96-09 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. 9, September 1996 Table of Contents POLITICAL Slogans 2 Political Articles 2 Information Committee Briefing 8 Special Refresher Courses 13 USDA Annual Meeting 13 Sen-Gen. Than Shwe Addresses USDA 14 National Races 16 Secretary-1 Addresses Law Officers 16 Pyithu Hluttaw Resignation 17 Gen. Maung Aye's Address 17 9 Subversive Youths Arrested 17 NLD Congress Banned 18 DIPLOMATIC Diplomatic Calls 21 New Myanmar Ambassadors 22 New Ambassadors to Myanmar 22 Women's Convention 22 UNGA Address 22 INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION Joint Workshops & Seminars 26 Donations from Abroad 26 FOREIGN VISITORS International Agency Visitors 27 Business Visitors 27 Media Visitors 29 Academic and Medical Visitors 30 Religious Visitors 30 Bangladesh Foreign Minister 30 Singapore Officials 30 Japanese Goodwill Delegation 30 Sri Lanka Ballet 30 Kathmandu Mayor 30 MYANMAR DELEGATIONS Study Delegations 30 Delegations to Meetings 31 Religious Delegations 31 Business Delegations 31 Cultural Delegations 31 UNGA Delegation 31 World Bank Delegation 32 Delegations Return 32 MYANMAR GAZETTE Probationary Appointments 32 Appointments 32 Appointments Confirmed 32 GOVERNMENT Computer Law 32 Drug Chemicals Named 38 New Department Name 38 MILITARY Surrenders by Armed Group Members 38 ECONOMIC Economic Articles 39 Trade Fairs and Exhibitions 39 Project Inaugurations 39 National Museum Opens 40 Housing Projects 40 Business Openings 41 Advertisements 42 Agreements with Foreign Firms 42 Banking 43 Tourism 43 Ecology 43 Pesticide Spraying 44 Aviation 44 Taxi Meters 44 Trains to Bagan 44 New Oil and Gas Field 44 Fuel and Petrol Shortage Denied 45 Rainfall in Yangon 45 HEALTH Health Articles 46 Institute of Community Health 46 SPORTS Sports Articles 46 Myanmar Teams and Delegations 46 Foreign Teams, Coaches, etc. 46 Holes-in-One 47 CULTURAL Cultural and Scientific Articles 47 Religion 47 Historic Building Restorations 47 Publications 48 Computers 48 Education 48 TV Schedule 49 Padalin Cave 49 MISCELLANEOUS Sunday and Holiday Supplements 49 Crime 51 Anti-Narcotics Activities 51 Firecrackers banned 51 Obituaries 51 Fires 52 Lone Pilot Arrives 52 ------------------------------------------- HIGHLIGHTS -- Monthly Information Committee Press Conference accuses NLD of subversive contacts with NLD (Expatriate-India), and several US citizens (including former US Military Attache Robert Helvey) of training insurgents and oppositionists [full texts], and reviews Senior General Than Shwe's recent State visit to Malaysia. [POLITICAL] -- The 'All Burma Congress of the National League for Democracy' banned, accused of being was orchestrated by the West, and details on contacts between the NLD and Western embassies [full texts]. [POLITICAL] -- The Computer Science Development Law regulates computers in great detail, establishing state-controlled organizations for computer users, scientists, and entrepreneurs, and requiring prior approval for the import or use of computers with fax/modems or as part of networks under penalty of 7-14 years imprisonment [full text]. [GOVERNMENT] -- Minister for Foreign Affairs U Ohn Gyaw addressed the 51st UN General Assembly [full text]. [DIPLOMATIC] -- Annual Meeting of the Union Solidarity and Development Association; address by SLORC Chairman Senior General Than Shwe [full text]. [POLITICAL] -- Nine youths were arrested for distributing subversive pamphlets in and around Yangon. [POLITICAL] -- For the first time, in its issue for Sept. 18, The New Light of Myanmar had full-color photographs on its front and back pages. -- In honor of the Sept. 18 anniversary of SLORC, there were many project inaugurations, including the new National Museum. [ECONOMIC] ------------------------------------------- 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: Sept. 1-30: 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] Sept. 1-15,25-30: What is Aung San Suu Kyi? Whither goest she? by Pe Kan Naung. [Cont. (42) Account of Aung San Suu Kyi's life by Bilat-pyan Than quoted extensively; article comments "It could be easily see how alienated she had been from affairs of Myanmar people in 28 years...." (43) Relationship between Aung San Suu Kyi, U Ohn Myint, and Thakin Tin Mya. August 1988 political rallies. (44) 1988 address by Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. (45) Address continued; proposals adopted. August 1988 meetings between Aung San Suu Kyi, U Aung Gyi, U Tin Oo, and others. (46) Further meetings. Interview with Karan Thapar, as reported in the Aug. 19, 1988 issue of The Times {sic--interview refers to events of August and September, 1988}. [(47) Family visits to Aung San Suu Kyi while she was under restriction of movements: husband Michael Aris made 12 visits: July 22-Sept. 2, 1989; Dec. 16, 1989-Jan. 8, 1990; May 2-16, 1992; July 18-Aug. 17, 1992; Apr. 8-24, 1993; July 22-Sept. 1, 1993; Dec. 12, 1993-Jan. 14, 1994; Mar. 26-Apr. 8, 1994; July 8-Aug. 23, 1994; Dec. 24, 1994-Jan. 22, 1995; July 22-Aug. 29, 1995; Dec. 18, 1995-Jan. 16, 1996. During the same period, son Alexander made 7 visits and Kim 11 visits {dates given}. Michael Aris "does not live in England. He goes round the world and meddles in Myanma's political affairs based on Aung San Suu Kyi. He secretly made contacts between her and the outside world; the Myanmar government knew about it but did not interfere. Text of her May 14, 1992 speech, "written to please foreigners," to the International Human Rights law group in Washington, as read by her son Alexander. [(48) 1992 Speech read by Alexander at the Olympics in Spain; 1993 speech read by Michael Aris at Oxford. (49) Speech, continued. (50) Speech, continued. "As a true literati she is a good writer. However, her writings are quite contradictory to her actual deeds." After holding "cordial and frank" meetings with SLORC Chairman Senior General Than Shwe and SLORC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt in 1994, leading to an expectation of national reconciliation, she released a statement in Bangkok dashing the expectations to the ground, and saying that she "would continue with the struggle." "Political leaders gave their opinion that Michael Aris had muddled things up just when the Na Wa Ta {SLORC} leaders and Aung San Suu Kyi were about to reach agreement." The Government "lifted the restriction of movement imposed on her," but she only "became more daring in her various political attacks with foreign backing. She led power crazy minions within the country.... She made demands and agitated for imposing sanctions on the Government and international boycott and to denounce it. She also agitated for undermining the political stability of the country." Her letters prove it. Text of letter faxed to the UNDP in New York in Jan. 1995. [(51) Jan. 14, 1996 letter from Daw Aung San Suu Kyi UNDP on behalf of NLD, asking that access to aid in the Human Initiative Development (HDI) not be "reserved for those who stand in favour with the authorities." (52) End of letter; response from James G. Peth of UNDP. (53) Response dated February 7, 1996 from UNDP Resident Representative Siba Kumar Das, enclosing a detailed response to Daw Aung San Suu Kyi's Jan. 14 letter, noting, inter alia, that "Township and village administrative officers gave instructions that no NLD members were to be included in forming the Parents and Teachers Associations, but the UNDP/UNESCO in carrying out its HDI project activities did not come across such instructions." (54) Aung San Suu Kyi's response to UNDP. "It is clear that she was bent only on doing what she liked as the leader of a grouping rather than adopting the right attitude to play any role in doing what is really needed for the country and the people." Why she was not allowed to contest the 1990 elections. (55) Argument continued. (56) Critique of Aung San Suu Kyi's statements: "Her thoughts, views, utterances and writings are so devoid of any appearance and essence of maturity and her aim has been just to make political gain with the use of currently fashionable words to suit the situation and the times... she herself would have to admit." [(57) "It looks as though the National League for Democracy does not seem to understand that the cause for international media to oppose more and more with a one-sided view the existing government and to exaggerate and spread more rumours is due to the fact that some of the leaders of the National League for Democracy are constantly resorting to political tactics with the mentality to serving only their self-interests. What is worse is the fact that due to such acts it could affect the foreign assistance being provided to the country and moreover, it could affect the views of international investors who wish to make investments in Myanmar Naing-Ngan and also bring about a decline in the amount of foreign investments. An example of this can vividly be seen in an article written by Philip Shanon on 30 November [sic]. It was written in the article that in order to keep the followers of Aung San Suu Kyi, one of the buildings in Insein Jail where political prisoners are usually kept was cleared a few days ago. The situation was not like the one written by him but were mere fabrications and he wrote falsely that foreign diplomats had mentioned this in their reports and that the news had not spread widely as written by him. This rumour was spread by the National League for Democracy itself...." A decline in aid or investments would only hurt the Myanmar people. Unlike Nelson Mandela, who freed his people from the "oppressions by the Whites," Aung San Suu Kyi "is making efforts for the Myanmar public to come under the hands of the Whites.... Due to the schemes of foreign countries for Aung San Suu Kyi and their evil designs, the National League for Democracy has written its own history. In not too distant a future she will be accused as a political criminal.... Aung San Suu Kyi's spirit, political maturity, dictatorship qualities and feminine nature can be clearly seen. It also proves that she became a leader in a party as she received political uplift without even being able to manage her own kitchen and when her life changed to one of decision-making just imagine to what extent she became a dictator...." [(58) "Hence, it becomes necessary to scrutinize what Aung San Suu Kyi is and whither goest she.... {She} is the spouse of British Citizen Dr. Michael Aris. The entire public will regretfully cover up that she is the daughter of National leader Bogyoke Aung San. Due to her the noble dignity of Bogyoke Aung San, whom the entire Myanmar peoples respect and feel proud of is gradually dwindling away. Time will bear witness to the fact whether or not she has {been} being used in order to play the part on Myanmar's political platform according to the bidding of foreign spy group and neo-colonialists who are pulling the strings from behind the scenes.... Aung San Suu Kyi is being used with their own way of thinking by would-be politicians who are members of a gang worse than the evil spirits and are wildcats surrounding her. Aung San Suu Kyi turned out to be not just a detonator but an explosive for breaking up the existing government through mass uprising...." Urgent desire of the West to control South-east Asia for strategic reasons. [(59) US need for base in the Coco Islands. Survey of Myanmar's independent and active foreign policy. Internally, Myanmar practises the rule of law; no one has been arrested for political acts, only for crimes. The "destiny of our country" is our own business, not that of any foreigner. Aung San Suu Kyi "is writing and saying every week" to create false stories about human rights violations. No one has the right to interfere in Myanmar's internal affairs. [(60) "To state in the most simple term; all must guard against the national traitors, both male and female, who are hand-in-glove with the major powers which are interfering and shuffling their feet in the country and will lead the country towards the battleground where the major powers contest their strength..." Should Myanmar not be admitted to ASEAN "due to various reasons, the unity of ASEAN and security of South-East Asia...will turn out to be just a yearning of a dream on paper." Worse, should Myanmar be admitted with "the government in which the leaders try to outdo one another and there is fighting or quarrelling in the Hluttaw or the puppet government which is acting according to the strings pulled by west bloc super powers and is run by a single person, then the ASEAN will be like being bitten by a poisonous snake." Myanmar's achievement of ASEAN observer status "is like dealing a straight punch in the chest to Aung San Suu Kyi as well as the major powers. There are still persons who are now aware that the spouse of a British citizen, Aung San Suu Kyi, is one of the main characters for implementing the policy of the west bloc countries for bullying and influencing the countries in South Asia and South-East Asia...." Were it not for the 1988 teahouse riots, this "ordinary unknown housewife" would not have become famous, won the Nobel Prize, or "be so well off as now." [(61) Nobel Prize award to Aung San Suu Kyi criticized. US and President Clinton not capable of bringing democracy. We should look to China. "What China has set an example is that while democracy and capitalism can go together, it is not possible for democracy and economic system, which has transform into capitalism, to go together. To sum this up, if capitalism is to be continued then there is need for a dictatorial government. After that when the period comes for firmly establishing a system for the well-being of a big mass of the middle-class of people, democracy will follow automatically.... It is to be noted that countries such as Singapore and Taiwan have successfully established capitalism without democracy...." Meanwhile, the "political leadership" of the West is gradually diminishing. "In not too distant a future, it will amazingly be seen that the countries which possess nuclear arms are not western countries." [(62) South-east Asian countries reject Western culture. List of Aung San Suu Kyi's contacts with foreign embassies in August and September, with details of persons and detailed times. Embassy callers included Mr. Mark B. Taylor and Mr. Kevin Brown (USA), Ms. Tiffany White (UK), and various others identified only by licence plate numbers.] Sept. 2: The era of flourishing Sasana, by Sein Shwe Hlaing. [How SLORC has restored ancient pagodas and monasteries, is constructing two Tooth Relic pagodas, and has renovated Shwedagon Pagoda stairways.] Sept. 7: Uphold and raise the prestige of our nationality, by Soe Myint. [Praise of Myanmar heroism against the British, as reported by British writers. We should be proud of these heroes, and "always be striving to uphold and raise the prestige of our nationality."] Sept. 7: Joining hands in the battle against narcotics: a peril to youths, by Maung Ngwe Soe. [Three phase program of supply reduction, demand reduction, and law enforcement.] Sept. 10: Let us vow for eradication of narcotic drugs, by Ye Nyunt. [Review of anti-narcotics activities.] Sept. 14: Open Letter to Sony Corporation, Tokyo, Japan, by U Ko Lay (Zeyar Maung). [Protest against telecast of a program on Buddha produced by Padmalaya studios of Hyderabad (India), telecast by Sony Corporation; the program has been "strongly influenced by the false concepts created and spread by the Brahmin priests of the past in their self interest," by claiming that the Buddha was a reincarnation of God Vishnu, and other errors. Sony is requested to "deny the use of facilities... as a convenient tool for anti-Buddhist propaganda by stopping immediately any further telecast of Buddhist episodes from your broadcast centres."] Sept. 15: May my grandchildren be glorious and live long, by U Phyo. [Enthusiasm for USDA; rallies were held in 81 towns, attended by 1,953,300 people, in support of the National Convention.] Sept. 16-23: Long-term war, by Boe Deva. [(1) Executive Director Giorgio Giacomelli of UNDCP on Feb. 11 made a stealthy visit to "the long nose's wife"; later, in Bangkok, "he said things that were concoctions and fabrications to disparage" Myanmar's fight against narcotics. At the same time, "the woman who consorted with long nose of an alien race that killed her grandfather, that killed her father, and that enslaved the nation was asking petty and lowly questions entirely unrelated to the noble tasks of combating the threat of narcotic drugs to mankind, at the roadside talk show, it is said...." about the "condoning" of Hkun Sa and the failure to extradite him. "The culprits who started the opium problem of the world were the Leiks {British} and the Kans {Americans}.... These miseries will continue to burn all mankind ceaselessly. Black opium, white opium and their appendage AIDS will destroy all throughout the world who do not seek refuge in The Three Gems {of Buddhism}." The "long nose's wife and cohorts" perform "a shabby opera on a soap box" after being "promised they would one day play on the stage in a grand theatre." "The main cause of the drug problem was that the Leiks and the Kans had been fearful of the danger from China since prior to the 19th century.... In short they had laid down and carried out the scheme to block off China from all sides," as they still do by "trying to please and giving support to North Korea, Vietnam, Taiwan and Russia.... But, indeed, they do have a firm programme and policy. It is to blockade China from all sides...." [(2) From now on, "I will be presenting how China had greatly suffered because of the West bloc's attacks with the use of opium and heroin weapons," spilling over into Laos, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Myanmar. Opium poppies started in Europe, as did the production of morphine, codeine, and heroin. This has been well documented in English -- in China--An Introduction by Lucian W. Pye; From Opium War to Liberation, by Israel Epstein; Foreign Mud, by Maurice Collis; The Politics of Heroin in South-East Asia, by Alfred W. McCoy; and Burma Through Alien Eyes, by Helen G. Trager. [(3) In the 19th Century, the "'Kan-Leik'" solved their trade imbalance with China "through opium trade.... Are they resorting to the solution through opium trade again as they had one before. We must think...." (4) Spanish, British, and American involvement in slave trade and mistreatment of third world peoples. Voluntary collective labour a part of Buddhism, and "the spirit of communal service had been etched in the hearts of the Buddhists [sic] even before the time of the Lord Buddha." British imperialism in India and China. (5) In the 19th Century, Britain used bribes to corrupt officials and force trade on China. (6) Opium smuggling by the East India Company. (7) More opium smuggling to China. (8) First opium war of 1839-42.] Sept. 17: Consideration and reality can be perceived, by Phyo Aung. [Accusations against Myanmar Economic Holdings Ltd. and alleged "immoral" investments in Myanmar, made by Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, were raised at the Sept. 3 Information Committee Press Conference. "The dignified entrepreneurs should take heed of the fact that they can file law suits against Daw Suu Kyi to retaliate her accusations." In fact, investments help "bring about all-round economic development to the State. These are true facts."] Sept. 18: A sign of achievement on the world map, by Tekkatho Tin Kha. [Myanmar's admission as an observer to ASEAN.] Sept. 21: Editorial: The strength of the nation. ["Yesterday...General Maung Aye reminded...the entire Tatmadaw and the people of the dangers that lurk and the vigilance essential.... Why, it may be asked, do we keep dinning these facts into the ears of the new generation. The fact is that after the Tatmadaw had sacrificed so many lives to regain our national independence and in safeguarding it, we cannot let anyone within or without to connive to have it lost. Those who do not fully understand our nation's history, or those who pretend not to, are striving, through various guises, to cause the kind of disintegration that true patriots cannot and will not ever allow. Proper analysis of the situation will reveal that elements hostile to us, to this great Union, are working to break it apart. What we have, specially in the time of the State Law and Order Restoration Council, written with our hands, they strive to erase with their feet. This we will never allow."] Sept. 24: Try to see the mote in your own eyes, Mr. Editor of Bangkok Post!, by Yarma. [Denunciation of Bangkok Post editorial of Aug. 8, 1996, entitled 'Burma's people will never forget.' Even Thai readers accused it of bias. Bangkok Post should stick to reporting the numerous problems of Thailand.] Sept. 26: No problem if you don't want to help, but do not disturb, by Maung Nwe Sit. ["Politics means affairs of the State and matters related to the most basic needs of the citizenry such as food, clothing and shelter. Serving the interests of the State is also accepted as doing politics. Ideas and concepts have been conceived depending on the periods and regions. Political objectives, 'isms', programmes and ideologies were then formulated based on those ideas. This resulted in the emergence of different 'isms' such as capitalism, socialism, communism and so forth. The terms 'liberal', 'democrat' and 'conservative' represent different political concepts. "People who have common opinions and objectives set up parties. They make their parties' 'isms' and programmes known to the public (people). They then organize the public to accept them and give support to allow them to carry out their programmes. The public give their support to the parties which they like and give their support and cast votes to the parties of their choice. Once they know that the political party of their choice is unable to serve their interests they no longer support it. The public find it difficult to choose when there are many 'isms', systems and parties. There have been instances in which they made the wrong choice. That is why many nations are confronted with sufferings of politics...." Contrast of National Politics, concentrating exclusively on "national interests" with "decadence, irresponsibility, indiscipline and extreme selfishness of party politics...." "In engaging in party politics, political parties, with no self-interest, should precisely follow the programme they have first declared when they mobilized the support of the people, once the people have invested them with powers by casting votes in their favour...." Lengthy discussion of the bad actions of the National League for Democracy since 1988. Work of the National Convention. "The present form of administration will stay on if hindrances and obstructions are imposed to delay and disrupt economic progress of the nation causing backwardness in the economy."] Sept. 27-28: Myanmar -- a suitable target for sanctions? by Gerald D. Moore (Consultant in health, population studies, Geneva, Switzerland, and Atlanta, Georgia, USA). [(1) Though Myanmar is "essentially no different from several other countries...having a government composed of or backed by military forces," it has been singled out, since it has no power (like Nigeria) to prevent it, and "is coming under increasing pressure from Western European nations and the USA to return to democratic processes." But sanctions are not likely to be effective; rather, "the people that will suffer...are precisely those people that can least afford it...." Pressure will not change the political system, but merely increase antagonism towards the West, and "support for the present government may in fact increase rather than decrease...." What irritates Myanmar's military leaders and many of the public "is Aung San Suu Kyi's advocacy to foreign governments and organizations not to invest in or give aid to Myanmar." But there has been massive investment from other Asian countries, and "economic progress over the past three years has been accordingly swift...." [(2) "A strong rumour making the rounds in Yangon this year is that the notorious drugs king, Khun Sa, who recently surrendered himself and approximately 14,000 of his armed followers to the government, is now financially backing the construction of a new 4-lane highway between Yangon and the next biggest commercial centre Mandalay. External critics...