96-10 BURMA PRESS SUMMARY From the Rangoon "The New Light of Myanmar" Compiled for the Burma Studies Group by Hugh C. MacDougall Published by the Center for East Asian and Pacific Studies, University of Illinois Volume X, No. 10, October 1996 Table of Contents POLITICAL Slogans 2 Political Articles 2 Foreign Articles About Myanmar 7 Information Committee Briefing 7 Special Refresher Courses 12 National Races 12 Pyithu Hluttaw Members Resign 12 Detainees Released 13 National Solidarity Symposium 13 Town-Gown Brawl 13 DIPLOMATIC Diplomatic Calls 13 New Myanmar Ambassadors 14 New Ambassadors to Myanmar 14 US Proclamation Rejected 15 INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION Joint Workshops & Seminars 16 Regional and Border Cooperation 16 Donations from Abroad 17 Myanmar Karuna Foundation 17 FOREIGN VISITORS International Agency Visitors 18 Business Visitors 18 Media Visitors 21 Academic and Medical Visitors 21 Religious Visitors 22 Cultural Visitors 22 Indonesian Oil Delegation 22 Malaysian Foreign Minister 22 Malaysian Transport Minister 22 Chinese Goodwill Delegation 22 Bangladeshi Commerce Minister 23 MYANMAR DELEGATIONS Study Delegations 23 Delegations to Meetings 23 Business Delegations 23 Cultural Delegations 23 State Visit to Cambodia 24 Mandalay Mayor to Vietnam 25 Delegations Return 25 MYANMAR GAZETTE Probationary Appointments 25 Appointments 26 Appointments Confirmed 26 GOVERNMENT Science & Technology Ministry Formed 26 Independence Day Committee 26 UN Day Message 26 Traditional Medicine Regulated 27 MILITARY Surrenders by Armed Group Members 27 Armed Forces Day Preparations 27 ECONOMIC Economic Articles 28 Trade Fairs and Exhibitions 28 Project Inaugurations 28 Business Openings 28 Domestic Business Agreements 28 Advertisements 29 Agreements with Foreign Firms 29 Banking 29 Aviation 29 Mid-Year Gems Emporium 30 Sugar 30 Roads 30 Fuel 30 Rainfall in Yangon 30 HEALTH Health Articles 31 SPORTS Sports Articles 31 Myanmar Teams and Delegations 31 Foreign Teams, Coaches, etc. 31 Holes-in-One 31 Olympic Honors 31 CULTURAL Cultural and Scientific Articles 32 Religion 32 Publications 32 Computers 33 Education 33 Traditional Arts 33 MISCELLANEOUS Sunday and Holiday Supplements 33 Crime 34 Police Phone Numbers 34 Anti-Narcotics Activities 35 Obituaries 35 Engagement 36 Earthquakes 36 New Postage Stamps 36 New One-kyat Note 36 New Bar Council Regulations 36 Powerline Outage 36 ------------------------------------------- HIGHLIGHTS -- Monthly Press briefing discusses anti-narcotics activities [summary], the banning of the NLD Congress [full text], and questions from journalists. [POLITICAL] -- Ministry of Science and Technology formed, with U Thaung as Minister and U Thein Tun as Deputy Minister. [GOVERNMENT] -- SLORC Chairman Senior General Than Shwe pays a State Visit to Cambodia. [MYANMAR DELEGATIONS] -- Foreign Ministry rejects US Proclamation restricting entry to certain Myanmars, and bars visas to American citizens with political agendas. [DIPLOMATIC] -- Memories of Myanmar-American friendship. Baptist Missionary Adoniram Judson, and other examples of good relations. [CULTURAL--Articles] -- Activities of former US military attache Robert Helvey. [POLITICAL -- Articles --"What is Aung San Suu Kyi.... (64)"] -- American Burma specialist Maureen Aung Thwin castigated. [POLITICAL -- Articles -- "A wrong move.... (2)".] -- Myawady Literature House "turns into army unit." [CULTURAL--Publications] -- Many pickpockets receive immediate three-year sentences. [MISCELLANEOUS--Crime] ------------------------------------------- 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: Oct. 1-31: Panditanan ca sevana, to associate with the wise; this is the way to auspiciousness. The Twelve Objectives: Since July 6, 1995, each issue of NLM has listed the Four Political, Four Economic, and Four Social Objectives of the State Law and Order Restoration Council, generally on the front page [for texts, see January 1996 issue]. Political Articles [Including, as appropriate, editorials] Oct. 1-3: What is Aung San Suu Kyi? Whither goest she? by Pe Kan Naung. [Cont. (63) Aung San Suu Kyi's confidante U Kyi Maung "is a person who can shameless twist the history" and who was a friend and admirer of Galon U Saw (who assassinated Aung San). In fact, there was a plot against U Saw, to foil his scheming with British Governor Sir Dorman Smith to block independence. Now, U Kyi Maung is using Aung San Suu Kyi in an effort to bring down the Government. [(64) Foreign contacts with NLD. Subversive pamphlets sent in by NLD Expatriate Group. US involvement: "During the early part of 1995, absconding Myanmar students led by Dr. Tint Swe and Chin students from Manipur and Mizoram, together totalling about a hundred attended lectures on Methods of Political Defiance, conducted by instructors who are US citizens. After July in the latter part of 1995, 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 being reactivated. After the collapse of KNU headquarters at Manerplaw, Robert Helvey with Bruce Jenkins and Michael Mitchell, all three of them US citizens, arrived at the KNU-held territory, Hit Ka Ba Lei around May 1996 and reorganized the remnants of the ABSDF and other opposition groups and made arrangements for them to attend political defiance training courses. After that from 19 to 23 August, they were said to have conducted such a training course for members of the KNU, CRDB, ABSDF, NCGUB, NLD (expatriate) group and the NDF at the KNU Hti Ka Ba Lei camp. It is said that around 30 people attended the course. ["Out of these three US citizens, Robert Helvey at one time served as Defence and Army Attache at the Embassy of the United States of America in Yangon, Myanmar. Bruce Jenkins is an administration officer dealing with financial matters at the Albert Einstein Institute of America. Michael Mitchell who is a member of the IRI (International Republication Institute) on the other hand arrived in Yangon in April 1996 and met Daw Aung San Suu Kyi for the first time.... Mitchell made another visit to Yangon from 15 to 20 August and on 18 August he went to see Daw Aung San Suu Kyi at her home...." [(65) September press briefing. "Accusing foreign entrepreneurs who come to Myanmar to make investments and to do trade as immoral is really too serious.... It should be noted that these dignified entrepreneurs can file law suits against Daw Aung San Suu Kyi in retaliation for her accusations." Since her release from restriction, she "has been one getting more rights than what an ordinary citizen has a right to enjoy and one who has been going round in the vicious circle of folly." The true reason Aung San Suu Kyi "has become alienated to Myanmar culture for so long and is so rude," is that she "was not brought up under the care of her two Myanmar parents." In summary, "if it is to be analysed what Aung San Suu Kyi is, it will show as follows: -- Aung San Suu Kyi according to Buddhist culture and tradition and as heir apparent is a bad daughter who had not fulfilled her obligations towards her parents; -- Aung San Suu Kyi is a woman with an extreme pride much more than a true woman should possess and went after fame with a vain glory [sic] and is a selfish person; -- Aung San Suu Kyi is a person who fails to understand the gratitude she owes the State and is evil educated person like an ogre; -- She is a woman who places in the fore her own popularity rather than the affairs of the State and the race, a person without rationality and crazed with power; -- Aung San Suu Kyi has chosen a foreigner who is not of own race and blood as her spouse and has given birth to two sons of mixed blood and automatically come under the influence of a foreigner and is like a person walking blindly, happy with receiving letters which give her instructions and advice to act according to the bidding of a foreign country." ["She easily got the leadership of a party which is that of a spoilt class of people in Myanmar.... Only when she came to Myanmar to engage in politics could her spouse, a professor, who could only afford to ride a bicycle in Oxford can now go in a car of latest model. They have accumulated millions of dollars. Even though Myanmar may be set aflame and burnt down to ashes due to her doings, she has nothing to worry. Arrangements have been made for her to live in best of luxury in England. After earning the dollars doing democracy shore-job in Myanmar for eight years, she can now spend the rest of her life without exhausting her money.... ["If she goes back with her own awareness to her permanent address which she loves greatly, pines for and boasts about it (15 Park Town Oxford, London [sic]), then it would be the straightest path of her journey home. If she continues to go on like this in Myanmar, then her history would become ruder and ruder and ultimately she will sink deeper into the quagmire as the common enemy of the entire people. What is Aung San Suu Kyi?... Whither goest Aung San Suu Kyi?... The day she herself can discern it will be the day she will be the most free. (Concluded)."] Oct. 1: Not that naive, by Byatti. [Cont. (2) "The United States has gone so far as attempting to introduce laws on Myanmar, interfering in the internal affairs and intimidating her in breach of ethics to be observed in international relations. This has been welcomed by members of the so-called NCGUB of neo-expatriates. Although the mass of Myanmar people have turned out against the interference of the United States...the NLD group, Aung San Suu Kyi, who has kept NLD under her control, and a group of her followers and advisers ignore the public and national interests being harmed. Instead, they are carrying out synchronized activities to create favourable conditions for the United States...." Dangers to Myanmar's races, territory, government, and sovereignty listed. "The danger of the acts of local and joint-venture axe-handles led by Aung San Suu Kyi who get loose with their reliance on outside powers and those of the Charge d'Affaires and an official of the American Embassy need no exaggeration. Action can be taken against Aung San Suu Kyi and her followers according to existing laws and order having the force of law [sic]. What is important is that those who are engaged in dangerous acts must cease such acts. If national interest is harmed they will certainly be punished by the people."] Oct. 4: If we were to refer to Bogyoke..., by Pe Kan Kaung. ["Even though she was born of Bogyoke Aung San and Daw Khin Kyi, it is lamentable for Aung San Suu Kyi who is not only fading her father's noble attributes but also using him under pretext of democracy as manipulated from abroad."] Oct. 5: The bitter pill is no longer potent, by Byatti. [Daw Aung San Suu Kyi line no longer works. "The Sayamagyi's bitter pill is no longer potent."] Oct. 10: Thirty-five years of the Non-Aligned Movement, by U Pe Kin - Ambassador (Rtd.). [History, by a retired Ambassador. "The Non-aligned movement may rest assured of Myanmar's continued and unflinching support of its principles in all circumstances."] Oct. 11: East is East, West is West, by Byatti. ["What the axe-handles and expatriates expected was that Myanmar would waver and be flustered by the American President's move. It seems that the American President's move was a respite for Madame Aris Suu Kyi but in fact it had reverse effect...." Myanmar is not Somalia, Haiti, or Bosnia, and "will never be an American-style democracy."] Oct. 13: Stand firm Aung Moung, by Maung Thwe Thant. [Review of good relations between Myanmar and America for over a century, until they were poisoned by Mrs. Michael Aris. Lies spread on BBC and VOA are not heard in their homelands, since "BBC programme could not be tuned in England" and the US Congress "has prohibited the American people from listening to overseas broadcasts by VOA.... The prohibition aims at preventing their citizens concerned from listening to false news." US also trying to punish Cuba and Libya by interfering in their affairs. "Well-known artiste Myanmar theatre the late Mingala U Aung Moung used to encourage Myanmar people who were participating in anti-imperialist and independence movement by crying the catch phrase 'Stand firm Aung Moung'. He did so while performing on the stage.... I, therefore, conclude this article by repeating U Aung Moung's clarion call: Stand firm Aung Moung!"] Oct. 13-14: A wrong move and one could lose the game--, by Byatti. [(1) The real causes of the problems between Myanmar and America are (a) "a group of local-made servitude share-holder axe-handles holding negative views" and (b) "new and old expatriates abroad and degenerative elements that have lost purity of genealogy." They should be aware that "'the dance of dinosaurs'" is over and that "the emergence of a new world pattern is inevitable." Though Brazil and India are coming up, current great powers are China, US, Europe and Russia. Japan cannot become a world superpower because the US and China don't want it. Islam would have to unite. But sophisticated weapons are spreading, and "the poor men's bomb, too, is within reach of almost every country." (2) Most likely development is a joint effort by Russia, Europe, and the US "attempt to keep China at bay." Since Russia has its own preoccupations, "America and Europe may collaborate and dominate the world economy." Though American prisons are worse than Myanmar ones (viz: chaining female prisoners and assigning them to hard labour in Arizona), "Mrs. Michael Aris and ax-handle gangsters accompanying her ...cling to and rely on the care of American and Europe...." Perhaps Daw Swa Gyai, "the gang sayamagyi who picks and chooses to read only English language newspapers... did not dare to speak out that such ugly excesses on female convicts as in America do not exist in our country and that it must be duly acknowledged?" If she were in America, she would see the homeless, the beggars, in Washington. ["In a study of the stratum of degenerative elements who are hurting themselves in their efforts to appease their masters, one will find they are all the likes of Mrs. Michael Aris. They got married to white, red or multi-coloured foreigners and naturalized, thereby losing purity of genealogy. Maureen Aung Thwin of marred genealogy who was wont to appear on CNN news, for instance, has been away from the motherland of Myanmar since she was about ten years old. She got married with an American citizen and was naturalised in the US about 20 years ago. Such a one of marred genealogy has no right to say anything about Myanmar and there is no reason to believe what she says. ["In fact, Maureen Aung Thwin is not doing any service with genuine goodwill towards Myanmar. She is posing as a democracy activist because she finds it easy living with something tasty to chew. For Maureen Aung Thwin and new and old expatriates in the US, the Soros Foundation is like a bank from which they can take money out and spend it and swindle it at will. The foundation is known to be an NGO with noble objectives. It is based in the US. It is meant for aiding social and education sectors of the small developing nations. ["It is distressing to learn that the foundation is at the mercy of deception and concoctions by new and old expatriate gang members from Myanmar for their own gain. Maureen Aung Thwin was the strongest in her approach to that foundation than other new and old expatriates. She has been able to take the money out of the foundation using her womanly wiles and guiles in addition to the pretext of democracy and human rights. ["Out of the dollars which she had so obtained, she stole some for her and provided the paltry remainder to the remnant armed groups; she then gave them various incentives and instigated them to have her way. She paved her way with dollars in her approach to some US Senators. She shared those dollars with fellow new and old expatriates who were less fortunate. The name of the foundation which was established to serve the interests of the human race got tarnished by the crooks and democracy awaras. Its objectives came to naught...." {BPS does not normally comment at all on articles transcribed or summarized from The New Light of Myanmar, and seeks to present impartially both the statements made and the tone conveyed by them. We cannot and do not, however, concur in the tone of the remarks, or many of the statements, made in the passages above concerning Maureen Aung-Thwin. -- HCMacD.