96-08 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. 8, August 1996 Table of Contents POLITICAL Slogans 2 Political Articles 2 Reprinted Foreign Articles 4 Information Committee Briefing 5 Press Conference on US Reports 6 Meeting on Foreign News Agencies 7 Special Refresher Courses 7 USDA 7 National Races 7 NLD Members Arrested 7 Nine NLD Members Sentenced to Prison 7 Pyithu Hluttaw Resignation 8 DIPLOMATIC Diplomatic Calls 8 New Myanmar Ambassadors 9 INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION Joint Workshops & Seminars 10 Border and Regional Cooperation 10 Economic and Social Cooperation 10 Donations from Abroad 10 FOREIGN VISITORS International Agency Visitors 11 Business Visitors 11 Medical Visitors 13 Academic Visitors 14 Lao Delegation 14 Malaysian Delegations 14 Thai Deputy Prime Minister 14 Chinese Youth Delegation 14 Russian Delegation 14 Thai Officials 14 Korean Aid Official 15 MYANMAR DELEGATIONS Study Delegations 15 Religious Delegations 15 Business Delegations 15 Cultural Delegations 15 State Visit to Malaysia 15 Labour Delegation to China 18 Minister to Vietnam 18 Delegations Return 19 MYANMAR GAZETTE Appointments Confirmed 19 GOVERNMENT Ministries Renamed 19 Traditional Drug Regulations 19 Motion Picture Law 19 MILITARY Surrenders by Armed Group Members 20 ECONOMIC Trade Fairs and Exhibitions 20 Project Inaugurations 20 Business Openings 20 Advertisements 21 Agreements with Foreign Firms 21 Gems & Jade Sale 22 Banking 22 Tourism 22 Border Development Affairs 22 Railroad Construction 22 Fisheries 22 Toll Roads and Bridges 23 Ban on Heineken & Carlsberg Beer 23 Mandalay Airport 23 Oil in Myaing Township 23 Cars 23 Rainfall in Yangon 23 HEALTH Health Articles 23 Myanmar Karuna Federation 24 SPORTS Myanmar Teams and Delegations 24 Foreign Teams, Coaches, etc. 24 Holes-in-One 24 CULTURAL Cultural and Scientific Articles 24 Religion 25 Publications 26 Computers 26 Education 26 Veterans Organization 26 MISCELLANEOUS Sunday and Holiday Supplements 26 Crime 27 Anti-Narcotics Activities 27 Obituaries 28 Marriage 29 Earthquakes 29 Windstorm 29 Floods 29 ------------------------------------------- HIGHLIGHTS -- Monthly News Briefings by the SLORC Information Committee resume. [POLITICAL] -- Special News Conference on US Embassy Economic Reports. [POLITICAL] -- 19 NLD members arrested. [POLITICAL] -- Nine NLD members sentenced to prison. [POLITICAL] -- Tolls to be charged on some roads and bridges. [ECONOMIC] -- Import and consumption of Heineken and Carlsberg Beers banned. [ECONOMICS] -- Ministry of Agriculture renamed "Agriculture and Irrigation"; Ministry of Trade renamed "Commerce". [GOVERNMENT] -- Senior General Than Shwe visits Malaysia. [MYANMAR DELEGATIONS] -- Statistics on non-Buddhists in Myanmar (Christians, Muslims, Hindus, Nat-worshippers) [MISCELLANEOUS: Sunday Supplements] ------------------------------------------- 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 has since May 30, 1996 had a new boxed-in "slogan": People's Desire * Oppose those relying on external elements, acting as stooges, holding negative views. * Oppose those trying to jeopardize stability of the State and progress of the nation. * Oppose foreign nations interfering in internal affairs of the State. * Crush all internal and external destructive elements as the common enemy. Religious Slogans: Since August 1991, each issue has included a changing Pali religious slogan at the top of each front page: Aug. 1-18: Asevana ca balanam, not to associate with the foolish; this is the way to auspiciousness. Aug. 19-31: Panditanan ca sevana, to associate with the wise; 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 [Including, as appropriate, editorials] Aug. 1-4: Breaking of laws ought not to be neglected, by Reporter Thet Shay. [Cont. (2) Sept. 18, 1988 takeover by the State Law and Order Restoration Council; formation on Sept. 30 of the National League for Democracy. (3) Improper behavior of NLD and Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, 1988-89. (4) Further activities of NLD in 1989-90; formation of underground National Coalition Government by Sein Win (son of the late martyr U Ba Win)--"Working on CIA's wages, Sein Win is still making destructive acts." (5) Daw Aung San Suu Kyi's activities in 1995-96; July 1996 law against inciting disorder, etc. "People have revealed their desires and are demanding that Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and her NLD henchmen who are defiant of laws, orders and declarations of the State no longer be connived at. If their breach of law is ignored, they will step further and come to the extent of jeopardizing the nation. Breaking of laws ought not to be neglected."] Aug. 1-31: What is Aung San Suu Kyi? Whither goest she? by Pe Kan Naung. [Cont. (12) [Fabricated letter of Sept. 12, 1988, with forged signatures of the naval and air Vice-Chiefs-of-Staff, dissolving the BSPP government and calling for demonstrations; repudiation by the Defence Ministry. (13) Insidious activities of the BCP in 1988. (14) Aug. 30, 1988 meeting of former military commanders, with list. (14 [sic]) Formation of BSPP; actions of Revolutionary Government. (15) List of members of the 1962 Revolutionary Government; list of persons purged from the BSPP in 1977. (16) Members of the Revolutionary Council, 1962-74. NLD officials, 1988-89. (17) UNDP officials, 1988, and statements by Brig-Gen. Aung Gyi; SLORC report on opposition meetings with Congressman Stephen Solarz. (18) 1988 article on Solarz; Sept. 16-17, 1988, proclamations forbidding party membership to civil servants or soldiers. (19) SLORC takeover. (20) Aug. 5, 1989 press conference exposing BCP efforts to seize power in 1988. (21) June 22, 1989 press conference and other items denouncing NLD. SLORC Declaration No. 8/88 of Oct. 19, 1988 on political parties. (22) Arzani Day Announcement of July 16, 1989, prohibiting demonstrations expected from Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. (23) July 13, 1989 Arzani Day activities. (24) Daw Aung San Suu Kyi's involvement with BCP-front organizations in 1989. (25) NLD misbehavior in early 1989. (26) 1988-89 letters from NLD Chairman U Tin Oo to the Indian Foreign Ministry, the Thai Foreign Ministry, and the US Department of State, asking asylum for student refugees. (27) 1989 NLD letters to the ILO Human Rights Coordinator. (28) 1988 letters from Aung San Suu Kyi to Amnesty International in London. (29) 1989 attacks on Tatmadaw by Aung San Suu Kyi. (30) SLORC denunciations of Aung San Suu Kyi, 1989-90. (31) Support for NLD is personal support for Aung San Suu Kyi. Political leaders are "forgetting the life of the people entirely." You can't get "genuine democracy" by following "Ma-Hsa-La Chairman U Ne Win's policy of good and able men." (32) NLD "looks like a pretty little house build of nylon water soaked in water, with its loose formation and problems in virtually every township." {sic} (33) 1990 elections. "Although the Tatmadaw stayed strictly neutral..., some political forces resorted to unfair means...{and coerced} people into voting for them by means of threats...." 93 political parties vied with one another. National League for Democracy fielded 447 candidates. Of them, 392 got elected. There were altogether 485 constituencies. Shan National League for Democracy won 23 seats. Rakhine League for Democracy won eleven. National Unity Party won ten. Mon National League for Democracy won five, and other remaining parties won 38 seats. Six independent candidates were elected." (34) SLORC explained why it could transfer power to the NLD after the 1990 elections, because there was no Constitution. (35) Release of detainees from 1989-96; history of 1947 Constituent Assembly. (36) Drafting of 1974 Constitution; convening of new National Convention in 1992. (37) Objectives of the National Convention. (38) Why Tatmadaw should play a part. (39) Progress of National Convention; release of Aung San Suu Kyi in 1995; actions of US Ambassador to the UN "Mrs. Medeleine K. Albright." (40) Nov. 29, 1995, National Convention Press Release ousting NLD delegates. (41) Review of Aung San Suu Kyi's life abroad, based on Freedom from Fear by Daw Than Aye (Bilatpyan Than).] Aug. 7: Is she using or being used? by Phyo Aung. [Is Mrs. Michael Aris using people around her, or is she being used?] Aug. 7: Concocted reports, by Myo Chit Thu. [The US Embassy's Country Commercial Guides: Burma and Foreign Economic Trends Reports: Burma, as described by Minister for National Planning and Economic Development Brig-Gen. Abel in his Aug. 3 Press Conference. Specifically, "It can be... deduced from the report as associations: (a) The State Law and Order Restoration Council not being transparent. (b) That the major portion of the budget is being used for the defence. (c) That the social sectors has being neglected [sic]. (d) That sustained grown will be difficult. (e) Forced labour/prison labour is being employed extensively. (f) That narcotics still proved to be problem. (g) That change of government and democracy are essential elements for the Myanmar economy. (h) That extra-legal economy has played a considerable role in the mainstream economy. (i) That the real GDP growth was between 4.6% to 6%. (j) That the World Bank, IMF, ADB are being pressured by the US not to extend financial help to Myanmar. (k) That there is no microeconomic transparency." These accusations denied: specifically, defence is 8-10% of budget; growth was 8.2%, currently planned for 6%; "social sector has been taken care of without any sacrifice" with growing expenditures; "no forced labour, only work contributions"; economy is transparent, and official statistics are available.] Aug. 7: Editorial: It ain't funny... ["There are quite a few who today champion Myanmar-bashing, specially those churning up concoctions bordering on the hypercritical, all aimed at undermining the political, economic and social progress we have made in recent years.... Maybe, the US Embassy embarked, as was said, as usual, on an academic exercise in putting out two recent reports on the Myanmar economy, but the tone and content of each report would, even after a cursory glance, reflect the harm intent, or, to assess more seriously, the ulterior motive.... After clarification by the Minister, there must be public indignation, for all patriotic citizens, be they here or in any other country, rightfully feel that any insult directed even at a lone citizen is insult to the nation itself. Could it be asked in diplomatic terms if the reports must be taken as the true intention or misrepresentation. Perhaps the latter might be ruled out. It ain't funny, but it sure is corny!"] Aug. 11: No role, nahim, here! by Po Thein. [Aung San Suu Kyi "is a puppet of the West bloc." Countless jobs are coming to Myanmar through tourism; a restaurant cook earns an average of K 10,000 per month, and waiters "enjoy good salaries"; "Should their families bet let to starve merely for their {presumably NLD} not being able to wield power?.... A driver working for a present-day company earns minimum K 4,000 or K 5,000 to maximum K 10,000 or more. It is a fact for us to take delight in.... 'There is no room, nahim, for Aung San Suu Kyi to play.' That is what Po Thein wishes to say once and for all to her."] Aug. 24: Editorial: Message worth attention. [The 95th intake of the Army Officers Training School in Bahtoo Tatmyo was addressed by Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Commander-in-Chief (Army) Gen. Maung Aye. "He told the graduating cadets that {certain powerful nations of the West} encourage puppet organizations which they can manipulate and organizations under their influence are also trying to mar positive developments in the country, adding that these lackeys who can find no one to support them at home, rely more on external elements, destroying political, economic and social foundations already laid...." {A long front-page news story also covered the speech}] Aug. 25: Letter from Jakarta, by Uncle Kyaw Thu Win. [Account of ASEAN meeting.] Aug. 28: Open Letter to the Bangkok Post, by Myo Chit. [Congratulations for printing the letter by Ithiphon Khemmarat {see below under Reprinted Foreign Articles}.] Aug. 29-31: Twist as pretzel, by Byatti. ["The criminal at large Maung Sein Win and cohorts" have accomplished nothing in exile. On July 25, 1996, the US Senate considered bills calling for severe sanctions against Myanmar. "Senator Mr. Thomas" and "Senator Johnston" opposed the measures, citing the belief that political change follows economic progress, that we do not censure China and Vietnam, that sanctions will only cause France and South Korea to replace America in Myanmar, that Myanmar does not threaten its neighbors, and that ASEAN members "staunchly oppose" sanctions. (2) Summaries of Senate debate, with remarks favoring sanctions by Senators McConnell, Moynihan, Helms, and d'Amato, and remarks opposing them by Senators Bond, Nichols, Feinstein, McCain, and Johnston. (3) Debate continued, with remarks favoring sanctions by Senators McConnell (including letter from NCGUB Prime Minister U Sein Win and views of Suu Kyi), and Moynihan, and opposed by Senators Feinstein and Breavy. Debate shows "how pessimist senators have made insensible allegations" and how many Senators cannot even pronounce Myanmar or Aung San Suu Kyi. "They were saying thus, assuming facts fed by internal traitors to be true."] Reprinted Foreign Articles Aug. 3: Suu Kyi urged to talk. [Facsimile reprint of July 27 item from the Japan Times, datelined Singapore, quoting Japanese Foreign Minister Yukihiko Ikeda as urging Daw Aung San Suu Kyi to seek a dialogue with the "country's ruling junta," and criticizing her opposition to foreign aid for Myanmar, adding that without foreign aid the Myanmar people would "be dealt a serious blow."] Aug. 12: Myanmar Sanctions Are Wrong Approach, by John Sheehy. [Letter to the New York Times, printed Aug. 9, saying that boycotting country is a serious error; after all Dalai Lama encourages tourists to go to Tibet "to visit, witness injustices and study Tibetan culture." {with facsimile of original}] Aug. 20: Burma not as bad as Post makes out, by Ithiphon Khemmarat. [Letter to the Bangkok Post, printed Aug. 8, calling criticism of Burma hypocritical. Burmese can earn K 9,000 a month as drivers or K 8,000 as hotel maids; "which just recently was unheard of except in one's dreams."] Aug. 30: A Perspective on Asian values, by Robert J. Hawke. [Article based on a paper presented by the former Australian Prime Minister at the 19th Conference of the Indonesia Capital Market on Aug. 8. Asian culture, history, and religion are different from the those of the West. Complaints about Asia are often hypocritical and based on self-interest, not ideals. US, however much the world owes it for standing up to Communism, cannot dictate how economic growth and political freedom are to be achieved. "Can you imagine the outrage in America if East Asian nations threatened to impose a boycott on US goods and services until such time as easy access