96-04 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 X, No. 4, April 1996 Table of Contents POLITICAL Slogans 2 Political Articles 2 Bangladesh Refugees 6 National Races 6 Gen. Than Shwe on Tour 6 Arrest of James Nichols 7 LORC Coordination 7 NATIONAL CONVENTION "Explanations" from Plenary Session 8 DIPLOMATIC Diplomatic Calls 13 New Myanmar Ambassadors 13 New Ambassadors to Myanmar 13 Thai Prisoners Released 14 INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION Joint Workshops & Seminars 14 Social and Economic Cooperation 15 Donations from Abroad 15 FOREIGN VISITORS International Agency Visitors 15 Academic Visitors 15 Medical Visitors 15 Business Visitors 15 Religious Visitors 17 Media Visitors 17 Indian Air Chief Marshal 17 Chinese Labour Delegation 17 Maldives & Sri Lankan Health Ministers 18 US Official 18 Chinese Deputy Attorney-General 18 Chinese General 18 MYANMAR DELEGATIONS Study Delegations 18 Delegations to Meetings 18 Religious Delegations 18 Foreign Minister to New York 19 Deputy Foreign Minister to Philippines 19 Delegations Return 19 MILITARY Surrenders by Armed Group Members 19 Gen. Than Shwe Addresses Military 19 MYANMAR GAZETTE Appointments on Probation 22 ECONOMIC Economic Articles 22 Trade Fairs and Exhibitions 23 Project Inaugurations 23 Business Openings 23 Advertisements 24 Agreements with Foreign Firms 24 Banking 24 Tourism 25 Five-year Plan Targets 25 Privatization 25 Trucks and Tractors 25 Agriculture 25 Border Development 25 Rainfall in Yangon 26 HEALTH Health Articles 26 SPORTS Sports Articles 26 Myanmar Teams and Delegations 26 Foreign Teams, Coaches, etc. 27 Holes-in-One 27 CULTURAL Cultural and Scientific Articles 27 Religion 27 Publications 27 Computers 27 Universities and Institutes 28 Bagan Pagoda Restoration 28 Home for the Aged 28 Thingyan 28 Patriotic Movie 28 MISCELLANEOUS Sunday and Holiday Supplements 29 Crime 29 Anti-Narcotics Activities 29 Obituaries 30 Yangon Phone Numbers Changed 30 Mt. Victoria Climbed 31 ------------------------------------------- Because of the Thingyan Holiday, no papers were published on Apr. 13-14. ------------------------------------------- HIGHLIGHTS -- Various articles criticizing Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and the National League for Democracy [POLITICAL] ------------------------------------------- -- Arrest of James Nichols [POLITICAL] -- "Explanations" given during the March National Convention Plenary Session by U Aung Toe concerning aspects of the chapters on "The Legislature" and "The Executive." -- Senior General Than Shwe addresses Defence Services Academy graduates [MILITARY] ------------------------------------------- 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 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. Religious Slogans: Since August 1991, each issue has included a changing Pali religious slogan at the top of each front page: Apr. 1-18: Garavo ca, reverence; this is the way to auspiciousness. Apr. 19-30: Nivato ca, modesty; this is the way to auspiciousness. The Twelve Objectives: Since July 6, 1995, each issue of NLM has listed the Four Political, Four Economic, and Four Social Objectives of the State Law and Order Restoration Council, generally on the front page [for texts, see January 1996 issue]. Political Articles Apr. 3-4: Citation, is the Creed of the Brave, by Zaw Gyi (Lawk Sauk). [Account of a February 1970 military attack on Shan insurgents; importance of Discipline, Comradeship, and Morale in military actions.] Apr. 5-6: The best is..., by Byatti. [(1) The ubathobhatha jataka story about selfishness. "Our mother party at one time was very much like the Jataka story.... Much was talked about democracy. Afterwards, there came ambitious plans to establish a single party centred on a major party. They concentrated on their party's self-interest. They tried to put pressure by making impossible and illogical demands, They left the National Convention for no sound reason.... They reckoned and plotted with the belief that the National Convention would be destroyed once a strong party had left. ["But...delegates of the mass and class organizations and those of other political forces continued to perform the national political duties for the success of the National Convention.... The so-called party leaders were shocked.... They attacked... political stability. Relying on foreign elements, they invited different kinds of outside pressures. They said and wrote trifles in order to deter investments. ["The public with the exception of a group of their crooked gang members from the platform are not interested in the party and 'popular' leaders.... The people disapprove of whispering campaigns.... So they became shameless in depending on the touts and their cheap words though they were untrue and impossible. The sold agitative pamphlets written with ulterior motives. They did so as restricted copies for party members.... ["According to a resolution passed by the Central Body meeting of the National League for Democracy held on 22-3-96, they were reported to have written letters to the Na-Wa-Ta (the State Law and Order Restoration Council) calling for a date to be set to convene the First Pyithu Hluttaw Session.... [(2) "Despite support from only over 30 per cent of all eligible voters in the then election, exaggerated broadcasts and reports, which made it seem they won support from the entire country, were released and double tricks played.... How the then voters have changed their attitude during the nearly six-year period and how many of them have passed away are also the facts for consideration.... In Myanmar, it is nearly six years since the elections were held and it is questionable whether they are still valid or not.... Convening a Hluttaw session is not like calling a meeting.... Hluttaw is a matter that has come into being under Constitution. ["It amounted to publicizing that much of stupidity of political prophets of this political party.... Their bare-faced attempt to convene the Hluttaw session, keeping these unsavoury acts dim [list of corrupt acts presumably committed by NLD Hluttaw members], was completely tantamount to showing disrespect to the people.... ["There were changes in intra-party leadership after action was taken against top opponents who went about confronting, assuming heroic roles and those who defied authority before and after the election.... It adhered to rules and discipline. It abided by law.... It came closer to national political programme than their own party affairs.... It enthusiastically attended the National Convention.... ["However... It was not itself after the release of its former leaders. The so-called party head has degraded into an Indonesian glove puppet.... The politburo gang masters have gradually inched forward.... Their words are discordant. The mistress of the house, the so-called Hluttaw chairman of the Pavement Hluttaw, recently said she did not feel bitter about those who assassinated her father (Bogyoke Aung San). Although this woman, who exercises full khamti (forbearance), does not feel bitter about persons who killed her own father, she showed resentment about jailing a comedian who praised her glory. I wonder why. I cannot find the answer.... The mistress of the house herself admitted that those comedians had committed offence. She said as if she would face action on behalf of the comedians.... ["Internal affairs of the present-day Myanmar are not political problems nor political conflicts. They are actually problems of elements willing to oppose, self-seekers within one party and chauvinists having differing opinions. Every person has his or her own secrets. Supposing a daughter of a family faced a disgrace while staying abroad, her parents wished her to marry a foreigner but being staunch patriots, they had to bring her back to Myanmar. In appearance of a girl not molested, she was made to marry a man of local make. Can the persons concerned bear if a certain person who knows all about the chain of events divulges and tells about the scandal whenever he meets a person?] Apr. 7: You are still young, by Shwe Mintha. [Old pensioner, abandoning hope that Daw Aung San Suu Kyi "would realize and perceive the truth" and noting that "she is seen to become more and more power crazy" finds "no alternative but to write what ought to be written and prevent what ought to be prevented." "Daw Suu Kyi's interviews are written and shown on TV.... She is wrong, gravely wrong. She should not say and do things to damage the country...." such as discouraging foreign tourism. "You are entirely wrong Daw Suu Kyi, entirely wrong. Another thing is trying to stop Japan and Western Bloc countries from making investments in the country.... The acts of Daw Suu Kyi are not constructive. Does this mean she loves the country or she wants her party to get power or trying to bring about ruin to the country, this the public are well aware of.... As regards the matter of the 1995-96 Budget a consideration was made that the State service personnel did not get their salaries for quite a time. In this way, all round support should be given when good things are done and criticize in a constructive manner when something is wrong and say things in an understanding manner among ourselves. But now, this is not the case and day in and day out nothing is seen but everything right or wrong is being criticized and taking an opposite stand and saying black when the other side white by deliberately turning a blind eye to truth [sic]...." ["Now Myanmar Naing-Ngan is being accepted in international society, especially the East Asian countries. The mouths of Senator Monihan [sic] and Congressman Roberta [sic] are now shut tight. Stage director of the 88 disturbances Soltz [sic] after getting back to his country has lost his seat in congress and is not left in a corner for his bad deeds. As for Burton Levin he has been retired at once for being too clever and Daw Suu Kyi's advisers Szymanski and Marshall Adai have completely vanished into the thin air and no news is heard of them. The CIA is also dancing to a different tune with a different mask. This Daw Suu Kyi knows very well. ["This is a trick played by Daw Suu Kyi and BBC. The BBC made a broadcast that the coach in which Daw Suu Kyi would travel to Mandalay was left behind as it was out of order. After one or two days when I told my nephew, who works in Myanma Railways, that it was not good for them to do such a thing, he replied that I was wrong. This lady is very bad. In our country who ever travels by train must produce his NRC to buy a train ticket. The ticket was not bought by producing Daw Suu Kyi's NRC but in someone else's name and without showing any NRC. Therefore, she cannot go with that ticket and when ticket collectors come and check, she would be fined and there would be trouble a lot of problems for us [sic]. She came merely to cause trouble. This was just a plot created in collaboration with the BBC. All her people know it. This was done merely to create trouble knowing full well that she could not go. She must be thinking of London. There one can travel just by possessing at ticket, be it man or monkey .... Please do not create false news." [The National Convention was going smoothly until Daw Suu Kyi was released, "pushed the button" and the NLD "turned its back on the National Convention." The worse of the lot is the matter of asking the United Nations to impose sanction on Myanmar. This was repeated time and again. She also urged on giving pressure when Richardson came...." She knows that sanctions would make Myanmar children die for lack of medicine, as in Iraq or Cuba. "Can Daw Suu Kyi have considerations for others when her sons in England, living together with their father Michael Aris, have their own computers each and enjoy eating lots of butter?" ["Sometime in 1989, while I was having dinner with Daw Suu Kyi and high-ranking officer of an embassy at her residence, I told her not to act like 'Shwe Ba' any more ...." I had to explain that in the movies Shwe Ba always wins, even when outnumbered ten to one, because he entertains the public. "Now also you are satisfied in cracking jokes and hearing people applaud, isn't it so? Think over before doing or saying things and be careful to note whether they are credible or not."] Apr. 6,11,19-21,23-27: Let all be united, by Tekkatho Tin Kha. [Cont. (16) Senior General Than Shwe's recent speeches to Armed Forces. (17) More on Gen. Than Shwe's trip to PyinOoLwin and Shan State. (18) Restoration of pagodas in Bagan. (19) His visit to Pinle Reservoir. (20) His visit to Pin Creek Reservoir project. (21) His visit to Chauk. (22) His visit to northern Shan State. (23) Senior General Than Shwe's April 2-4 visit to Monghsat, Mongton, Kengtung, Mongyang, Mongkhat, and Tachilek. (24) His speech at the Defense Services Academy. (25) His visits to Pinle Reservoir and Pin Creek Reservoir projects.] Apr. 9: Myanmar national character has no room for Lethargy, by Myat Tun Oo. [We can't worry about perfection, fear failures, or fail to take decisions. "We have to learn to enjoy in what we are doing and work real hard." We must avoid lethargy.] Apr. 12,17-30: Not dictatorial Government that wrested power, by Pe Kan Kaung. [(1) Whenever a country is faced with chaos, the military steps in to ensure peace and tranquillity. In Myanmar the Tatmadaw assumed power but did not establish a military dictatorship. Brief description and history other countries which have had coups or revolutions [evidently taken from an international world almanac]: Algeria, Argentina. (2) Bangladesh, Benin, Bolivia, Brazil, Burkina Faso, Central African Republic. (3) Chile, Comoros, Congo, Cuba, Cyprus. (4) Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt. (5) El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Fiji, Ghana, Greece. (6) Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Haiti, Honduras, Indonesia. (7) Iran, Iraq. (8) Italy, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya. (9) Madagascar, Mali, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan. (10) Panama, Paraguay, Peru. (11) Philippines, Portugal, Korea, Romania. (12) Rwanda, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Suriname. (13) Spain, Sudan, Syria, Thailand. (14) Turkey, Tunisia, Uganda, Uruguay, Venezuela, Vietnam. (15) Yemen, Zaire.] Apr. 20: How eventful on the New Year Day! by Byatti. [Following abandonment of a plan for a politically-motivated release of fish at Thingyan, "a dictatorial party leader" organized a "'one-person advertising programme' with own expense on her seemingly going shopping in Bogyoke Market on 7 April. ABC journalists of Australia who waited there and took photos asked her questions. It appeared they regarded her as a wellknown princess of a royal family.... The person who is helping herd his aunty's cows without getting any money for his meals (democracy cowboy) arranged for the ABC Australian journalists an interview on 9 April with an Indian gardener of the Dhanathahaya (Commonwealth) compound named Eba who was made to tie a strip of cloth round the forehead to appear as an active student youth.... It has not gone smooth for everything was done without rhyme or reason and with a craze for power.... On the New Dear Day, a ceremony to recite parittas was held...in the Dhanathahaya compound.... They made nuns recite parittas in the compound.... As nuns were made to recite parittas, Kammava‡a was not read to keep the compound free of evil spirits. It is to be assumed that they feared that ghosts from violent deaths or splinter goblins might get away from the compound. Whatever was said, it is