{say} that Khun Sa's place {in narcotics} is now being taken by other groups, and that Myanmar's opium production is higher than before, at more than 2,500 tons a year. Nobody really knows how much opium is grown, produced or sent out of Myanmar.... The Myanmar Government...has been trying, with some success, to teach alternative agriculture to {formerly opium-growing} communities.... Meanwhile...Myanmar's economy is booming. Unemployment is down.... Pay rates are going up, though still much below the levels in neighbouring Asian countries. There is still poverty and undernourishment, but there are few, if any beggars on the streets, people appear healthy, and everybody finds time to smile. The foreigner is treated extremely kindly, and it is safe to walk on the streets at any time of the day or night.... The present regime in Myanmar may appear oppressive, even brutal in some respects. But there are signs that they have good intentions for the country, they are making strong efforts to win the fight over the drug lords ...; they are working on drawing up a new democratic constitution.... They appear to be doing many of the right things to improve the lot of the people. ["That the people have little political choice there is no doubt. That there is repression of civil liberties is also obvious to any observer. Mail, even of foreigners, is frequently opened and scrutinized.... Communications in and out of the country are difficult and expensive. There are however indications that freedom is coming in Myanmar and economic progress is helping that process along. However, a sudden rush to freedom without the necessary safeguards to preserve and sustain it may not give Myanmar the social stability it needs to continue along its path to economic prosperity. People on the whole appear to accept the present regime in return for the stability it gives them to pursue their businesses with little interference. ["Aung San Suu Kyi's anti-investment and foreign aid message on the other hand appears to be losing some of its appeal to the average Myanmar citizen. Unless her opposition movement can come up with a better alternative, the people of Myanmar will probably find the open market economy and the increasing prosperity it offers them much more attractive despite repression of civil liberties and the absence of free elections.... Maybe Myanmar -- and not the West -- know what government is best for it. Maybe the West should leave it to the people of Myanmar...to work out their future for themselves...."] Sept. 29: Rotten Gene pushers disturbing trading of gems, by Sein Gyi Tu. ["The crook Gene Sharp is a so-called scholar of Albert Einstein University in Cambridge, the United States. He gave training to the destructionists including expatriate Sein Win and also wrote the manuals which were translated into Myanmar and illegally distributed in the country. It can be called a correspondence course for local destructionists. PD is the acronym of political defiance.... These techniques are not new in any way. They are those employed by the CIA to drop the socialists governments and are taken from the manuals of the expatriates practised since 1960s...." Expatriates calling for sanctions against the Nawata government.... "They were exhilarated [sic] to broadcast that price of petrol was rising in Myanmar due to shortage. By the same time, their men within the country spread rumours to destabilize the petrol price. The authorities have cleared this rumour. What the expatriates broadcast about the rise of petrol price coincide with the platform random talks on University Avenue on Saturday and Sunday afternoons. What a resemblance!...." CIA controls the VOA and BBC, Radio Free Europe, Radio Liberty, and Radio Jose Marti. "A riot instigated by CIA broke out in Tainanmen [sic] Square in Beijing...beginning April 1989. As there were anarchic acts, the Chinese Government maintained the rule of Law on 4 June to put an end to the riot...." CIA organized the June Four broadcasting station for Chinese. "Myanmar expatriates led by U Nu and U Law Yone (CIA agent) rioted at the border (in the other country) in 1969-70. At that time also, CIA provided funds and equipment to set up a broadcasting station ...." The "Santa Fe Group" in Texas was "an organization of American leftists inclusive of CIA. The US Central Bank funded it. Santa Fe funded and expanded the Voice of America (VOA) with its resolution that there must not be any country practising socialism in the world and it must be toppled if there is...." "Daw Suu Kyi has written 41 letters to the expatriate radio station for broadcast. Her letter also amounted to admission that Gene Sharp's books are about political defiance.... Today the nation is working for development which is rather like selling quality and precious diamonds and jewels. Sein Gyit Tu would like to tell sharply the rotten 'Gene' pushers not to disturb trading of precious gems."] Sept. 30: Unforgivable in history, by Thun-nge-daw. [Villains in Myanmar history. "Narathu of Bagan Period, Nanmadaw Mai Nu of Konbaung Period and Supayalat of Yadanabon Period might possibly have some redeeming features but Daw Suu has none. So if she wants to aver the terrible fate of being someone unforgivable in history, I must advise her with goodwill, she must stop when she should stop, in her course of actions she is perpetrating now."] Sept. 30: Not that naive, by Byatti. [Both government and people must discharge the duty of "keeping the nation free from foreign domination for its perpetuation of Myanmar while tackling difficulties and problems spawned by the internal traitors and outside elements."] Information Committee Briefing Sept. 2: The Second news briefing of the SLORC Information Committee was held. Present were Minister for Information Maj-Gen. Aye Kyaw, Minister for National Planning and Economic Development Brig-Gen. Abel, Minister for Foreign Affairs U Ohn Gyaw, Director of Public Relations and Psychological Warfare Brig-Gen. Aung Thein, and advisor, U Kyaw Wan; local and foreign newsmen from AP, NHK, NTV, Fuji TV (Manila), Yomiuri, Kyodo, New York Times, WTN, Reuters TV, AFP, Financial Times, Times of London, VOA, Asia Times, and Business Day; Ambassadors from Bangladesh and Nepal, diplomats from Australia, India, Indonesia, Israel, Italy, Japan, Korea, Laos, Pakistan, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Russia, United Kingdom, United States, Vietnam, Yugoslavia, France, German, and Nepal, and officials from UNDCP and UNIC. Minister for Information Maj-Gen. Aye Kyaw said the briefing would deal with "clandestine distribution" of literature by "National League for Democracy expatriate groups," and related subversive acts, the goodwill visit of SLORC Chairman Senior General Than Shwe to Malaysia, and Myanmar-Malaysia economic cooperation. Subversive Activities "Head of Office of the Strategic Studies Col. Kyaw Thein explained illegal circulation of anti-Government literature by NLD (expatriates) group and their contacts with NLD. He said: "The issues I would like to brief you on today, concern some of the moves made recently by the expatriate National League for Democracy groups, which as you are all aware, are not bona fide political parties. Lately, some of these organizations have been using various clandestine means to distribute provocative literature, discrediting and belittling the success achieved in all spheres by the State Law and Order Restoration Council. Moreover, they have established contacts with the officially recognized National League for Democracy party. Their aim, obviously, is to commit in collaboration with the legitimate party, subversive acts both within and without the country and thus try to put pressure on the Government in a two-pronged grip. "As most of you already know, after the general elections of 1990, some of the representatives-elect refused to adhere to State Law and Order Restoration Council's stand than in the interest of national politics it would be advisable and necessary to first draft a new Constitution. Instead, they chose to make demands for convening of parliament and an immediate transfer of State power into their hands. As a followup to these demands, some representatives-elect from Mandalay and Yangon got together and plotted to form a parallel government. When the authorities proceeded to take necessary action against these people in accordance with the law, a group headed by expatriate Sein Win absconded to the are that was then under the control of the KNU insurgents. Later on, after some bargaining with the KNU leaders, they set up an expatriate group calling itself the National Coalition Government of the Union of Burma (NCGUB). Likewise, some other groups of NLD representatives-elect absconded to foreign countries and formed similar NLD expatriate groups. "Allow me now to give you some information about one of the groups which was formed under the name the National League for Democracy (Expatriate-India) and which is headed by Dr. Tint Swe and ex-representative-elect U Than Sein of Pale Township, U Bo Thaung of Yin Mar Bin Township and U Za Hle Htang of Falam. This group, after July 1995, made efforts to gain contact with members of the National League for Democracy within the country. Dr. Tint Swe, who resides in New Delhi, got in touch with representative-elect of Kalemyo U Dho Htaung through an ABSDF member named Kyaw Moe also known as Nyi Nyi who lives in Champhai, India. "U Dho Htaung was then assigned the following three tasks: -- to recruit and dispatch trainees to attend a political defiance training course in political [sic] to be conducted under the auspices of the NLD (Expatriate-India) group. -- to employ U Sa Kon Nga, a merchant, trading between Kalemyo and Aizawl in India, as courier for keeping in continuous touch. "U Dho Htaung, carried out the tasks assigned by Dr. Tint Swe and collected information on location of army encampments, routes used and other relevant facts by using three persons, namely; Tin Cho, Win Naing and Ba Min. He then passed the information on to ABSDF member Kyaw Moe (a) Nyi Nyi. For establishing an NLD Expatriate Group branch office in Monywa, U Dho Htaung approached one Daw Khin Mar Kyi, a resident of Monywa. She in turn enlisted one Tin Hlaing and together they tried to organize and persuade people to join the NLD Expatriate Group. They also distributed anti-government publications. These people use code names and Dr. Tint Swe's code name is Mr. Thomas, U Dho Htaung's is Lucky Seven and Daw Khin Mar Kyi's is Victory. Dr. Tint Swe used Kyaw Moe (a) Nyi Nyi to get in touch with his spouse Daw Mya Aye who lives in Monywa. Kyaw Moe then communicated with NLD organizers Sein Myint of Monywa Township and Hla Soe of Mandalay South-East Township through Daw Mya Aye. These groups, in addition to dispatching local news to the NLD Expatriate Groups abroad, distributed anti-government propaganda leaflets within the country itself. Much of the printed matter was circulated in Mandalay, Sagaing and Monywa townships. It has been found that members of the legitimate NLD party were also involved in these acts of subversion. "The following are some of the pamphlets sent by the NLD (Expatriate-India) group and distributed within the country; -- pamphlets inciting opposition to the National Convention. -- pamphlets on political defiance tactics and methods. -- illustrated pamphlets inciting opposition against the Government. -- handbook on intelligence gathering and dissemination of information. -- handbook on the Strategic Plan of the NCGUB. "These various pamphlets and handbooks were distributed not only in Mandalay, Monywa and Sagaing but were also sent on to Yangon. Hla Soe of Mandalay South-East Township sent some of these publications to Khun Myint Htun at the NLD in Yangon for distribution among NLD youths. "Moreover, it was discovered that Dr. Tint Swe had also established communications with the NLD in Yangon mainly through U Dho Htaung of Kale. On 21 November, 1995 a letter from the NLD (Expatriate-India) group for the purpose of establishing contacts was brought to Yangon by Secretary of the Kale Township NLD, Ba Min himself and delivered personally to U Tin U. Information was received that U Dho Htaung's sons, U Ri Dein and U La Lao Han visited Daw Aung San Suu Kyi on 27 November 1995, and gave her a video tape entitled 'Beyond Rangoon,' and other documents. Again on 5 December 1995, Organizer of the Sagaing Division NLD, U Kyaw Thaung went to Daw Aung San Suu Kyi to deliver the message issued on the occasion of the fifth anniversary of the NCGUB and some other documents. The letters were accepted in the presence of U Tin U who was there at the time. They have made no attempts whatsoever to inform the authorities concerned as required by law, that an unlawful organization from abroad had communicated with them. "Of the documents found and confiscated, the most significant is the Handbook on the Strategic Plan of the NCGUB. This plan prescribes two courses of action. The first advocates the convening of parliament on the basis of dialogues to be held. The second proposes the formation of an interim coalition government again on the basis of dialogues. But for implementation of either course of action, it calls upon the legitimate party within the country and all illegal expatriate political organizations to exert pressure with the backing of foreign countries and place the State Law and Order Restoration Council Government in a predicament. US Citizens Aiding and Abetting Insurgents "Since 1993, various multicoloured insurgents and expatriate anti-government organizations have made many attempts to bring about the disintegration of the Union of Myanmar with the intention of toppling the Government. To achieve their goal, they have conducted classes and seminars to teach techniques of civil disobedience, civil unrest and political agitation and sedition. "As the KNU military strength deteriorated, the opposition groups depending on them decided it was time to reassess the situation and their position. Therefore, in September 1992, they held a conference and formed a new group called the National Council Union of Burma, NCUB, consisting of the Democratic Alliance of Burma (DAB), the parallel organization, the NCGUB, and the NLD expatriate group. At the same time, they formed a special separate group under the authority of the NCUB, calling it the Political Defiance Committee, (PDC). Beginning from January 1993, two US citizens, Robert Helvey and Gene Sharp belonging to certain organizations in the United States were called in to activate this group. Robert Helvey and Gene Sharp then aided and abetted the anti-government groups by initiating a Political Defiance Training Course attended by members of the anti-government ABSDF, NCGUB, NLD (expatriate) and KNU starting from January 1993. "Similarly, during the early part of 1994 and also in 1995, absconding Myanmar students led by Dr. Tint Swe and Chin students from Manipur and Mizoram, altogether totalling about a hundred attended lectures on Methods of Political Defiance, conducted by two other US citizens. After July in the latter part of 1996, while some members of the NLD expatriate group led by Dr. Tint Swe were infiltrating the country from the western side of Myanmar, insurgent camps in Thai territory on the east were also be reactivated. After the collapse of the KNU headquarters at Manerpalaw, Robert Helvey, with Bruce Jenkin and Michael Mitchell, all of them US citizens, arrived at the KNU-held territory, Hti Ka Ba Lei around May 1996 and reorganized the remnants of the ABSDF and other opposition groups and made arrangements for them to attend a political defiance training course. After that, from August 19 to 23 they were said to have conducted such a training course for members of the CRDB, ABSDF, NCGUB, NLD (expatriate) group and the NDF and the KNU Sa Khan Thit camp. It is said that around 30 people attended the course. "Of these three US citizens, Robert Helvey at one time served as the Defence and Army Attache at the Embassy of the United States of America in Yangon, Myanmar. Bruce Jerkin [sic] is an administrative officer dealing with financial matter of the Albert Einstein Institute of America. Michael Mitchell who is a member of IRI (International Republication Institute) on the other hand arrived in Yangon in April 1996 and met Daw Suu Kyi for the first time. After his departure from Yangon, he met KNU leader U Bo Mya on April 15. He is reported to have told Bo Mya to prolong the peace talks with the State Law and Order Restoration Council for another two or three months, saying that in the meantime there could possible be some crucial developments. Michael Mitchell again came to Yangon, Myanmar in May, when he met Daw Suu Kyi again. She is said to have told him that, they, (the NLD) had plans to begin a large-scale political movement in the near future and therefore asked him to try and summon up more help from abroad to exert further pressure on the Government. She was presumably referring to the conference they had planned. Mitchell made another visit to Yangon from August 15 to 20 and on August 18, he went to see Suu Kyi at her home. The meeting lasted for about an hour. "All this shows clearly that these aliens and mercenaries are trying to create chaos and confusion in Myanmar in order to destabilize the situation in the country on the one hand, while lining their pockets and getting rich on the other, from donations they obtained on the pretext of working for a good cause, from well-endowed but unscrupulous foreign organizations of countries such as the USA, Germany and Norway. "To sum up, it is obvious that some citizens of super power nations are blatantly trying to meddle in the internal affairs of Myanmar and thereby disrupt peace and tranquillity in the country while enriching themselves at the same time. "They are inciting the insurgents and expatriates while making use of them for their own ends. Their subversive activities constitute an outright infringement of our sovereignty. "The National League for Democracy headed by none other than Suu Kyi, is a legally founded and officially recognized political party. Nevertheless, Suu Kyi and her party, knowing full well that what these people are doing is unlawful, have held negotiations, discussions and consultations, and have collaborated with them in their activities, sometimes openly and sometimes through secret contacts, and have been a party to the transgressions of these people. "This brings my briefing to a close. Thank you." Goodwill State Visit Minister for Foreign Affairs U Ohn Gyaw then gave a briefing on the Aug. 12-16 State Visit of SLORC Chairman Senior General Than Shwe to Malaysia. He also recalled the Chairman's visits to Laos from June 9-13, 1994; to Vietnam from March 9-13, 1995; to Indonesia from June 5-8, 1995; and to Singapore from June 8-11, 1995. From Dec. 14-16, 1995, the Chairman attended the meeting of 10 Southeast Asian heads of government in Bangkok. He visited China from Jan. 7-13, 1996, and had been scheduled to visit Cambodia in May-June, 1996; this last visit has been rescheduled, possibly to October-November this year. Bilateral economic cooperation Minister for National Planning and Economic Development Brig-Gen. Abel then "explained bilateral economic cooperation between Myanmar and Malaysia." [Questions from the press] U Sein Win (Kyodo) said the Bangkok Post reported on Aug. 21 that the Government "had officially allowed former Mong Tai Army soldiers to grow opium poppies in Homong." Col. Kyaw Thein denied the report, blaming the story on "some Western nations" whose real intent was, perhaps, to install a puppet regime in Myanmar. U Hla Htwe (Antara and Nihon Keizai Shimbun) asked where the political defiance training course had been held, and whether the NLD would be "illegalized." Col. Kyaw Thein said the last course was at the KNU Sakhan Thit camp in southern Myawady Township; others were in New Delhi and along the Myanmar-Thai border. As to the officially recognized NLD, "appropriate measures would be taken if and when required." U Maung Maung (Jiji Press) asked whether the official Malaysian welcome to Senior General Than Shwe was a repudiation of US and Western policies of isolating Myanmar. Minister for Foreign Affairs U Ohn Gyaw said "a very close relation had been established with Malaysia even though there had been no particular specific agreement made." U Hla Htwe (Antara and Nihon Keizai Shimbun) cited accusations by Daw Aung San Suu Kyi that many foreign investors in Myanmar were "immoral and benefits and profits accrued from them had gone to only immoral people," and that the market economic system had stopped being an open-door system since 1993 and become a "government monopolized economic system and that Union of Myanmar Economic Holdings Ltd. had come to own a large slice of the economy and monopolized the economy," and asked "to what extent the UMEHL had economic enterprises in Myanmar and to what percentage it held." Minister for National Planning and Economic Development Brig-Gen. Abel responded that if Daw Aung San Suu Kyi had accused foreign investment firms of being immoral, it was a "serious statement," and that those accused had the right to defend themselves; investors in Myanmar are "well-known internationally" and most are "public listed companies in various countries." As to the economy, 76% of GDP is now private, 22% is in the State sector, and 2% in the coop sector. Regarding the State sector, privatization has begun, and 55% of exports are private. "Economic Holdings also was a private holding company, formed under the Special Company Act, stating the statements as unfounded." Robert Horn (Association Press) asked "what political defiance precisely was and what were the subversive acts, blowing up bridges or assassinating SLORC leaders." Col. Kyaw Thein responded that he had not attended the political defiance course and did not know its contents, but its purpose was "to disrupt peace and stability," and incite people. Robert Horn asked about prisoners. The colonel "said all the prisoners who had been put on trial had access to lawyers for their trial. Jun Kamimura (Kyodo News) asked about NLD. The colonel "said that they, as a political movement, were doing some things like speaking to the people in front of their gate every weekend, and they were not taking any action for that and that some appropriate measures would be taken if and when required. Jun Kamimura asked about Myanmar's joining ASEAN. Minister for Foreign Affairs U Ohn Gyaw said Myanmar could apply for full membership and "there was no condition whatsoever to fulfil, and no restriction and the application would be discussed at the AMM meeting held in every July." First Secretary Mr. Simon Richard Gilding (Australian Embassy), asked about the next meeting of the National Convention. U Thaung Nyunt said "preparations are under way," and the next subject to be discussed would be the important one of sharing of power relating to Legislature, Executive and Judiciary. No date for resumption could yet be given. U Hla Htwe (Antara and Nihon Keizai News Agencies) asked about the death of NLD representative U Hla Than (Coco Island). Col. Ye Htut said U Hla Than had been sentenced to 25 years in prison on Apr. 30, 1991, under Section 122/1 of the Penal Code. On April 30, 1996, he contracted tuberculosis and was treated in the prison hospital. His condition worsened, and in July he was transferred to Yangon General Hospital, where it was determined that he was HIV-positive. He died on Aug. 2. He denied stories that "a single needle" was used in the prison, spreading AIDS; HIV-positive patients usually have other complications, and U Hla Than had died of tuberculosis. If he had contracted AIDS through a needle, other prisoners would have too, and they had not. "The allegations were false, he added." U Aung Shwe Oo (Nippon TV) asked about investments. Minister for National Planning and Economic Development Brig-Gen. Abel said that as of Aug. 31, 1996, there were 204 projects totalling US$ 4.3 billion, in ten sectors. Singapore had the largest share. Mrs. Deborah Charles (Reuters) asked questions about the Trader's Hotel project. Minister for National Planning and Economic Development Brig-Gen. Abel said "the figure was just the basic figure that was quoted in the contract. Additional soft cost or additional cost that has been added on to the project was not included. He cited when the contract was signed for the Trader's Hotel it was to be built for 50 million dollars. But at present it costs about 72 million dollars. He said all the 204 projects have started." The Conference ended at 10.55 am. Newsmen then viewed exhibits of charts showing the relation between the expatriate National League for Democracy and NLD (Central), and clandestine NLD books and pamphlets. (NLM 9/3) Sept. 3. Continuation of questions and answers at the News Briefing yesterday. [US Embassy Economic Report] U Sein Win (Kyodo News) asked about the recent economic report of the US Embassy in Yangon. Minister for National Planning and Economic Development Brig-Gen. Abel said the report "had been published and circulated" by the American Embassy, and was "written by Charge d'Affaires Ms. Merilyn [sic] Myers." It was prepared in June 1996 and issued in July; statistics are unofficial Embassy estimates unless otherwise specified. "The Minister said 'So, that is quite clear...this is an unofficial embassy estimate. And when you read through this report, you can see that you know it is politically slanted. It is a slanted report. It is not an economic report at all.' He said so many points are to be contended after analyzing the report. But the worst thing, he said, is on the first page, para two, sub-small para three, line 14 which says that the export of opiates alone appeared to be worth about as much as all legal exports. He asked where that figure came from and who gave the figure of opiate export from Myanmar? He said that is only one paragraph he was talking about. Three are more than 24 points that can be contended, even more, he said. So, the report is politically slanted, he said. He noted it was written to create unpleasantness or doubts in the minds of the people, to cast a cloud on the economic achievements of the government. He said the report is politically fabricated or it is known to be politically slanted." (NLM 9/4) Special Refresher Courses Sept. 2: Special Refresher Course No. 8 for Myanmar Police Force Officers opened, and was addressed by Minister for Home Affairs Lt-Gen. Mya Thin. The six-week course is being attended by 150 MPF officers, 70 BSI officers, and 10 Prisons Department officers. (NLM 9/3) Sept. 9: Special Refresher Course No. 23 for Basic Education Teachers opened and was addressed by SLORC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt. "Taking advantage of purity of Myanmar people, some are attempting to spread fabricated news after distorting reports of the Government's nation-building endeavours with pessimistic outlook through some foreign news agencies, he said. He noted it can also be found that the neo-colonialists who want to dominate Myanmar are exaggerating these fabrications and attempts are being made by the international community to bring Myanmar under coercion. The axe-handle destructionists within the country are manipulating in collusion with their alien masters to bring Myanmar under coercion in their efforts to lay a path to enable the neo-colonialists to interfere in Myanmar's internal affairs, he said." He urged teachers to be vigilant against subversion, and "said teachers are required to actively take part in nation-building endeavours and national movement of the Union Solidarity and Development Association which is leading the entire public and to crush lackeys of the imperialists." 1,502 teachers are attending the course. (NLM 9/10) [Note: We recently learned the significance to Burmese of the term "axe-handle," which has for years been used in the Burmese press as a term for "traitor." An axe-handle is made of wood, and is then used by others to chop down trees -- thus becoming a traitor to its kind. -- HCMacD.] USDA Annual Meeting There were frequent short articles about groups of people around the country joining the Union Solidarity and Development Association. Sept. 6: 250 faculty and students of the Institute of Indigenous Medicine (out of 350) collectively applied to join the Union Solidarity and Development Association. (NLM 9/7) Sept. 11: A preliminary meeting of the Union Solidarity and Development Association Annual General Meeting (1996) began, with 419 delegates present, and was addressed by Secretary-General U Than Aung. Four seminar sub-groups were then formed. The Organizational Seminar preliminary meeting, attended by 104 of 105 delegate members, was chaired by Daw Aye Chit. The Management Seminar preliminary meeting, chaired by Daw Yin Yin Mya and Daw Khin Htay Htay, was attended by 104 of 106 delegates present. The Economic Seminar preliminary meeting was chaired by Daw Mya May and attended by 104 of 106 delegates. The Social and Cultural Seminar preliminary meeting was chaired by Daw San Myint and Daw Khin Myo Swe, and attended by 105 of 106 delegates. Each group compiled a paper to be submitted. (NLM 9/ 12) Sept. 12: The USDA Annual General Meeting opened, with 423 delegates present, and was addressed by Secretary-General U Than Aung. He noted that USDA now has 4,635,777 members. 