to guns was outlawed in that country, or Hollywood was forced to stop producing mega-violent movies."] Information Committee Briefing Aug. 1: The Information Committee of the State Law and Order Restoration Council held its first News Briefing. Present were officials and "correspondents of Kyodo News Service, NHK, Yomiuri Shimbun, and Hakuhodo Co., and cultural attaches from Bangladesh, China, France, Germany, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Yugoslavia, Japan, Egypt, Singapore, United States, Russia, Thailand, Philippines, Pakistan, India, United Kingdom, and Italy. Minister for Information Maj-Gen. Aye Kyaw noted that News Briefings had been given in the past, and were now being resumed on a regular basis "so as to enable local and foreign news agencies obtain authentic news and facts about Myanmar." ASEAN: Minister for Foreign Affairs U Ohn Gyaw spoke on his attendance at the 29th Ministerial Meeting of ASEAN held in Jakarta from July 20-24. He reviewed Myanmar's commitment to a Non-Aligned and Neutral Foreign Policy, and a Neutral and Active Foreign Policy, which avoids war anywhere and objects to foreign bases. That is why Myanmar originally had questions about ASEAN, because of NATO, SEATO, and CENTO bases there. But Myanmar considered itself part of Southeast Asia and knew it would one day be "integrated in the ASEAN fold." He discussed his active participation in the ASEAN Regional Forum. He reviewed the history of the National Convention, including the National League for Democracy walkout, and said that nobody was being punished because of conscience or for political activity; only for transgressing the law. He noted the ending of insurgency, and especially the unconditional surrender of Khun Sa which has "had a tremendous impact on our future initiative of eradication of drug menace in our country." Now Myanmar has become an ASEAN Observer, and looks forward to full membership in accordance with ASEAN regulations. Fiscal Stability: Minister for Finance and Revenue Brig-Gen. Win Tin reviewed recent financial reform measures "taken to foster sustainable economic growth with stability," as well as "recent false news concocted...to undermine the government's efforts for economic progress." The tax base has been broadened, tax and customs collection streamlined, etc., with assistance from UNDP and IMF. There has been reduction of non-productive expenditures, and priority given to infrastructure. Customs duties were revised; reducing them to 1/10th, but valuing imports at market prices rather than the official exchange rate; it is not true that they are valued at the basis of K 100 to the dollar. Banking laws have also been updated, allowing private sector participation. At present there is the Central Bank of Myanmar, 4 state-owned banks, 1 state-owned finance company, 20 domestic private banks, and 29 representative offices (out of 42 banks authorized to open them). The state-owned Myanmar Insurance was established in 1993, and the June 24 Insurance Business Law is intended to allow private participation in insurance. Several weeks ago there were "widespread negative rumours" about the Myanmar Mayflower Bank; which has nevertheless opened its new International Banking Department. "This goes to show that rumours are nothing but pure fabrication...intended to destabilise and bring chaotic conditions...through creating disorder in the banking system." The Central Bank of Myanmar closely supervises banks, and "all local banks are performing well on sound banking principles...." Foreign Exchange Certificates (FECs) have been issued since Feb. 1993, in denominations of 1, 5, 10, and 20 units, each equivalent to one US dollar. These can be held by foreigners or Myanmar nationals, though originally intended for the convenience of foreign visitors. FEC holders can open US dollar accounts, and the former 10% service charge on deposits has been revoked. Importers can import with foreign exchange they hold, after getting permits, and may sell imported goods for dollars which they may retain. Before the FEC was established, the market rate was K 140 to the US dollar; since then it has stabilized at K 110-120 to the dollar for the past three years; "however, the recent unusual fluctuation of the kyat exchange rate is the outcome of a combination of various factors." New currency notes with "international security standard" have been issued in denominations of K 5, K 10, K 20, K 50, K 100, K 200, and K 500 (King Lion series), in order to withdraw "old dirty currency" and "prevent counterfeiting." Questions and Answers: -- U Sein Win (Kyodo News) asked whether there was any "instability and refugee problem," as implied by US Secretary of State Christopher. Minister U Ohn Kyaw said "there is definitely no possibility." But transgressors of the law will have action taken against them. -- Mr. Takasuka (Yomiuri Shimbun) asked if ASEAN had asked Myanmar to complete drafting its new Constitution before becoming a full ASEAN member. U Ohn Gyaw said there were no pre-conditions. -- Mr. Hirata (Asahi Shimbun) asked whether SLORC had "no intention to have a dialogue directly with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi." U Ohn Gyaw said the National Convention was a disciplined forum for dialogue: "Why should you want to break down the house to build a hut?" -- Mr. Douglas M. Barons (Public Affairs Officer, US Embassy) asked about remarks by U Ohn Gyaw at Jakarta that had been interpreted as leaving room for an NLD return to the National Convention. U Ohn Gyaw reiterated that the Convention was the forum of dialogue, with the primary objective of reconsolidation of nationalities; he had quoted a Chinese saying that "the one who tied the knot will have to untie it." -- Mr. Kanichiro Hayashi (Kyodo News Service) noted that U Ohn Gyaw had said the NLD had been "expelled" from the National Convention; were there ways for the government to let them back in? U Ohn Gyaw said the National Convention operated in accordance with its rules, under which delegates must participate regularly unless they have prior permission not to. Absence for two consecutive days renders them subject to having their eligibility revoked. The NLD delegates had been absent for two days (Nov. 29-30) and their eligibility was therefore revoked. (NLM 8/2) Press Conference on US Reports Aug. 3 [full text]: "Press Conference on reports issued by US Embassy in Yangon. A press conference was held in the meeting room of the Ministry of National Planning and Economic Development today at 2 pm in connection with the documents issued by US Embassy in Yangon on 1 August 1996. These documents are 'Country Commercial Guides: Burma', and 'Foreign Economic Trends Report: Burma'. "The conference was attended by the Minister for National Planning and Economic Development Brig-Gen. Abel and senior staff of the Ministry and local and foreign correspondents. "The Minister stated that the two reports were made by the United States Embassy in Yangon and that the reports were not official documents. The statistics in the reports are unofficial embassy's estimates, not US Government's statistics. "He stressed the salient points of the reports and explained that, because of the nature in which such reports were prepared, they did not have any credibility or could not be used as an official reference. The reports though purported to be an economic report, are politically slanted. Hence, the tables also appended as support of the reports were not credible documents. Figures to support the report have no references. Hence, its worth and credibility could be judged by the senior reporters present here today. "He also mentioned that the report was to discredit and seed doubt in the minds of public as concerns the very successful economic performance and nation-building tasks of the State Law and Order Restoration Council. He stressed that the State Law and Order Restoration Council, in dealing with the world financial institutions or any other bodies has been transparent and always adopted an open-book policy. Government statistics occasionally published and annual reports circulated to the public were authentic documents that could be verified at any moment at the various departments of the Ministry. He said that he would be happy to accommodate such enquiries and even clear the cloud that has been cast by the two reports issued on 1 August 1996 by the US Embassy in Yangon. "Then, the Minister replied and clarified the points raised by the correspondents, with facts and figures. The press conference ended at 3:30 hours." [Note: The reports in question are standard economic reports issued annually by all US Embassies, and intended to provide information for American businessmen and others interested in foreign economies.--HCMacD.] (NLM 8/4) Meeting on Foreign News Agencies Aug. 27: Addressing a coordination meeting between the Information Policy Committee and the Information Committee, SLORC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt said that "certain news agencies influenced by the West are disseminating false news as if the conditions of 1988 still exist. The Secretary-1 said that internal groups opposing the Government and expatriate groups who fled the country are concocting false news about Myanmar and sending them to foreign news agencies. The West-influenced news agencies are disseminating such news reports with negative outlook, he added." The Information Committee is to "release facts on objective conditions and authentic news about Myanmar," at its monthly briefings; the next will be on Sept. 2. (NLM 8/28) Special Refresher Courses Aug. 10: Special Refresher Course No. 22 for Basic Education Teachers concluded, and was addressed by SLORC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt, who said "teachers must strive to ensure peaceful pursuit of education, lead students to ward off internal, external subversives as national duty." Aug. 24: Special Refresher Course No. 2 for Red Cross Executives concluded, and was addressed by SLORC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt. As the SLORC "encourages the Myanmar Red Cross Society to cooperate more extensively with international Red Cross associations, MRCS's international relations and cooperation has expanded, he noted. However, any political movement with intent to interfere with internal affairs of Myanmar under the pretext of the international social organization will never be accepted, he said...." (NLM 8/25) USDA There were frequent short articles about groups of people around the country joining the Union Solidarity and Development Association. National Races Aug. 3: Shan National leader U Pau Yu Chan of Northern Shan State Special Region 1 signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Yangon City Development Committee for the rental of the Bonmyinthsaung (top floor) of the YCDC-owned City Central Plaza. (NLM 8/4) Aug. 11: Mon National Leader Nai Shwe Kyin, General Secretary Nai Yow Sa, peace negotiators Nai Khin Maung, Nai Pe Tin, U Khun Myat and party called on SLORC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt. (NLM 8/12) Aug. 13: A KIO delegation, including U Zaung Khaya and Dr. La Ja met Aug. 6 with Northern Commander Brig-Gen. Kyaw Win to discuss operating of the Namti Sugar Mill and other requirements for sugar cane production. (NLM 8/14) Aug. 15: Kachin leader U Mahtu Naw of Northern Shan State Special Region 5 and party called on Minister for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs Lt-Gen. Maung Thint. (NLM 8/16) // Aug. 24: He called on SLORC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt. accompanied by members U Tu Nan and U Ko Rat. (NLM 8/25) // Aug. 29: He called on Minister for Livestock Breeding & Fisheries U Aung Thaung. (NLM 8/30) Aug. 23: Pa-O national leader U Aung Kham Hti of Southern Shan State Special Region 6, accompanied by U Khun San Lwin and U Khun Myint Aung, called on SLORC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt. (NLM 8/24) NLD Members Arrested Aug. 21 [full text]: "Action taken against 19 NLD persons for contacts with expatriate group. An expatriate group of the National League for Democracy based in India lead by Dr. Tint Swe is reported to have planned simultaneously inside and outside the country to destabilise the nation and incite riots after contacting some persons of the National League for Democracy at home. "It is also reported to have maintained contacts to make trainees inside the country attend political opposition course to be conducted at its place, distributed pamphlets in order to mislead the people over the constructive endeavours of the State Law and Order Restoration Council and the National Convention, and made arrangements to open an illegal secret branch of the expatriate group in Monywa. "The authorities concerned have taken action against 19 persons including U Do Htawng (Kalay) and Khun Myint Tun (Thaton) of the National League for Democracy whom the group had contacted. "The Information Committee of the State Law and Order Restoration Council is to further clarify in connection with this news." (NLM 8/22) Nine NLD Members Sentenced to Prison Aug. 27 [full text]: "Action taken against Win Htain and accomplices for subversive acts to destabilise nation. The authorities concerned have exposed and taken action against Win Htain and accomplices who committed destructive acts to destabilise the nation. "Win Htain, son of U Hla Tun, of 437/A on Mingyi Street, Insein Township, organized members and ex-members of the National League for Democracy who came to Daw Aung San Suu Kyi's house at 54, University Avenue in Bahan Township, to gather news and data detrimental to the State Agricultural Plan and bring them there. "Accordingly, ex-member of NLD Po Aye and Htain Lin of 67, Bo Bahtoo 3rd Street, Hlinethaya Township, collected agricultural news, rumours and concoctions of townships in Yangon and Ayeyawady Divisions and sent them to Daw Aung San Suu Kyi's house through Win Htain who prepared them for Daw Aung San Suu Kyi to tell the people who gathered outside her house on Saturdays and Sundays. "Similarly, as instigated by Win Thein, NLD member Kan Shein, son of U Soe Hlaing, of Pazundaung Village in Hinthada Township and NLD member Hla Tun Aung of 766/Kha/20 Ingapu Street videotaped a few failed paddy fields excluding successful ones under summer paddy cultivation project in Hinthada Township with intent to jeopardize the State's Agricultural Project. They sent the tape to Win Htain to show Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and NLD Central Executive Committee members and then forward it to the United Nations Human Rights Committee. "On Win Htain's instructions, Evark (a) Tin Hlaing who was residing in the compound of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi as a guest met three correspondents including Evans William of the ABC News of Australia in the compound on 9 April 1996. In his videotaped interview with the correspondents, he masked his face with a handkerchief and a hat frontside back and was said to have told them