Internal DevelopmentsMinhla Dam in Okpo Township Inaugurated The opening ceremony of Minhla Dam in Okpo Township constructed by the Irrigation Department of the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation was held at the pandal near the dam on 31 May. The ceremony was attended by Member of State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than, the Commander of Southern Command, the ministers, the deputy minister, officials, NGOs and local populace. First, Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than made a speech, saying that construction of Minhla Dam in Bago Division, which relied mainly on agriculture, would contribute towards serving the interests of local farmers. Minhla Dam was the 37th facility constructed by the government in its efforts to establish a cluster of dams and reservoirs in Bago Division. The Government had opened one dam per month in the division including Kalihtaw Dam after the opening of Tarwa sluice gate in Thanatpin Township in December 2002. Minhla Dam was one of the six facilities opened during the six months period. During the time of the Present Government, it spent over K 22,500 million on construction of 37 dams in Bago Division, which irrigated over 586,000 acres of farmlands. During the time of the Present Government, altogether 146 dams including Minhla Dam have been built throughout the country spending over K 62,000 million to irrigate over 2 million acres of farmland. Forty irrigation projects are being implemented in the entire country. Of them, seven projects are in Bago Division. The Government has laid down a new policy on rice trading in the interest of the farmers. Farmers can now sell their paddy freely and their socio-economic lives will improve certainly. Continued efforts will be made for building irrigation facilities as well as for rural development. Also, the Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation made an address. In the entire country, 146 irrigation projects to irrigate 2.1 million acres of farmland have been implemented within some ten years. At present, cultivated acreage has increased to over 26 million acres. Of them, about 19 per cent are cultivated with irrigated water. The Minhla Dam which is 132 feet high and 3.044 feet long has been built to store about 44,000 acre-ft of water from Minhla Creek. The total length of its tributary canal is about 20 miles. Minhla Dam in Okpo Township will irrigate 5260 acres of farmland in Okpo Township and 9740 acres of cropland in Minhla Township. More Dams, More Irrigation Plan for 10 Million Acres Under Irrigation The government has planned a series of dam-building projects aimed at expanding the area under irrigation to more 10 million acres in the next 10 years, nearly three times the existing total. A senior official with the Irrigation Department said 40 dams would be built during the coming decade. This followed the completion of 146 dams during the past 15 years, bringing the total to 284 dams, used to irrigate about 3.4 million acres, he told Myanmar Times. The government had increased the budget for dam building 20 fold during the past 15 years, he said. More than K 13 billion was spent on irrigation projects during the 2001-2002 fiscal year. The increase in irrigated land had promoted the government to consider the formation of water users committees throughout the country to ensure the systematic control of irrigation water, the official said. He said the committees will bring together local authorities and the police, as well as officials from the Irrigation Department. Under the current system, the use of irrigation water is supervised by local administrative teams comprising Peace and Development Council members, as well as officials from the Agriculture and Irrigation departments. In line with the need for the systematic control of irrigation water, the government had also amended the Canals and Embankments Act in 1998. Those who violated regulations were liable to maximum punishment of one year's imprisonment and a K 2000 fine, the official said. He said the government had no plan to increase irrigation charges next year. The charges stand at K 5 to K 10 to irrigate an acre of land. The dam-building program was formally concentrated on the central dry zone but was extended to lower Myanmar in the early 1990s when farmers in the region began summer paddy cultivation. Other major irrigated crops include cotton, sugarcane, ground nuts and sesame, the official said. There was a need to educate farmers to use the right amount of water to achieve optimum crop yields, the official said. The right amount of water is not necessary the largest possible amount of water, he said. The official said that as well as increasing yields, irrigation also enabled farmers to grow a greater variety of crops. He said that as well as providing more water for irrigation, dams benefited rural communities by generating electricity and helping to prevent floods. 1,940 Feet Long Panhlaing River Bridge Being Built in Hlinethaya Panhlaing River Bridge is being built with the aim of transporting products to Yangon Division from Ayeyawady Division through Dedaye Bridge in short time; if necessary, arrangements are to be made for supplying water through the pipeline on the bridge to Dalla and Twantay regions in Yangon Division and construction works are to be carried out in time meeting the set standards. Panhlaing River Bridge is 1940 feet long the 500 feet long main bridge and 14,440 feet long approach structures. The lower body of the bridge will be supported by reinforced concrete bored piles and the upper one will be installed with pre-stressed concrete beams. The bridge has a 28-foot-wide pedestrian lanes on either side. Clearance of the bridge is 75 feet wide and 20 feet high. On completion, the bridge can withstand 60-ton loads. New Magway Airport Opened The opening ceremony of Magway Airport was held by the Ministry of