1.23 million trainee youths attended Buddhist Culture Courses in 18,692 places "and other four kinds of courses...." (English Proficiency Courses, Computer Courses, Marine Courses, and New Generation Aviation Courses). Mass rallies opposed "those relying on external elements, acting as stooges, holding negative views" "those trying to jeopardize stability of the State and progress of the nation," and "foreign nations interfering in internal affairs of the State." Reports were read by delegates from Chin (48,359 applicants), Sagaing, Taninthayi, Bago, Magway, Mandalay, Mon, and Rakhine State/Divisions. (NLM 9/13) Sept. 13: On the second day of the Annual General Meeting, the four Seminars were held. Reports were read by delegates from Yangon (now has 1,456,000 members), Shan State (South) (39,975 members), Shan State, Shan State (East), Ayeyawady, Kachin, and Kayah State/Divisions. (NLM 9/14) Sept. 14: On the third day, reports were made from the four Organizational Group Seminars, among other speeches. Organization Group 1: Future tasks for USDA are: (a) the association is to accept Our Three Main National Causes, the twelve political, economic and social objectives, the four people's desires and the government's objective of emergence of developed, peaceful and modern nation as the national policy and follow it; (b) to organize the public to achieve quantitative and qualitative improvement; (c) to extend training courses at various levels of the association for the improvement of USDA members; (d) guidance of the association Patron [Senior General Than Shwe] is to be accepted as the guidelines of USDA members and see that their words, deeds and thoughts are in accord with his guidance; (e) to step up community welfare activities. Organizational Group 2: Two methods have been prescribed for raising funds, namely: (a) USDA at different levels are to expand economic undertakings to raise funds on self-reliance through clean and proper means; (b) the central level of USDA is to establish economic undertaking which can fulfil the requirements, and if so members of USDA at different levels are to contribute shares and cooperate in the process. Organizational Group 3: The Myan Gon Myint Company is undertaking commodity production services and enterprises as well as holding coordinations and signing contracts for joint venture services with foreign economic organizations. Organizational Group 4: Activities of State/Division USDAs are nation-building tasks which must be continued constantly. Support for religious projects, such as Buddhist Culture Courses attended by 1.9 million members at 18,692 sites, and support for the Association for the Perpetuation of Theravada Buddhism. (NLM 9/15) Sept. 15: The USDA meeting concluded, with an address by Patron SLORC Chairman Senior General Than Shwe [see below]. The five future tasks outlined by Organization Group No. 1 [above] were adopted, and prizes distributed. In the evening, Senior General Than Shwe hosted a dinner for the USDA delegates. [page of photos] (NLM 9/ 16) Sen-Gen. Than Shwe Addresses USDA Sept. 15: SLORC Chairman Senior General Than Shwe addressed the concluding session of the Annual Meeting of the Union Solidarity and Development Association [full text]: Today marks an auspicious occasion for the nation and the Association since the Third Annual General Meeting of the Association discusses and passes resolutions for the interest of the nation, the national peoples and the Association itself. On this significant occasion, I will explain to you, executives of the State/ Division, District and Township USDAs attending this meeting on behalf of over four million USDA members, essential elements of important policy matters to enable you to be more acquainted with them. The Association has been formed and nurtured with the aim of serving national and public interests. As it is aimed at helping serve the citizen and the State, it will have to strive for its quantitative as well as qualitative improvement. All of you, USDA executives, are to always carry out organizational work to see that the Association is ever alive and dynamic in its abilities. You are to concentrate on organizing every youth who is willing to serve public interests imbued with humanitarian spirit. In carrying out organizational work with emphasis on quantitative and qualitative improvement, you are to organize yourself first and foremost. All members are to keep on trying, with seriousness, to attain the aims of the Association, discharge its duties and responsibilities and follow the discipline. In doing organizational duties among the public while holding in esteem the five aims of the Association, the principal requirement is that you must be well-versed in the policies being implemented by the State today. With complete and clear understanding of State policies you must accept them implicitly and make the public follow your example. Hence, policies of the State, namely, -- Our Three Main National Causes, -- Twelve objectives of the State, -- Four People's Desires, -- Emergence of a peaceful, modern and developed Union, must be always held in esteem. All the citizens of the Union are duty-bound to always stand by the non-disintegration of the Union. Every citizen of the Union would not allow in any way disintegration and destruction of the Union. The Union comprising Kachin, Kayah, Kayin, Chin, Bamar, Mon, Rakhine, Shan and other nationals of Myanmar must last and remain firm. Each and every citizen of the Union has no desire whatsoever to lose or to be separated a section or an inch of the territory. All must safeguard non-disintegration of national solidarity consistently. Unity is a requisite for richness and progress and as such it is necessary to always preserve it. During the 19th and first part of 20th century, colonialists followed the divide-and-rule policy among national races of Myanmar to rule and exploit the nation in the long run. They sowed discord among them to create suspicions and hatred. Traces of such acts still exist and all must take lessons from these. During the time when we are undertaking responsibilities, we have been striving for the development of many areas including border regions where national races reside; as all of you are witnessing today we are doing so in all aspects and all sectors out of sincere goodwill and living kindness towards the national brethren. We have seen backwardness of our national brethren in the distant border regions during our visits there. That is why we are building roads, bridges, irrigation networks, hospitals, clinics, schools, agriculture and livestock farms, hydro-electric power plants and so forth as much as possible for the speedy progress of border areas. The more we think of the importance of perpetuation of national sovereignty the more it has become obvious. After experiencing more than one hundred years under colonial yoke, the people of Myanmar are disgusted at the prospect of being enslaved once again. All must take special care not to relapse into slavery since the life under alien domination has been most heart-rending. While safeguarding independence, citizens must have the right to make most beneficial use of sovereignty, the essence of independence, to serve their own interest in accordance with time and conditions. A nation may appear and be known to be independent but it is important it should not be swayed or and [sic] put under pressure by some foreign powers in adopting and practising foreign policies, defence policies and economic policies including legislature, executive and judiciary. Our nation strictly adheres to the Five Principles of Peaceful Co-existence and maintains constructive relations with the world nations. Specifically, we consistently maintain good neighbourliness. Hence, among our neighbouring countries governments of ASEAN nations have understanding with our government and are now in constructive engagement. We must firmly establish solidarity of our national brethren and national races based on stability, peace and the rule of law. There must be the constitution which all the national races must strictly follow if the nation's path leading to the future is to be straight, resulting in prevalence of peace and continued progress. So, efforts must be made for the emergence of an enduring constitution. Successful convening of the National Convention is the main reason for the emergence of the constitution. The constitution will not emerge if obstructions are made to delay or disrupt the National Convention; and the present form of administration will stay on if hindrances and obstructions were imposed to delay and disrupt economic progress of the nation causing backwardness in economy. All are aware that economic objectives have been laid down and measures taken for the marked economic progress of the people of the nation. Endeavours made for economic progress based on agriculture constitutes practical improvement of economic life of the vast majority of the people. As market economic system is being practised in many nations, systematic arrangements are being made in our country for its emergences. In so doing, encouragements are being given to attract technologies and investments. Accordingly, investments from inside and outside the country have grown markedly. At the same time, as it is necessary to give protection to the interests of investors inside and outside the country fairly and correctly, the Investment Law has already been promulgated. In social sector too, work is under way for nurturing all the citizens to become good workers, good government employees and good sons and daughters of the nation. These good citizens should be not only educated and healthy but also patriotic persons. Uplift of national prestige and integrity, and preservation and safeguarding of cultural heritage and national character is an urgent requirement today. All are aware that more schools, universities and colleges have been opened for the uplift of education standard. Computer application has been encouraged at schools. Such efforts are social policies concerning the entire people which should be implemented not only at present but also in future. The political, economic and social objectives which we are implementing are principal national requisites that must be attained rapidly for stability of the State, national development and emergence of a modern nation. It is evident that as the public desire peace, stability and development today, they never want the pessimists and destructionists. In the same way, it is clear in the People's Desire that the public never want interference in internal affairs. Therefore, you must respect people's desire. I would like to urge the Union Solidarity and Development Association to safeguard and serve the interest of the citizen and the State upholding the national objectives and strive with diligence, perseverance and industry for stability of the State and for emergence of a modern Union. I notice that organization of the Union Solidarity and Development Association has encouragingly accelerated during the period it passed. The current membership has considerably increased over the previous year. It is essential to nurture recruits for enhancement of their personal calibre. I feel encouraged when I know that in carrying on public organizational tasks with the sponsorship of the Association last year, over 1.2 million attended the training courses such as Buddhist culture courses, computer courses, international relations proficiency courses, marine courses and aviation courses. Similarly, nearly two million people unanimously attended the mass rallies held with the organization and participation of the Associations, at different levels and therefore, conscientiousness and enthusiasm of the public must be put on record. In conclusion, I would like to urge all of you to always actively implement the five future tasks endorsed by this year's Union Solidarity and Development Association Annual General Meeting both individually and organizationally, strictly observe the code of conduct, shoulder your duties and responsibilities conscientiously, perpetually uphold the Government's policies and organize the public and nationals and actively participate in the nation-building tasks. (NLM 9/16) National Races Sept. 3: Pa-O national leader U Aung Kham Hti and party of Special Region 6 met with Minister for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs Lt-Gen. Maung Thint. (NLM 9/4) Secretary-1 Addresses Law Officers Sept. 3: SLORC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt addressed State/Division and District judges and law officers at the Institution of Nursing. He reviewed progress in judicial affairs made by the State Law and Order Restoration Council. "He said although the government has been working in accordance with law and through fair dealings, there have been attempts to gain power discrediting the g has been working in accordance with law and through fair dealings, there have been attempts to gain power discrediting the government's all constructive [sic] endeavours. Such attempts were made with negative attitude with excuses of democracy and human rights, he said. "With reliance on foreign elements, axe-handle circles with democracy masks critical of the government are pointing out the shortcomings of government departments and weaknesses or certain persons. They have been inventing news that as if the whole government machinery is in the wrong, he said. "He said such people are finding fault with some service personnel who maintain close contact with the public. They are doing so as if the State is deteriorating in order to please their mentors. "The Secretary-1 said national policy and political, economic and social objectives hold in esteem national and public interest. This can be put to the test at any time, he said, warning all responsible persons to see that shortcomings of the departments, malpractices of certain persons and their excessive selfishness in no way harms the nation's constructive endeavours." He reviewed the work of various legal departments and the police, noting that the large number of acquittals was due in part to "unsoundness on the part of prosecuting bodies." Of 613,747 cases, in 1994 and 1995, there were 9,887 acquittals; of 1,013 cases appealed to the Attorney-General, there were 475 reversals. He warned that "if cases are revoked again and again out of malpractices, it will amount to an encouragement to committing crimes." In the past two years there were 296 complaints "over the misbehaviour of lawyers," and action was taken in 25 cases. There were 233 letters of complaint against law officers "including complaints of bribery, misconduct against the law, failure to prosecute cases in accord with the law, receiving defendants, enjoying treatments of the accused and threatening the accused." Action was taken against some, but there were also false complaints. He noted that the role of lawyers has increased because of the emergence of banks and private sector; the number of notaries public has increased from 29 in March to 60 at present. (NLM 9/4) Pyithu Hluttaw Resignation Sept. 6: Election Commission Announcement No. 1287 of Sept. 6 permits National League for Democracy representative-elect U Hlaing (a) U Tun Hlaing (Yawnghwe-2) to resign "on health grounds." (NLM 9/7) Gen. Maung Aye's Address Sept. 20: SLORC Vice-Chairman Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Commander-in-Chief (Army) Gen. Maung Aye addressed the passing-out parade of the Under Officers Training Course No. 24 at Bahtoo Tatmyo. Highlights (as excerpted by NLM) were [full text]: -- History of the Tatmadaw originated from the nation's independence struggle and it is inseparable with the contemporary history of the country. -- Tatmadaw has traditions of repulsing foreign aggression whenever the nation was confronted with such dangers. -- Tatmadaw is organized with the sons of national races and it is safeguarding the nation and repulsing internal and external enemies. -- Tatmadaw is not an ordinary one but has been a patriotic one since inception. -- Tatmadaw is determined to uphold Our Three Main National Causes and guard against any inside or outside enemies. -- Tatmadawmen are committed to upholding Our Three Main National Causes at the risk of their lives. -- Some axe-handles with negative views and lackeys of foreign elements would not like to see positive developments and as such they are hampering the progress. -- This amounts to delaying the disrupting the process of the National Convention. -- If so, the Constitution will not emerge and the present administration could go on for long. -- Play an exemplary role to gain correct leadership ability. -- At the end of rivalry between East and West blocs, some Western powers are found to have interfered. -- To guard against such dangers, our country which is striving for progress, has to build a strong, capable and modern Tatmadaw. -- The association [USDA] is to carry out national tasks unitedly with new generation youths on whom the nation can rely. -- Extend necessary assistance for strengthening and growth of USDA. -- Crush all internal and external destructive elements as the common enemy as called for in the People's Desire. (NLM 9/21) 9 Subversive Youths Arrested Sept. 21 [full text]: "Action taken against 9 subversive youths. Authorities concerned have exposed a group of subversive youngsters who were engaged in spreading false and frivolous news among the public with intent to disrupt stability of the nation and community peace and tranquillity as they were found distributing leaflets bearing concocted rumours. "It was reported that Kyin Thein, Thant Zin and Ngwe Soe of Sangyoung Township, under the name 'Lutlatthaw Thakin Lungemyar Aphwe', spread unfounded rumours among the public, distributed instigative leaflets, addressing monks, people and students, with intent to create misleading impressions on the Government and to cause panic among the people, and especially, they were engaged in handing out leaflets and engaged in whispering campaigns at the road-side talks on University Avenue. "Investigation further exposed with evidence that the three collaborated with Nyan Win, Hla Hla Win, Kyaw Aye, Tun Aye, Myo Htut Aung and Tun Naing in distributing leaflets in North Okkalapa, Kyayan, Thongwa, Thanlyin and Pyay. Action will be taken according to law against the nine subversive youths who attempted to mar peace and tranquillity and stability of the nation." (NLM 9/22) NLD Congress Banned Sept. 27 [full text]: "NLD's gathering for 'All Burma Congress' curbed for maintenance of rule of law, prevalence of peace, stability. With a view to maintaining the rule of law and prevalence of peace and stability, security authorities have curbed a bid by the National League for Democracy to hold a meeting with a gathering of people. "It was learnt that the NLD secretly arranged to hold a meeting called 'All Burma Congress of the National League for Democracy' with a strength of 600 today, that it had sent invitations to journalists and embassies only yesterday and that it had not asked local administrative authorities for permission although political parties and organizations have to do so. "It was also learnt that papers with headings on political, economic, legal and youth affairs would be read and declarations and demands would be issued and that their meeting was to have been held beginning today up to 29 September to coincide with the UN General Assembly session and the United States Congress now in session, where some bills on Myanmar are being discussed. The authorities foiled their attempts today to hold the congress today to prevent undesirable instability and disturbances in the country. "Movement of the officials of the Embassy of the United States made it obvious that the NLD had repeated met the officials including Charg‚ d'Affaires ai Ms. Marilyn A. Meyers and discussed their plan in their attempt to hold the congress. "On 24 September, Ms. Meyers called on the Director-General of the Political Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and explained the bill which the US Congress would discuss and pass. She told him that there would be a significant political movement, concerning the bill, in Aung San Suu Kyi's residential compound at 54, University Avenue, on 28 and 29 September, Saturday and Sunday. She expressed her view that the Government should not suppress or take action against them for this movement, that the United States did not wish to see undesirable affairs coming up in Myanmar and instead, it wished to see a dialogue between the Government and Aung San Suu Kyi. She implied ultimatum or intimidation in her conversation with the Director-General. "Ms. Meyers went to Aung San Suu Kyi's house on 6 and 29 August and had negotiations with her. The charge d'affaires also invited the latter to her residence and had negotiations on 12 August. "Mr. Mark B. Taylor of US Embassy also met Aung San Suu Kyi at her house and took a long time to have discussions with her on 3, 17, 18, 19, 22 and 23 August and on 15, 21, 22 and 26 September. "On 24 September, Ms. Meyers, Aung San Suu Kyi, U Tin Oo, UNICEF office staff Daw Su Su Lwin and seven representatives of NLD had dinner together at U Kyi Maung's house. It was found from their movement that the 'All Burma Congress of the National League for Democracy' was to have been led by Aung San Suu Kyi after repeated discussions with the embassy officials including the charge d'affaires. "Their movement was directed toward creation of complication in the internal affairs and disturbances and disruption of stability in the country. In so doing, the NLD had not asked administrative authorities concerned for permission to hold the congress and instead, it moved as it thought fit, relying on outside powers and ignoring rule of law and order and community peace and tranquillity and for this reason, their plan to hold the congress, the NLD's significant political movement programme, had to be deterred. "Security authorities concerned called in some party members involved in this political movement for brief questioning. It is reported there have been no arrests." (NLM 9/28) Sept. 28 [full text]: 'All Burma Congress of NLD' plot to bring Western pressure, sanctions on the country. Foreign elements involved in acts to incite riots, upheaval. The State Law and Order Restoration Council banned the 'All Burma Congress' which was to have been held by the National League for Democracy from 27 to 29 September 1996. To hold such a ceremony with a gathering of people or to use public address system in the township, permission has to be sought from the respective Township Administrative Authorities and Police Force in accordance with procedures. Respective Township Administrative Authorities have issued since August 1989 directives including procedures to be followed by the political parties when they hold meetings and ceremonies. Legal action can be taken against those who undertake such proceedings if they do not adhere to the directives. "It was found that the NLD adhered to the above-mentioned procedures while Daw Suu Kyi was under the restraining order. Following its lifting, it was found that it had done what it thought fit, with the pretext of democracy, without adhering to the procedures concerning convening of meetings. Especially, permission had not been asked from the respective administrative bodies for the meetings and ceremonies held with large gatherings in Daw Suu Kyi's residential compound. Furthermore, roadside talks were held. In the leadership of the NLD, it was found that while Chairman U Aung Shwe and some others have conciliatory ideas and beliefs, a wish to stand and proceed within the bounds of law in accordance with existing laws and regulations and a tendency toward making efforts to be on good terms with the Government, the trio -- Daw Suu Kyi, U Tin Oo and U Kyi Maung -- have an attitude of opposition toward the State Law and Order Restoration Council and do not abide by the existing laws and regulations. Especially, they were found to have made many contacts with some West bloc embassies and ignored orders and directives of the Government with the belief that they could do whatever they wished, relying on external organizations and media, releasing incorrect news. "Following the news briefing of the Information Committee on 1 August, they are found to have made more contacts with some West bloc embassies. Subsequent to the news briefing on 1 August, Daw Suu Kyi went to the residence of the Ambassador of France where she met the Ambassadors of France, Britain, Germany and Italy for three hours. It was found that during the two-month period beginning 1 August that Daw Suu Kyi went to the United States Embassy and the charge d'affaires twice, the Embassy of Britain and the ambassador's residence four times, the Embassy of Australia and the ambassador's residence twice and the Embassy of France and the ambassador's residence twice. Officials of the British Embassy went to Daw Suu Kyi's house thrice, the Ambassador of Australia once, Charg‚ d'Affaires ai Ms. Marilyn A. Meyers of the US Embassy twice and Mr. Mark B. Taylor, a diplomat of the same Embassy, ten times. There were also contacts in correspondence with Daw Suu Kyi's residence. During August and September, Daw Suu Kyi met foreign mediamen 52 times and held a news conference. "The Ministry of Home Affairs and security officials intimated persons involved with the NLD on 2 and 4 June 1996 that roadside talks of Daw Suu Kyi, U Tin Oo and U Kyi Maung on University Avenue on weekends must no longer continue. Despite the intimation of the officials in accordance with the law, the talks with a presence of about 2,000 to 3,000 persons continued every week. These talks have also caused much inconvenience to the people passing by. "In view of the roadside talks and news circulated among foreign mediamen and external organizations, it was found such instigation was meant to