNDP and the World Tourism Organization. In 1993 it was leased to Baiyoke Kandawgyi Hotel Co. Ltd. (NLM 10/22) Oct. 27: Asia Light Co. Ltd. opened a supermarket at 106 Setyon Road in Mingala Taungnyunt Township, Yangon. The company "has been established by youths of various national races with an aim at helping raise the living standard of the people in consonance with improving economic conditions in Myanmar." Goods include food and beverages, electrical and electronic appliances, stationery, dolls and toys, household goods, cosmetics, and travelling articles. (NLM 10/28) Oct. 29: SLORC Chairman Senior General Than Shwe attended the inauguration of the Natmauk Reservoir in Magway Division, which will irrigate 43,200 acres of multi-cropping. He also inspected other irrigation works in Upper Myanmar. [photos] (NLM 10/30) Advertisements =========================================== Singapore's Biggest Supermarket Chain is now open Myanmar FairPrice Business Hours: 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. daily. Place: Gate No. 3, Yangon Military Command, Kaba Aye Pagoda Road, Mayangone Township Telephone & Fax: 65296 Value For Money. Freshness Guarantee. Service Excellence. (NLM 10/13) =========================================== Oct. 16,21,28: Full page ad for JVC (Victor Company of Japan, Ltd.), with details of various models of TVs, videorecorders, and hi-fi sets. Buyers will be entered in a lottery for three Daewoo cars. List of JVC dealers in Myanmar. (NLM 10/16,21,28) Oct. 30: Full page ad for Myanmar Airways International, announcing five weekly flights to Singapore (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday: UB-231,232 leaving Yangon at 12.30 and Singapore at 17.55 hours). (NLM 10/30) Foreign Investment Projects Oct. 10: A contract to build a world-class hotel at a 1.6 acre site on the corner of Tawwin and Kinwun Mingyi Streets, Dagon Township, Yangon, was signed between the Department of Human Settlement and Housing Development (DHSHD), represented by Director-General U Arnt Kyaw, and PRAFMI Pansea Hotel Development Co. Ltd., represented by Managing Director Mr. Patrick Robert, signed a contract to renovate and restore to its original style the Pansea Hotel and to construct a new 27-room modern hotel, swimming pool, gymnasium, restaurant, and park. (NLM 10/11) Oct. 15: President Miss Chanya and Chief Engineer Mr. Damlon of Asia Lamp Company Co. Ltd. of Thailand designated Marvel Trading Co. Ltd. as sole distributor of Silver Light electric goods. (NLM 10/16) Oct. 17: A contract was signed between Inland Water Transport, represented by Managing Director U Hla Min, and Wong Yip Chong Pte. Ltd. of Singapore, represented by Director Dr. Wong Meng Cheong, for the lease of the Myatyadana paddle-wheel steamer. The paddle-wheel steamer will be repaired by Irrawady Flotilla Co. Ltd. of British Virgin Islands and converted into a cruise liner for the Mandalay-Bagan run, with 15 special cabins; after the 30-year lease it will be transferred back to IWT. (NLM 10/18) Oct 26: The Fisheries Department, represented by Director-General U Soe Win, and Sanwa Trading Co. Ltd. of Japan, represented by Chairman Mr. Satoshi Kambe, signed a contract establishing the Myanmar-Sanwa Fisheries Joint Venture Co. Ltd. It has a capital of K 70 million and US$ 5.7 million in foreign exchange, and will build a 1,000 tone capacity cold storage, an ice factory with capacity of 20 tons per day, and a 500-acre prawn breeding station. Deputy Prime Minister Lt-Gen. Tin Tun and Minister for Livestock Breeding & Fisheries Brig-Gen. Maung Maung hosted a dinner. (NLM 10/27) Business Courses Oct. 1: Soft-Guide Computer Center Course No. 1 opened, with 43 trainees, at the Pyay Hotel. "Basic computer application and drawing for engineers will be lectured for two months." (NLM 10/2) Oct. 6: A Seminar on Myanmar Gemstone Law will be held on Oct. 13, for interested gem merchants, entrepreneurs, and observers. (NLM 10/7) Oct. 22: Seminar on Business Education No. 43 will be held Oct. 25, with writer Thaikpan Hmu Tin (Ret'd Major Tin Maung) speaking on Trade in Combat. (NLM 10/23) // Oct. 25: It was held. (NLM 10/26) Oct. 25: Seminar on Business Education No. 44 will be held Nov. 1, when Managing Director U Hla Min and Deputy General Manager U Aung Myint of Inland Water Transport will speak on Freight Transportation by Inland Water Transport. (NLM 10/ 26) Oct. 27: Minister for Finance and Revenue Brig-Gen. Win Tin addressed the opening of the Seminar on Capital Market organized by various Ministries and the Daiwa Institute of Research of Japan. From Daiwa were Adviser Mr. Takeji Yamashita and General Managers Mr. Tadanori Urabe and Mr. Eiji Suzuki. The Minister reviewed financial measures of the past few years. The Central Bank of Myanmar issued 3-year and 5-year Treasure Bonds effective December 1993; as of September 1995 K 221.5 million of bonds have been sold to the public. In February 1995, it was announced that 51 State Economic Enterprises will be privatized. A stock market will soon be formed, in cooperation with Daiwa Security Co. Ltd. The draft Myanmar Securities and Exchange Law has been submitted to the Attorney-General's Office for consideration and approval. 15 private domestic banks have been licenced (four of them to conduct foreign exchange transactions, three to issue credit cards, and one will soon introduce Automatic Teller Machines), 30 representative offices of foreign banks have been allowed to open business. The Central Bank rate was raised in Sept. 1989 from 4% to 11%, and raised again to 12.5% in Jan. 1995. The minimum deposit rate is 9.5% and the maximum lending rate is 18.5%. (NLM 10/28) Banking & Currency Oct. 7: Managing Agent Dr. Shamshudeen of Prime Commercial Bank Ltd. launched its PCB Credit Card; "gold and silver cards will be issued." (NLM 10/8) Sept. 30: The Central Bank of Myanmar has issued since Feb. 4, 1993, "for the convenience of foreigners visiting Myanmar," Foreign Exchange Certificates (FECs), in denominations equivalent to US$ 10, 5, and 1. To protect forgery, they will now be issued (from Oct. 19) with security threads ($1 and $5), and orange micro-printed security threads ($10). The design is not changed, and existing FECs will remain legal. (NLM 10/1) Industrial Production Oct. 2: Minister for Industry-2 Maj-Gen. Kyaw Than told officials of Myanma Heavy Industries (MHI) that "MHI's production during the first eight months amounted to 480.82 million kyats implementing only 37.86 per cent of the annual target of nearly 1.27 billion kyats, he said, stressing the need to strive for meeting the annual target in the remaining four months of the fiscal [year]." The Technical Services exceeded target. "Income of Myanmar Fritz Werner Industries Co. Ltd. during the second four months was over 29 million kyats, making a profit of over 23 million kyats, he said, urging the company to concentrate more on production than on trade." (NLM 10/2) Special Economic Projects Oct. 6: Chairman of the Special Project Implementation Committee SLORC Chairman Senior General Than Shwe "gave counsel" at the Committee's coordination meeting No. 3/95. He said that work projects must be swiftly implemented. Those to be implemented by the Agriculture Ministry are: Htanzaloke Reservoir and Yamar Reservoir Projects in Monywa region, Sagaing Division; Myingyan Agriculture Project Irrigated by Pumped Water; Sonkan Embankment Construction Project Phase 2; Thabyeyoe Reservoir Project; Meiktila-Wundwin Region Cotton Cultivation Project Irrigated by Tube Wells; Agriculture Project Irrigated by Electric Pumps in Myingyan and Meiktila regions in Mandalay Division; Bangon, Sadon, Ngamin, Son Creek, Pulin, Yinmale, Yanpe Creek, Pade Creek, and Bwetgyi Reservoir Projects in East Magway region, Magway Division; Yaw Creek Diversion Weirs Project in West Magway; Yenwe Reservoir Multipurpose Project, and Baida, Kawliya, Bawni, Swa, and Zalethtaw Reservoir Projects in west Bago, Bago Division; Thegaw and Wegyi Reservoir Projects in the west Bago [sic]. (NLM 10/7) Tourism Oct. 9: Speaking to