Transport on 6 June attended by the Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council General Khin Nyunt. It was built for the Magway Division, which is also called the midland region, to achieve progress like other states and divisions in the air transport sector. The old runway of Magway Airport was only 4,800 feet in length and 100 feet in width, but the runway could not be extended because there is a motor road near the southern part of the runway and there are also ravines at the northern end of the runway. Arrangements were made for construction of a new 12,000 feet long and 200 feet wide concrete runway in the west of Hsataingkan Village in the east of Magway. As for the first phase, Magway runway has been built up to 8,500 feet in length, 100 feet in width and 22 inches in thickness, that jets weighing over 360,000 pounds can land on it. Furthermore, a 180 feet long and 60 feet wide one-storey modern concrete reinforced airport lounge has been constructed. Altogether 250 arrivals and 250 departing passengers can use the building g at the same time and it is made up of an arrival lounge, a departure lounge, a VIP lounge, offices of airways, a restaurant and a souvenir ship and so on and so forth. The government has accelerated the speed in building new airports, upgrading and extending runways and related buildings and equipping the airports with world-class flight control and flight schedule systems. There are now 25 commercial airfields, up from 21 in 1988. In the past only six airports could handle Fokker F-28s, but now the number has reached 16. Works are under way to upgrade more airports to handle the Fokker F-28s. Seven new airports are under construction. The opening of Mandalay International Airport is one of the most significant developments in the aviation sector of the present Government. The runway of the airport is the longest in Southeast Asia. As it is equipped with advanced lifts, escalators, boarding bridges, electronic devices to facilitate airport services and security services, and flight control system, it has all the characteristics of a world-class international airport. The nation now has two international airports serving as gateways to the nation. Thus, the airports are contributing to development of the tourist industry. Sein Pan Myaing Dam Opened in Hlaingbwe Township A new dam named Sein Pan Myaing was opened with ceremony at Myaing-gyi-ngu special region in Hlaingbwe Township, Kayin State, on 6 June. Commander of the South East Command said that the newly built Sein Pan Myaing Dam will supply water for cultivation and for domestic use. The first ever dam built in Kayin State will benefit agriculture and horticulture. On behalf of local people, U Tha Htoo Kyaw spoke words of thanks to the Government for building the dam. Deputy Minister for Ministry of Agriculture & Irrigation and Chairman of the Kayin State Peace and Development Council formally opened the dam. The dam was built on Yoe Creek. It can store 550 acre-ft of water. The earthen dam is 54 feet high and 1,850 feet long. It can store 272 million gallons of water in monsoon and 136 million gallons in summer. ForeignRelationsMinister for Health Addresses 56th World Health Conference in Geneva Myanmar delegation led by the Minister for Health left Yangon on 17 May to attend the 56th World Health Conference and the 112th meeting of Executive Board of the WHO held in Geneva, Switzerland. The Minister attended the work coordination meeting of health delegates from South East Asia Region on 18 May. The delegates had a discussion about SARS. The Minister reported on effective preventive measures on SARS in Myanmar. On 19 May, the 56th World Health Conference was held. Together with the Minister, Myanmar Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva U Mya Than and members of the Myanmar delegation attended it. On 20 May, the second day of the conference, the Minister made a speech on health care services in Myanmar. The Myanmar delegation attended a preliminary meeting of the World Health Conference on 21 May. Roundtable discussions of four groups were held simultaneously under the topic of Healthy Environment for Children. The Minister discussed health and development activities of the children in Myanmar, school health week activities and environmental sanitation in cooperation with the Ministry of Education in Myanmar at the group discussion-2. On 22 May, the meeting of the World Health Conference (A) was held. The Minister discussed financial matters of WHO (2004-2005) and contributions of the member nations. He also discussed G-77 countries at the WHO head office and health care services for the people in Palestine at the meeting of the conference committee(B). On 23 May, the meeting of the World Health Conference (A) was held. Myanmar delegation reported on destruction of microbes that cause smallpox at the laboratories, control of influenza and implementation of health development objectives for 21st century of the UN. The meeting of the World Health Conference (A) continued on 26 May. The Minister discussed functions of the executive board, promotion of the role of nurses and midwives and health development of the children and teenagers. At the meeting of the World Health Conference (A) which continued on 27 May, the delegates discussed funds for projects, medical science development programme, violence and health problems in the WHO report and amendment of international health laws. The conference ended on 28 May. The 112th meeting of Executive Board of the WHO was held on 19 May. The Minister presided over the meeting and reported on review on successful holding of the 56th world health conference. Then he handed over duties to Minister of Health of Ghana Dr. Afriyie who was elected as the Chairman of Executive Board for 2003-2004. The Minister arrived back Yangon 31 May. Minister Addresses Second LDC Trade Ministers' Meeting in Dhaka A Myanmar