} ["Some sub-standard US Congressmen who have been lobbied by dollars obtained through mischievous means then blindly echoed the voice of expatriates because of the might of the dollar. ["Here, the most modern news gathering machinery of the US which is at the top in the world has gone wrong. One can say that the Myanmar democracy virus, which is more dangerous than computer virus, has infected it....." [Mrs. Michael Aris "is a hindrance or an obstruction" to progress. She has "prevented, through devious means, the flow into the country of foreign assistance. Similarly, she stopped international assistance. She also obstructed the visit of tourists...." She even blocked the delivery of vaccines for the children of Myanmar. "However, she has accepted with delight dollars coming in for various reasons for her personal use. She enjoys life in comfort taking the best food. She has bought a car and sent her two sons to school abroad. She has granted democracy pension to her head-of-the-house nat. A study of these facts makes obvious how rude, aggressive, morally petty and lowly she is ["With the passage of time, diplomatic circles in Myanmar...have come to know her fouls one after another after dealing with her first thinking highly of her, and have begun to realize her situation. Being diplomats, they have not spoken out, though. ["If the new US Charge d'Affaires who will soon arrive and discharge his duty were someone who is interested in psychiatry or who has some knowledge about the nature of psychiatry, he will find an easy answer to which ywathuma is responsible for the state of Myanmar-American relations within minutes after he has talked with her.... ["Concerning the ambitious plans of Mrs. Michael Aris....she must be careful she will lose the game if she makes a wrong move."] Oct. 14: This game is not good to watch, by Ye Win. ["The US President does not seem to have personally studied and know about Myanmar." Any good Myanmar citizen "will feel hurt by any assault upon his nation and his people and his government...."] Oct. 17: It is not directed at anyone, by Professor Seikphwa. [Discussion of neurosis and insanity in Western societies; people with mental disorders are not always aware of it, if they are in an equally disordered society, "under the name of a political party." "What I would like to present in conclusion is the fact that authorities concerned have of late curbed that society's undisciplined, disorderly, reckless deeds, committed as they thought fit, and their right to assemble every week. Those in the leadership and their stooges, as their mental outlet has been blocked as such, may be writing from a kind of 'nervous breakdown' within such a short period.... Such processes are not different from 'neurosis' commonly seen in psychiatric units.... This analysis is not directed at anyone but please understand and forgive me if there is a coincidence."] Oct. 18-31: Past, present and future, by Pe Kan Kaung. [(1) Unhappy legacy of the era of parliamentary democracy in Myanmar, though it is now extolled by "the political wildcats and big tom cats wearing democracy masks" who turn a blind eye to its "political squabbling, conflicts between political parties, internal strife and splits...and the resulting waves of political upheavals which struck the life of the people" which may be called "the essence of the parliamentary democracy era." Early history: 1947-48. (2) Weaknesses of the AFPFL period in the late 1940s and early 1950s. (3) AFPFL split in the 1950s. (4) Statements by AFPFL leaders in 1954. (5) AFPFL corruption. (6) AFPFL in 1955-56. (7) Correspondence between U Nu and U Kyaw Nyein. (8) Texts from 1958 AFPFL Conference. (9) Continued. (10) Continued. (11) AFPFL split. (12) Continued account of the split during April-May 1958. (13) June 1958 speeches. (14) Statements in August.] Oct. 19: People's life, people's wish mean..., by Byatti. [Moderation and peaceful way in which the Government averted the disorder planned by the NLD in September.] Oct. 19: Good company and good discourse, by Dr. Win May. [Virtues of the Symposium on Socio-Economic Matters Contributing Towards National Solidarity, sponsored by the Office of Strategic Studies of the Ministry of Defence -- a gathering of "the intelligentsia of both today and yesterday." The Chief of the Office of Strategic Studies, Lt-Gen. Kyin Nyunt opened the meeting. The keynote address was by Dr. Khin Maung Nyunt, who "held the audience's attention with the geographic, genealogical and historical factors, the richness of natural resources as well as the social and cultural traditions of our motherland." U Myat Thein and Daw Khin Thein Yi gave "a conceptual and analytical framework of reference" on market economics. Daw Selda Maung discussed privatization. Dr. Tun Shin analyzed "law regarding socio-economic factors contributing towards national solidarity." On Day 2, U Myo Nyunt discussed "the role of the education sector and its contribution towards national solidarity." Dr. Hla Myint discussed the role of the health sector. U Nyunt Han described Myanmar's "valuable cultural heritage," and there was discussion of "the need for proper systems of recording, reporting, restoration and dating"; despite the Convention on the Return of Stolen Cultural Property, "a lot of Myanmar's cultural heritage was still in the museums of other countries." The second day highlight was the presentation by Col. Kyaw Thein, who held the audience "spell-bound" with his account of the "return to the legal fold of the armed groups of various national races," and his experiences during the negotiations. Col. Kyaw Win discussed the "factors leading to the success of these sensitive negotiations." Lt-Col. Thein Han discussed development projects in the border areas. The symposium was a great success.] Oct. 21: Democracy which is not democracy, by Byatti. [National League for Democracy does not practice democracy. "The democracy, which Mrs. Michael Aris is shouting...is democracy that is not democracy."] Oct. 24: United Nations and its functions, by Soe Naung. [Article in honour of United Nations Day.] Oct. 25: Editorial: Tourism development. [472 hotel projects with 10,856 rooms are being implemented, with an investment of K 7 billion and US $1.5 million. In 1988 there were only 20 State-owned hotels with 914 rooms; now there are 40 hotel projects with 7,649 rooms undertaken with foreign investment, with a total investment of US$ 1,487 million. "In the past, tourists were allowed to visit Yangon, Mandalay, Bagan, Taunggyi and Inlay only. At the time of the State Law and Order Restoration Council, they are allowed to visit more places such as Myitkyina, Bhamo, Muse, Namhkham, Lashio, Kengtung, Tachilek, Myeik, Dawei, Kawthoung, Kyaikhtiyo, Mawlamyine, Sittway, MraukU, Pathein, Chaungtha as peace prevails in the country."] Oct. 26: So cruel, by Than Lyet. [Dialogue between Than Lyet and U Myo Chit. Daw Suu Kyi is cruel, and is being used by the CIA.] Oct. 29-31: Those who break good tradition, by A staff member of 'Myet Khin Thit'. [Tradition of American-Myanmar friendship: (1) Biography of Dr. Shaw Lu, who went to America to study in 1859, returned to Myanmar as a doctor in 1876, was honored by King Mindon, and who practised and taught in Yangon, and who died in Mawlamyine in 1929, aged 90. He is honored as "the one who sowed the seeds of Western medicine in the country and the one who brought honour to the motherland." (2) Biography of, and interview with, American Burmese language scholar Prof. D. Haigh Roop of Hawaii University. (3) Visit to US on a Fullbright scholarship, and to Rutgers University, by ex Attorney-General and Professor Emeritus Dr. Ba Han and his wife Daw Khin Thein. They found most American students profoundly ignorant about Myanmar. "However, members of a neo-expatriate gang of the so-called students organization" were organizing students stealthily. Most of the expatriates "hold forged passports," "have no regular jobs," and are "lazy and foolish people averse to hard work," who shout democracy in order to beg assistance from private sources. They are supported by "the gang leader woman who doggedly holds negative views inside the country." "The virus spread by Myanmar neo-expatriates will disturb and destabilize the university education world in the USA, Japan, Canada, Thailand and so on; it can even cause extinction and a gap in lineage, for Myanmar neo-expatriates are those who break good tradition (or) who are infected with virus that destroys democracy."] Oct. 30-31: National policy which must be implemented without fail, by Minye Kaungbon. [(1) I.e., Our Three Main National Causes, the State's Twelve Objectives, and the People's Desire. (2) Danger of neocolonialism; importance of National Convention.] Foreign Articles About Myanmar Oct. 22: Asians Have Reasons to Look Askance at Nobel Peace Prizes, by Philip Bowring (from International Herald Tribune (European Edition), of Oct. 15, 1996). [As administered by the Norwegian parliament, the Nobel Peace Prize reflects a Nordic view, which congratulates Western relievers of suffering, but rewards non-Westerners for opposing their Governments -- as in the cases of the Dalai Lama, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, and now the two East Timorese recipients.] Information Committee Briefing Oct. 1: The third monthly news briefing was held by the Information Committee, in the presence of various officials, foreign media representatives, and foreign embassy personnel. Minister for Information Maj-Gen. Aye Kyaw said the meeting would deal with two topics: anti-drug measures taken since 1988, and a clarification on the SLORC stand on stability of the state, community peace and tranquillity, and prevalence of law and order. [Anti-drug activities] Joint Secretary Police Col. Ngwe Soe Tun of the Central Committee for Drug Abuse Control said Myanmar drug control policy had three aspects: supply reduction, law enforcement and demand reduction. Finding alternative means of livelihood for border peoples who have long grown opium, in areas where the Government has only recently gained access, "takes time and patience." The Ministry for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs was especially created to deal with the problem. It is the government policy to make drug eradication and prevention "a national duty" and to "gradually eliminate poppy cultivation by promoting the standard of living of the national races." Supply: "Myanmar, as part of the Golden Triangle, is being censured for producing over 2000 tons of opium annually. These figures are based on estimates obtained from satellite photos. We too have our ground based figures. Arguing about the different figures will be counter-productive. We are willing to cooperate with any country to obtain the correct base line data." Enforcement: The Myanmar Police Force has 18 anti-narcotic units, of which 13 were established since 1988. Laws have been passed and strengthened. "Some blame is being placed on law enforcement agencies, with accusations of decrease in anti-narcotics activities, even though more heroin was coming out of the country. Nearly everybody knows about clandestine refineries at the borders from where heroin is directly trafficked to the international market. Domestic seizures are mostly those that were meant for local demand. Tightening of interdiction can result in the lessoning [sic] of traffic." Precursor chemicals are not produced in Myanmar, but are "illegally imported from the neighbouring countries." Over 1000 gallons a year are seized. "The significant fact that the MTA [Khun Sa's group] had unconditionally surrendered is a factor that can cause the decrease of the opium crop this coming season. The whole of the Homaing area is now occupied by the Tatmadaw. The Kokang leadership is also under change. Phone Kyar Shin is now the current new leader and the Tatmadaw is helping in carrying out administrative duties and we are optimistic that opium production will be decreased in the coming season." Demand reduction: "The 1993 Drug Law requires the voluntary registration of addicts.... To date there have been 56,847 registered addicts of which 62% are opium addicts, 29% are heroin addicts and 9% are addicted to other drugs." There are six major drug treatment centres: Yangon, Mandalay, Myitkyina, Taunggyi, Lashio, and Kengtung, all giving 10-week treatments. There are 8 rehabilitation centres: Yangon, Mandalay, Phekhon, Namlat, Kengtung, Lashio, Myitkyina, and Wettigan, with 12-36 week vocational training courses. International cooperation: Survey of international agreements signed by Myanmar, and anti-drug cooperation with its neighbours. The US had cooperated in opium yield surveys in 1993 and 1995, and the US DEA carried out some raids. "The US President, in his notification 96-12 on March of this year, announced that Myanmar did not cooperate fully in the implementation of the objectives of the 1988 UN Convention because of which it was eligible for aid from the US. This one-sided announcement by the US blindly ignored Myanmar's anti-narcotic efforts. It was not a balanced approach nor was it a fair one .... Corruption in drug-related matters are not condoned. [Since 1993] 51 has been dismissed for corruption and 39 demoted, making up a total of 90.... By notifying the world of his determination, Mr. Clinton had done a misdeed, breaking up the spirit of cooperation between countries that are resolved to fight the drug menace.... In conclusion, may I point out the fact that Myanmar is carrying on the uphill fight against drug abuse with its own resources ...." Stand on stability, peace Col. Kyaw Thein, Head of the Office of Strategic Studies of the Ministry of Defence "clarified the stand" of the SLORC on stability issues: [Banning of NLD Congress] "For stability of the State, community peace and tranquillity, security authorities curbed a bid by the National League for Democracy to hold a meeting with a gathering of people from 27 to 29 September 1996. In this context, I will elaborate for your information. "On 27 and 28 September, security authorities called in temporarily for questioning some persons from the National League for Democracy in Yangon and some townships who were going to assemble for the Congress. There were altogether 159 persons -- 136 in Yangon and 23 in other townships. All of them were accommodated at guest houses temporarily. While I brief you now, some are now on their way back to their homes from those guest houses. Assembly of people at Daw Suu Kyi's house on University Avenue and at the party's office on Shwegondine Road for the purpose of holding the Congress was restricted. "On 28 September morning, the signboard of the National League for Democracy office on Shwegondine Road in Bahan Township was found to have been taken down and put away and the office closed. There are various rumours on this. The fact is that the landlord who leased the building for opening the NLD office asked the party officials a few months ago for the return of the house, for the contract had expired and the owner felt much disturbed due to gathering of about 300 persons in the office on 28 September arranging to hold the Congress and therefore had taken the building back. "The bid to hold the Congress from 27 to 29 September as arranged by some NLD leaders has also been reported in the papers. It is evident that they timed it to lead Government into difficulties internally and abroad even though they gave the excuse that it would be on an intra-party and democracy agenda. The worst was arranging to hold a mass meeting in contravention of the existing laws, rules and orders. Preventive measures were thus taken, so as not to allow untoward acts resulting in street riots, with the people coming to the usual roadside talks on Saturday, 28 September and Sunday, 29 September. It is evident that the speeches and acts of some party leaders like Daw Suu Kyi, U Tin Oo and U Kyi Maung were meant to lead to direct confrontation with the Government. This can be seen in the speeches and acts after the restraining order imposed on Daw Suu Kyi was lifted. [Activities of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi] "Since lifting of the restraining order on Daw Suu Kyi on 10 July 1995, it is found that Press Conferences had been held 13 times, inviting foreign correspondents. Meetings with foreign correspondents individually or in groups took place at her residence almost all the time. She was said to be driving toward dialogue between her and the State Law and Order Restoration Council. However, at her first Press Conference she threatened 'dialogue or utter devastation'. A study of Press Conferences and what she was talking about would show that Daw Suu Kyi suggested lawlessness and instability in Myanmar might also cause instability in the entire South-East Asian region, that Myanmar enjoyed no basic human rights, that Myanmar could not be a country that would support ASEAN, that youths working for national economy lacked adequate education, that the economy is out of shape, that it is not the time to provide economic assistance and that entrepreneurs should not invest due to inflation thereby forcing the Government to face a tight economic situation. "In connection with the National Convention, she said that it would not serve the interest of the nation, nor contributed to emergence of the Constitution, that there is no evidence that the public have trust in the Convention, and there was no need to take so much time to write the Constitution, etc. with intent to jeopardize the Government's political objective and cause foreign misunderstanding. "The State Law and Order Restoration Council strives to safeguard its prestige with correct policy in international relations. The Government maintains friendly relations with neighbours and is cooperating with the nations in Asia-Pacific region for regional peace and stability. The nations in the region welcome these efforts. Daw Suu Kyi who does not desire such good international relations wrote to the leaders in the region, urging them to isolate Myanmar, not to provide support and not to invest, stating her unrealistic one-sided opinion. "Since November 1995, Daw Suu Kyi has been writing the column Letter from Burma series of articles in the Mainichi Shimbun. To date, she has written 42 such articles. She touched upon topics to make foreigners, who have not been to Myanmar, have a low opinion of the Myanmar people and misunderstand the Government. In some articles. In some articles, she exaggerated that Myanmars are too poor to have proper breakfast and had to drink congee water instead, that living standard is so low, that NLD members are being suppressed, that though Myanmars are famous for their hospitality, they do not wish to receive visitors now, so on and so forth. In fact, Daw Suu Kyi only belongs to one political party in Myanmar. It should be considered whether it is proper for journalists to publish the articles of a mere political activist. What is worse is that broadcasting and disseminating of roadside talks on Saturdays and Sundays by foreign radios amount to destabilization of Myanmar. Even if not intentioned, it still constitutes aiding and abetting a lone political party in Myanmar. [Her bank accounts] "Daw Suu Kyi has opened an account at the Myanma Foreign Trade Bank. Mainichi Shimbun of Japan remitted money, said to be honoraria for her articles, nine times. The remittances total US $17,000. Misuzu Shobo Ltd. of Japan also remitted money twice, US $4,054.80, said to be for publishing a Japanese translation of her talks. Prior to the remittances from Japan, La Hayle Books Ltd. and Lattaule Bookshop had sent money, over US $3,700, through Barclays Bank of Britain. As you know, some countries conferred awards, including the Nobel Prize, on her for various reasons. So, there is also certain accumulation of money presented for these awards and it needs no special mention. Nevertheless, these case awards have not appeared in Daw Suu Kyi's accounts. ["Political defiance" courses] "If the situation is reviewed, it is obvious that organizations of some big countries are providing money for obvious reasons to enable Daw Suu Kyi to base in Myanmar and to finance her political movement. As