certain that they dared not have the Kammava‡a, which is desired by many to guard against evil spirits, read in the compound. Following this event, it is certain that there will be a gathering, more rousing than ever, of ghosts from violent deaths and splinter goblins who have been banished from various parts of the country by the sound made by the traditional banging on tin buckets. How eventful for the great gang masters on the New Year Day!"] Apr. 24: Editorial: Don't Rock the Boat. ["The Senior General has also mentioned the threat the obstructionists and destructionists pose to national security and to national weal. Even on our own, we can very well take stock of the sinister design of such people who seek personal gain only, and do whatever is detrimental to national wellbeing. Of course, the methods are those recommended by their foreign cohorts who would wish to run this nation through surrogates and ruin it. Through acts of destabilization and agitation, they aim at retarding the good pace we are making in our efforts to set up a new, modern and developed nation. Bankrupt as they are in their ideas, these destructionists have been resorting to all means available to them to sow dissent and cause the disintegration of national unity and solidarity. While they thus keep clawing at our achievements in the hope of negating them, they are wasting time which might have been more usefully spent in constructive work.... They are trying to rock the boat, to no avail.... It is high time such elements realized their folly, for their acts of subversion and destabilization are very transparent in the eyes of those of us who wish the nation and the rest of us well. Don't rock the boat."] Apr. 25-28: Seventh major-task accomplished by National Convention: Detailed basic principles laid down for formation of "The Legislature", by Maung Kyi Lin. [Principles on The Legislature established by the National Convention.] Apr. 28: Turn back or face more embarrassment, by Byatti. [English-speaking countries distort language for political purposes -- calling beggars "low income people," slums "inner city", the Korean war a "conflict", destruction "pacification", aggression in the Middle East a "Mission of Mercy," etc. "What I want to say is about the matter of disgracing the democratic stunt actress with the pretence of praising her...an article written by Claudia Dreifus under the headline 'The Passion of Suu Kyi' on page 32 of the 7 January 1996 issue of The New York Times." [photocopy of headline of article] "This word [passion] is mostly used in novels and stories connected with a feeling of lust and a strong passionate desire.... It is also necessary to mention what is written in the interview. "Q: Someone was telling me that there were leaflets circulating in Rangoon saying, 'Not only does she have a foreign husband, but he's Jewish.' "Before coming for an interview on 24 November 1995, it is not known how the writer heard about that news and form which idle women gossiping [sic]. The democracy stunt actress replied thus: "A. Did they say he was Jewish? Sometimes they say I have a Muslim husband. Well, I think sometimes they say I have several husbands! Sometimes, they say I have, I think, its four husbands. they just say anything they feel like saying. There was a very lovely old lady in one of the Burmese village, who didn't believe all that. And when she heard that I was supposed to have four husbands, she said, 'Well if I had all her advantages, I'd have four husbands, too.' (Laughs). "Only when the democracy stunt actress began to babble this news in English did I hear about it. As told by the stunt actress, if she has a Muslim husband, or divorced husband or four other husbands, I have never heard about it in respectable society, Even if we heard about this, we would have stood on the side of the stunt actress being the daughter of our National leader and being a Myanmar woman. "The democracy stunt actress also spoke about her husband thus: "A. He's not a saint, but he is a very good husband. "According to the stunt actress saying her husband is very good though not a saint, she could have used other words to describe her husband. Every time I think about the usage very good, I feel goose pimples on my skin. "It is difficult when people believe the western media which is in the habit of making a mountain out of a mole hill.... It is none other than the matter about a person, being praised by them as a famous foreign entrepreneur and consul-general representing six foreign countries, who is a being taken in and interrogated [sic]. "That person an Anglo known as Cecil Leo Nikel [sic], is neither a well-known businessman or an honorary consul-general. At present there are only two consul-generals in Myanmar and Leo Nikel is not included. The broadcasting stations claim that he is well-acquainted with the democratic stunt actress. But in reality he is not a true acquaintance. He is proving [sic] assistance for the general expenses of the democracy stunt actress. He has provided assistance from entertainment expenses right up to hiring a gardener. "It is true that some 15 years back he served as honorary Consul general for Norway and Denmark. But after being sentenced for a criminal offence he was relieved from the post. He had seduced many young Myanmar girls promising them that he would send them abroad and they include a not so well-known artiste and a doctor.... "The arresting of this crook and swindler, is not because he is well-acquainted with the democratic stunt actress or is providing her assistance, but because he has violated the existing laws of Myanmar Naing-Ngan. He has installed telephone lines and fax illegally and has much contacts with the countries which are applying pressure to Myanmar through various means and opposing it. In other words, his actions are those to be suspicious about of being a modern espionage [sic].... "It's time to realize that keeping on rushing blindly like an elephant into the forest without yielding will bring more embarrassment."] Bangladesh Refugees Apr. 19: 46 persons from 8 households returned to the Kanyinchaung reception camp on April 11 under the agreement between Myanmar and Bangladesh, bringing the total since Sept. 22, 1992, to 197,151 persons from 39,699 households. (NLM 4/20) Apr. 22: 130 persons from 27 household returned Apr. 18 to various reception camps, bringing the total to 197,281. (NLM 4/23) National Races Mar. 31: Study delegations from the Special Regions concluded a visit to Yangon, where they attended Armed Forces Day ceremonies as the guests of Senior General Than Shwe. A 20-member delegation from Kachin Special Region 1 led by U Chan Lan left for Myitkyina; a 30-member delegation from Shan State (East) Special Region 4 led by U Lau Chan Pau left for Kengtung. (NLM 4/1) Apr. 2: National Leader U Zaung Khara and members U Hsai Phong, Dr. La Ja, and U Ji Naw of Kachin Special Region 2 called on SLORC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt. (NLM 4/3) Apr. 3: Pa-O National Leader U Takleh and U Soe Aung Lwin, who had made peace with the Government, called on SLORC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt. The group from Kachin Special Region 2 called on Deputy Minister for Trade U Aung Thaung. (NLM 4/3) Apr. 4: Kokang National Leader of Northern Shan State Special Region 1 U Phon Kya Shin, accompanied by members U Phon Kya Phu, U Wun Kwe Kyint, and U Lyo Kwe Shi "who had made peace with the Government," with "intermediaries for peace" U Lho Hsing Han and U Lho Hsing Min, met with SLORC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt and other high officials. (NLM 4/5) Apr. 5: Mongkoe National Leader of Northern Shan State Special Region 1 U Mong Sa, and members U Le Nin Min, U Ho Los, U Aik Kyaw, U Ga Nam, U Maram Gam, and U Kyaw Nyunt who had made peace with government called on SLORC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt. (NLM 4/6) Gen. Than Shwe on Tour Apr. 4: SLORC Chairman Senior General Than Shwe inspected development projects in the eastern sector of the Thanlwin River, eastern Shan State. Accompanied by SLORC Secretary-2 Lt-Gen. Tin Oo and many Ministers, he left for Monghsat on Apr. 2, and visited Mongtong by helicopter. On Apr. 3 he visited Kengtung, Mongphyat, Mongyawng, and Tachilek Townships. On Apr. 4 he visited Mongyang and Mongkhat, returning to Kengtung and then flying to Mandalay, continuing by car to PyinOoLwin. [page of photos] (NLM 4/5) See under MILITARY for Senior General Than Shwe speeches at PyinOoLwin. Apr. 9: SLORC Chairman Senior General Than Shwe continued an inspection tour of PyinOoLwin and northern Shan State, beginning Apr. 7. He visited installations in PyinOoLwin, Kyaukme, and Lashio. [two pages of photos] (NLM 4/10) Apr. 11: Senior General Than Shwe flew to Tangyang on Apr. 9, and visited the 600-foot Thanlwin suspension bridge (Tarkaw-ek) project on the Lashio-Tangyang-Panghsan road. He then visited Mongyai before returning to Lashio. On Apr. 10 he visited Tarmoenye Village in Kutkai Township, Kunlong, and Hsenwi before returning to Lashio. On Apr. 11, he visited Namhkam, Muse, and Kutkai, before returning to Lashio and flying on to Mandalay. [page of photos] (NLM 4/12) Apr. 14: On Apr. 12 Senior General Than Shwe visited Pagodas in Mandalay, and on Apr. 13 inaugurated the North Pinle Reservoir in Myingyan Township, which, with the South Pinle Reservoir inaugurated in 1994, will irrigate over 4,000 acres. He then flew on to Bagan. [page of photos] (NLM 4/15) Apr. 15: He visited Chauk and Minbu, returning to Bagan, where he visited schools and other projects. [page of photos] (NLM 4/16) Apr. 16: On Apr. 15, Senior General Than Shwe inspected projects in Bagan, and then went to Kyaukpadaung Township to see the Pinchaung Reservoir project and other sites, as well as the Bagan-NyaungU-Taungzin-Popa road ("Byatta's Way"). He then returned to Bagan-NyaungU. [page of photos] (NLM 4/17) Apr. 17: He visited historic sites and restoration projects in Bagan before returning to Yangon. For 16 days, from Apr. 2-18, SLORC Chairman Senior General Than Shwe "toured 26 townships -- eight townships on the east of Thanlwin [Salween] River in Shan State (East), ten townships in Shan State (North), six townships in Mandalay Division and two townships in Magway Division. during the tour, he gave guidance to regiments, units and departmental personnel.... He also gave instructions in connection with implementation of reservoir projects, construction of roads and bridges, perpetuation of ancient edifices and greening of the nine arid districts ...." [page of photos] (NLM 4/18) Arrest of James Nichols Apr. 19 [full text]: "Man arrested for using illegal phones, faxes. "Police have booked a man for using illegal telephones and faxes which he had installed without permission in his residence at 65A, Kaba Aye Pagoda Road, Mayangon Township, Yangon. "On information received from a duty conscious person, authorities searched the house of Mr. James Leander Nichols, the owner of J.L. Enterprise and Myanco Company since 1990, on 5 April and found nine telephones, one key telephone system and two fax machines which he was using without permission of Posts and Telecommunications Department. "The authorities also found a legally installed fax and another illegal fax. "Son of Mr. George Walter Nichols and Mrs. Justine Leonine Gray, he is Anglo-Myanmar, working as the managing director of United Liner Agencies Burma Ltd. from 1959 to 1962; as an agent of a foreign shipping company till 1975; and as a merchant of New Fishing Australia till 1987. "Action has been taken against him under existing laws." (NLM 4/20) LORC Coordination Apr. 22: At the first four-monthly coordination meeting of the State Law and Order Restoration Council and State/Division LORCs, SLORC Chairman Senior General Than Shwe said (highlights as excerpted by NLM): -- National economic progress has been better than expected since targets of the four-year plan are over-fulfilled. -- Rate of annual economic growth on the four-year plan has been high since utmost efforts were exerted in implementing the four-year plan right from the beginning taking into account deteriorating conditions of the national economy at the time. -- Discharge of duties is "straw-fire" enthusiasm cautioned. -- Responsible personnel urged to be creative and innovative in view of lack of technology and funds. -- Warns against shirking one's responsibilities and depending on others, lacking initiative. -- Leaders are to work with goodwill for the progress of the department or region in their charge and for success of particular tasks that have been assigned to them. -- Officials urged to watch out for pessimists and destructionists who turn a blind eye to the achievements through earnest efforts. -- Internal destructionists are resorting to all acts in their attempts to destabilise the country and harming the progress in their own interest and their organizations rather than considering national and public interest. (NLM 4/23) Apr. 23: Senior General Than Shwe delivered the closing address, making the following main points (Excerpts as printed in NLM): -- Success of the four-year economic plan is due to harmonious, mutual help extended to one another in a brotherly spirit by all the responsible persons. -- Achievements in the four-year plan are to be maintained while remedial measures are to be taken in time. -- Collective efforts must continue in accord with the programmes in extending the sown acreage, utilizing the available area for cultivation fully and increasing the multiple cropping. -- Integrated and harmonious measures to be made in conserving forests and building irrigation networks, ponds and creeks to store water under the project for greening of the nine arid districts. -- Development of meat and fish sector is to be concentrated. -- Arrangements should be made to systematically implement production of off-shore oil and natural gas which has a promising potential in the energy sector. -- Oil and gas must be put to efficient use for continued establishment of industries beneficial to the nation in the long run. (NLM 4/24) NATIONAL CONVENTION ""Explanations" from Plenary Session The Plenary Session of the National Convention adjourned to an unspecified date on Mar. 31; major speeches and statements issued during the session, though printed during the first few days of April, were included in the March issue. Several excerpts from "Explanations" by Chairman U Aung Toe of the National Convention Convening Work Committee on the chapters on "The Legislature" and "The Executive" have appeared since, and are included herewith [full texts as published in NLM]: [The Legislature] Mar. 28: Translation of excerpts from the "formation on 'The Legislature' submitted to the National Convention Plenary Session on 28 March 1996" [full text as printed in NLM]: Esteemed Chairman, Proposals of National Convention delegates groups and separate proposals of certain delegates on the formation of the Pyithu Hluttaw have been clarified in brief. Basic principles have already been laid down on the Tatmadaw's participation in the national political leadership role of the future State, one of the six objectives of the State. To be able to do so in accordance with the basic principles thus laid down, Tatmadaw member Hluttaw representatives nominated by the Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services are to participate in the Pyithu Hluttaw, Amyotha Hluttaw, Region Hluttaws and State Hluttaws. It is known to all that the Tatmadaw, since the time of the freedom struggle, has always held public interest in esteem