delegation led by Minister for Commerce attended the Second LDC Trade Ministers' Meeting held in Dhaka, Bangladesh from 31 May to 2 June. The meeting was organized by World Trade Organization (WTO) and the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). Discussions focused on loss of opportunities on trade of least developed countries. The meeting was held to submit attitudes of LDC to the fifth ministers'conference of WTO to be held in coming September in Mexico.The ministers and delegates from 38 out of 49 LDCs attended the meeting. In his address, Minister said that Myanmar attended the meeting to support positions of LDCs on matters being discussed at WTO and to be discussed at the fifth ministerial level conference. The volume of trade of LDCs was still under one per cent of that of world trade and it remained unchanged in 50 years. Those countries have not fully enjoyed the benefits of multi-trade system. He said although the agriculture sector was over 70% of the volume of export of LDCs, export of farm products dropped in the world export. It can be found that the markets of LDCs have decreased in the world market. Some developed countries practised duty free and quota free system on all export items of LDCs. But they imposed sanctions on trade and practised non-tariff barriers against LDCs. He urged those nations to lift such barriers. He said technology and monetary assistance are needed for development of basic infrastructure of LDCs. He also spoke of the need to provide technology and monetary assistance for promotion of investment on resource of domestic services sector, development of basic infrastructure on services sector, and increase of export and services. The ministers and leaders of the delegations unanimously announced the Dhaka declaration of LDCs to be submitted to the fifth ministers' conference of WTO and positions of LDCs on matters to be discussed at the WTO. Vietnamese VOV Delegation Arrives Under the Cooperation programme between Myanma Radio and Television (MRTV) and the Voice of Vietnam (VOV) a three-member delegation led by Director Mr. Vo Minh Quang of the Bureau in Can Tho Province (Radio the Voice of Vietnam-VOV) arrived Yangon on 5 June on a study tour of Myanmar for a week. Third Meeting of ASEAN-Japan Committee on Comprehensive Economic Partnership Held The Third Meeting of ASEAN-Japan Committee on Comprehensive Economic Partnership (AJCCEP), hosted by Myanmar, was held at Grand Plaza Parkroyal Hotel, Yangon on 8 Jun. Present were representatives of ASEAN member countries, Japan and ASEAN Secretariat. Director Mr. Ramoon Vicente T Kabgting of International Trade Communication Bureau of the Republic of Philippines, Deputy Director-General Mr. Yoshihiko Sumi of the Ministry of Economic, Trade and Industry, Mr. Kazuhito Yamashita of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forest and Fisheries and Mr. Koguchi Kazuhiko of the Ministry of Finance jointly presided over the meeting. The representatives discussed the Framework on ASEAN-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership (Drafts) drawn by ASEAN countries and Japan. The meeting was held with the aims of materializing the joint statement on ASEAN-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership signed by Heads of State/Government at ASEAN-Japan Summit held in November 2002 and of receiving the Framework on ASEAN-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership. The first meeting was held in Malaysia in March 2003 and the second in Japan in April 2003. The meeting will continue tomorrow. Meeting of ASEAN Senior Economic Officials Begins The Meeting No. 3/34 of ASEAN Senior Economic Officials took place at the Grand Plaza Parkroyal Hotel in Yangon on 10 June, attended by ASEAN Secretary-General Mr. Ong Keng Yong and representatives from the ASEAN member countries. Director-General of the International Relations and Trade Development Centre of Brunei Mr. Lim Jock Hio chaired the meeting. In the morning session of the meeting, matters relating to the paper on ‘ASEAN Competitiveness Study’ were conducted after the Informal Meeting of ASEAN Commerce Ministers held in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic from 2 to 4 April 2003; matters on the first and second meetings on High Level Task Force On ASEAN Economic Integration. Matters on the ASEAN Business Advisory Council; and matters on the establishment of the ASEAN Compliance Monitoring Board were conducted after the Meeting No 2/34 of ASEAN High Level Economic Officials held in March 2003. In the afternoon session, matters on ASEAN-X formula and US-ASEAN Trade and Investment Framework Agreement were discussed separately by forming two subcommittees. Then, senior economic heads approved the reports submitted by subcommittees and task forces. The meeting will continue tomorrow. In the evening, Minister at the State Peace and Development Council Chairman’s Office Brig-Gen Abel hosted a dinner in honour of the ASEAN Secretary-General and representatives attending the meeting at the Grand Plaza Parkroyal Hotel. Third Meeting of High Level Task Force on ASEAN Economic Integration Held The Third Meeting of the High Level Task Force on ASEAN Economic Integration was held at Grand Plaza Parkroyal, Yangon on 13 June, attended by delegates from the ASEAN member countries and officials of the ASEAN Secretariat. In the morning session, those present discussed Ultimate Form of Integration, Path towards Deeper Integration, Institutional Design included in paper on ASEAN Economic Community complied by ASEAN Institute of Strategic and International Studies- ASEAN ISIS and suggestion on emergence of ASEAN Economic Integration. In the afternoon, Chairman of ASEAN Business Advisory Council-ABAC Mr. Rudy J Pesik reported on discussions of the Second ABAC meeting held in Bangkok in 2003 May and programmes of ASEAN Economic and Investment Summit before the Ninth ASEAN Summit to be