concocted news that political prisoners were being tortured. "Hlaing Myint (a) Billy Mackenzie, son of U Harry Mackenzie, organized Maung Maung Wan and some youths of Yenangyoung to form illegal youth organizations to oppose the government. He provided money, documents, cassette and video tapes. He contacted U Kyaw Khin of NLD in Taunggyi and obtained TV programmes of some foreign nations and illegal video and cassette tapes from U Kyaw Khin. He committed subversive acts by distributing them through Maung Maung Wan. "The Insein Township Court sentenced Win Htain, Po Aye, Htain Lin, Hla Tun Aung, Kan Shein and Evark to seven years as they were found guilty of committing subversive acts to destabilise the nation under Section 5(j) of the Emergency Provisions Act, and Hlaing Myint, Kyaw Khin and Maung Maung Wan to seven years as they were found guilty under Section 5(j) of the Emergency Provisions Act and also three years in addition under Section 40 of the 1985 TV and Video Law." (NLM 8/28) Pyithu Hluttaw Resignation Aug. 27: Multiparty Democracy General Election Commission Announcement No. 1280 of Aug. 27 permits National League for Democracy Pyithu Hluttaw representative-elect U Chit Khaing (Ngazun-1) to resign "as he no longer wishes to perform party politics due to his aging and health grounds." (NLM 8/28) 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.] July 31: Indonesian Ambassador Maj-Gen. (Police) A. Poerwanto Lenggono called on Minister for Transport Lt-Gen. Thein Win, on Minister for National Planning and Economic Development Brig-Gen. Abel, and on Minister for Forestry Lt-Gen. Chit Swe. (NLM 8/1) Aug. 1: The Indonesian Ambassador called on Minister for Home Affairs Lt-Gen. Mya Thin, and on Deputy Prime Minister Vice-Adm. Maung Maung Khin. Turkish Ambassador Kemal Ozcan Davaz called on Minister at the Deputy Prime Minister's Office Secretary of the Myanma Investment Committee Brig-Gen. Maung Maung. (NLM 8/2) Aug. 2: Indonesian Ambassador Maj-Gen. (Police) A. Poerwanto Lenggono called on Minister for Livestock Breeding & Fisheries U Aung Thaung, and on Yangon Mayor U Ko Lay. (NLM 8/3) Aug. 3: FAO Resident Representative Prem Nath called on Minister for National Planning and Economic Development Brig-Gen. Abel. (NLM 8/4) Aug. 5: Indonesian Ambassador Maj-Gen. (Police) A. Poerwanto Lenggono called on Minister for Agriculture Lt-Gen. Myint Aung, on Minister for Industry 1 Lt-Gen. Sein Aung, and on Minister for Education U Pan Aung. Sri Lankan Ambassador K.B. Fernando called on Minister for Health U Saw Tun. (NLM 8/6) Aug. 6: The Indonesian Ambassador called on Minister for Hotels and Tourism Lt-Gen. Kyaw Ba, and on Minister for Rail Transportation U Win Sein. (NLM 8/7) Aug. 7: Newly arrived Philippine Defence and Armed Forces Attache Col. F. Bocobo called on Commander-in-Chief (Navy) Vice-Adm. Tin Aye. Indonesian Ambassador Maj-Gen. (Police) A. Poerwanto Lenggono called on Minister for Culture U Aung San. UNDP Resident Representative Siba Kumar Das called on Minister for Health U Saw Tun. (NLM 8/8) Aug. 8: UNICEF Resident Representative Dr. Juan R. Aguilar Leon called on Minister for Health U Saw Tun. (NLM 8/9) Aug. 13: Singapore Ambassador Calvin Eu Mun Hoo called on Minister for Hotels and Tourism Lt-Gen. Kyaw Ba, and on Minister for Industry-2 Maj-Gen. Kyaw Than. Thai Ambassador Poksak Nilubol called on Minister for Finance and Revenue Brig-Gen. Win Tin. Korean Ambassador Kyung Bo Choi called on Minister for Livestock Breeding & Fisheries U Aung Thaung, and on Chairman of the Myanmar Investment Commission Deputy Prime Minister Vice-Adm. Maung Maung Khin. (NLM 8/14) Aug. 15: Nepalese Ambassador Satchi Shumshere J.B. Rana called on Minister for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs Lt-Gen. Maung Thint. (NLM 8/16) Aug. 16: Singapore Ambassador Calvin Eu Mun Hoo called on Chairman Lt-Gen. Phone Myint of the State Law and Order Restoration Council Security and Management Committee, and on Yangon Mayor U Ko Lay. Indonesian Ambassador Maj-Gen. (Police) A. Poerwanto Lenggono called on Minister for Energy U Khin Maung Thein. (NLM 8/17) Aug. 19: Singapore Ambassador Calvin Eu Mun Hoo, who has completed his tour of duty, called on Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Lt-Gen. Myint Aung, and on Minister for Transport Lt-Gen. Thein Win. Korean Ambassador Kyung Bo Choi called on Minister for Education U Pan Aung. Nepalese Ambassador Satchi Shumshere J.B. Rana called on Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Lt-Gen. Myint Aung. FAO Resident Representative Prem Nath called on Minister for Health U Saw Tun. (NLM 8/20) Aug. 20: The Singapore Ambassador called on Minister for Forestry Lt-Gen. Chit Swe, on Minister for Energy U Khin Maung Thein, and on Minister for National Planning and Economic Development Brig-Gen. Abel. The Nepalese Ambassador called on Minister for Mines Lt-Gen. Kyaw Min. (NLM 8/21) Aug. 21: The Nepalese Ambassador called on Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement Maj-Gen. Soe Myint. (NLM 8/ 22) Aug. 22: Japanese Ambassador Yoichi Yamaguchi called on Minister for National Planning and Economic Development Brig-Gen. Abel, and on Minister for Communications, Posts & Telegraphs U Soe Tha. (NLM 8/23) Aug. 23: UNDP Resident Representative Siba Kumar Das, and FAO Resident Representative Prem Nath, called on Minister for Livestock Breeding & Fisheries U Aung Thaung. Egyptian Ambassador Abdel Rahim Ismail Shalaby called on Yangon Mayor U Ko Lay. (NLM 8/24) Aug. 26: Singapore Ambassador Calvin Eu Mun Hoo called on Minister for Communications, Posts & Telegraphs U Soe Tha. (NLM 8/27) Aug. 29: Korean Ambassador Kyung Bo Choi called on Minister for Energy U Khin Maung Thein. (NLM 8/30) New Myanmar Ambassadors Aug. 9: U Tin Winn, former Ambassador to Britain, has been appointed as new Myanmar Ambassador to the United States. (NLM 8/9) // Aug. 17: He left for Washington. (NLM 8/18) Aug. 10: Myanmar Ambassador to Thailand U Hla Maung left for Bangkok. (NLM 8/11) Aug. 20: U Win Aung, former Ambassador to Germany, has been appointed as new Myanmar Ambassador to the United Kingdom. (NLM 8/20) Aug. 27: U Kyar Nyo Chit Pe on Aug. 20 presented credentials in Brasilia to President Fernando Henrique Cardoso as new Myanmar Ambassador to Brazil. (NLM 8/28) INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION Joint Workshops & Seminars Aug. 15: The Ministry of Health and the World Health Organization co-sponsored a Workshop on Development of Essential Obstetric Services on Aug. 14. (NLM 8/16) Aug. 15: The Ministry of Health and the World Health Organization co-sponsored a National Workshop on Situation Analysis of Adolescent Reproductive Health; speakers included Director (People's Health) of the Health Department and WHO expert Dr. Herbert L. Friedman. (NLM 8/16) // Aug. 17: The workshop ended. (NLM 8/18) Border and Regional Cooperation July 31: Myanmar and Thai officials met at the Inya Lake Hotel in a second meeting to Fix Border Access Points. The Myanmar delegation was led by Director-General U Maung Aung of the Immigration and Manpower Department, and the Thai group by Director-General Mr. Suvidhya Simaskul of Foreign Ministry East Asia Affairs. (NLM 8/ 1) Aug. 1: A Thai delegation led by Foreign Ministry Permanent Secretary Mr. Thep Devakula arrived to attend the Senior Officers Meeting of the Third Myanmar-Thailand Joint Commission on Bilateral Cooperation. The Aug. 2-3 meeting will precede the Third Myanmar-Thailand Joint Commission Meeting on Aug. 5. (NLM 8/2) // Aug. 2: The Senior Officers Meeting was held, and discussed a wide range of issues including "exchange of visits, energy, forestry, fisheries, boundary demarcation, transportation and communication, cultural and tourism cooperation, technical and economic cooperation, trade investment, quadrangular communication networks and narcotic drug control." (NLM 8/3) Economic and Social Cooperation July 31: The Ministry of Agriculture, represented by Managing Director U Sein Win of Myanma Agricultural Service and the Food and Agriculture Organization, represented by Resident Representative Prem Nath, signed an agreement to implement the Hybrid Rice Technology Project. (NLM 8/1) Aug. 2: A study mission led by General Secretary Mr. Michiyasu Arayashiki of OISCA International called on Minister for Forestry Lt-Gen. Chit Swe; 17 members of the mission left for Labutta Township to help in mangrove reafforestation under the Project for Development of Rural Areas of Ayeyawady Mangrove Forest; another 19 will leave for Shinmadaung Region, Pakokku District, Magway Division, to participate in "greening of the region." (NLM 8/3) // Aug. 9: 17 OISCA members led by Michiharu Aoyama have participated in tree planting in Kanbauk village, Yesagyo Township. (NLM 8/10) Aug. 2: The Department of Health and UNICEF jointly recognized 67 hospitals and one Township (Mawlamyine) for successfully implementing the systematic breast-feeding project. The project is being undertaken in 578 hospitals and 203 townships, of which 58 hospitals and 2 townships had already received recognition. Implementation is under way of the Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI), the Baby Friendly Home Delivery (BFHD), Baby Friendly Clinic Initiative (BFCI), and the Baby/Mother Friendly Workplace Initiative (BFWI). (NLM 8/3) Aug. 5: FAO expert Dr. Capanter lectured on Marine Taxanony [sic] at the Fish and Prawn Resources Study Division. The three day course is being attended by 32 trainees. (NLM 8/6) Aug. 6: A Japanese Traditional Massage Course began, co-sponsored by the Directorate of Hotels and Tourism and by Kyushu Massage Co. Ltd. of Japan, represented by Chairman Mr. Hirose Shaji. The 3-month is being attended by 51 trainees. (NLM 8/7) Aug. 6: A 3-day Workshop on Participatory Evaluation of Life Skills Training, co-sponsored by Myanmar Maternal and Child Welfare Association, Myanmar Red Cross Society, and UNICEF, opened. (NLM 8/7) Donations from Abroad [We report here donations apparently from foreign sources, except for those incidental to visits reported elsewhere; foreign sources are presumed if gifts are in foreign currency, or donors are identified as "Mr.". We do not normally report the numerous articles on Burmese donations to government, religious, and social organizations and charities, including the current favorite recipient, the Myanmar Karuna Foundation headed by Patron for Life Minister for Trade Lt-Gen. Tun Kyi.] July 31: Mr. Chong Choon Nean of Myanmar Integrated Port Service Ltd. donated a computer worth $1,955, 100 10-viss containers of palm oil, and K 500,000 for the Ministry Dhammayon to Minister for Transport Lt-Gen. Thein Win. (NLM 8/1) Aug. 1: Mr. Miguel D. Lima of Continental Grain (Thailand) donated K 1 to the Myanmar Karuna Foundation. (NLM 8/2) Aug. 2: Chairman Mr. Serge Pun of SPA International Ltd. of Hong Kong donated K 2.2 million to the Myanmar Karuna Foundation. (NLM 8/3) Aug. 2: U Kyan Khinn and family of Singapore donated a computer, printer, and projector to No. 2 Military Hospital. (NLM 8/ 3) Aug. 7: Mr. Raj Kumar of Khe Tan Co. Ltd. and U Aung Myint of Mya Yadanar Enterprise Ltd. donated K 1 million to the Myanmar Karuna Foundation. (NLM 8/8) Aug. 8: The German Embassy donated 90 German text-books to the Institute of Foreign Languages. (NLM 8/9) Aug. 9: Managing Director Mr. Loke Sai Choong of KOL Industries (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd. donated a defibrillator worth S$ 7,756 and K 100,000 to the Defence Services General Hospital. (NLM 8/10) Aug. 13: Resident Representative Mr. Jeff Adiong of Trans World Co. donated business directories and four laser discs to the State Law and Order Restoration Council. (NLM 8/14) Aug. 13: Managing Director U Kyan Kin of P. L. International Pte. Ltd. of Singapore and party donated K 1 million to the Myanmar Karuna Foundation. (NLM 8/14) Aug. 20: Thai Ambassador Poksak Nilubol donated medical equipment to the Myanmar Maternal and Child Welfare Association. (NLM 8/21) Aug. 20: Chairman of the Daewoo Women's Association in Myanmar donated K 200,000 to the Myanmar Maternal and Child Welfare Association. (NLM 8/21) Aug. 20: Managing Director Mr. Joseph Pang of Value Industries Ltd. of Hong Kong donated $60,000 to the Myanmar Karuna Foundation. (NLM 8/21) // Aug. 22: He donated $60,000 to the Yangon Institute of Technology. (NLM 8/23) Aug. 23: Mr. Virenpopli of Ranbaxy Laboratories and party donated health education posters worth K 80,000 to Yangon General Hospital. (NLM 8/24) Aug. 30: Mr. Shaow, wife Ms. Shwe Sin, and brother Mr. Pitak (Chang) of Chaitrasit Gold Uni Investment Co. of Thailand donated K 1.2 million to the Myanmar Karuna Foundation. "Donors may contact the ministry [of Commerce] to contribute cash to the foundation, which is formed to render health, education and social assistance to the poor." (NLM 8/31) FOREIGN VISITORS [Although we rarely note the fact, foreign visitors calling on Myanmar officials are often accompanied by their Ambassadors. -- HCMacD.] International Agency Visitors Aug. 12: Regional Director Mr. G.K. Shama of the International Cooperative Alliance called on Minister for Cooperatives U Than Aung to discuss the regional coordination meeting to be held in Yangon in December. (NLM 8/13) Business Visitors [May include Governmental delegations with predominantly commercial aims, as well as foreign businessmen resident in Myanmar. Foreign delegations are often accompanied on their calls by their country's Ambassador or other diplomatic personnel in Yangon, but we do not normally record the fact.] July 31: A 16-member Japanese delegation headed by Mr. Yoshifumi Ishizawa of Fukuoka met with Yangon Mayor U Ko Lay. (NLM 8/1) July 31: President Mr. Liew Mun Leong of Pidemco Land Ltd. of Singapore and party called on Minister for Trade Lt-Gen. Tun Kyi. (NLM 8/1) July 31: A delegation led by Vice-Chairman M. Marc Chauvin of Thomson CSF, France, called on Minister for Livestock Breeding & Fisheries U Aung Thaung to discuss fishing boat radar. (NLM 8/1) July 31: A delegation led by Chairman Mr. Cheng Chang Ku of Sino-Japanese Feed Industries Pte. Ltd. of Hong Kong called on Minister for Livestock Breeding & Fisheries U Aung Thaung. (NLM 8/1) Aug. 1: Managing Director Mr. Joseph Pang of Value Industries Ltd. called on Minister for Trade Lt-Gen. Tun Kyi. (NLM 8/2) Aug. 1: Senior Managing Director Mr. Ryonosuke Miyoshi and party of Nippon Investment & Finance Co. Ltd. called on Minister for National Planning and Economic Development Brig-Gen. Abel. (NLM 8/2) Aug. 2: Managing Director Datuk Haji Ishak Min Ismail and party of Idris Hydraulic (Malaysia) Bhd. called on Minister for Hotels and Tourism Lt-Gen. Kyaw Ba to discuss hotel, office, and shopping complexes the company contracted for a year ago for the site of the former Open-Air Market and in Shwegondine. The projects are being undertaken by Syntec-Wohup in Yangon, represented at the meeting by Executive Director Mr. Kim Hong Tiam Yoon, with financing from the Bangkok Bank Berhad, represented at the meeting by Chairman Mr. Albert Cheok. (NLM 