Daw Suu Kyi has received all these privileges and awards, it can be said that she has already overstepped in the Myanmar political arena. Moreover, Daw Suu Kyi's continued opposition to the Government is also for the expatriates to make a living and thus they are pushing themselves into the political arena. It is a point to ponder. The best option, for them is to choose a path considered most suited to the people of Myanmar. At the previous Press briefing, I explained NLD expatriates were opening political defiance courses on Thai and Indian borders. Some argue 'Political defiance is non-violent politics. Is it against the law?" A review of Gene Sharp's political defiance book used as a manual in these courses will show various means to cause disruption of stability and peace. The publication carries methods to cause disintegration of our Tatmadaw (Armed Forces) which is the mainstay of national security, to cause the administrative machinery to grind to a halt and the Government to plunge into chaos and to cause disruption of internal peace and stability. "The subject of setting up a democratic nation in discipline is not found in Gene Sharp's book. Instead, his methods are oriented toward emergence of disorder. Although it is said these methods are for the cause of democracy, they are actually the methods to grab power from the Government. They are similar to the methods adopted by the BCP. They are the methods to create difficulties for the Government and topple it. It is found that they do not weigh the possible consequences such as the reign of anarchy in the country and the hardship of the people. Organizations such as Soros Foundation, International Republican [sic] Institute, Burmese Border Consortium and Albert Einstein Institute provided monetary assistance to the expatriates to enable them in their activities against the Government. The expatriates thrive on these funds and they also employed some foreign firms lobbying to get the international community to bring pressure to bear on the Myanmar Government. Internally, Daw Suu Kyi and her group are also opposing the Government on various pretexts and causing difficulties, also enabling the expatriates to continue their stand and move. "What I have just presented will point to a situation in which Daw Suu Kyi and her companions, synchronous with the expatriates, are trying to cause tight situation for the State Law and Order Restoration Council and to eventually bring about direct confrontation between the people and the Government with pressure brought on it from two directions, internal and external. It is found that foreign radio and publications refer to Daw Suu Kyi as opposition leader. Daw Suu Kyi's actions have gone beyond the limits of an opposition leader and she is actually holding a hostile attitude toward the State Law and Order Restoration Council. Big nations of the West bloc are coaxing her by flattery. Indeed, the State Law and Order Restoration Council is a government discharging a historic duty. There is no need for any opposition group. All that is necessary is cooperation for traversing a period of peaceful political transition. [Myanmar always a democracy] "Some persons of Daw Suu Kyi's NLD are resorting to various means to create misleading impressions on the Government by implying that it is a government that does not desire democracy and that suppresses people desiring democracy. We are informed of their spread of news and propaganda campaigns through media services of the West bloc, which are biased, and their writing letters to other nations with great reliance [sic]. What is actually needed is to understand the stand of the State Law and Order Restoration Council. It is a government taking responsibility for a transitional period. Its main duty is peaceful transition. The allegation that those desiring democracy are being suppressed is meant to attract attention and obtain help from powerful democracies. It is a false and frivolous allegation. The State Law and Order Restoration Council is a government bringing democracy into practice. It is a government establishing a multiparty democracy system for peaceful transition. Every person in Myanmar desires democracy. The reason is that Myanmar has never been depleted of democracy. In the AFPFL era there was parliamentary democracy. In the Lanzin Party era, there was socialist democracy. Democracy had flourished under the respective programme. Currently, the State Law and Order Restoration Council Government is seeing to a political transition directed toward multiparty democracy. The Government, responsible for this period, will proceed within the bounds of laws, rules and regulations. Deterrent action will be taken against any person or organization not adhering to rules and laws promulgated by the Government and for any act to oppose and deter projects and objectives of the Government. It is meaningless to shout at the top of their voice that those desiring democracy are being suppressed. Stability of the State and rule of law are of primary importance today. The Government must curb and prevent any act that could jeopardize objectives of the nation. So, what the NLD planned to do from 27 to 29 September had to be curbed." [Questions and Answers] Questions were then taken from journalists present: U Maung Maung of Ji Ji News Agency asked about activities of US Embassy officials. Director-General U Khin Maung Win of the Political Department "said the Charge d'Affaires of the US Embassy in y U Khin Maung Win of the Political Department "said the Charge d'Affaires of the US Embassy in Yangon Ms. Marilyn Meyers came and saw him on 24 September; she spoke among other things about the meeting that was going to be held by the NLD from 27 to 29 September; she remarked that the NLD should be allowed to hold the meeting without any disturbance; moreover, she also intimated that if any action was taken against the NLD or the holding of the meeting it would have negative implications." He said he had responded "that we cannot but regard such statements as being interference in our internal affairs, that we have laid down out own policies, we have chosen the right path and we will not be deviated by any pressure or intimidation from abroad. If any action oversteps the bounds of the Vienna Convention, we will have to see to taking appropriate action as a sovereign and independent nation and because of our integrity." U Hla Htwe of Nihon Keizai Shimbun asked whether action had been taken against any foreign diplomats. Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs U Nyunt Swe responded that the Ministry "has not taken action against any foreign diplomat so far.... Although it had been implied that it is interference in our internal affairs, for the sake of good bilateral relations no action has, to date, been planned against the meeting that took place, and the words said by Ms. Meyers." U Sein Win of Kyodo News Agency asked about diplomatic behaviour and the Vienna Convention. Col. Kyaw Thein said that: "Concerning diplomats going to meet politicians to understand political situation in the country it is understandable for the government that diplomats go to meet with politicians in order to know the political situation in the country. But what happened is that a flurry of visits and return visits between diplomats, especially Western diplomats, and Aung San Suu Kyi have been made 137 times since lifting of the restraining order on Daw Suu Kyi. It is understandable that, to know the political situation, you can go and meet the politicians once or twice. But more than a hundred times, I think it cannot be termed as routine diplomatic visit for study of local situation. It is very obviously strange for Daw Aung San Suu Kyi why she met the Western diplomats so many times and why she did not meet the other Asian diplomats also." In response to a question by Robert Horn of Associated Press, Col. Kyaw Thein said: "I think the government has repeatedly stated that holding these kind of weekend meetings are violating the existing laws. So I think, for the future, I don't know what lies ahead, but action will be taken against anybody who violates the existing laws.... We know our own internal situation and when we think that it is time to act what we act will be acting on that [sic]." In response to a question by Deborah Charles of Reuters, he said that "nearly 400 persons were taken in temporarily during the night of 27th September inside Yangon Division...in a bid to prevent crimes likely to harm law and peace and tranquillity of the State. We were informed that this was just temporary." In response to a further question from Robert Horn of Associated Press, he "said action would be taken against those who had breached the existing laws depending on the extent of their violations." In response to a question from Simon Long of the Economist Magazine, he said the proceedings of the ASEAN meeting had not been communicated officially. "We have the commitment to join whatever is fit in this region and we have not set a deadline when to join ASEAN and it is left to people who had invited us...to our neighbours who had invited us to decide when we should join...." In response to a question from Seth Mydans of the New York Times, he said that Aung San Suu Kyi "is free to go where she wants." U Khun Sa "is now under the supervision of our law enforcement officials. Right now he is not doing any sort of business in Yangon or elsewhere inside the country." In response to a question from Ken Hayashi of Kyodo News, National Convention Convening Commission member U Thaung Nyunt said that "at the coming session of the National Convention, delegates will have to discuss the subjects relating to power-sharing, that is sharing of power relating to legislature, executive and judiciary between the central and Regions and States." The Commission is preparing the resumption of the National Convention and "will announce the date in due course." [photos of exhibits on anti-drug activities] (NLM 10/2) Special Refresher Courses Oct. 5: Special Refresher Course No. 23 for Basic Education Teachers opened, and was addressed by SLORC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt. (NLM 10/6) Oct. 12: Special Refresher Course No. 8/96 for Myanmar Police Force Officers concluded with an address by Minister for Home Affairs Lt-Gen. Mya Thin, who "also reminded the trainees to avoid acts by misusing laws as their powers, not to cause insult to human society and not to undermine the people's belief and respect in the Government." (NLM 10/13) Oct. 21: Special Refresher Course No. 24 for Basic Education Teachers opened, and was addressed by SLORC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt. (NLM 10/22) National Races Oct. 2: National race leaders U Kyi Myint, General Secretary of Shan State (East) Special Region No. 4, and U Nai Shwe Kyin, Chairman of the New Mon State Party, who have made peace with the government, met with foreign correspondents and answered questions. They said their organizations had come to terms with the government because they did not want to continue fighting, and were working on various aspects of economic development. U Kyi Myint told Thomas Fox (AFP) that "right now they are under the guidance of the government and that they will have self-administration only after the new constitution has been adopted." They praised various aspects of government policy. \\ They each donated K 50,000 to the Myanmar Anti-Drug Association. (NLM 10/3) Oct. 7: Vice-Chairman U Tun Kyaw and party of Peace Group of Special Region 2 (Kayah) called on Minister for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs Lt-Gen. Maung Thint. (NLM 10/8) Oct. 8: Shan State National Army (SSNA) leaders U Kanna, U Phumar, U Aik La, and party called on SLORC Secretary-2 Lt-Gen. Tin Oo. (NLM 10/9) Oct. 22: Minister for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs Lt-Gen. Maung Thint received national races leader U Za Khun Ting Ring and party of Kachin State Special Region-1, to discuss sugarcane production and a sugar mill. (NLM 10/23) Oct. 29: A workshop on "drawing of southern Wa region development project," under the Myanmar/China drug control programme, was held at the Myanmar Police Force Head Office. (NLM 10/30) Oct. 30: SLORC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt met with national racial leader U Hsai Phong and member Dr. La Ja of Kachin State Special Region 2. He also met with national racial leader U Sai Nong and members U Lwe Maung and U Kai Hpa of Shan State (North) Special Region 2. (NLM 10/31) Pyithu Hluttaw Members Resign Sept. 30: Election Commission Announcement No. 1294 of Sept. 30 authorizes NLD Pyithu Hluttaw representative-elect U Ngint Thang (Tiddim-1) to resign "as he is not able to do politics due to his ill health." (NLM 10/1) Sept. 30: Election Commission Announcement No. 1295 of Sept. 30 authorizes NLD Pyithu Hluttaw representative-elect U Zaw Win (Ayadaw-1) to resign "on his family's health grounds." (NLM 10/1) Oct. 28: Election Commission Announcement No. 1300 of Oct. 28 authorizes NLD Pyithu Hluttaw representative-elect U Tha Soe (Nyaungdon-2) to resign "as he is not able to do politics due to his ill health." (NLM 10/29) Detainees Released Oct. 2: 75 of 414 persons in Yangon Division "held...in temporary confinement at respective police stations on 28 and 20 September" were released. "They included those who should be detained in connection with movement jeopardizing peace and order and notorious persons of various townships." (NLM 10/3) Oct. 2: With regard to news articles about curbing the NLD Congress, "Altogether 88 out of 159 members of NLD who were temporarily accommodated at the guest houses as deterrent measure...were sent back to their homes yesterday morning." (NLM 10/3) Oct. 3: 25 persons held at police stations in Yangon Division "were released today." (NLM 10/4) Oct. 4: 59 persons held at police stations were "released as the third batch today." (NLM 10/5) Oct. 4: 37 of 71 members of the National League for Democracy "called in temporarily at the guest houses as a prevent measure" to curb the illegal Congress "were sent back to their respective homes for the second time today." (NLM 10/5) Oct. 5: 52 of 255 persons held at police stations "were released today." (NLM 10/6) Oct. 6: 40 of the remaining 203 persons held at police stations "were released today." (NLM 10/7) Oct. 7: The remaining 34 NLD detainees, of a total of 159 held temporarily in guest houses, "were sent back to their respective homes today." (NLM 10/8) Oct. 7: 100 of the remaining 163 persons held at police stations "were released today." (NLM 10/8) Oct. 8: The last group of 63 persons held at police stations was "released today." (NLM 10/9) National Solidarity Symposium Oct. 9: SLORC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt opened the first Symposium on Socio-Economic Matters Contributing Towards National Solidarity at the Office of Strategic Studies of the Ministry of Defence, attended by various intellectuals. (NLM 10/10) // Oct. 10: The Symposium concluded. (NLM 10/11) [for topics discussed, see Political Articles (Good company and good discourse), above] Town-Gown Brawl Oct. 22: "A brawl broke out between three youths and some local residents at the food stall of Long-distance Bus Terminal at Sawbwagyigon in Insein Township, on Oct. 20. The youths were detained at Insein Police Station until it was learned that they were students at Yangon Institute of Technology, and they were handed of to the Rector on oct. 21. Meanwhile, "there was misunderstanding of some responsible persons and discord in relations; on account of the matter, some YIT students on 21 October went too Insein Police Station...and spoke with the responsible personnel to take action against the policemen who were discordant in relations." Minister for Education U Pan Aung and others met with the students and "coordinated the settlement of the matter," and they returned peacefully to their hostels. They are carrying on their peaceful pursuit of education." (NLM 10/23) DIPLOMATIC Diplomatic Calls [The following calls were paid on Burmese officials by foreign Embassy or UN officials accredited to Burma. Details of the meetings are rarely reported. Ambassadors generally accompany foreign visitors from their countries on official calls, and their presence is generally not noticed in this Summary. Newly arrived and departing Ambassadors generally make the rounds of Cabinet Ministers and other leading officials.] Oct. 2: Chinese Ambassador Mrs. Chen Baoliu called on Yangon Mayor U Ko Lay. (NLM 10/3) Oct. 3: Brunei Darussalam Ambassador Pehin Datu Pekerma Bijaya Kolonel Dato Paduka Haji Hussin bin Haji Sulaiman called on Minister for National Planning and Economic Development Brig-Gen. Abel and on Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement Maj-Gen. Soe Myint. (NLM 10/4) Oct. 4: German Ambassador Dr. Wolfgang Wiesner, and Indian Ambassador Lal Thanzaya Pudaite, called on Minister for Health U Saw Tun. The Brunei Ambassador called on Minister for Transport Lt-Gen. Thein Win. (NLM 10/5) Oct. 7: Indonesian Ambassador Maj-Gen. (Police) A. Poerwanto Lenggono called on Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement Maj-Gen. Soe Myint. (NLM 10/8) Oct. 11: Chinese Ambassador Mrs. Chen Baoliu called on SLORC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt. (NLM 10/12) Oct. 14: Austrian Ambassador Dr. Nikolaus Scherk called on Minister for Health U Saw Tun. (NLM 10/15) Oct. 18: Singapore Ambassador Brig-Gen. Patrick Choy Choong Tow called on Deputy Prime Minister Lt-Gen. Tin Tun, and on Minister for Industry 1 Lt-Gen. Sein Aung. (NLM 10/19) Oct. 21: Korean Ambassador Kyung Bo Choi, and Thai Ambassador Poksak Nilubol, called on Minister for Science and Technology U Thaung. Pakistan Charge d'Affaires ai called on Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Lt-Gen. Myint Aung. Singapore Ambassador Brig-Gen. Patrick Choy Choong Tow called on Minister for Commerce Lt-Gen. Tun Kyi. (NLM 10/22) Oct. 22: Singapore Ambassador Brig-Gen. Patrick Choy Choong Tow called on Deputy Prime Minister Vice-Adm. Maung Maung Khin, on Minister for Home Affairs Lt-Gen. Mya Thin, and on Minister for Science and Technology U Thaung. Indonesian Ambassador Maj-Gen. (Police) A. Poerwanto Lenggono, accompanied by Third Secretary (Economic) Mr. Gantosori, called on Minister for Cooperatives U Than Aung. (NLM 10/23) Oct. 24: Singapore Ambassador Brig-Gen. Patrick Choy Choong Tow called on Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement Maj-Gen. Soe Myint, on Minister for Immigration and Population Lt-Gen. Maung Hla, on Minister for Hotels and Tourism Lt-Gen. Kyaw Ba, and on Minister for Transport Lt-Gen. Thein Win. (NLM 10/25) Oct. 25: The Singapore Ambassador called on Minister for Forestry Lt-Gen. Chit Swe, on Minister for Labour Maj-Gen. Saw Lwin, and on Minister at the Prime Minister's Office Col. Pe Thein. (NLM 10/26) Oct. 28: The Singapore Ambassador called on Minister for National Planning and Economic Development Brig-Gen. Abel, and on Minister at the Deputy Prime Minister's Office Secretary of the Myanma Investment Committee Brig-Gen. Maung Maung. Laotian Ambassador Ly Bounkham called on Minister for Cooperatives U Than Aung. Russian Ambassador Valeri Vartanovich Nazarov called on Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Lt-Gen. Myint Aung. (NLM 10/29) Oct. 29: Japanese Ambassador Yoichi Yamaguchi called on Minister for Science and Technology U Thaung. (NLM 10/30) Oct. 30: Vietnamese Ambassador Tran Viet Tan called on Minister for Education U Pan Aung. Singapore Ambassador Brig-Gen. Patrick Choy Choong Tow called on Minister for Cooperatives U Than Aung. (NLM 10/31) New Myanmar Ambassadors Oct. 10: U Tin Winn on Oct. 9 presented credentials in Washington to President William Jefferson Clinton as new Myanmar Ambassador to the United States. (NLM 10/ 11) Oct. 11: U Hla Maung on Oct. 10 presented credentials in Bangkok to King Bhumibol Adulyadej as new Myanmar Ambassador to Thailand. (NLM 10/12) New Ambassadors to Myanmar Oct. 2: Mr. Pehin Datu Pekerma Bijaya Kolonel Dato Paduka Haji Hussin bin Haji Sulaiman presented credentials to SLORC Chairman Senior General Than Shwe as new Ambassador of Brunei Darussalam. (NLM 10/ 3) Oct. 14: Brig-Gen. Patrick Choy Choong Tow presented credentials to SLORC Chairman Senior General Than Shwe as new Singapore Ambassador to Myanmar. (NLM 10/15) Oct. 18: Myanmar has agreed to the appointment of Dr. Ramesh Chandra Sharma Fokeer as new Ambassador of Mauritius to Myanmar. He was born in 1942 and graduated from Bombay Veterinary College, with a post-graduate diploma in Tropical Veterinary Medicine from the University of Edinburgh. He served from 1960-1996 in the Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources as Veterinary Officer and as General Manager of the Mauritius Meat Authority. He is currently High Commissioner to India, and will be concurrently accredited to Myanmar with residence in New Delhi. He is married with two children. (NLM 10/18) Oct. 18: Myanmar has agreed to the appointment of Mr. Gad Nathan as new Ambassador of Israel to Myanmar, as successor to Ambassador Mordehay Karni. He was born in 1940 and studied management studies and computers and basic law at Hebrew University. He served in the Israeli Defence Forces from 1957-61. He joined the Foreign Ministry in 1972, and has served in Tokyo, Bangkok, Rome, Milan, and Washington. He is presently Head of Division of the Division of Control and Internal Audit of the Foreign Ministry. He is married with three children. (NLM 10/18) US Proclamation Rejected Oct. 4: Ministry of Foreign Affairs Announcement No. 1/96 of Oct. 4, headlined "Myanmar categorically rejects entire US Presidential Proclamation. It can only be considered attempt to interfere in Myanmar internal affairs. Myanmar compelled to issue visa restrictions for certain categories of US citizens", reads [full text]: 1. In keeping with the National Policy of the Three Main National Causes and with a view to achieving the National Goal of a peaceful, prosperous, modern and developed State, the State Law and Order Restoration Council is vigorously implementing the political, economic and social objectives for the progress and welfare of the people. (a) The State Law and Order Restoration Council is systematically undertaking measures for a smooth transition to a multi-party democratic State in accordance with the country's historical background, culture, customs, values and traditions as well as with the objective conditions of the nation. (b) The National Convention formed with representatives from the 8-strata is being held for the emergence of the State Constitution which is essential for the country. Significant progress has been achieved in this regard. The National Convention is the forum for dialogue among the representatives of the entire spectrum of the society and also symbolizes the will of the people. (c) Because of the priority accorded and the relentless efforts undertaken by the State Law and Order Restoration Council for national reconciliation, (15) armed-groups and the MTA led by U Khun Sa had already returned to the legal fold and Myanmar Naing-Ngan is enjoying peace, tranquillity as never before in its modern history. (d) Similarly, sound economic foundations for the sustained and rapid growth of the State economy have been laid down based on the market-oriented economic system. (e) Prevalence of law and order and community peace and tranquillity are essential in creating these favourable conditions in the State. The Government of the Union of Myanmar therefore has taken measures towards this end and will continue to do so in future. In Myanmar, legal action is taken only on those who transgress the law. No legal action has been taken on anyone on the grounds of his or her political conviction. There are no political prisoners in Myanmar. 2. The United States, disregarding the true situation in the nation, is giving undue and unwarranted pressures on Myanmar. In this respect, the Government of the Union of Myanmar deeply regrets the decision of the United States Administration to impose visa restrictions on certain Myanmar nationals. Such an action negatively affects the existing bilateral relations. The Proclamation issued by the US President on 3 October 1996, can only be considered as an attempt to interfere in the internal affairs of the Union of Myanmar and as a means of giving pressure. 3. The Proclamation of the US President alleges that Myanmar continues to detain significant numbers of duly elected members of parliament, NLD activists and other persons attempting to promote democratic changes in Myanmar; failed to enter into serious dialogue with the democratic opposition and representatives of the country's ethnic minorities; failed to move toward achieving national reconciliation; and failed to meet internationally recognized standards of human rights. These allegations, however, are not in conformity with the true situation and the progress achieved in the country as mentioned in Paragraph (1), sub-paras (a) to (e) and also ignore the positive political, economic and social developments taking place in the country. The Government of the Union of Myanmar, as such, categorically rejects the entire Presidential Proclamation. 4. Under the circumstances, although the Government of the Union of Myanmar wishes to have closer relations with the United States, it is compelled to issue visa restrictions for certain categories of US citizens. Except as required by treaty obligations and officials and other supporting staff assigned to the US mission in Myanmar, the issuance of all types of visas has been suspended to United States citizens specified hereinunder: (a) Persons who formulate or implement policies that impede the process of smooth transition to a multi-party democratic State in the Union of Myanmar and members of their families; (b) Any other persons whom the Government of the Union of Myanmar deems to have acted or to be acting in a manner detrimental to the interests of the State, including persons interfering in the internal affairs of Myanmar and/or inciting political agitations and disturbances and members of their families. 5. The Ministry for Foreign Affairs shall determine the persons who fall within this visa restriction. 6. This announcement becomes effective on the date of its issuance. 7. The Government of the Union of Myanmar in its national interests may waive temporarily or permanently the restrictions mentioned in Paragraph (4) above. Yangon Dated: 4 October 1996 In a Press Conference, by Director-General U Khin Maung Win of the Foreign Ministry Political Department, reiterated the statements contained in the Foreign Ministry Announcement, noting that those detained for questioning were being sent home and expressing regret at US ignorance of the true situation. He added that "the Announcement did not concern average Americans and American business activities here." (NLM 10/5) INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION Joint Workshops & Seminars Oct. 15: A Seminar on Modernization of Railways Transport was held, cosponsored by Myanma Railways and Japan Railway Technical Service (JARTS), with presentations by MR Managing Director U Thaung Lwin and JARTS technical expert Mr. Yoshi Yamamoto. (NLM 10/16) Oct. 17: A Financial Policy Seminar co-sponsored by the Central Bank of Myanmar and the Japan Centre for International Finance opened and was addressed by Deputy Minister for Finance U Win Naing and the JCOF Special Adviser. 30 officials from the public and private banking sectors are attending. (NLM 10/18) Oct. 22: A 2-day Commercial Banking Seminar, cosponsored by the Central Bank of Myanmar and Sumitomo Bank Ltd., represented by local in charge Mr. Yoshihiko Sugita and others, met. 45 senior banking personnel are attending. (NLM 10/23) Oct. 24: A 2-day National Awareness Seminar on the Convention to Combat Desertification, cosponsored by the National Commission for Environmental Affairs (NCEA) and the Interim Secretariat of the Convention to Combat Desertification (CDD), opened. Minister for Foreign Affairs U Ohn Gyaw spoke [full text in NLM]. Statements were also made by UNDP Regional Representative Mr. Siba Kumar Das; ECOSOC Coordinator U Wai Lin, and CDD Policy and Programme Development Coordinator Mr. Gregoire de Kalbermatten also spoke. Various papers on the subject were presented. Myanmar is not a party to the Convention, but has launched its "Greening Project for the Nine Critical Districts of the Arid Zone of Central Myanmar." (NLM 10/25) // Oct. 25: The Seminar concluded. (NLM 10/26) Oct. 24: A 6-day Workshop on Applied Communication Technology Village Level, cosponsored by UNICEF and the Department of Health, opened, with 28 participants. Oct. 30: A Seminar on Production of Teaching Aids for Vocational Education, cosponsored by the Ministry of Education and UNESCO, opened. It will last until Nov. 9. (NLM 10/31) Regional and Border Cooperation Oct. 1: Chinese and Myanmar officials discussed Prevention of Infectious Diseases in China-Myanmar Border Areas at the Medical Research Department. Present were 19 officials of WHO and China, 27 Myanmar officials, and officials from UNICEF and JICA. Speakers included Director-General Dr. Hla Myint of the Health Department, Dr. Daizhi Cheng of the Disease Prevention Department of China, WHO Resident Representative Dr. Klaus Wagner, West Pacific WHO Representative Dr. D. J. Bilous, and South-East Asian WHO Representative Dr. Imam Morchny. "The meeting discussed programmes to wipe out polio in China and Myanmar and assistance to be rendered by WHO." (NLM 10/2) Oct. 14: A World Health Organization Intercountry Consultation on Collaboration between Nursing Services and Education for Improving the Quality of Nursing Services and Education was held at the Institute of Nursing, with delegates from Myanmar, Indonesia, Maldives, Bhutan, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh, and India. It was opened by Director-General Dr. Mya Oo of the Department of Medical Services; speakers included Acting WHO Representative Dr. Soerona and Regional nursing adviser Dr. Sally Ann Busch. (NLM 10/15) 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.] Oct. 2: Managing Director Mr. Prijono Sugiarto of Myanmar Astra Chinthe Motors Ltd. and party presented a 1996 Land Rover worth $50,000 to the Myanmar Karuna Foundation. (NLM 10/3) Oct. 2: Australian Ambassador Mr. S. H. R. Hume donated lamination materials and a lamination machine to the National Library. (NLM 10/3) Oct. 4: Managing Director Mr. Wichart Mektrakan of Colgate-Palmolive of Myanmar One Co. Ltd. donated 10,000 toothbrushes and tubes of Colgate tooth-paste, worth K 350,000, to the Ministry of Education. (NLM 10/5) Oct. 4: Korean Defence Attache Col. Kwansoo Oh donated Taekwando equipment to the Ministry of Defence. (NLM 10/5) Oct. 4: Managing Director Mr. Arun Kumar Jatia and party of Panimex Trading Pte. Ltd. donated K 1 million to the Myanmar Karuna Foundation; a "Singapore company" also donated K 10 million to the Foundation. (NLM 10/5) Oct. 4: Vice-President and Managing Director Mr. Ronald L. Morris of Texaco Exploration Myanmar Inc. donated $1,000 to the New Generation Advanced Sports Course No. 3, being attended by 69 trainees. Numerous Myanmar companies made donations in kyat or in kind. (NLM 10/4) Oct. 7: Country Manager U Charles Frankly of Sinamex Group of Companies, Singapore, donated Philips electronic equipment worth K 500,000 to the Myanmar Karuna Foundation. (NLM 10/8) Oct. 10: Managing Director Mr. Ebrahim Eusoof Mayet and wife Daw May Hnit San of Mayet Enterprises, Ltd., agents for White Westinghouse International Co. Ltd., USA, donated 10 air conditioners to the Myanmar Karuna Foundation. (NLM 10/11) Oct. 10: Chairman Mr. Tay Choon Hye and Managing Director Miss Janet Hoe of SUTL (Singapore) Co. Ltd. donated medical equipment worth $3,000 to the Defence Services General Hospital. (NLM 10/11) Oct. 11: Director Mr. M. R. Agrawal of Inter-Continental Commodities Ltd. donated K 1 million to the Myanmar Karuna Foundation. (NLM 10/12) Oct. 15: Mr. Aide Mead of Orbis International donated a slit lamp microscope worth $10,000 to the Ministry of Health. (NLM 10/ 16) Oct. 17: Managing Director Mr. Mohamed Javed of Fair Deal Co. Ltd. donated K 500,000 and 200 bottles of Voltaren Emulgel medicines produced by Ciba Co., worth K 70,000, to the Myanmar Karuna Foundation. (NLM 10/18) Oct. 25: Managing Director Mr. Tae Chul Shin of Myanmar Daewoo Ltd., Daewoo Corporation, donated K 2 million to the Myanmar Karuna Foundation. (NLM 10/26) Oct. 30: Deputy Permanent Secretary for Minister of Public [sic] Dr. Renu Kaysukoo and party of Thailand donated two copiers, a fax machine, six motorcycles, two defibrillators, four bedside monitors, and other equipment to the Ministry of Health. (NLM 10/31) Oct. 30: Managing Director Mr. John Michael of Myanmar Motors Ltd. donated K 1 million to the Myanmar Karuna Foundation. (NLM 10/31) Myanmar Karuna Foundation Oct. 1: The Myanmar Karuna Foundation [a frequent recipient of foreign donations -- HCMacD] opened a new clinic at 504/506 Merchant Street, Yangon, with an address by MKF Patron for Life Minister for Commerce Lt-Gen. Tun Kyi. Of the 25 planned clinics for the poor, ten are operating in Yangon and two in Mandalay. Over the past four months they have treated over 100,000 patients, spending over K 1.3 million in free medical service. MKF also plans to provide a stipend of K 500 per month to each of 500 children of low-paid State service personnel who are beginning their higher education this year; the target is to provide stipends to 1,500 students. (NLM 10/2) Oct. 17: The Myanmar Karuna Foundation opened new four clinics in Monywa, Sagaing Division, in Myothit, Thanlla, Shaukkha, and Dawei Zay Wards. (NLM 10/18) FOREIGN VISITORS [Although we rarely note the fact, foreign visitors calling on Myanmar officials are often accompanied by their Ambassadors. -- HCMacD.] International Agency Visitors Oct. 18: WHO South-East Asia Regional Adviser Dr. Sally Ann Bisch called on Deputy Minister for Health Col. Than Zin to discuss "future programmes for raising the qualifications of nurses and midwifes." (NLM 10/19) Oct. 28: International Cooperative Alliance Regional Director Mr. Robby Tulus called on Minister for Cooperatives U Than Aung to discuss preparations for the upcoming Symposium on Agri-Business Cooperatives and Regional Consultation on Cooperative Affairs. (NLM 10/29) 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.] Oct. 2: Director Dato HJ Abdul Razak HJ Muhammad of Dermajaya Holdings Sdn. Bhd, Brunei, called on Minister for Transport Lt-Gen. Thein Win to discuss civil aviation cooperation. (NLM 10/3) Oct. 2: Chairman Mr. Kong Chui Zhu of Paosan Region Foreign Goodwill Association of Yunnan, China, and party called on Minister for National Planning and Economic Development Brig-Gen. Abel. (NLM 10/3) // Oct. 3: He called on Minister for Construction Maj-Gen. Saw Tun, and on Minister at the Deputy Prime Minister's Office Secretary of the Myanma Investment Committee Brig-Gen. Maung Maung. (NLM 10/4) // Oct. 9: He called on Minister for Hotels and Tourism Lt-Gen. Kyaw Ba before leaving for home. (NLM 10/10) Oct. 2: Chairman Mr. Yuichi Kitamura of the Japan Industrial Valve Association and party called on Director-General U Maung Maung Yi of the Directorate of Investment and Companies Administration. (NLM 10/3) Oct. 3: President Mr. Shozo Hashimoto of Nomura Research Institute called on Chairman of the Myanmar Investment Commission Deputy Prime Minister Vice-Adm. Maung Maung Khin. (NLM 10/4) // Oct. 4: He called on Minister for National Planning and Economic Development Brig-Gen. Abel. (NLM 10/5) Oct. 3: President and CEO Mr. T. S. Ong and party of Genting Sanen (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd. Group called on Minister for Forestry Lt-Gen. Chit Swe. (NLM 10/4) Oct. 3: General Manager Mr. Steven P. M. Low and party of Alvion Asia Pte. Ltd. called on Minister for Commerce Lt-Gen. Tun Kyi. (NLM 10/4) Oct. 3: Director Mr. James Parsons and party of Deutsche Morgan Grenfell Trade Finance called on Minister for Energy U Khin Maung Thein. (NLM 10/4) Oct. 4: Managing Director Mr. S. Chandra Das of Nur Investment & Trading Pte. Ltd. of Singapore and party called on Chairman of the Myanmar Investment Commission Deputy Prime Minister Vice-Adm. Maung Maung Khin. (NLM 10/5) Oct. 4: Managing Director Mr. D. D. Gupta of Sineximco Pte. Ltd. (Chairman of the Singapore Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry) called on Minister for Commerce Lt-Gen. Tun