and safeguarded them. Experience show that there can be progress at a greater pace in nation building and development tasks by enabling the Tatmadaw to participate in the national political leadership role. Esteemed Chairman, In connection with the suggestion of some National Convention delegates requiring the Tatmadaw members to stand for election, the Tatmadaw is an organization which only undertakes national politics. As it is not engaged in party politics its members do not need to stand for election. Moreover, as a basic principle has been laid down for the Tatmadaw to be able to always participate in the national political leadership role, the Tatmadaw is duty-bound to always play a contributory role. The number of Tatmadaw member Hluttaw representatives is only one fourth of the total membership of the Hluttaw. It has become obvious that Tatmadaw member Hluttaw representatives who constitute only one fourth of the total membership in the Hluttaw will not assume the power of the State. However, the Tatmadaw has to carry out the duty of always participating in national political leadership role, and as such Tatmadaw member Hluttaw representatives need to possess a strength to be able to assist in taking timely measures in the event of failure to abide the Constitution, misuse of power or misconduct by any organ or any person of that organ. There have been instances of losses and damages to the State and the public due to difference of opinions among Hluttaw representatives elected to the respective Hluttaws, between groups or between individual representatives as they were not in a position to carry out some tasks in time. If there naturally occurs difference of opinion among Hluttaw representatives to be elected to the respective Hluttaws, among groups and between individual representatives, the Tatmadaw member Hluttaw representatives dedicated to national politics with no party or ideological attachment will be in a position to try to reach agreement as much as possible among the Hluttaw representatives. Esteemed Chairman, All have already heard the proposals of the National Convention delegate groups and certain delegates. There are proposals to add "in accord with law" to become "not more than 110 Tatmadaw member Hluttaw representatives nominated in accord with law by the Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services" and to add the same expression in basic principles laid down for the Tatmadaw member Hluttaw representatives in connection with formation of the remaining Hluttaws. They are most appropriate and more precise, so they should be given serious consideration. Hence, the National Convention Convening Work Committee coordinated with members of the Panel of Chairmen on the proposals for adding the expression. The members of the Panel of Chairmen in turn coordinated with the respective delegate groups and presented in writing the opinions of the delegate groups to the Work Committee. Most of the delegate groups said the Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services will nominate the Tatmadaw member Hluttaw representatives in accord with law and as such they proposed to add the expression "in accord with law" to become "Tatmadaw member Hluttaw representatives nominated in accord with law by the Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services". Esteemed Chairman, If discussions and revised proposals of the National Convention delegate groups are reviewed, -- peasant delegates group, -- worker delegates group, -- intellectuals and intelligentsia delegates group, -- State service personnel delegates group, -- other invited persons delegates group, -- political parties delegates group comprising -- Union Pa-On National Organization, -- Union Kayin League, and -- National Unity Party proposed that detailed basic principles should be laid down as: Pyithu Hluttaw shall be constituted with a maximum 440 Hluttaw representatives, as follows: (a) Not more than 330 Hluttaw representatives elected on the basis of population; (b) Not more than 110 Tatmadaw member Hluttaw representatives nominated in accord with law by Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services. (NLM 4/2) [The Executive] Mar. 29: "Translation of an extract from the explanation given by...U Aung Toe concerning the chapter "The Executive"....[full text as printed in NLM]: District, township, ward and village administration Esteemed Chairman, A review of the experience in executing administrative tasks at district, township and village-tract levels will indicate practising of a multiparty democracy system under the 1947 Constitution. The then representatives elected by the people were involved in laying down policy guidelines which had to be implemented by service personnel in accordance with law, bringing about continuous operation of the State machinery. With the protection given by the Tatmadaw to some bid towns against dangers posed by internal insurgency which emerged in 1949 and with the continuous operation of the State machinery thanks to the personnel, security and rule of law could be maintained. Then, regional democracy administration was experimented with regional administrative bodies elected at respective districts, townships, wards and village-tracts in 10 districts. However, it was found that it was not successful. Again, the State machinery was kept in motion by vesting powers with authoritative organs at different levels formed with people's representatives elected by the people at the Central, township, ward and village-tract levels under the 1974 Constitution. At that time, regional administrative system was adopted with the centrally controlled structuring of the State. People's representatives involved in formulating and implementing policy took guidance from the central and kept the State machinery running. It was found under the system adopted that there were no problems of differing opinions as members of the authoritative organs had to function in conformity with policy guidelines laid down by the central. During the disturbances in 1988, it came to such a situation that the authoritative organs at different levels formed with the people's representatives were not able to exercise their powers due to the prevailing conditions. The State machinery ground to a halt, anarchism reigned everywhere and the people were in complete distress. Esteemed Chairman, We are about to adopt multiparty democracy system. If administrative bodies are formed with Hluttaw representatives-elect for the administration at district, township, ward and village-tract levels, they will include delegates of various parties as members. Should these members be divided in their opinions, their functions may be delayed or suspended. Esteemed Chairman, It was also find that the respective government formed advisory committees and supervisory committees from time to time to provide supervision as necessary for bringing about better dynamism of State machinery run by the service personnel. In the post-independence period, Pyitawtha committees, security councils, ward committees for maintenance of peace and rule of law and security and administrative committees were formed for dynamic operation of the State machinery and giving advice and assistance. In the same way, Law and Order Restoration Councils at different levels were formed at the Central, divisions, districts, townships, wards and village-tracts. The Councils make coordination and cooperation as required and service personnel of departments carry out their tasks in accordance with law. Although there may be changes in members of the Councils, service personnel are in a position to secure the people's life by keeping the State machinery continuously running. Esteemed Chairman, I explained that there should be election of persons who will provide leadership for the administration of ward and village-tract levels. However, some delegate groups, based on experience, presented that there may come about discord and conflicts among local residents if such election is held in wards and village-tracts, affecting more or less national unity. It is reviewed [sic] that we should draw lessons from their presentation. Esteemed Chairman, According to their suggestions, State service personnel should be assigned duties for the administration at district and township levels and a person of integrity and repute should be assigned duties in accordance with law for the administration of respective ward and village-tract. In connection with this, the following delegate groups proposed thus for laying down basic principles: -- workers delegate group, -- intellectuals and intelligentsia delegate group, -- State service personnel delegate group, -- other invited persons group, -- national races delegate group, -- the following which are included in the political parties' delegate group: -- Union Pa-O National Organization; -- Kokang Democracy and Unity Party. Peasants delegate group, a delegate group to the National Convention, said in their proposal that they formerly experienced flaws both in the system under which a personnel only had to take charge of the administration and also in the system of administration by representatives-elect so the administrative system jointly undertaken by the representatives-elect concerned and personnel will be compatible with the changing political system of the nation. The group suggested a person of integrity and repute be appointed to take charge of the ward or village-tract administration. Esteemed Chairman, The National Convention delegates have already known conditions that may come up in running the administrative machinery at the district and township levels and conditions that may surface in keeping it in motion with personnel. Administrative powers are to be vested in the personnel or the body concerned in accordance with law. You have already known how National Convention delegates have presented their views suggesting district and township level administrative machinery not be run by a group or committee. However, if the administrative machinery is not undertaken by a group or committee, the choice left is to assign duties to service personnel concerned. In making them so perform duties, the personnel must be in strict adherence of law. Should there be ones who go ahead in disregard of law, representatives-elect concerned are to control them by submitting the matter to and discussing it at the respective Hluttaw. Moreover, the department concerned is to take action against such personnel in accordance with service regulations. Furthermore, if the President assumes, as suggested by the peasant delegates, that it is necessary to control administrative matters at district and township levels, advisory bodies and coordination committees including personnel and local residents are to be formed for control of such matters. Esteemed Chairman, Some political parties included in the political parties' delegate group suggested administrative machinery at district, township and ward and village-tract levels be run with the leadership of representatives-elect. I have already explained that administrative machinery at district and township levels should be operated by service personnel and ward and village-tract administration should be undertaken by persons of integrity and repute. Representative of political parties included in the political parties' delegate group put forward opinions of their parties and independent representatives-elect, included in the same group, also submitted their opinions. In accordance with suggestions of many of the National Convention delegates, the following have been laid down as basic principles to serve as basis: In connection with administration at district and township levels, -- Duties shall be assigned to State service personnel for the administration at district and township levels; In connection with administration at ward and village-tract levels, -- A commonly respected person of high repute and integrity shall be appointed in accordance with law for the respective ward and village-tract administration. (NLM 4/8) Mar. 29: Extract from a "presentation" by U Aung Toe concerning the chapter "The Executive." [Presidential Executive] There are two systems in exercise of executive power in most of the countries: the President is executive head in one system and the Prime Minister in another. Under the system with the Prime Minister as executive head, the Prime Minister is elected by the Hluttaw which has the right to dismiss him after submitting a non-confidence motion any time. In applying that system, a government is sometimes formed with a small majority, and a coalition government has to be formed when a party cannot form one. The Prime Minister of such a government is always worried about the dismissal following a no-confidence submitted by discontented representatives who earlier supported him. Being in a position to give in the wishes of the Hluttaw representatives, such Prime Ministers were not able to serve the nation and the citizenry as much as they should or they wished. Under the circumstances, the leadership of the Prime Minister had been weak and he was unable to carry out national development projects in earnest. Experience shows that the Prime Minister was in no position to guard against the dangers of loss of national sovereignty, disintegration of national unity and disintegration of the Union. So, it has become necessary to consider whether to follow the system with the President as executive head elected by a presidential electoral college to overcome such weaknesses. Under the system, the President shall not be dismissed by a no-confidence motion of the Hluttaw, so he will be able to carry out tasks in the interest of the nation and the citizenry freely and energetically. Hence, I had already clarified in my presentation to the plenary session of the National Convention on 7 June 1993 to consider with seriousness whether to change over to the system with the President as executive head to be able the serve the interests of the nation and the citizenry effectively. Esteemed Chairman, After the coordination and discussions over the clarification, National Convention delegates have already laid down that -- 1. the Head of State shall be the President of the Union, 2. the President of the Union shall be elected by the presidential electoral college, and in connection with the executive, it was laid down that -- -- the head of the executive of the State shall be the President of the Union. At the plenary session of the National Convention held on 2 September 1994, Chairman of the National Convention Convening Commission said it would be necessary to contribute ideas and suggestions in accord with the six objectives of the National Convention true to the past tradition. He also said it would be necessary to clearly present only ideas that were truly desirable, consistent and relevant, and refrain from discussions contrary to the basic principles already obtained earlier. In connection with the executive, a basic principle had already been laid down that the President of the Union shall be the executive head according to the wishes of the majority of National Convention delegates. Accordingly, the Pyidaungsu Government shall be led by the President of the Union, who is the executive head. There will be no Pyidaungsu Prime Minister or Deputy Prime Minister in the government which will be led by the President of the Union. Moreover, deputy ministers are not included in such cabinets. So, discussions are to continue according to the basic principles already laid down. [Separation of powers] Esteemed Chairman, In connection