held in Indonesia in 2003 October and the delegates participated in the discussions and the first day session ended in the evening. The meeting is being held with the aim of searching probable ways and means for turning the ASEAN into ASEAN Economic Community adopted at Eight ASEAN Summit held in Cambodia in November 2002. To implement the decisions of ASEAN leaders, the first meeting was held in Thailand in March, 2003 and the second meeting in Malaysia in May, 2003. At present, the third meeting is being held in Yangon. Minister for Foreign Affairs Leaves to Attend 36th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting At the invitation of the Chairman of the 36th ASEAN Standing Committee and Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Cambodia, Mr. HOR Namhong, Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung left in Yangon by air 14 June for Cambodia to attend the 36th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting (AMM), ASEAN+3 Foreign Minister’ Meeting, 10th ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), ASEAN Post Ministerial Conference (PMC) and Third Ministerial Meeting on Mekong-Ganga Cooperation to be held from 15 to 20 June 2003 in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
News in Brief
Myanma Shipyards Builds Jaya Gold 2 Vessel Myanma Shipyards under the Ministry of Transport built Jaya Gold-2 vessel and handed over it to Java Marine lines Private Ltd of Singapore. The offshore oil exploration utility vessel is 56 meter long, 13.6 meter wide and 5.2 meter high. The vessel can carry about 1200 tons of materials such as chemicals, fuel, fresh water, iron pipes for offshore oil drilling platform. Russian Language Books Donated By Ambassador Of Russian Federation Altogether 104 volumes of books for teaching of Russian language for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and 31 volumes of similar books for Yangon University of Foreign Languages of the Ministry of Education were handed over to Director-General U Tint De of the Training, Research and Foreign Languages Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and to Rector U Soe Win of Yangon University of Foreign Languages by Ambassador of Russian Federation to Myanmar Mr. Oleg V Kabanov at the Wunzin Minyaza hall of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on 5 June. Japan Video Crew to Record Myanmar Hotels & Tourism Activities Under the supervision of the Ministry of Hotels and Tourism, a 15-member Japanese video crew headed by Mr. Toshiya Komaki had filmed activities of Myanmar Hotels and Tourism from 28th May to the 12 of June 2003, it is learnt. During its Yangon programme, they recorded practising and training of boxing at the Kyaikkasan Grounds and tennis at Theinbyu tennis courts. Mr. Toshiya Komaki and Assistant Director Mr. Kyoichi Okazaki had already visited Yangon to arrange the programme, it is learnt.
General News
Opening of Australia-Myanmar Friendship Building The opening of newly-constructed Australia-Myanmar friendship three-storey building donated by the Charitable Foundation of Australia for the affiliated parahita monastic education high school of Phaungdaw U, Aungmyethazan Township, Mandalay, was held at the school on 6 June, attended by Chairman of Myanmar Education Committee Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council General Khin Nyunt. It was constructed on a cash donated by the Charitable Foundation of Mr. Steven Killelea of Australia. The 258 feet long and 33 feet wide reinforced concrete building is made up of 20 rooms. World Environment Day-2003 Observed at MICT Park The World Environment Day-2003, organized by the National Commission for Environmental Affairs was observed in conjunction with the prize presentation for the poster, painting and cartoon competitions to mark the World Environment Day at MICT Park in Yangon on 6 June. Myanmar has a large potential of freshwater resources. The four major rivers -- Ayeyawady, Chindwin, Sittoung and Thanlwin -- and a large number of minor rivers streams, creeks, lakes and ponds, as well as underground aquifers can provide adequate amount of water for human use, irrigation and industries. There is a need to properly tap, use and manage these freshwater resources in order to sustain the supply of freshwater. Due partly to climatic and geographical conditions, and partly to the lack of water supply facilities, some areas in Myanmar still lack sufficient supply of water. These areas include Magway, Mandalay and Sagaing Divisions in central Myanmar. About 34 per cent of the total population live in the regions and 80 per cent of the dry zone population live in rural areas. Farm households in the area are constrained by low and unreliable rainfall. The Government has been implementing the 10 years water supply project. In providing water, the first priority is given to those villages where water is extremely scarce, the second priority to those villages where water supply is insufficient, third to those villages where water is sufficient but needs action for ensuring constant supply. Water supply works include underground water tapping projects, irrigation works and river water pumping projects which are being collectively carried out by all the ministries concerned. Special greening projects are also being carried out in the three divisions. The project activities include establishment of forest plantations, protection and rehabilitation of natural forests, promotion of fuelwood substitutes and development of water resources. Greening of mountains are also being carried out so that, Taungtha, Popa, Tuyin and Tantkyi mountains, Sagaing Minwon mountains, Kyaukkar Shwe Myintin and Phowin mountains, have become lush and green, As trees conserve soil and water, the ecological systems in these areas have also improved. Myanmar has won the first prize in the painting competition (for age 10-16 years) organized by the United Nations Environment