Kyi. (NLM 10/5) Oct. 4: Resident representative Mr. Y. I. Chang of Samsung Corporation called on Minister for Health U Saw Tun. (NLM 10/5) Oct. 4: Vice-Chairman Mr. F. X. Sujanto of Pertamina Oil Co., Indonesia, called on Minister for Energy U Khin Maung Thein. (NLM 10/5) Oct. 6: Director Mr. John Arnold and party of Baker Hughes Inc. called on Minister for Energy U Khin Maung Thein. [See also under Agreements, below] (NLM 10/7) Oct. 7: Senior Agricultural Consultant Mr. Henk Zwinderman of Societe de Development des Cultures Industrielles (SODECI) and party called on Minister at the Deputy Prime Minister's Office Secretary of the Myanma Investment Committee Brig-Gen. Maung Maung. (NLM 10/8) Oct. 7: Executive Vice-President Mr. Asghar Mehdi of P T Prima Comexindo, Indonesia, called on Minister for Commerce Lt-Gen. Tun Kyi, and on Minister for Livestock Breeding & Fisheries U Aung Thaung. (NLM 10/8) Oct. 7: Mr. Arun Kumar Jatia of Panimex Group Co. of Singapore called on Minister for Livestock Breeding & Fisheries U Aung Thaung. (NLM 10/8) Oct. 7: General Manager Mr. H. Madeo of Yangon-based Total Myanmar Exploration and Production called on Minister for Health U Saw Tun to discuss malaria control in Kanbauk region. (NLM 10/8) Oct. 7: Managing Director Mr. Leigh Chang Joo of Yangon-based Sam San Corp. called on Minister for Health U Saw Tun. (NLM 10/8) Oct. 7: Managing Director Mr. E. H. Lee of Yangon-based Multi Gate Corporation (Myanmar) called on Minister for Health U Saw Tun. (NLM 10/8) Oct. 7: Director Mr. Katsuhiko Atsuta and party of Matsushita Electric Works Ltd., Japan, called on Minister at the Deputy Prime Minister's Office Secretary of the Myanma Investment Committee Brig-Gen. Maung Maung. (NLM 10/8) Oct. 7: President Mr. W. Scott Drieschman and party of Wildlife Concepts International of the United States of America called on Minister for Livestock Breeding & Fisheries U Aung Thaung. (NLM 10/8) Oct. 7: A tourism delegation headed by Vice-President Mr. Arthur G. Tay of SUTL Corporation Pte. Ltd., Singapore, called on Minister at the Deputy Prime Minister's Office Secretary of the Myanma Investment Committee Brig-Gen. Maung Maung, and on Minister for Hotels and Tourism Lt-Gen. Kyaw Ba. (NLM 10/8) Oct. 7: General Manager Mr. Shuho Yamanokuchi and party of Mitsubishi Corporation of Japan called on Minister for Livestock Breeding & Fisheries U Aung Thaung. (NLM 10/8) Oct. 8: Executive Vice-President Mr. Michio Fujisaki of Fujitsu Ltd. of Japan called on Minister for National Planning and Economic Development Brig-Gen. Abel. (NLM 10/9) Oct. 8: Director of Sales and Services Mr. George Tan and party of Royal Brunei Airways Sdn. Bhd. called on Minister for Transport Lt-Gen. Thein Win. (NLM 10/9) Oct. 8: Vice-President (Commerce) Mr. Camel Dahan of Koortrade Ltd. of Israel called on Deputy Prime Minister Lt-Gen. Tin Tun to discuss satellite communications. (NLM 10/9) Oct. 8: Managing Director Mr. T. C. Shin of Yangon-based Daewoo Company called on Minister for Health U Saw Tun. (NLM 10/9) Oct. 9: Executive Mr. Steven K. K. Chong of the Fisheries Federation of Malaysia and party called on Deputy Minister for Livestock Breeding and Fisheries U Aung Thein, to discuss the export of fish and prawn from Zibyuthaung region in Mon State by Loyang Emas Co. Ltd., and construction of a 1,000 ton Cold Storage and 60-ton Ice Factory. (NLM 10/10) Oct. 9: Managing Director Mr. Yoshiki Takeda and party of YKK Development (S) Pte. Ltd. of Singapore called on Minister for Transport Lt-Gen. Thein Win to discuss the Myanma Port Authority. (NLM 10/10) // Oct. 10: He called on Chairman of the Myanmar Investment Commission Deputy Prime Minister Vice-Adm. Maung Maung Khin. (NLM 10/11) Oct. 10: Group Chief Executive Mr. Malcolm Williamson of Stnadard Chartered Bank of UK and party called on Chairman of the Myanmar Investment Commission Deputy Prime Minister Vice-Adm. Maung Maung Khin, and on Minister for National Planning and Economic Development Brig-Gen. Abel. (NLM 10/11) // Oct. 11: He called on Minister for Finance and Revenue Brig-Gen. Win Tin. (NLM 10/12) Oct. 10: Co-Chairman Mr. H. J. Koehne and party of Agiplan Gruppe of Germany called on Minister at the Deputy Prime Minister's Office Secretary of the Myanma Investment Committee Brig-Gen. Maung Maung. (NLM 10/11) Oct. 14: Business Consultant Mr. Harvey Webb of Construtora Andrade Grtirrez [sic] of Brazil and party called on Minister at the Deputy Prime Minister's Office Secretary of the Myanma Investment Committee Brig-Gen. Maung Maung. (NLM 10/15) Oct. 14: Executive Director Mr. Setsuro Mitsugi and party of Itochu Corporation of Japan called on Minister at the Deputy Prime Minister's Office Secretary of the Myanma Investment Committee Brig-Gen. Maung Maung to discuss investment in corrugated iron sheet production. (NLM 10/15) Oct. 15: General Manager Mr. Kazumi Oshima and party of Showa Line Ltd. of Japan, accompanied by Managing Director U Maung Maung Myint of Minami Trading Co., called on Minister for Livestock Breeding & Fisheries U Aung Thaung. (NLM 10/16) Oct. 15: Managing Director Mrs. Suphit Butsyarat and party of Hansawaddy Fisheries Co. Ltd. called on Minister for Livestock Breeding & Fisheries U Aung Thaung. (NLM 10/16) Oct. 15: Managing Director Mr. Kenney Yap and party of Roy's Aquacultural FAME Enterprise of Singapore called on Deputy Minister for Livestock Breeding and Fisheries U Aung Thein. (NLM 10/16) Oct. 15: Senior Vice-President Mr. Gerald Switt and party of Ogden Corporation Co. Ltd. of the United States called on Minister for Transport Lt-Gen. Thein Win to discuss civil aviation. (NLM 10/16) Oct. 15: Vice-Chairman Dr. S. Kobayashi of Japan Development Institute Engineering Consulting Firms Association (EFPA), accompanied by General Manager Mr. Hiroshige Seki of Marubeni Corp. of Yangon branch, called on Minister at the Deputy Prime Minister's Office Secretary of the Myanma Investment Committee Brig-Gen. Maung Maung to discuss the Khaukphyu Port and the pipeline from Mann refinery to Kyaukphyu. (NLM 10/16) Oct. 16: Chief Executive Officer Mr. Simon Wan and party of Kemayan Corporation Bhd. (Hotel Division) of Malaysia called on Minister at the Deputy Prime Minister's Office Secretary of the Myanma Investment Committee Brig-Gen. Maung Maung. (NLM 10/17) Oct. 16: Senior Executive Director Mr. Suthe and party of Airod Sdn. Bhd. Malaysia called on Deputy Prime Minister Lt-Gen. Tin Tun. (NLM 10/17) Oct. 16: General Manager Mr. Duncan McDougall of Midland and Scottish Resources Pfc., Chairman Mr. Zvi Alexander of Martaban Petroleum Co. Ltd. of Britain, and Chairman Dr. Zvi Dinstein of Capital Investment Development Corp. of Israel called on Minister for Energy U Khin Maung Thein. [see also below under Agreements with Foreign Firms] (NLM 10/17) Oct. 17: Financial Consultant Mr. Marc Schwartz of South-East Asian Affairs of the French Ministry of Finance, accompanied by French Embassy Commercial Counsellor Mr. Robert R. Igier, called on Chairman of the Myanmar Investment Commission Deputy Prime Minister Vice-Adm. Maung Maung Khin. (NLM 10/18) Oct. 17: President Dr. Enzo Bolcato and party of Ente Autonomo Fiere Di Verona of Italy called on Minister for Mines Lt-Gen. Kyaw Min to discuss production of granite, marble, and ornamental stone. (NLM 10/18) // Oct. 18: He called on Minister for Construction Maj-Gen. Saw Tun. (NLM 10/19) Oct. 17: Senior Vice-President Mr. Kwang-kyu Lim and party of Korea Heavy Industries and Construction Co. Ltd. called on Chairman of the Myanmar Investment Commission Deputy Prime Minister Vice-Adm. Maung Maung Khin. (NLM 10/18) Oct. 22: Chinese technicians, who built a pavilion for the Shukhintha Amusement Park, donated by the Mayor of Yang Zhou Province, were given certificates and souvenirs by Yangon Mayor U Ko Lay. (NLM 10/23) Oct. 22: General Manager Mr. Y. Kondo of Nichimen Corp., and General Manager Mr. H. Madeo of Total Myanmar Exploration and Production, and Co-chairperson Mrs. Miriam Marshal Segal of Myanmar Strategic Advisory Services Ltd. called on Minister for Livestock Breeding & Fisheries U Aung Thaung. (NLM 10/23) Oct. 23: Topcon Singapore Concordia International Ltd. demonstrated Modern Survey World on Global Satellite Positions Systems and Total Stations. Talks were given by Mr. Fabian Lim, Mr. Aye Win Kyaw, and Director Dr. Than Win. (NLM 10/24) Oct. 23: Chairman Mr. Marc Beepvat of Trans-National Research Corp. and party called on Minister for National Planning and Economic Development Brig-Gen. Abel. Fixed Income Portfolio Manager Mr. Thomas Hogh called on Chairman of the Myanmar Investment Commission Deputy Prime Minister Vice-Adm. Maung Maung Khin. (NLM 10/24) Oct. 23: Travelogue writers led by Senior Manager (Public Relations) Mr. Katsuhiko Yumino of All Nippon Airways called on Minister for Hotels and Tourism Lt-Gen. Kyaw Ba. (NLM 10/24) Oct. 23: Vice-President Mr. Yoshida Tatsuhito and party of Japan Airlines (JAL) called on Minister for Transport Lt-Gen. Thein Win. (NLM 10/24) Oct. 24: President Mr. Kosaku Nishimura of Nishiden Ltd. of Tokyo and wife called on Deputy Minister for Education Dr. Than Nyunt, and donated $1,000; he also called on Minister for National Planning and Economic Development Brig-Gen. Abel and on Minister at the Deputy Prime Minister's Office Secretary of the Myanma Investment Committee Brig-Gen. Maung Maung. (NLM 10/25) Oct. 25: Chairman and CEO Mr. Tan Sri Dato Vincent Tan Chee Yioun of Berjaya Group Berhad, Malaysia called on Chairman of the Myanmar Investment Commission Deputy Prime Minister Vice-Adm. Maung Maung Khin. (NLM 10/26) Oct. 25: Financial Sector Incharge Mr. Makino Toshio of Miyazaki Prefecture, Japan, called on Minister at the Deputy Prime Minister's Office Secretary of the Myanma Investment Committee Brig-Gen. Maung Maung, and on Chairman U Khin Maung Yi of the Myanmar Chamber of Commerce and Industry. (NLM 10/26) Oct. 25: General Manager Mr. T. Tomoi and party of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries called on Minister for Transport Lt-Gen. Thein Win to discuss dredger construction. (NLM 10/26) Oct. 25: Advisor to the President Mr. Xuwicha Hiranprueck and party of the Bangkok-based Power P Co. Ltd. called on Minister for Transport Lt-Gen. Thein Win to discuss deep-sea port construction. (NLM 10/26) Oct. 28: Area Manager (Myanmar) Mr. Andrew Yik of Malaysia Air System (MAS) called on Minister for Transport Lt-Gen. Thein Win to discuss the opening on Nov. 12 of Kuala Lumpur-Yangon-Kuala Lumpur service. (NLM 10/29) Oct. 28: Governor Mr. Qui Sanyi of Nuxian County, Yunnan Province, China, called on Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Lt-Gen. Myint Aung to discuss investment, etc. (NLM 10/29) Oct. 29: Directors Mr. Mario Bernasconi and Mr. Matthieu Delorme of Andre & Cie. (S) Pte. Ltd. of Switzerland called on Minister for Commerce Lt-Gen. Tun Kyi to discuss rice purchases. (NLM 10/30) Oct. 29: A delegation of the MAPO Group and AVIA Bank of Russia, led by Mr. Yuri Yu Drozdov, called on Minister at the Deputy Prime Minister's Office Secretary of the Myanma Investment Committee Brig-Gen. Maung Maung to discuss civil aviation investment. (NLM 10/30) Oct. 30: Managing Director Mr. Hari Rana of Rainbow Oil Company Investment AG of Australia called on Chairman of the Myanmar Investment Commission Deputy Prime Minister Vice-Adm. Maung Maung Khin. (NLM 10/31) Oct. 30: Group Executive Director Mr. Tuan Sayed A-At-Attas of Dajanti Holdings Sdn. Bhd. of Malaysia called on Minister at the Deputy Prime Minister's Office Secretary of the Myanma Investment Committee Brig-Gen. Maung Maung. (NLM 10/31) Media Visitors Oct. 4: Chief Editor Ms. Delphine Evmoon of Saitset Projects Magazine of France called on Minister for Hotels and Tourism Lt-Gen. Kyaw Ba. She said "some periodicals and those with ill attitude spread false news on Myanmar, causing tourists to have misleading impressions on Myanmar." (NLM 10/5) // Oct. 7: She called on Minister for National Planning and Economic Development Brig-Gen. Abel. (NLM 10/8) Oct. 22: Executive Broadcast Journalist Mr. Ahmad Shafiq Hj ABD Rahman of Sistem Televisyen Malaysia Berhad (TV3) and party called on Minister for Hotels and Tourism Lt-Gen. Kyaw Ba. (NLM 10/23) Oct. 23: A six-member Chinese media delegation led by Deputy Minister Mr. Yang Wei-guang of Radio, Motion Pictures and Television, arrived under the bilateral China-Myanmar exchange program, and called on Minister for Information Maj-Gen. Aye Kyaw, who hosted a dinner. (NLM 10/ 24) // Oct. 26: He called on Minister for Information Maj-Gen. Aye Kyaw; Deputy Minister for Information U Thein Sein hosted a dinner for the visitors. (NLM 10/27) // Oct. 27: On Oct. 25 he flew to Bagan, and on Oct. 26 flew on to Mandalay, visiting cultural sites. He returned to Yangon and departed for home on Oct. 27. (NLM 10/28) Academic and Medical Visitors Oct. 2: Professor of Architecture Mr. Brian Brace Taylor of Paris, France, will lecture Oct. 3 on Contemporary Problems of the City's Development in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, and Contemporary Design in South-East Asia Region. (NLM 10/3) Oct. 10: Co-sponsored by Myanmar Dental Surgeons Association and Win-Trading-M/S Dentsply (Asia), Dr. Kamari (Consultant Periodontist), Dr. K. T. Nathan (Area Manager), and Dr. Thilaga will lecture Oct. 14-15 (Yangon) and 17-18 (Mandalay) on clinical periodontics and aesthetic dentistry. (NLM 10/11) Oct. 21: A team of specialists from Mt. Elizabeth Hospital in Singapore, led by cardiologists Dr. Lesle Lam and Dr. Joseph Shere, arrived Oct. 13, and have been treating patients at the Defense Service General Hospital. Other team members involved include Dr. Cham Kit Yee, Dr. Ho Tew Hong, and Dr. Yat Lit Ke. The team left today. "Medical service rendered by the team was world class and worth about US $ 150,000." (NLM 10/22) Oct. 22: Director of International Division Prof. Umeni and party of Nippon Foundation called on Deputy Minister for Health Col. Than Zin. (NLM 10/23) Oct. 27: Paediatric Surgeon Dr. V.T. Joseph, ENT Surgeon Dr. A. Bala Krishman, and Anaesthetist Dr. Mi Kyaw Thaung of Singapore General Hospital called on Minister for Health U Saw Tun; in Myanmar they performed operations and held discussions with specialists at Children's Hospital. (NLM 10/28) Religious Visitors Oct. 10: Chinese pilgrims, on their fourth visit to Myanmar, offered soon to 1,000 Sangha members and donated a car. (NLM 10/11) Oct. 15: 48 Korean Buddhists led by Venerable Mok Tak of Hyeeun Jungsa Temple and Venerable Ji Myung of Dong Myung Sa Temple, arrived to visit pagodas in Mandalay and Bagan. (NLM 10/16) // Oct. 18: They called on Minister for Religious Affairs Lt-Gen. Myo Nyunt. (NLM 10/19) // Oct. 19: They returned home. (NLM 10/20) Cultural Visitors Oct. 9: A 28-member Chinese cultural troupe led by Deputy Director-General Mr. Liu Shen of the Foreign Relations Bureau, Ministry of Culture, arrived and will entertain the public at the National Theatre on Myoma Kyaung Road from Oct. 10-12. In the evening, SLORC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt attended a special show. (NLM 10/10) // Oct. 14: Mandalay Commander Maj-Gen. Ye Myint hosted a dinner for the troupe. (NLM 10/15) // Oct. 15: The troupe performed in Mandalay on Oct. 14. (NLM 10/16) Oct. 25: Members of the Indian War Veteran Organization, led by Lt-Gen. S.S. Grewal, called on Adjutant-General Lt-Gen. Win Myint. (NLM 10/26) Oct. 25: A 28-member troupe of magicians, gymnasts, and clowns from Thailand and the Philippines arrived to participate in the Oct. 26-27 Fun Fair at the Mya Yeik Nyo Royal Hotel. Tickets are K 300. (NLM 10/26) Indonesian Oil Delegation Oct. 14: Indonesian Minister of Energy and Mines Mr. I. B. Sudjana and a 12-member energy delegation including heads of the Pertamina Oil Co., arrived. The Minister called on SLORC Vice-Chairman Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Commander-in-Chief (Army) Gen. Maung Aye. A dinner was hosted by Minister for Energy U Khin Maung Thein. (NLM 10/15) // Oct. 15: The delegation held talks with a Myanmar delegation led by Minister for Energy U Khin Maung Thein. Later a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between Director-General U Soe Myint of the Energy Planning Department and Chairman Mr. Faisal Abda'oe of Pertamina Oil Co. (NLM 10/16) // Oct. 16: He departed. (NLM 10/17) Malaysian Foreign Minister Oct. 17: Malaysian Minister of Foreign Affairs Datuk Abdullah Haji Ahmad Badawi will pay an official visit to Myanmar in the near future. (NLM 10/18) Oct. 20: He arrived, and was given a dinner by Minister for Foreign Affairs U Ohn Gyaw. (NLM 10/21) Oct. 21: He called on SLORC Chairman Senior General Than Shwe, on SLORC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt, on Deputy Prime Minister Lt-Gen. Tin Tun, on Minister for National Planning and Economic Development Brig-Gen. Abel, on Minister for Foreign Affairs U Ohn Gyaw, and on Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Lt-Gen. Myint Aung. In the latter visit, he was accompanied by Chairman Hajab Novhayai of Hayat Industries Sdn. Bhd. (NLM 10/22) Oct. 22: The Minister departed, and reiterated Malaysia's support for Myanmar's entry into ASEAN. Malaysian Transport Minister Oct. 20: A goodwill delegation headed by Malaysian Minister of Transport Dato Seri Dr. Ling Liong Suk arrived, and was hosted at dinner at the Harbour Restaurant by Minister for Transport Lt-Gen. Thein Win. (NLM 10/21) // Oct. 21: He called on Minister for Transport Lt-Gen. Thein Win, on Minister for Rail Transportation U Win Sein, and on Minister for Finance and Revenue Brig-Gen. Win Tin. (NLM 10/22) // Oct. 22: He departed. (NLM 10/23) Chinese Goodwill Delegation Oct. 28: A Chinese goodwill delegation led by Mayor Mr. Shi Guoxing of Yang Zhou called on Yangon Mayor U Ko Lay. He was accompanied by Yanguo Director of Foreign Office Mr. Ding Zhang Hua, Deputy Director of the Economic Commission Mr. Yang Sheng, Director of the Religious Bureau Mr. Jiang Renfu, and Mr. Zhang Lian Sheng of the Foreign Office. Mayor U Ko Lay hosted a lunch. (NLM 10/29) // Oct. 29: He presented a "Chinese tradition powered cruise-boat" to Yangon Mayor U Ko Lay, and opened a Yang Zhou pavilion. (NLM 10/30) Bangladeshi Commerce Minister Oct. 28: Bangladeshi Minister of Commerce and Industry Mr. Tofail Ahmed and party arrived on a goodwill visit, and