8/3) Aug. 2: Chairman Mr. Takaya Sugiura and party of All Nippon Airways called on SLORC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt, and on Minister for Transport Lt-Gen. Thein Win. (NLM 8/3) Aug. 2: President Mr. I. K. Sung Lim and party of the National Plastic Co. Ltd. of Korea called on Chairman of the Myanmar Investment Commission Deputy Prime Minister Vice-Adm. Maung Maung Khin. (NLM 8/3) Aug. 2: Dr. Salvatore Accame of S A C International Co. and Dr. Stefano Montefiori of Mario Bernucci Co. of Italy called on Minister for Industry 1 Lt-Gen. Sein Aung to discuss "extraction of marble and granite." (NLM 8/3) Aug. 2: Director-General of Technology, Import & Export Administration Department of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Trade Mr. Liu Hu and party called on Minister for National Planning and Economic Development Brig-Gen. Abel to discuss cooperation in ceramics, steel, and hydel-power. (NLM 8/3) // Aug. 5: He called on Minister for Trade Lt-Gen. Tun Kyi, and on Chairman of the Myanmar Investment Commission Deputy Prime Minister Vice-Adm. Maung Maung Khin. (NLM 8/6) Aug. 2: President Director Mr. Handi Gunawan and party of PT Favorit Tours and Travel called on Minister for Hotels and Tourism Lt-Gen. Kyaw Ba. (NLM 8/3) Aug. 3: Indonesian merchants and industrialists led by Mr. Hengky Dompas called on Minister for National Planning and Economic Development Brig-Gen. Abel. (NLM 8/4) Aug. 5: Vice President (In-flight Service) Mr. Kiyoshi Nakagawa of All Nippon Airways called on Minister for Transport Lt-Gen. Thein Win. (NLM 8/6) Aug. 5: Executive Vice-President (Commercial) Mr. Heru Santoso and party of Indonesia Aircraft Industry (IPTN) called on Minister for Transport Lt-Gen. Thein Win. (NLM 8/6) Aug. 6: Executive Chairman Mr. Chaiaree Santipongchai of Advanced Communications Co. Ltd. of Thailand called on Chairman of the Myanmar Investment Commission Deputy Prime Minister Vice-Adm. Maung Maung Khin. (NLM 8/7) Aug. 7: General Director Mr. Hoang Son and party of Guston Molinel SA of France called on Chairman of the Myanmar Investment Commission Deputy Prime Minister Vice-Adm. Maung Maung Khin to discuss opening a garment factory. (NLM 8/8) Aug. 8: President Mr. John Imle and party of Unocal Oil Co. of the United States called on SLORC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt, and on Minister for Energy U Khin Maung Thein. (NLM 8/9) // Aug. 9: He called on Chairman of the Myanmar Investment Commission Deputy Prime Minister Vice-Adm. Maung Maung Khin, and on Minister for National Planning and Economic Development Brig-Gen. Abel. (NLM 8/10) Aug. 8: Managing Director H. J. Stevens of Stevens Paper & Board called on Minister for Information Maj-Gen. Aye Kyaw. (NLM 8/9) Aug. 9: Executive Managing Director Mr. Mike Michio Tokoro of Zipang/Chuo Sightseeing Bus Co. Ltd. and party called on Minister for Hotels and Tourism Lt-Gen. Kyaw Ba. (NLM 8/10) Aug. 9: Chairman Mr. Prachin Eamlumnow of Grand Prix International Co. Ltd. of Thailand and party called on Minister for Hotels and Tourism Lt-Gen. Kyaw Ba to discuss car rallies and other tourist promotion projects. (NLM 8/10) Aug. 10: General Manager Mr. K. Suresh of Dr. Reddy's Laboratories Ltd. of India sponsored a 2-day seminar on speciality pharmaceuticals, in collaboration with Managing Director Abedeen Tyebally of The Great Eastern Myanmar Ltd. Consulting Physician Dr. Khin Mae Ohn spoke on Update on quinolones (Ciprofloxacin, Norfloxacin); Consultant Cardiologist Dr. Cho Lay Mar spoke on Scope and usage of Enalapril Maleate in cardio-vascular disorders and Diabetic-nephropathy; and senior medical consultant Dr. H. M. Lal "presented recent advances on quinolones and anti-hypertensives." (NLM 8/11) // Aug. 11: The seminar concluded, with talks by Prof. Dr. Kyaw Myin Tun on A Newer Quinolone--Focus on Lomefloxacin and Dr. Myint Myint Gyi on Cetixizine in Allergic Disorders; Dr. Lal "presented recent advances in Lomefloxacin and non-sedative antihistamine in allergic disorders." (NLM 8/12) Aug. 12: Vice-Presidents Mr. Alan Satterlee and Mr. Ronald Morris of Texaco Exploration Myanmar Inc. of the United States called on Deputy Prime Minister Lt-Gen. Tin Tun. (NLM 8/13) Aug. 13: A delegation led by Managing Director Mr. Richard Forst of Moet Hennessy & Johnny Walker, Riche Monde Overseas, of Singapore, called on Minister for Finance and Revenue Brig-Gen. Win Tin. (NLM 8/14) Aug. 15: General Manager Mr. Fred Neumann of Sedona Hotel (Yangon) called on Minister for Hotels and Tourism Lt-Gen. Kyaw Ba. (NLM 8/16) Aug. 19: President Mr. Shunsuke Inamori and party of Ajinomoto Co. Inc. [Japanese brand of monosodium glutamate or MSG--HCMacD.] called on Chairman of the Myanmar Investment Commission Deputy Prime Minister Vice-Adm. Maung Maung Khin. (NLM 8/20) Aug. 20: Chairman Mr. Chai To-Jinn and party of Sun Beam Metal Industrial Co. Ltd. called on Minister at the Deputy Prime Minister's Office Secretary of the Myanma Investment Committee Brig-Gen. Maung Maung. (NLM 8/21) Aug. 20: Chief Executive Officer Mr. T. S. Ong and party of Genting Sanyen (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd. called on Minister for Energy U Khin Maung Thein. (NLM 8/21) Aug. 20: Chairman Mr. Joseph W. Sutton of Enron Development Corp. of the United States and party called on Chairman of the Myanmar Investment Commission Deputy Prime Minister Vice-Adm. Maung Maung Khin. (NLM 8/21) // Aug. 21: He called on Minister for National Planning and Economic Development Brig-Gen. Abel. (NLM 8/22) Aug. 21: Executive Managing Director Mr. Sung Jae Shin of Hyundai Engineering and Construction Co. Ltd. and party called on Chairman of the Myanmar Investment Commission Deputy Prime Minister Vice-Adm. Maung Maung Khin. (NLM 8/22) Aug. 22: Chairman Dato Sulieman Manan and party of Taiping Consolidated Bhd. called on Minister for National Planning and Economic Development Brig-Gen. Abel. (NLM 8/23) Aug. 22: Chairman Mr. Karin Tongpatchote of the Kanematsu Co. of Bangkok called on Minister for Transport Lt-Gen. Thein Win to discuss a deep-sea port and industrial zone in Dawei. (NLM 8/23) Aug. 23: General Manager Mr. Guido Giorgi of ENI Corporate Group Saipem SPA of Italy and party called on SLORC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt. (NLM 8/24) Aug. 23: Regional General Manager M. Philippe Roujon of Air Liquide Industrial Services Pte. Ltd. of Singapore called on Chairman of the Myanmar Investment Commission Deputy Prime Minister Vice-Adm. Maung Maung Khin. [see also under Agreements] (NLM 8/24) Aug. 26: Chairman Mr. Veerachai Eurvilaichit of Power-P Public Co. Ltd. of Thailand called on Minister for Transport Lt-Gen. Thein Win to discuss construction of the Kyaikkhami port and Thilawa jetty. (NLM 8/ 27) Aug. 27: Regional Director M. Jean-Paul Burnet of Sanofi Pharma gave briefings on the company's medical technologies and products. (NLM 8/28) Aug. 27: Vice-Chairman Mr. An Chengxin of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, and delegation, called on Chairman of the Myanmar Investment Commission Deputy Prime Minister Vice-Adm. Maung Maung Khin. (NLM 8/28) // Aug. 28: He called on Chairman of the Myanmar Investment Commission Deputy Prime Minister Vice-Adm. Maung Maung Khin. (NLM 8/29) // Aug. 29: He called on Minister for Cooperatives U Than Aung. (NLM 8/30) Aug. 29: President Mr. Robert M. Friedland and party of Ivanhoe Myanmar Holdings Ltd. called on Minister for Mines Lt-Gen. Kyaw Min to discuss copper and gold mining and refining. (NLM 8/30) Aug. 29: Secretary-General Dr. Twatchai Yongkittikul of the Thai Bankers' Association and party called on Minister for Finance and Revenue Brig-Gen. Win Tin. A Memorandum of Understanding on banking arrangements was signed between the Myanma Economic Bank and Myanma Investment and Commercial Banks, and the Bank of Ayudhya Public Co. Ltd. (BAY), Bangkok Bank Public Co. Ltd. (BBL), Krung Thai Bank Public Co. Ltd. (KTB), Siam City Bank Public Co. Ltd. (SCIB), Thai Farmers Bank Public Co. Ltd. (TFB), and the Thai Military Bank Public Co. Ltd. (TMB). (NLM 8/30) Medical Visitors Aug. 2: Director Mr. J. D. Ruiz of UPSA Laboratories of France met with Minister for Health U Saw Tun to discuss the jointly-sponsored Pain Treatment Centre. (NLM 8/3) Aug. 13: Dr. K. Nathan of Dentsply and Mr. K. Buchmuller will lecture Aug. 19 on Endo and Post System at the Institute of Dental Medicine. (NLM 8/14) Aug. 30: Dr. M. P. Drullhe of the Pasteur Institute, France, called on Minister for Health U Saw Tun to discuss malaria treatment and prevention. (NLM 8/31) Academic Visitors Aug. 16: Prof. Dr. E. L. Namaki of the Maastricth School of Management (MSM International) of the Netherlands called on Minister for Cooperatives U Than Aung. (NLM 8/17) Lao Delegation July 31: An 8-member Lao Goodwill Delegation led by Governor Mr. Chansy Phosikham of Luang Prabang Province and Mme. Simma Phosikham arrived. (NLM 8/1) // Aug. 7: The delegation departed, after visiting Yangon, Mandalay, Bagan, and PyinOoLwin. (NLM 8/7) Malaysian Delegations July 31: Former Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister Mr. Abdul Ghafar Bin Baba and party called on SLORC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt. (NLM 8/1) // Aug. 1: He called on Deputy Prime Minister Vice-Adm. Maung Maung Khin. (NLM 8/2) Aug. 18: A Malaysian Military Delegation led by Commandant Brig-Gen. Dato Abdullah Bin Ahmad of the Malaysian Defence College arrived, and called on Chief of Armed Forces Training Maj-Gen. Saw Lwin, who hosted a dinner. (NLM 8/19) // Aug. 22: The delegation flew to Bagan on Aug. 19, and went on Mandalay and PyinOoLwin on the 20th, visiting cultural and military installations. It returned Aug. 22 to Yangon. (NLM 8/23) // Aug. 23: It visited the National Defence College and the Defence Services Museum in Yangon, and called on Deputy Prime Minister Lt-Gen. Tin Tun. (NLM 8/24) // Aug. 24: The delegation departed. (NLM 8/25) Thai Deputy Prime Minister Aug. 1: Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Dr. Amnuay Viravan and delegation will make an official visit to Myanmar in the near future. (NLM 8/1) // Aug. 4: The delegation arrived by special flight; it included some 120 Thai businessmen and investors. The Thai Deputy Prime Minister hosted a dinner for them, in connection with the Aug. 4-6 Seminar, Exhibition and Thai Food Festival at the Kandawgyi Hotel. (NLM 8/5) // Aug. 5: He called on Deputy Prime Minister Vice-Adm. Maung Maung Khin, and on SLORC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt, who hosted a dinner for the delegation. The delegation called on Minister for National Planning and Economic Development Brig-Gen. Abel. (NLM 8/6) // Aug. 7: The delegation called on SLORC Chairman Senior General Than Shwe, and visited the Defence Services Museum. The Deputy Prime Minister participated, along with Chairman of the Myanmar Investment Commission Deputy Prime Minister Vice-Adm. Maung Maung Khin and other Myanmar officials, in a Seminar on Trading and Investment Opportunities in Myanmar. Minister for Foreign Affairs U Ohn Gyaw hosted a dinner. (NLM 8/7) // Aug. 7: The delegation departed for home, by special flight. The Deputy Prime Minister donated $49,426 to the UNDP Children's Lunch Programme, and two computers to the Foreign Ministry. (NLM 8/8) Chinese Youth Delegation Aug. 14: A 5-member delegation led by Vice-Chairman Mr. Li Denghai of the All China Youth Federation arrived at the invitation of the Union Solidarity and Development Association. (NLM 8/15) // Aug. 15: The delegation visited the Myanma Gems Emporium. It also met with the USDA and agreed on "five points" promising continued contact and cooperation. (NLM 8/16) // Aug. 18: The delegation visited Mandalay on Aug. 17, and was dined by Central Commander Maj-Gen. Ye Myint. On Aug. 18, the delegation was dined in Yangon by Minister for Energy U Khin Maung Thein. (NLM 8/ 19) // Aug. 19: The delegation departed. (NLM 8/20) Russian Delegation Aug. 14: A 7-member high-level Russian delegation led by Deputy Director Mr. Y. Gorski of "Roscommash" Department of the Foreign Ministry called on Minister for Industry-2 Maj-Gen. Kyaw Than. (NLM 8/15) Thai Officials Aug. 23: Advisor to the Thai Prime Minister Mr. Chumpol Silapa-Archa and party called on SLORC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt. (NLM 8/24) Aug. 28: An 85-member Royal Thai Army delegation, led by Maj-Gen. Panichsamai of the Applied Psychology Institute, arrived. It visited the Myanma Gems Museum, the Defence Services Museum, and the Shwedagon Pagoda, and the delegation leader called on Maj-Gen. Saw Lwin, Chief of Armed Forces Training. (NLM 8/29) // Aug. 30: The delegation departed, after visiting the National Defence College. (NLM 8/31) Korean Aid Official Aug. 26: Vice-President Mr. Kim Byung Yeon of the Korean International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) called on Minister at the Prime Minister's Office Brig-Gen. Lun Maung, and on Minister for National Planning and Economic Development Brig-Gen. Abel. (NLM 8/27) MYANMAR DELEGATIONS Study Delegations Aug. 10: Five supervisory employees led by Human Resources Manager Daw Hta Cho of Nawarat Concorde Hotel left for Malaysia and Singapore "for three months of training and international exposure abroad." (NLM 8/11) Aug. 16: A TV delegation led by Deputy Director (Broadcast) U Aung Soe Min left for Thailand to study promotion of mass communications. Members are Assistant Director (Broadcast) Daw Tin Tin Mya, Editor Daw Moe Thuzar Aung, and technicians Daw Khin Moe Oo, Daw Thwe Thwe Myint, and U Htay Win. (NLM 8/16) Aug. 20: A team of Myanmar scholars led by Director-General U Myint Thein Swe of the Department of Cultural Institute left for Singapore to study museums and management of cultural heritage under the auspices of the Hans Cidel [sic] Foundation of Germany. Other members are Director U Tin Soe of the Department of Archaeology (Mandalay Branch), Staff Officer U Than Win of the Planetarium, and Staff Officer Daw Mi Mi Khaing and Assistant Curator Daw Thin Thin Aye of the National Museum. (NLM 8/ 21) Aug. 21: Assistant Editor U Aung Htain of Kyemon Daily left for Seoul to attend the five-week 1966 Journalists Workshop beginning Aug. 22. (NLM 8/22) Aug. 28: Junior Clerk Daw Khin Pa Win of the Department of Trade left for China to attend a two-year diploma course. (NLM 8/29) Aug. 28: Assistant Engineer U Sein Win of Myanma Agricultural Produce Trading left for Japan to attend an Aug. 29-Nov. 19 Group Training Course in Post-harvest Rice Processing, under the Colombo Plan. (NLM 8/29) Religious Delegations Aug. 12: The Ministry of Commerce will organize 12 ten-day pilgrimages to the Sacred Places of Buddha at Lumbini Park in Nepal and Bodh Gaya in India, beginning Sept. 18. There will be further trips from January-April 1997. The fare will not exceed K 100,000, and those interested should dial 282447. (NLM 8/13) Business Delegations Aug. 1: A first contingent of 13 entrepreneurs, led by U Tun Thura of No. 1 Emporium Cooperative Syndicate left for China to participate in the Aug. 8-15 Kunming Trade Fair 96. 