cause disruption of stability and peace and rule of law and collapse of economic order. Included in their talks were floating false and frivolous rumours in various areas, spreading incorrect news concocted by the NLD, speaking ill of the Government and the Tatmadaw, sowing discord among the lower and upper levels of the Tatmadaw, inciting instability among the people and exhorting foreign businessmen not to invest in Myanmar and tourists not to visit. "Moreover, their talks were directed toward creation of misleading impressions of the public on the Government without containing any constructive point over every endeavour of the Government. Their talks aimed at causing failure of the projects and endeavours of the Government. Especially, it was usually found, concerning international relations, that their talks contained instigation as to cause strained relations of Myanmar with other nations, impede foreign investment and prevent other nations from assisting Myanmar. Daw Suu Kyi, U Tin Oo and U Kyi Maung were found to have intended in their talks to cause not only loss to the nation and the people but also stringency to the Government with the collapse of its projects. In other words, they are creating direct confrontation with the Government. "Of late, Daw Suu Kyi has instigated those who came to listen to her roadside talks to be courageous and defy the Government without timidity and is found to have referred to the Government with such innuendos as 'Animals do not talk' and become more impudent by comparing it to 'the dog in the manger'. The other two were also found to have spoken similarly and sown discord among the lower and upper levels of the Tatmadaw with intent to cause in-service disintegration. "It was also found that the NLD's meeting was not an annual one held in an ordinary course to mark the founding of the party and as it was named 'Congress', it was a political movement intended to incite riots and upheaval in the entire country. In May 1996 too, a meeting opposing the National Convention convened by the Government was to have been held with the aim of drafting a parallel Constitution. It did not come out as they had expected. So, the NLD was found to have intended to create exertion of pressure on the Government by the international community by holding the congress to coincide with the UN General Assembly session. Their repeated contacts with some West bloc embassies gave away their true intention. It was specially obvious that coordinations and meetings had taken place many times with officials of the US Embassy. "If the entire chain of events and circumstances and the movement to hold the NLD congress are pieced together, it will be found that theirs was a massive plot to create a political movement under the cover of 'All Burma Congress of the National League for Democracy' which was to have been held to create difficult conditions to the Myanmar Government both at the United Nations and in the international community with pressures and sanctions imposed by the Western nations. "Although it was said that the Congress marked the founding anniversary of the political party, records show that the NLD was officially formed on 30 September. So it was found that their intention was to time it to coincide with the events and circumstances outside the country and to subsequently create street disturbances with the use of force of mass who would have assembled at the roadside talks on 28 and 29 September, Saturday and Sunday. If the disturbances had worsened, in accordance with the Myanmar saying 'A fire from a garbage may consume the spire', the situation might have moved toward the same conditions as in 1988 with the collapse of stability of the State. In order to prevent such a worsening situation, the Government has taken steps to ban the NLD Congress." (NLM 9/29) Sept. 29: Minister for Religious Affairs Lt-Gen. Myo Nyunt explained the "subversive acts of NLD" to members of the Sangha. "He said Sayadaws have already known that during the 1988 disturbances, the rioters shouted at alternate member Sayadaws of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee with abusive words, killed people in the city and destroyed and looted public property; even though the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee made the requests to stop such anarchic acts, they do not follow and therefore, at last, the Tatmadaw had to assume duties of the State unavoidably.... "He said all have heard what the National League for Democracy is speaking without any restraint or control using abusive words which are detrimental to Buddhism. "What NLD is doing with the alien's support has been clarified in a report in the papers on 29 September even though there is a teaching in Buddhism that one must depend on oneself, he noted. "Even though NLD sent false news about the Government's endeavours for economy, students, peasants and workers and the social sector to some foreign broadcasting stations to discredit the Government, people did not take to streets, he said. "That religion and politics must not be mixed was clearly stated in 1947 and 1974 Constitutions and is also included in the 104 basic principles laid down by the National Convention, but NLD attempted to make political capital by holding a religious ceremony in 1990, he said. "He noted that NLD is employing two means to gain political capital using religion as a stepping stone -- it frequently sends its members to Sangha organizations at various levels so as to make the Government misunderstand the Sangha; and it sends members into the religious orders and ask them to commit subversive acts. "The minister noted that such acts are in fact liable to split the Sangha organization and he requested the Sayadaws to prevent such acts. "The State Law and Order Restoration Council has already issued Order No. 6/90 and No. 7/90 and Sangha Organization Law No. 20/90 so as to prevent these subversive acts and called for cooperation of Sangha organizations and state/division, district, township and ward authorities...." (NLM 9/30) 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.] Sept. 2: Singapore Ambassador Calvin Eu Mun Hoo, who has completed his tour of duty, called on Deputy Prime Minister Vice-Adm. Maung Maung Khin. (NLM 9/3) Sept. 3: The Singapore Ambassador called on SLORC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt. Bangladeshi Ambassador Brig. Chowdhury Khalequzzaman (Retd) called on Minister for Home Affairs Lt-Gen. Mya Thin. (NLM 9/4) Sept. 4: UNDP Resident Representative Siba Kumar Das called on Minister for Cooperatives U Than Aung to discuss implementation of small loan programmes in 11 townships of Shan State and Sagaing, Mandalay, Magway, and Ayeyawady Divisions over the next 30 months. (NLM 9/5) Sept. 4: UNDP Resident Representative Siba Kumar Das, accompanied by Deputy Representative Mr. James W. Rawley, called on Minister for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs Lt-Gen. Maung Thint to discuss "aim and work programmes of HDI." UNICEF Resident Representative Dr. Juan R. Aguilar Leon called on Minister for National Planning and Economic Development Brig-Gen. Abel. Malaysian Ambassador Dato Abdul Wahab bin Harun called on Chairman of the Myanmar Investment Commission Deputy Prime Minister Vice-Adm. Maung Maung Khin. (NLM 9/6) Sept. 12: Pakistani Ambassador Abbas H. Mirza, who has completed his tour of duty, called on Minister for Transport Lt-Gen. Thein Win. (NLM 9/13) Sept. 17: Finnish Ambassador Tauno Kaaria, resident in Bangkok, called on Minister for Home Affairs Lt-Gen. Mya Thin. Hungarian Ambassador Andras Szabo, resident in Bangkok, called on Minister for Transport Lt-Gen. Thein Win. British Ambassador Robert Anthony Eagelson Gordon (OBE) called on Minister for Information Maj-Gen. Aye Kyaw. (NLM 9/18) Sept. 19: The Finnish Ambassador called on Minister for Finance and Revenue Brig-Gen. Win Tin. UNICEF Resident Representative Dr. Juan R. Aguilar Leon called on Minister for Information Maj-Gen. Aye Kyaw. (NLM 9/20) Sept. 20: Bangladeshi Ambassador Brig. Chowdhury Khalequzzaman (Retd) called on Minister for Commerce Lt-Gen. Tun Kyi. Malaysian Ambassador Dato Abdul Wahab bin Harun, accompanied by First Secretary Mr. Kennedy Jawan, called on Minister for Information Maj-Gen. Aye Kyaw. Pakistani Ambassador Abbas H. Mirza called on Minister for Forestry Lt-Gen. Chit Swe. (NLM 9/21) Sept. 23: Chinese Ambassador Mrs. Chen Baoliu called on Minister for Hotels and Tourism Lt-Gen. Kyaw Ba. (NLM 9/24) Sept. 24: Pakistani Ambassador Abbas H. Mirza, who has completed his tour of duty, called on Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Lt-Gen. Myint Aung, and on Deputy Prime Minister Vice-Adm. Maung Maung Khin on behalf of SLORC Chairman Senior General Than Shwe. (NLM 9/25) Sept. 25: Iranian Ambassador Mr. Gholamreza Yousefi, who has completed his tour of duties, called on Deputy Prime Minister Lt-Gen. Tin Tun, on behalf of SLORC Chairman Senior General Than Shwe. (NLM 9/26) Sept. 27: Korean Ambassador Kyung Bo Choi called on Minister for Health U Saw Tun to discuss Korean assistance to eye and tuberculosis hospitals. (NLM 9/28) New Myanmar Ambassadors Sept 13: U Khin Nyein presented credentials on Sept. 4 in Athens to President Costis Stefanopoulos, as new Myanmar Ambassador to Greece. (NLM 9/13) Sept. 23: U Tun Ngwe on Sept. 18 presented credentials in Bonn to President Prof. Dr. Roman Herzog as new Myanmar Ambassador to Germany. (NLM 9/24) Sept. 27: Myanmar Ambassador to the United Kingdom U Win Aung left for London. w Sept. 27: Myanmar Ambassador to the United Kingdom U Win Aung left for London. (NLM 9/28) New Ambassadors to Myanmar Sept. 17: Myanmar has approved the appointment of Brig-Gen. Patrick Choy Choong Tow as new Ambassador of Singapore to Myanmar. He was born in Singapore on Oct. 30, 1947 and joined the Singapore Armed Forces as a Staff Officer in 1966. His appointments include Chief Instructor of the Singapore Command and Staff College (Sept. 1981-Oct. 1984); Chief of Armour (July 1986-June 1989); and Commander of the Third Division (June 1989-June 1991). He is currently Director of Joint Intelligence Directorate (JID) since March 1993. He was awarded the Public Administration Medal (Silver) (Military) in 1986. He was a Director of Singapore Technologies Automotive Ltd. (May 1991-May 1995) and has been Director, ST Aerospace Supplies Pte. Ltd. since May 1995. He is married with two children. (NLM 9/17) Sept. 17: Mr. Tauno Kaaria presented credentials to SLORC Chairman Senior General Than Shwe as new Finnish Ambassador to Myanmar. He is resident in Bangkok. (NLM 9/18) Sept. 17: Mr. Andras Szabo presented credentials to SLORC Chairman Senior General Than Shwe as new Hungarian Ambassador to Myanmar. He is resident in Bangkok. (NLM 9/18) Sept. 30: The Government has approved the appointment of Mr. Knut Solem as new Ambassador of Norway to Myanmar. He was born July 30, 1946 and obtained a B.A. degree in History/Philosophy in 1970. He joined the Foreign Ministry in 1976, and has served in Brussels, Jeddah, Rio de Janeiro, Abu Dhabi, Doha, Kuwait, and Manama. He is currently Norwegian Ambassador to Singapore, where he will continue to reside. He is married, with three children. (NLM 9/30) Women's Convention Sept. 23: A meeting was held of the Myanmar Women Affairs Committee concerning the signing of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (adopted by the UNGA in 1979 and signed by 145 countries). The meeting "is held to review the convention for Myanmar's signature." It was attended by Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement Maj-Gen. Soe Myint, Deputy Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement Brig-Gen. Maung Kyi, Deputy Minister for Labour U Kyaw Aye, Deputy Minister for Home Affairs Col. Tin Hlaing, members of the Committee, and officials of the Myanmar Maternal and Child Welfare Association. (NLM 9/24) UNGA Address Sept. 29: Minister for Foreign Affairs U Ohn Gyaw delivered the following address to the 51st Session of the United Nations General Assembly on Sept. 27 [full text]: [Praise for Malaysian UNGA President] Mr. President, May I begin by extending to you the warmest congratulations of the delegation of the Union of Myanmar on your most deserving election as President of the Fifty-First Session of the United Nations General Assembly. Your election to the important office is no doubt a reflection of the high esteem in which your country, Malaysia, is held by the international community for its active role in world affairs and for your wealth of personal experience and diplomatic skills. We are confident that under your leadership our deliberations will be fruitful. On a personal note, I would like to say how deeply honoured I was to have accompanied the Head of State Senior General Than Shwe on his state visit to your country last month. The visit was a success. We were much impressed by the warm reception accorded us as well as by the outstanding achievements of the leadership in bringing peace and prosperity to the people of Malaysia. I wish also to express our appreciation to your distinguished predecessor, His Excellency Diego Freitas do Amaral, for his invaluable contribution to the work of the Fiftieth Session of the General Assembly. [World at a crossroads] Mr. President, The United Nations today is at a crossroads. On the one hand there is hope for a new era in international relations as post Cold War trends compel nations towards ever growing inter-dependence and the globalization of the world economy. On the other hand issues which have been dormant for decades have emerged, drawing the world into a pattern of conflict, ethnic strife and violence. In this time of global transformation the United Nations has an important role to play. It must actively work to guide the world through the transitional period to a new peaceful, secure and stable era based on respect for the Charter. In this 'UN Decade for International Law' it would be most appropriate to rededicate ourselves to achieving a world where principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity, independence, sovereign equality and non-interference in internal affairs of states are respected. Myanmar truly believes that we can overcome the political, economic and social challenges we face and avoid confrontation and chaos only unity to strengthen the organization and promote a multilateral system based on the primacy of international law and freedom of choice and equality of all States. Mr. President, Disarmament, sustainable development, enhancement of the environment and suppression of narcotic drugs are priority issues that affect the security and well-being of peoples throughout the world. Concern continues to mount over lack of adequate progress in these areas. [Disarmament] The proliferation of arms, particularly of weapons of mass destruction, remains the greatest potential threat to mankind's survival. All states, large and small, nuclear and non-nuclear have a vital interest in ensuring the success of negotiations on disarmament. The primary responsibility for removing the threat of a nuclear holocaust however, rests with the nuclear-weapon states. It is essential that nuclear weapon states show the political will to accommodate the concerns of non-nuclear weapon states to achieve a mutually acceptable basis for universal disarmament. Myanmar continues to regard a comprehensive test ban treaty as an essential step to nuclear disarmament. The adoption of the CTBT by the General Assembly on 10 September 1996 is a welcome development. It will contribute significantly towards the process of nuclear disarmament and to our efforts to achieve the goal to general and complete disarmament. Myanmar has always supported the establishment of nuclear free zones. In our region we have, together with our neighbours, signed and ratified the Southeast Asian Nuclear-Free Zone Treaty. [Economic development; sanctions denounced] Mr. President, Peace and security in the world of course, needs to be built upon economic development. Without development there can be no lasting peace. It must be realized, however, that economic progress in development countries depends as much upon a fair and equitable international economic environment as it does on domestic reforms to effectively confront the challenge of poverty and economic malaise. In this regard, we share the Secretary-General's view that development should be recognized as the foremost and most far-reaching task of our time. At the same time we are deeply concerned that the process of globalization of the world economy has ended up with many more losers than winners. The situation has been most eloquently described by the Chairman of the Non-Aligned Movement, President Samper of Colombia when in the address to the Meeting of the Ministerial Committee on Methodology held earlier this year in Cartagena he said, 'The cake of progress continues to be handed out in large slices for a few, and in crumbs for the rest'. Indeed it is distressing to note the dangerous tendency of certain states to link trade and commerce with other issues. We find unacceptable the threat or use of economic sanctions and the extraterritorial application of domestic law to influence policies in developing countries. The use of economic sanctions as a tool of policy is indefensible. It is a flagrant breach of the United Nations Charter. [Narcotics] Mr. President, Narcotic drugs are a growing menace to the international community. Myanmar aware of the problem is presently carrying out narcotic suppression as a national cause. From the outset the Government has realized that the drug problem can only be tackled with a multisectorial approach and has laid down national strategies to combat the menace. The nation-wide drug abuse control programme covers many activities: crop substitution and livestock distribution for farmers in the border areas where opium is grown; treatment and rehabilitation of drug addicts; preventive education; and law enforcement. The areas where poppy is grown are underdeveloped regions where the national races depend on cultivation of opium as the principal means of livelihood. Hence the government has set up an entire Ministry devoted to the development of the border areas. The development of these areas will no doubt ensure the success of the eradication campaign. In parallel with the national effort, the government has sought closer cooperation with the UNDCP and neighbouring countries and is actively participating in the international campaign against the production and trafficking of illicit drugs. Our efforts are meeting with success as one armed group after another has returned to the fold to join hands with the Government in the development endeavours. An encouraging development this year is the unconditional surrender of the Mong Tai Army of nearly 20,000 men led by U Khun Sa. We are confident that this unprecedented achievement will result in the drastic reduction of opium supply. I would like to firmly reiterate Myanmar's commitment to the total eradication of poppy plantations in our country. The sheer magnitude of the problem would require new ways and means to address the problem. There must be additional efforts to curb demand just as we work to deter production and trafficking. We would welcome increased support for our national programmes or for development projects administered by UNDCP. [Environment] Mr. President, Environment issues are among the most widely discussed topics of our times. Environment and development top the international agenda as human impact on the environment has increased dramatically and mankind faces challenges unprecedented in scope and severity. The tremendous growth in population coupled with industrial development in every region of the world has taxed the carrying capacity of the earth. The struggle even to support the present population at today's standards of living will cause environmental degradation on an unprecedented scale. However, in the last few years seeds of hope have been sown as there is growing awareness in the world that the causes and consequences of environmental degradation transcend boundaries and that our future world must be one of partnership. Myanmar is aware that different elements of ecological systems are interlinked. It is only through an integrated approach at the national, regional and global levels that we can achieve sustainable development. For this reason we have been endeavouring to contribute to the protection and promotion of the environment at every level. In developing countries like Myanmar forests, farmlands, fisheries and fresh water constitute the foundation of development. In Myanmar we are fortunate that these resources are abundant and are not under stress. This is largely the result of the traditional culture that pervades daily life. The planting of trees, construction of gardens and parks, building bridges, digging wells, providing rest houses and monasteries are considered meritorious deeds. The people of Myanmar love and respect nature and seek to live in harmony with the environment. The history of Myanmar is replete with accounts of environmental conservation carried out by Myanmar monarchs. The ancient kings had the vision to protect teak forests by royal decree and to ensure systematic management of forest resources. [Human rights] Mr. President, In the 3 years following the World Conference on Human Rights, increasing emphasis has been placed on the promotion and protection of human rights. While we can welcome the spirit in which the question of human rights is considered, we are seriously concerned by the growing tendency in certain Western Countries to politicize the question of human rights and to use it as a tool to interfere in the domestic affairs of states. We firmly believe that the international community should take a more holistic approach to the question of human rights and not be preoccupied with individual rights and freedoms. Any government, institution or individual seeking to promote human rights should bear in mind the significance of national and regional peculiarities as well as historical, cultural and religious backgrounds together with the stage of economic development. In Myanmar and other developing countries poverty remains an effective obstacle to the full enjoyment of those rights. For this reason we are redoubling our efforts to ensure their right to development of our peoples so that they can be delivered from the clutches of poverty. The allegations that wholesale repressive measures are being carried out in Myanmar have never been borne out. On the contrary the peace and stability that now reigns in the country has allowed it to achieve significant progress. Continued economic reform will positively impact the living standard of all citizens. At present there is potential in Myanmar for unprecedented peace and development and for her to join the ranks of the fast growing economies in her region. The international community can do not better than to help Myanmar by playing a constructive role. [Economic progress] Mr. President, In recent years a few countries like Myanmar have been singled out by certain countries for punitive action. Central to any assessment of the proper course of policy toward any country is an understanding of the conditions that prevail there. In the case of Myanmar first and foremost it should be noted that she is undergoing important reforms. Regrettably, no credit has been given to the Myanmar government for bringing about political stability and economic progress in a short period of eight years. The Government has initiated economic reforms aimed at transforming the centrally-planned economy into a market-oriented one. Private investment and domestic entrepreneurial activity has been encouraged, and the economy has been opened to direct foreign investment. Private-sector participation in both domestic and foreign trade has been promoted. The economic reforms are bearing fruit and has led to sustained growth. In the past 4 years the economy recorded an average growth rate of 8.2 per cent resulting in increased employment opportunities and significantly rising living standards in the country, primarily in urban areas where private enterprises are flourishing, and in fertile rural areas where farmers have better incentive to grow and market their produce. Foreign investments in Myanmar today totals US $ 4.3 billion and is expected to grow in the coming years. That the pace of economic activity has increased is reflected not only in the country but abroad where a growing number of Myanmar representatives are taking part in international and regional forums including sports, business and intellectual meetings. We in Myanmar are aware that the best hope for a brighter future lies in our national races joining together to ensure the stability of the state, community peace and tranquillity. To this end a national convention is being held to adopt guidelines for a new state constitution in accordance with which a peaceful, modern and developed nation will be built. [Insurgencies ended] It should be appreciated that Myanmar is a union composed of 135 national races from which 16 armed groups have evolved, some dating back to 1948, the year of our independence. It should also be noted that despite the magnitude of the task, the Myanmar Government has succeeded in bringing back to the fold 15 out of the 16 armed groups and has established a separate Ministry for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs. Insurgency which for decades hindered development is virtually over and all the energy of the defence forces and the people are being devoted to nation building. A fact which is often overlooked is the pervasive influence of traditional culture in Myanmar as a result of which leniency has been shown to offenders. Although a number of death sentences were passed by Civil and Military Courts following the 1988 unrest in the country, none have been carried out. One example that demonstrates our confidence in the positive changes taking place in Myanmar is our readiness to open our doors to tourists. This year has been designated 'Visit Myanmar Year' and we are expecting hundreds of thousands of visitors despite the negative campaign launched by critics. Those who call for travel boycott to Myanmar should remember that tourism benefits a wide range of people -- the visitors as well as the hosts. The big hotels and travel agencies as well as the family run stalls selling everything from hand-crafted jewellery to lacquerware and wood carvings stand to make a living. Why not encourage tourists to come to Myanmar and see