were hosted at dinner by Minister for Commerce Lt-Gen. Tun Kyi. (NLM 10/29) // Oct. 29: He called Deputy Prime Minister Vice-Adm. Maung Maung Khin, on Minister for Foreign Affairs U Ohn Gyaw, on Minister for Industry 1 Lt-Gen. Sein Aung, on Minister for Industry-2 Maj-Gen. Kyaw Than, on Minister for Commerce Lt-Gen. Tun Kyi, and on Minister for Finance and Revenue Brig-Gen. Win Tin. (NLM 10/30) // Oct. 30: He toured the Shwedagon Pagoda. (NLM 10/31) MYANMAR DELEGATIONS Study Delegations Oct. 30: An 8-member delegation led by Minister for Communications, Posts & Telegraphs U Soe Tha left for Korea to study communications facilities. Delegations to Meetings Oct. 1: Director Dr. Myo Thant of the Livestock Breeding and Veterinary Department left for Manila to attend the Oct. 2-8 Third National Coordinator's Meeting and Regional Workshop and the Oct. 9-12 Second Asian Buffalo Congress. (NLM 10/2) Oct. 4: A delegation led by Central Executive Committee member of the Union Solidarity and Development Association Deputy Minister for Home Affairs Col. Tin Hlaing left to attend the Asia-Pacific Conference of Young Leaders (1996) in Manila on Oct. 6. Members are USDA EC member for Mandalay District U Sein Wint, Secretary of USDA Yangon West District U Tin Win, and EC member for USDA Mon State Daw Yi Yi Myint. (NLM 10/5) // Oct. 15: The delegation returned. (NLM 10/16) Oct. 13: Director-General U Tun Chun of the Customs Department left for the Philippines to attend the Oct. 14-16 Fifth Asia-Pacific Regional Customs Conference in Manila. (NLM 10/14) Oct. 15: A delegation led by Minister for Health U Saw Tun left for Indonesia to attend the Oct. 17-19 14th South East Asian Regional Meeting of Health Ministers. Members are Director-General Dr. Hla Myint of the Health Department, Director-General Dr. Mya Oo of the Department of Medical Sciences, Rector Dr. Kyaw Myint Tun of the Institute of Medicine-1, and Ministry Deputy Director U Aung Naing. (NLM 10/16) // Oct. 26: On Oct. 17, the Minister reported on Myanmar health projects. On Oct. 18, he called on President Soeharto, and met with Indonesian Ministers. He also visited Indonesian hospitals. En route home, he visited hospitals in Singapore and met with the Acting Minister of Health and Education and with the National Youth Council. (NLM 10/ 27) Business Delegations Oct. 28: A Myanmar energy delegation led by Minister for Energy U Khin Maung Thein left for Thailand, Singapore, and Indonesia to study energy works and offshore and natural gas enterprises. (NLM 10/29) Cultural Delegations Sept. 30: Poet Htila Sithu (Deputy Minister for Culture U Soe Nyunt) left for Tokyo to be honoured by Indochina Venture Forum for his book O Withered Leaf from the River Mekong and other Poems. Daimex Co. of Japan has translated the work into Japanese. (NLM 10/1) // Oct. 16: He returned on Oct. 15. A ceremony honoring his book was held on Oct. 15 at a hotel in Tokyo. (NLM 10/17) Oct. 16: A five-member cultural delegation led by Minister for Culture U Aung San left on a study tour of China at the invitation of Chinese Minister for Culture Mr. Liu Zhongde. Members are Lecturer U Ye Htut of the University of Culture, Executive U Thein Swe of the Htilin Township Union Solidarity and Development Association, Secretary U Win Myint Maung of the Gangaw Township USDA, and Personal Staff Officer to the Minister U Thaung Win. (NLM 10/17) // Oct. 26: On Oct. 17, in Beijing, he met with Chairman Mr. Liiu Peng of the All China Youth Federation, and called on member of the Political Bureau State Counsellor Mr. Li Tie Yint. On Oct. 20, he met with Vice-Governor Ms. Fen Shao Min of Shaanxi Province in Xian, and on Oct. 21 with General Secretary Mr. Song Zhiwang of Shen Zhen Municipal People's Government. He also visited the China Conservatory of Music, the Chinese Acrobatic Troupe, the Tooth Relic Pagoda Palace Museum, and the Buddhist Temple in Beijing. In Xian he visited the Museum of Terracotta Warriors, the Ancient Crafts Production Department, Famen Si Temple, and Xian Yang Historical Museum. He visited the Shen Zhen Historical Museum, the Exhibition of 15th Anniversary founding, the China Folk Culture Villages, and the National Library in Shen Zhen. (NLM 10/27) State Visit to Cambodia Oct. 14: SLORC Chairman Senior General and Madame Than Shwe will pay a State visit to Cambodia in the near future, at the invitation of the Cambodian King and Queen. (NLM 10/14) Oct. 16: SLORC Chairman Senior General and Madame Than Shwe flew to Phnom Penh on their State visit, and were greeted at the airport by King Norodom Sihanouk and other top officials. There was a ceremonial inspection of the Guard of Honor and motorcade to the State Guest House. The Chairman was accompanied by SLORC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt, Minister for Hotels and Tourism Lt-Gen. Kyaw Ba, Minister for National Planning and Economic Development Brig-Gen. Abel, Minister for Foreign Affairs U Ohn Gyaw and wife, Minister for Transport Lt-Gen. Thein Win, Minister for Information Maj-Gen. Aye Kyaw and wife, and Northern Commander Brig-Gen. Kyaw Win. The Myanmar delegation issued the following arrival statement: "At the invitation of His Majesty Preah Bat Samdech Preah Norodom Sihanouk Varman, King of Cambodia, and Her Majesty Samdech Preah Reach Akak Mohesey Norodom Monineath Sihanouk, His Excellency Senior General Than Shwe, Chairman of the State Law and Order Restoration Council of the Union of Myanmar, and Madame Than Shwe are presently in the Kingdom of Cambodia on a State Visit. "The visit of His Excellency Senior General Than Shwe, Chairman of the State Law and Order Restoration Council, to the Kingdom of Cambodia, is to further enhance and strengthen the traditional friendly ties which were revitalized by the successful visit of the Cambodian First Prime Minister His Royal Highness Samdech Krom Preah Norodom Ranariddh to the Union of Myanmar in January this year. "During the visit, His Excellency Senior General Than Shwe will meet with the leaders of the Kingdom of Cambodia and exchange views on bilateral matters as well as regional and international issues of mutual interest. While in Cambodia, His Excellency Senior General Than Shwe will also visit historical and cultural sites." [photos] (NLM 10/17) Oct. 19: The SLORC Chairman and his delegation returned home. On the evening of Oct. 16, the King Norodom Sihanouk hosted a banquet, at which speeches were exchanged [full texts in NLM]. SLORC Chairman Senior General Than Shwe praised Cambodian-Myanmar friendship and cooperation, and expressed the hope that both would soon be admitted to ASEAN. On Oct. 17, Cambodian National Assembly Chairman Mr. Samdech Chea Sim called on Senior General Than Shwe, as did First Prime Minister HRH Norodom Ranariddh and Co-Prime Minister Samdech Hun Sen. Minister for Hotels and Tourism Lt-Gen. Kyaw Ba and Cambodian Tourism Minister Mr. Veng Serey Vuth signed an agreement on tourism cooperation. Minister for Transport Lt-Gen. Thein Win and Cambodian Under Secretary of Civil Aviation Mr. Pok Sam El signed an air services agreement. Senior General and Madame Than Shwe visited the National Museum and the Cambodia-Japan Friendship Bridge across the Tonle Sap River. In the evening, Prime Minister Norodom Ranariddh and Co-Prime Minister Samdech Hun Sen hosted a dinner.. Meanwhile Madame Than Shwe met with the wives of top Cambodian officials, and visited the Fine Arts School and the City Central Market. The first meeting was held of the Joint Commission on Bilateral Cooperation between Myanmar-Cambodia, between Minister for Foreign Affairs U Ohn Gyaw and Cambodian Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Mr. Ung Huot and officials. Signed minutes of the meeting were approved. Minister for Hotels and Tourism Lt-Gen. Kyaw Ba called on Cambodian Tourism Minister Mr. Veng Serey Vuth, accompanied by Northern Commander Brig-Gen. Kyaw Win. Minister for Transport Lt-Gen. Thein Win called on Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Public Works and Transport Mr. Ing Kieth. On Oct. 18, the party flew to Siemreap, and visited Ankor Thom. A Sisters City agreement between Bagan and Siemreap was signed by Minister for National Planning and Economic Development Brig-Gen. Abel and Siemreap Governor Mr. Tun Chay. The party then flew back to Pnomh Penh. On Oct. 19, the party called again on King Norodom Sihanouk before flying home, after the usual ceremonial honors. A Departure Statement [full text in NLM] summarized the events of the visit. [3 pages of photos] (NLM 10/20) Mandalay Mayor to Vietnam Oct. 14: Mandalay Mayor Col. Sein Win Aung left for Hanoi at the invitation of the Chairman of the People's Committee of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. He was accompanied by MCDC members U Saw Lwin and U Aung Soe, Assistant Heads of Department U Wai Lu and U Sai Thein Myint, Head of Branch U Khan Maung Thein, and the Mayor's PSO Capt. Hla Myo. (NLM 10/15) Delegations Return [Return to Yangon of delegations which had left in previous months, or whose departure had not been noticed in NLD] Oct. 7: The delegation led by Minister for Finance and Revenue Brig-Gen. Win Tin returned from the 1996 meeting of the International Monetary Fund, World Bank, etc., in Washington. (NLM 10/8) // Oct. 8: On Oct. 2, the Minister addressed the IMF, and on Oct. 3 the delegation attended discussions at the Hay Adams Hotel sponsored by the US-ASEAN Council for Business and Technology Inc. The Minister had separate talks Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance DAto Seri Anwar Bin Ibrahim, and with Special Adviser Mr. Nakahira to the Japanese Minister for Finance. Central Bank Governor U Kyi Aye attended the Sept. 28 meeting of the South-East Asia voting group. (NLM 10/9) Oct. 8: Four Myanmar trainees returned home after completing a two-year co-pilot training course at the Indonesian Civil Aviation Republic. Minister for Transport Lt-Gen. Thein Win presented them with their wings. (NLM 10/9) Oct. 10: Myanmar Buddhist pilgrims returned from Bodh Gaya. (NLM 10/11) // Oct. 24: A second batch returned. (NLM 10/25) // Oct. 27: A third group of 65 devotees departed for a 15-day tour to Bodh Gaya, Lumbini Park, Sarnath, and Kusinaraga. (NLM 10/28) Oct. 11: The delegation led by Minister for Foreign Affairs U Ohn Gyaw returned from the 51st Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. The Minister addressed the Assembly on Sept. 26 [text published in the September BPS], and attended the Commemorative Meeting of the 35th Anniversary of the Non-Aligned Movement on Sept. 25. He held bilateral talks with the Norwegian Foreign Minister, the Italian Foreign Minister (for the European Union Troika), the Irish Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, the Netherlands Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, the Portuguese Foreign Minister, the Sri Lanka Foreign Minister, the Republic of Korean Foreign Minister, the Bangladesh Foreign Minister, the Indian Minister of External Relations, the Laos Foreign Minister, and the Vietnam Foreign Minister. He also met with the Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations, and attended the dinner in honour of the President of the 51st General Assembly hosted by the Malaysian Foreign Minister. He gave an interview to Global Vision, Inc., and briefed the breakfast session of the Council of the United Nations Association of the United States, and met with the Foreign Ministers of ASEAN. (NLM 10/12) Oct. 14: A health delegation led by Deputy Minister for Health Col. Than Zin returned from a Meeting on International Leprosy Control held in New Delhi, India, on Oct. 11-13. Delegation member Dr. Tin Shwe had read a paper on Management on Medicine Distribution System. (NLM 10/15) Oct. 27: Forty trainees returned from an 11-month on-job agricultural training course in Israel. (NLM 10/28) MYANMAR GAZETTE Probationary Appointments The State Law and Order Restoration Council has appointed. on probation: Oct. 9: U Shwe Baw, General Manager (Planning), to be Managing Director, Myanma Timber Enterprise, Ministry of Forestry. Col. Kyaw Shein, Officer on Special Duty, to be Managing Director, Myanma Petro-Chemical Enterprise, Ministry of Energy. (NLM 10/10) Oct. 30: U Aung Kyin, Pro-Rector, to be Rector, Institute of Forestry, Ministry of Forestry. U Aye Ko, Deputy Director-General, Agricultural Planning Department, to be Managing Director, Myanma Agricultural and Rural Development Bank, Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation. U Myint Thein, Director, to be Director-General, Department of Marine Administration, Ministry of Transport. (NLM 10/31) Appointments The State Law and Order Restoration Council has appointed the following: Oct. 30: U Hla Min, Managing Director, Inland Water Transport, to be Principal, Institute of Marine Technology, Ministry of Transport. U Tun Aung Myint, Director-General, Department of Marine Administration, to be Managing Director, Inland Water Transport, Ministry of Transport. (NLM 10/31) Appointments Confirmed The State Law and Order Restoration Council has confirmed, following one-year probation: Oct. 2: U Tin Maung Lay as Director-General, Department of Development Affairs, Ministry for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs. U Myint Thein Swe as Director-General, Department of Cultural Institute, Ministry of Culture. Dr. Hla Myint as Rector, University of Taunggyi, Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education. U Thein Dan as Rector, Mandalay Institute of Technology, Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education. U Bo Win as Director-General, Department of Basic Education, Ministry of Education. (NLM 10/3) Oct. 9: U Than Myint as Director-General, Bureau of Special Investigations, Ministry of Home Affairs. Dr. Kyaw Tint as Director-General, Forest Department, Ministry of Forestry. U San Kyi as Managing Director, Myanmar General Industries, Ministry of Industry-1. (NLM 10/10) GOVERNMENT Science & Technology Ministry Formed Oct. 2: State Law and Order Restoration Council Notification No. 30/96 of Oct. 2, Formation of New Ministry, provides [full text]: In order to be further effective and successful in scientific and technological development services of the State, the State Law and Order Restoration Council has formed the Ministry of Science and Technology. (NLM 10/3) Oct. 2: State Law and Order Restoration Council Declaration No. 6/96 of Oct. 2, Appointment of Minister, names U Thaung as Minister for Science and Technology. (NLM 10/3) Oct. 2: State Law and Order Restoration Council Notification No. 31/96 of Oct. 2, Appointment of Deputy Minister, names U Thein Tun as Deputy Minister for Science and Technology. (NLM 10/3) Independence Day Committee Oct. 23: Myanmar Government Notification No. 13/96 of Oct. 23, Formation of 1997 49th Anniversary Independence Day Observance Central Committee, establishes the committee (as in most years) with SLORC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt as Chairman, SLORC Secretary-2 Lt-Gen. Tin Oo as Vice-Chairman, and 35 members including several ministers, many deputy ministers, and other government officials. (NLM 10/24(\) UN Day Message Oct. 24: Message from Senior General Than Shwe, Chairman of the State Law and Order Restoration Council on the occasion of the Fifty-first Anniversary of the United Nations Day [full text]: "We mark today the fifty-first anniversary of the United Nations. The occasion which we commemorate each year presents an opportunity to view its achievements in our pursuit of international peace and security, and to envision its future to meet new challenges facing mankind. The United Nations symbolizes the common aspirations shared by the international community as reflected in the purposes and principles of the Charter. "In the past half a century of its history the United Nations has taken manifold initiatives in all areas of its activities -- political, social and economic. It has endeavoured significantly for the preservation of international peace and security. It has facilitated the process for decolonization by forging opportunities for exploited and dominated peoples into statehoods. It has also made notable contributions to promote the economic and social advancement of all peoples. "As the United Nations begins the sixth decade of its existence, it would be most opportune to rededicate ourselves to achieving a world where principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity, independence, sovereignty equality and non-interference in internal affairs of states are respected. The Charter of the United Nations is the legal and moral foundation of international relations and is still valid to chart the way for peace and progress of mankind. In maintaining and promoting international peace and security, it is essential for member countries to scrupulously respect, both in words as well as in deeds, to refrain from interference in one another's internal affairs. "International cooperation should be based on respect for nationally determined goals and priorities laid down for the economic and social development of each nation. The right of each nation state to develop itself and to cooperate with each other on the basis of equality and mutual benefit as envisaged in the Charter should be recognized. We also firmly believe that the development should be recognized as the foremost and far-reaching task of our time. Development is the most secure basis for peace. But much to our despair, the world is still witnessing the widening gap and inequities between the developed and the less fortunate developing countries. Development depends on national endeavour as well as on the international economic environment. Strengthening of international economic cooperation with a global approach is most needed to support member nations in their efforts for economic and social development. "The year 1996 is the International Year for the Eradication of Poverty. In the Declaration and Programme of action of the World Summit for Social Development, Heads of State and senior leaders from over 180 countries acknowledged the worsening problem of global poverty and pledged to take action to combat it. We share the Secretary General's view that at its core, development must be about improvement of human well-being, removal of hunger, disease and