Programme for Asia and the Pacific Region. Myanmar has also won the second prize for poster competition for 2003 ASEAN Environment Year. In commemorating the World Environment Day, tree planting and clean-up activities are also carried out across the country. Myanmar National Working Committee for Women's Affairs has also been organizing annual tree planting activities during the months of June and July to commemorate the Myanmar Women's Day which falls on the 3rd of July. CIRDAP Technical Committee Meeting (TC-19) Held A ceremony to open the 19th CIRDAP Technical Committee Meeting (TC-19) hosted by Myanmar was held in Yangon on 6 June. Present on the occasion were Minister, Deputy Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation , the directors-general and managing directors of departments and enterprises under the ministry and officials, the ambassadors of foreign missions in Yangon, experts from member countries of the CIRDAP Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Vietnam, representatives from Japan and countries providing funds to the CIRPAD, officials of UN agencies and guests. CIRDAP director-General reported on the activities of CIRDAP for the period from July 2002 to May 2003. The representatives held discussions on resolutions of the CIRDAP Technical Committee Meeting (TC-19). Afterwards, the representa-tives from CIRDAP member countries in Asia and Pacific regions presented measures taken for rural development of the respective countries and future work for 2003-2004. The meeting continues on 7 June. Talks on SARS Held Talks on SARS prevention and anti-narcotic were held at the Pulaw Township in Taninthayi Division on 20 May. Township Officer, Dr Pyone Cho and Inspector Kyaw Soe gave talks on SARS on the occasion. Similarly, talks on SARS prevention, jointly conducted by the township health department and Maternal and Child Welfare Association (MMCWA), was held at the township hall in Kyunsu Township, Taninthayi Division, on 29 May. Then, head of the township health department Dr Kyaw Zaw gave talks on prevention of SARS. ASEAN U-18 Soccer Tourney Commences The First ASEAN Under-18 Soccer Tournament (2003) began at the Youth Training Centre in Yangon on 7 June. Among spectators were Myanmar Olympic Committee Chairman Minister for Sports, officials and guests. In the first match of group (A), Thailand team beat Laos team 3-0. Myanmar will meet Singapore on 8 June. Secretary-1Meets Graduates of Nationalities Youth Resource Development Degree Colleges (Yangon, Mandalay) The Chairman of the Work Committee for Development of Border Areas and National Races Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council General Khin Nyunt met with arts and science degree holder students and AGTI diploma holder students of Nationalities Youth Resource Development Degree Colleges(Yangon, Mandalay) in Yangon on 9 May. In his address, General Khin Nyunt said that the emergence of arts and science degree holders and AGTI diploma holders from the Nationalities Youth Resource Development Degree Colleges (Yangon, Mandalay) at which the national races of border areas are taught the higher education is the good results and good foundations resulting from the genuine goodwill of the government towards the border areas and national races. As priority is being given to development of education sector, the government has spent over K 3,195 million on education sector of border areas under the border areas and national races development project from 1989 to date. Therefore, 627 primary schools, 61 middle schools and 62 high schools were opened in border areas and over 58,000 primary school students, over 25,000 middle school students and over 4,000 high school students are pursuing education at those education facilities. In addition, summer Three Rs courses are also conducted in border areas, helping 28,000 local people become literate up to 2002. With a view to producing talent and qualified national race youths in border areas, 17 national race youth development training schools and 6 domestic science schools have been opened. The national race youths are being trained at those schools and arrangements are being made for opening of six more national race youth development training schools in the border areas. At the same time, two Nationalities Youth Resource Development Degree Colleges have been opened in Yangon and Mandalay to enable the national race youths to pursue the higher education. The emergence of 120 degree and diploma holders - 32 arts and science degree holders and 14 AGTI diploma holders from Nationalities Youth Resource Development Degree College (Yangon) and 55 arts and science degree holders and 19 AGTI diploma holders from Nationalities Youth Resource Development Degree College (Mandalay) is the fruitful results of goodwill of Head of State towards the national races. The emergence of 29 persons who are qualified for Master Degree out of arts and science degree holders and 20 persons who are qualified for B.Tech out of AGTI diploma holders reflects the good foundations to ensure the emergence of highly qualified human resources in border areas. The national races who are graduate from the colleges today will be assigned duties at border areas. This being so, they are called on to strive for development of own regions and own races while discharging duties in accord with the national objectives. The students graduated from Yangon and Mandalay NYRDDCs are Kokang, Kachin, Kayah, Kayan, Kayin, Sami, Chin, Danu, Naga, Palaung, Pa-O, Mon, Myaungzi, Rakhine, Shan, Lahu, Wa, Thet, Akhar and Intha. Myanmar Hosting Fourth World Buddhist Summit The work coordination meeting for holding the Fourth World Buddhist Summit was held at the International Theravada Buddhist Missionary University in Yangon on 10 June, with an address by Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council General Khin Nyunt. In his address the Secretary-1 said