81 representatives of 28 Myanmar cooperative societies will display products "such as marine products, finished wood products, paintings, sculptures, jade, jewellery...." (NLM 8/2) // Aug. 2: Another 29 cooperative syndicate entrepreneurs and 8 Myanmar Chamber of Commerce and Industry members led by MCCI official U Win Myint left for Kunming. (NLM 8/3) // Aug. 7: 29 members of the Board of Directors of Cooperative Societies of Yangon Division, left for Kunming, bringing the total to 78. Also, Deputy Director U Tin Aye of the Trade Department and Assistant Director U Ye Myint of the Cooperatives Department left for the Fair. A total of 273 members of joint venture corporations, cooperative societies, and the private sector will participate. (NLM 8/8) Cultural Delegations Aug. 22: 20 Myanmar marionette artistes led by Director Maj. Maung Win of the Production Division of the Fine Arts Department left Aug. 21 for Bangkok to participate in the Marionette Festival marking King Bhumibhol Adulyadej's golden jubilee. (NLM 8/23) Aug. 27: A Myanmar Writers Delegation led by Deputy Chief Editor U Phone Myint (Pyay Phone Myint) of the Information and Public Relations Department left for Russia. Other members are Researcher Dr. Tin Shwe (Sayawun Tin Shwe) of the Medical Research Department, and Editor U Soe Myint of the Printing and Publishing Enterprise (as Secretary). (NLM 8/28) State Visit to Malaysia Aug. 8: SLORC Chairman Senior General and Madame Than Shwe will pay a State visit to Malaysia in the near future. (NLM 8/9) Aug. 12: SLORC Chairman Senior General and Madame Than Shwe left for Malaysia, accompanied by SLORC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt and wife, Minister for National Planning and Economic Development Brig-Gen. Abel, Minister for Foreign Affairs U Ohn Gyaw and wife, Minister for Transport Lt-Gen. Thein Win, Minister for Information Maj-Gen. Aye Kyaw, Minister for Construction Maj-Gen. Saw Tun, Chairman Brig-Gen. Thura Thiha Thura Sit Maung of the Taninthayi Division Law and Order Restoration Council, and other officials. On arrival, the delegation was met by Malaysian Foreign Minister Datuk Abdullah Hj Ahmad Badawi, and then called on the King. The delegation issued the following arrival statement [full text]: "At the invitation of Their Majesties Yangdi-Peruan Agong Tuanku Ja'afar Ibni Al-Marhum Tuanku Abdul Rahman and Raja Permasuri Agong Tuanku Najihaha Binti Al-Marhum Tuanku Besar Burhanuddin of Malaysia, the goodwill delegation of the Union of Myanmar led by Senior General Than Shwe, Chairman of the State Law and Order Restoration Council and Madame Than Shwe arrived in Kuala Lumpur on 12 August 1996. Reflecting the growing friendship and understanding between the two countries and two peoples, the visit is aimed at further promotion of close ties and cooperation forging mutually beneficial links in trade and investment. "As a traditional trading partner and currently an emerging new industrialized country, Malaysia can share the valuable experience to the Union of Myanmar which has recently established a market-oriented economy. The Myanmar delegation looks forward to exchanging views on the subjects of trade and investment while sustaining efforts to promote close relations between the leadership of the two countries. As an observer nation of the ASEAN, Myanmar will also undertake to implement the principle and objectives of the Association in due consultation and cooperation with the Chairman of the Standing Committee for 1996-97. "While in Malaysia, the Myanmar delegation will visit the industrial and cultural sites as well as developmental projects both in Kuala Lumpur and Penang. In order to consolidate progressive bilateral cooperation between the two countries, an Agreement on Economic, Scientific and Cultural Cooperation will be signed during the visit." [page of photos] (NLM 8/13) Aug. 14: On Aug. 12, Malaysian Prime Minister Dato Seri Dr. Mahathir Bin Mohamad and wife called on Senior General and Madame Than Shwe. The General they called on the Prime Minister, and held talks, accompanied by the rest of the delegation (as listed above) plus Myanmar Ambassador to Malaysia U Sein Lwin, Director-General Lt-Col. Pe Thein of the SLORC Office, Director-General U Soe Tint of the Government Office, and others. On the Malaysian side were Minister of Foreign Affairs Datuk Abdullah Hj Ahmad Badawi, Minister of Primary Industries Date Seri Dr. Lim Keng Yaik, Minister of International Trade and Industry Dato Seri Rafida Aziz, Minister of Defence Dato Syed Hamid Bin Syed Jaafar Albar, Malaysian Ambassador to Myanmar Dato Abdul Wahab Bin Harun and other officials. Minister for National Planning and Economic Development Brig-Gen. Abel and the Malaysian Foreign Minister signed the Agreement Between the Government of the Union of Myanmar and the Government of Malaysia on Economic, Scientific and Technical Cooperation. Mme. Than Shwe and the wives in the party, accompanied by their Malaysian counterparts, visited the traditional handicrafts exhibition and the National Museum. In the evening, the Malaysian King hosted a banquet at Istana Negara Palace. The King noted that friendly relations extended back to the 12th Century. H welcomed Myanmar's adoption of an open-market economic system, and looked forward to its prosperous future. As a close friend and neighbour, Malaysia appreciates Myanmar's gesture in providing doctors and nurses to meet our immediate needs. In return, we hope that the participation of Myanmar officials in Malaysia's various training programmes within the framework of the Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme has been useful in contributing to the development of human resources in Myanmar." He noted that with a total investment of US$ 227.27 million in Myanmar, Malaysia was the sixth largest foreign investor there. He said Malaysia would continue to encourage Malaysian participation in trade fairs and exhibitions in Myanmar. He welcomed Myanmar's active regional participation, and especially Myanmar's support for the ASEAN-Mekong Basin Development Cooperation, and welcomed Myanmar's observer status in ASEAN as paving the way to early membership. Senior General Than Shwe praised Myanmar-Malaysian friendship, and congratulated Malaysia on its economic progress. He reviewed recent Myanmar policies, and expressed pleasure that "all the 10 Southeast Asian nations have reaffirmed their commitment to the concept of One Southeast Asia" by welcoming Myanmar as an observer member of ASEAN. On the morning of Aug. 13, the Myanmar delegation visited the Kuala Lumpur International Airport construction project, and the Proton Automobile Plant in Shah Alam Industrial Estate. The Malaysian National Chamber of Commerce and Industry hosted a lunch at Mahkota Hall of the Istana Hotel, at which Chamber President Dato Seri Yahaya Ahmad spoke, and the group was briefed by Minister for Foreign Affairs U Ohn Gyaw. In the afternoon, the delegation visited the Economic Planning Unit at the Prime Minister's Office, and were briefed. In the evening, the Myanmar Embassy hosted a dinner. The wives visited the Orchid Garden, the Central Market, the Cheshire Home, and the Isetan City Department Store. On Aug. 14, various courtesy calls were paid: SLORC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt on Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister Dato Seri Anwar Ibrahim. Minister for National Planning and Economic Development Brig-Gen. Abel on Minister of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Datuk Abu Hassan Omar. Minister for Foreign Affairs U Ohn Gyaw on his counterpart. Minister for Transport Lt-Gen. Thein Win on Minister of Transport Dato Seri Ling Liong Sik, including a visit to Port Kalang. [two full pages of photos] (NLM 8/15) Aug. 16: On Aug. 14, Senior General Than Shwe and his party, following an official farewell from their Malaysian hosts, flew by special flight to Pulau Pinang, where they were greeted by Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr. Koh Tsu Koon and taken to Rasa Sayang Resort. In the afternoon the delegation visited the Penang Development Corporation. In the evening, Governor Tun Dato Seri Dr. Haji Hamdan Bin Sheikh Tahir of Pulau Pinang hosted a dinner. The wives visited the Pulau Pinang Butterfly Farm and the Penang Batik Factory. On Aug. 15, the delegation visited the Raja Tun Uda ferry terminal, and left by boat for the North Butterworth Container Terminal (NBCT). It visited the Sony Electronics (M) Sdn. Bhd. factory, and then drove over the 13.5 km. Pulau Pinang bridge to the mainland and the Shangri-La Hotel where the Chief Minister hosted lunch. In the afternoon the delegation visited the Dhammaikarama Myanmar Buddhist Temple, returning to the Rasa Sayang Resort for a dinner with businessmen, hosted by Pulau Pinang Joint Chamber of Commerce Chairman Abdul Rahman Maidin. The wives visited the Looking Good Centre. On Aug. 16, the delegation visited construction sites, and the Kek Lok Si Buddhist Temple at Ai Itam. The wives visited the Pilau Penang Bridge. The delegation then flew home to Yangon. The following Departure Statement was issued [full text]: "At the invitation of Their Majesties the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and the Raja Permaisuri Agong, His Excellency Senior General Than Shwe, Chairman of the State Law and Order Restoration Council of the Union of Myanmar, and Daw Kyaing Kyaing paid a State Visit to Malaysia from 12 to 16 August 1996. His Excellency Chairman Senior General Than Shwe and party were accorded a warm and cordial welcome by the Government and people of Malaysia, reflecting the traditional ties of goodwill and understanding between the two countries. While in Malaysia, the Myanmar Goodwill Delegation visited places of interest and industrial centers in Kuala Lumpur as well as in Penang. "During the visit, His Excellency chairman Senior General Than Shwe was received by His Majesty the Yang di-Pertuan Agong. The two Heads of State noted with satisfaction the continuing development of friendly ties between the two countries and expressed their common desire to further expand and consolidate the friendly contacts existing between the two peoples. "His Excellency Chairman Senior General Than Shwe and the Hon. Prime Minister Dato Seri Dr. Mahathir Mohamad held cordial discussions during which the two leaders made an extensive review of bilateral, regional and international affairs. His Excellency Chairman Senior General Than Shwe informed the Hon. Prime Minister Dato Seri Dr. Mahathir Mohamad about Myanmar's endeavours to attain the national goal of a peaceful, prosperous, modern and developed State in accordance with its political, economic and social Objectives. He also expressed his thanks for Malaysia' support for Myanmar in international and regional fora, particularly with respect to Myanmar's efforts for integration into ASEAN. Hon. Prime Minister Dato Seri Dr. Mahathir Mohamad acquainted His Excellency Chairman Senior General Than Shwe with Malaysia's experiences and endeavours for national development and expressed the hope that the visit would facilitate in bringing about Myanmar's closer association with ASEAN. He also stated his desire to see ASEAN encompassing all 10 Southeast Asian nations at the Association's 30th Anniversary next year, thus fulfilling the vision of the founding fathers. The two leaders noted with satisfaction the expansion and consolidation of economic and trade ties between the two countries and agreed to further strengthen bilateral cooperation in all fields. Both sides reviewed the international situation and agreed that the strengthening of regional cooperation contributes to peace, stability and prosperity of the individual nations as well as the region as a whole. They also shared the view that each nation has the right to choose the system best suited to its conditions. "His Excellency Lt. General Khin Nyunt, Secretary-1 of the State Law and Order Restoration Council also had cordial discussions with His Excellency Deputy Prime Minister Dato Seri Anwar Ibrahim on promotion of friendly relations and cooperation between Myanmar and Malaysia. Minister for Foreign Affairs HE U Ohn Gyaw, Minister for Transport HE Lt. General Thein Win and Minister for National Planning and Economic Development HE Brig. General D. O. Abel also met with their Malaysian counterparts. "The Agreement on Economic, Scientific and Technical Cooperation was signed during the visit, thus opening a new Chapter in bilateral cooperation. "During his stay in Penang, the Chairman of the State Law and Order Restoration Council met with His Excellency Tun Dato Seri (Dr.) Haji Hamdan Bin Sheik Tahir, Governor of Penang and also discussed investment and trade promotion matters with the Chief Minister Hon. Tan Sri Dr. Koh Tsu Koon. "His Excellency the Chairman of the State Law and Order Restoration Council Senior General Than Shwe expressed his heartfelt thanks and appreciation to the Government and people of Malaysia for the warm welcome and gracious hospitality extended to him and his party. He also extended invitations to Their Majesties the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and the Raja Permaisuri Agong and to the Hon. Prime Minister Dato Seri Dr. Mahathir Mohamad and YABhg [sic] Datin Seri Dr. Siti Hasmah to visit Myanmar at a mutually convenient time. The invitations were accepted with pleasure. "Yangon, 16 August 1996." [2 pages of photos] (NLM 8/17) Aug. 21: Speaking to high officials in Yangon, SLORC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt reviewed the State visit; he noted that direct contacts will be made with the Malaysia National Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Pulau Pinang Joint Chamber of Commerce, and called on Myanmar ministries to seek to cooperate with Malaysian economic organizations. (NLM 8/22) Labour Delegation to China Aug. 14: A goodwill delegation led by Deputy Minister for Labour U Kyaw Aye left for China "to promote friendly relations and cooperation between the two countries." The Deputy Minister was accompanied by Chairman U Aung Ba Kyi of the Social Security Board, Director-General U Sein Myint of the Directorate of Labour, Director U Okka of the Factories and General Labour Laws Inspection Department, and Secretary Dr. Htay Naing of the Myaungmya Township Union Solidarity and Development Association. (NLM 8/15) // Aug. 15: The delegation had discussions with the Union Solidarity and Development Association at City Hall, and promised ongoing cooperation. (NLM 8/16) // Aug. 21: The delegation returned. (NLM 8/22) // Aug. 23: On Aug. 15, the delegation called on Chinese Minister of Labour Mr. Li Boyong and met with Vice-Minister Ms. Liu Yazhi. It visited schools and factories, and called on Vice-Minister of Civil Affairs Mr. Xu Rui-xing. On Aug. 17 it visited the Great Wall and the Pudong Industrial Zone of Shanghai. It also visited cultural sites in Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Kunming. (NLM 8/ 24) Minister to Vietnam Aug. 23: A