for themselves the vast transformations taking place? Mr. President, Today as we stand on the threshold of a new millennium, we have before us both opportunities and challenges. At this time of important change and transformation, the United Nations and its Members must strive to ensure that all nations can live in peace and harmony. To this end, we will need a man of exceptional skills and wisdom at the helm of the Organization in the years ahead. We should continue to seek the best man for the job, bearing in mind personal skills and integrity that the important post demands. The choice of the Secretary General of the Organization assumes an even greater importance at this time as we see increasing resort to the threat or use of force in a manner inconsistent with the Purposes and Principles of the Organization. To conclude, I would like renew Myanmar's pledge to work with all nations to strengthen the Organization and to achieve universal peace. Thank you. (NLM 9/30) INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION Joint Workshops & Seminars Sept. 3: A Workshop on An Asean Documentation Fund, cosponsored by the Myanmar Institute of Strategic and International Studies and the Hanns Seidel Foundation of Singapore, was held, and addressed by Minister for Foreign Affairs U Ohn Gyaw, Myanmar officials, and ASEAN scholars. (NLM 9/4) Sept. 5: Myanmar Medical Association and Petro Pharma Company will jointly sponsor a seminar on the medicine Cefotaxime on Sept. 8. (NLM 9/6) Sept. 5: A Seminar on Client-Server Technology for Today and Tomorrow, jointly sponsored by Inspection and Agency Services, Chartered Systems and Networks (CSN), represented by Director Mr. Phil Crompton, and Mastech Co. Ltd., represented by President U Khin Maung Ohn. A $10,000 computer server was presented to the Ministry of Education. (NLM 9/6) Sept. 6: An HIV/AIDS Prevention Programme Workshop was held Sept. 4-6, cosponsored by the Myanmar Red Cross Society, represented by President Dr. Hla Bu, and the Australian Red Cross, which provided lecturers on designing an integrated approach to HIV/AIDS prevention in Myanmar. (NLM 9/7) Sept. 26: A National Seminar on Agriculture Food and Nutrition Situation opened at the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation, with participation of FAO Resident Representative Dr. Prem Nath, as a preliminary to the FAO Conference in Italy in November. It "will assist in laying down important policies and directives in boosting food and nutrition from farming and forests." (NLM 9/27) Sept. 28: A symposium on The Age of Fungal Infection, co-sponsored by the Myanmar Medical Association (Central) and Janssen Pharmaceuticals Co. was held; General Manager Mr. Somgiat of Janssen presented K 200,000 to the MMA building fund. (NLM 9/29) 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.] Sept. 6: Mr. Jin Gyu Toh of ITT Co. Ltd. donated $2,000 to the Myanmar Shooting Federation. (NLM 9/7) Sept. 13: Director Mr. Matthieu Delorme of Trade and Investment Myanmar Ltd. donated K 1 million to the Myanmar Karuna Foundation. (NLM 9/14) Sept. 16: Chairman Mr. Low Kim Yong of Golden Glory Co. of Singapore and party presented K 1 million each to the Myanmar Karuna Foundation and to the Leprosy Hospital. (NLM 9/17) Sept. 17: Sayadaw U Tilokasiri, Abbot of Myanmar Monastery in Singapore, donated four floodlights to the Lawkamani €ula Pagoda built by Myanmar in Lumbini Park in Nepal. (NLM 9/18) Sept. 17: President Mr. Tetsuro Tanizumi of Jims Inc., Japan, donated six Hino buses worth K 6 million to the Myanmar Karuna Foundation. (NLM 9/18) Sept. 18: President and CEO Dr. Ong Chit Chung of the Sum Cheong Group of Companies, Singapore, donated K 1 million to the Myanmar Karuna Foundation. (NLM 9/19) Sept. 19: Officials of the A S M Co. Ltd. donated K 500,000 to the Myanmar Karuna Foundation. (NLM 9/20) Sept. 21: Mr. Ebrahim Eufoof Mayet, agent of White Westinghouse International Ltd. of US, and Managing Director of Mayet Enterprise Ltd., donated 12 freezers worth K 1 million to the Myanmar Karuna Foundation. (NLM 9/22) Sept. 23: President U.K. Joe Shein of Pan American Pharmaceuticals Co. Ltd. called on Minister for Commerce Lt-Gen. Tun Kyi and presented US-made musical instruments worth K 2 million to the Ministry of Commerce. (NLM 9/24) Sept. 23: Country Manager Mr. Charles Frankly of Sinamax Trading donated a Philips TV and deck worth K 100,000 to the Institute of Sports and Physical Training. (NLM 9/24) Sept. 24: Chairman Mr. Siddir Seth and Managing Director Mr. Mohamed Yusoof Seth of Hero International Enterprise Ltd. donated K 500,000 to the Myanmar Karuna Foundation. (NLM 9/25) FOREIGN VISITORS [Although we rarely note the fact, foreign visitors calling on Myanmar officials are often accompanied by their Ambassadors. -- HCMacD.] International Agency Visitors Sept. 9: Senior Consultant Mr. Jan Kamp of UNDP called on Minister for National Planning and Economic Development Brig-Gen. Abel to discuss UNDP assistance to the Mekong sub-region programme. (NLM 9/10) Sept. 17: Chief Technical Adviser Mr. David Steane of FAO called on Minister for Livestock Breeding & Fisheries U Aung Thaung. (NLM 9/18) 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.] Aug. 31: Manager Mr. Kenji of Okunaka, and Assistant Manger Mr. Ozaki and General Manager U Tin Maung of Hero International Enterprise Ltd. demonstrated new electronic equipment of Sharp Corp. of Japan. (NLM 9/1) Sept. 2: President Mr. Xue Zhao and party of China National Export Bases Development Corp. called on Chairman of the Myanmar Investment Commission Deputy Prime Minister Vice-Adm. Maung Maung Khin, and on Minister for Livestock Breeding & Fisheries U Aung Thaung. (NLM 9/3) Sept. 4: Chairman Mr. Salman F. Rahman of the Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry called on Minister for National Planning and Economic Development Brig-Gen. Abel. (NLM 9/5) Sept. 4: Officials of China National Complete Plant Equipment Import and Export Corp. called on Minister for Transport Lt-Gen. Thein Win to discuss construction of the Hanthawady International Airport. (NLM 9/5) Sept. 4: General Manager Mr. I. Nakada of International Financial Department for Hong Kong and Asia of the Sumitomo Bank and party called on Minister for Transport Lt-Gen. Thein Win. (NLM 9/5) Sept. 5: Representative Mr. R. Wiegand of Fritz Werner (Yangon Branch), and accompanied by Regional Representative of Fritz Werner Mr. Raul-Dieter Christ, and Mr. Bernhard Vollmer of Dagendorfer Werft (DWE) called on Minister for Transport Lt-Gen. Thein Win to discuss Inland Water Transport, Waterways Department, and Myanmar Shipyard. (NLM 9/6) Sept. 5: Manager (General Sales) Hj Johari Hj Othman of Royal Brunei Airlines and party called on Minister for Transport Lt-Gen. Thein Win; the airline will place Yangon on its London route on Sept. 12, with a Yangon-London round trip fare of US $ 1,157. (NLM 9/6) [see also under Aviation]. Sept. 6: Managing Director Mr. Yoshiki Takeda of YKK Development (S) Pte. Ltd. and party called on Minister for Transport Lt-Gen. Thein Win, and on Minister at the Deputy Prime Minister's Office and Secretary of the Myanmar Investment Commission Brig-Gen. Maung Maung. (NLM 9/7) Sept. 6: General Manager Mr. S. Yamanokuchi of Mitsubishi Corp. (Yangon Branch) called on Minister for Transport Lt-Gen. Thein Win to discuss buying a dredger for the Myanma Port Authority. (NLM 9/7) Sept. 6: Vice-President Mr. Otmar Nitsch of Detecon Deutsche Telepast Consulting Ltd. called on Deputy Prime Minister Lt-Gen. Tin Tun to discuss fibre optic technology. (NLM 9/7) Sept. 9: Managing Director Mr. Goh Soo Siah and party of Leo Property Management Pte. Ltd. of Singapore (and Director of Kuok (Singapore) Ltd.) called on SLORC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt. (NLM 9/10) // Sept 10: He called on Minister at the Deputy Prime Minister's Office Secretary of the Myanma Investment Committee Brig-Gen. Maung Maung. (NLM 9/11) Sept. 11: Chairman Mr. Yasuhiro Matsuda of Myanmar Centre for Business and Information of Japan and party called on Minister for Hotels and Tourism Lt-Gen. Kyaw Ba. (NLM 9/12) Sept. 11: Patroness Ms. Eliane Achten of the Port Antwerp Promotion Association called on Minister for Transport Lt-Gen. Thein Win. (NLM 9/12) Sept. 11: A five-member delegation led by Prof. Minoru Kiryu of the Institute of Developing Economies (IDE) of Japan called on Minister for Hotels and Tourism Lt-Gen. Kyaw Ba. (NLM 9/12) Sept. 13: Vice-Chairman Mr. T. Tasaki of Tasaki Shinju Co. of Kobe, Japan, called on Minister at the Deputy Prime Minister's Office Secretary of the Myanma Investment Committee Brig-Gen. Maung Maung. (NLM 9/ 14) Sept. 13: Ms. Sylviz Yong of Mount Elizabeth Hospital Ltd., Singapore, called on Minister for Commerce Lt-Gen. Tun Kyi. (NLM 9/14) Sept. 13: Chairman Mr. Sjamsul Nursalim and party of PJ Gadjah Tunggal Co. of Indonesia called on Chairman of the Myanmar Investment Commission Deputy Prime Minister Vice-Adm. Maung Maung Khin to discuss investments in tyre production, and were given a dinner by Minister for Industry-2 Maj-Gen. Kyaw Than. (NLM 9/14) Sept. 14: Group Executive Chairman Mr. Mirzan Mahathir of Konsortium Perkapalan Bhd of Malaysia called on Minister for National Planning and Economic Development Brig-Gen. Abel and Minister for Transport Lt-Gen. Thein Win. (NLM 9/15) Sept. 14: Director AVM (Ret) Soemakno of PT Indoportland and party called on Minister for Transport Lt-Gen. Thein Win. (NLM 9/15) Sept. 16: Director Mr. Lee Kyu Seok of Hyundai Corp. and party called on Minister for National Planning and Economic Development Brig-Gen. Abel. (NLM 9/17) Sept. 16: Dr. Ong Chit Chung of Sum Cheong International Ltd. of Singapore, Patron of the Myanmar Business Group, and party called on Minister at the Deputy Prime Minister's Office Secretary of the Myanma Investment Committee Brig-Gen. Maung Maung, and on Minister for National Planning and Economic Development Brig-Gen. Abel. (NLM 9/17) // Sept. 17: He called on Minister for Hotels and Tourism Lt-Gen. Kyaw Ba. (NLM 9/18) // Sept 19: He called on Minister for Transport Lt-Gen. Thein Win. (NLM 9/20) [see also under Donations, above] Sept. 16: Chairman Mr. Peter Godwin of the Myanmar-Britain Business Association (Chairman of the Asia Pacific Advisory Group) and party called on SLORC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt, on Minister for National Planning and Economic Development Brig-Gen. Abel, and on Chairman of the Myanmar Investment Commission Deputy Prime Minister Vice-Adm. Maung Maung Khin. (NLM 9/17) Sept. 17: Executive Chairman and CEO Mr. Arsa Sarasin and party of Padaeng Industry of Thailand called on Minister for Mines Lt-Gen. Kyaw Min, and on Chairman of the Myanmar Investment Commission Deputy Prime Minister Vice-Adm. Maung Maung Khin. (NLM 9/18) Sept. 17: Director Mr. Kurt Wegmann of Associated Companies, Umar Union Maritma International SA, called on Minister for Commerce Lt-Gen. Tun Kyi. (NLM 9/18) Sept. 18: President Mr. Chua Seng Huat of Kim Hin Industry Berhad and party called on Chairman of the Myanmar Investment Commission Deputy Prime Minister Vice-Adm. Maung Maung Khin. (NLM 9/19) Sept. 18: Italian Trade Commissioner Dr. Antonio Laspina called on Minister for Forestry Lt-Gen. Chit Swe. (NLM 9/19) Sept. 19: Vice-President (Marketing and Sales) Mr. Osamu Nagahata and party of All Nippon Airways Co. Ltd. called on Minister for Transport Lt-Gen. Thein Win. (NLM 9/ 20) Sept. 19: President Mr. Narong Srisa-An and party of the Thai Farmers Bank called on Chairman of the Myanmar Investment Commission Deputy Prime Minister Vice-Adm. Maung Maung Khin to discuss establishment of a joint-venture bank. (NLM 9/20) Sept. 19: Dr. Tin Maung Naing and Mr. Harry K. Menon of Idris Hydraulic (Malaysia) Bhd and party called on Minister for Hotels and Tourism Lt-Gen. Kyaw Ba to discuss two hotel projects -- at the open air market and at Shwegondine junction -- with a total capital of $157 million, to be completed by Dec. 1998. (NLM 9/20) Sept. 19: Senior Manager Mr. Lo Kien Sen and party of Centrepoint Properties Ltd. of Singapore called on Minister for Commerce Lt-Gen. Tun Kyi. (NLM 9/20) Sept. 20: Managing Director Mr. Zenichi Ishikawa of Daiwa Institute of Research Ltd., Japan, called on Minister for Commerce Lt-Gen. Tun Kyi. (NLM 9/21) Sept. 20: Senior Vice-President Mr. Mitsuo Iijima and party of All Nippon Airways Co. Ltd. called on Minister for Hotels and Tourism Lt-Gen. Kyaw Ba. "The Minister quoted an American tourist who visited Myanmar as saying that he was surprised that what he had heard was totally different from what he saw in Myanmar. The tourist refuted the Bangkok Post report that there was human rights abuse in Mandalay." (NLM 9/21) Sept. 20: Executive Chairman and CEO Mr. Prachak Tang Koravalcoon and party of TOA Group of Companies of Thailand called on SLORC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt. The company donated TOA paints worth one million baht to the Government. (NLM 9/21) // Sept. 21: He called on Yangon Mayor U Ko Lay. (NLM 9/22) Sept. 23: President and CEO Mr. T. S. Ong and party of Genting Sanyen (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd called on Minister for Energy U Khin Maung Thein. (NLM 9/24) Sept. 23: Executive Director Mr. Rollo Barnes of Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc. of England, and officials of Anglo-Eastern Plantations Management Sdn Bhd of Malaysia, accompanied by Malaysian Defence Adviser Lt-Col. Shahrir Bin Hashim, called on Chairman of the Myanmar Investment Commission Deputy Prime Minister Vice-Adm. Maung Maung Khin to "discuss mutual cooperation in rubber plantation, palm oil and agriculture and investment." (NLM 9/24) Sept. 24: Managing Director Mr. Rolf Eberhard von Bueren of JV Control Co. Ltd. of Thailand called on Minister for Hotels and Tourism Lt-Gen. Kyaw Ba. "He presented $ 2,400 to the minister on behalf of Mandalay Express and Ayeyawady Slowboat Co." He also called on Chairman of the Myanmar Investment Commission Deputy Prime Minister Vice-Adm. Maung Maung Khin. (NLM 9/25) Sept. 24: Managing Director Mr. Uwe Finke of Nowika Co. of Germany called on Minister for Livestock Breeding & Fisheries U Aung Thaung. (NLM 9/25) Sept. 25: President Mr. Santoshi Kambe and party of Sanwa Trading Co. (Myanmar) Ltd. called on Yangon Mayor U Ko Lay. (NLM 9/26) Sept. 26: Executive Director Mr. Abdul Razak Abdullah Baginda and party of the Strategic Research Centre of Malaysia called on Minister for National Planning and Economic Development Brig-Gen. Abel. (NLM 9/ 27) Sept. 26: Chairman Mr. Dato Mohd Radzi B. Manan of Idris Hydraulic Co., Malaysia, called on Yangon Mayor U Ko Lay. (NLM 9/ 27) Sept. 27: Japanese entrepreneurs led by Chairman Mr. Koki Onodera of Yangon International Hotel of MCG Corporation Ltd. called on Minister for Hotels and Tourism Lt-Gen. Kyaw Ba. (NLM 9/28) Media Visitors Sept. 6: South East Asia Correspondent Mr. Gary P. Thomas of the Voice of America called on Minister for Hotels and Tourism Lt-Gen. Kyaw Ba to discuss Visit Myanmar Year and hotel development. (NLM 9/7) Sept. 10: Deputy Director-General Mr. Rudi Selch and party of ZDF Television Company called on Minister for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs Lt-Gen. Maung Thint. w. (NLM 9/11) Sept. 10: Chairman Mr. Yin Zilie and party of China International Enterprises Cooperative Corp. called on Minister for Transport Lt-Gen. Thein Win to discuss construction of the Hanthawady International Airport. (NLM 9/11) Sept. 17: British travel writers led by Area Manager (Europe) Ms. Sandra McGough of Royal Brunei Airways called on Minister for Hotels and Tourism Lt-Gen. Kyaw Ba. (NLM 9/18) Sept. 17: Chief Editor Mr. Hidenobu Okamoto of Tokyo Broadcasting System Inc. called on Minister for National Planning and Economic Development Brig-Gen. Abel. (NLM 9/18) Sept. 27: Correspondent Mr. Takao Hishinuma of The Yomiuri Shimbun Daily, based in Thailand, called on Minister for Hotels and Tourism Lt-Gen. Kyaw Ba. (NLM 9/28) Academic and Medical Visitors Sept. 4: Japanese researchers led by Mr. Minoru Kiryu of the IDE called on Director-General Lt-Col. Thein Han of the Department for National Races and Border Areas to discuss narcotics eradication. (NLM 9/5) Sept. 19: Professor Mr. Ayaaki Ishizaki and party of Kyushu University called on Minister for National Planning and Economic Development Brig-Gen. Abel. (NLM 9/20) Sept. 15: Zeneca Pharma of Singapore sponsored a symposium on An Update on ACE Inhibitors, chaired by Prof. U Aung of the Department of Cardiac Medicine at Yangon General Hospital. Prof. Thomas Giles of the Department of Medicine of Louisiana State University of the US lectured on The Impact of ACE Inhibitors on the Treatment of Hypertension and Heart Failure -- Focus on Lisinopril (Zestril). (NLM 9/16) Sept. 16: Prof. K. Kaneko and party of the Institute of Asian Ethno-Forms and Culture called on SLORC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt. (NLM 9/17) Sept. 27: Resident Representative Miss Barbara Radelli of Medicine du Monde of France, resident in Yangon, called on Minister for Health U Saw Tun, to discuss scholarships, medical equipment supplies, and AIDS cooperation. (NLM 9/28) Religious Visitors Sept. 6: A Thai Buddhist study mission headed by Deputy Minister of Education Mr. Chaowarin Latthasaksiri arrived and called on Chairman of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee Sayadaw Abhidhaja Maha Rattha Guru Abhidhaja Agga Maha Saddhammajotika Bhaddanta Sobhita. The mission includes seven members of the Sangha and 38 laypersons. (NLM 9/7) // Sept. 10: The mission departed, after visiting Bagan on Sept. 7 and Mandalay on Sept. 8. (NLM 9/11) Bangladesh Foreign Minister Sept. 1: Bangladesh Minister for Foreign Affairs Abdus Samad Azad and party will visit Myanmar from Sept. 3-5, 1996, at the invitation of Minister for Foreign Affairs U Ohn Gyaw. (NLM 9/1) Sept. 3: The delegation arrived. (NLM 9/ 4) Sept. 4: The Minister called on SLORC Vice-Chairman Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Commander-in-Chief (Army) Gen. Maung Aye, on SLORC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt, and on Minister for Foreign Affairs U Ohn Gyaw. There were discussions with Myanmar officials, a visit to the Sunni Bangali Mosque on Sule Pagoda Road, and a dinner hosted by the Myanmar Foreign Minister. (NLM 9/5) Sept. 5: The Minister departed. (NLM 9/6) Singapore Officials Sept. 3: Newly appointed Singapore foreign affairs officials called on Minister for National Planning and Economic Development Brig-Gen. Abel. (NLM 9/4) Japanese Goodwill Delegation Sept. 13: A 12-member goodwill delegation from the Saitama Prefectural Assembly Japan-Myanmar Friendship Promotion League, led by Governor Mr. Yoshihiko Tsuchiya, visited Yangon on Sept. 11-13, and called on Minister for Foreign Affairs U Ohn Gyaw. (NLM 9/14) Sri Lanka Ballet Sept. 16: A 14-member group from the Sama Ballet of Sri Lanka, led by Mr. Sunil Cabral, arrived, and will perform at the National Theatre from Sept. 17-19. (NLM 9/17) // Sept. 17: The group was received by Deputy Minister for Culture U Soe Nyunt. (NLM 9/18) // Sept. 21: The group returned home. (NLM 9/22) Kathmandu Mayor Sept. 19: A Nepal goodwill delegation led by Mayor Mr. P. L. Singh of Kathmandu arrived at the invitation of Yangon Mayor U Ko Lay. (NLM 9/20) // Sept. 20: The delegation toured Yangon. (NLM 9/21) // Sept. 21: The delegation called on Yangon Mayor U Ko Lay. (NLM 9/22) // Sept. 22: The delegation returned home. (NLM 9/23) MYANMAR DELEGATIONS Study Delegations Sept. 7: A 56-member delegation led by Deputy Director-General U Soe Lin of the Foreign Economic Relations Department left for Japan under the Myanmar-Japan regional development exchange programme. (NLM 9/8) // Sept. 16: The delegation returned. (NLM 9/17) Sept. 11: A labour study mission led by Director-General U Tun Shwe of the Labour Department left for China. Other members are Branch Head U Thein Lwin of the Yangon City Development Committee, Division Head U Kyaw Soe of the Ministry of Industry-1, and Security Officer U Thaung Han of the Central Inland Freight Handling Committee. (NLM 9/12) // Sept. 18: It returned Sept. 17. (NLM 9/19) // Sept. 19: It returned Sept. 18. (NLM 9/20) Delegations to Meetings Sept. 1: A three-member delegation led by Yangon Mayor U Ko Lay left for China to attend the 5th World Conference of Historical Cities in Xi'an, as well as to consecrate Buddha images donated by Myanmar at the Bamein Temple in Jiangsu Province. Members are Department heads U Khin Maung Myint, U Min Thein, and U Tin Maung Win. (NLM 9/2) // Sept. 11: The delegation returned. (NLM 9/12) Sept. 14: A delegation led by Myanmar Ambassador to Germany U Tun Ngwe left for Vienna to attend the 40th General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency. Other members are Director-General U Aung Ko of Myanmar Scientific and Technical Research Department (Vice Chairman of the Myanma Atomic Energy Committee), Col. Kyaw Mya, and Secretary Dr. Tin Hlaing of the Myanma Atomic Energy Committee. (NLM 9/15) Sept. 15: A delegation headed by Deputy Minister for Livestock Breeding and Fisheries U Aung Thein left for Malaysia to observe the Sept. 16-18 ASEAN Fisheries Group's 8th Council Meeting and Economic Conference. Other members are Deputy Director-General U Than Tun and Deputy Director U Wai Lwin of the Fisheries Department. (NLM 9/16) // Sept. 21: The delegation returned. In addition to attending the Conference, the Deputy Minister on Sept. 19 called on Malaysian Deputy Minister of Agriculture Dato Dr. Tengku Mahmad Mens, and visited fish breeding projects. (NLM 9/ 22) Sept. 23: A delegation led by Deputy Minister for Forestry U Aung Phone left for Hanoi to attend the Ministerial-level Meeting on Forest Sector of South-East Asian Nations. He was accompanied by Director-General Dr. Kyaw Tint of the Forest Department. (NLM 9/24) // Sept. 26: The delegation returned. (NLM 9/27) Sept. 25: A delegation led by General Manager U Khin Bo of JVC-3 left for Bangkok to visit Thailand Printing Services Exhibition '96 on Sept. 26-29. He was accompanied by Secretary U Maung Soe and Joint Secretaries Daw Than Kyi and U Myint Thu of Myanmar Printing Publishing Entrepreneurs Association, and executives U Shwe Hlaing, U Thaik Tun, and U Aung Kyaw Oo. (NLM 9/26) Religious Delegations Sept. 23: A five-member team led by Managing Director U Khin Maung Oo of Myanma Department Stores left for India to make arrangements for a package tour of India and Nepal by Myanmar pilgrims. (NLM 9/24) // Sept. 24: 65 pilgrims will leave on Sept. 29 and another 65 on Oct. 13, for 12-day tours to Buddha Gaya and other Buddhist sites. (NLM 9/25) // Sept. 29: The first group pf 65 devotees, led by Thiha Suddhamma Manijotadhaja Saddhamma Jotikadhaja Shwemyintin U Nyo, flew to Pattana, from where they will visit Lumbini Park, Bodh Gaya, Sarnath, and Kusinaraga by car. (NLM 9/30) Business Delegations Sept. 11: A delegation led by Deputy Minister for Transport U Sann Wai, including officials from Myanma Five Star Line, left for China to attend the Sept. 15 launching of the 3,000 ton freighter Mongla, being built at the Zhong Hua Shipyard and Shanghai by Yunnan Machinery Export and Import Corporation for the Myanma Five Star Line. (NLM 9/12) Cultural Delegations Sept. 4: A 25-member cultural troupe led by Director (Admin) U Ngwe Tun of the Fine Arts Department left for China under the cultural exchange programme. (NLM 9/5) UNGA Delegation Sept. 21: A delegation led by Minister for Foreign Affairs U Ohn Gyaw left for New York to attend the 51st UN General Assembly. The Minister was accompanied by Director U Pe Than Oo and Additional Officer U Min Thein of the Foreign Ministry. He will be joined in New York by delegation members Permanent Representative to the UN in New York U Win Mra (as Alternate Chairman) and Minister-Counsellor U Tint Deir and Counsellor U Thane Myint of the UN Mission; Ambassador to the United States U Tin Winn; Ambassador to Pakistan U Pe Thein Tin; Ambassador to Canada Dr. Kyaw Win; and Director-General U Zaw Wynn and Directors U Mya Than and U Thaung Tun of the Foreign Ministry. Delegation advisors are Deputy Director U Ko Ko of the Foreign Ministry, and First Secretary U Hla Myint and Second Secretary U Kyaw Swa of the UN Mission. (NLM 9/22) [see above, under DIPLOMATIC, for Foreign Minister's address to the UNGA] World Bank Delegation Sept. 24: A delegation led by Minister for Finance and Revenue Brig-Gen. Win Tin left for Washington to attend the Annual Meeting of the International Monetary Fund, World Bank, and World Bank organizations. Other members are Governor U Kyi Aye and Deputy Director Daw Ohnmar Sein of the Central Bank of Myanmar, Director-General U Soe Lin of the Foreign Economic Relations Department, Staff Officer Capt. Min Zaw Oo, and the Minister's PSO U Khin Maung Aye. (NLM 9/25) Delegations Return [Return to Yangon of delegations which had left in previous months, or whose departure had not been noticed in NLD] Sept. 1: The Myanmar delegation led by Minister for National Planning and Economic Development Brig-Gen. Abel returned from the Sixth Ministerial-level meeting on Mekong Region cooperation, held in Kunming, China. (NLM 9/2) // Sept. 3: The meeting was attended by delegates from Cambodia, China, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam, and by representatives from the ADB, ASEAN, Australian Agency on International Development (AUSAID), Japan Export Import Bank (JEXIM), Indonesia, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, the Mekong Region Commission (MRC), the Overseas Economic Cooperation Board (OECB), economic cooperation boards of Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar, UNDP, and the World Bank. Minister for National Planning and Economic Development Brig-Gen. Abel discussed Myanmar economic reform and opportunities for development of infrastructure in the Mekong region. He met with Secretary Mr. Gao Lang of the Yunnan Regional Committee of the Chinese Communist Party, to discuss economic cooperation. He also met with Governor Mr. He Zhigiang and Vice-Governor Mr. Liu Jing of Yunnan Province to discuss "car and rail road linking Myanmar and Yunnan and border trade." (NLM 9/4) Sept. 10: The Myanmar Writers Delegation led by U Phone Myint returned from Russia. (NLM 9/11) Sept. 18: The delegation led by Chairman U Maung Maung Gyi of the Civil Service Selection and Training Board returned from China Sept. 17. (NLM 9/19) MYANMAR GAZETTE Probationary Appointments The State Law and Order Restoration Council has appointed. on probation: Sept. 25: U Myo Nyunt, Director, to be