Tourist Guide Basic Course No. 2/95, Deputy Minister for Hotels and Tourism Brig-Gen. Tin Aye said licenses had been issued to 387 tourist services, 144 hotels, 139 guest houses, 1,025 transport services, and 943 guides. Tourist visiting Myanmar were: 1991-92 8,000 1992-93 26,000 1993-94 61,000 1994-95 100,000 1995-96 45,000 (first six months) 517 trainees are attending the 10-week course. (NLM 10/10) Oct. 18: Effective next week, Bogyoke Aung San Market will close on Mondays, rather than on Sundays. (NLM 10/19) Oct. 27: Deputy Prime Minister Vice-Adm. Maung Maung Khin and Deputy Prime Minister Lt-Gen. Tin Tun, and various Ministers, attended the opening dinner of the upgraded Inya Lake Hotel, which has been accomplished by Myanmar Hotels International Ltd., a joint venture company with a 50% share owned by Myanmar Hotels and Tourism Services, and the remainder by the Strand Hotel International Co. Ltd. New World Hotel Management Co. of Hong Kong representatives, and Directors of Myanmar Hotels International Mr. Adrian Zecha and Mr. Anthony Gaw and others were present. Reviewing the early history of the project, Minister for Hotels and Tourism Lt-Gen. Kyaw Ba: "However due to financial problems, the project could not meet its target as initially planned. It was learnt that besides the financial problem there was some misunderstanding between the partners which also caused the delay of the project. "It takes time to establish good faith and absolute trust between new partners. It is also quite natural to have misunderstandings and frustration between new partners who have just met and started to work together. Even our Ministry of hotels & tourism when it was first established we could not function properly as a new establishment. Things started to be settled and systematically function only after a year of its establishment.... I believe that our MHI Joint Venture project will be faster if we try to have better understanding about each other and keep closer contact in the future. Instead of finding each other's fault and putting the blame on one another let us forget the weakness of the past and look forward to a brighter and more prosperous future. "If we keep on blaming each other for the things that nobody could find a remedy, we are wasting our time. As we all know, faults are easy to find whereas good deeds are easily forgotten often without being mentioned. For instance, I have been frequently informed of the bad news of the Inya Lake Hotel, regarding the services of the staff that caused unhappiness to many customers. Although I do not believe what all I heard, these issues were brought to the attention of higher authority and I have to refute repeatedly about the opinion. I hope that in the future we will hear more good news about our hotel and our staff.... "The success or failure of the hotel depends on both of us, neither solely on SHI nor the Ministry of Hotels and Tourism. If we fail, we both suffer and if we succeed we share the bliss together. "Keeping that in mind, let us forget our past bitter experience and begin a new fresh start. From now, with the celebration of the opening of our new beautiful magnificent, Inya Lake Hotel, let us open our hearts to a new optimistic view of life and strive hard together in good spirit for the success and prosperity of our baby, Inya Lake Hotel...." (NLM 10/28) Gems Emporium Oct. 9: The 1995 Mid-Term Myanma Gems Emporium will be held on Oct. 14-22. (NLM 10/10) Oct. 12: The Emporium was previewed by SLORC Chairman Senior General and Madame Than Shwe, and by officials and diplomats. (NLM 10/13) Oct. 13: Displayed will be US$ 19.07 million worth of jade, gems, and jewellery. SLORC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt explained the Myanmar Gemstone Law to local gems merchants. "It is found that for various reasons, Myanmar's precious gems and jewellery get out of the country in various ways and appear on the markets in some countries, he added. He said that Myanmar's precious resources should enjoy good markets within the country and the benefits accruing from them should benefit Myanmar nationals. He observed that, in practice, local entrepreneurs get only a little profit whereas foreigners are getting a great deal, and thus the gemstone law was promulgated with aims at development of gemstone and jewellery market within the country and distributing gemstone and jewellery to foreign markets only through local entrepreneurs.... Myanmar ruby and jade get to the foreign markets and the name of Myanmar gets obscure, he said and emphasized that it mainly depends on local merchants to restore the good name of Myanmar as the source of finest rubies and jade...." (NLM 10/14) Oct. 14: 151 gems merchants from 68 companies in 10 countries have arrived. (NLM 10/15) Oct. 15: 307 merchants from 108 companies in 11 countries have arrived. (NLM 10/16) Oct. 16: 352 merchants from 136 companies in 11 countries have arrived. Total sales for the day were US$ 613,107. (NLM 10/17) Oct. 17: 362 merchants from 142 companies in 11 countries have arrived. Sales for the day totalled US$ 1,146,693. (NLM 10/18) Oct. 18: 366 merchants from 144 companies in 11 countries have arrived. Sales through the day totalled US$ 3,933,344. (NLM 10/19) Oct. 19: 390 merchants from 154 companies in 13 countries have arrived. Total sales since Oct. 14 are US$ 4,435,264. A Myanmar company, Good Shan Brothers headed by Chairman U Sai Aik San, bought in jade lot No. 377 for US$ 65,009, beating out foreign bidders. "For the first time, local companies with bank accounts of at least US$ 30,000 are permitted to take part in the competitive bidding beginning this emporium." (NLM 10/20) Oct. 20: 402 merchants from 160 companies in 14 countries have arrived. Total sales since Oct. 14 are US$ 5,170,302. (NLM 10/21) Oct. 21: 410 merchants from 163 companies in 14 countries have arrived. Total sales are now US$ 5,495,696. (NLM 10/22) Oct. 22: The Emporium concluded; sales of jade, pearls, and gems sold by competitive bidding totalled K 31,616,783 (US$ 5,498,571). In addition, shops at the Myanma Gems Mart sold gems and jewellery for a total of K 1,317,230 (US$ 119,226). Diplomats visited the Emporium for "special sales" on the final day. (NLM 10/23) Radiation Workshop Oct. 9: The National Workshop on Radiation Protection in Industrial Radiology and National Training Course on Ultrasonic Testing Method Level 1, with 25 trainees, opened and was addressed by Minister for Industry-2 Maj-Gen. Kyaw Than. He noted that radiotherapy with Gamma rays is now available in hospitals in Yangon, Mandalay, and Taunggyi, discussed the use of radiation to produce hybrid seeds of paddy, oilseed, and other crops, and hailed the introduction of NDT (Non-destructive testing) using radiation to detect leaks and fissures etc., in tanks, aircraft, and other items. (NLM 10/10) Imports Oct. 11: 10,000 tons of "'compound fertilizer', a proportionate mixture of urea, T-super and carbon dioxide, [which] saves both time and cost and does not affect soil condition by fermentation" arrived. Another 30,000 tons are expected this month. Use of the fertilizer was explained to farmers by Myanmar officials and by Filemon N. Ca Bung Cal of Philip Phos of Singapore. (NLM 10/12) Oct. 20: 10,000 tons of equipment for the Ministry of Rail Transportation arrived, including six 2,000 HP diesel locomotives, parts for 30 passenger cars, 4,000 metric tons of rail, parts, and 280 tons of sheet piles for bridge construction, all imported from Yunnan Machinery Exports and Imports Corporation of China. (NLM 10/21) Oct. 20: Japanese machinery for irrigation projects worth 203 million, including 3 Kumatsu bulldozers and 5 Kubota dredgers, arrived. (NLM 10/21) Planned 1996 Trade Fairs Oct. 25: Three trade fairs will be held in 1996, on a "more extensive and grander scale" than before: Myanmar Trade Fair 1996, 1996 Visit Myanmar Year Trade Fair (Domestic), and 1996 Visit Myanmar Year Trade Fair (External). (NLM 10/26) Oct. 26: Minister for Trade Lt-Gen. Tun Kyi inspected preparations for Myanmar Trade Fair '96 at