with separation and distribution of Sovereign State power, it has been laid down that -- -- the three branches of State power, namely, legislative power, executive power and judicial power are separated as much as possible and exert reciprocal control, check and balance among themselves. In accordance with the basic principles already laid down, legislative power, executive power and judicial power are separated and exercised [sic] as much as possible. The President of the Union, who is the head of the executive has to appoint the Attorney-General to seek legal advice and assign duties of legal character in discharging his duties. Moreover, the Attorney-General will be able to give legal advice promptly as necessary if he is a member of the cabinet. In studying the formation of the cabinet of the United States of America, the head of the Department of Justice is the Attorney-General and he is a member of the cabinet of USA. Esteemed Chairman, Some of the National Convention delegates suggested the Pyidaungsu Government should be formed with Hluttaw representatives only. Concerning this suggestion, a basic principle was laid down on separation and distribution of legislative power, executive power and judicial power in drafting the State Constitution at the plenary session of the National Convention held on 18 January 1994. I have already clarified that if a Hluttaw representative is elected as President or the Vice-President by the presidential electoral college, the person will be a Hluttaw representative and the President or the Vice-President at the same time; this will be contrary to the basic principle on the separation of the three powers. Esteemed Chairman, The President of the Union, in accordance with the basic principle on the separation of the three powers, is the person to exercise the executive power according to the State Constitution and existing laws. There can be administrative, economic and social progress of the nation if the government led by the President of the Union is able and there can be backwardness in n is able and there can be backwardness in national development if the leadership is weak. Hence, experienced and skilled persons in the respective fields are essential to assist the President of the Union to enable him to discharge executive duties successfully. Such persons may be found among the Hluttaw representatives and non-Hluttaw representatives. The President of the Union should be allowed to choose suitable persons among Hluttaw representatives and non-Hluttaw representatives to appoint Union Ministers and Deputy Ministers to get help from them in discharging duties. If the persons chosen and appointed as such include Hluttaw representatives they should be made to resign from Hluttaw representatives [sic] in accordance with the principle on the separation of the three powers. In the course of discussions, some delegates used the term Pyidaungsu Asoeya Aphwe (Union Government). Since the term is most precise, it shall be used so. It will also be used as necessary in the Regions and States. (NLM 4/11) 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.] Apr. 1: Korean Ambassador Kyung Bo Choi called on Minister for Livestock Breeding & Fisheries Brig-Gen. Maung Maung. (NLM 4/2) Apr. 2: The Korean Ambassador called on Minister for Industry 1 Lt-Gen. Sein Aung, on Minister for National Planning and Economic Development Brig-Gen. Abel, and on Yangon Mayor U Ko Lay. (NLM 4/3) Apr. 3: The Korean Ambassador called on Minister for Health Vice-Adm. Than Nyunt. (NLM 4/4) Apr. 5: Indonesian Ambassador Mochamad Sanoesi, who has completed his tour of duty here, called on Deputy Prime Minister Lt-Gen. Tin Tun. Korean Ambassador Kyung Bo Choi called on Chairman Lt-Gen. Phone Myint of the Security and Management Committee of the State Law and Order Restoration Council. Chinese Ambassador Mrs. Chen Baoliu called on Minister for Information Maj-Gen. Aye Kyaw. (NLM 4/6) Apr. 8: Japanese Ambassador Yoichi Yamaguchi called on Minister for Mines Lt-Gen. Kyaw Min. (NLM 4/9) Apr. 9: Japanese Ambassador Yoichi Yamaguchi, accompanied by Second Secretary H. Nonaka, called on Minister for Energy U Khin Maung Thein, followed by Indian Ambassador Lal Thanzaua Pudaite, Korean Ambassador Kyung Bo Choi, and Malaysian Ambassador Dato Abdul Wahab bin Harun. Indonesian Ambassador Mochamad Sanoesi called on Minister for National Planning and Economic Development Brig-Gen. Abel. (NLM 4/10) Apr. 11: The departing Indonesian Ambassador called on SLORC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt. (NLM 4/12) Apr. 19: Bangladeshi Ambassador Brig. Chowdhury Khalequzzaman (Retd) called on Minister for Industry 1 Lt-Gen. Sein Aung. Japanese Ambassador Yoichi Yamaguchi called on Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement Maj-Gen. Soe Myint. Indian Ambassador Lal Thanzaua Pudaite called on Minister for Transport Lt-Gen. Thein Win. (NLM 4/20) New Myanmar Ambassadors Apr. 10: U Thein Han, Myanmar Ambassador to Laos, was concurrently accredited as new Myanmar Ambassador to Cambodia. (NLM 4/10) Apr. 18: U Tint Lwin on Apr. 13 presented his credentials in Dhaka to President Abdur Rahman Biswas as new Myanmar Ambassador to Bangladesh. (NLM 4/19) New Ambassadors to Myanmar Apr. 10: The Government has approved the appointment of Mr. Arnaldo Carrilho as new Brazilian Ambassador to Myanmar. Ambassador Carrilho was born in Rio de Janeiro on June 10, 1937, and received a Master in Law and Social Sciences from the College of Law of the University of Brazil in 1960. He also attended the Brazilian Diplomatic Academy at Rio Branco from 1961-62. He has served in various capacities in Brazil, and at Brazilian missions in Rome, Warsaw, Jeddah, Berlin, Vatican City, Rabat, Lima, Algiers, and Beirut. In 1991 he became Brazilian Consul-General in Hong Kong. His is currently Brazilian Ambassador to Thailand, with residence in Bangkok, and will be concurrently accredited to Myanmar. He is married with four children. (NLM 4/10) Apr. 10: The Government has approved the appointment of Mr. Khek Lerang as new Cambodian Ambassador to Myanmar. Ambassador Lerang was born Nov. 11, 1939 in Kampot Province, Cambodia, and received a Commercial Academic Diploma in 1964 and a Certificate in Business Administration in 1968, in Paris. He served in the Ministry of Trade from 1966-70, and as Secretary-General and then Director General of the French National Society of Imported Products. From 1968-70 he was Secretary-General of Prince Norodom Sihanouk's Cabinet's Magazine. From 1971-78 he was Chief Executive Officer of Societe (Paris) France [sic], and from 1979-81 Chief of Secretariat of Prince Sihanouk. He was founding member of the Funcinpec Party in 1981, and from 1982-90 was Chief of Cabinet of Prince Sihanouk. In 1991 he became Cambodian Ambassador to Gabon, but in the same year was named Counsellor of Cabinet to President Prince Sihanouk. In 1994 he became Cambodian Ambassador to Laos, and is an Honorary Member of Cabinet to King Sihanouk since 1993. He is married with two children. (NLM 4/10) Thai Prisoners Released Apr. 19: In commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of King Bhumibol Adulydej's accession to the Thai throne, and as agreed during the recent visit of Thai Prime Minister Mr. Banharn Silpa-Archa, Myanmar has commuted the sentences of and release 100 Thai prisoners currently serving time in Myanmar. The first 34 left Yangon for Bangkok on Apr. 18 by Thai Airways; the remainder will depart on Apr. 22 and 24. Since 1988, the State Law and Order Restoration Council has released 282 Thai prisoners, including the present 100. (NLM 4/ 20) // Apr. 22: A second group of 33 prisoners returned to Bangkok. (NLM 4/23) // Apr. 24: The last party of 33 prisoners returned home. (NLM 4/25) INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION Joint Workshops & Seminars Mar. 31: A Conference on Environment, Cultural Heritage and Tourism, co-sponsored by the National Commission for Environmental Affairs (NCEA) and the Hanns Seidel Foundation (HSF) of Germany, will be held in Yangon on Apr. 9-10. (NLM 4/1) // Apr. 9: The Conference opened, and was addressed by Minister for Foreign Affairs U Ohn Gyaw, Chairman of the NCEA, who discussed Myanmar's forest resources, and the importance of environmental and cultural preservation. Other participants included Director Dr. Gunter Renner of the Hans-Seidel Foundation, Regional Director Dr. Suvit Yodmani of the UN Environment Programme, and Regional Director Mr. Victor Ordonez of UNESCO. In addition to Myanmar officials, the Conference was attended by Cambodian Minister for Environment Dr. Mok Mareth, tour operates and travel writers from Singapore, Japan, Vietnam, Laos, Malaysia, Thailand, Philippines, Canada, and the United States. Panel No. 1 on Heritage and Tourism was chaired by Secretary U Thaung Tun of the NCEA. Panel No. 2 on What kind of Tourism for Myanmar? was chaired by Vice-President Mr. Kwa Chong Guan of the Singapore Heritage Society. In the evening Foreign Minister U Ohn Gyaw hosted a dinner. (NLM 4/10) // Apr. 10: The Conference continued, with Dr. Khin Maung Nyunt of the Myanmar Historical Commission chairing the morning session on Management of Eco-Cultural Resources including Museums, and Mr. Thai Quang Trung of the Hanns-Seidel Foundation chairing the afternoon session on Management of Eco-Tourism. In the evening, the Foundation hosted a reception. (NLM 4/11) // Apr. 19: The Conference concluded at a final session held Apr. 11 in Bagan. The participants returned to Yangon Apr. 12 for discussions with officials at the Department of Cultural Institute and to participate in the Thingyan Festival. A total of 20 papers were presented at the Conference. (NLM 4/ 20) Apr. 4: The Switzerland-based World Economic Forum opened its "Special Trip to the Greater Mekong Subregion," with 92 world businessmen. It was addressed by Deputy Prime Minister Lt-Gen. Tin Tun on Myanmar: Strategies for the Next Five Years, outlining Myanmar's short-term five year plan [full text in NLM]. Deputy Minister for Finance U Win Naing then spoke on Banking and Financial Sector: Unifying the Exchange Rate, Easing Capital Controls and Channelling Resources through the Banking Sector. (NLM 4/5) Apr. 6: A Workshop on Haemorrhagic Septicaemia Live Vaccine, cosponsored by the Livestock Breeding and Veterinary Department and FAO, was held and was addressed by Minister for Livestock Breeding & Fisheries Brig-Gen. Maung Maung Myanmar success in vaccinating cattle and buffalo against HS disease; he praised Research Officer U Aung Myint who developed the Live HS vaccine. FAO Consultant Dr. ML. de Alwis is helping to study the Myanmar breakthrough, so as to benefit other Asian nations. (NLM 4/7) Apr. 8: A Seminar on Project Financing, jointly organized by the Central Bank of Myanmar and Standard Chartered Bank of England opened, and was addressed by Minister for Finance and Revenue Brig-Gen. Win Tin. 30 banking officials attended. (NLM 4/9) Apr. 29: A Seminar on Japan's Economic Development was held by Senior Adviser Mr. Isamu Miyazaki of Daiwa Research Ltd. of Japan. Present were Minister for National Planning and Economic Development Brig-Gen. Abel and other officials. (NLM 4/30) Social and Economic Cooperation Apr. 22: Deputy Director Dr. Otto Arregger of the Swiss Civil Aviation Department and Swiss representatives of Swissair met with Myanma Airways and Myanma Airways International to discuss air services consultation between Myanmar and Switzerland. (NLM 4/23) Donations from Abroad [We report here donations apparently from foreign sources, except for those incidental to visits reported elsewhere. We do not normally report the numerous articles on Burmese donations to government, religious, and social organizations and charities.] Apr. 2: Nestle Milo Co. donated tins of Milo worth K 200,000 to the Sports and Physical Education Department. (NLM 4/3) Apr. 2: General Manager Mr. H. Seki of Marubeni Corp. of Japan donated 1,000 FEC to the Ministry for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs Maha Thingyan Pandal. (NLM 4/3) Apr. 4: Mr. Y. Morimoto, Corporate Asian Representative, and Mr. Osumi, General Manager of Toshiba Singapore Pte. Ltd., and Chairman Mr. Low Kim Hong of Golden Glory Co. donated TVs and decks worth K 1.2 million to charity. (NLM 4/5) Apr. 5: General Manager Mr. Y. Sekimoto of Tomen Corporation donated 1,000 FEC for the border ministry Thingyan pandal. (NLM 4/6) Apr. 14: Chairperson Ms. Miriam Marshall Segal of Myanmar Strategic Advisory Services Ltd. of the United States donated Myanmar religious antiques worth K 3 million to the Kyaukyedwin Dhammethaka Kyaungtaik in Mayangon Township. (NLM 4/ 15) Apr. 17: Miyuki Uchiumi of the Women's Federation for World Peace donated a video camera to the Myanmar Maternal and Child Welfare Association. (NLM 4/18) Apr. 18: Ms. Terue Okubo and party of the Japanese Buddhist Mission donated $3,000 to the Ministry of Religious Affairs. (NLM 4/19) Apr. 19: Chairman Mr. Inaba of Sai Travel Service (Myanmar) Co. Ltd. donated a Panasonic TV and JVC video cassette recorder to the Myanmar Chamber of Commerce and Industry. (NLM 4/20) Apr. 23: The British Embassy presented 22 cassette tape-recorders to the Foreign Ministry, for use in language training. (NLM 4/24) Apr. 26: Mr. Bikrom Aisiri of Adman Club Hotel donated K 1 million for Youth Training Schools under the Social Welfare Department. "Minister Lt-Gen Kyaw Ba, on behalf of Mr. Bikrom Aisiri...pointed out that Thomas Edison who invented electric lamp, Hitler and authoress Hellen Keller [sic] were orphans who became outstanding. He then urged nurturing of orphans to be outstanding citizens." (NLM 4/27) FOREIGN VISITORS [Although we rarely note the fact, foreign visitors calling on Myanmar officials are often accompanied by their Ambassadors. -- HCMacD.] International Agency Visitors Apr. 10: Regional Director Mr. Victor Ordonez of UNESCO called on Minister for Education U Pan Aung, Chairman of the Myanmar UNESCO National Commission. (NLM 4/11) Apr. 18: Executive Director Mr. Syed Muhamad Abdul Kadir of the Asian Development Bank called on Minister for Finance and Revenue Brig-Gen. Win Tin. (NLM 4/ 19) Apr. 22: Assistant Secretary-General Dr. Nay Dun of the United Nations called on SLORC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt, and on Minister for Forestry Lt-Gen. Chit Swe. (NLM 4/23) Apr. 24: Regional Director Mr. G.K. Sharma of the International Cooperative Alliance called on Minister for Cooperatives U Than Aung to discuss the October Preparatory Meeting (Consultation) of Asian and Pacific countries, scheduled to be held in Myanmar. (NLM 4/25) Academic Visitors Apr. 3: Director Mr. Thomas Vallely of Harvard Institute for International Development (HIID) called on Minister for Forestry Lt-Gen. Chit Swe. (NLM 4/4) Medical Visitors Apr. 18: Dr. Andre B. Lalonde, Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology from Canada, called on Minister for Health Vice-Adm. Than Nyunt. (NLM 4/19) // Apr. 19: he will lecture at the Myanmar Medical Association Apr. 20 on Foetal Surveillance and Foetal Asphyxia. (NLM 4/20) Business Visitors [May include Governmental delegations with predominantly commercial aims. Delegations are often accompanied on their calls by their country's Ambassador or other diplomatic personnel in Yangon.] Apr. 1: Adviser to the Chairman Mr. Akira Utsumi of Mitsui & Co. Ltd. and Director Mr. Yoji Kodama of Nippon Steel Corporation called on Chairman of the Myanmar Investment Commission Deputy Prime Minister Vice-Adm. Maung Maung Khin. (NLM 4/2) Apr. 1: Dr. Johannes Ringel and party of West LB Bank