ignorance; and productive employment for all and that its first goal must be to end poverty and satisfy the priority needs of all peoples in a way that can be productively sustained over future generations. "On the solemn fifty-first anniversary of the United Nations, we must reaffirm our confidence in the United Nations Charter as well as re-dedicate our utmost efforts for lasting global peace and security, international law and order, international cooperation for accelerated development in developing countries and strive to ensure that all nations can live in peace and harmony with one another.' ------ The message was read by Minister for Foreign Affairs U Ohn Gyaw at the Thabin Hall of the Pyithu Hluttaw Office on Pyay Road. UNDP Resident Representative Mr. Siba Kumar Das read the message from UN Secretary-General Dr. Butros Butros Ghali [text in NLM], and also spoke. (NLM 10/25) Traditional Medicine Regulated Oct. 30: Ministry of Health Notification No. 6/96 was issued, concerning "points to be followed by the licencees in obtaining brands for the respective traditional medicines to be produced by them," and "points to be followed in advertising the traditional medicines." Notification No. 7/96 deals with "points to be followed in applying for licence to produce traditional medicine and rights and responsibilities of a licencee." [Texts not in NLM] (NLM 10/31) MILITARY Surrenders by Armed Group Members Sept. 30: ABSDF No. 203 Battalion in Taninthayi led by Win Naing returned to the legal fold. On Sept. 27, commanding officer Myint Thein of BCP (Myeik/Dawei) District armed group, and two others, returned to the legal fold. (NLM 10/1) Oct. 11: 14 members of the MTA group [led by U Khun Sa] returned to the legal fold in Tachilek Township on Oct. 6, bringing the MTA total to 14,520. (NLM 10/12) Oct. 23: From Sept. 1-12, 28 members of various armed groups (ABSDF, KNU) returned to legal fold [names and details]. (NLM 10/24) Oct. 25: 8 members of the Kayin armed group returned to legal fold Oct. 20 in Myawady Township [names and details]. (NLM 10/26) Oct. 26: 33 KNU members, of Brigade 1 of the Kyaing armed group, returned to legal fold Oct. 23 in Thaton [details]. (NLM 10/27) Oct. 27: Three members of No. 7 brigade of the Kayin armed group returned to legal fold Oct. 23 in Hlaingbwe Township, Kayin State [names and details]. (NLM 10/28) Armed Forces Day Preparations Oct. 18: The Leading Committee for Holding the 52nd Armed Forces Day Ceremony held its second meeting, and was addressed by its Chairman, Lt-Gen. Tin Oo, Chief of the Bureau of Special Operations and Chief of Staff (Army): "After the cold war, the balance of power was upset; and the only super power left, the West bloc, is imposing the patterns they wan all over the world, bullying others using direct force, exerting control through puppets, employing agitative propaganda, etc. He said they even used the Nobel Peace Prize as an instrument for political agitation.... Some big countries are waging multi-dimensional war politically, economically, diplomatically, psychologically and militarily, profusely using the term 'The New World Order', to bully small countries, he said. Ye, knowingly, some persons who think highly of the 'step-father' are shamelessly obeying the dictates of neo-colonialists without consideration for the nation, the people, the students, in their craving for power and dollars not worth a bit compared with the interests of the country and the people...." The Objectives of the 52nd Anniversary Armed Forces Day are: -- To strive with might and main for realization of the State's political, economic and social objectives; -- To strive together with the people for emergence of a peaceful, pleasant and developed modern nation; -- To join hands with the people and resolutely crush destructive internal and external elements attempting to jeopardize stability of the State and progress of the nation; -- To participate and contribute actively to the national political leadership role in future; -- To build a dynamic modern Tatmadaw of high calibre to be able to safeguard Our Three Main National Causes. (NLM 10/19) ECONOMIC Economic Articles Oct. 6: Hintha Bird stretching its wing to Phuket, by Soe Naung. [Aboard Air Mandalay's inaugural flight to Phuket.] Oct. 7: Roads and railroads strewn with flowers for better transport links, by Myint Lwin. [Celebration of progress in transportation.] Oct. 18: Challenge from the native town, by Hla Tun (Twantay). [Visit to, and progress in, Twantay.] Oct. 23: Gems in which Myanmars can take pride, by Sein Shwe Hlaing. [Mid-year Gems Emporium.] Trade Fairs and Exhibitions Oct. 17: SLORC Vice-Chairman Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Commander-in-Chief (Army) Gen. Maung Aye opened the Second Myanmar Medical and Pharmaceutical Expo '96 at Tatmadaw Hall on U Wisara Road. Minister for Finance and Revenue Brig-Gen. Win Tin spoke. It will last until Oct. 20. (NLM 10/18) 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." Oct. 4: A TV retransmission station, and a gymnasium, were inaugurated Sept. 18 in Tonzang, Falam District, Chin State. (NLM 10/5) Oct. 20: Chairman of the Security and Management Committee of the State Law and Order Restoration Council Lt-Gen. Phone Myint officially inaugurated the K 800 million 96-room International Class Golden Butterfly Hotel on Kominkochin Street, Bo Cho Ward I, Bahan Township, Yangon. (NLM 10/ 21, with correction 10/22) Business Openings Oct. 14: A GoldStar Showroom and Service Centre was opened at 26 Bayinnaung Road in Mandalay, by L.G. Electronics Inc. of Korea, represented by General Manager Mr. S. H. Moon and Dagon Star Ltd. of Myanmar, represented by Chairman Mr. H. J. Hendra and Managing Director U Win Aung. (NLM 10/15) Domestic Business Agreements Oct. 7: Myanma Shipyards of the Ministry of Transport, represented by Managing Director U Percy Maung Maung, and Standard Myanmar Co. Ltd., represented by Chairman U Thein Tun, signed a contract establishing MS Wood Work Co. Ltd. "to produce and trade finished wood items." (NLM 10/8) Oct. 29: The Forest Department, represented by Director-General Dr. Kyaw Tint, and Do Pyi Thar Enterprise Ltd., represented by Director U Tun Myint, signed a Memorandum of Understanding for the construction of an international standard amusement park in the Yangon Zoo. The park, to include a roller coaster and Viking, will occupy 12.3 acres of the Yangon Zoological Gardens, and will be built in six months at a cost of $1.5 million and K 120 million. (NLM 10/30) Advertisements Oct. 3: Half page ad from Air Mandalay announcing twice weekly service between Yangon and Phuket (Thailand). Oct. 3: Half page ad from Korean Air. Oct. 7: Half page ad from Compaq Computers ProLiant 5000. Oct. 9: Half page ad for Compaq notebook computers. Oct. 14: Half page ad for Compaq Deskpro computers. Oct. 16: Half page ad for Compaq Presario 4712, highlighting Myanmar businessman U Aung Zaw, aged 45, who "prowls cyber space in search of a company to consume." Oct. 19: Half page ad for Sanyo domestic appliances. Oct. 21: Half page ad for Compaq Armada notebook computer. Oct. 22: Half page ad for the Sedona Hotel. Oct. 23: Half page ad for Compaq Deskpro computers. Oct. 28: Half page ad for Compaq Armada. [Picture of seductive girl; "does your notebook always need recharging before you do?"] Oct. 30: Half page ad for Compaq Presario. [Pretty girl, Daw Kyu Kyu Khaing is a computer genius: "Mr. Chief Executive, She Wants Your Job."] Agreements with Foreign Firms Oct. 4: Myanmar Oil and Gas Enterprise, represented by Managing Director U Kyaw Nyein, signed a production sharing contract with APN Petroleum Ltd. of Indonesia, represented by Director Mr. Sugiharto Soeleman, to develop oil and gas production in Chauk and Yenangyoung Township, and one with Genting Sanyen Sdn. Bhd. of Malaysia, represented by Chairman Mr. T. S. Ong, to explore oil and gas in offshore blocs M-3 and M-4. (NLM 10/5) Oct. 6: Myanmar Oil and Gas Enterprise, represented by Managing Director U Kyaw Nyein, and Baker Hughes, Inc. of the US, represented by Director Mr. John Arnold, signed a performance compensation contract for the Mann Oil Field. (NLM 10/7) Oct. 16: Myanmar Oil and Gas Enterprise (MOGE), represented by Managing Director U Kyaw Nyein, signed production sharing agreements with Midland and Scottish Resources Pfc., represented by General Manager Mr. Duncan McDougall, Martaban Petroleum Co. Ltd. of Britain, represented by Chairman Mr. Zvi Alexander, and Capital Investment Development Corp. of Israel, represented by Chairman Dr. Zvi Dinstein, for development of oil and natural gas in the Mindegyi-Chaungtha region of Magway Division. (NLM 10/17) Oct. 19: Public Works, represented by Managing Director U Tint Swe, and Guang Dong New Technology Import and Export Zhuhai Corp. represented by President Mr. Huang Yi Xiang, signed an agreement for two pile-driving machines and parts, worth US $260,400. (NLM 10/20) Oct. 24: Public Works, represented by Managing Director U Tint Swe, and China Chenzhou Highway Engineering Machinery General Factory (CHEM), represented by Chairman Mr. Wang Kangyuan, signed an agreement to provide bridge beams for the 5,175-foot Ayeyawady River Bridge (Chauk). (NLM 10/25) Banking Oct. 23: Sumiyomo Bank Ltd. of Japan, represented by Senior Managing Director Mr. Kensuke Hotta, opened a representative office in Yangon at the FMI Centre on Bogyoke Aung San Street. The Yangon representative is Mr. Yoshihiko Sugita. (NLM 10/24, corrected 10/25) Oct. 28: Tokai Bank Ltd. of Japan opened a Yangon representative office "at 226 on the fifth floor of Wizaya Plaza on U Wisara Road," in the presence of Governor U Kyi Aye of the Central Bank of Myanmar, President Mr. Satoru Nishigaki, and resident representative Mr. Tamiharu Handa. (NLM 10/29) Oct. 29: Chairman Mr. Abdul Awal Mintoo of the National Bank Ltd., Bangladesh, opened a representative office in Yangon at 42/A, Kominkochin Road, Bahan Township, in the presences of Minister for Finance and Revenue Brig-Gen. Win Tin and visiting Bangladeshi Minister of Commerce and Industry Mr. Tofail Ahmed. (NLM 10/30) Aviation Oct. 3: Air Mandalay inaugurated service between Yangon and the resort beach of Phuket in Thailand. (NLM 10/3) Oct. 13: Yangon Airways put in service a 70-seat French-made ATR 72-210, using it on the Yangon-Kawthoung-Myeik-Yangon route. Yangon Airways Ltd. is a joint venture of Myanma Airways and Krong Sombat Co. Ltd. of Thailand. (NLM 10/14) // Oct. 15: It inaugurated domestic service with a flight to Mandalay. Speakers included Krong Sombat Co. Managing Director Mr. Adul Chayopas and Minister for Transport Lt-Gen. Thein Win. (NLM 10/16) Mid-Year Gems Emporium Oct. 14: SLORC Chairman Senior General and Madame Than Shwe inspected the upcoming Mid-Year Gems Emporium at the Gems Emporium Hall on Kaba Aye Pagoda Road. (NLM 10/15) Oct. 16: Diplomats and journalists visited the Emporium. To be sold are 211 lots of gems with a reserve price of US $3,146,945; 616 lots of jade with a reserve price of $5,145,800; 160 lots of pearls with a reserve price of $2,871,000; 56 lots of gems with a total fixed price of $103,250; 9,660 jade figures and carvings with a fixed price of $308,152; and 3,590 jewellery pieces with a fixed price of $1,765,790; for a grand reserve price total of $13,340,937. Gems merchants will view the merchandise on Oct. 17-18; competitive bidding will be on Oct. 19-22 (jade), Oct. 23 (pearls), and Oct. 24 (gems). Diplomats may buy jewellery pieces on Oct. 12. About 400 merchants of 130 companies from 14 countries have been invited to the Emporium. (NLM 10/17) Oct. 17: Minister for Mines Lt-Gen. Kyaw Min previewed the Emporium. (NLM 10/18) Oct. 18: 180 merchants from 100 companies in 11 countries have arrived, and inspected the gems being sold. (NLM 10/19) Oct. 19: Minister for Mines Lt-Gen. Kyaw Min observed the sales. 39 lots of jade brought $241,380; fixed price items brought $43,516. 263 merchants from 126 companies in 12 countries have arrived. (NLM 10/20) Oct. 21: The wives of the Malaysian Foreign Minister and Minister of Transport, who are visiting Myanmar, visited the Myanma Gems Emporium Hall. Deputy Prime Minister Vice-Adm. Maung Maung Khin and Deputy Prime Minister Lt-Gen. Tin Tun visited the Emporium. (NLM 10/22) Oct. 22: The two Deputy Prime Ministers attended the dinner in honour of the gem merchants. So far, 142 lots of jade worth $1,558,780 have been sold. Today's sale was 13 lots of jade worth $78,696 and fixed-price items worth $47,211. (NLM 10/23) Oct. 23: 59 lots of pearls valued at $701,706 were sold, along with priced jewellery worth $151,371. (NLM 10/24) Oct. 24: The Mid-year Emporium concluded. 15 gem lots valued at $782,577 were sold at competitive bidding. Altogether, the total amount realized at the Emporium was $3,345,431. 325 merchants from 148 firms in 15 countries attended. (NLM 10/25) Sugar Oct. 17: The Pyinmana Sugar Mill of Myanma Sugarcane Enterprise opened its 184-day milling season on Oct. 15. It will mill 270,000 tons of sugarcane, producing 21,600 tons of quality sugar and 2,000 tons of purified sugar. "The mill is offering extra cash in buying sugarcane based on their quality." (NLM 10/18) Roads Oct. 17: "Overweight trucks, especially rock-trucks and heavy rains have seriously damaged Bago-Sittoung-Mottama Road, which requires timely repair during this open season," said SLORC Secretary-2 Lt-Gen. Tin Oo, meeting with concerned officials. (NLM 10/18) Fuel Oct. 21 [full text]: More fuel for local consumption. The Ministry of Energy is coordinating with foreign oil companies and local enterprise to extend crude oil and fuel imports to meet the growing local fuel consumption. At present the ministry is distributing fuel produced from local and imported crude oil as well as imported fuel oil to fulfil domestic needs. Local demand for fuel is growing, due to adoption of the market-oriented system. (NLM 10/22) 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 October 1 104.33 107.95 107.05 October 15 109.14 111.26 110.98 October 30 109.77 112.60 111.38 Oct. 4: Maungtaw had 15.35 inches of rain in 24 hours on Oct. 4, setting a 23-year record. (NLM 10/5) HEALTH Health Articles Oct. 16: Let us fight hunger and malnutrition, by Soe Naung. [Article in honor of World Food Day.] SPORTS Sports Articles Oct. 24: Competitions to promote yachting in Myanmar, by Kyaw Swe Aung. [Upcoming International Yachting events in Myanmar; the 1996 Myanmar Invitational Optimist Class Yachting Competitions, and the IX ASEAN Optimist Class Yachting Championships, due Oct. 25-31.] Oct. 25: A yachting milestone in the annals of Myanmar sports, by Kyaw Swe Aung. [More on the Optimist Championships.] Myanmar Teams and Delegations Sept. 30: Aung Naing (YCDC) took gold in the 70-kilo division of the 11th Asian Junior Body Building championships held in New Delhi on Sept. 29. Naing Win Aung (Navy) took silver. Tun Tun Aung (Navy) took bronze in 60-kilo division of the 32nd Asian Senior Body Building championships. Four Myanmars were among the 107 participants from 22 nations. (NLM 10/1) // Oct. 1: The team returned. (NLM 10/2) Oct. 1: A Myanmar team headed by Vice-President of the Myanmar Rowing Federation Commander Tun Oo (Navy) returned from the Fifth South-East Asian Rowing Contest held in Jakarta Sept. 28-29. Myanmar took part in 13 events and won 5 gold, 6 silver, and 2 bronze medals. Foreign Teams, Coaches, etc. Sept. 30: The team led by Mr. Takashi Ozaki of Japan, which conquered Mount Hkakaborazi on Sept. 15, returned to Yangon. Mr. Ozaki and U Narna Johnson reached the 19,315 foot summit. (NLM 10/1) // Oct. 3: Team members met with the press. "Myanmar Hiking and Mountaineering Federation was formed on 5 January 1960. The federation members scaled 10,500-foot Mt. Victoria, 12,553-foot Mt. Sarameri, 10,322-foot Mt. Lunkhara Magari and 13,500-foot Mt. Emobun. Every year, the federation, with Universities and Colleges Hiking and Mountaineering Association as its hardcore, also went on mountaineering and rough expeditions including 10,300-foot, ice-capped Mt. Fungan in Kachin State, 8,240-foot Mt. Kennedy in northern Chin State, 10,500-foot Mt. Victoria or Khawng Nusong, 6,020-foot Mt. Sin in Kalaw Township, 5,862-foot Mt. Myinmahtee, 7,752-foot Mt. Ashay Anauk Myin in Pindaya Township, 7,544-foot Mt. Mogok in northern Shan Yoma and Mt. Medaung." (NLM 10/4) Oct. 9: A Japanese men's university volleyball team will play goodwill matches with Myanmar on Nov. 2 and 3. (NLM 10/10) // Oct. 30: The games will be at the National Indoor Stadium-1. Admission: K 50. (NLM 10/31) Oct. 13: Hockey Coach Mr. Tayyab Ikran and assistant Mr. Paulo of the World Hockey Federation arrived to teach at the Olympic Solidarity Course from Oct. 14-25, sponsored by the Myanma Hockey Federation. (NLM 10/14) // Oct. 14: The course opened, with 30 trainees and 16 observers. (NLM 10/15) Oct. 14: Vice-Chairman Mr. Paul Chua of the Asian Bodybuilding Federation and party called on Yangon Mayor U Ko Lay. (NLM 10/15) // Oct. 15: He and his colleague Mr. Ricky Wong departed. (NLM 10/ 16) Oct. 26: The 1996 Myanmar Open and 9th ASEAN Optimist Championships opened at the Myanmar Yachting Federation premises on Inya Lake; Patron of the event, SLORC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt, spoke [full text in NLM]. The Optimist class is designed for boys and girls under 15. The International Optimist Dinghy Association message was read by Mr. Albert Chandler. (NLM 10/27) // Oct. 27: The competitions continued. (NLM 10/28) // Oct. 28: They continued. (NLM 10/29) // Oct 30: Both championships were won by the Myanmar B Team; Malaysia took second and Myanmar A Team third in both events. The 36 events were participated in by nine teams from 8 countries. In the individual events, participated in by 47 contestants from 8 countries, Malaysian Mohd Najib Sharif came in first, and Myanmars Maung Aung Kyaw and Ma Su Myat Soe second and third. (NLM 10/ 31) Holes-in-One Oct. 9: Brig-Gen. San Aung scored an ace Oct. 4 at the 120 yard Hole No. 11 of Myakantha Golf Course. (NLM 10/10) Oct. 28: U Ah Hoan (a) U Aung Win scored an ace Oct. 25 at the 133-yard Hole No. 16 of the City Golf Resort. (NLM 10/29) Olympic Honors Oct. 28: SLORC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt presented the Olympic Movement Unity Trophy to Yangon Mayor U Ko Lay, for