the Shwedagon Pagoda Road Department Stores. (NLM 10/27) Agriculture Oct 26: Minister for Agriculture Lt-Gen. Myint Aung exhorted officials to accelerate monsoon paddy harvesting, "which at present has been completed only on over 700,000 acres out of the total of 12.14 million acres in the entire country." He urged them to put harvested plots under summer paddy, "which has been cultivated only on 680,000 acres at present out of the target of four million acres.." Summer paddy cultivation began on Oct. 1, and should be completed by Jan. 15, 1996. He urged increased paddy double-cropping. "At present, nearly 300,000 acres have been put under groundnut, sesamum and sunflower and 30,000 acres under other edible oil crops, he said, urging them to strive to meet the targets." He pointed out the need to extend cultivation of beans and pulses to meet export targets. "Officials, he said, should strive to put one million acres under cotton and to put 170,000 acres under sugarcane for producing 60,000 tons of sugar." He also discussed sericulture, rubber plantation, and fruits and vegetables. (NLM 10/27) Invitation to Mining Investors Oct. 30 [full text]: Mines Ministry invitation to foreign companies. The Ministry of Mines, with the power vested by Myanmar Mines law, under section 7 is desirous of developing resources in the Country especially Gold, Copper, Lead, Zinc, Silver and Nickel. Therefore the Ministry of Mines invites foreign companies to conduct mineral prospecting and exploration operations in the second round consisting of 11 blocks. The most geologically favourable areas include the Indawgyi Area, Shwegu Area, Sinkhan Area, Mabein North Area, Mwe Taung Area (Chin), Yadanatheingi Area, Kyaukme Area, Lawksawk Area, Pindaya Area, Paungdaw Area and Leymyethna Area. Area coverage of each Block is 540 square miles (1400 sq km). The initial stage of activity will be prospecting and during a period of one year, a mineral occurrence should be identified using various disciplines of prospecting. It is to be followed by exploration stage. However 50% of the original area of the block has to be relinquished at the end of prospecting stage and it has to be contiguous area. Exploration stage can be extended twice of one year period each and at end of initial one year and subsequent extensions, mandatory relinquishment is 50% each time. It is to be followed by a feasibility stage of one year and if found economically feasible, joint venture agreement will be signed. Recovery of exploration costs will be considered during the first five years of production. All interested parties are to submit sealed bids on competitive basis addressed to the Minister, Ministry of Mines, Kanbe, Yankin, Yangon not later than 16:00 hrs, local time on 31st December, 1995. Summary of general terms & condition, instruction & information for bidders are available at the Department of Geological Survey and Mineral Exploration and interested parties may contact the Director General of that Department. (NLM 10/31) 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: Oct. 1: 92.95 91.02 90.71 Oct. 15: 98.50 95.83 95.47 Oct. 30: 101.38 99.06 96.26 HEALTH Health Articles Oct. 13: AEA--Prepared to help visitors out of medical emergencies, by Kyaw Thura. [Discussion of the Asia Emergency Assistance (Myanmar) company, which provides temporary health insurance for visitors to Myanmar. A 24-hour AEA International Clinic will soon open in Yangon, to be followed by satellites in such places as Mandalay, Dawei, Bagan, Inle, Myeik, Ngapali and Gwa (Kann-Thar-Yar). All in-bound air passengers will be automatically (but apparently optionally) enrolled in the program, with a US$ 12.00 fee added to their air fare. The policy is good for one month from the date of visa issue. (NLM 10/14) SPORTS Sports Articles Oct. 28: Myanmar-Yugoslav goodwill soccer match of great significance, by Kyaw Soe Myint. [Part of the effort to upgrade Myanmar soccer by bringing in world-class teams. "Among those who are assisting a great deal in improving Myanmar soccer team and its standard of play is Mr. Brian L. Marcar (Managing Director of Tero Entertainment Holding Co. Ltd.) who had once lived in Myanmar for over 25 years. Due to the assistance rendered by him, Mr. George Armstrong, the football coach of Arsenal F of England which participates in the FA Cup regularly, visited Myanmar and conducted a training Course for soccer coaches in June this year. He also gave assistance for the Heroj FC team {of Yugoslavia} to visit Myanmar and also agreed to donate 200,000 US dollars annually to Myanmar Football Federation for five years. He has also provided track suits for all of the Myanmar athletes who will take part in the XVIII SEA Games and offered K 5,000 each per month to 25 soccer players and two coaches (about K 700,000) from August up to the end of the Games and he is to be fully thanked for his kindness and generosity."] Oct. 31: Myanmar's dream teams of the century, by Ivan King. [Memories of great Myanmar soccer players of the 1920s and later.] Myanmar Teams and Officials Oct. 1: Khaing Lin of the Tatmadaw (Navy) won gold in the 85-kilo class in the first South-East Asia Body-Building Championships held in Singapore Sept. 29-30. Other winners were Tun Tun Aung of the Tatmadaw (Navy) (silver in 60-kilo), Aung Naing of YCDC (bronze in 70-kilo), Tun Lwin of the Tatmadaw (Navy) and Win Lwin of Yangon University (fourth in 60-kilo and 65-kilo). They were welcomed home to Yangon by Mayor U Ko Lay. (NLM 10/2) Oct. 3: The Myanmar team returned from the fourth South-East Asia International Boat Race in Singapore, held Sept. 29-Oct. 1. Myanmar won gold in men's coxless pairs and men's coxless fours; silver in men's single sculls, ladies' double sculls, ladies' coxless pairs, and ladies junior sculls events, and bronze in men's double sculls, men's eight, men's junior single sculls, ladies' cox fours and ladies' eight. (NLM 10/4) Oct. 25: A Myanmar yachting team led by Dr. Onmar Moe Myint and U Htay Kyaw left for Malaysia to participate in the Oct. 26-Nov. 3 VIII ASEAN Yachting Competitions and VI Asian Yachting Competitions for Junior Division. The team comprises Coach Mr. Bard Birkeland of Norway, and Sithu Myo Myint, Aung Kyaw Win, Nyan Lin Aung. Ma Myat Pwint Yi Kyaw, and Win Kyaw Phyo. (NLM 10/26) Oct. 25: A Myanmar basketball team led by Federation President U Maung Maung Thwin left for China to participate in the Invitational National Basketball Tournament in Guilin from Nov. 1-5. It includes officials U Chang Kwee (manager), Dr. Moe Zaw (Medical officer), U Maung Maung Hnyat (secretary), U Tint Swe (umpire), U Ye Aung (instructor), and U Pe Than (assistant instructor), and players Nyunt Han, Than Htwe, Aung Naing Win, Maung Maung Myint, Sai Hla Tun, Win Aung, Myo Naing Tun, Tun Than Win, Khin Maung Yi, and Nyi Nyi Maung. (NLM 10/26). Oct. 30: A boat team left to participate in the Traditional Boat Race in Nanhang, Guangdong Province, China, on Nov. 1-2. The 29 member team is led by Director of Customs Department U Ye Myint, and will compete in the 300-metre and 500-metre events. (NLM 10/31) Foreign Teams, Coaches, etc. Sept. 30: Myanmar and Yugoslavia will play goodwill soccer matches on October 4 and 6 at Aung San Stadium; tickets are K 150 for grandstand and K 75 for stalls. (NLM 10/1) // Oct. 3: Traffic will be closed on certain streets during the matches. The first match, with Heroj FC of Yugoslavia, will be Oct. 4. The 32-member team is led by Sports Minister Mr. Zoran Bingulac, which arrived today. (NLM 10/4) // Oct. 4: Heroj FC beat the Myanma Football Federation team 3-2. Attending were Deputy Education Minister Col. Kyi Maung, Yugoslav Sports Minister Mr. Zoran Bingulac, Yugoslav Ambassador Mr. Milos Beljic, Belgrade Town Representative Mihajlo Radovic, and Yugoslav Team Leader Mr. Brian L. Marcar of Tero Entertainment. (NLM 10/5) // Oct. 5: Yugoslav Minister of Sports Bingulac called on Minister for Energy U Khin Maung Thein, on Yangon Mayor U Ko Lay, on Minister for Rail Transportation U Win Sein, on Deputy Prime Minister