of Germany called on Chairman of the Myanmar Investment Commission Deputy Prime Minister Vice-Adm. Maung Maung Khin. (NLM 4/2) Apr. 3: Chairman Mr. Gopinath Pillai of Windmill International (Myanmar) Ltd. and party, including Mr. David Ho, called on Yangon Mayor U Ko Lay, and donated K 100,000 to social organizations. He also donated $5,000 for disabled Tatmadawmen. (NLM 4/4) // Apr. 4: He hosted an anniversary reception. (NLM 4/5) Apr. 4: Officials of the Yuxi Hongta Group Ltd. and Yunnan Tobacco Export and Import Corp. of Yunnan, China, met with newsmen in Yangon to discuss "their intention to invest in Myanmar and quality of Xinxing and Hongtashan cigarettes." (NLM 4/5) Apr. 4: President Mr. Eiichiro Okumoto of the Daiwa Institute of Research called on SLORC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt and on Deputy Prime Minister Lt-Gen. Tin Tun. (NLM 4/5) Apr. 4: Executive Vice-President (Marketing and Sales) M. Jean Claude Baumgarten of Air France met with SLORC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt. (NLM 4/5) Apr. 8: Vice-Governor Mr. Du Shicheng of Shangdong Province of China, accompanied by 33 Chinese entrepreneurs, called on SLORC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt, and on Minister for National Planning and Economic Development Brig-Gen. Abel, and met with Chairman U Khin Maung Yee of the Union of Myanmar Chamber of Commerce and Industry. (NLM 4/9) // Apr. 9: Minister for Industry-2 Maj-Gen. Kyaw Than hosted a dinner for the group, which also met with entrepreneurs led by the Chairman of the Myanmar Chamber. [see also under Business Openings] (NLM 4/10) // Apr. 10: He called on Deputy Minister for Livestock Breeding and Fisheries U Aung Thein. (NLM 4/11) Apr. 8: President Mr. John Imle and party of Unocal Co. called on Minister for Energy U Khin Maung Thein. [see also below under Agreements with Foreign Firms] (NLM 4/9) // Apr. 11: Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Mr. Roger Beach and party of Unocal of the United States called on SLORC Vice-Chairman Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Commander-in-Chief (Army) Gen. Maung Aye. (NLM 4/12) Apr. 9: President MR. Robert M. Friedland of Ivanhoe Myanmar Holdings Ltd. of Canada and party called on SLORC Vice-Chairman Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Commander-in-Chief (Army) Gen. Maung Aye, and on Minister for Mines Lt-Gen. Kyaw Min. [see also below under Agreements with Foreign Firms] (NLM 4/10) Apr. 9: Director Mr. H. Nakagawa of Sumitomo Corp. of Japan called on Director-General U Myo Nyunt of the Higher Education Department to discuss a scholarship program for Myanmar students. (NLM 4/10) Apr. 9: Member of the Board of Management Dr. Horst Teltschik of BMW Motors, Managing Director Mr. Schoeltzke and Resident Representative Mr. Wiegand of Fritz-Werner, called on SLORC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt. (NLM 4/10) Apr. 10: Chairman and Director Mr. Takafumi Kanda of Orix Asia Ltd. of Japan and party called on Minister for Transport Lt-Gen. Thein Win to discuss international aviation, shipping, and tourism. (NLM 4/11) Apr. 10: Mr. Wong Kok Siew, Executive Co-Chairman of Nomura Singapore Ltd. and Chairman of Singapore Technologies Industrial Corporation called on Minister for Transport Lt-Gen. Thein Win to discuss airport construction and industrial development. (NLM 4/11) Apr. 19: Chairman of the Board Mr. Lars Windhorst and party of Windhorst Holding GmbH of Germany called on SLORC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt, and on Minister for National Planning and Economic Development Brig-Gen. Abel. (NLM 4/20) Apr. 22: An Agro-Business Mission led by Mr. George Tay of the Singapore Primary Production Department called on Minister for Livestock Breeding & Fisheries Brig-Gen. Maung Maung. (NLM 4/23) Apr. 22: A delegation led by Vice-Chairman Mr. Tatsuhiko Tutsuzawa of Yamaichi Securities Co. Ltd. called on Minister for Finance and Revenue Brig-Gen. Win Tin. (NLM 4/23) Apr. 24: Chairman Mr. D.G.K. Howamallika and party of Ganna Pharmaceuticals Ltd. of Sri Lanka called on Minister for Health Vice-Adm. Than Nyunt to discuss imports of medicine. (NLM 4/25) Apr. 24: Chairman Mr. Tan Sri Goh Tong and party of Genting Sanyen of Malaysia called on Minister for National Planning and Economic Development Brig-Gen. Abel. (NLM 4/25) // Apr. 25: He called on SLORC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt, and on Minister for Transport Lt-Gen. Thein Win. (NLM 4/26) // Apr. 26: He called on Minister for Industry 1 Lt-Gen. Sein Aung. (NLM 4/27) Apr. 24: Vice-Chairman Mr. Gunther Erich Lindner of the Malaysia-based Tourist Information Service for South-East Asia called on Minister for Hotels and Tourism Lt-Gen. Kyaw Ba. (NLM 4/25) Apr. 26: General Manager Mr. H. Matsushima of the Corporate Planning and Coordination Department of the Sumitomo Corporation met with Minister for Transport Lt-Gen. Thein Win to discuss airport and port construction. (NLM 4/27) Apr. 26: President Mr. Pierre de Demandoix of the Heli Union and Compagne [sic] National de Navigation called on Minister for Transport Lt-Gen. Thein Win to discuss flights between France and Myanmar. (NLM 4/27) Apr. 19: Senior Adviser Mr. Isamu Miyakazi and party of Daiwa Research Ltd. of Japan called on Minister for National Planning and Economic Development Brig-Gen. Abel. [see also under Seminars, above] (NLM 4/20) Religious Visitors Apr. 24: Eight Chinese monks accompanied by Deputy Secretary-General Mr. Ni Qiang and Mr. Jin Yang of the International Department of the Buddhist League of China arrived to learn Pariyatti literature at the State Pariyatti Sasana Tekkatho (Yangon); the monks will spend five years at the Tekkatho. (NLM 4/25) // Apr. 25: The monks visited Bago. (NLM 4/26) // The monks will be ordained on Apr. 28. (NLM 4/28) // Apr. 28: They were ordained into the Buddhist Sasana in Maha Theindawgyi at Kaba Aye. (NLM 4/29) Media Visitors Mar. 31: The three Russian journalists led by Mr. T. Pulatov, from the Writers' Union Intercommunity (Moscow) visited the Hlawga Park and the Myanma Gems Museum. (NLM 4/1) // Apr. 2: The delegation visited Bagan-Nyaung U Apr. 1-2. (NLM 4/3) // Apr. 3: The delegation visited Mandalay. (NLM 4/4) // Apr. 4: The delegation visited PyinOoLwin. (NLM 4/5) // Apr. 5: They visited pagodas in Mandalay, before returning to Yangon. (NLM 4/6) // Apr. 6: Chairman U Myo Thang (Maung Hsu Shin) of the Myanmar Writers and Journalists Association hosted a lunch for the Russians, who also went shopping in Yangon. (NLM 4/7) // Apr. 7: They visited the Kanbawzathadi Palace restoration project in Bago. (NLM 4/8) // Apr. 8: The delegation called on Deputy Minister for Information U Thein Sein, who hosted a dinner for it. (NLM 4/9) // Apr. 11: The delegation departed on Apr. 10. (NLM 4/12) Indian Air Chief Marshal Mar. 31: A three-member goodwill delegation led by Indian Air Chief Marshal S. K. Sareen and his wife arrived at the invitation of Commander-in-Chief (Air) Maj-Gen. Tin Ngwe. (NLM 4/1) // Apr. 1: He called on SLORC Vice-Chairman Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Commander-in-Chief (Army) Gen. Maung Aye, and on Commander-in-Chief (Air) Maj-Gen. Tin Ngwe. (NLM 4/2) // Apr. 2: On Apr. 1, he was given a dinner in Yangon by Commander-in-Chief (Air) Maj-Gen. Tin Ngwe and wife. On Apr. 2, he visited Mandalay. (NLM 4/3) // Apr. 3: He visited Taunggyi and Innlay Lake, before returning to Yangon. (NLM 4/ 4) // Apr. 4: He departed. (NLM 4/5) Chinese Labour Delegation Apr. 3: A five-member goodwill labour delegation led by Deputy Minister for Labour Ms. Liu Yazhi arrived, and visited the Yangon-Thanlyin Bridge. The delegation called on Minister for Labour Lt-Gen. Aye Thoung, who hosted a dinner for it. (NLM 4/4) // Apr. 4: The delegation visited the Shwedagon Pagoda and met with Deputy Minister for Labour U Kyaw Aye. (NLM 4/5) // Apr. 6: The delegation visited Taunggyi on Apr. 5-6; following its return to Yangon it visited Pepsi Cola Products Myanmar Ltd. in Mingaladon Township, the Wood Products Factory of GoldStar Co. Ltd. in Hmawby Township, and the Daewoo International Co. Ltd. (NLM 4/7) // Apr. 8: The delegation toured Bagan on Apr. 7-8. (NLM 4/9) // Apr. 9: Following an Apr. 8-9 visit by the delegation to PyinOoLwin and Mandalay, and a visit to the Defence Services Museum in Yangon, Minister for Labour Lt-Gen. Aye Thoung hosted a dinner. (NLM 4/10) // Apr. 10: The delegation called on SLORC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt, and then departed for home. (NLM 4/11) Maldives & Sri Lankan Health Ministers Apr. 10: Maldives Minister of Health and Social Welfare Mr. Ahmed Abdullah, and Sri Lankan Minister of Health Mr. A.H.M. Fawzie called on Minister for Health Vice-Adm. Than Nyunt to discuss bilateral health cooperation in teaching, treatment, and anti-infection disease movement. Later the Myanmar Health Minister hosted a dinner for them. (NLM 4/11) US Official Apr. 25: Director Mr. Denis Harter of the East Asia and Pacific Division of the Department of State, accompanied by United States Charge d'Affaires Ms. Marilyn A. Meyers, called on Minister for Forestry Lt-Gen. Chit Swe to discuss "bilateral relations and projects for mutual cooperation in forest conservation and wood-based industries." (NLM 4/26) Chinese Deputy Attorney-General Apr. 25: A delegation led by Deputy Attorney-General Mr. Zhao Hong of China arrived. (NLM 4/26) // Apr. 26: He called on Minister for Home Affairs Lt-Gen. Mya Thin, on Attorney-General U Tha Tun, and on Chief Justice U Aung Toe. The Chinese official is accompanied by Yunnan Province Attorney-General Mr. He Zhanjun, members of the Attorney-General's Office Mr. Liu Benum and Mr. Ding Kai, Deputy Attorney-General of Jiangsu Province Mr. Wang Jihua, and translator Mr. Wang Zongying of the Chinese Embassy. (NLM 4/27) // Apr. 27: He visited the Shwedagon Pagoda. (NLM 4/28) Chinese General Apr. 28: A 16-member goodwill delegation headed by Vice-Chairman of the Chinese Central Military Commission Gen. Zhang Wannian and wife arrived at the invitation of SLORC Chairman Senior General Than Shwe. He issued an arrival statement (full text in NLM) praising the longstanding friendship between China and Burma. The delegation then visited the Shwedagon Pagoda. (NLM 4/29) // Apr. 29: The General called on SLORC Chairman Senior General Than Shwe, and SLORC Vice-Chairman Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Commander-in-Chief (Army) Gen. Maung Aye hosted a dinner for the delegation. The delegation also visited the Defence Services Museum. The General's wife, Mme. Zhong Pei Zhao, toured Yangon and visited the Yangon-Thanlyin Bridge. (NLM 4/30) MYANMAR DELEGATIONS Study Delegations Apr. 17: An 8-member delegation led by Minister for Rail Transportation U Win Sein left for Germany, the United States, and Canada to study railway services. (NLM 4/ 18) Apr. 21: A delegation led by Minister for Industry-2 Maj-Gen. Kyaw Than left for Russia to study industries. He was accompanied by Director Col. Aung Hlaing of Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, Managing Director U Myint Thein Lwin and Director U Aung Soe Win of Myanma Heavy Industries, Factory Manager U Than Htut of No. 3 Industry, and PSO Capt. Naing Naing Oo. (NLM 4/22) // Apr. 29: The delegation returned. (NLM 4/30) Delegations to Meetings Apr. 4: Professor Dr. Maung Thin of the Department of Geology, University of Yangon, left for Bangkok to attend the Apr. 4-6 Forum on Urban Geology in Asia and the Pacific cum-Project Review Meeting on Environment and Urban Geology for Sustainable Development of Fast-growing Cities, sponsored by ESCAP. (NLM 4/5) Apr. 21: A 32-member delegation led by Deputy Chairman U Tun Thura of Emporium Cooperatives Syndicate No. 1 Ltd. left for Singapore to attend the Apr. 23-26 Asian International Handicraft Fair '96. "They will display jade and gems, wood and sandalwood carvings, gold and silver embroidery, mother-o'-pearl and other Myanma handicrafts." (NLM 4/22) Apr. 28: A delegation led by Minister for Finance and Revenue Brig-Gen. Win Tin left for the Philippines to attend the 29th annual meeting of the Asian Development Bank in Manila on Apr. 30. Other members are Director-General U Arnt Kyaw of the Foreign Economic Relations Department and PSO U Khin Maung Aye. After the meeting, the delegation will visit Tokyo to meet with Japanese entrepreneurs. (NLM 4/29) Religious Delegations Mar. 31: A 35-member delegation led by Deputy Minister for Religious Affairs U Aung Khin, and including Chairman of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee Sayadaw Bhaddanta Sobhita left for Lumbini Park, Nepal, to attend the enshrinement and Htidaw hoisting at the Lawkamani‡ula Pagoda. (NLM 4/1) // Apr. 9: The Htidaw was hoisted, and the Pagoda consecrated, on Apr. 6-8, in the presence of Daw Kyaing Kyaing, wife of SLORC Chairman Senior General Than Shwe, and of Minister for Religious Affairs Lt-Gen. Myo Nyunt, Minister for Transport Lt-Gen. Thein Win, Minister at the Deputy Prime Minister's Office U Khin Maung Yin, and over 500 Myanmar and Nepali pilgrims. Minister Lt-Gen. Myo Nyunt called on Nepal Prime Minister Mr. Sher Bahadur Deuba on Apr. 9. The delegation returned to Yangon. (NLM 4/10) Apr. 23: Three Sayadaws from the Mahasi Sasana Yeiktha left to conduct missionary services in Europe (France, Italy, Germany, Britain, etc.) and the United States. They are Agga Maha Pandita Bhaddanta Sonaka, Bhaddanta Jatila, and Bhaddanta Sunanda. (NLM 4/24) Foreign Minister to New York Apr. 1: A delegation led by Minister for Foreign Affairs U Ohn Gyaw left for New York "for discussions between United Nations and Myanmar Government." With the Minister were Director of Foreign Affairs U Thaung Tun and PSO U Zaw Myint Oo. (NLM 4/2) // Apr. 8: The delegation returned. (NLM 4/9) Deputy Foreign Minister to Philippines Apr. 21: Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs U Nyunt Swe left for an official visit to the Philippines, at the invitation of Under-Secretary of Foreign Affairs Mr. Rodolfo C. Severino, Jr. He was accompanied by Director-General U Khin Maung Win, Deputy Director U Aung Than, and Deputy Principal Officer U Ye Myint. (NLM 4/22) // Apr. 26: He returned. During his visit, he called on Vice-President Mr. Joseph Estrada and Foreign Secretary Mr. Domingo L. Siazon, Jr., and discussed cooperation with Under-Secretary Severino. (NLM 4/27) Delegations Return [Return to Yangon of delegations which had left in previous months, or whose departure had not been noticed in NLD] Mar. 31: The delegation led by Deputy Minister for Industry-2 U Saw Tun returned from China. (NLM 4/1) MILITARY Surrenders by Armed Group Members Apr. 25: Four members of the ABSDF battalion No. 206 returned to the legal fold on at the Chaunghnitkhwa Tatmadaw column. (NLM 4/26) Gen. Than Shwe Addresses Military Apr. 5: SLORC Chairman Senior General Than Shwe addressed the graduating parade of the 37th Intake of the Defence Services Academy at PyinOoLwin [full text]: Comrades, Today is the Graduation Day of the 37th Intake of the Defence Services Academy. You have completed four years of training in academic and military education at the Academy and will now be taking up duties of junior leaders in the respective units and regiments of the Army, Navy and Air Force and carry out the main tasks of the State. Therefore, as today is not only an auspicious day for all of you but also a day on which more junior leaders are added to the Tatmadaw, here are certain points on which I would like to put special emphasis. The military and academic training given to you at the Academy are