goodwill military delegation led by Minister at the Office of State Law and Order Restoration Council Chairman Lt-Gen. Min Thein left for Vietnam. Included are Adjutant-General Lt-Gen. Win Myint, Southern Commander Maj-Gen. Kyi Aung. Danyawady Naval District Commander Commodore Nyunt Thein, Mingaladon Air Force Base Commander Brig-Gen. Kyaw Than, No. 55 LID Commander Col. Than Tun, Military Appointments Colonel Col. Khin Maung Hsan, and 10 others. (NLM 8/24) // Aug. 29: The delegation returned. The delegation had talks with Vietnamese led by Minister of Defence Gen. Doan Khue, and called on Vietnamese Vice-President Mme. Nguyen Thi Binh. It visited Nos. 371 and 921 Air Bases, before flying to Ho Chi Minh City to visit the No. 7 Military Region, including Naval Headquarters. (NLM 8/30) Delegations Return [Return to Yangon of delegations which had left in previous months, or whose departure had not been noticed in NLD] July 31: Factory Manager U Han Sein of Photolitho Press of Printing and Publishing Enterprise returned from attending a Course on Improvement of Printing Technology in Tokyo, under the auspices of JICA. (NLM 8/1) Aug. 4: The delegation headed by Minister for Energy U Khin Maung Thein returned from the Asia Oil & Gas Conference and Exhibition 96 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. During the visit, the Minister called on Malaysian Minister of Energy, Posts and Telegraphs Dato Leo Moggie and on Minister of the Office of Prime Minister Datuk Abang Abu Baker Bin Datu Bander Abang Haji Mustapha. (NLM 8/5) Aug. 5: The delegation led by Yangon Vice-Mayor Col. Maung Pa returned from Kunming, China. (NLM 8/6) Aug. 7: Eight students led by Headmistress Daw Malar Myint returned from the Eighth Get-together of Students and Youths of Asia and the Pacific Region in Fukuoka, Japan. (NLM 8/8) Aug. 9: The Myanmar Buddhist Delegation led by Minister for Religious Affairs Lt-Gen. Myo Nyunt returned from China. (NLM 8/10) Aug. 15: The Buddhist delegation to Japan attending the consecration of the Theravada Buddhist Monastery in Taito Village, Kashima, Ibaragi Prefecture, Japan, returned. (NLM 8/16) MYANMAR GAZETTE Appointments Confirmed The State Law and Order Restoration Council has confirmed, following one-year probation: Aug. 21: U Myo Myint as Managing Director, Myanma Sugarcane Enterprise, Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation. U Kyaw Nyein as Managing Director, Myanmar Oil and Gas Enterprise, Ministry of Energy. U Khin Maung Latt as Director-General, Directorate of Hotels and Tourism, Ministry of Hotels and Tourism. GOVERNMENT Ministries Renamed Aug. 7: State Law and Order Restoration Council Notification No. 26/96 of Aug. 7, Change of Ministry Names, reads [full text]: The State Law and Order Restoration Council has changed the names of the following ministries to the new ones shown against each: 1. Ministry of Agriculture -- Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation 2. Ministry of Trade -- Ministry of Commerce. (NLM 8/8) Traditional Drug Regulations Aug. 9: The Ministry of Health issued: Notification No. 1/96 "in connection with registration of traditional drugs and obtaining license for manufacture of traditional drugs;" Notification No. 2/96 "in connection with the order on supervision of traditional drugs;" and Notification No. 3/96 "in connection with registration of traditional drugs." (NLM 8/ 10) Motion Picture Law Aug. 20: State Law and Order Restoration Council Law No. 9/96 of Aug. 20, The Motion Picture Law [full text in NLM], regulates the production, import, and exhibition of motion pictures, with the aims of (a) modernizing and upgrading movie standards; (b) encouraging movies that will "prove beneficial to the...State and to the preservation of Myanmar cultural heritage; (c) contribute to "the unity of national races" and patriotism; (d) promote the emergence of "outstanding" artistes, actors, and actresses; (e) prohibit "decadent" films that "will undermine" m cultural heritage; (c) contribute to "the unity of national races" and patriotism; (d) promote the emergence of "outstanding" artistes, actors, and actresses; (e) prohibit "decadent" films that "will undermine" Myanmar culture, traditions, and customs. Movies are defined to include documentaries, news, and educational films, etc., as well as entertainment films. Chapter III regulates the Motion Picture Business Licence, required for anyone producing, filming, developing and printing, sound recording, editing, distributing, importing, or exporting movies; it is issued by the Myanma Motion Picture Enterprise, which may grant or refuse the application and charge fees. The Enterprise may fine violators K 5,000-50,000, and revoke licences. Chapter IV establishes a Motion Picture Censor Board, under the Ministry of Information, which must approve all local and imported films before exhibition, issuing a Certificate for a fee, and may approve, reject, impound, or censor them (destroying non-approved portions). Chapter V establishes an Assessment Board, under the Information Ministry, to raise the standards of local films, by rewarding "outstanding" films and participants. Chapter VI regulates the issuance of the Cinema Hall Licence by the Myanma Motion Picture Enterprise, with the power to issue K 1,000-10,000 fines and revoke licences. Penalties: engaging in Motion Picture business without a Licence, or exhibiting films without a Censor Certificate, is subject to imprisonment up to one year and fines of K 100,000; showing films without a Cinema licence is subject to 6 months in jail or a fine of K 50,000. (NLM 8/21) MILITARY Surrenders by Armed Group Members Aug. 16: Two members of the Kayin armed group returned to the legal fold Aug. 10 at Myeik [names and details]. (NLM 8/17) Aug. 18: Two members of the Kayin armed group returned to the legal fold July 30 in Myeik [names and details]. (NLM 8/19) Aug. 19: From July 1-16, 21 members of various armed groups (KNU, ABSDF, Rakhine Liberation Party) returned to the legal fold [names and details]. (NLM 8/20) Aug. 21: From July 17-31, 10 members of various armed groups (Kayin, ABSDF) returned to the legal fold [names and details]. (NLM 8/22) Aug. 26: Three members of the KNU armed group returned to the legal fold Aug. 19 in South-East Command [names and details]. (NLM 8/27) ECONOMIC Trade Fairs and Exhibitions Aug. 5: The Exhibition of Thai Products and Cultural Show was held at the Kandawgyi Palace Hotel, and was visited by visiting Thai Deputy Prime Minister Dr. Amnuay Viravan (see above, under Foreign Visitors). Displays include Thai food products, electrical appliances, electronic goods and parts, household and decoration products, medical and pharmaceutical products, sanitary and stationery products, leather, rubber and plastic products, agricultural equipment, etc. (NLM 8/6) Aug. 24: Myanmar Tex '96 opened at the Mandalay Swan Hotel, co-sponsored by ITT Co. Ltd. of Korea, Fortune International Co. Ltd., and Htoo Maw Co. Ltd. Korean Commercial Attache Mr. Seung Chul Kim and Mandalay Mayor Col. Sein Win spoke. (NLM 8/25) Project Inaugurations Through the month there were continued news stories on the repaving of streets in Yangon, some of them repaved "on self-reliance basis." Aug. 2: Minister for Agriculture Lt-Gen. Myint Aung inspected the Rubber Glove Factory being opened by the Myanmar Perennial Crops Enterprise in Mingaladon Township; it has a capital of K 25 million and $580,000, and will produce 1.8 million pairs of rubber gloves yearly, using two 8-hour shifts. (NLM 8/3) Aug. 7: a TV retransmission station was inaugurated Aug. 4 in Kesi Mansam Township [Shan]. (NLM 8/8) Aug. 21: Mandalay General Hospital opened its "new special ward" on Aug. 20, built at a cost of K 7.5 million. (NLM 8/22) Aug. 27: A TV retransmission station was inaugurated Aug. 25 in Myainggyingu [Kayin]. (NLM 8/28) Business Openings Aug. 10: The Sibin Thayar Yay Bank opened an Apple Computer Showroom. (NLM 8/11) Aug. 14: Myanmar Moton International Private Ltd. opened an office and showroom at 64/66 Bo Sun Pat Street, Yangon, displaying "medicines, surgical equipment, polo shirts and sweaters imported from Pakistan." (NLM 8/15) Aug. 26: The "world class" Pacific Hotel opened in Mandalay, in front of the railway station. The nine-storey hotel has 90 rooms, of which 36 are ready; it will be a "four-star hotel." (NLM 8/27) Aug. 27: The Inland Container Depot Ltd. (ICD), a joint venture between Myanmar Port Authority and Allied Container Services Pte. Ltd. of Singapore, represented by Managing Director Mr. Lim Quee Huat and Mr. Phwee Cheng Koon, had a "soft opening" at the container terminal in Botahtaung Township, Yangon. (NLM 8/ 28) Aug. 28: The Yamada Hotel, near Yangon Airport, being built by Austral Amalgamated Tin Berhad of Malaysia, held a "soft opening," in the presence of Minister for Transport Lt-Gen. Thein Win and hotel General Manager Mr. H. B. Lee. 30 rooms, out of 120, opened -- and will charge only $88 through December 1996. (NLM 8/29) Advertisements Aug. 6: Full page ad for COMPAQ computers ("Announcing the world's most flexible notebook computer. The new Compaq Armada...."). Aug. 10: Full page ad for the Hitachi Showroom in Yangon, selling household appliances, electronic gear, etc. Aug. 17: Half page ad for SANYO domestic appliances. Aug. 20: Full page advertising insert for COMPAQ computers ("Announcing a computer that will give your executives time to do more.") Aug. 27: Full page ad for COMPAQ computers. Aug. 28: Full page ad for the Myanma Gems Centre, due for completion in 1997 on U Wisara Road, with retail space, office space, and residential apartments. Being built Myanmar Kemayan Development Co. Ltd., a joint venture between the Union of Myanmar Holdings Ltd. and Kemayan Corp. Berhad, Malaysia. Agreements with Foreign Firms July 31: Myanma Posts and Telecommunications (MPT), represented by Managing Director U Htay Aung, and Sumitomo Corporation, represented by General Manager Mr. Kazuo Nakajima signed a an agreement for digital microwave systems for Mandalay-Kengtung (18 stations in Kengtung, Monghsat, Mongping, Kunhing, Namhsan, and Loilem); Lashio-Muse-Kyugok (10 stations in Kyugok, Namkham, Muse, and Kutkai); and Dawei-Myeik (8 stations in Kadan Island, Myeik, Palaw, Mali Island, Pulauk, and Kyauknimaw). It will also install 5,000 cable lines in Yangon, Mandalay, Mawlamyine, and Pathein. (NLM 8/1) Aug. 6: A Memorandum of Understanding was signed between Asia Wealth Bank Ltd., represented by Vice-Chairman U Aik Tun, and Loxley Myanmar Co. Ltd., represented by Chairman Mr. Wichien Wattanakhul, for issuing "the Smart Card." Minister for Finance and Revenue Brig-Gen. Win Tin said "Loxley Myanmar Co., Ltd. will be installing the point of sale (POS) Machines which will be used with AWB Smart Cards, the latest electronic credit cards, to be used at all the branches of Asia Wealth Bank throughout Myanmar." (NLM 8/7) Aug. 9: A contract was signed between Myanma Timber Enterprise, represented by Managing Director U Myat Win, and KOL Industries (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd., represented by Managing Director Mr. Loke Sai Choong, for establishment of a 100% investment wood-based industry in Myanmar. (NLM 8/10) Aug. 23: A contract was signed between Myanmar Petrochemical Enterprise, represented by Managing Director U Thein Tun, and Air Liquide Industrial Services Pte. Ltd. of Singapore, represented by Director M. Philippe Roujon, signed a contract to produce and distribute carbon dioxide for "preserving foods, producing soft drinks, welding and fire-extinguishers." (NLM 8/24) Aug. 26: Myanma Posts and Telecommunications, represented by Managing Director U Htay Aung, and UCOM International (Singapore), represented by Managing Director Mr. Wong Fan Voon signed a contract for installing 3,000 CDMA radio-telephone links in Yangon. (NLM 8/27) Aug. 28: An agreement was signed between Myanma Five Star Line, represented by Managing Director U Khin Maung Htoo, and China Harbour Engineering Co. (CHEC), represented by Project Manager Mr. Wang Yan, for driving piles for the Thakayta Wharf Construction Project. 216 piles will be driven for the first 220-metre wharf, to be completed in November. (NLM 8/29) Aug. 30: An contract was signed between the Department of Geological Survey, represented by Director-General U Soe Myint, and Ivanhoe Myanmar Holdings Ltd., represented by President Robert M. Friedland, for mineral prospecting and development of gold, copper, and base metals at Block 10 in the Phaungtaw area. Minister for Mines Lt-Gen. Kyaw Min spoke. (NLM 8/31) Gems & Jade Sale Aug. 5: Union of Myanmar Economic Holdings Ltd. will organize a third Gems and Jade Sale (1996) on Aug. 16-29 at the Myanma Emporium Hall. Bidders and buyers must register (K 2000 for nationals; $20 for foreigners); private entrepreneurs may deposit gems and jade by Aug. 19. Sellers will be charged a 5% commission. (NLM 8/6) // Aug. 19: The sale will be Aug. 26-29; buyers may register between Aug. 21-25. (NLM 8/20) // Aug. 26: The sale began. 146 lots of gems will be sold by competitive bidding (reserve price $1,300,000). 62 lots of jade will be sold by competitive bidding (reserve price $300,000). 217 lots of gems will be sold "at bargaining prices" (reserve price $300,000). (NLM 8/27) // Aug. 28: 360 merchants, including 40 from abroad, attended. 141 lots of gems brought $367,037 "under bargain system."] Banking Aug. 16: Speaking to officials, Minister for Finance and Revenue Brig-Gen. Win Tin said public savings at private banks totalled K 18.8 billion on Mar. 31, 1996, up from K 5.9 billion the year before, for an increase of almost 220%. As of the same date, banks had lent K 18.4 billion, up 331% from the total lendings of K 4.3 billion the year before. 