Vice-Adm. Maung Maung Khin, and on President of Myanmar National Olympic Committee Minister at the Prime Minister's Office Brig-Gen. Lun Maung. (NLM 10/6) // Oct. 6: Heroj beat Myanmar 1-0. Sports Minister Bingulac called on Minister for Information Maj-Gen. Aye Kyaw. (NLM 10/7) // Oct. 7: The team departed. (NLM 10/8) Sept. 30: Mr. Chrisantha de Alwis and Mr. P.S. Magana Arachchi of Sri Lanka, and Mr. Uday Aryal and Miss Subha Srestha of Nepal, arrived by air to attend a regional badminton course for umpires on Oct. 2. (NLM 10/1) Oct. 23: National football teams from Bangladesh and Sri Lanka arrived to compete in the Oct. 25-Nov. 5 Quadrangular Football Tournament. The 23-member Bangladesh team is headed by Mr. Moazzem Hossan, and the 23-member Sri Lanka team is headed by Mr. B.M. Liyangage. A team from Singapore is expected. (NLM 10/24) // Oct. 24: A 21-member combined Singapore Armed Forces team, led by Lt-Col. Chan Seng Heng (Army), arrived. (NLM 10/25) // Oct. 26: Myanmar beat Bangladesh 4-0. (NLM 10/27) // Oct. 27: Singapore beat Sri Lanka 1-0. (NLM 10/28) // Oct. 29: Myanmar beat Sri Lanka 2-0. (NLM 10/30) // Oct. 30: Bangladesh beat Singapore 1-0. (NLM 10/31) Oct. 23: Myanmar will host the Jan. 4-7, 1996, Myanmar Asian Professional Golfers Association (APGA) Golf Championship Tourney, with prizes of US$ 150,000. This will be the first professional golf championship to be held in Myanmar. Bursa Myanmar Tobacco Co. Ltd., represented by Vice-Chairman U Khin Shwe and Managing Director Mr. Bambang Sulistyo presented K 1 million for the tournament. (NLM 10/24) Oct. 27: US professional golfer Mr. Paul Harney will give demonstrations at the National Golf Training Centre in Thuwunna on Oct. 28; his arrived with his son Mr. Christ Harney. (NLM 10/28) // Oct. 30: He called on Minister for Trade Lt-Gen. Tun Kyi. (NLM 10/31) Oct. 30: A Karatedo Technical Course, co-sponsored by the Karatedo Federation, Sports and Physical Education Department, and the Japan Foundation, concluded. Coach was Mr. Takuya Taniyama. (NLM 10/31) Holes-in-One Oct. 1: Managing Director Dr. Win Kyi of Medicines and Medical Equipment Tradition scored an ace Sept. 30 at the 10th hole of the Defence Services Golf Club. (NLM 10/2) Oct. 2: Capt. Khin Aung Tun (Air) (Retd) on Sept. 30 scored an ace from 154 yards at the City Golf Resort. (NLM 10/3) Oct. 10: Assistant Director Dr. Nyan Myint of the Ministry of Health scored an ace at the 7th hole of the Defence Services Golf Club. (NLM 10/11) Traditional Boxing Oct. 29: Myanma traditional boxing clubs must register with the General Secretary of the Myanma Traditional Sports Federation, beginning Nov. 1, and paying a fee of K 500. (NLM 10/30) CULTURAL Cultural and Scientific Articles Oct. 4: The wealth of the civilization of our ancestors, by Min Kyaw Min. [Crafts on display at the shopping arcade of the Mya Yeik Nyo Royal Hotel are both a "shopper's paradise" and symbolic of Myanmar culture.] Yangon University Diamond Jubilee [Numerous articles concerning meetings of old students and other activities in honor of the Jubilee were published through the month, some of them addressed by SLORC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt, who is Patron of the Jubilee Celebrating Leading Committee.] Oct. 7: A Yangon University Diamond Jubilee calendar for 1996 was issued, the first of its kind in 25 years. It has photos of students in the dress of different periods, and colour photos of movie stars Ye Aung and Tun Eindra Bo. (NLM 10/8) Traditional Performing Arts Oct. 1: The Third Myanmar Traditional Performing Arts Competitions began, under the patronage of SLORC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt, with 1,700 contestants and 280 judges. At his request, Minister for Culture Brig-Gen. Thaung Myint, surrounded by 64 damsels in royal garb, cut the opening ribbon. Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt then spoke [full text in NLM]: He said the Competitions "are being held by the State with a view to promoting and preserving genuine Myanmar culture with a national outlook and as a national movement. Moreover this cultural competition is also a national movement which is a supporting factor in the State Law and Order Restoration Council's endeavours to build the new nation.... On the other hand, there are those who think highly of alien masters who are flattering and influencing them, thinking highly of their material accomplishments and looking down on Myanmar Naing-Ngan's self-reliance, degrading and seeking to weaken own endeavours. There are also those who are flaunting the bad habits of the so-called avant-garde traditions and culture of the West and are working for the diminishing and eventual demise of Myanmar traditions and culture as a result of their deviated influence. Moreover, there are also those who systematically support alien counter-culture, the unseemly acts of hysteria and indecency, the gestures and gyrations which run counter to decent Myanmar culture, working for their infiltration among Myanmar youths, bereft of shame and gradually degrading character -- acts which all patriots must prevent.... "As the number of events has been increased year by year, 'Amyint Thabin' or puppetry, one of the four Thabins in Myanmar traditional performing arts, is included as an event this year...." He went on to enumerate various forms of Myanmar traditional arts, and said that it was the national duty of everyone to keep "national culture" from being "swallowed up by the alien's culture," which might "lead the race to become extinct." (NLM 10/2) Oct. 2: The Competitions continued, including songs and dance. (NLM 10/3) Oct. 3: The Competitions continued, with music and theatre. (NLM 10/4) Oct. 4: The Competitions continued, with songs, dance, and music. (NLM 10/5) Oct. 5: The Competitions continued, with songs, dances, and puppets. (NLM 10/6) Oct. 6: The Competitions continued, with songs, song composition, and music. (NLM 10/7) Oct. 7: SLORC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt attended the continuing Competitions, which included song and music. (NLM 10/8) Oct. 8: He attended again. (NLM 10/9) Oct. 9: He watched pattala (xylophone) competitions as the program continued. (NLM 10/11) Oct. 11: The Competitions concluded. (NLM 10/12) Oct. 13: SLORC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt presided over the closing ceremonies, and presented prizes. (NLM 10/14) Oct. 14: A total of 325 prizes were given, divided as follows among states/divisions: Yangon 112; Mandalay 48; Ayeyarwady 32; Sagaing 26; Bago 16; Kachin 10; Magway 30; Shan 8; Rakhine 7; Chin 7; Taninthayi 6; Kayin 4; Mon 17; Kayah 2. Categories (each divided into professional, amateur, and various youth segments): Singing (classical songs; Dhamma songs; Dhammapuja songs; Modern songs); Dance; Puppeteer; Composing; Instrumental (piano, (NLM 10/15) xylophone); Music (saing individual, oboe (large/small), violin); Ozi Troupe; Dohbat Troupe; Saingwaing Troupe. (NLM 10/16) Oct. 16: SLORC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt hosted a dinner for the judges and senior artistes from the Competitions. "He noted Myanma culture and fine arts worthy of documentation originated thousands of years ago dating back to Pyu and Srikestra periods. It had developed in Bagan, Innwa and Konbaung periods, he said, pointing out that the development in stages was achieved based on the original values and without losing them. He said no one could deny the fact that the fine arts of Pyu period is retained in the Myanma culture and fine arts today...." (NLM 10/17) Motion Pictures Diamond Jubilee Oct. 7: The Myanmar Motion Pictures Diamond Jubilee Exhibition will open Oct. 17 at Tatmadaw Hall on U Wisara Road. Of the ten sections, six are devoted to Myanma film from 1920-1945, including the background of the first Myanmar film Myitta-hnint-thuya. (NLM 10/8) Oct. 17: The Exhibition at Tatmadaw Hall, and the Diamond Jubilee Film Festival at the Myoma Grounds, opened with an address by Patron SLORC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt. "He said