only the basics. In those fields where you have practically to discharge your duties, you must take the training given as basis, combine it with practical experience and carry out your tasks. You will initially have to take up duties as platoon commanders when you reach your units and regiments. Some may have to take over as company commanders as the situation demands. No matter which duty you are assigned to, you have already been trained to take up responsibilities two grades higher. To be able to command a group, leadership qualities are essential. According to our Myanmar custom, a leader must be imbued with the six leadership qualities. Only when you have industriousness, alertness, sympathy, patience, assessment and consideration will you be recognized as a leader. Our Tatmadaw is an armed organization. To be able to lead and armed organization it is necessary to possess those characteristics defined explicitly in the Soldiers' Code of Conduct besides the six qualities. That's why a leader must possess -- creativity and inventiveness -- command and control -- general knowledge and the will to learn -- good character and conduct -- good morale -- loyalty -- mentality of a good commander and parent -- discipline of exemplary status -- will to strive for improvement of the unit -- tenacity and industry -- sense of good will -- spirit to co-operate -- courage -- ability to establish unity in the troops you lead -- willingness to sacrifice and rights for others -- the three capabilities. Comrades, I would like to tell you about the Tatmadaw. Ours is a Tatmadaw which emerged together with the struggle for independence. Our Tatmadaw which originated from the BIA and BDA, is the main organization which took part in the anti-colonialist and anti-fascist resistance for national liberation. Therefore, our Tatmadaw is not an ordinary one. You must know that it is a Tatmadaw based on patriotism and military craft. Our Tatmadaw is: -- -- a patriotic Tatmadaw -- a disciplined Tatmadaw -- a loyal Tatmadaw -- a united Tatmadaw -- an efficient Tatmadaw -- a Tatmadaw which makes heroic sacrifices -- a Tatmadaw which does not seek personal gains -- a Tatmadaw of noble spirit and high morale -- a Tatmadaw which possesses true quality of overcoming obstacles -- a Tatmadaw which can endure hardship -- a tenacious and persevering Tatmadaw -- a Tatmadaw which upholds Our Three Main National Causes You, Comrades, with disregard to your lives, must uphold the noble traditions of our Tatmadaw which is endowed with historical traditions. Our Tatmadaw is formed with sons of the people and safeguards the interests of the people. It was able to obtain independence by taking part, hand in hand with the people, in the anti-colonialist and anti-fascist resistance. When our country regained independence internal insurgency emerged together with it. It was our Tatmadaw which had to confront and repel internal insurgencies and external aggressors sacrificing life and limb, in safeguarding the lives and property of the people. Whenever our country is faced with difficulties, it is our Tatmadaw which sides with the people and helps them out. Just after independence in 1948-49, internal insurgency was a big threat to the country. The government then had authority over a small section of Yangon city proper and nearly the whole country was in peril because of multi-coloured insurgents. The Tatmadaw standing loyally on the side of the people, fought and overcame these dangers. In 1958, just as violent strife in the party in power was about to bring about bloodshed, the standing loyally on the side of the people, fought and overcame these dangers. In 1958, just as violent strife in the party in power was about to bring about bloodshed, the Tatmadaw, on being assigned by the legal government had to take responsibility of the country. In 1962, taking advantage of the flaws in the constitution, some groups with narrow racial outlook tired to secede from the Union. This situation was such that the State was confronted with the danger of disintegrating so the Tatmadaw had to assume state power for a reasonable number of years. You have seen for yourself the situation in 1988. Anarchism reigned, security and tranquillity were absent and the country was dangerously on the verge of disintegration. Therefore, our Tatmadaw had to take up duties of the State unavoidably as a historical task. Today, because our Tatmadaw is also duty bound for our country's political, economic and social matters besides discharging duties for national defence, training and consistently toiling for the well being of the people, it is essential for Tatmadawmen to have strong belief and concept. Our belief and concept are Non-disintegration of the Union, Non-disintegration of National Solidarity and Perpetuation of Sovereignty. You, Comrades, must understand that these Three Main Causes are not only for Tatmadawmen but also for the whole nation to abide by and uphold. Comrades, Our Tatmadaw needs to be strong, efficient and modern to be able to safeguard our country eternally and to discharge these duties successfully. This is the aim and object of our Tatmadaw. For our Tatmadaw to be strong, it has to be reinforced with manpower and materials. Duty conscious and patriotic youths including you, Comrades, have on your own free will enlisted in the Tatmadaw and are discharging duties. To be strong in terms of materials depends on the wealth of the nation. The better the economy of the country, the more we can replenish the materials. It is up to you to work for enhancement of capabilities in order to make the Tatmadaw capable. Four major tasks have been laid down to ensure unity in building up the Tatmadaw. They are: (1) training, (2) administration, (3) welfare, and (4) morale. Training is most important in building up an armed force. Only training can bring about good discipline, good morale and fighting capability. Therefore, training comes first. I would like to urge you to train without let-up when you get to the units. The second point is administration. It involves the General Staff duties, the Adjutant-General's staff duties and the Quartermaster-General's staff duties. If any of the three is weak, our Tatmadaw's machinery will grind to a stop. Therefore, you, Comrades, must at all times pursue and study to be well versed in the General Staff, Adjutant-General's staff and Quartermaster-General's staff duties. The third is welfare. In addition to boosting the work of Tatmadawmen, welfare also helps maintain good discipline. Therefore, welfare is also important in building up an army. As such, you must not consider it just another matter of administration, but work for it in all seriousness. Our Comrades have to serve under difficult conditions risking life and limb, away from their loved ones. Welfare is important even for civilians. Therefore, it must be provided not only for our Comrades who have to serve in hardship but also for their families. The last point is morale. Just as discipline is good when morale is high, fighting capability is enhance when both morale and discipline are good. Therefore morale is important for an army to be good. You must remember that no matter how good materially, there is no benefit if morale is not good. Just as it is necessary to possess such morale as that which nurtures undaunted spirit of taking up such an attitude as to discharge duties despite obstacles and dangers, unyielding endurance, perseverance and courage with the spirit of not giving up even on a boat emptied [sic] when faced with difficulties and crisis is also essential. If you, Comrades, build the Tatmadaw in accord with these four points, there will be good morale, good discipline, and mutual trust, and your unit will be concretely organized and you will possess the three capabilities -- military, organizational and administrative. These five qualities are what each unit and each Comrade must possess. These are the points by which the success or otherwise of military structuring are to be gauged. To be a modern Tatmadaw, you must be able to efficiently use materials and arms obtained by the State. You must be able to think in keeping with the times. You must keep apace of developments in military science, science and technology, studying them at all times. You must be mindful of the fact that today's battles are related to computer science and you keep abreast by working and innovating on your own. Only then will you be able to acquire the desired strength and the Tatmadaw will be capable and modern. Comrades, In addition to our original national defence duties, our Tatmadaw today is shouldering political, economic and social responsibilities as required by history. Compared to some neighbours, you will find our country lags behind to some extent. We find some salient features still lacking. You Comrades, are aware that our Tatmadaw Government, the State Law and Order Restoration Council, has laid down with goodwill and is discharging duties under the 12 political, economic and social objectives in order to build a peaceful, developed and modern nation while we are taking up the duties of State. These objectives are our work guidelines. As we have unceasingly implemented these which we must not fail to implement day and night, there is today peace and tranquillity and we have gained good political, economic and social development. Trusting in our goodwill and correct work, 15 armed groups have returned to legal fold and the group called the MTA which had been engaging in the business of opium and drugs that endanger the entire mankind has also abandoned their wrongful acts, turned in their arms to the Tatmadaw and returned to the legal fold. Some destructive elements, who cannot bear to see such positive developments in the country and unity among the nationals, are conniving and instigating to cause destruction of the nation. Specially, they are driving a wedge between the Tatmadaw and the people, to cause public morale to decline and waver. Some internal destructionists, aping their external cohorts, are perpetrating acts to disturb and hinder national construction. Disregarding the nation's development, they are moving toward the sole aim of their organization getting power. With the attitude 'Let anyone die so long as I survive', they are working for the destruction of the Tatmadaw, the present Government. True to the slogan, "We shall not be divided no matter who tries, we remain united", you, Comrades, must, together with the people, ostracize, oppose and remove these destructionists. Comrades, In conclusion, I would like to tell you, as young leaders, to be active and persevere to discharge the duties of State. What you have been taught at the academy are the basics and you must strive to do better and succeed, combining what you have learned with practical life. Defend the noble traditions of the Tatmadaw with your life. Apply your leadership qualities in life. You must not only possess military outlook alone but must possess four, including political, economic and administrative outlooks. All Tatmadawmen must abide by the Soldiers' Code of Conduct which is an indispensable tenet. Strive to make your Tatmadaw strong and capable. From whatever station, work in cooperation for the emergence of a peaceful, modern and developed nation. With this, I conclude. (NLM 4/6) Apr. 7: On the evening of Apr. 5, SLORC Chairman Senior General Than Shwe attended the graduation dinner. Excerpts (as noted in NLM) were: -- Training is of utmost importance in building a strong, capable and modern Tatmadaw as required by the nation. -- The nation stood as a great empire when the Tatmadaw was strong, but it was reduced to servitude when the Tatmadaw was weak. -- Engineers skilful in respective subjects are to play a leading role in building an efficient and dynamic Tatmadaw. -- Just as the country would have disintegrated unless State responsibilities were taken over in time, it would also have met the same fate unless those who took up duties were able to manage it. -- Tatmadaw should not hold on to State power forever. However, it has to assume duties for a reasonable period of time to be able to lay down good foundations needed for emergence of a peaceful, modern and developed nation. [page of photos] (NLM 4/ 8) MYANMAR GAZETTE Appointments on Probation The SLORC has appointed the following, on probation: Apr. 18: U Aung Ba Kyi, General Manager, to be Chairman, Social Security Board, Ministry of Labour. Dr. Soe Tun, Professor/Department Head, Department of Orthopaedics, to be Rector, Mandalay Institute of Medicine, Ministry of Health. (NLM 4/19) ECONOMIC Economic Articles Apr. 9: Development of Statistical Information in the Market-oriented Economy of Myanmar, by Dr. Sein Tin. [Review of functions of the Central Statistical Organization, namely: (a) Annual Statistical Yearbook; (b) Annual Statistical Abstract; (c) Bi-monthly Selected Monthly Economic Indicators; (d) Annual Bulletin of Import Trade; (e) Annual Bulletin of Export Trade; (f) Annual Vital Statistics Report; (g) Statistical Profile of Children and Women (every two years); (h) Household Expenditure Report (every three years); (i) Ad hoc surveys on: private industries, private transport, housing construction, agricultural cost, fertility and mortality, children and women, vial registration completeness survey, etc. Problems that need to be addressed: (1) "Need for an integrated and comprehensive system of statistics"; (2) "Need for disaggregated data on private sector activities"; (3) "Limited computer networking in IT development."] Apr. 21: Mya Yeik Nyo Royal Hotel is Paradise for the Traveller who Seeks it, by Min Kyaw Min. [Description of new luxury hotel.] Trade Fairs and Exhibitions Apr. 1: A press conference was given in Mandalay on Mar. 30 about the May 6-10 Exhibition of Malaysian Products sponsored by the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) in cooperation with Forum Exposition SDN BHD (Malaysia) and Silver Kris Company Ltd. (Myanmar) to be held at Tatmadaw Hall in Yangon. 