it was the second coordination meeting to successfully host the Fourth World Buddhist Summit in Myanmar. The Japanese Buddhist Association sponsored the First Buddhist Summit in Japan in 1998. The aims of the summit were to forge unity among the Buddhist orders of the world, for flourishing of Buddhism, and for the Buddhist countries to make collective efforts in helping ensure a peaceful world. The Second Buddhist Summit was held in Thailand in 2000 and the Third in Cambodia in 2002. The JBA has made an early request to Myanmar to host the summit as Buddhism is flourishing in the country, and in addition, it can be said, the hub of Theravada Buddhism. Thus, Myanmar has agreed to host the Fourth Summit on a grand scale in line with the five objectives: to promote love, mutual understanding and cooperation among the Buddhist countries; to enable Buddhists around the world to preserve and protect the Buddhist faith and practices by themselves; for flourishing of Buddhist education based on the Pariyatti (Teachings of Buddha) in the world nations; to render cooperation from the Buddhist point of view in ensuring a peaceful world serving the interest of the entire mankind; and for dissemination of the Buddha Dhamma in the international community in its original essence. Senior General Inspects Indagaw Industrial Zone Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Senior General Than Shwe inspected factories and workshops in Indagaw Industrial Zone of the Ministry of Industry-2 in Bago Division 14 June. At the briefing hall of Radiator Plant, Minister for Industry-2 ported on construction of factories and workshops and completed factories, strength of service personnel and human resource development, manufacturing of spare parts and new machinery for the Ministry of Rail Transportation, the Ministry of Electric Power, the Ministry of Energy, the Ministry of Industry-1, the Ministry of Science and Technology, the Ministry of Mines and the Ministry of Defence, research and innovation and construction of soap factory in Paung Township in Mon State. Managing Director of Myanma Agricultural Machinery Industries reported on construction of engine factory for power tillers, and programme for annual manufacturing of 3,000 units of 18 h.p. power tillers. Managing Director of Myanma Automobile and Diesel Engine Industries reported on construction of Radiator Plant, Disc Wheel Plant, Metal Bearing Plant, Inlet and Exhaust Valve Plant, products of the factories, and construction of Foundry Ball Bearing workshop and Power Sub-station. Managing Director of Myanma Machine Tool and Electrical Industries reported on construction of factories for production of aluminium conductor steel reinforced (ACSR) and metre boxes, investment, products to be manufactured and capacity of machines. Managing Director of Myanma Tyre and Rubber Industries reported on manufacturing of light and heavy vehicle tyres by No.1 Tyre and Rubber Factory (Thaton), tyres used in mechanized farming and new products, installation of machines that manufacture heavy tyres and test running. Managing Director of Myanma Industrial Construction Services reported on construction of buildings of other ministries and organizations and construction of factories and workshops in the zone, installation of machines, water supply and planting of shade trees and cultivation of vegetables. In response to the reports, the Senior General gave guidance. He said that in producing machinery continued efforts are to be made to substitute local raw materials for foreign raw materials. Machinery produced by factories and mills are to be adapted to win public satisfaction, to have good quality and to become useful. Research and development work is to be conducted with far-sightedness to improve the quality of machinery year by year in order to become highly marketable ones. Based on experiences in industrial zones, strenuous efforts are to be excerted to be able to produce machinery of high quality. Furthermore, steps are to be taken to establish advanced electrical industries to be able to produce more electrical goods. In addition, constant efforts are to be made to produce skilled technicians needed at the respective industries, he said. The Senior General and party inspected the displays at Radiator Workshop. The Ministers, deputy ministers and officials reported on radiators, metal bearings and ball bearings and ball bearings, inlet & exhaust valve and disc wheels produced by the workshops under Myanma Automobile and Diesel Engine Industries. The Senior General and party inspected Ayeya-1 power tillers, trawler-G and mini-tractors and 50-80 hp-Zwe tractors produced by factories under Myanma Agricultural Machinery Industries. Afterwards, officials reported on vehicle tyres produced by factories under Myanma Tyres and Rubber Industries. The entourage inspected spare parts, metre boxes, wires, batteries, power cables, gas cylinders produced by factories under Myanma Machine Tool and Electrical Industries and aluminum wires to be produced. Officials concerned reported on new model Mazda Jeeps produced by Myanma Automobile and Diesel Engine Industries. Later, they inspected inlet & exhaust valves produced there and production process of inlet and exhaust valves. They proceeded to power tiller engine factory and inspected spare parts for power tiller engines and production process of power tillers, shaft parts line, cam shaft line, cylinder block line, cylinder head line, gear parts line, gear box body line, gear case cover line, crank shaft line and connecting rod line. Afterwards, they also inspected work being carried out and installation of engines and test run of power tillers at Machining Centre Room. Special Features