a review of the motion pictures would show that they were not created merely for entertainment. They were produced for public education, dissemination of general knowledge and informing the public of causes and effects in worldly affairs. The motion pictures portray how the right attitudes, the right actions and the right thoughts overcame wrong attitudes and wrong actions in the end, and how justice prevailed over injustice, he added." He noted that the Jubilee motto was "Myanma motion pictures represent Myanma traditional culture," and said the objectives of the Jubilee were {text}: -- for the motion pictures to preserve and safeguard national culture, -- to contribute towards vitalizing patriotism among the people, -- to play and organizational role in building a peaceful, prosperous, developed and modern nation, -- to strive for the advancement of the standard of Myanma motion picture, -- to relay films arts and skills based on Myanma culture to new generation film artistes, and -- to strive for the unity of Myanma film artistes and technicians. "He asked the artistes to create and produce motion pictures of national interest that would remain in the hearts of the people and try to bring about moral development of the national peoples.... He noted that the public, especially the youths, were used to regard their favourite film artistes as models and acted accordingly and as such they were to organize the youths to actively participate in nation-building projects. He said the film artistes had the power to lead the youths to the right path after creating stories and plots which suited national objectives. He then spoke of the need for the film artistes to avoid behaviour and modes of dress contrary to Myanma culture since such misbehaviour could be copied by the youths. He warned of producing motion pictures which perfunctorily portrayed the good theme but improper modes of dress and actions overwhelmed throughout.... [He] called on the film artistes...to guard, with national outlook, against western behaviours and customs and improper modes of dress which were attempting to penetrate the film world ...." (NLM 10/18) Oct. 21: "Film festival stage shows will be discontinued beginning tomorrow, 22 October, for various reasons. Those who have bought tickets may get their refunds ...starting noon tomorrow." (NLM 10/22) // Oct. 25: Those who have not got their refunds have until Oct. 31 to get them. (NLM 10/27) Religion [There were regular small articles on donations, and voluntary labour, for the Tooth Relic Pagodas under construction in Yangon and Mandalay.] Oct. 14: Speaking to Mandalay Sayadaws, Minister for Religious Affairs Lt-Gen. Myo Nyunt recalled that Sangha leaders on Aug. 25, 1995 were given guidance "on supervision to be provided at different levels for adherence of rules by monks and novices and for bringing about precise and expeditious functioning of Sangha organizations.... He said the ruling authority must see to decrease or disappearance of bad monks and increase of good monks. The minister also spoke of prevention of adhikarana, disputes or lawsuits, which result from lust, anger and delusion.... He spoke of Directive No. 83...reminding the Sangha not to take part in secular affairs of the nation and the people and to avoid acts of instigation, encouragement and exhortation in secular affairs...." He cited a recent speech by Gen. Maung Aye noting that "letters meant to cause disintegration of the Tatmadaw" were again being sent to some Tatmadaw members, as in 1988. "Attempts to create disturbances by employing various means amount to marring peace and tranquillity in the nation, he said.... Although it is usual for most persons not to notice peace of mind and wellbeing in times of peace and tranquillity, they themselves have experienced distress caused by 1988 disturbances, he remarked.... He said the Sasana is being looked down by others owing to lack of respect and piety by some of the Sasana...." (NLM 10/15) Computers Oct. 14: SLORC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt spoke at the conclusion of Computer Basic Instructor Course No. 1/95 for Basic Education Teachers. He noted that the Education Department plans to install computers in all high schools, and eventually in all middle schools. It is to be hoped that for every State-supplied computer, "at least one or two" will be donated by parents or well-wishers. Because computers differ, as does computer training, the Higher Education Department "had worked out the minimum required curriculum for use at this training to enable teachers to teach their pupils with some uniformity." The course had been expanded from 32 to 60 trainees, and the number of hours from 60 to 69, "with practical use of both IBM and Macintosh machines." (NLM 10/15) MISCELLANEOUS Sunday and Holiday Supplements Oct. 1,8,15,22,29: Text of "Our Three Main National Causes. List of Special Projects (6 bridges and 12 dams). Further List of Special Projects (11). [They frequently appeared, also, on weekdays, in connection with economic articles hailing the upcoming anniversary of the SLORC] For texts see January issue. -- Seven National Convention Slogans. For texts see April issue. Oct. 1,8,15,22,29: Towards a modern nation through all-round development, by Warazein. [Cont. Restoration of Law and Order accomplishments of the Tatmadaw. (iii) Six department and general stores opened "for the welfare of the family members of the Tatmadaw regiments and units as well as the local populace." Titles and medals awarded to deserving soldiers, and to civilians. Cash donations to the Tatmadaw from the people, from Apr. 1, 1991-Mar. 31, 1995: K 5,014,186 and US$ 4,330. Tatmadaw participation in public works. Establishment by the Tatmadaw of the Myawaddy TV station, which broadcasts from 7-11 am daily. (iv) More projects listed, including projects in which Tatmadawmen contributed voluntary labour. [Restoration of law and order accomplishments of the Ministry of Home Affairs. (i) As of Sept. 18, 1993 there were 319 Township Police Superintendents and 1,142 Police Stations. From Apr. 1, 1991 to Mar. 31, 1994 there were 11,828 cases of serious crimes (murder, robbery, dacoity, kidnapping, rape, burglary, and cattle lifting). In the same period, there were 2,110 traffic accidents in Yangon, in which 446 people died and 3,112 were injured. Action was taken against 204,724 vehicles for violations, and K 95 million was collected in fines. "The Myanmar Police Force was able to expose the movements of destructive elements who gave annoyance to the people. With evil intent the destructive elements have been setting up mines on the railroads, destroying bridges and committing highway robberies...." From 1991-93, 155 police attended 65 Tatmadaw training courses, and 133 attended 29 civil courses. 7 officers attended Myanmar-English translation courses, and 7 studied Thai and 2 Korean at the Institute of Foreign Languages. Review of drug laws. [(ii) The police have seized: 1991-93 1993-94 Heroin 502.2 kilos 85.4 kilos Raw opium 68.6 kilos Opium 3270.2 kilos 563.7 kilos Marijuana 1109.4 kilos 35.6 kilos Phensedyl 6806.0 litres 1078.9 litres and other lesser narcotics (listed). The Bureau of Special Investigations has investigated 2338 cases of economic offenses, and completed 2053 of them. It also acted on "unscrupulous acts for raising commodity prices and declining the value of Myanmar currency in Myanmar-Bangladesh border areas," teak smuggling, illegal gold imports, and various kinds of fraud. [(iii) Smuggling: From Sept. 19, 1993-Mar. 11 1994, police captured 5 powerboats smuggling out Myanmar commodities worth K 3.1 million (timber, bamboo, prawn, and rice), and 7 powerboats smuggling in goods worth K 155.9 million. Action was taken against 153 offenders. Other criminal cases involved timber smuggling (timber worth K 67.9 million, with prosecution of 36 service personnel and 155 merchants and brokers); illegal money transfer (K 15.3 million; action against 7 offenders); breach of trust, etc. In a case involving "shade sale of diesel oil