Director-General, Accounts Office, Ministry of Defence. U Nay Win Oo, Ministry of Commerce, to be Director-General, Border Trade Department, Ministry of Commerce. Dr. U Kyaw Myint Tun, Professor/Department Head, to be Rector, Yangon Institute of Medicine-1, Ministry of Health. (NLM 9/ 26) Appointments The State Law and Order Restoration Council has appointed the following: Sept. 25: U Chit Swe, Managing Director, Myanma Agriculture and Rural Development Bank, to be Managing Director, Myanma Small Loans Division, Ministry of Finance and Revenue. Dr. U Mya Oo, Rector, Yangon Institute of Medicine-1, to be Director-General, Department of Medical Sciences, Ministry of Health. (NLM 9/26) Appointments Confirmed The State Law and Order Restoration Council has confirmed, following one-year probation: GOVERNMENT Computer Law Sept. 20: State Law and Order Restoration Council Law No. 10/96 of Sept. 20, 1996, The Computer Science Development Law [full text]: The State Law and Order Restoration Council hereby enacts the following Law: - CHAPTER I Title and Definition 1. This Law shall be called the Computer Sciences Development Law. 2. The following expressions contained in this Law shall have the meanings given hereunder: - (a) Computer means individually-used small-size machines, commonly-used medium-size and large-size electronic machinery which can produce the required answers and diagrams by comparative scruting [sic] of collected data. This expression also includes electronic machinery which is prescribed by notification from time to time by the Ministry of Communications; (b) Computer Hardware means the computer, its components and the accessories; (c) Computer Software means the computer programme written to give directions as may be necessary to the computer; (d) Computer network means the communicating system through satellite or any other technology using the computer. (e) Information Technology means the technology by means of which information is transmitted electronically; (f) Computer Scientist means the holder of a local or foreign degree, undergraduate diploma or a postgraduate diploma in the field of computer science. This expression also includes a person who is conversant with computer programming; (g) Computer Entrepreneur means a person engaged in the business of producing and selling computer hardware or computer software locally or in the business of exporting or importing the same. This expression also includes a person engaged in maintenance service of computers and a person who has established a private computer training course; (h) Computer Enthusiast means a person who is interested in computer science and is studying the same in any manner. This expression also includes a person who is utilizing a computer in any manner; (i) Council means the Myanmar Computer Science Development Council formed under this law; (j) Federation means the Myanmar Computer Federation formed under this Law. CHAPTER II Objectives 2. The Objectives of this Law are as follows: - (a) to contribute towards the emergence of a modern developed State through computer science; (b) to lay down and implement measures necessary for the development and dissemination of computer science and technology; (c) to create opportunities for the youth, especially students, to study computer science; (d) to study computer science, which is developing internationally and to utilize the same in a manner which is most beneficial to the State; (e) to cause extensively development in the use of computer science in the respective fields of work; (f) to supervise the import and export of computer software or information. CHAPTER III Formation of the Myanmar Computer Science Development Council 4. The State Law and Order Restoration Council: -- (a) shall form the Myanmar Computer Science Development Council comprising the following persons:-- (1) Person assigned by the State Law and Order Restoration Council -- Chairman (2) Ministers or Deputy Minister from relevant Ministries -- Members (3) Heads of the relevant government departments and organizations -- Members (4) Suitable Computer scientists -- Members (5) Deputy Minister, Ministry of Education -- Secretary (b) may determine the Deputy Chairman and Joint Secretary if necessary in forming the Council. 5. The non-governmental Council members are entitled to such remuneration as may be prescribed by the Ministry of Education. 6. The Department of Higher Education:-- (a) shall bear the expenses of the Council, (b) shall undertake the office work of the Council. CHAPTER IV Duties and Powers of the Council 7. The duties and powers of the Council are as follows:-- (a) laying down the policy and giving guidance for the development of computer science in the State to keep abreast with the times; (b) laying down the policy with respect to the systematic dissemination of utilization of computer science in the State; (c) laying down the policy, giving guidance and controlling with respect to computer network; (d) making arrangements for the youth, especially students to get the opportunity of studying basic computer science; (e) laying down the policy, giving guidance and controlling with respect to information technology; (f) supervising and giving guidance with respect to activities of the federation and computer-based associations formed under the Law; (g) prescribing the types of computer software and information which are not permitted to be imported or exported; (h) laying down measures to cause extensive development in the utilization of computer science in the respective fields of work in the State; (i) forming necessary working committees and bodies related to computer science and assigning duties thereto; (j) abolishing any computer association formed or existing not in conformity with the provisions of this law or any computer association not functioning in accordance with the provisions of the Law or not in conformity with the constitution of the relevant association; (k) laying down and carrying out measures necessary to the attainment of the objectives of this Law. CHAPTER V Formation of Computer Associations 8. The different level of Computer Enthusiasts' Associations may be formed as follows:-- (a) Computer Enthusiasts' Basic Association; (b) Township Computer Enthusiasts' Association; (c) District Computer Enthusiasts' Association; (d) State/Divisional Computer Enthusiasts' Association; (e) Myanmar Computer Enthusiasts' Association. 9. (a) The Computer Enthusiasts' Basic Association may be formed with at least seven computer enthusiasts; (b) The Township Computer Enthusiasts' Association may be formed with representatives chosen by the Computer Enthusiasts' Basic Associations in accordance with the stipulations; (c) The District Computer Enthusiasts' Association may be formed with representatives chosen by the Township Computer Enthusiasts' Associations in accordance with the stipulations; (d) The State/Divisional Computer Enthusiasts' Association may be formed with representatives chosen by the District Computer Enthusiasts' Association in accordance with the stipulations; (e) The Myanmar Computer Enthusiasts' Association may be formed with representatives chosen by the State/Divisional Computer Enthusiasts' Associations. 10. The different levels of Computer Scientists' Association may be formed as follows:-- (a) Township Computer Scientists' Association; (b) District Computer Scientists' Association; (c) State/Divisional Computer Scientists' Association; (d) Myanmar Computer Scientists' Association. 11.(a) The Township Computer Scientists' Association may be formed with at least seven members of the township; (b) The District Computer Scientists' Association may be formed with representatives chosen by the Township Computer Scientists' Associations in accordance with the stipulations. In case the Township Computer Scientists' Association has not been formed as yet it may be formed with at least seven members of the District; (c) The State/Divisional Computer Scientists' Association may be formed with representatives chosen by the District Computer Scientists' Association in accordance with the stipulations. In case the District Computer Scientists' Association has not been formed as yet, it may be formed with at least seven members of the State/Division. (d) The Myanmar Computer Scientists' Association may be formed with representatives chosen by the State/Divisional Computer Scientists' Associations in accordance with the stipulations. 12. The different levels of Computer Entrepreneurs' Association may be formed as follows: (a) Township Computer Entrepreneurs' Association; (b) District Computer Entrepreneurs' Association; (c) State/Division Computer Entrepreneurs' Association; (d) Myanmar Computer Entrepreneurs' Association. 13.(a) The Township Computer Entrepreneurs' Association may be formed with at least seven computer entrepreneurs of the township; (b) The District Computer Entrepreneurs' Association may be formed with representatives chosen by the Township Computer Entrepreneurs' Associations in accordance with the stipulations. In case the Township Computer Entrepreneurs' Association has not been formed as yet it may be formed with at least seven computer enthusiasts [sic--presumably "entrepreneurs" is meant] of the District; (c) The State/Divisional Computer Entrepreneurs' Association may be formed with representatives chosen by the District Computer Entrepreneurs' Associations in accordance with the stipulations. In case the District Computer Entrepreneurs' Association has not been formed as yet, it may be formed with at least seven computer entrepreneurs of the State/Division. (d) The Myanmar Computer Entrepreneurs' Association may be formed with representatives chosen by the State/ Divisional Computer Entrepreneurs' Associations in accordance with the stipulations. 14. Persons who wish to form an association under Section 8, section 10 or section 12 shall, after drawing up the constitution of the association submit to and obtain the approval of the organizational meeting of the association concerned. 15. The constitution of the association drawn up under section 14, shall contain stipulations in respect of the following: (a) objective of forming the association; (b) if the association is formed at the basic level or with members of that level stipulation as to the qualifications of its members; (c) forming the executive committee and stipulations as to its functions and duties; (d) choosing and sending representative to the one level higher association; (e) maintaining a fund and utilization; (f) holding meetings; (g) other necessary stipulations in accordance with the type of association concerned. 16. The tenure of the executive committee of the associations formed under section 8, section 10 or section 12 is 2 years from the date of formation. 17. The associations formed under section 8, section 10 or section 12 are non-governmental organizations without a profit-making motive. CHAPTER VI Formation of the Federation 18. The Council:- (a) shall form the Myanmar Computer Federation comprising representatives chosen from the Myanmar Computer Enthusiasts' Association, the Myanmar Computer Scientists' Association and the Myanmar Computer Entrepreneurs' Association in accordance with the stipulations; (b) may determine the number of members of the Federation as may be necessary; (c) shall appoint the Chairman and Secretary of the Federation and assign duties [and] may appoint the Deputy Chairman and Joint Secretary if necessary; (d) shall determine the tenure of the persons appointed by it to the federation. 19. The tenure of members included as representatives of the respective association in the federation shall be the same as the tenure of the executive committee of the computer associations concerned that has [sic] chosen them. 20. The federation shall determine the business and procedures with respect to the holding of the meeting. 21. The federation shall set up an office establishment to perform its daily office work. 22. The federation is a non-governmental organization without profit-making motive. 23. The federation has the right to use its own name and seal with perpetual succession and the right to sue and to be sued. CHAPTER VII Duties and Powers of the Federation 24. The duties and powers of the federation are as follows:- (a) carrying out for the development of computer science in the State to keep abreast with the times; (b) conducting research in computer science, giving assistance to the persons conducting research; (c) promoting extensive utilization of computer science in the respective fields of work; (d) prescribing the syllabi and curricula for computer training schools; (e) inspecting teaching in computer training schools as may be necessary so as to determine whether it is up to standard or not; (f) running computer science courses, holding lectures, competitions and organizing study tours; (g) holding examinations in computer science, conferring certificates and medals; (h) submitting advice to the Council from time to time on the development of computer science; (i) giving assistance to manufacturers so as to enhance the quality of computer hardware and computer software; (j) giving assistance for production of computer hardware and computer software and for sale inside and outside the country; (k) laying down projects on information technology in accordance with the guidance of the Council; (l) communicating with international computer organizations; (m) making arrangements for holding and dispatching delegates to local and foreign conferences; (n) fulfilling a target to devise a system that can use Myanmar language in the computer; (o) tendering advice to government departments and organizations which seek advice with respect to computer; (p) compiling, publishing and distributing books, papers, periodicals and journals on computer; (q) setting up a library to collect books on computer from inside and outside the country; (r) carrying out for the youth especially students, to acquire basic computer knowledge and to cause emergence of outstanding computer scientists; (s) awarding monetary prize to outstanding computer scientists and inventors; (t) recommending to the Council to confer honorary titles and awards on outstanding computer scientists and inventors by the State; (u) submitting advice to the Council in order to protect the benefits of computer scientists and inventors; (v) forming necessary committees and bodies, and determining the functions and duties those of [sic]; (w) carrying out tasks with respect to computer science, assigned by the Council. CHAPTER VIII Finance 25. The Federation:- (a) shall subsist on its own fund; moreover, it shall undertake responsibility for all its financial matters; (b) shall prescribe financial regulations which it is to be abided by; (c) has the right to acquire and use grants or loans from any government department of organization, or from any financial institution; (d) shall deposit its funds in an account in the bank and shall use them in accordance with the financial regulations; (e) shall keep accounts systematically; (f) may carry out to increase funds which are not required immediately [sic], in accordance with the financial regulations and may raise funds; (g) may accept cash and kind donated locally and from abroad and may make appropriations to computer associations as may be necessary; (h) shall deposit its own foreign currency in a separate bank account and is entitled to use the same in accordance with the existing laws, rules and regulations; (i) may request assistance, if necessary from the Office of the Auditor-General with respect to bookkeeping and auditing of accounts. CHAPTER IX Prior Sanction and Licence 26.(a) The Ministry of Communications, Posts and Telegraphs may, with the approval of the Council, determine by notification the types of computer to be imported, kept in possession or utilized only with the prior sanction of the Ministry. (b) In determining the types of computer under sub-section (a), fax-modem card installed computer which can transmit or receive data shall be primarily targeted. (c) In determining the types of computer under sub-section (a), it shall not apply to computers that are used only as aids in teaching, office work or business. 27. A person desirous of importing, keeping in possession or utilizing the type of computer prescribed in sub-section (a) of section 26 shall apply to the Ministry of Communications, Posts and Telegraphs in accordance with the stipulations to obtain prior sanction. 28. A person desirous of setting up a computer network or connecting a link inside the computer network shall apply to the Ministry of Communications, Posts and Telegraphs in accordance with the stipulations to obtain prior sanction. 29. The Ministry of Communications, Posts and Telegraphs may, after scrutinizing the applications submitted under section 27 or section 28 in accordance with the stipulations, grant prior sanction or refuse to grant prior sanction. 30. A person desirous of keeping in possession or utilizing the type of computer prescribed under sub-section (a) of section 26, shall comply with the orders and directives issued from time to time by the Ministry of Communications, Posts and Telegraphs with respect to issuance of licence, prescribing the term of licence, licence fee and licence conditions. CHAPTER X Offences and Penalties 31. Whoever imports or keeps in possession or utilizes any type of computer prescribed under sub-section (a) of section 26, without the prior sanction of the Ministry of Communications, Posts and Telegraphs shall, on conviction be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend from a minimum of 7 years to a maximum of 15 years and may also be liable to a fine. 32. Whoever sets up a computer network or connects a link inside the computer network, without the prior sanction of the Ministry of Communications, Posts and Telegraphs shall, on conviction be punished in imprisonment for a term which may extend from a minimum of 7 years to a maximum of 15 years and may also be liable to a fine. 33. Whoever fails to comply with a prohibitory order issued by the Council, or the Ministry of Education or the Ministry of Communications, Posts and Telegraphs in respect of the type of computer prescribed under subsection (a) of section 26 shall, on conviction be punished with imprisonment which may extend to 6 months or with a fine or with both. 34. Whoever commits any of the following acts using computer network or any information technology shall, on conviction be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend from a minimum of 7 years to a maximum of 15 years, and may also be liable to a fine:- (a) carrying out any act which undermines State Security, prevalence of law and order and community peace and tranquillity, national unity, State economy or national culture; (b) obtaining or sending and distributing any information of State secret relevant to State security, prevalence of law and order and community peace and tranquillity, national unity, State economy or national culture. 35. Whoever violates any order relating to control issued by the Council under Sub-section (c) and Sub-section (d) of section 7 shall, on conviction be punished for a term which may extend to 3 years or with fine or with both. 36. Whoever imports or exports any type of computer software or any information prescribed by the Council under sub-section (g) of section 7 shall, on conviction be punished for a term which may extend from a minimum of 5 years to a maximum of 10 years and may also be liable to a fine. 37. Whoever fails to comply with an order abolishing any computer association, issued by the Council under sub-section (j) of section 7 shall, on conviction be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to 3 years, or with fine or with both. 38. Whoever attempts or conspires to commit any offence under this law or abets in the commission of such offence shall, on conviction be punished with the same penalty prescribed by the Law for such offence. 39. The Court shall, in ordering a penalty for any offence under this Law, confisticate [sic] or destroy or dispose of the exhibits relevant to the offence in accordance with the stipulations. CHAPTER XI Miscellaneous 40. With respect of transferring computer technology, it shall be done in accordance with the provisions of Chapter VII of the Science and Technology Development Law. 41. In instituting legal proceedings under this Law, prior sanction of the Ministry of Home Affairs shall be obtained. 42. In order to carry out the provisions of this Law: (a) The Ministry of Education may, with the approval of the Government, issue such rules and procedures [as] may be necessary; (b) The Council or the Ministry of Education may issue such orders and directives as may be necessary; (c) The Ministry of Communications, Posts and Telegraphs may issue such orders and directives as may be necessary. Sd. Than Shwe Senior General Chairman The State Law and Order Restoration Council (NLM 9/21) Drug Chemicals Named Sept. 20: Ministry of Health Notification No. 4/96 of Sept. 20, designates the following as "chemicals used in processing narcotic drugs or manufacturing psychotropic substances" under Sections 16(b) and 30(b) of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Law: 1. Ephederine 2. Pseudoephederine (NLM 9/26) New Department Name Sept. 25: Ministry of Health Notification (no number) states that "Under the approval of Cabinet meeting No. 32/96 held on 25 September 1996, Department of Health Manpower has been changed to Department of Medical Sciences." [see also under Myanmar Gazette] MILITARY Surrenders by Armed Group Members Sept. 8: Battalion No. 203 of the ABSDF (Moe Thee Zun Group), commanded by Win Naing, returned to the legal fold at Myeik in Taninthayi Division on Aug. 31-Sept. 5. Those surrendering totalled 79 members and 52 family members, plus 45 weapons. They were brought from Mingaunghsay Island in Kyunzu Township to Myeik, and welcomed by military officers on Sept. 7, where they were given K 1,209,000 and 20 bags of rice "contributed by residents of wards who desire peace and development... fisheries companies, entrepreneurs and merchants." Arrangements have been made for their food, clothing and dwelling, and more surrenders are expected. (NLM 9/9) // Sept. 12: Nine other Battalion members, plus five family members, surrendered in Myeik on Sept. 8. (NLM 9/13) Sept. 12: Ten members of KNU Brigade 4 surrendered in Myeik on Sept. 7. They were followed by four more, with two family members, the same day. (NLM 9/13) Sept. 18: 22 "remaining members of armed groups" returned to the legal fold from Aug. 13-31 [names and details], bringing the August total to 44. (NLM 9/19) Sept. 20: Between Sept. 7-17, 46 KNU members (including 15 family members) returned to the legal fold in Taninthayi Division, with their arms [names and details]. (NLM 9/21) Sept. 28: 14 members of the Kayin armed group returned to the legal fold in Thaton on Sept. 25 [names and details]. (NLM 9/29) Sept. 28: 441 members of the Shan State National Army (SSNA) in Mongkai, Kyethe and Laicha led by U Kanna, U Phumar, and U Aik La, returned to the legal camp in Mongkai Township on Sept. 27, bringing 155 weapons. (NLM 9/29) ECONOMIC Economic Articles Sept. 1: Building a modern, developed nation, by Myat Thu. [Review of national development.] Sept. 3: Greening of nine arid districts will contribute to ecological balance, by Htay Kyi. [Importance of reforestation.] Sept. 8: Progress made in banking business in Myanmar, by Swe Thant Ko. [Review of establishment of private banks, opening of foreign bank offices, new currency notes, raising of interest on savings, issuance of Treasury Bonds, opening of foreign currency accounts, Foreign Exchange Certificates, establishment of the Myanmar Securities Exchange Centre Co. Ltd.] Sept. 9: Bridges built across rivers for future well-being of public, by Nyein Chan Oo. [Review of five major bridges being constructed by SLORC.] Sept. 10: Pleasant Emerald Lake, by Dr. Khin Maung Nyunt. [Restoration of Mya Kan (Emerald Lake), originally created by King Kyanzittha of Bagan, helping to enable the region to recover its ancient natural environment and become a center for eco-tourism. Long list of trees and plants recorded "in stone inscriptions, ink writings and terra cotta impressions of Ancient Bagan."] Sept. 13: More railroads for secure, smooth transportation, by Myint Lwin. [Before SLORC took over, Myanmar had 1976.35 miles of railroad; since 1988, SLORC has built an additional 544.79 miles. Review of projects.] Sept. 14: New milestone in Myanmar-Brunei communications cooperation, by Kyaw Thura. [Royal Brunei Airlines service between Brunei and London, via Yangon and Abu Dhabi, inaugurated Sept. 12.] Sept. 14: Geared for higher production, maximum profit, by Maung Maung Aye. [Gems development, including Myanma Gems Enterprise's joint venture with VEST Group Co. of Thailand.] Sept. 18: Reservoirs for national economic progress, by Min Hein. [Since 1988, 68 dams, affecting 970,000 acres, have been completed. 36 irrigation projects under way will affect 1.59 million acres, at a cost of K 23.49 billion. 39 planned projects will affect 1.26 million acres, at a cost of K 32.94 billion. 