Statement given by the Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs H.E. U Khin Maung Win at the meeting with the diplomatic corps in Yangon on 3rd June at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs As is well known, the Government has designated national reconsolidation as one of its political objectives. In keeping with this objective, the Government has engaged reconciliation efforts since the time of the assumption of state responsibilities. Consequently, agreement has been reached with I7-armed groups and these groups have returned to the legal fold and are working with the Government for the development of their regions. As a result, the problem of armed insurgency that had plagued the nation since the time of the regaining of independence is now almost completely resolved. The nation today is therefore enjoying peace and stability. A visit to the remote border areas will show that the battlefields of yesterday have now been transformed into zones of development. It is the desire of the Government to have the participation of all the forces in the country to work together for the development of the nation and for peaceful and smooth transition to democracy. Therefore, its national reconciliation efforts also extend to the 10 legally existing political parties. Moreover, it has sought the cooperation of the political parties to maintain the existing peace and stability, law and order. Transition to democracy cannot take place in an environment of unrest and chaos. As part of the systematic transition to democracy, the Government is permitting the political parties to expand their political activities. This includes the NLD. Consequently, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and the NLD have been engaging in a wide range of political activities, including the undertaking of trips to various parts of the country for political organization purposes, meeting with foreign dignitaries and diplomats as well as local and international media. Moreover, she was allowed to move freely and to open party offices across the country. It may be recalled that in the period between June 2002 to April 2003 she visited 95 townships in Mon, Mandalay, Magwe, Kayin, Bago, Shan Rakhine, Ayeyarwady and Chin states and divisions. In her latest trip starting 6 May 2003, she visited Mandalay and Sagaing division as well as Kachin and Shan States before returning to Mandalay Division. It may be mentioned that there were prior consultations between the Government and the NLD regarding all the trips undertaken by Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. The desire of the Government is to ensure the safety and security of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and the members of the party as well as to facilitate her travels. To give an example, the Government persuaded Daw Aung San Suu Kyi not to travel by car in certain areas during her trip to the Shan State last November because of insurgent activities. In addition, there was also prior agreement between the two sides that while Daw Aung San Suu Kyi could engage in normal political activities including meeting with her party members and supporters at the NLD branch offices and the setting up of party signboards with the permission of the respective Township Multi-party Democracy Election Commission in the agreed townships. In addition, there was also mutual agreement that there should not be any action that could disturb the existing peace and stability and the daily lives of the local populace. The Government has time and again urged the political figures in the country and their political parties to assist it in making an orderly and peaceful transition to democracy by respecting the law and acting in an exemplary manner. It has also been the hope of the authorities that Daw Aung San Suu Kyi’s visits to various parts of the country would provide opportunities for her to see the actual situation in the countryside as well as the developments that are changing the lives of the people for the better. It was believed that she would also have a better appreciation of the efforts of the Government for national progress. In keeping with this spirit, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi was shown various projects that are being undertaken including the construction of irrigation dams, bridges, hydroelectric generation plants, water-pumping and agricultural projects. Everywhere she went, she was given VIP treatment and briefing was given to her by Directors-General and Managing Directors. In other words, she was accorded treatment comparable to that of our leaders. During the recent visits to the towns, there emerged a growing resentment among the local populace because of the highhanded action of members of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi’s entourage, particularly the youth members. Lately, there were a number of instances of clashes between the these militant NLD youths and local people when these NLD youths grabbed cameras and video cameras of some people who were innocently taking pictures. These incidents happened during her visits to the Chin State and Magwe Division in last April. People became anxious when they heard that Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and her party members were coming to their towns and villages, fearing that there would be disruption of their peaceful daily lives. Although Daw Aung San Suu Kyi’s motorcade consisted of 3 vehicles when she left Yangon on 6 May on her latest trip, the numbers swelled with militant NLD youths taking to the road on motorcycles. On May 8, when she went to Sagaing Division from Mandalay, 20 motorcyclists flying NLD flags met her at the Sagaing Bridge. The motorcyclists accompanied her vehicle into the city with headlights shining and horns blaring. Later, the number of motorcyclists increased to 40 when she went to Shwe Bo. Sometimes, the motorcyclists rode two abreast in formation, thus blocking the road and with complete disregard to the traffic rules and the local population. One motorcycle ran down a 21-year-old villager at Pathein Lay village. There were also instances