his encouragement of track and field sports through the annual Mayor's Marathon; and the Centennial Trophy of the International Olympic Committee to Professor Dr. Paing Soe of the Institute of Dental Medicine for his role as President of the Hiking and Mountaineering Federation and his recent conquest of Mount Khakaborazi. Also present was IOC Director of Training Mr. Robert von Bose and Myanmar sports officials. (NLM 10/29) CULTURAL Cultural and Scientific Articles Oct. 1-4: Myanmar -- A Marvellous Nation, by Tekkatho Tin Kha. [(1) Humanoid and early human fossils found in Myanmar. Senior General Than Shwe's visit to Padalin Caves on Sept. 26. (2) More on Padalin Caves and their cave paintings. Description of Stone Age. (3) Description of cave paintings; stone weapons discovered. (4) The caves' environmental situation.] Oct. 5: Myanmar traditional performing arts -- one's own national culture, by Tekkatho Tin Kha. [Antiquity of Myanmar culture highlighted in Traditional Performing Arts Competitions.] Oct. 7-121: Memories of good traditions, by Pe Kan Kaung. [(1) American-Myanmar cooperation and friendship go back a long time. The story of American missionary Adoniram Judson (1788-1850), "who left a colossal, secure legacy for Myanmar literature and Christianity.... Myanmar still honours and lauds Judson, who arrived Myanmar first, in fond memories up to this day. Judson College, Judson Church and Judson pillar still exist in his honour." (2) Introduction of printing to Myanmar by American missionaries in 1816 and later. "It was due to the help rendered by American friends that the first printing machines and printed books and the Myanmar art of printing flourished in Myanmar Naing-Ngan." (3) Exchange of messages between King Mindon and US President Buchanan in 1857. (4) Visit by the Kinwun Mingyi to American warships in London; Judson College and Baptist Missionary Schools in Myanmar. (5) Myanmars who studied in America in the 19th Century; America's welcoming of Myanmar independence in 1948. (6) Diplomatic relations were good until 1988, when Ambassador Burton Levin aggravated them. "The good tradition of Myanmar-American friendship which had existed since the ancient times had not started with democracy, but mutual respect for integrity and sovereignty of own country by another. The golden path of friendship had been laid to serve the interests of the two countries. But now --- These good traditions had got into the pure-hearted people of Myanmar and America as memories of good traditions."] Oct. 25: The Mararizaya Buddha Image, by Dr. Khin Maung Nyunt. [The image, brought to Dagon from Amarapura by King Thayawady in 1841, will preside over this year's Regatta Festival.] Oct. 26: Lokananda Sanctuary Park inaugurated, by Zaw Gyi (Yatsauk). [Sept. 17 inauguration of park dedicated to ecotourism.] Oct. 27: The Fullmoon Day of Thadingyut, by Lay Myint (YU). [Background to the Buddhist festival.] 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. Publications Sept. 30: In honour of Visit Myanmar Year, Myanmarsar Commission of the Education Ministry will publish a collection of Myanmar proverbs. (NLM 10/1) Oct. 1 [full text]: Myawady Literature House turns into army unit. Myawady Literature House turned into army unit at 75(B) Pyay Road, Sawbwagyigon, Insein Township. Chief Editor Lt-Col. Chit Naing formally opened the unit. Myawady Magazine has been published since 1952. Moreover, Ngwetayi Magazine, Doh-kyaung-tha, Teza and Moe-thauk-pan (Aurora) and bi-monthly Myawady Journal are also published by Myawady Literature House. Telephone numbers are 642202 (Chief Editor), 642207 (Deputy Chief Editor), (642208 and 6412=318) General Manager and (243179) Circulation." (NLM 10/2) Oct. 28: Pale Myopya Myeya magazine "featuring articles on rapid changes and developments of cities such as Yangon and Mandalay" has been published; it costs K 90 per copy, and includes "a survey of real estate prices in Yangon...." (NLM 10/ 29) Computers Articles continued throughout the month concerning the installation of computers, often donated, at high schools around the country. Oct. 19: A CD-ROM on Myanmar Another Incarnation, covering Myanmar history, culture, faith, scenic beauty, and development conditions has been completed, the first ever in Myanmar, and will be distributed internationally beginning in early November. (NLM 10/20) Education Oct. 13: The University of Distance Education began its 4th Convocation at Yangon University, with Rector U Mehm Than Thaung conferring arts, law, and science degrees on 1,600 graduates. (NLM 10/14) Oct. 25: Yangon University held its 86th Convocation, with Rector Dr. Tin Aung Aye awarding Masters degrees to 102 graduates, Bachelors degrees in Arts and Science (Honours) to 198, LL.B. degrees to 105, and Arts and Sciences degrees to 1,302. (NLM 10/26) // Oct. 26: On the second day, degrees were conferred on 1,644 graduates. (NLM 10/27) Traditional Arts Oct. 3: The Fourth Myanma Traditional Performing Arts Competitions opened, and was addressed by SLORC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt, who reviewed the antiquity of Myanmar culture, colonial efforts to destroy it, and current efforts by "some colonialist big power countries" to make Myanmar "accept and adopt Western ideas, ways and norms" and their schemes "to penetrate with infusion of Western cultures and customs." At the same time, "a circle of axe-handles subservient to colonialism are rearing their heads today, on the pretext of 'democracy and human rights,' extolling Western cultures and ideas to make people think highly of them, while misrepresenting Myanmar people's own cultural ways as though they were backward." This is why the SLORC "has been striving to bring out and keep up national culture and national characteristics with national outlook," by such events as the competitions. (NLM 10/4) Oct. 17: The Competitions ended, "sponsored by the State with the six lofty aims, namely, -- to revitalize patriotism among citizens including youths; -- to revitalize Myanma traditional culture and fine arts; -- to revive Myanma music, Myanma dance and Myanma national pride; -- to revitalize genuine Myanma traditional culture and fine arts [sic]; -- to contribute towards moral development of youth mass, and -- to protect against the influence of Western culture." (NLM 10/18) Oct. 20: 323 prizes were awarded, and a closing speech [full text in NLM] made by SLORC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt. He discussed the traditions of Myanmar singing, dancing, marionette productions, music, etc. He concluded, saying that "I wold like to urge all who love one's own kind to crush axe-handles who are acting to the liking of neo-colonialists and spreading Western ideas for domination of Western culture, and at the same time to safeguard national character with national awareness." (NLM 10/21) Oct. 21: Prize giving continued. (NLM 10/22) MISCELLANEOUS Sunday and Holiday Supplements [Supplement for October 6 not received] Oct. 6,13,20,27: 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. Oct. 6,13,20,27: Victories of the State, the people and the Tatmadaw, by Tekkatho Tin Kha. [Cont. (11) [not received]. (12) Growth of telephone links. (13) Border development projects. (14) Gems Emporium.] Oct. 13,20: Tachilek or golden triangle city, by Tin Mg Latt (Lanmadaw). [(1) "After a lapse of about seven years, Tachilek of the day is keeping abreast with Maesai, a border town in northern Thailand which is said to be a developed region." (2) Description of development.] Oct. 13: Boosting of paddy production in Yamethin Township, by Ye Myint Swe. [Progress in Mandalay Division.] -- Bridges across Ayeyawady River, by Aung Htun Thein. [Six bridges being built across the Ayeyawady {Irrawaddy} River, at Maubin, Nyaungdon, Myaungmya, Myitkyina, Pyay, and Chauk. The 1,270-foot Myaungmya bridge opened on Sept. 18.] -- New Kengtung Hotel in eastern Shan State, by Maung Maung Aung Moe. [108-room, K 500 million, hotel opened Sept. 17.] Oct. 20: Ye Ywa hydro-electric power station project, by Tin Aung. [Project near Mandalay.] -- Pazunphyay Bridge across Salu Creek in Rakhine State, by Reporter Thant Zin. [Project on the Thandwe-Gwa road.] Oct. 27: Namkhamkha hydro-electric power station, by Ahtet Minhla Nyunt Aung. [Project near Mogaung in Kachin State.] -- Rejoice at opening of Yay-Dawei rail road's section, by Kyaw Kyaw. [Sept. 24 inaugural of they Yay (Chaungtaung)-Mahlwataung sector.] -- Boosting paddy and jute output in Wakema Township, by Maung Nyein Aye. [Agriculture in Ayeyawady Division.] Crime Oct. 8: Four men who robbed and kidnapped a college student in Yangon were arrested; stolen jewellery worth K 254,000 was recovered. (NLM 10/9) Oct. 10: Speaking to officials on crime reduction, SLORC Secretary-2 Lt-Gen. Tin Oo said "at present, crimes threatening community peace and breaking of the law have emerged due to instigations by internal axe-handles [traitors] and influences by local and foreign political interferences.... Authorities have exposed some of the crimes and taken action against the criminals, he added, urging participants to give suggestions on crime reduction and information...." (NLM 10/11) Oct. 18: A pickpocket, who stole K 325 on a bus on Oct. 16, was sentenced on Oct. 17 to three years imprisonment by Hlaing Township Court. (NLM 10/19) Oct. 23: Three pickpockets, who slit a Shan bag on a bus On Oct. 19, were sentenced Oct. 21 by the Dawbon Township Court to three years imprisonment each. // A pickpocket who stole a purse on a bus Oct. 21, was sentenced Oct. 22 by Sangyoung Township Court to three years imprisonment. (NLM 10/24) Oct. 24: A man who snatched a gold chain worth K 36,000 from a woman on Sept. 12, was sentenced on Sept. 20 to seven years in jail by the Hline Township Court. \\ Two pickpockets who robbed a bus passenger on Oct. 23 were sentenced the same day to three years rigorous imprisonment by the Hline Township Court. (NLM 10/25) Oct. 26: Two pickpockets who worked a bus on Oct. 24 were sentenced the next day to three years imprisonment by the Sangyoung Township Court. A pickpocket who grabbed a purse at a bus stop on Oct. 25 was sentence the next day to three years imprisonment by the Tamway Township Court. (NLM 10/27) Oct. 26: Speaking to Yangon police, Minister for Home Affairs Lt-Gen. Mya Thin "said crimes including theft, vice and pickpocketing must be sharply brought down ...." (NLM 10/27) Oct. 28: A "suspicious looking" man found with a concealed sharpened file at Thiri Mingala Market on Oct. 23 was arrested and sentenced on Oct. 25 to three years imprisonment by the Kyimyindine Township Court. (NLM 10/29) Oct. 29: A woman pickpocket who snatched a gold chain in a market on Oct. 10 was sentenced Oct. 29 to three years imprisonment by North Okkalapa Township Court. (NLM 10/30) Oct. 29: Four men who stole copper bars from a power station in Bahan Township on Oct. 19, interrupting power, have been arrested. (NLM 10/30) Police Phone Numbers Oct. 19 [full text]: "Let us help you! There shall be no place for offenders of law in the City. Myanmar Police Force will strive all-out for public security. Cooperation and assistance is asked of the people. Call the following numbers for unusual information and cases: Yangon Division Police Force: 285214, 286338, 282541, 284764, 199 West District Police Force: 276116, 245260, 245261 East District Police Force: 291286, 291048, 298010 North District Police Force: 640021, 640009 South District Police Force: 056-21042, 056-21022 Myanmar Police Force" (NLM 10/19, etc.) Anti-Narcotics Activities Oct. 2: 239 bottles of Phensedyl were seized Aug. 25 in Lashio Township. (NLM 10/3) Oct. 3: 1.3 kilos of heroin blocks were seized Sept. 6 in Kyukok (Pangsai). (NLM 10/4) Oct. 6: A 0.2 kilo heroin block was seized Sept. 21 in Muse. (NLM 10/7) Oct. 7: 1.0 kilo of opium powder and 0.0005 kilo of opium were seized Sept. 25 in Nawnghkio Township. (NLM 10/8) Oct. 9: 23.5 kilos of amphetamine base were seized Sept. 22 in Muse Township. (NLM 10/10) Oct. 10: 0.3 kilo of heroin was seized Sept. 29 in Mogaung Township. (NLM 10/11) Oct. 11: 1.6 kilos of heroin and a hand grenade were seized Sept. 27 in Muse Township. (NLM 10/12) Oct. 13: 0.002 kilo of heroin and K 140,000 in heroin proceeds were seized Sept. 25 in Mansi Township. (NLM 10/14) Oct. 15: 10.6 kilos of opium were seized Sept. 25 in Shwebo. 81.7 kilos of raw opium were seized Sept. 24 in Namhpan. (NLM 10/ 16) Oct. 18: 12.1 kilos of raw opium were seized Aug. 25 in Kutkai Township. (NLM 10/19) Oct. 21: 16.0 kilos of opium were seized Sept. 24 in Phakant Township. 1,675.5 kilos of emphetamine base, worth K 16 million, were seized Oct. 16 in Muse. (NLM 10/22) Oct. 22: During September 1996 the Tatmadaw seized 139.4 kilos of opium and 15.6 kilos of heroin. The police seized 78.7 kilos of opium (41 cases), 49.7 kilos of heroin (110 cases), 91.9 kilos of marijuana (50 cases), 84.6 litres of Phensedyl (11 cases), 1.5 kilos of heavy opium solution (4 cases), 1.0 kilos of brown opium (1 case), 0.1 kilo of low level opium, 0.2 litre of Conadyl (2 cases), 24 kilos of amphetamine (2 cases), and 509,374 tablets of amphetamine (5 cases). There were 119 cases of failure to register for treatment and 11 other drug-related cases. Customs seized 3.1 kilos of heroin (1 case). The Customs and police took action against 483 persons in 361 drug-related cases. Of the police seizures, those with Tatmadaw participation netted 49.8 kilos of heroin (7 cases), 21.4 kilos of opium (6 cases), and 1.4 kilos of heavy opium solution. (NLM 10/23) Oct. 24: 7.6 kilos of raw opium were seized Sept. 30 in Shwebo. (NLM 10/25) Oct. 26: On Oct. 10 the Tatmadaw raided a heroin factory in Muse Township, seizing a hut, 4.7 kilos of heroin, 225 gallons of acetic anhydride, and other equipment and chemicals; 14 persons were arrested. On Oct. 15, the Tatmadaw raided another heroin factory in the same area, seizing chemicals and equipment. (NLM 10/27) Oct. 29: 0.5 kilo of heroin and 0.7 kilo of opium were seized at a checkpoint in Mongyu on Oct. 10. (NLM 10/30) Obituaries [English language obituaries; there are obituaries in Burmese as well, some of which we have sought to transliterate.] Sept. 20: Daw Francisca Hlei Cuai, daughter of the late Chin Chief U Van Hmung and Daw Hreng Tung of Ta Soon, wife of James Hlun Chiang, died at her residence, aged 77. [Christian] (NLM 10/27) Sept. 26: U Kyaw Lin (Charles Simoens), Principal Appraiser -- Retd., Myanmar Customs, died in Yangon "at the home for the aged poor", aged 85. [Christian] (NLM 10/2) Sept. 29: U Win Gyi (Myingyan), aged 71. [Burmese text] (NLM 9/30) Oct. 1: Mrs. Stella Davis, wife of Mr. A.G. Davis, Asst. Supdt. (Retd.) Standard Vacuum Oil Co., died in Yangon, aged 74. [Christian] (NLM 10/2) Oct. 6: Dr. Aung Myint (Po Khwa Gyi), son of Dr. Mg Mg Myint and Naw Dollar, died in Yangon, aged 33. [Christian] (NLM 10/7-8) Oct. 7: U Thein Htun, aged 50. [Burmese text] (NLM 10/8) Oct. 7: Dr. Daw Mya Nwe (Dr. Betty Chan Taik), wife of U Tin Soe, died in Yangon, aged 62. [Christian] (NLM 10/8) Oct. 9: Daw Kyi Kyi Win, aged 62. [Burmese text] (NLM 10/10) Oct. 13: Sayadaw Agga Maha Pandita Bhaddanta Kusalasami, Padhana Nayaka of Maha Wuthtukan Kyaungtaik in Mawlamyinegyun, Vice-Chairman of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee, vassa 58, died at the age of 77. [article] (NLM 10/14) Oct. 15: William Christopher Htun (baby boy), son of U Tin Maung Htun and Daw Win Mar Thinn, died in Yangon, aged 5 months. [Christian] (NLM 10/16) Oct. 17: U Hein Tin, BA, BL, Administrative Officer (Retd), Union of Burma Airways, High Court Advocate, husband of Daw Thein Nu, father of...Daw Mu Mu (Diplomatic School, Ygn)...Daw Khin Soe Tin (International School, Manila)-Alan Burrell...., died in Yangon, aged 87. (NLM 10/18) Oct. 20: U Tun Shwe, retired Major, husband of Daw Khin Thet Tin (Doris Thein Pe), died in Yangon, aged 73. (NLM 10/21) Oct. 20: Mrs. P. R. Devi, widow of D. L. Bhattacharjee, died in Yangon, aged 67. (NLM 10/21) Oct. 21: Johnny Dass (Erudiyanathan) (UNICEF), husband of Fatima Mary, died in Yangon, aged 50. [Christian] (NLM 10/22) Oct. 25: U Ko Wei, aged 56. [Burmese text] (NLM 10/27) Oct. 28: U Kyaw Soe (Tommy Win), Programme Officer, JICA, husband of Daw Pyone-Pyone Sein, died in Yangon, aged 52. (NLM 10/31) Oct. 28: U Myo Zin (a) U Kwoon Kan Yin, aged 79. [Burmese text] (NLM 10/31) Oct. 29: Daw Than Than, aged 78. [Burmese text] (NLM 10/31) Engagement Oct. 26: Ma Thinn Thinn Htar (B. Econ), daughter of U Maung Maung (Ambassador, retired) and Daw Khin Myint Myint of Bahan Township, became engaged to Maung Yan Naing Lwin (B.Sc.), Director, National Golf Range Co. Ltd., son of the late U Tait Lwin and Daw Nu Nu Yee of Bahan Township, Yangon. (NLM 10/27) Earthquakes Oct. 6: An earthquake of slight intensity (3.4 Richter) was recorded at 07:13:20 local time, with epicentre 35 miles N of Yangon. (NLM 10/7) Oct. 10: An earthquake of strong intensity (6.3 Richter) was recorded at 21:24:25 local time, with epicentre 1,954 miles SE of Yangon. (NLM 10/12) New Postage Stamps Oct. 3: A 2-kyat and 5-kyat stamp were issued in commemoration of World Post Day. [illustrations] (NLM 10/4) New One-kyat Note Oct. 15: A new, greenish-blue, one-kyat note with the King Lion motif, with high quality security status, will be issued on Oct. 31, thus completing the King Lion series of 500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10, 5, and 1 kyat notes. The obverse has a picture of the National Regatta of traditional boats on the Royal Lake in Yangon, with the Karaweik Hall in the background. [illustrations] (NLM 10/16) New Bar Council Regulations Oct. 4: Bar Council Notification No. 1/96 of Oct. 2 changes the minimum service of a higher grade pleader "required to be permitted to answer entrance examination to be an advocate," is increased from one to three years. Judicial service of a higher-grade pleader has been changed from three to five years. Membership Fee for the Bar Council is raised from K 250 to K 2,500, and annual fees from K 12 to K 120. (NLM 10/5) Powerline Outage Oct. 5: Yangon residents were urged to minimize water usage until power was restored, as the Hlawga Reservoir waterworks had stopped functioning because of an electric outage on Oct. 3. (NLM 10/6) ----- 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. 116, Oct. 1996