from Mann and Myanaung tankers" of Myanmar Petrol Chemical Enterprise, K 1.0 million was seized, and 140 service personnel and 14 trader were prosecuted. Bribe taking: action was taken against 47 service personnel and 62 were referred for Departmental discipline. Between Apr. 1, 1991 and Mar. 31, 1994, K 445 million of property, K 49 million of confiscated property, K 3.3 million in fines, and K 120 million recovered from income defaulters "went into the States coffer." Total State receipts were K 655 million. [Prisons Department: The Department has been cooperating in development activities, including in border areas. Between Apr. 1, 1991 and Sept. 18, 1993 "new regional development work camps have been opened...." The Loikaw Hydro-Electric Power Project work camp opened Mar. 3, 1991. "A labour force made up of convicts was supplied on loan for the construction of No. 1 Biluchaung Hydro-Electric Plant," commissioned on Aug. 9, 1992. The labour force is now working on the No. 3 Biluchaung Project. The Panglong-Pyinmana "road construction work camp" was opened in Panglong Township on Apr. 19, 1991. The Chaungkwa sub-camp was opened 19 miles from the Panglong and Taungkya quarry camp 48 miles from Panglong on the Panglong-Pyinmana road, and "the labour force is being employed for quarrying granite." A target has been set of 9,000 sundrums of 2x4 inch stones. An "agricultural work camp" was opened May 5, 1991 for Kabaw Valley Region development in Tamu Township. "There, paddy is grown as the main crop and other crops grown are green peas, grams and soya beans." The Aungban-Loikaw railroad construction work camp opened in Aungban Township on July 14, 1991; the railroad was inaugurated on Mar. 27, 1993. The Konbaung Hydro-Electric Project work camp was opened in Lashio Township on Nov. 16, 1991. "The work is divided into two sections, namely Nanhmyaw Creek Hydro-electric Project works and Bawgyo railroad maintenance works." The "Pwekyitaung temporary quarry camp" opened Feb. 24, 1992 in Pauktaw Township [Rakhine] and "is producing the require road metals" for the Mayyu Highway extension in Sittwe Township. The Toungoo 4th Mile "quarry camp" produces stones for extension of Toungoo air field, in collaboration with Public Works and 911 BE Battalion. Namsan "temporary quarry camp" opened July 3, 1992, "to supply the required amount of stones for extension of Namsan air field" and has so far produced 16867 sundrums of stones. A work camp was opened for a yebet force on July 8, 1992 in Kyaukme Township for work on the Namsaungpaung Hydro-electric Project. Similarly, yebet service has been given to the Zawgyi Hydro-electric Project, with a work camp opened in Lawksawk Township on May 10, 1993. The services of a yebet force have also been loaned for the Zaungtu Hydro-electric Project in Bago Township. ["In order to solve the problem of non-availability of local labourers being faced in the front line areas, the Prisons Department intervened to help solve the problem. Thus, six groups were organized with Yebets and sent to respective military Command areas. The said battalions are rendering necessary services at Myitkyina in North-West Command area, at Loikaw in Eastern Command area, and at Thaton region, Hpa-an region 1 and 2 and regional control unit (Myeik) in Eastern Command area.] Oct. 1: Let Mon Creek flow on, by Tin Aung. [Mon Creek Dam opened on July 20.] -- A trip to Sampoerna cigarette factory, by Ahtet Minhla Nyunt Aung. [Factory, established jointly by Zay Kabar Co. of Myanmar and the Sampoerna Group of Indonesia, opened on Aug. 27.] -- Myanmar paddy husk gasifier stove, by Myint Thura. [New firewood substitute stove, based on Pollution Free Utilization of Rice Husk Through Gasification and Briquetting of Residual Char by Nguyen Van Chin of Vietnam, published by the Indian Institute of Technology. The stoves are sold for from K 1,000 to K 3,500.] -- Myanma Heavy Industries, by Reporter Than Zin. [Six major industries and three smaller ones established in 1960 "on the basis of Japanese, German and Czech technologies." They now make 20 items of agricultural machinery, 23 pieces of industrial equipment, and 37 other products. "Factory No. 1 of Myanmar Heavy Industries is located in Yangon and it manufactures heavy motor vehicles and spare parts for them, light bulbs, light tubes, dry-cell batteries and spare parts for light vehicles. It also manufactures forks and spoons and supplies ironwares to foreign buyers. Factory No. 2 at Malun Village in Minhla Township of Magway Division produces 'Zwe' tractors and trailers, cast iron goods, dry cell batteries and also experimental agricultural implements. Factory No. 3 at Sinde village in Padaung Township of Bago Division produces water pumps, power tillers, insecticide sprayers, electric motors, hoes, picks, electric light tube holders, smaller power generators, home-use electric meters, welding rods and cast iron goods for export. It also produces some other agricultural machinery and 12-inch water pumps. Factory No. 4 in Htonbo in Padaung Township in Bago Division produces 'Mazda' jeeps and other light vehicles. Recently the factory began producing MJ-1 and MJ-2 jeeps which have become very popular among users because of its low pricing. Production of these vehicles is therefore being accelerated. This factory also produces petrol and diesel engines for motor vehicles, pistons and piston-rings and batteries. The Factory No. 5 is located near Nyaung-chedauk village in Padaung Township and it produces lathe machines, drill machines, planing machines, dies, marble polishing machines, transformers and PVC electric wires. Factory No. 6 is located in Thaton in Mon State and produces rubber tyres for motor vehicles and tractors and other rubber goods. The factory is now producing 200,000 sets of tyres though its original plan was to produce only over 90,000 sets. These factories are being operated with the country's own foreign exchange without any foreign aid or loans and all staff employed are Myanmar engineers and Myanmar experts without one foreign expert. Exports of products of these factories to Japan, Germany, Singapore and Saudi Arabia had earned US$ 1,182,514.36 as of end March 1995...."] -- Producing 1000 million baskets from 16 million acres, by Lwan Naing Oo (Zeyawady). [This year's targets.] -- Kalaymyo Zeechaung hydel power plant project, by Sintgu Soe Win. [Project under construction.] Oct. 8: Production of surplus paddy is a national concern, by Myint Thura. [Review of reports on paddy harvest.] -- The very first victory of model townships, by Ahtet Minhla Nyunt Aung. [Sept. 2 inauguration, by SLORC Secretary-2 Lt-Gen. Tin Oo, of a K 16 million "self-reliance" 500KV electric transformer serving Lanmadaw and Latha Townships in Yangon, paid for by contributions. Moving spirit was U Maung Maung Sein, Chairman of the Committee for Installing the Transformer on Self-reliance and Proprietor of the Great Wall Embrocation Pharmacy.] -- More widespread use of computers, by Sein Shwe Hlaing. [All over the country, computers are being donated to schools.] -- Railroads and bridges built for regional development, by Khin Maung Kyaw Din. [Since 1988, over 400 miles of new railroads have been built. Various projects described.] -- Maha Mandalay to become befitting city, by Kyaw Sein. ["The peoples of Myanmar had lived for centuries with its own kings and own rules and are known to be gentle and polite. The last of the Myanmar kings, King Thibaw of Konbaung Dynasty, during his reign in Mandalay Capital, made efforts to preserve Myanmar cultural heritage by renovation old buildings and edifices within the Mandalay Palace. The Mandalay Palace which was destroyed by bombs during the war is now rebuilt.... At the Zegyo Market, one can see damsels dressed in traditional Mandalay style buying and selling their wares. This Zeygo Market was built at a total cost of over K 892.2 million .... As part of the measures for turning Mandalay Hill green and pleasant, pipelines are installed, water tanks were built and over 100,000 trees planted on the