60 further potential projects would affect 1.77 million acres and cost K 46 billion.] Sept. 19: Myanmar's developing tourism industry, by Hla Tun (Twantay). [Hotel investments. "Hotels built with foreign investment are 10 in Yangon with 1,237 rooms, three in Mandalay with 390 rooms and one in Kawthoung with 200 rooms, totalling 14 with 1,827 rooms. Hotels licensed to nationals are 129 in Yangon with 2,001 rooms, 64 in Mandalay with 1,731 rooms, 60 in Bagan-Nyaung U with 875 rooms, 12 in PyinOoLwin with 192 rooms, 11 in Taunggyi with 210 rooms, 19 in Nyaungshwe with 252 rooms, two in Shwenyaung with 32 rooms, one in Myitkyina with ten rooms, two in Lashio with 69 rooms, and 60 in other regions with 751 rooms, totalling 360 hotels with 6,123 rooms." Number of airlines serving Myanmar constantly increasing, with a total of 493,220 seats per year. From April-August 1996, 58,067 tourists entered Myanmar.] Sept. 20: Energy sector of Myanmar, by Zaw Min Thein. [Various contracts signed by Myanmar Oil and Gas Enterprise.] Sept. 21: Resources and development of forestry sector, by Thiha Aung. [Survey of SLORC support for forestry.] Sept. 22: Multiple-cropping, by Lwin Hein Aung (Pa-O). [Advantages.] Sept. 24: Significant role of Monghsu Stone Tract, by Tekkatho Tin Kha. [New area of gemstones, in southern Shan State, visited by Gen. Maung Aye on Sept. 19, 1996.] Trade Fairs and Exhibitions Sept 12: The 2nd Myanmar Medical and Pharmaceutical Expo '96 will be held Oct. 17-20 at the Tatmadaw Convention Centre, organized by Conference & Exhibition Management Services Pte. Ltd. of Singapore. (NLM advertisement 9/12) 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." Sept. 17: The K 25 million Tagundine Bridge on the Yangon-Mandalay Highway was opened Sept. 16 in Mandalay. (NLM 9/ 18) Sept. 17: The Bagan Golf Course, built by the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation, opened in Bagan-NyaungU Township. (NLM 9/18) Sept. 17: A new K 300 million building was inaugurated at the Mandalay Institute of Nursing. (NLM 9/18) Sept. 17: The 94-foot Toe Pwa river cargo vessel was launched at Ahlon Shipyards of Inland Water Transport. (NLM 9/ 18) Sept. 17: The K 500 million Kengtung Hotel in Kengtung was inaugurated. "The world-class Kengtung Hotel is situated on 4.586 acres. The four-storey building is constructed on 424 feet by 54 feet. It is 69 feet high. The basement has a car park. Gems and jewellery shop, parlour and souvenir shops are also open. It has 108 rooms -- 96 standard rooms and 12 suites equipped with air-conditioner, TV, telephone and cold and hot water. Its dining hall can host 350 guests while the VIP hall can accommodate 200 guests. Forty per cent discount is being offered to guests putting up at the hotel during September." (NLM 9/18) Sept. 18: The Myaungmya Suspension Bridge in Ayeyawady Division was inaugurated by SLORC Secretary-2 Lt-Gen. Tin Oo, cutting travel time from Yangon to Myaungmya and other towns. It is 1,270 feet long and cost K 470 million. The Nam Hkam Hka Hydroelectric Power Station in Mogaung Township, Kachin State, with capacity of 11.1 kwh per year, built since 1993 at a cost of K 186 million, was inaugurated by Minister for Energy U Khin Maung Thein. The K 127.7 Namhsaungngaung Hydro Electric Plant in Kyaukme Township, Shan State (North), which can generate 8.2 kwh per year, was inaugurated by Shan State (North) LORC Chairman Maj-Gen. Tin Ngwe. The Myakantha Golf Course on Thirimingala Road, Insein Township, Yangon was inaugurated by the Yangon City Development Committee. A 200-bed People's Hospital opened in Pyay. The Sedona Yangon Hotel held a "soft opening" attended by SLORC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt, with 170 rooms of its 450 opening. The triple-decker 49 metre riverboat Min Ye was inaugurated; it can carry 48 Upper Class, 16 Second Class, and 300 Ordinary Class passengers, and 80 tons of freight; it was the first such boat built by Inland Water Transport in Myanmar. [Various other smaller projects were also inaugurated in honor of the Sept. 18 SLORC anniversary] (NLM 9/19) Sept. 19: The freighter Mongla, being built at the Zhong Hua Shipyards in Shanghai by Yunnan Machinery Import and Export Corporation for Myanma Five Star Lines, was launched on Sept. 16. The launching was attended by Deputy Minister for Transport U Sann Wai, who arrived in China on Sept. 11 and returned Sept. 19. (NLM 9/20) Sept. 19: The 200-bed Pakokku General Hospital was opened Sept. 18 by Deputy Minister for Health Col. Than Zin; it replaced a 100-bed facility, at a cost of K 10 million of State funds and "public contribution." (NLM 9/20) Sept. 21: The K 45 million, 300-foot Pazunphyay Bridge in Thandwe Township [Rakhine] was opened Sept. 18. (NLM 9/22) Sept. 24: The Ye (Chaungtaung)-Mahlwetaung Railroad, the second segment of the Ye-Dawei Railroad, was opened by Minister for Rail Transportation U Win Sein. (NLM 9/ 25) Sept. 24: A K 4-million TV-retransmission station was opened Sept. 23 in Payathonzu, Kayin State. (NLM 9/25) National Museum Opens Sept. 18: The National Museum of the Department of Cultural Institute was inaugurated at 66/74 Pyay Road by SLORC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt. The five-storey, K 366 million building was begun in 1990, and measures 380 x 200 feet. "The throne, Yadanabon period and other relevant objects are on the ground floor. The first floor displays pre-historic and post-historic [sic] objects of Myanmar. Myanmar arts and crafts and musical instruments are on the second floor. The third floor of the museum accommodates Myanmar paintings while the fourth floor exhibits objects on cultural traditions of national races." (NLM 9/19) Housing Projects Sept. 16: A series of housing projects, many actually completed earlier in the year, were formally inaugurated by high officials: The Thirimon Urban Development Project (Thirimon Plaza, and the Hninzi, Gangaw, and Sabai apartment buildings) at the corner of Bayintnaung Road and Pathein Road near the Bayintnaung Bridge, built under a profit-sharing project between the Department of Human Settlement and Housing Development (DHSHD and the Yuzana Construction group. The K 140 million Shwegon Plaza Housing Project, constructed by the DHSHD and the Tosta Group Ltd. at the corner of Kaba Aye Pagoda Road and Shwegondine Road. The K 180 million Bo Myat Tun Housing Complex built by DHSHD and Yuzana Construction Group at the corner of Maha Bandoola Street and Bo Myat Tun Street in Pazundaung Township. The K 150 million Win Shwe Wah Housing Complex built by DHSHD and the Wah Wah Win Construction Group at the corner of Anawrahta Street and Wadan Street in Lanmadaw Township. The K 250 million Aungmye Thazi Housing Complex built by DHSHD and GCG Company in Ward 1 of Kamayut Township. The K 600 million Aye Yeik Mon Housing Complex at the corner of Bayintnaung Road, Aye Yeik Mon Road, and Kamayut Station Road in Ward 4 of Hline Township built by DHSDH and the Yuzana, Top Star, and Olympic Construction Groups. The K 300 million Myaing Hay Wun Park Housing Complex on Kyaikwaing Pagoda Road in Ward 4 of Mayangon Township built jointly by DHSHD, Olympic Co. Ltd., Myanma Ahla Construction, and Eleven Star Group Co. Ltd. (NLM 9/17) Sept. 17: The K 18 million Hline Yadana Housing Complex Phase 1 on the eastern side of Hline Road in Ward 9 of Hline Township built by Dagon Phwint Phyo Aung Construction Co. Ltd. The Hline Myinmo Housing Complex on the eastern side of Hline Road in Ward 10 of Hline Township built by Nan Myint Construction Co. Ltd. The K 723 million Wayzayanta Park Housing Complex built jointly by DHSHD, Khit Shaysaung Co. Ltd., and Eiksitan Co. (to be fully completed in May 1997). The K 1,200 million Thumingala Housing Complex on Laydaunggan Road in Thingyangyun Township, jointly built by DHSHD, Tosta Group Ltd., and Olympic Co. Ltd. (to be fully completed in May 1997). The Kyidaw Housing Complex in Mingala Taungnyunt Township, jointly built by DHSHD, Myanma Ahla Construction, and Shwe Bayin Construction. The K 500 million Nyaungdan Housing Complex in Pazundaung Township, built jointly by DHSHD and Yuzana Construction Co. (to be fully completed in May 1997). (NLM 9/18) Business Openings Sept. 2: Asia Wealth Bank Branch (Wizaya Bank), which provides three kinds of "Smart Cards", and a Myanmar Daewoo Motor Co. Ltd. showroom, opened at Wizaya Plaza on the corner of U Wizaya Road and Dhammazaydi Road. (NLM 9/2) Sept. 14: The Toshiba Electronics Showroom and Salesroom of Super Nine Electronic Centre opened at 315-317 Anawrahta Street, and was addressed by Chairman Mr. Low Kim Yong of Golden Glory Co. Ltd. of Singapore and Chairman U Nyi Nyi Soe of Super Nine Electronic Centre. It will sell Toshiba Electronic accessories in kyats and guarantee free repairs. (NLM 9/15) Sept. 15: Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Lt-Gen. Myint Aung visited the Pyinmabin Rubber Glove Factory, and observed a trial run. The factory, run by Myanma Perennial Crops Enterprise, will produce 1,800,000 pairs of rubber gloves for hospital and home use annually. To date it has produced 5,000 pairs for hospital and 50,000 pairs for home use; it is scheduled to open in October. (NLM 9/16) Sept. 16: The International Cooperative OA Centre and Ricoh Showroom and Sales Centre of the Commercial and Services Cooperative Ltd. opened at 128 Pansodan Street, in the presence of SLORC Secretary-2 Lt-Gen. Tin Oo. Speakers included Mr. Sumio Ikegami, who presented a Ricoh photo copier to Minister for Cooperatives U Than Aung. (NLM 9/17) Sept. 17: Myanmar FAW International Co. Ltd., represented by Vice-President Mr. Lin Gan Wei, opened an Auto Showroom and Sales Centre at 174 Pansodan Street, Kyauktada Township; it is a joint venture of the Ministry of Defence, represented by Quartermaster-General Lt-Gen. Tin Hla, and First Automobile Works (FAW) International Ltd. of China. Motor vehicles manufactured by the company will be sold "in the domestic and foreign markets." (NLM 9/18) Sept. 18: The Ramada Hotel (Yangon International Airport Hotel) was opened near Yangon International Airport by SLORC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt; it was built under a an agreement between the Department of Civil Aviation and Austral Amalgamated Tin Berhad Co. of Malaysia, with an investment of $5 million. The 40-room Sittway Hotel opened on the beach in Sanpya Village west of Sittway, Rakhine State. The 24-room MraukU Hotel opened in Nyaungbin Zay Ward, MraukU, Rakhine State. (NLM 9/19) Sept. 24: The Fresh-Water Lobster Breeding Station of the Special Investigation Department (SID) Welfare Society opened in Khayan Township. The station was jointly sponsored by the welfare society of the SID, represented by Director Col. Ba Hein, Khayan Shwe Ngagyin Agricultural and Livestock Breeding Producers Cooperative Society Ltd., represented by Chairman U Tun Kyaing, Bayintnaung (Taninthayi) International Co. Ltd., represented by Chairman U Soe Win, and Daimex Inc. of Japan, represented by Chairman Mr. Shunichi Takenaga. (NLM 9/25) Sept. 24: An Isuzu motor salesroom was opened at the northern concourse of Aung San Stadium by Myanmar Triangle Co. Ltd., represented by Managing Director Mr. Joseph Pang. Present were Minister for Commerce Lt-Gen. Tun Kyi and Regional Isuzu Representative Mr. Michael Wong. "Trooper, light trucks and heavy trucks and buses will be sold." (NLM 9/25) Sept. 27: The K 40 million Nawarat Shopping Centre at Bogyoke Aung San Market was opened by Yangon Mayor U Ko Lay; it accommodates 145 jewellery shops on the ground floor and 165 shops on the upper floor. He also opened the K 7.7 million Fish and Meat Market Building there, with 22 cold-storage counters. (NLM 9/28) Advertisements Sept. 14: Half-page ad for Sanyo household appliances. Sept. 28: Two page ad for Galaxy City Yangon. "A partnership Between: Ministry of Hotels and Tourism, Restaurant & Beverage Enterprises, and Smile World Co. Ltd. "The trendiest in entertainment ever to hit Yangon. GALAXY CITY has finally landed, conveniently situated in Downtown Area. The Country's premier and commercial entertainment district. Step inside and take a journey to the High-Technology Lights and Sound System, coupled with Live Music Entertainment performed by a Dazzling Five All-Female Band direct from Australia. A world class Disc Jockey, coming all the way from Singapore, will thrill your heart and mind with adrenalin pumping non-stop dancing. "An Unforgettable Night in Yangon. "The excitement of experiencing life in galactic dimension. "GALAXY CITY boasts of its specially unique and exclusive concept: Live Music, KTV facilities, Dance Hall, Pub, Foodcourt, private place for members and a private lounge exclusively dedicated to VIP's. The first of its kind in the entertainment circle in Myanmar. "The GALAXY CITY is not only a place for fun and excitement, it is also a meeting place for good business connections and deals are made. The exposure and opportunity is unlimited. The only place where you can have both business and pleasure at the same time. "After a hard day's work, treat yourself and enjoy the sumptuous meal prepared by our chef with exquisite taste. Galaxy City also offers a wide selection of exotic dishes at the adjoining FOODCOURT. "A variety of food choice and service excellence awaits you at the Foodcourt. All this is happening now. "Come and be enchanted with the ultimate experience. GALAXY CITY YANGON. An unforgettable Night in Yangon." Sept. 29: Half-page ad: "On 1st October 1996, Yangon will sit up to a completely new centre for leisure and entertainment." Sept. 30: Half-page ad for Compaq Deskpro. Agreements with Foreign Firms Sept. 2: An agreement was signed between Myanma Five Star Line, represented by Managing Director U Khin Maung Htoo, and China National Machinery and Equipment Import and Export Corp. (CMEC), represented by Vice-Chairman Mr. Li Shu Zhi, for construction of two 12,000 ton ocean going multipurpose freighters. The ships will be 137 metres long, capable of carrying 10,000 tons of conventional cargo or 386 containers. They can cruise 12,000 nautical miles at 14.5 knots without refuelling. (NLM 9/3) Sept. 3: A memorandum of understanding was signed between Myanma Hotel and Tourism Services, represented by Managing Director U Soe Thein, Team Success International Ltd., represented by Mr. Xiang Cheng, The Golden Dragon Group Co. Ltd., represented by Mr. Luo Qing, and Yunnan Machinery and Export Cooperation (Consortium), represented by Mr. Cheng Fang, for a 20-year lease and $3.5 million renovation of Karaweik Hall. (NLM 9/4) Sept. 6: A Memorandum of Understanding was signed between Tun Foundation Bank, represented by Chairman U Thein Tun, and May Bank of Malaysia, represented by Chairman Dato Mohamed Basir Bin Ahmad, to establish a joint venture bank. (NLM 9/7) Sept. 9: A Agreement for Mineral Prospecting, Exploration and Feasibility Study for developing gold, copper, and base metal deposits in Block 9 at Pindaya and Ywangan region (southern Shan State) was signed between the Department of Geological Survey and Mineral Exploration, represented by Director-General U Soe Myint, and Asia Investment (1995) Co. Ltd. of Thailand, represented by Chairman Mr. Chali Sophonpanich. (NLM 9/10) Sept. 10: A contract was signed between the Quartermaster General Office of the Ministry of Defence, represented by Deputy Quartermaster-General Col. Zaw Lin, and Traders Square Co. Ltd., a subsidiary of Kuok Group of Singapore, represented by Managing Director Mr. Goh Soo Siah, to build Trader's Square Commercial Complex at the corner of Sule Pagoda Road and 32nd Street. Minister for Hotels and Tourism Lt-Gen. Kyaw Ba spoke. The complex will cover one acre and will cost US$ 128 million; it will include shopping malls, car parks, offices, and residences. Total investment in Myanmar by the Kuok Group is now $652 million. In this project they are paying $2,200,000 to compensate existing occupiers of the land, as well as a land premium of $4,550,000, and they will provide free space for the Myawaddy Bank. The project is to be completed in 3« years. (NLM 9/11) Sept. 14: Developer Group, a joint endeavour of Marubeni Corp. of Japan (represented by General Manager Mr. K. Bekku), MDX Group of Companies of Thailand (represented by Executive Director Mr. Roy I. Jutabha), and Italian-Thai Development Co. Ltd. (represented by Chairman Dr. Premchai Kanasuta), signed a contract with Myanma Electric Power Enterprise, represented by Managing Director U Zaw Win, to conduct a feasibility survey of the 200-megawatt Namkok Hydroelectric Power Project near Monghsat. (NLM 9/15) Sept. 19: A contract was signed between the Department of Human Settlement and Housing Development (DHSHD), represented by Director U Arnt Kyaw, and Micasa Hotel Ltd. of Malaysia, represented by Chairman Tan Sri Abu Talib, to build the 156-room, $15 million, Micasa Service Apartment Project at the Strand Hotel; Micasa will pay $1,944,000 for land use, and several other Malaysia companies will participate. (NLM 9/ 20) Sept. 20: Myanma Timber Enterprise, represented by General Manager U Shwe Ba, and SV and KS Corporation Ltd. (Thailand), represented by Executive Director Mr. Lee Yong Hae, signed a contract to establish a factory in Amarapura Township [Mandalay] "to produce and distribute finished wood-based products." (NLM 9/21) Sept. 23: Myanma Posts and Telecommunications, represented General Manager U Khin Soe and DHL Worldwide Express BV of the Netherlands, represented by Regional Managing Director Mr. Graham Davey signed an agreement setting up a joint venture "to carry out express parcel service." (NLM 9/24) Sept. 25: Myanma Posts and Telecommunications, represented by Managing Director U Htay Aung, and Interdigital Communications Corp. of the US, represented by Mr. William M. Hilsman, signed a contract to install 250 radio-phone lines each in Hinthada and Labutta Townships. (NLM 9/26) Sept. 26: A memorandum of understanding was signed between Yangon City Development Committee, represented by Head of YCDC Revenue Committee U Tin Maung Myint, and Ohki Corporation, represented by Mr. Yoshiharu Daigo, on behalf of Marina Residential Hotel Development Co. Ltd., for land leasing to build the Marina Residential Hotel. Present were various officials and Chairman Mr. Yoshikatsu Nozawa of Ohki Corp., who donated K 300,000 for the Mayor's International Marathon 1996. (NLM 9/27) Banking Sept. 13: The Myanma Agricultural and Rural Development Bank, soon to open with the purpose of making agricultural loans to peasants, will change its name to the Myanma Farm and Rural Development Bank. (NLM 9/14) Tourism Sept. 17: The Sein Yay Forest Camp opened Sept. 16 in the Khabaung Forest Reserve in Oktwin Township, Bago Division, and "is built with the aims of observing natural teak forests in Bago Yoma for tourists and local travellers, ancient cultural heritage of Thray-Khittara old city of Pyu era and timber extraction by elephants." It costs $50 per day, including meals. (NLM 9/ 18) Ecology Sept. 2: The Ministry of Forestry and Moattama Gas Transportation Co. (MGTC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding for establishing the Myinmoletkat Nature Reserve in Dawei District (Taninthay) "to systematically conserve tropical and mangrove forests in Myanmar which are home to rare species of animals and plants," and to improve the living conditions of local people. Director-General Dr. Kyaw Tint of the Forest Department said that the proposed reserve "is a biosphere-type with an enormous potential to become a World Heritage Site." It covers 1,000,000 hectares, including the Heinze-Kaleinaung and Luwaing reserve forests, with wildlife resources including the "rare and endemic subspecies of Sumatran rhinoceros." It will be managed in two zones; a core zone with total protection, and a buffer zone with "a programme of multiple-use projects." The agreement was signed by Dr. Kyaw Tint and General Manager Mr. M. H. Madeo of MGTC. (NLM 9/ 3) Sept. 11: Minister for Forestry Lt-Gen. Chit Swe told forestry officials in Mawlamyine on Sept. 9 that Myanmar "is planning to adopt a sustainable forest management system in producing timber to establish a permanent forest estate in accord withy the specifications of International Tropical Timber Organization (ITTO), based in Yokohama, Japan." Praising environmental efforts of the Tatmadaw, he said that "the situation of forests in Myanmar is good as it has about 50 per cent forest cover." He noted that Myanmar is home to four rare bird species, as well as to the Ayeyawady Dolphin. (NLM 9/12) Pesticide Spraying Sept. 5: With the help of the Tatmadaw (Air), aerial pesticide spraying was tested on a model cotton farm in Kyaukse Township Sept. 2. The Ministry of Agriculture has been seeking to introduce aerial pesticide spraying, and has conducted environmental studies on its effects on environment, fish, and animals. Plans for spraying of cotton are under way. (NLM 9/6) Aviation Sept. 7: Malaysian Airlines System will inaugurate twice-weekly (Tuesday and Friday) Kuala Lumpur-Yangon service Nov. 12, using a Boeing 737-500 with 12 Executive-class and 94 Economy-class seats. (NLM 9/ 8) Sept. 13: Royal Brunei Airways on Sept. 12 inaugurated twice weekly Bandar Seri Begawan-Yangon-Abu Dhabi-London service on Monday and Thursday, with return on Wednesday and Saturday. This is the first direct service between Myanmar and Europe. Director of Sales and Services Mr. George Tan and Public Relations Controller Mr. Paul Wood spoke on the occasion in Yangon. On board the inaugural flight was Brunei Darussalem's Minister of Communications Pehin Orang Kaya Amar Pahlawan Dato Seri Laila Jasa Hj Awg Zakaria Datu Mahawangsa Hj Awg Sulaiman. The Minister called on SLORC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt, Minister at the Minister at the Deputy Prime Minister's Office Secretary of the Myanma Investment Committee Brig-Gen. Maung Maung, on Minister for Hotels and Tourism Lt-Gen. Kyaw Ba, on Minister for Transport Lt-Gen. Thein Win, on Minister for National Planning and Economic Development Brig-Gen. Abel, and on Deputy Minister for Finance U Win Naing, and visited the Myanma Gems Enterprise. A dinner celebrating the occasion was given at the Strand Hotel, attended by Deputy Prime Minister Vice-Adm. Maung Maung Khin, Deputy Prime Minister Lt-Gen. Tin Tun, Minister for Transport Lt-Gen. Thein Win, and many others. (NLM 9/14) // Sept. 14: The Minister called on Quartermaster-General Lt-Gen. Tin Hla. (NLM 9/15) // Sept. 15: The Minister departed. (NLM 9/16) Taxi Meters Sept. 12: Effective Oct. 31, all taxis in Yangon Division must have taxi meters. Two local companies will install meters free of charge. (NLM 9/13) Trains to Bagan Sept. 14: Direct train service between Mandalay and Bagan will begin Sept. 18. No. 120 Down train leaves Bagan at 10 pm and arrives in Bagan at 7.10 am the next day. No. 119 Up train leave Bagan at 9 am and arrives in Mandalay at 6.10 pm. Intermediate stops are at Paleik, TadaU, Myotha, Wetlu, Natogyi, Myingyan, and Kyawzi. A local train will also operate on the route. (NLM 9/15) // Sept. 18: The 35-mile Bagan-Sakhar-Myingyan Railroad, carrying this service, was inaugurated by Minister for Rail Transportation U Win Sein. Fares are K 18 for Bagan-Myingyan, and K 60 for Bagan-Mandalay. (NLM 9/19) New Oil and Gas Field Sept. 16: Ministry of Energy Notification No. 1/96 of Sept. 16, Designating Kyaukkhwet-Letpando Oil and Natural Gas Field, designates the area between the following markers: (1) 21§45'58" N, 94§29'56" E (2) 21§49'00" N, 94§41'40" E (3) 21§27'30" N, 94§46'42" E (4) 21§27'30" N, 94§34'03" E "Drastic action will be taken under Myanmar Oil-field Act and existing laws against trespassing, stealing and subversive acts in the worksite area where drilling of oil text wells, oil production, transport and storage are carried out or in areas where oil production equipment is stored and those where vehicles and machinery and equipment are located." [map] (NLM 9/16) // Sept. 19: Minister for Energy U Khin Maung Thein formally launched the new oil and gas field, saying that of the seven test wells drilled since May 27, 1995, "crude oil and gas on commercial scale" have been struck in six. (NLM 9/20) Fuel and Petrol Shortage Denied Sept. 20: Speaking to officials, Chairman of the Central Committee for Ensuring Smooth and Secure Transport SLORC Secretary-2 Lt-Gen. Tin Oo said there was no shortage of petrol or diesel oil. "Fuel oil prices have been rising as there were rumours of a shortage of petrol and diesel supply, he said. In reality, there was no shortage due to the Government's systematic management, he said. Every year fuel distribution has been cut to a certain level in the rainy season as construction enterprises could not be carried out fully, he said. Those who wanted to take advantage of the political and economic conditions are trying to manipulate fuel oil prices, he said. There is no reduction of fuel supply to the transport sector and projects, he said...." Yangon Deputy Commander Brig-Gen. Thura Myint Maung "said sufficient fuel has been distributed to all buses under the All Bus Lines Control Committee. All bus lines are operating normally, he added. Effective action will be taken against operators charging extra fares or violating rules, he said." Managing Director U Aung Hlaing of Myanma Petroleum Products Enterprise said 41 gas stations are distributing fuel oil regularly in Yangon. There are three stations selling fuel oil for FEC he said. Nationwide daily distribution of petrol is over 150,000 gallons and diesel oil is over 400,000 gallons, he revealed.... More imported fuel oil will arrive here soon.... Nearly $100 million worth of fuel oil has been imported yearly in the time [of] the State Law and Order Restoration Council up from about $20 million annually in the past, he said. Plans are under way to ensure sufficient fuel oil distribution in the long run." Beginning Sept. 21, the number of filling stations selling petrol for FEC (foreign exchange certificates) will increase from three to six, it was announced; they will be open from 7am to 10pm daily except Sundays. Locations are: Station No. 74 near Inya Lake Hotel; No. 60 on University Avenue; No. 5 near Bahan Circus; No. 61 on Shan Road in Sangyoung Township; No. 31 on West Race Course Road in Bahan Township; and No. 54 on Botahtaung Pagoda Road. Deputy Minister for Energy U Tin Tun "inspected discharging of diesel fuel from mv Ocean Eagle at Thanlyin Port this afternoon." The mv Ocean Glory and mv Samwa Maru have already arrived with diesel oil, and more shipments will arrive twice a week. Refineries are operating normally. (NLM 9/21) Sept. 21: "The filling stations for private and departmental vehicles and buses in Yangon will open up to 10 pm like the FEC filling stations beginning today. As a special arrangement, the FEC filling stations will remain open everyday." SLORC Secretary-2 Lt-Gen. Tin Oo visited filling stations. No. 74 near Inya Lake is selling high octane at FEC 1.8 plus K 16.6 per gallon; others sell standard petrol at FEC 1.4 plus K 10.55, and diesel at FEC 1.1 plus K 5.8 per gallon. (NLM 9/22) Sept. 23: "Speedy distribution of diesel oil to deep-sea trawlers under way." (NLM 9/24) 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 September 1 80.43 87.20 88.15 September 15 90.32 96.14 94.33 September 30 102.68 106.42 105.91 Sept. 18: 9.33 inches of rain fell in 24 hours in Kalewa, setting a 35-year record for the month of September. (NLM 9/19) HEALTH Health Articles Sept. 16: For a strong and healthy nation, by Maung Maung Nyo. [Review of health activities since 1988, with a stress on prevention.] Institute of Community Health Sept. 10: The Institute of Community Health (IOCH) was formally opened in Aung San, Insein Township, Yangon, by SLORC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt. It is designed "to turn out health personnel who will contribute toward health care of the national peoples." It will conduct a Bachelor of the Community Health Third