131 Malaysian products will be exhibited. (NLM 4/ 2) Apr. 24: The Farm Machinery Exhibition of the Yangon Division Industrial Zone was opened in Mingaladon Township in the presence of SLORC Secretary-2 Lt-Gen. Tin Oo. Exhibited are "Tractor attached harvesting and drying machines, Leyar-12 power tillers, harrowing machines, weeders, fertilizing machines, complete sets of A-yar-1 power tillers, various types of pumps, threshers, crop sprayers" and other Myanmar-manufactured farm machinery. The exhibit will last two days. (NLM 4/ 25) Project Inaugurations Apr. 25: A K 4.5 bridge across the Chaungdwin River on the Pyapon-Kyaiklat road was opened in Pyapon on Apr. 21. (NLM 4/26) Business Openings Apr. 3: Managing Director U San Yadana of SN International Trading Co. Ltd. opened Yadana Office Automation Centre at 60 Maha Bandoola Garden St., Yangon. "Typewriters, copiers, calculators, cash registers, manual punch and binding machines and others are to be sold in kyats." (NLM 4/4) Apr. 5: Prakit/FCB (Myanmar) Co. Ltd., an advertising company, opened at 3/B Kaba Aye Pagoda Road, Yangon. CEO and President Mr. Ben Barnes of FCB Asia/Pacific and Chairman Mr. Prakit Apisarnthanarax of Prakit and FCB, Thailand, spoke. (NLM 4/6) Apr. 7: Mawlamyine Holdings Ltd. opened its 100-ton capacity cold storage on Thanlwin Street in Mawlamyine. Minister for Livestock Breeding & Fisheries Brig-Gen. Maung Maung and South-East Commander Maj-Gen. Ket Sein participated. (NLM 4/9) Apr. 9: Myanmar Qing Qi Co. Ltd. opened a showroom at 770/772 Maha Bandoola Street, Yangon, to sell Chinese motorcycles. Present were Vice-Governor Mr. Pu Shi Cheng of Shandong Province, Chairman Mr. Zhang Jia Ling of the Qing Qi Group, General Manager Mr. Jiang Sheng Yang of Myanmar Qing Qi Corporation, and others. (NLM 4/10) Apr. 9: The SN Group Travel and Tour Co. Ltd. launched the SN Ever Seiko Car Rental Service, to rent Mercedes Benz, Toyota Crown, Isuzu Gemini, and Mitsubishi Galant cars, and minibuses, from 14 Shan Road, Sangyoung, Yangon (Tel: 01-281178, 287028, and 272588). (NLM 4/10) Apr. 9: Director Mr. Joseph Pang of Value Trading Myanmar Co. Ltd. opened a showroom for Michelin tyres at 73 Phongyi Street, Yangon. (NLM 4/10) Apr. 18: Diamond Soft Drinks was re-established as a joint venture between Myanma Foodstuffs Industry (MFI) (investment $1 million), represented by its Managing Director and Loihein Co., represented by Managing Director Dr. Sai Sam Tun (investment $ 1.5 million). The factory on Wadan Street, Lanmadaw Township, Yangon, will make a profit of K 12 million a year after deducting K 2 million from proceeds, if it can produce 72 million bottles of soft drinks in the first year. (NLM 4/19) Apr. 20: The New Mya Yeik Nyo Royal Hotel at 20 Pale Road, Bahan Township, Yangon, was opened by SLORC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt. The Secretary and guests "visited ball room, beauty parlor, coffee shop, bar, dining room on waterfall [sic], business room, reading room and meeting room." He also opened the Mya Yeik Nyo Royal City Club, and "visited golf driving range, swimming pool, horse-riding, sauna, steam bath, aerobics hall, billiards, video theatre and video games and children's recreation centre." He then opened the Yadana Garden Restaurant nearby. The hotel has four royal suites, 37 suites, and five junior suites. (NLM 4/21) Apr. 27: Mita Copier of Ryuji International Co. Ltd. opened a sales centre on the corner of Anawrahta Street and Sule Pagoda Road, in the presence of Minister for National Planning and Economic Development Brig-Gen. Abel, President U Tin Wan of Ryuji International Co. Ltd., Deputy Director Mr. T. Shimizu of Mita Industry Co. Ltd. (Japan), Managing Director Mr. Y. Sato of Mita Copystar Singapore Pte. Ltd., and Mr. Taichi. (NLM 4/28) Advertisements Apr. 3: Full page ad for Myanmar Airways International, announcing a new Wednesday service to Singapore; MAI now flies to Singapore every day but Saturday. Apr. 12: Full page ad for Myanmar Airways International, celebrating Thingyan (Myanmar New Year) and publishing it current schedule of flights to Bangkok (twice daily); Singapore (every day but Sat.); Kuala Lumpur (Wed. & Sat.); Hong Kong (Mon. & Fri.); Dhaka (Sat.); and Kunming (Sat.). Apr. 16: Quarter-page ad for Air Mandalay, announcing a new twice-weekly service, beginning in October, between Yangon and Phuket (Thailand). Apr. 21: Half-page ad for the National/ Panasonic Authorized Service Centre, and its "free of charge cleaning service." Apr. 27-30: Half-page ad for the new Sports Journal [see below under Publications]. Apr. 28: Half-page ad for the Daewoo Motor Service Centre. Agreements with Foreign Firms Apr. 5: The Myanma Economic Bank (MEB), represented by Director U Kyaw Kyaw, and Daiwa Institute of Research Co. Ltd. of Japan, represented by President Mr. Eiichiro Okumoto, signed a contract to establish Myanmar Securities Exchange Centre Co. Ltd., with each investing 50% in the joint venture company, "which will issue, sell and buy security certificates and will also serve as an agent and consultant till a stock exchange is formed in Myanmar." (NLM 4/6) Apr. 8: A Memorandum of Understanding to implement the Local Consumption Project of Mottama Offshore Yadana Natural Gas was signed by officials of the Energy Planning Department of the Ministry of Energy, Chairman Mr. John Imle of Unocal Corporation of the United States, Vice-Chairman Mr. Denis Giorno of Total of France, and Director Mr. Katsumaru Kikushima of Mitsui Co. of Japan. Present were Minister for Energy U Khin Maung Thein and other officials. "The project includes laying of pipelines and construction of a 200-megawatt natural gas-powered station and urea fertilizer factory which can produce about 500,000 tons a year." (NLM 4/9) Apr. 10: A Definitive Joint Venture Agreement was signed between No. 1 Mining Enterprise, represented by Managing Director U Ko Ko, and Ivanhoe Myanmar Holdings, Inc. of Canada, represented by President Robert M. Friedland (who also donated K 250,000 for Bagan pagoda restoration), to establish the Myanmar Ivanhoe Copper Company Inc. "with the following objectives: (a) Mining and processing of copper ore and producing cathode copper; (b) Marketing of cathode copper both in Myanmar and abroad; (c) Performing any other operations or activities that are appropriate or incidental to any of the foregoing." Speaking on the occasion, Minister for Mines Lt-Gen. Kyaw Min noted that No. 1 Mining Enterprise had implemented the No. 1 Copper Project at Sabetaung and Kyisintaung in 1979, and built an operated a 60,000 ton capacity copper concentrate flotation complex, as well as a small pilot refinery. "The deposit at Letpadaung is known to contain about 180 million tons of copper ore with copper content of 0.66%.... A world class deposit of this magnitude needs the most appropriate technological expertise as well as strong financial backing.... It has been very fortunate that Ivanhoe put up a timely proposal of using the heap leaching, solvent-extraction and electro-winning process to produce cathode copper, which by-passes all the troubles of producing concentrates and at considerably lower costs." The present agreement began with a Feasibility Study Agreement two years ago. (NLM 4/11) Banking Apr. 1: The Government Employees Bank was inaugurated by Minister for Finance and Revenue Brig-Gen. Win Tin at 23/25 Sule Pagoda Road. He said the Bank will "disburse loans to over one million employees and over 500,000 retired personnel throughout the country," noting that covered persons include both civil servants and military personnel, and retirees include all persons receiving pensions and allowances. The GEB will issue loans up to ten times their monthly pay or pension, at 5% to be reimbursed over 24 months starting from the month after issuance. (NLM 4/2) // Apr. 4: The GEB began disbursing loans; K 60 million to 5,176 employees and 46 pensioners. Application forms have been obtained by 101,658 employees and 54,245 retired pensioners. (NLM 4/5) // Apr. 17: The GEB has since April 1 disbursed over K 1.26 billion to 115,636 employees and K 37.77 million to retired personnel of the Yangon City Development Committee. (NLM 4/18) // Apr. 26: The grace period for repayment of loans has been extended from one month to three months; repayments are in 24 equal installments following the grace period, plus 5% interest. "As the loans are being disbursed for the welfare of service personnel and the retired, they can borrow the money of their own free will." (NLM 4/26) Apr. 25: The Central Bank of Myanmar has issued a new $20 Foreign Exchange Certificate. [illustration] (NLM 4/26) Tourism Apr. 11: 126 tourists arrived Apr. 10 on the liner ms Hanseatic, cosponsored by Myanma Hotels and Tourism Service and Skyline Travel Service of Bangkok. They toured Yangon. (NLM 4/12) Apr. 26: 118 French tourists arrived by Thai Airways under arrangements made by Myanma Hotels and Tourism Service and SDT Voyages de France. They visited Shwedagon Pagoda, and will tour Bagan and Mandalay from Apr. 27-29. (NLM 4/27) Five-year Plan Targets Mar. 31: Targets for the end of the 1996-97 to 2000-2001 five year plan are: GDP = K 91,798 million (av. increase 6% per year) Production rate increases (per year) Agriculture = 5.4% Meat & fisheries = 5.8% Forestry = 2.8% Mining = 18.5% Industry = 7.4% Investment = K 419,599 million (42.7% State sector; 57.3% cooperative and private sectors) Export value = K 15,776 million (av. increase 21.6%) Import value = K 18,776 million (av. increase 13.7%) Per capita production = 4.1% per year Per capita consumption = 4.0 % per year (NLM 4/1) Privatization Apr. 8: Sixteen State-owned cinemas will be sold through competitive bidding, in accordance with the decision of the Privatisation Commission at its meeting No. 1/96 of Mar. 25. They are: Min Thiha (Shwebo) -- reserve price K 6,571,000 Myoma (Pyinmana) -- K 3,799,000 Shwehintha (Bago) -- K 10,858,000 Yangyiaung (Gyobingauk) -- K 6,026,000 Myogonyaung (Nattalin) -- K 5,657,000 Win Win Myaing (Sitkwin) -- K 5,468,000 Shein (Thonze) -- K 10,306,000 Hla Thiri (Mihla) -- K 7,440,000 Yoma (Taunggyi) -- K 9,266,000 Sanpya (Tachilek) -- K 48,273,000 Zatiman (Thayet) -- K 3,582,000 Thirimyaing (Mawlamyine) -- K 9,233,000 Athanhtwet (Maungtaw) -- K 2,576,000 Aungmingala (Thaton) -- K 6,264,000 Yangyiaung (Myaungmya) -- K 7,181,000 Shwepyiaye (Pathein) -- K 9,470,000 Interested parties should submit sealed bids by May 24. The sale will include land, buildings and equipment, and telephones and electricity meters if any. (NLM 4/9) Trucks and Tractors Apr. 11: 10 dump trucks (out of an order for 160) imported by the Irrigation Department from Japan arrived. The Ministry of Industry-2 is selling 400 Blac two-ton light trucks to Education Employees Cooperatives Societies. The Ministry of Agriculture is sending 216 tractors donated by Japan to promote rice production on border areas of Shan and Kachin States and Sagaing Division. (NLM 4/12) Agriculture Apr. 26: Ministry of Agriculture officials met to consider extension of monsoon paddy cultivation in 1996-97. Minister for Agriculture Lt-Gen. Myint Aung called for increasing monsoon paddy acreage by 2 million, to a total of 14 million acres. Plans are under way to extend 700,000 acres in areas along the Ayeyawady, Chindwin, Myitnge, Samon, Panlaung, and Myittha Rivers, and the Mon, Pann, Pin, and Yaw Creeks, using pumped water irrigation. Another million acres will be added within two years. (NLM 4/27) Border Development Apr. 29: The Border Areas Development and National Races Development Work Committee was addressed by Chairman SLORC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt, who complained of slow progress: "Comparing the success achieved during the period 1989 to 1992 and performance in the three-year period, 1993-94 to 1995-96, the Secretary-1 said the pace of progress in the latter had been slow. He said this was because funds could not be allocated as requested in some projects and weak performance in some cases though funds were fully allocated. Moreover, he said, discharge of duties by personnel of regional work committees and those of bodies representing the ministries directly involved with the work committees was found to be sluggish in implementing border development projects." In 1995-96 the government spent K 1,210.61 million on border areas development, as follows: K 313,430,000 -- roads and transport K 9,050,000 -- health K 16,840,000 -- education K 166,970,000 -- agriculture and forestry K 810,000 -- forestry K 46,000,000 -- mineral exploration K 19,500,000 -- livestock breeding K 3,440,000 -- trade K 54,020,000 -- energy K 37,630,000 -- public relations K 18,130,000 -- communications K 107,030,000 -- housing K 26,670,000 -- religious affairs K 8,350,000 -- international projects K 33,440,000 -- miscellaneous matters K 321,030,000 -- monetary assistance K 28,270,000 -- Work Committee branch offices SLORC Secretary-2 Lt-Gen. Tin Oo also spoke. (NLM 4/30) Rainfall in Yangon Rainfall, in inches, at Yangon's three weather stations of Yangon Airport (YA), Kaba-Aye (KA), and Central Yangon (CY) was: YA KA CY 1987 97.01 100.98 95.43 1988 99.17 100.00 107.76 1989 96.22 100.59 102.76 1990 118.35 109.92 122.84 1991 91.81 83.78 96.65 1992 81.34 96.02 95.98 1993 82.64 111.18 95.12 1994 120.16 120.94 117.36 1995 104.84 100.47 98.27 1996 as of April 1 2.48 3.15 2.68 April 15 2.48 3.15 2.68 April 30 4.45 4.84 4.21 HEALTH Health Articles Apr. 2: A Landmark Event for Nursing in Myanmar, by Dr. Win May. [Expansion of the Institute of Nursing.] Apr. 6: "Healthy Cities For Better Life" by Dr. Naing Tint San (YCDC). [The WHO "Healthy Cities Programme."] SPORTS Sports Articles Apr. 2: Tatmadaw's Outstanding Athletes, by Kyaw Soe Myint. [Record of Tatmadaw athletes since 1945.] Apr. 16: 1996 Summer Sports Training Courses, by Kyaw Soe Myint. [An agreeable summer program for students.] Myanmar Teams and Delegations Apr. 5: After playing goodwill matches in Laos, a 26-member football team led by Deputy Adjutant-General Col. Ye Tun returned to Myanmar. (NLM 4/5) Apr. 10: A victorious 4-member swimming team led by U Myint Lwin of the Sports and Physical Education Department returned from the 23rd South-East Asia Club Swimming Championships in Bangkok, Apr. 5-7. Aung Soe Min took gold in 100-metre and 50-metre butterfly and 100-metre backstroke; Swan Yi Hein took silver in 50-metre freestyle and bronze in 200-metre medley; and Yi Yi Myint took bronze in 200-metre medley and 100-metre backstroke. (NLM 4/11) Apr. 20: President of Myanmar National Olympic Committee Minister at the Prime Minister's Office Brig-Gen. Lun Maung left to attend the Apr. 21-24 Sixth World Sports for All Congress in Seoul, Korea. He was accompanied by Olympic Committee Secretary U Kyaw Mra and his PSO Capt. Tin Htut Aung. (NLM 4/21) // Apr. 25: He returned. (NLM 4/26) // Apr. 26: While in Korea, the Minister visited the Military Sports Command on Apr. 22, and called on Minister of Sports and Culture Mr. Kim Young Soo; on Apr. 24 he visited the Daewoo Heavy Equipment factory. (NLM 4/27) Apr. 20: General Secretary Col. Aung Thein of the Myanma Football Federation, and Assistant Director U Bunny Tin Aung of the Sports and Physical Education Department left to attend the 7th Seminar of General Secretaries from the Asian Football Federation in Kuala Lumpur from Apr. 22-26. (NLM 4/21) Apr. 23: A track and field team returned from the First Hanoi International Invitational Track and Field Tournament in Vietnam, held Apr. 19-21. Pa Pa won gold in 3000-metres and 1,500-metres; Than Than Htay won gold in 100-metres (11.8 seconds, a new Myanmar record) and silver in 200 metres. Thein Win won gold in 10,000-metres and silver in 5,000 metres, Kyaw Swa Moe won gold in men's javelin. Myanmar, Laos, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, and Vietnam took part. (NLM 4/24) Apr. 24: A soccer team led by President of the Myanmar Football Federation (and Director-General of the Sports and Physical Education Department) left to play goodwill matches in Yunnan, China. The team includes U Win Myint (manager), U Nyan Win (instructor), U Thein Tun Thein (assistant instructor), U Htay Aung (secretary), and players Zaw Win Naing, Sai Maung Maung Oo, Kyaw Min, Tin Myo Aung, Tint Zaw, Zaw Oo, Win Zaw, Saw Mya Thwe, Zaw Lay Aung, Myo Thein Aye, Kyi Lwin, Myo Myint Htwe, Aung Bo Hein, Maung Maung Oo, Tin Htwe, Zaw Win Tun, Myint Htay, and Tun Tun Oo. (NLM 4/25) Foreign Teams, Coaches, etc. Apr. 3: Vice-President Mr. Paul Chua of the International Body Building Federation, with two associates, en route to Canada, will arrive Apr. 4 to coordinate the Second Mr. South-East Asia Contest. (NLM 4/4) // Apr. 4: He arrived, accompanied by Mr. Letchmenon of the Body Building Development Committee of the Asia Body Building Federation and Miss Chriscina of the ABBF Board of Judges. (NLM 4/5) // Apr. 9: He met with the press. (NLM 4/10) Holes-in-One Apr. 3: U Win Sein (a) Aya scored an ace Apr. 2 on the 2nd hole of the Myanmar Golf Club. (NLM 4/4) Apr. 18: Lt-Col. Saw Aung Mya Thein scored an ace on the 172-yard 13th hole of the Dagon Golf Course. (NLM 4/19) CULTURAL Cultural and Scientific Articles Apr. 5: Centenary of the floral city, by Pe Than. [100 years of Pyin-Oo-Lwin, famous for the "Maymyo Pan" aster flower. In 1896 the village of Pyin-Oo-Lwin was recognized as a town with the name of Maymyo (May Town) after British Col. May. It had been named Pyin-Oo-Lwin in 1212 ME, in the reign of King Bagan, which means "new fresh place at the head of a flat plain." Because Maymyo "was partially alien and stank imperialism" the name of Pyin-Oo-Lwin was restored.] Apr. 23: Capturing wild elephants and training them in Taikkyi Township, by Zaw Gyi (Lawk Sawk). [Visit to elephant capturing and training facility -- motto: "Never believe an elephant no matter how they are tamed and dociled."] Religion [There were regular reports of donations, and voluntary labour, for the Tooth Relic Pagodas under construction in Yangon and Mandalay.] Publications Apr. 24: The Department of Myanmar Language Commission (Myancom Sarpay Akyosaung Lokngan) and Book Promotion and Service Ltd. have jointly published Dos and Dont's in Myanmar, compiled by U Win Pe (Mya Zin), which "deals with traditions and culture of Myanmar made clear with comic strips and is especially meant for the knowledge of tourists." (NLM 4/25) Apr. 26: The News and Periodicals Enterprise will publish a weekly 16-page tabloid sports journal, Ahgaza, beginning May 1, which will sell for K 12. It will carry features and photos on local, national, and international tournaments. (NLM 4/27) Computers Articles continued throughout the month concerning the installation of computers, often donated, at high schools around the country. Apr. 1: SLORC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt addressed the Computer Multiplier Course for Basic Education Teachers of Yangon Division. He noted that the Myanmar Education Committee met with other educational agencies on July 8, 1995 to "coordinate means to offer computer courses at basic education schools." It laid down a three phase program: to establish four computers each in three high schools in every major town by 1995-96; to install computers in schools in major towns by 1996-97; to install computers in all schools where townships have electricity by 1997-98. At the time, there were only 30 computers and 23 printers in 13 schools. By the end of 1995, 800 computers and 300 printers had been installed in 400 schools. Instructor course were established, and 180 teachers have completed them. 3,000 computers have now been acquired "at a huge cost," and 1,700 have been distributed to schools, so there are now 2,000 computers in 700 schools. 1,359 teachers are attending the multiplier courses. (NLM 4/2) Apr. 20: PC World Myanmar has obtained a permit for publication in Myanmar of books on computer technology from International Data Group (IDG). (NLM 4/21) Universities and Institutes Apr. 6: Yangon University held its 84th Convocation, with Rector Dr. Tin Aung Aye conferring various degrees on 1,695 graduates. (NLM 4/7) // Apr. 26: It held its 85th Convocation, with Rector Dr. Tin Aung Aye conferring various degrees on 1,400 graduates. (NLM 4/27) Apr. 21: The Institute of Paramedical Science held its 2nd Convocation, with Rector Dr. Saw Kyaw Aung conferring degrees on 22 graduates. (NLM 4/22) Bagan Pagoda Restoration [There is a daily advertisement, in Burmese, for the "adopt a Bagan pagoda" scheme, with a photograph of a different damage pagoda daily.] Apr. 2: Donations for restoring ancient pagodas in Bagan totalled K 672,000. (NLM 4/3) Apr. 3: Air Force personnel donated K 350,000; employees of the Auditor-General's Office donated K 150,000. Other donations totalled K 765,000. (NLM 4/4) Apr. 4: Units of the Supply and Transport Directorate of the Ministry of Defence gave K 300,000. Personnel of the Printing and Publishing Enterprise gave K 150,000. Deputy Minister for Transport U Sann Wai, his wife Daw Tin Tin Ohn and family gave K 100,000. Personnel of the Prime Minister's and Government's Offices donated K 100,000. Other donations totalled K 400,805. (NLM 4/5) Apr. 5: Donations totalled K 1.2 million. (NLM 4/6) Apr. 6: Donations totalled K 910,000. (NLM 4/7) Apr. 8: Donations totalled K 930,000. (NLM 4/9) Apr. 10: Donations totalled K 535,000. (NLM 4/11) Apr. 11: Donations totalled K 151,000. (NLM 4/12) Apr. 17: "Restoration, repair and maintenance of ancient pagodas in Bagan started on 16 August 1995. Fifty-six pagodas on either side of the road have already been repaired and restored. It is planned to restore 120 more pagodas in 1996-97. Moreover, 892 pagoda sites were found and 60 of them have been excavated. Wellwishers have donated over K 36.3 million for restoration, repair and maintenance of ancient pagodas in Bagan." (NLM 4/18) Apr. 18: Donations totalled K 2.1 million. (NLM 4/19) Apr. 19: Donations totalled K 865,000. (NLM 4/20) Apr. 22: Donations totalled K 592,000. Total donations total K 40.2 million. (NLM 4/23) Apr. 23: Donations totalled K 213,500. (NLM 4/24) Apr. 24: Donations totalled K 401,300, including Ivanhoe Myanmar Holdings Ltd. donation of K 250,000. (NLM 4/25) Apr. 25: Minister for Mines Lt-Gen. Kyaw Min, wife Daw Amy Min and family donated K 100,000. Employees of the Central Institute of Civil Service donated K 100,000. Other donations totalled K 648,000. (NLM 4/ 26) Apr. 26: Donations totalled K 341,750. (NLM 4/27) Home for the Aged Apr. 10: The Ywahtaung Home for the Aged opened in Ywahtaung, Sagaing Division, in the presence of Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement Maj-Gen. Soe Myint, Minister for Rail Transportation U Win Sein and other officials. It was built for K 20.5 (of which K 5.5 million has gone to a trust fund for operations), of which employees of the Rail Ministry contributed K 15.6 and the public the remainder. The Home, the third in Sagaing Division, has a capacity of 80; at present it is "looking after 14, seven of them ladies." (NLM 4/11) Thingyan Apr. 14: The annual Myanmar New Year Festival (Thingyan) was celebrated on Apr. 13-15 all over Myanmar with the usual festivities, including special dances and mutual water throwing (and hosing). [two pages of photos] (NLM 4/15) Patriotic Movie Apr. 28: The Social Association of the Ministry of Rail Transportation will produce a patriotic film based on the novel Thukyun Makhanbyi by Tekkatho Phone Naing. Volunteers are sought to play "real life" characters such as King Thibaw, Queen Sinbhyu Shin Ma, Minister Kinwun, Minister Taingtar, Hlaythin Atwinwun, Bo Ottama, Bo Min Yaung, Mongnai Sawbwa, Sao Naw Hpa, and Sao Naw Mong. Other roles are Bo Thurein, Bo Min Htin, Bo Kyaw Gaung, Saw Shin Oo, Khin Phone, Bala Gyi, Pauk Hla, Bo Tun San, and U Tha Phyo. "Each entrant may contest for a role only. Handsome prizes will be awarded to the winners." Deadline is May 31. (NLM 4/29) MISCELLANEOUS Sunday and Holiday Supplements Apr. 7,21,29: For over a year, each weekly Sunday Supplement has listed "Our Three Main National Causes," two lists of "Special Projects," and "Slogans" for the National Convention [for texts see issue of January 1996] Apr. 7,21,29: Towards a modern nation through all-round development, by Warazein. [Cont. Endeavours of the Ministry of Education. (iii) Activities of the Department of Higher Education, and the Technical, Agricultural and Vocational Education Department. Upgrading of colleges to universities, etc. The Institute of Foreign Languages teaches German, Japanese, Russian, Chinese, French, English, Thai, and Korean. (iv) Myanmar Language Commission (to stabilize Myanmar), Central Research Bureau (applied research), Myanmar Examination Board (Basic Education High School Examinations), Myanmar Education Research Bureau (projects with UNESCO and UNDP), Myanma History Commission (to find authentic history). Endeavours of the Ministry of Culture. (i) Various exchange programs noted.] Apr. 7: Hlataw model mechanized farm village, by Tin Win Shwe. [Visit to progressive village near Shwebo.] -- Aiming at eradicating narcotic drug menace, by Aung Htun Thein. [Recent public destruction of seized narcotics, on March 8 in Shan State and on Feb. 9 in Yangon, in presence of high Myanmar and foreign officials.] -- Sein Naga ceramic industrial producers' co-operative society, by Ahtet Minhla Nyunt Aung. [History, trials, tribulations, and ultimate success of a producers' coop in Mayangon Township, Yangon, established in 1924, which now has 63 members and 226 employees, and earns an annual profit of K 400,000.] -- Scene of Kanbawza Marathon, by Than Wai (Taunggyi). [Marathon race run in Taunggyi on Feb. 7.] -- Summer paddy cultivation at Nyaungdongyun Island, by Maung Nay Lin. [Visit to 200,000 acre island on the Ayeyawady River in Nyaungdon Township.] Apr. 21: Development of Kyauktan and its environs, by Myint Thura. [Famous Kyaikmawwun Mid-River Pagoda; Kyauktan has prospered since the completion of the Yangon-Thanlyin Bridge.] -- A new milestone in transport development, by Aung Htun Thein. [Newly commissioned river boats on the Chindwin River.] -- Development Committees to make the country beautiful and pleasant, by Toe Win. [History and duties of the Committees.] -- K 7.5 million worth auto-phone exchange at Thongwa, by Ahtet Minhla Nyunt Aung. [Progress in Thongwa, 22 miles from Yangon.] -- Paddy brought to purchase depots in caravan of bullock-carts, by Tin Win Shwe. [Ceremony in Wetlet Township, Shwebo District, in 1995.] Apr. 29: Taungnyo Reservoir in Nattalin Township, by Aung Htun Thein. [Recently inaugurated reservoir that will irrigate 50,000 acres.] -- Nurturing marine heroes of motherland, by Ahtet Minhla Nyunt Aung. [Virtues of merchant marine cadets.] -- Wild elephants shifted to safe haven, by Mawgyun Myint Aung. [Rescue of 11 elephants, that would have died of starvation, to be trained in timber work.] Crime Apr. 2: Eleven persons seeking to leave for abroad at Yangon International Airport, using counterfeit D forms from the Immigration and Manpower Department were arrested on Mar. 29-31. One Kyaw Than had forged some 26 such documents. Action will be taken. (NLM 4/3) Anti-Narcotics Activities Apr. 2: Between Mar 14-21, 63 acres of poppy plantation were destroyed in Kutkai Township, Shan State. (NLM 4/3) Apr. 3: 0.49 kilo of raw opium was seized Feb. 23 on a train in Sagaing Township. 0.163 kilo of marijuana was seized Feb. 14 at Aungban Station. (NLM 4/ 4) Apr. 17: 160 kilos of a precursor chemical to Aphetamine [sic] was seized Apr. 4 in Tachilek Township. (NLM 4/18) Apr. 18: 4.4 gallons of acetic anhydride was seized from Indians on Mar. 11 in Tamu. (NLM 4/19) Apr. 18: During March 1996, the Tatmadaw seized 36.7 kilos of opium, 215 gallons of liquid opium, and 115 gallons of methyl alcohol. Police seized 1.7 kilos of heroin (11 cases), 23.6 kilos of marijuana (36 cases), 35.1 litres of Phensedyl (10 cases), 0.003 kilo of heavy opium solution, 4.4 gallons of acetic anhydride (1 case), 1 bottles of Morphine (1 case), and 6 litres of Phencodine (1 case). There were 87 cases of failure to register for treatment and 9 other drug-related cases. The police took action 395 persons in 287 drug-related cases. Of the police cases, the Tatmadaw was jointly involved in the seizure of 0.001 kilo of heroin (1 case), 9.9 kilos of opium (4 cases), and 2.9 kilos of marijuana (2 cases). (NLM 4/19) Apr. 21: 0.6 kilo of heroin was seized Apr. 12 in Kyukok (Pangsai). (NLM 4/22) Apr. 23: 0.9 kilo of heroin and 1.6 kilos of opium were seized Apr. 19 in Chanmyathazi Township, Mandalay. 18.5 viss of silver blocks were seized Mar. 26 in Lashio Township. 1.7 kilos of raw opium was seized Mar. 29 in Yaksawk Township. 0.05 kilo of heroin was seized Apr. 14 in Tachilek. (NLM 4/24) Apr. 25: 0.04 kilo of heroin was seized Apr. 14 in Muse. (NLM 4/26) Apr. 27: 250 bottles of Phensedyl were seized Apr. 11 on the Mandalay-Yangon train. (NLM 4/28) Obituaries [English language obituaries only; there are obituaries in Burmese as well.] Mar. 26: Daw Khin Khin Ohn, wife of U Nyunt (Retired Director of Customs), died in Los Angeles, California, aged 75. (NLM 4/ 1) Mar. 30: Abhidhaja Maha Rattha Guru Bhaddanta Nyanabhivamsa, Presiding Sayadaw of Wadan Sarcha Kyaungtaik of Nyaungyan Pali Tekkatho, Mogaung Kyaungtaik, Chanayethazan Township, Mandalay Division, vassa 58, died in Mandalay, aged 78. [article] (NLM 4/4) Mar. 31: U Ming Hnin, Township Programme Assistant, UNDP, Thantlang, Chin State, husband of Dr. Maureen Dar Iang (Germany), died suddenly in Hakha, aged 37. [Christian] (NLM 4/3) Apr. 1: Daw Khin Mar Nyo (a) Doreen Sidhwa (nee King), Retired Income-tax Officer, Thanatpin Township, wife of Mr. Manek Sidhwa of Bombay, India, died in Bombay, aged 61. [Christian] (NLM 4/6) Apr. 2: Hajima Shafiyahi (a) Hajima Daw Khin Aye, wife of Haji U Khin Maung of Khandathukha Medicine Co. and Paragu Glassware and Aluminum Works, died in Yangon, aged 68. [Muslim] (NLM 4/3) Apr. 8: Sithu U Nyun, ICS (Retd.), Executive Secretary (Retd.) UN Economic Commission for Asia and the Pacific, husband of the late Daw Than Tin, died in Yangon, aged 87. (NLM 4/9) Apr. 10: Mrs. I Baroni, wife of the late Mr. A.E. Baroni, died in Yangon, aged 84. [Christian] (NLM 4/12) Apr. 13: Naw Ella (retired nurse), wife of U Saw Ohn Gywe, died in Yangon, aged 76. [Christian] (NLM 4/15) Apr. 14: Rev. Fr. S.K. Martin, former Parish Priest of St. Anthony's Parish, Mingala Taungnyunt Township, Yangon, died in Yangon, aged 87. [Catholic] (NLM 4/15) Apr. 16: U Saw Dempsey Zan (Manager, RTC, Rtd.), husband of the late Daw Doris Zan, died in Yangon, aged 76. [Christian] (NLM 4/17) Apr. 18: Mr. J.L. Paul, Govt Optical Store No. 1 (Retired), husband of Naw Sharo Paul, died in Yangon, aged 76. [Baptist] (NLM 4/19) Apr. 20: Dr. Charles Wain (a) U Maung Maung Ngwe, husband of the late Dr. Daw Yi Yi Cho and Daw Yi Yi Mon, father of...Daw Kyu Kyu Wain (Australia)...died in Yangon, aged 70. (NLM 4/21) No date: Capt. Soe Myint (Rtd). [condolence message from MTM SM Singapore and MTM MC Yangon]. (NLM 4/25) Apr. 21: U Khin Maung Kyi (Ko Kyi PyinOoLwin), a New Light of Myanmar editor from 1992-93, died in Yangon, aged 51, after a car accident in Yedashe on Apr. 17. [article] (NLM 4/26) Apr. 25: U Thet Tun (John Sunderam), Supdt (Wharf) Rtd, Myanmar Port Authority, (President Parish Council, St. Francis of Assisi Parish-Tarmwe), husband of the late Daw Margaret, died in Yangon, aged 65. [Catholic] (NLM 4/26) Apr. 28: Daw Saw Hsa, wife of the late Thra Saw U, died in Yangon, aged 73. [Christian] (NLM 4/29) Yangon Phone Numbers Changed Mar. 31: Effective Apr. 16, all telephone numbers in Yangon will be changed from five digits to six digits, as follows [summary of table in NLM]: 20xxx-28xxx 220xxx-228xxx 29xxx 241xxx 30xxx-33xxx 530xxx-533xxx 34xxx-37xxx 524xxx-527xxx 38xxx-39xxx 548xxx-549xxx 40xxx-41xxx 640xxx-641xxx 42xxx 572xxx 43xxx 543xxx 44xxx 244xxx 45xxx-46xxx 635xxx-636xxx 47xxx 600xxx 48xxx 620xxx 49xxx 625xxx 50xxx-53xxx 550xxx-553xxx 54xxx 584xxx 55xxx-56xxx 565xxx-566xxx 57xxx-59xxx 577xxx-579xxx 60xxx-67xxx 660xxx-667xxx 69xxx 699xxx 70xxx 240xxx 71xxx-78xxx 271xxx-278xxx 79xxx 247xxx 80xxx-87xxx 280xxx-287xxx 88xxx 248xxx 89xxx 289xxx 90xxx-98xxx 290xxx-298xxx 99xxx 249xxx (NLM 4/1; 4/4) Mt. Victoria Climbed Apr. 18: 45 mountaineers from the Magway University Hiking and Mountaineering Association led by Lecturer U Khin Maung Than of the Geology Department scaled the 10,200 foot Mount Victoria in Kanpetlet, Chin State, on Apr. 3. (NLM 4/19) Apr. 26: 81 mountaineers from the Yangon University Mountaineering Team led by U Myo Thant of the Myanmasar Department scaled the 10,500 [sic] foot Mount Victoria, and were given a dinner on Apr. 17. (NLM 4/27) ----- 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. 110, April 1996