hill. A road round the hill was also built to enable people to climb up the hill by car.... The road round the Mandalay Moat was expanded...into a 30 foot wide road and a total of 938 trees and plants have been grown on the island in the middle of the road.... The Pyigyi Myetshin Hotel of international standard was built.... There are a total of 68 rooms in the new hotel annex. The Chanaye Thazin Hotel was built.... There are 51 rooms.... The Mandalay City Development Committee...is building the Strand Road and the Circular Road...of 49.23 miles in length ...140 feet wide.... Thus the Maha Mandalay will soon be seen as a modern city."] Oct. 15: International standard ATM card at Myanmar May Flower Bank, by Ahtet Minhla Nyunt Aung. [How credit cards and ATM cards work. ] -- Welcoming Forest Resource Development Association, by Nu (Thanlyin). [FREDA, a non-governmental organization established at 24 Yawmingyi Road, Dagon Township, Yangon, to {full text}: (a) To further develop Myanma forest resources; (b) To produce wood based products of international standard and carry out successful marketing of them; (c) To organize the community concerned for participation and co-operation in procuring forest products such as timber, fuel wood and charcoal in sufficient quantity; (d) To work for the development of forest with assistance of and in co-operation with organizations from home and abroad, private individuals and experts; (e) To implement plans for preservation of forest resources, wild life, natural environment and the community development; (f) To study and give suggestions for the development of forest affairs from time to time; (g) To take part in building a pleasant and modern nation.] -- Development in Mongkhat town, by Taungdwin Bo Thein. [Modernization in Shan State.] -- New Life Project in Kabaw Valley Region, by Myint Soe (Na-Ta-La). [Development in the Chin area.] -- Trade policies for long term benefit, by Ye Myint Pe. [Work of the Ministry of Trade.] -- Border area socio-eco development project, by Maung Pe Hlaing. [Development and anti-narcotics work in Tachilek Township.] Oct. 22,29: Township development activities in Myanmar, by Ahtet Minhla Nyunt Aung. [(1) Under Section 9 of the Township Development Committees Law, the committees are charged with {text}: 1) drawing up plans and carrying out town planning; 2) carrying out works for water supply; 3) carrying out works for sanitation; 4) carrying out works for disposal of sewage; 5) carrying out works for lighting of roads; 6) construction, supervision and maintenance of markets owned by the Committee; 7) granting permission for the establishment of privately-owned markets and supervising them; 8) establishing cattle markets and supervising them; 9) stipulation of conditions in respect of roadside stalls; 10) stipulation of conditions in respect of bakeries and restaurants; 11) stipulation of conditions in respect of dangerous trade; 12) carrying out precautionary measures against fire, flood, storm and natural disaster; 13) establishing the cattle slaughter houses, granting permission for slaughtering of cattle for public consumption and supervising sale of meat; 14) administration of ferries; 15) stipulation of conditions in respect of small loan business; 16) administration of slow-moving vehicles; 17) construction and maintenance of roads, bridges; 18) prescribing road by-laws and the use of road, name of road and number for the building; 19) construction and maintenance of building under the charge of the Committee; 20) granting permission for construction of private buildings within the Development Committee boundary limit and supervision thereof; 21) with the approval of the Ministry, granting permission for the construction and supervision of private buildings in rural area outside the Development Committee boundary limit specified by notification; 22) demolition of squatter buildings; 23) granting permission for opening lodging houses and supervision thereof; 24) supervising the keeping and breeding of animals within the Development Committee area and disposal of carcasses; 25) arresting of wandering insane persons, lepers, beggars and handing over to the authority concerned; 26) rounding-up, keeping in custody of wandering animals and disposing them; 27) construction and maintenance of gardens, parks, play-grounds, swimming pools, public baths, and recreation centres; 28) allotting and supervising cemeteries, construction and maintaining crematoriums; 29) with the approval of the Ministry, demolishing of cemeteries and using of land for other purposes; 30) executing other development works in the public interest; 31) carrying out other duties assigned by the Ministry from time to time. [History of local government: Municipal Act (1874); 1898 amendments; Rural Self-Government Act (1921); Ministry of Democratization of Local Administration and Local Bodies (1953). [(ii) History continued.] Oct. 22: Self-sufficiency in edible oil within three years, by Myint Thura. [Progress towards goal.] -- New towns bear witness to the State's goodwill, by Kyi Win Nyunt. [Development of Dagon Myothit, Hlaingtharyar new town, Shwepyitha, Shwe Paukkan and Waybargi, etc.] -- For connoisseurs' choice, by Victor Kyaw Nyein. [The Gems Emporium.] Oct. 29: Grow summer paddy abundantly, by Po Nyan. [Conversation on new growing methods.] -- Golden paddy in Mongkhat Township, by Taungdwin Bo Thein. [356 acres of summer paddy grown this year.] -- Lawksawk achieving development, by Daw Khin Nyunt (Inlay). [Development of education.] -- Maungtawyo Reservoir to turn Popa region lush and pleasant, by Maung Maung San (Kyaukpadaung). [Achievements and plans.] Crime Oct. 12: Kidnappers who on Aug. 5 seized a 4 year old boy in Pangsai, Northern Shan State, and demanded a ransom of 400,000 yuan, were seized on Aug. 16, and the child was recovered. (NLM 10/13) Anti-Narcotics Activities Oct. 2: 44.3 kilos of raw opium were seized Sept. 23 in Indaw Township. (NLM 10/3) Oct. 4: 498 bottles of Phensedyl and 102.4 grams of heroin were seized Sept. 30 in Mandalay, along with K 85,647. 12 people were arrested. (NLM 10/ 5) Oct. 7: 5.3 kilos of raw opium were seized Sept. 26 in Nawnghkio. (NLM 10/8) Oct. 9: 0.2 kilo of heroin was seized Sept. 29 in Nawnghkio. (NLM 10/10) Oct. 10: 2.5 kilos of heavy opium were seized Sept. 26 in Lashio. 0.2 kilo of heroin and 8.4 kilos of raw opium were seized Sept. 27 in Nawnghkio. 2.5 kilos of heroin were seized Oct. 8 in Muse; also seized were 2.5 million kyat and 71,000 Chinese yuan; action was taken against six persons. (NLM 10/11) Oct. 11: 55 bottles of Phensedyl were seized Sept. 13 in Homalin Township. 155 grams of heroin were seized Sept. 21 in Momauk Township. (NLM 10/12) Oct. 13: 2.7 kilos of raw opium were seized Oct. 4 in Nawnghkio. (NLM 10/14) Oct. 17: 1.3 kilo of heroin were seized Oct. 3 in Muse Township. 2.7 kilos of raw opium were seized Oct. 4 in Nawnghkio. (NLM 10/18) Oct. 20: 1.1 kilos of heroin were seized Oct. 12 in Nawnghkio. (NLM 10/21) Oct. 23: 780 bottles of Phensedyl were seized Oct. 11 in Monywa. (NLM 10/24) Oct. 26: 1.1 kilos of heroin were seized Oct. 12 in Nawnghkio. 