20 banks have been permitted to operate, he said; private banks may lend only up to 20% of their capital and reserve funds. "Constant supervision of CBM [Central Bank of Myanmar] has stopped rumours to harm the entire banking services in Myanmar, he said." (NLM 8/17) Aug. 19: Myawady Bank Ltd. held its fourth annual meeting. Chairman Maj-Gen. Than Oo said profits in 1995-96 were K 55.78 million, of which K 3 million could be disbursed; up from K 15.32 million in 1994-95 of which K 7.2 million could be disbursed. (NLM 8/20) Tourism Aug. 5: Tourism continues to increase. From April-July, there were 46,337 tourists, up from 29,492 a year ago. There had been 20,646 in 1994, and 13,725 in 1993. Tourist opportunities increase, "although internal traitors with the help of some foreign correspondents are discouraging tourists from visiting Myanmar and some foreign columnists are trying to hamper Visit Myanmar Year." (NLM 8/6) Aug. 29: Minister for Transport Lt-Gen. Thein Win inspected the cruiseboat Road to Mandalay, which will ply between Mandalay and Bagan, operated by Myanmar Hotels and Cruises Ltd., which was represented by Manager Mr. John Hinchliffe [sic]. (NLM 8/30) Border Development Affairs Aug. 1: The Development Affairs Department of the Ministry for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs has 363 officers and 16,348 service personnel, for a total of 16,711. Its revenues were K 1.32 billion in 1994-95, K 1.78 billion in 1995-96, and are projected for K 2 billion in 1996-97. The government has provided the Department with K 0.85 million in 1993-94, K 99.37 million in 1994-95, K 49 million in 1995-96, and K 70.3 million in 1996-97. (NLM 8/2) Railroad Construction There were frequent articles relating to railway construction by members of the Tatmadaw, who were frequently "entertained by artistes." They also received donations of medicine from the "people." Aug. 7: Speaking at the Bago Yoma Ring Railroad project, Minister for Rail Transportation U Win Sein "said new railroads stretching 448 miles have been built during the time of the State Law and Order Restoration Council. He declared that there are no railroads that have been built without the Tatmadawmen's labour, adding, local people also extended their assistance in the projects. He disclosed that Myanma Railways has been able to complete certain railroads within six months compared with ten years that took in the past." (NLM 8/8) Fisheries Aug. 1: A news report from Kuala Lumpur says that Malaysia will "soon import fish from Myanmar in a bid to reduce the country's dependence on Thailand and Bangladesh for its sea food needs, Agriculture Minister Sulaiman Daud said...."] Aug. 14: Minister for Commerce Lt-Gen. Tun Kyi addressed the Committee for Boosting Marine Production and the Committee for Boosting Meat and Fish Production and Controlling Commodity Prices. "Action has been taken against some companies for their involvement of poaching contacting poacher boats of a foreign country, he said. Means such as systematically controlling of communications gear installed by the committee on fishing boats, refuelling trawlers on return to the port instead of refuelling at sea, substituting foreign crew with Myanmars and inspecting catch on return to port, are being applied to prevent such misconduct from recurring, he noted. Action will also be taken against trawlers found outside their designated areas, he added, saying he could not let the committee's programmes [be] hurt by misconduct of some trawlers." (NLM 8/15) Toll Roads and Bridges Aug. 5: Minister for Construction Maj-Gen. Saw Tun spoke to officials "on collecting tolls on traffic passing roads and bridges built by Public Works. He called on State/Division Superintending Engineers to make recommendations on "which roads and bridges are to be designated for collection of tolls or otherwise." (NLM 8/6) Ban on Heineken & Carlsberg Beer Aug. 5: Ministry of Finance and Revenue Notification No. 156/96 of Aug. 5 provides [full text]: Of the various brands of beer being legally imported to the Union of Myanmar, import of Heineken Beer and Carlsberg Beer has been stopped." In a statement, the Ministry cited as reason that "these two companies had withdrawn their investments here, resulting from various internal and external attempts to stop inflow of foreign capital. The public must also stop patronizing Heineken or Carlsberg beer as a national duty, urged the ministry, adding it will impound all such brands on sale at shops or at restaurants." (NLM 8/6) Mandalay Airport Aug. 9: SLORC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt lauded Thai participation in the construction of Mandalay International Airport as being in the ASEAN spirit. The $149 million 4-storey terminal building is being built by Italian-Thai Development Co., represented on the occasion by Chairman Mr. Premchai Karnasuta, with design by Marshall Macklin Managhan Co. of Canada. (NLM 8/10) // Aug. 10: Mr. Premchai hosted a dinner at the Mandalay motel; he donated K 300,000 for the Mandalay Tooth Relic Pagoda and K 200,000 for the Mandalay City Development Committee. (NLM 8/11) Oil in Myaing Township Aug. 13: Myanmar Oil and Gas Enterprise has struck oil at the Kyaukkhwet/Letpando oilfield in Myaing Township [Magway]. Minister for Energy U Khin Maung Thein visited the site. (NLM 8/14) Cars Aug. 15: About 1,800 imported cars are stuck at the Myanma Port Authority "due to the consignees who are biding their time for getting the latest plate numbers." They must be claimed by Aug. 31, and fines for overdue claims "will be further raised." (NLM 8/16) Aug. 20: Cars may only be sold in designated areas of Yangon, "to prevent traffic congestion, public nuisance and tarnishing the city's image; specifically, in designated areas of Botahtaung Township (saloon cars and motorcycles) and of Dawbon and Sangyoung Townships (any kind). (NLM 8/21) 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 August 1 56.89 60.71 61.73 August 15 66.89 71.10 74.65 August 30 80.39 86.89 87.28 HEALTH Health Articles Aug. 21: Editorial: Bottled water. [In addition to being hygienic, bottled water is fashionable. From restaurants to soonkyways, to homes and the local tourist, bottled water is an indispensable convenience.... Actually, bottled water here is not mineral water. In most cases, it is not even spring water but water from the nearest reservoir which is potable and is systematically filtered and bottled.... Many foreigners who are not used to drinking just any water, rely on bottled water.... Grateful as consumers must be that such a ubiquitous thing as clear water in clear plastic bottles is available, there must be periodic or random checks to ensure that the water thus sold is surely pure and free of harmful contents. Some chemical examiner or authority concerned with food and drug for public consumption responsible for such checks should do a thorough job....] Myanmar Karuna Federation For over a month, there has been increasing publicity given to the newly-founded Myanmar Karuna Federation, presided over by Life-Patron Minister for Commerce Lt-Gen. Tun Kyi, and devoted to opening free medical clinics for the poor in Yangon and Mandalay. Both Myanmar citizens and foreign business visitors contribute substantial amounts to the new charity; the cost of running a clinic is stated at K 100,000 per month. Aug. 17: Minister for Commerce Lt-Gen. Tun Kyi inspected a pilot Karuna Medicines and Medical Equipment Store in Mandalay; "the aim of opening such stores is to enable the public to buy various sorts of genuine medicines at one place, he said...." He later inspected two Karuna Clinics in Mandalay, and a dog sanctuary. (NLM 8/18) Aug. 20: An Myanmar Karuna Foundation free Clinic opened in South Okkalapa, bringing the number in Yangon to ten. (NLM 8/ 21) SPORTS Myanmar Teams and Delegations Aug. 8: The five-member Myanmar Olympic Team, led by Deputy Director-General Lt-Col. Thein Aung returned from the 26th Olympic Games. (NLM 8/9) // Aug. 10: President of Myanmar National Olympic Committee Minister at the Prime Minister's Office Brig-Gen. Lun Maung returned from Atlanta, accompanied by Committee Secretary Director U Kyaw Mra of the Sports and Physical Education Department. (NLM 8/ 11) Aug. 8: A seven-member team led by General Secretary U Moe Myint of the Myanmar Yachting Federation left for South Africa to participate in the World Optimist Yachting Tournament from Aug. 15-26. The team includes U Naing Moe Aye (instructor), and athletes Sithu Myo Myint, Phone Kyaw Moe Myint, Win Kyaw Phyo, Aung Kyaw, and Ma Su Myat Soe. (NLM 8/9) Aug. 28: A victorious Myanmar team, led by Executive U San Tun of the Myanmar Track and Field Federation, returned from the 58th Singapore Track and Field Open, held Aug. 24-25. Khin Khin Htwe won gold in 1,500 metres and silver in 800 metres. Aung Din won gold in 3,000-metre hurdles, and silver in 5,000-metre. Than Than Htay won gold in 100 meters and bronze in 200 metres. Khin Maung Than won silver in 800 metres. Nanda Hlaing was fourth in high jump. 12 nations competed in the tournament. (NLM 8/28) Aug. 30: A football team led by Vice-President U Ko Ko Lay of the Myanmar Football Federation left for Malaysia to participate in the First ASEAN Tiger Cup from Sept. 1-15. It included Manager U Kee Hla Tin; Coaches Mr. Ratomir Dujkovic and U Myo Win Nyunt; Referee U Thein Myaing, Goalkeepers Sai Maung Maung Oo and Zaw Win Naing; defenders Saw Mya Thway, Min Zaw Oo, Myint Htay, Zaw Lay Aung, and Hsan Oo; midfielders Maung Maung Oo, Chit Naing, Tint Zaw, Tin Myo Aung, and Than Wai; and strikers Tin Htwe, Win Aung, Maung Maung Htay, Zaw Win Tun, Myo Hlaing Win, and Kyaw Min Oo. (NLM 8/31) Foreign Teams, Coaches, etc. Aug. 13: An Olympic Solidarity Gymnastics Coaching Course, conducted by Mr. Zhu Fudi, began. The 16 day course is being attended by 10 women and 20 men. (NLM 8/ 14) Holes-in-One Aug. 7: U Khin Nyo Hlaing (Forestry) scored an ace Aug. 6 on the 133-yard 6th hole of the Mya Tama Golf Club in Pakokku. Mr. Akihiro Tanaka of Kumagain Co. Ltd. scored an ace Aug. 4 on the 143-yard 7th hole of the City Golf Resort. (NLM 8/8) Aug. 13: U Aung Zaw (Foster Beer) scored an ace on the 143-yard 7th hole of the City Golf Resort. (NLM 8/14) Aug. 26: Mr. Ken Urabe scored an ace Aug. 22 on the 154-yard 5th hole of the City Golf Resort. (NLM 8/27) CULTURAL Cultural and Scientific Articles Aug. 16: Basic Buddhist Scriptures Course being taught in the Union of Myanmar, by Ba Sein (Religious Affairs). [Government cooperating with people and the Sangha in teaching Buddhism. "Before the Second World War, it was believed that only monks had to practise meditation, and ordinary people shouldn't. If people did, it was assumed that they did bad elements. Ordinary people were able only to do meritorious deeds, such as taking five, eight and ten precepts. Even monks who were dwelling in cities and towns were not able to practise meditations. Monks who wished to practise meditation had to go to the hermitages which were far away one mile at least from residential areas...." Under Colonialism, "our Buddhist monks did not well perform and fulfil their Religious duties.... Monastic education which mainly depends upon the Buddhist scriptures had become weak and faint, and also Myanmar traditions and culture were influenced and threatened by the Western traditions and cultures." After 1948 Buddhists tried, but "it was not fully successful because of unstable political and social situations at that time. Only when the State Law and Order Restoration Council took responsibilities of the State, the noble task for carrying out the purification, perpetuation and propagation of the Buddha Sasana was widely encouraged and supported. Not only the Buddhism, but also other religions are encouraged and supported...."] Aug. 27: Let us pay homage to the auspicious grand ceremony for the Second (middle) enshrinement and erecting pivot of the Buddha Sacred Tooth Relic Pagoda of Yangon, by Ba Sein (Religious Affairs). [It will be held Aug. 30. The First enshrinement was held Jan. 4, 1996.] Religion There were regular reports of donations and volunteering of labour for the Tooth Relic Pagodas under construction in Yangon and Mandalay, as well as for renovation of the Shwedagon and other major pagodas. Reports continued of donations for Bagan Pagoda Restoration, with continued daily publication of the official Advertisement requesting donations under the "adopt a Bagan Pagoda" program. July 31: The Ministry of Defence, represented by SLORC Chairman Senior General Than Shwe, donated a K 18.6 million 3-storey building to the Naga Hlainggyu Kalaywa Tawya Sarthintaik in Mayangon Township. At the same time, a K 17.5 million 3-storey building was donated to the Insein Ywama Pariyatti Sarthintaik. (NLM 8/1) Aug. 2: SLORC Chairman Senior General Than Shwe inspected the Seinbudaw (orb) and Hngetmyatna (vane) of the Yangon Buddha's Tooth Pagoda. The former includes a 3 carat diamond, 111 small diamonds totalling 14.3 carats, and four each rubies, sapphires, emeralds, cat's eyes, white sapphires, zircons, pearls, and corals totalling 38.39 carats. On top of the orb, which is cast with 14 ticals (0.5 lb.) of gold, is a 28-tical (1 lb. plus) quartz. The left side of the vane is cast with 118 ticals (4 lb. plus) of gold, and the right side with 127 ticals; both are decorated with rubies, sapphires, Mogok colours, jades, pearls, emeralds, cat's eyes, white sapphires, zircons, and corals totalling 1,620. (NLM 8/3) Aug. 26: A Maha Thantithukha Buddha Sasana Building is to be constructed in Twantay Township, under the patronage of Penang Singapore Sayadaw Bhaddanta Pannavamsa, to teach Myanmar Buddhist Missionaries the languages of countries where they will serve. (NLM 8/27) Aug. 28: "A ceremony to enshrine sacred relics of Kundaung of Buddha Tooth Relic Pagoda was held on Dhammapala Hill in Mayangon Township," Yangon, attended by Chairman of the Leading Committee for Building of Tooth Relic Pagoda SLORC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt, and top Buddhist and government officials. 429 Buddha statues were enshrined in eight chambers of the pagoda, and the pivot was installed. (NLM 8/29) // Aug. 30: Enshrinement ceremonies were attended by SLORC Chairman Senior General and Madame Than Shwe. The following "note" was read [full text]: "The Union of Myanmar and the People's Republic of China had brotherly relations in the past. With the aim of strengthening the existing friendly ties, Buddha's Tooth Relic has conveyed from the People's Republic of China to the Union of Myanmar with the mutual agreement of the Governments and the peoples. As the Tooth Relic had been kept for 45 days in the country, the national brethren of the Union paid obeisance to it to their heart's content. The Government and the people of Myanmar has striven with the uttermost and noblest convictions and zeal to build two Tooth Relic Pagodas in the country. With the patronage of Head of State Senior General Than Shwe, the ground-clearing ceremony, the ground-breaking ceremony, the foundation-laying ceremony, and Thattahtana enshrinement ceremony could be held in pomp and pageantry. And now, the central reliquary enshrinement and central pivot putting up ceremony has been held successfully. At 9 hours 9 minutes and 18 seconds, Friday, 30 August, 1996 AD, the First Waning of Wagaung, 1358 ME in the span of Buddha Sasana, holy deeds such as enshrinement of sacred objects in the pagoda, receiving of the Nine Precepts from the members of the Sangha, attending to the parittas and offering of alms were performed at the central reliquary enshrinement and central pivot putting up ceremony of the Tooth Relic Pagoda, which is the donation of the public with the patronage of the State Law and Order Restoration Council. These merits are shared to the beings of all abodes." [2 pages of photos] (NLM 8/31) Publications Aug. 6: Notice for: 1) Statistical Yearbook 1995 (427 pages); 2) Myanmar Data on Diskette 1995 (computer version yearbook); 3) Selected Monthly Economic Indicators (March-April, 1996). // (NLM 8/6) Aug. 9: Taunggyi Centennial Magazine, published by the Taunggyi Township Writers and Journalists Association, has been published. (NLM 8/10) Aug. 13: The Mandalay Director 1996 has been published, in English and Myanmar, by the Mandalay City Development Committee; it costs K 150 (English) and K 135 (Myanmar). (NLM 8/14) Computers Articles continued throughout the month concerning the installation of computers, often donated, at high schools around the country. Aug. 22: An Apple Computer Technology Course, given by Miss Karen Morton of Australia, opened at the Institute of Education, in the presence of SLORC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt, Minister at the Prime Minister's Office Col. Pe Thein and other officials. (NLM 8/23) Education Aug. 22: SLORC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt addressed a special meeting of the Myanmar Education Committee, and discussed government and private aid: "The Government is providing scholarships, study-helps and stipends to students of institutions of higher learning, he said. Foreign and local entrepreneurs are also making contributions individually or organizationwise for the education sector's all-round progress, requiring systematic channel of the funds to finance on education and on education-assistance, he noted. Systematic plans should be drawn up to provide scholarships and stipends to students of institutions of higher learning and basic education schools on the national-scale, he stressed. Provision of scholarships, study-assistance and stipends by the Government and contributions by NGOs, private organizations and foreign organizations greatly assist toward emergence of intellectuals, he remarked...." (NLM 8/23) Veterans Organization Aug. 22: SLORC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt met with the Executive Committee of the Myanmar War Veterans Organization (Headquarters), including Chairman Maj-Gen. Tun Tin (Retired), Vice-Chairman Maj-Gen. Ki Gyi (Retired), and Joint-Secretaries Lt-Col. Je Naw (Retired) and Maj. Soe Tint (Retired). (NLM 8/23) MISCELLANEOUS Sunday and Holiday Supplements Aug. 4,11,18,25: For several years, 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]. It has now added the "People's Desire" slogans contained in each daily issue. Like the regular paper, it also usually includes the list of 12 National Objectives, and a notice (in English) about the Adopt a Bagan Pagoda project. Aug 4,11,18,25: Towards a modern nation through all-round development, by Warazein. [Cont. Endeavours of the Ministry of Religious Affairs. (iii) Translation of pitakas; museums; religious education; etc. As of March 31, 1995 [sic], there were 1,495 monastic schools in 200 townships, where 1,082 novices, 12 nuns, and 68,414 students are studying. (iv) Buddhist training and missionary work; aid to Christians and Muslims. "There are 5,200 churches in the whole of Myanmar Naing-Ngan. The Roman Catholic and Protestant are the two leading Christian sects. There are about 32 small Christian missions which stay aloof from the mentioned Sects. Annual State aid is K 36,350 for Protestants; K 15,600 for Catholics; in 1993 80 Christian monthlies and 4 books were approved; 15 Christian leaders receive free rail and steamer passes. Aid to Muslims is K 100,000 per year; there are 3,215 mosques throughout Myanmar. 200 Haj pilgrims are sent to Mecca yearly; in 1993, 42 Muslim manuscripts and 5 magazines were approved. "In consultation with Islamic Religious Organization, the issue in connection with greeting 'Mingalaba' to teachers by Islamic students was settled amicably" {no details given}. (v) There are 1,010 Hindu temples; organizations are the All Myanmar Hindu Faithful Federation, the Thanantanan Dhammapala Organization, the All Myanmar Ariyasamaj Organization, and the All Myanmar Gurkha Hindu Dhamma Organization. State aid is K 385,000, plus free rail and steamer tickets for 4 Hindu leaders. Other faiths include Nat (spirit) Worship, Baha'i, Sikh, Lipihan, Pawkyinhaw, etc. "There are about 7,000 people in Myanmar who profess other faith." Annual aid is K 17,310 in Kachin, Kayah, Kayin, Chin, and Shan States "where the majority of Nat worshippers are residing." Funeral rites of leading Sayadaws. Endeavours of the Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement. (i) Social welfare programs for children, women, elderly. Schools and coops for beggars; resettlement of lepers.] Aug. 4,11,18,25: Victories of the State, the people and the Tatmadaw, by Tekkatho Tin Kha. [Cont. (3) Railway construction, including major lines "being built by officers and other ranks of the Tatmadaw units and battalions." (4) Irrigation and pumping projects. (5) Zawgyi Reservoir project in Pindaya Township. (6) Mu River Basin Project.] Aug. 4: Better transportation for the people, by Aung Htun Thein. [New river boats imported from China.] -- Cultural heritage in Meiktila, by Ko Tin Hlaing. [Ancient buildings.] -- Shwedagon Pagoda southern stairway, by Ko Wunna. [Renovated stairway inaugurated on July 16.] -- Pansodan railway overpass, by Kyi Kyi Maw. [Bridge over railway tracks in Yangon completed on July 6.] Aug. 11: Myanmar May Flower Bank is financially strong, by Ahtet Minhla Nyunt Aung. [Minister for Finance and Revenue Brig-Gen. Win Tin's remarks of July 23.] -- Thuwunna New Business District project, by Aung Htun Thein. [US$ 202 million project.] -- Development of State and agriculture sector, by Reporter Aung Win. [In Pyapon Township, Ayeyawady Division.] Aug. 18: Developing the mining sector, by Kyi Kyi Maw. [Copper and gold-mining investments.] -- Transport improvement in Shan State, by Sein Shwe Hlaing. [Highway construction; "happy and smooth travelling" now possible.] -- Forest conservation in watershed areas for ensuring long-term utilization of dams and reservoirs, by Aung Htun Thein. [Prevent floods, etc.] -- The golden Chauk-Sintgu-Bagan road, by Sintgu Soe Win. [Used to take 2 hours, but time now cut to 40 minutes, and there are many buses "making it very convenient for people to travel."] Aug. 25: New Taunggyi-Hpamon railroad, by Myint Lwin. [Inaugurated July 27.] -- People's applause reverberates in air, by Myo Kyaw Aung. [Inauguration on July 27 of the Taunggyi-Papun railroad section.] -- Renaissance of auto digital telephone in Taungdwingyi, by Kyaw Zeya. [After fires in March 1994 and April 1995.] Crime Aug. 2: A driver was sentenced by Bahan Township Court on July 25 to 1« years in prison for reckless driving and fleeing the accident scene; there was one serious injury. (NLM 8/3) Aug. 13: Police nabbed three robbers who held up taxi drivers on the Yangon-Thanlyin Route. "The culprits hired taxis in Yangon to head for Thanlyin [Syriam] and robbed cash from taxi drivers and car parts on the way threatening them with skewers." (NLM 8/14) Aug. 16: The Customs Department caught a power boat, Aung Phyo Thein, smuggling liquor, cigarettes, and bales of garments, with a street value of K 50 million, into the Kyaikkhami region. (NLM 8/17) Aug. 18: 22 honest cab drivers of the MTWC, who returned valuables left behind by fares, were honoured. Among them, Ko Myint Swe on Aug. 4 returned $3,000 of gold jewellery, $600, K 16,000 and documents left by Mr. Roger Reed and Mrs. Heather Reed of Syntech-Woh Hup Pte. Ltd. of Trader Hotel. (NLM 8/19) Aug. 22: 13 Bangladeshis, who had arrived by air from Dhaka, were arrested in Kawkareik July 26 trying to enter Thailand illegally. "Some Bangladeshis are known to pass through Myanmar and illegally work in Thailand and Malaysia." (NLM 8/23) Anti-Narcotics Activities Aug. 2: 6.4 kilos of raw opium were seized July 26 by Mandalay Railway Police. (NLM 8/3) Aug. 5: 27.1 kilos of opium were seized July 15 in Kutkai Township. (NLM 8/6) Aug. 6: 34.0 kilos of raw opium were seized July 25 in Lashio. 39 bottles of Mesadyl were seized July 19 in Kawkareik. 540 bottles of Phensedyl were seized in Homalin Township. (NLM 8/7) Aug. 7: 1.0 kilos of heroin and 10.9 kilos of opium were seized June 23 in Mansi Township. (NLM 8/8) Aug. 7: A Course on Deregistration of Detoxified Addicts began; certificates will be issued to ex-addicts found to have been successfully detoxificated. First to be examined will be 8,274 people who received treatment at the Yangon Psychiatric Hospital between 1974-1993. (NLM 8/8) Aug. 8: In the Eight Years from Sept. 18, 1988 to Mar. 31, 1996, the Tatmadaw, Customs, and Police seized a total of 13,969.3 kilos of raw opium, 126.2 kilos of opium base, 1,879.9 kilos of heroin, 58.2 kilos of opium oil, 91.7 kilos and 215 gallons of liquid opium, 5,754.4 kilos marijuana, 30,236.0 litres of Phensedyl, 220.6 litres of opium powder, 446.5 litres of cough syrup, 4,698.6 gallons of acetic anhydride, and 1,721.8 kilos and 115 gallons of other chemicals. (NLM 8/9) Aug. 8: 15.5 gallons of acetic anhydride were seized July 28 in Namhkam Township. 15.5 gallons of hydrochloric acid, other chemicals, US$ 500 and other foreign currency, jewels, a pistol, etc. were seized in Muse Township. Three heroin refineries were raided Aug. 1 in Kutkai Township, with seizures of chemicals, etc. (NLM 8/9) Aug. 11: 0.1 kilo of opium was seized July 31 in Tamu Township. (NLM 8/12) Aug. 12: 0.75 grams of heroin and 1.3 kilo of opium were seized August 1 in Kyukok (Pansai) Township. 35 gallons of "ownerless" acetic anhydride were found July 16 near Yabusan Village in the township. (NLM 8/13) Aug. 15: 35.2 kilos of raw opium were seized June 24 on a Mandalay-Myitkyina train. (NLM 8/16) Aug. 17: 44.8 kilos of heroin, in brand-named blocks weighing .37 kilo each , were seized Aug. 6 in Hopong [Shan]. (NLM 8/18) Aug. 18: A heroin refinery was raided in the Loi Tauk area of northern Shan State on Aug. 3-7, and 55 gallons of acetic anhydride, 130 gallons of ether, some morphine base, and other equipment were seized. "Cultivation of opium, which had not existed during the reign of Myanmar monarchs, appeared after the colonization of Myanmar by the British in 1885 and is actually a colonialist legacy." (NLM 8/19) Aug. 20: During July 1996 the Tatmadaw seized 0.7 kilos of heroin, 3.8 kilos of opium, and 89.5 litres of Phensedyl. The police seized 7.1 kilo of heroin (106 cases), 83.8 kilos of opium (45 cases), 6.3 kilos of marijuana (35 cases), 148.6 litres of Phensedyl (18 cases), opium oil (1 case), 0.02 kilo of liquid opium, 7 bottles of cough syrup mixture (1 case), 35 gallons of sulphuric acid (1 case), 355 gallons of ether (1 case), 150 kilos of sodium carbonate, 19.0 litres of masadene (4 cases), 0.1 litre of liquid morphine base, 8 gallons of hydrochloric acid, 10 litres of codeine phosphate (1 case), and 0.06 kilo of opium residue (1 case). Police took action in 114 cases of failure to register and 10 other cases. Customs seized 17.6 kilos of opium (1 case). Customs and police jointly took action in 342 cases and arrested 507 people (402 men and 105 women). The police and Tatmadaw in cooperation seized (included above) 6.5 kilos of heroin (11 cases), 31.8 kilos of opium (6 cases), 120.1 litres of ether (4 cases), 355 gallons of ether [sic] (1 case), and 35 gallons of acetic anhydride (1 case). The Yangon anti-drug squad confiscated K 43,204, a car and a bicycle; the Muse squad 4 cars, a building, and a plot of land; the Kalay squad K 730 and 4 bicycles; the Taunggyi squad K 120,000; the Mandalay squad K 206,150; the Katha squad K 2,000 and a bicycle; the Daingwungwin police station (Mawlamyine) a Toyota Corolla van and K 7,729. (NLM 8/21) Aug. 20: 13.7 grams of heroin were seized Aug. 8 in Bahan Township, Yangon. Heroin-producing chemicals and raw jewels and jade were seized Aug. 1 in Kyukok (Pansai). (NLM 8/21) Aug. 22: Four heroin refineries were raided in Kutkai Township between Aug. 7-15, and large quantities of precursor chemicals (including 610 gallons of acetic anhydride) and equipment were seized [details]. (NLM 8/23) Obituaries [English language obituaries; there are obituaries in Burmese as well, some of which we have sought to transliterate.] July 31: Daw Naw Gracie (Hazeda), wife of U Saw Rower, died in Yangon, aged 73. [Christian] (NLM 8/3) Aug. 1: Writer-Journalist U Khin Maung Latt (MA), (Monywa), Chief Editor (Retd) WPD, Assistant Lecturer (Retd), English Department, Yangon University, husband of Writer Daw Khin Myo Chit, died in Yangon, aged 82. (NLM 8/4) Aug. 2: Mrs. A. King (nee Le Geois), died in Yangon, aged 90. [Christian] (NLM 8/3) Aug. 6: Daw Ma Ma, wife of U Ba Gyan, died in Yangon, aged 77. (NLM 8/7) Aug. 6: Mr. William Harrison Hiles (a) Hiles Tin Mg, C/W Inspector (Retd), Myanma Rlys, husband of Mrs. Margaret Hiles, died in Yangon, aged 82. [Christian] (NLM 8/7) Aug. 11: Daw Tin Oo (Daw Aye Sint), relict of U Ba Than, mother of...U Khin Mg Win (NJ, USA)-Daw Thu May Tha (NJ, USA) ...died in Yangon, aged 92. (NLM 8/12) Aug. 11: U Ko Lay, died in Yangon, aged 91. [Burmese text] (NLM 8/14) Aug. 12: Ma Myin Nwe (Dawei), died, aged 31. [Burmese text] (NLM 8/13) Aug. 13: Smt K Ammani (a) Daw Khin Shwe, relict of K Subba Rao of Mawlamyine, mother of...K Rajan (Blystead Shipping USA)-Smt Suguna...died in Yangon, aged 76. (NLM 8/15) Aug. 14: Mr. Sulundra Nath Halder (a) U Saw Lin, (Retired Director General, Factories and General Labour Law Inspection Department), husband of Baby Halder (a) Dr. Daw Tint Tin Shwe, died in Madras, India, aged 66. (NLM 8/18) Aug. 15: Daw Khin Mu (Wakema) died in Yangon, aged 86. (NLM 8/16) Aug. 15: Sayagyi U Ba Thaw (Shwebo), died in Yangon, aged 82. [Burmese text] (NLM 8/16) Aug. 16: U Myint Han (a) Lawrence (Ex-Five Star Line), died in Yangon, aged 48. (NLM 8/17) Aug. 17: Dr. Dhaka Nand Baral, husband of Mrs. Parvathi Baral, died in Yangon, aged 61. [Hindu] (NLM 8/18) Aug. 21: U Ko Hlaing (Wakema) (Retd. Representative, Kasho Co. Ltd.) died in Yangon, aged 68. [Mostly Burmese text] (NLM 8/22) Aug. 21: U Aye Maung (a) U Aye Maung Lay (Thwa Arnt Kyaw), Meiktila, Yangon General Hospital (Dental Unit) retd., husband of the late Daw Kyu (a) Amay Kyu, died in Yangon, aged 64. (NLM 8/23) Aug. 23: U Win (Taunggyi), Rtd. Principal Land Records Office, husband of Daw Thein Shin, died in Taunggyi, aged 85. [Christian] (NLM 8/25) Aug. 25: Daw Khin Myint Myint (Yenangyoung), wife of U Myo Chit (Township Education Officer, Pauk), died, aged 57. (NLM 8/26) Aug. 27: Daw Than Htay (a) Daw Tin Tin (Mrs. T. D. Cooper) (Yandoon), widow of U Pa, mother of...Rev. Peter D. Cooper-Daw Naw Bauk (USA)...U Htin Kyaw (USA), died in Yangon, aged 81. [mostly Burmese text] (NLM 8/28) Aug. 29: U Shwe Toe, BE (Electronics) (Labutta), died in Yangon, aged 50. [mostly Burmese text] (NLM 8/30) Marriage Aug. 14: Maung San Yu, Target Marine S.A. (Singapore), son of U Sein Tun and Daw Ohn Myint of Yangon, married Ma Aye Aye, daughter of U Maung Maung Myint and Daw Nora of Yangon. (NLM 8/15) Earthquakes Aug. 26: Earthquakes of slight intensity (3.3 and 3.6 Richter) were recorded at 08.54.02 and 12.37.08 local time, with epicenter 34 miles north of Yangon. (NLM 8/ 27) Windstorm July 31: Minister for Education U Pan Aung inspected a primary school "hit by violent wind in Thayawady Township on 30 July," presenting "meal packets and 10 bags of rice for the victims" and supplies for the school. (NLM 8/1) Floods Flood warnings and bulletins for Myanma rivers continued through the month, but there were no reports of damage. ----- 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. 114, August 1996