Year Course for in-service Health Assistants, attended by those who have completed Second Year at a University; they will then be assigned to rural areas. Highschool graduates will be admitted for the full four-year course, to graduate as Bachelors of Community Health. Post-graduate courses will also be offered. (NLM 9/11) SPORTS Sports Articles Sept. 17: Myanmar Sports--the World to Conquer, by Myint Swe Myint. [Since 1988, Myanmar sports teams have competed in 106 international events, and have won 158 gold, 145 silver, and 162 bronze medals "due to the encouragement and assistance provided by the State, by non-governmental organizations in cooperation with the State, by the economic organizations which came into existence due to the market-oriented economic system and by entrepreneurs and well-wishers."] Myanmar Teams and Delegations Sept. 6: The Myanmar women's volleyball team, led by Assistant Director U Soe Thein of the Sports and Physical Education Department, left for Thailand to participate in the Ninth ASEAN Women's Youth Volleyball Championship Trophy. Manager is Daw Phyu Phyu Zaw; Coach is U Tint Lwin; Assistant Coach is WO II Saw Henry (Navy); Referee is U Soe Thein. Players are Khin Mi Mi Khaing, Mya Mya Kyaw, Toe Toe Win, Nang Su Nyein Soe, Zin Min Kyaw, Ohnmar Soe, Thandar Myint, Yamin Hla Win, Nang Su Htwe, Sandar Lwin, Tin Moe Moe Khaing, and Yi Yi Lwin. (NLM 9/70 Sept. 8: Vietnam beat Myanmar 4-1 in the Tiger Cup Soccer Tournament in Singapore. [Associated Press item]. (NLM 9/9) Sept. 11: Myanmar came in third in the Sept. 5-9 Invitational Friendship Youth Tabletennis championship matches in Bangkok. Myanmar boys beat Cambodia 3-0 and Laos 3-0, while losing to Vietnam 3-0 and Thailand 3-1. Girls defeated Cambodia 3-0 and Laos 3-0, and lost to Vietnam 3-0 and Thailand 3-0. (NLM 9/12) Sept. 17: Pa Pa won the Women's Sheares Bridge Run '96 in Singapore on Sept. 15. Thein Win came third in the Men's event. The team, led by Staff Officer U Thaung Tun of Sports and Physical Education Department, returned home. (NLM 9/18) Foreign Teams, Coaches, etc. Aug. 31: Mr. Takashi Ozaki of Japan, leading an 8-member team of Myanmars, is climbing Myanmar's highest peak, 19,296-foot Mt. Khakaborazi [Mt. Victoria], in Nogmung Township, Kachin State. They began the climb July 25. They reached 18,084 feet on Aug. 29. (NLM 9/1) // Sept. 15: Mr. Ozaki, accompanied by U Nama Johnson of the Myanmar Hiking and Mountaineering Federation, reached the 19,296 foot summit at 3.12 pm [details]. (NLM 9/16) Sept. 2: Officials met at the Myanmar Yachting Federation to coordinate the Oct. 25-31 Myanmar Optimist Invitational Cup Yachting Race and ASEAN Optimist Championship Cup Yachting Race on Inya Lake. (NLM 9/3) Sept. 4: An 11-day Olympic Solidarity Cycling Coaching Course directed by Mr. Terry Palfreyman opened, with 30 trainees. (NLM 9/5) Sept. 6: Myanmar will host the 36th South-East Asia Amateur Team Championship (Putra Cup), from Nov. 28-Dec. 1 at the Ayethaya Myothit Golf Course near Taunggyi [Shan], under the patronage of SLORC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt. Chairman U Thein Tun of Pepsi Cola Products Myanmar Ltd. donated K 3 million towards the competition. (NLM 9/7) Sept. 16: Course Director Mr. Ken Bearman of the International Archery Federation opened a 12-day Olympic Solidarity Archery Coaching Course, attended by 37 trainees, jointly organized by the IOC, MOC, FITA, and MAF. (NLM 9/17) // Sept. 27: The course concluded. (NLM 9/28) Holes-in-One Aug. 30: On Aug. 29, Managing Director U Khun Yu of Kaung Lon Co. Ltd. scored an ace on the 150-yard 12th hole of the City Golf Resort. (NLM 9/1) CULTURAL Cultural and Scientific Articles Sept. 12: Preservation of religious and cultural heritage for future generations, by Min Kyaw Min. ["What we inherited from our ancestors, we must hand down to the new generation, and they to the next. Only through restoration in their original style, or rebuilding according to the original blueprint will we be able to hand down heritage to posterity."] Sept. 20: For uplift of educational standard of the entire nation, by Soe Naung. [Review of educational activities since 1988, and especially since the formation of the Myanmar Education Committee under the Chairmanship of SLORC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt in 1991.] Sept. 21: Rain created forest and forest favours rain, by Dr. San Hla Thaw. [Importance of afforestation to the dry zone.] Sept. 23: Different Levels of the Sangha Organization of the Union of Myanmar, by Ba Sein (Religious Affairs). [The nine recognized sects of the Sangha are: 1. Suddhama Sect (Gana) 2. Shwegyin Sect (Gana) 3. Dhammanu Dhamma Mahadawara Nikaya Sect (Gana) 4. Dhammavinayanulomamuladwara Nikaya Sect (Gana) 5. Anaukchaung Dwara Sect (Gana) 6. Veluvan Nikaya Sect (Gana) 7. Catubommika Mahasatipathana Ngettwin Sect (Gana) 8. Gannavimotti Kuto Sect (Gana) 9. Dhammayotti Nikaya Mahayin Sect (Gana) {Chart of Sangha Organization}] Sept. 25: Let us pay deep obeisance to the grand auspicious ceremony for the Central Stage of the Enshrinement and Hoisting Pivot of the Buddha Sacred Tooth Relic Pagoda of Mandalay, by Ba Sein (Religious Affairs). [The ceremony will be held on Sept. 26.] 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. Sept. 18: The rebuilt Southern Stairway of the Shwedagon Pagoda was officially inaugurated by SLORC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt and other high officials, attended by 30,000 devotees. (NLM 9/19) Sept. 23: The Htidaw (sacred umbrella), Hngetmyatna, and Seinbudaw were hoisted on the Hsinkhan Pagoda in Bagan, which was renovated by Minister for Transport Lt-Gen. Thein Win and his wife Daw Than Than Myint. SLORC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt participated, and then viewed progress on the Bagan Archaeological Museum and other reconstruction sites. (NLM 9/24) Sept. 24: Sacred relics were enshrined in the middle Kundaung of the Tooth Relic Pagoda in Mandalay, in the presence of SLORC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt. (NLM 9/25) // Sept. 26: Sacred relics were enshrined in the center of the pagoda, and the pivot put up, in the presence of SLORC Chairman Senior General and Madame Than Shwe. [page of photos] (NLM 9/27) Historic Building Restorations Sept. 18: The restored Myanansankyaw Golden Palace in Mandalay was inaugurated by Minister for Culture U Aung San and Mandalay LORC Chairman Maj-Gen. Ye Myint. Reconstruction started in 1989 and cost K 244.8 million; 89 of the original 114 chambers were reconstructed. (NLM 9/19) Sept. 18: The restored Maha Weiyanbontha Bagaya Monastery in Amarapura was opened by Minister for Culture U Aung San. Built by King Bodaw (a) King Bodon, the founder of Amarapura, gutted several times, most recently in the time of King Mindon, the monastery "was rebuilt as a wooden structure as it was originally built [sic] by King Bagan." It cost K 65 million contributed by the people. (NLM 9/19) Sept. 18: The Maha Atulawaiyan (Atumashi) Kyaungdaw in Aungmyethazan Township, Mandalay, "a place of Myanmar ancient cultural heritage," was opened. (NLM 9/19) Publications Sept. 11: Conversational Myanmar, by Daw May Than Nwe of the Department of Extramural Studies, National University of Singapore, has been published by Golden Myanmar Information and Advertising, Ltd., of 297 Mahabandoola Street (at Bogalazay Street) in Yangon. "As the language handbook uses simplified phonetic phrases for easy pronunciation, it provides ready access to the user to Myanmar for everyday use," and "is a must for tourist who want to communicate better." (NLM 9/12) Sept. 16: Thadinhlwa Journal has been launched by the Myanmar Writers and Journalists Association, "to raise funds for the association." The 16-page [Burmese language] weekly will carry "literature, culture, arts, local and foreign news," and will be distributed each Tuesday by Thuta Swezon Bookshop at 9 Yegyaw Street, Pazundaung Township, Yangon. (NLM 9/17) Sept. 17: The history of the Kuthainnayon Hsandawshin Pagoda in Bilin Township, compiled by Maung Ooyawzinko and written by Lt-Col. Maung Hla, is on sale for K 40 at the Division Head Office, Immigration and Manpower Department, on Maha Bandoola Street at 37th Street. (NLM 9/18) Sept. 17: The News and Periodicals Enterprise has published Volume I of Ahman Pyawgya Bazoh, in which "14 contributors objectively reviewed and assessed in their 26 articles events in the history of Myanmar. The articles spotlight unsavoury acts of axe-handle pessimists...those wishing to mar community peace...and internal traitorous destructionists...." The book is available at the NPE Welfare Bookshop and from news agents for K 50. (NLM 9/18) Sept. 25: The Map of Yangon has been published by the Yangon City Development Committee. "In the book, townships, airlines, banks, cinemas, factories, embassies and international organizations, golf courses, government offices, departments of YCDC, roads and streets in the city are listed in alphabetical order. It also contains locations of markets, museums, pagodas, police stations, restaurants, universities and institutes, schools, gymnasium and sports grounds, shops, swimming pools, theatres and tour operators." (NLM 9/26) Sept. 25: Beginning Oct. 1, Sports and Physical Education Department will publish Olympic Journal, at K 15 per copy, featuring "knowledge on sports, sporting rules and methods, Myanmar sports and international sports with photos." (NLM 9/26) Computers Articles continued throughout the month concerning the installation of computers, often donated, at high schools around the country. Education Sept. 16: Myanmar Government Notification No. 11/96 of Aug. 27, 1996, Setting up of Sagaing Cooperative Regional College, establishes this institution, to be managed by the Ministry of Cooperatives. (NLM 9/17) // Sept. 17: The College opened; 163 students will be accepted beginning in the 1996-97 academic year. Economics, statistics, spoken English, and Computer courses will be taught. (NLM 9/18) Sept. 17: Meiktila College was upgraded to Meiktila Degree College, after recent renovations costing K 32.9 million. (NLM 9/ 18) Sept. 18: SLORC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt addressed the inauguration of a new building at the University of Culture, praising Myanmar culture, but noting that after 1885 "Myanmar culture traversed a dark era.... The colonialists brought destruction to the Myanmar arts and culture, plundered cultural heritage, priceless regalia and works of arts and purloined pieces of cultural evidence and antiquities at pagodas and religious buildings. They not only isolated and snubbed musicians and theatrical artistes, who were promoting the national culture, but also employed guile and wiles to cause them to leave their professions, the Secretary-1 said, blaming minions and traitors who thought highly of the colonialists...." In 1995-96, 687 students attended the University of Culture; now there is room for 1,000, and more buildings will be built. The new three-storey building houses the Department of Literature. (NLM 9/19) Sept. 18: Sittway Degree College was upgraded to Sittway University. (NLM 9/19) Sept. 18: Pathein Degree College was upgraded to Pathein University. In 2995-96 it had 4,256 day students and 15,238 distance students; 464 management and teaching staff; 4 professors; 8 associate professors; 32 lecturers; 86 assistant lecturers; and 34 tutors and demonstrators. (NLM 9/18) Sept. 19: The new K 126 million four-storey building of the University of Mandalay was inaugurated Sept. 18 by Minister for Education U Pan Aung, as was Yadanabon College, a K 114 million "hall for the faculty members," with accommodations for 120, and three student halls (at a cost of ca. K 116 each) for students, with accommodations for 250 each: Nadi Hall, Mankyathi Hall, and Manthabyay Hall. (NLM 9/20) TV Schedule Sept. 16: Effective Sept. 18, TV Myanmar will begin its programmes at 3 pm (an hour earlier). Local news will be at 7.30 pm instead of 8.00, and University of Distance Education TV programmes will be at 4.35 pm instead of 6.45 pm. (NLM 9/17) Padalin Cave Sept. 27: SLORC Chairman Senior General Than Shwe toured Padalin Cave in Ywangan Township. "Padalin Cave is the first place where the Stone Age weapons and wall paintings were found and research on the civilization of Myanmar Stone Age can be conducted in Cave 1. Excavated this year, the caves were discovered with over 1,600 stone weapons and 12 wall paintings. Cave 1 is about 80 feet long, 20 feet wide and 14 feet high and, Cave 2 formed with five tapering caves is 800 feet long and the widest place is 130 feet and the highest place 90 feet. Six whole on the roof of Cave 2 ventilate and brighten it." (NLM 9/28) MISCELLANEOUS Sunday and Holiday Supplements Sept. 1,8,22,29: 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. Sept. 1,8,22: Towards a modern nation through all-round development, by Warazein. [Cont. Endeavours of the Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement. (ii) Drug rehabilitation, youth programs, participation in international conferences, etc., Women's programs. (iii) Relief: In the four fiscal years from Apr. 1, 1991 to Mar. 31, 1995, K 106.21 million was distributed to victims of fires, floods, storms, and earthquakes. Major events included the Meiktila fire of Apr. 7, 1991, the Ayeyarwady flood (breach of Htein Ngu embankment) on Apr. 28, 1991, the Myingyan fire of May 12, 1993, and the Hlaing fire of Jan. 24, 1994. 728 people cast adrift after shipwrecks were helped to return home. Aid was given to surrendering insurgents, and to victims of insurgency. 225,000 kyats was provided (cash and in kind) "for meeting expenses of group shifting of Nyaung Kamyine, Kawtam Malein and Kyauktalone (Wundayei) villages of Hpa-an Township, Kayin State," K 2.27 million "in group shifting of Kyunbya and Kayukan villages in Minbu (Sagu) Township of Magway Division," 331,486 kyats "in group shifting of villages in Menglin Lwetaukkwin region of Hsenwi Township, Shan State," and 742,000 kyats in "group shifting of 6 villages of Hpa-an township and others in Hlinebwe township, Kayin State." K 6.22 million was spent on reception of returnees from Bangladesh in Rakhine State (May 15, 1992-Apr. 20, 1994). Disaster management training courses were given, and Myanmar participated in international disaster cooperation meetings. (iv) From Apr. 1, 1991 to Mar. 31, 1995 there were 5,971 fires in Myanmar, which cost K 2,368.13 million and destroyed 48,752 houses, leaving 227,911 persons homeless. In 1991 there were 173 regular and 245 auxiliary fire stations; now there are 217 regular and 328 auxiliary stations. New fire engines and stations. Medals and honors.] Sept. 1,8,22,29: Victories of the State, the people and the Tatmadaw, by Tekkatho Tin Kha. [Cont. (7) Nant Saung Ngaung power project near Kyaukme in Shan State; Namkhankha power project near Mogaung in Kachin State. (8) Inauguration of construction of the Taunggyi-Shwenyaung railroad. (9) Highway projects. (10) Bridge projects.] Sept. 1: Development scenes of Mongla-Silu region, by Taungdwin Bo Thein. [Development near Kengtung.] -- Rear prawn for local consumption & export, by Reporter Thaung Nyunt. [Prawn projects in Dedaye Township {Ayeyawady}.] -- Maubin Bridge will soon become significant, by Maubin Bo Hein. [One of five bridges over the Ayeyawady River.] -- Mandalay International Airport Project, by Kyi Kyi Maw. [Foundation laying ceremony held on Aug. 9, 1996.] Sept. 8: Lord Buddha's Tooth Relic Pagoda (Yangon), by Kyi Kyi Maw. [Record of progress.] -- Sounds of victory at Bughar Creek, by Maung Maung Chit Oo. [Htanzalok Reservoir dedicated on July 4, 1996.] -- Development Bank for national development, by Ahtet Minhla Nyunt Aung. [Inaugurated July 3; established by the Ministry for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs.] Sept. 15: Anniversary of Union Solidarity and Development Association. -- Motto: Morale, Discipline, Solidarity, Unity. -- The Pledge: I hereby pledge that I will endeavour to strengthen the Union of Myanmar; to promote love and understanding among indigenous peoples, to strengthen State sovereignty, to safeguard territorial integrity, to develop the country and to build a peaceful and modern State. -- Five Objectives: * Non-disintegration of the Union, * Non-disintegration of national solidarity, * Perpetuation of sovereignty, * Promotion and vitalization of national pride, and * Emergence of a prosperous, peaceful and modern Union.  Oath of Allegiance: * I shall be loyal to the Union of Myanmar and its citizens. * I shall endeavour for our Three National Causes, namely, non-disintegration of the Union, non-disintegration of national unity and perpetuation of sovereignty. * I will constantly strive for the emergence of a prosperous, peaceful and modern Union. * I will abide by the Code of Conduct of the Association.  Code of Conduct: * be loyal to the Union and her citizens, * defend and protect the sovereignty and perpetuation of the Union, * earnestly strive for the affection and unity of the national races, * be loyal to the Association, * dutifully perform the tasks assigned by the Association, * render assistance to other members in the spirit of comradeship, * always maintain good character and conduct, * uphold the honour and integrity of the Association, * protect the rule of law and order and peace and tranquillity, * vitalize a keen sense of patriotism with a view to promoting national pride, and * preserve and protect national culture.  Duties and Responsibilities: * to defend the independence and sovereignty of the Union, * to strive for the affection and unity of the national races, * to vitalize a keen sense of patriotism with a view to promoting national pride, * to endeavour for the emergence of a prosperous, peaceful and modern Union, * to preserve and protect national culture, * to assist in achieving rule of law and order and peace and tranquillity, * to protect the State and public property, * to assist in drug enforcement activities, * to assist in developing the Five Strengths of the youth, * to assist in the cleanliness, hygiene and upkeep of public utilities such as roads, bridges, schools, hospitals, markets, parks and gardens, * to take active part in rescue and relief work in case of disasters such as fire, flood, earthquake, storm and epidemics, * to assist in social development schemes for farmers and workers, * to render the Tatmadaw allround assistance, and * to actively render assistance in religious and humanitarian affairs of other members. Two pages of photos. -- A social organization to mobilize the sterling qualities of the youths for the future State, by Min Kyaw Min. [The nation rejoices in the USDA.] Sept. 22: Myanmar Lacquerware Institute of Bagan, by Reporter Aung Than. [Beginning in 1924, the Lacquerware Artisan Training School kept ancient skills alive, training 573 people up to 1993, 75% of whom joined the lacquerware profession; it was upgraded to an Institute in 1994.] -- Over K 60 million worth meditation centre, by Sintgu Soe Win. [The Okpo Kyungon Mogok Vipassana meditation centre, 115 miles from Yangon, in which 300-400 yogis participate in a 10-day program; a K 15 million endowment fund has been accumulated.] -- Zawgyi Dam to beautify the nation, by Khin Maung Than. [Project near Lawksawk, in Taunggyi District, Shan State (South).] Sept. 29: Mon Creek & Mann Creek Reservoirs, by Aung Htun Thein. [Projects in Sedoktara and Ngaphe Townships in central Myanmar.] -- Lofty aim and noble goodwill of Htun Foundation Bank, by Ahtet Minhla Nyunt Aung. [June 23 ceremony at which Bank donated its profits to worthy causes.] -- Fish plus paddy in Ayeyawady Division, by Aung Win (Pyapon). [Project in Pyapon.] -- Tachilek achieving success in cultivation, by Taungdwin Bo Thein. [Agricultural progress.] Crime Sept. 13: A motorcycle thief was arrested Aug. 17 in Kengtung Township [Shan]. 11 stolen cycles worth K 1.87 million were bought from two others, who were also arrested. (NLM 9/14) Anti-Narcotics Activities Aug. 31: 4.2 kilos of raw opium were seized Aug. 5 in the Namhkam area. 2.6 kilos of raw opium were seized Aug. 8 in the Muse area. (NLM 9/1) Aug. 31: 142.9 kilos of heroin were seized (date unspecified) near Manpein village in Lashio Township, while troops were seeking a clandestine opium refinery. (NLM 9/1) Sept. 1: Railway police on Aug. 13 seized 3.9 kilos of raw opium in Ywahtaung. (NLM 9/2) Sept. 3: Tatmadaw columns on Aug 29 seized 142.9 kilos of heroin in Hsenwi Township [Shan], and arrested six drug traffickers, in addition to seizing four huts and extensive equipment [details] used in heroin refining. A second refinery was seized Aug. 30. [map] (NLM 9/4) Sept. 4: 2.2 kilos of heroin were seized Aug. 24 in Muse. (NLM 9/5) Sept. 12: 1.7 kilos of opium were seized at Shwebo on Aug. 5. (NLM 9/13) Sept. 13: The Taunggyi District Court on Aug. 29 sentenced to death two men for possession of 44.8 kilos of heroin, seized on Aug. 6-11. (NLM 9/14) Sept. 16: 3.1 kilos of heroin were seized Sept. 11 outside Lashio. (NLM 9/17) Sept. 19: Soldiers and police on Sept. 14 seized 45 kilos of heroin and 62,000 tablets of Methamphetamine in the garage of a clerk at Tachilek High School; further search discovered 219,000 more tablets of Methamphetamine. 12 persons, including two Thais, have been arrested. (NLM 9/21) Sept. 21: During August 1996, the Tatmadaw seized 142.9 kilos of heroin, 1.1 kilos of opium, and 1.1 kilos of marijuana. The police seized 49.0 kilos of heroin (100 cases), 621.6 kilos of opium (37 cases), 6.2 kilos of marijuana (47 cases), 68.3 litres of Phensedyl (13 cases), 0.02 kilo of heavy opium solution (4 cases), 4 vials of morphine (1 case), 1,542 gallons of acetic anhydride (3 cases), 11.0 kilos of low lever [sic] opium (6 cases), 3 litres of Mesadyl (1 case), 2,300 kilos of sodium carbonate, 204 gallons of chloroform, 20 gallons of lysol, and 23.9 litres of cough syrup (1 case). There were 114 cases of failure to register for treatment. Customs seized 0.0008 kilo of heroin (1 case), 7.8 kilos of opium (2 cases), 36.8 litres of Phensedyl (1 case), 10 gallons of acetic anhydride, and 479.5 kilos of charcoal. The police took action against 471 persons in 339 drug-related cases. Of the police seizures, those with Tatmadaw participation seized 2.4 kilos of heroin (9 cases), 25.5 kilos of opium (6 cases), and 24.4 litres of Phensedyl (2 cases). The Yangon anti-drug squad confiscated K 127,832, a Honda motorcycle, jewellery worth K 10,000, a TV and a cassette. The Taunggyi anti-drug squad confiscated K 100,500 and a car. The Sittway squad confiscated two jeeps. The Muse squad confiscated a van. (NLM 9/22) Sept. 27: The Monywa anti-drug squad on Sept. 2 seized over 289 viss of jade. (NLM 9/28) Firecrackers banned Sept. 11 [full text]: "Playing with fire crackers warned. Authorities concerned yesterday warned that legal action will be taken against those playing, producing and distributing fire crackers which alarm or harm the public and liable to cause crimes by unscrupulous persons taking advantage of the noises. In the efforts for the rule of law and maintenance of tranquillity, those playing with fire crackers will be sentenced to three years' imprisonment and those producing and distributing them to five years. Handsome cash awards will be presented to those who can inform the authorities of the culprits." (NLM 9/12) Obituaries [English language obituaries; there are obituaries in Burmese as well, some of which we have sought to transliterate.] Aug. 30: U Sun Cho (Stanley Cho), MOC (Retd), Ex BOC Manager (Admin), husband of Daw Hnin Khaing, died in Yangon, aged 76. [Christian] (NLM 9/1) Aug. 29: U Shwe Toe’(Labutta), BE (Electronics), died, aged 50. [Burmese text] (NLM 9/1) Sept. 1: Sayagyi U Nyi Pu, "Father of Myanmar Motion Picture," husband of Daw San Yin (Takako Suzuki), died in Yangon, aged 96. Born Sept. 12, 1900, he became the first Myanmar film star, appearing as Maung Ba Htay in Myitta Hnint Athura, directed by U Toke Gyi, that was screened at the Cinema de Paris in Yangon on Oct. 12, 1920. He appeared in many other films, directed many films, and later supervised film production and was the owner of Maha Weikzadho Film Co. [article] (NLM 9/2) Sept. 1: U Htun Aye Ngwa (Thayawady), retired school teacher, husband of Daw San San, died in Yangon, aged 59. [Burmese text] (NLM 9/2) Sept. 5: Ho Wai Yu (a) Mary Ho, wife of Teng Lenten, mother of...Juliet Teng (USA) ...Sunny Teng (Canada)...died in Yangon, aged 87. [Christian] (NLM 9/7) Sept. 6: U Ba San (a) Sin Chin Chuan (Myeik), husband of Daw Chou Wa, died in Yangon, aged 72. [Burmese text] (NLM 9/8) Sept. 9: Hajima Sara Bi Bi (Bagan) (Hajima Daw May May Kyi), wife of Haji Anif Allah Hu, died, aged 50. [Muslim] (NLM 9/10) Sept. 12: Naw Khin Su, Myaungmya, wife of Dr. Saw Maung Tha, died in Myaungmya, aged 88. [Christian] (NLM 9/13) Sept. 13: Daw Than Kyin, wife of the late U Ko Wa, died in Yangon, aged 83. (NLM 9/14) Sept. 13: U Maung Maung Gyi (Basil Gyi), Commander, Burma Navy, BN 3030), husband of Daw Amy, died in Yangon, aged 72. (NLM 9/15) Sept. 14: State Ovada‡ariya Sayadaw Agga Maha Pandita Bhaddanta Indaka, vasa 63, Presiding Sayadaw of Maha Ledi Kyaungtaik, Monywa and Chairman of the Maha Ledi Nikaya Committee, died in Monywa, aged 83. [article] (NLM 9/18) Sept. 15: Ko Nyi Nyi Lwin, of Sagaing, died, aged 29. [Burmese text] (NLM 9/17) Sept. 16: Daw Ti (a) Khatiza Bi Bi Hashim Yacoob Ali, wife of the late honorary Magistrate Yenangyaung U Mg Mg (a) Cassim Mohamed Surty, died in Yangon, aged 99. [Muslim] (NLM 9/19) Sept. 25: Mrs. Margaret Thaches, widow of Capt. A. Thaches, died in Okkyin, aged 78. (NLM 9/26) Sept. 28: Mr. K. Moorthy, Chief Accountant, Myanmar Council of Churches, General Secretary, St. Gabriel's Church Union (Congregational), Retired Accountant, Myanmar Railways, husband of the late Daw Munima, died in Yangon, aged 69. [Christian] (NLM 9/29) Sept. 29: U Win Gyi (Myingyan), aged 71. [Burmese text] (NLM 9/30) Fires Sept. 25: During August 1996, there were 31 fires, which destroyed three houses and two warehouses, worth K 70,000, injuring one person and making 22 persons homeless. 26 of these were kitchen fires due to carelessness. (NLM 9/26) Lone Pilot Arrives Sept. 27: A 46-year old Australian pilot, Mr. John Fisher, arrived in Yangon Sept. 26 in his single-engine 1932 De Haviland Tiger Moth. He is en route from London to Sydney, with 18 stopovers. This morning he departed for Thailand. (NLM 9/28) ----- 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 email: jfcooper@magnum.wpe.com Burma Press Summary No. 115, Sept. 1996