3.3 kilos of raw opium were seized there on Oct. 14. (NLM 10/27) Oct. 30: 5.8 kilos of heroin were seized Oct. 21 near Mongshu. (NLM 10/31) Articles on Narcotics Oct. 8: Principle and Function of Criminal Law, by KMO. [State policy of "handing down deterrent punishment" in the fight against narcotic drugs.] Obituaries [English language obituaries only; there are obituaries in Burmese as well.] Oct. 1: M.K. Dasgupta (a) Micky (Meditrade), husband of Madhuri Dasgupta (Indian Embassy) died in Yangon, aged 57. [Hindu] (NLM 10/2) Oct. 2: U Aye (Maurice Nyein), Pastor, Church of God, Insein, Rtd. Editor, Burman, husband of Daw Kyi Kyi Thwin, died in Insein, aged 77. [Christian] (NLM 10/3) Oct. 9: U Ko Ko Leigh, Minhla, Authorized Dealer of Carrier Air Conditioners/Otis Elevators, husband of Daw Kyi Kyi Win, died in Yangon, aged 74. (NLM 10/10) Oct 15: Final rites were given for State Ovadacariya Agga Maha Pandita Eighth Presiding Sayadaw of Dhammayutti Nikaya Mahayin Gana Bhaddanta Nanateja of Mawlamyine Thukhakayi Sarthintaik, Mon State, vassa 68, who had died at the age of 88. (NLM 10/18) Oct. 17: Dorothy Monteiro, special nurse, wife of U Kyaw Myint (Cyril), died in Yangon, aged 65. [Christian] (NLM 10/18) Oct. 26: Shirley Beachell (Retired Foodstuff and General Merchandise Trading), sister of Mrs. Joan Oppenheimer (USA), died in Yangon, aged 60. [Catholic] (NLM 10/28) Oct. 26: Mr. Martin Wong, aged 82. [text in Burmese] (NLM 10/29) Oct. 29: U Chit Sein (Kyaukdaga), Retired Commissioner, Sagaing, etc., EC member, Red Cross Society, etc., husband of Daw Kyin Si, died in Yangon, aged 74. [Christian] (NLM 10/30) Oct. 30: P'doh Saw Creamer Zan, husband of Daw Anni, died in Yangon, aged 59. [Christian] (NLM 10/31) Oct. 30: D.L. Bhattacharjee, husband of Srimati P.R. Devi, died in Yangon, aged 87. [Hindu] (NLM 10/31) Death of 102-year old Sayadaw Oct. 9: State Ovadacariya Abhidhaja Maha Rattha Guru Abhidhaja Agga Maha Sadhamma Jotika Shwekyin Nikaya Thatthanapaing Shwehintha Sayadaw Ashin Pandita Siri of Shwehintha Taikthit, Sagaing Hills, Sagaing Division, vassa 82, died, aged 102. [article] (NLM 10/10) Oct. 10: SLORC Secretary-2 Lt-Gen. Tin Oo announced arrangements for public homage on Oct. 13-15, followed by cremation. His instructions were as follows [full text]: 1. On the demise of the Shwehintha Taikthit Sayadaw Ashin Pandita Thera of Sagaing Hill, the remains must be kept for seven days to enable those in the distant areas to pay homage. 2. All tasks concerning crematorial rites shall be entrusted to the Shwekyin Gana. 3. There shall be no inappropriate eulogy on the day of crematorial rites. 4. Read just a brief biography if desired. 5. No nun or woman shall be allowed to recite. 6. Sermons are to be delivered only at night. 7. Donations of the members of the Sangha and nuns shall not be accepted. 8. No rituals of vanities involving high costs and tiresome nature except simple crematorial rites in Shwegyin Gana traditions will be allowed. 9. After cremations, ashes shall be put into Ayeyawady River. 10. Crematorial rites shall be performed with donations voluntarily made by the law disciples, and if, donations remain after the rites they shall be used to build a Pitaka kyaung where Pitaka treatises of the Shwehintha Sayadaw, his manuscripts, notes, hand writings, copies etc. shall be kept properly for the public. 11. Since Shwehintha Sayadaw used to note down on small pieces of paper, all documents found in the drawers, cupboards, boxes etc. at the building where the Sayadaw resided shall be collected and kept in a separate section in the Pitakataik. 12. Books, manuscripts, notes in all the cupboards at the Zinalinkara Taikkyaung, in all the cupboards upstairs of Theintaik, and in the cupboard and the box at Dhamma Linkara Taik shall be collected and then [sic] at the Pitaka Kyaung in classified order, etc. 13. The fountain pens used by the Sayadaw shall be kept in the glass-pannelled cupboard as souvenirs in the Pitakataik; labels shall be attached; and a stone inscription of a brief biography of the Sayadaw shall be put up at the Pitaka Kyaung. (NLM 10/11) Oct. 12: The Final Rites began in Sagaing. Total donations to date exceed K 2.15 million. (NLM 10/13) Oct. 13: Funeral rites were held "on grand-scale." Donations total K 4.18 million. (NLM 10/14) Oct. 14: The rites continued. Donations total K 5.26 million. (NLM 10/15) Oct. 15: The crematorial rites were held, in the presence of SLORC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt, Minister for Religious Affairs Lt-Gen. Myo Nyunt, and other officials. Donations total K 6.54 million. (NLM 10/16) Oct. 16: Shwe-hin-tha Mahathera, by U Khin Maung Mya (B.A.,B.L.). [Homage to the deceased Sayadaw.] Oct. 17: The ashes of the deceased were conveyed in a silver bowl to the Sankyaung on the Ayeyawady River Bank. (NLM 10/18) Oct. 18: The ashes were put into a gold bowl and placed on the waters of the Ayeyarwady River. "The gold bowl with the ashes floated for some time and then sank in the river. When the ashes were put to water fireworks were displayed from the Karaweik Barge, boats and the riverbank. Moreover, 5,000 lights and flower rafts were floated down the river." (NLM 10/19) Hole-in-One Oct. 17: U Mya Thee scored an ace Oct. 13 on the 133-yard 16th hole of the Yangon City Development Committee City Golf Resort. (NLM 10/18) Floods [Flood warnings and bulletins continued to be posted for major Myanmar rivers.] Oct. 2: on Oct. 1, Vice-Chairman of the State Law and Order Restoration Council Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Commander-in-Chief (Army) Gen. Maung Aye, visiting Wuntho, met with Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement Maj-Gen. Soe Myint and "heard reports on inundation in Wuntho and Kawlin townships on 21 September, losses and resettlement measures. In giving suggestions [he] emphasized the need to take flood prevention measures in coordination and cooperation with respective departments and to carry out relief and resettlement measures systematically.... [He] inspected the inundated areas and met department personnel, towns elders and flood victims at the Township People's Hospital. Commander Maj-Gen. Hla Myint Swe accepted the cash donated to the flood victims by Myanmar Economic Holdings Inc." (NLM 10/ 3) Oct. 3: Vice-Chairman of the State Law and Order Restoration Council Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Commander-in-Chief (Army) Gen. Maung Aye, visiting Phakant on Oct. 2, "presented relief supplies for flood victims of Phakant area." (NLM 10/4) Oct. 4: Donation centres were opened to receive donations for victims of the Sept. 21-22 floods in Wuntho and Kawlin Townships in Sagaing Division. (NLM 10/5) Riverboat Capsizes Oct. 3: A double-decker with 198 passengers overturned and sank "due to a whirlpool" at the entrance of the Twantay Canal, enroute from Yangon to Labutta. "Most of its passengers have been rescued.... Rescuers are also looking for passengers still missing." (NLM 10/4) // Oct. 4: The Labutta Township Association (Yangon) is giving aid to victims of the sinking; those wishing to donate cash or goods may contact the Association at 63 Phonegyi Street, or telephone 22584. (NLM 10/5) Commemorative Postage Stamps Oct. 10: A 50-pya commemorative stamp honouring the Myanma Motion Pictures Diamond Jubilee will be issued on Oct. 17, the opening of the Jubilee festivities. [photo] (NLM 10/11) Oct. 17: A 4-kyat commemorative stamp will be issued Oct. 24 honouring the 50th Anniversary of the United Nations. (NLM 10/19) Oct. 27: 50-pya and 2-kyat commemorative stamps and a 50-pya stamped envelope will be issued Nov. 1 in honour of the Yangon University Diamond Jubilee. [photo] (NLM 10/28) Marriage Oct. 12: Cher Myo Thant, daughter of Dr. Myo Thant and Daw Myint Myint Wai of Mandalay married Myint Tun Oo, Duty Manager, Novotel Mandalay, in Mandalay. (NLM 10/13) Earthquakes Oct. 18: An earthquake of strong intensity (6.5 Richter) was recorded at 05:14:22 local time, with epicentre 2,360 miles NE of Yangon. (NLM 10/19) Oct. 24: An earthquake of strong intensity (6.6 Richter) was recorded at 05:19:50 local time, with epicentre 1,170 miles N of Yangon. (NLM 10/25) ----- 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. Fax: (217) 244-5729 Annual Subscriptions: Individuals - US$50.00 Libraries & other Institutions - US$60.00 Add Postal surcharge for air delivery to: Canada - US$18.00 Europe - US$37.00 Asia - US$47.00 [additional charge for US$ check drawn on a foreign bank - $5.00] NOTE: Checks should be payable to: University of Illinois, with "Burma Press Summary" annotated on check. Correspondence concerning subscriptions, missing issues, etc., should be sent to the Center for East Asian and Pacific Studies in Champaign, Illinois EDITORIAL CORRESPONDENCE Editorial correspondence, and requests for full texts of articles, should be sent to: Hugh C. MacDougall Glimmerglass Cottage 8 Lake Street Cooperstown, NY 13326-1016 Burma Press Summary No. 104, October 1995