when these youth took the law into their own hands. A case in point is the incident in Kawlin township when these unruly individuals threw stones at some youth demonstrating against Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. A similar stone throwing incident took place at lndaw in which villagers were hurt because of the stone throwing by these unruly NLD youths. Catapults were also used in the incidents. By 29th May, when Daw Aung San Suu Kyi travelled to Monywa, her motorcade consisted of 1 6 cars, 150 motorcycles and over 300 people. A new and more dangerous element emerged with the involvement of some militant monks in Mandalay. These monks, led by a NLD organizer who donned the yellow ropes, just recently attacked and beat up people who were demonstrating against the NLD on 26 May. They used sticks, ironpipes, bicycle chains and catapults in the attacks. Moreover, the cars carrying some monks also joined Daw Aung San Suu Kyi’s motorcade. These are but a few examples of the many incidents of lawlessness committed by NLD youths. Allow me to turn to the events of the night of 30th May. 9 vehicles including the vehicle carrying Daw Aung San Suu Kvi and 40 motorcycles were blocked by townspeople protesting against her visit at a location about two miles outside Depayin town. The cars in Daw Aung San Suu Kyi’s motorcade attempted to plough through the crowd resulting in injuries to the people. As a result, clashes began to take place between the townspeople and the motorcade. In the clash, 4 people died and 50 were hospitalized. The clashes occurred at about 8 pm and the situation was returned to normal around midnight only after the police arrived at the scene from Monywa. There were no police or military personnel present at the scene at the time of the clashes. Here, it must be emphasized that there is no truth whatever to the foreign media reports that Daw Aung San Suu Kyis car was shot at. Daw Aung San Suu Kyi’s car was able to make it to Depeyin town and she was not hurt in any way during the incident. There was not a single gunshot fired. In view of the situation, the Government was compelled to take temporary measures to give protection to Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and some members of her party. Similarly, NLD offices in Yangon and some other localities were asked to close temporarily to prevent possible undesirable incidents. It may be mentioned that even before the incident took place the Government had asked the NLD Secretary U Lwin to tell the NLD youths to refrain from unruly and high-handed action because it could result in disturbances. An analysis of the entire episode will show that: • Although the Government is undertaking sincere efforts to promote national reconciliation, the activities of the NLD youths have not been of a positive manner and are acting in a manner resembling the days of anarchy in 1988. • The Government entertains no animosity or hostility towards Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. • As there are people who are in favour of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, there are also a great number of people who have strong feeling against her, particularly among the people who have lost jobs or are hurt by her policies of no assistance, no investment, no tourists and call for economic sanctions. • The lawless and high-handed action of the NLD, particularly the NLD youth members, have aroused the resentment of the ordinary citizens, resulting in demonstrations against Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and her party. • By taking the law into their own hands, the NLD youth wing acted rashly and in a vigilante style, resulting in injuries to the ordinary people. • Therefore, the incident near Depayin must be considered as being very unfortunate for the country. In conclusion, allow me to say that: • The Government has had to take certain temporary measures to ensure the safety of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and some of her party leaders. • The closure of NLD offices has also been made in the same spirit. • It must be emphasized that these measures are temporary in nature. • The Government will continue with its policy of national reconciliation. • The Government will continue with its policy of transition to democracy in a systematic and step-by-step manner. • The Government hopes that the international community will understand the situation and not try to further complicate it. * * * Briefing made by H.E. U Khin Maung Win, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, at the meeting with Heads of Missions of the embassies in Myanmar on the latest situation and development concerning the 30th May incident at 15:30 hrs, today at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Yangon The salient points mentioned at the briefing are as follows:- The Special Representative of the UN Secretary General Ambassador Razali Ismail paid a visit to Myanmar from 6 to 10 June. He left Yangon early this afternoon. During his visit, he called upon Vice Chairman Vice Senior General Maung Aye and had extensive discussions with Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt. In the course of the meetings, the Myanmar side was able to assure him that we regarded the incident as most unfortunate and that our commitment to national reconciliation and democratization remains firm. We also informed him that the safe custody measures instituted are temporary and that they will be lifted as soon as the situation returns to normal. One of the agenda of Ambassador Razali’s current mission is to have a meeting with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. The international community has also shown great interest in the matter. I wish to inform you that he met with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi earlier today. He was very pleased with this special gesture on the part of our Government and expressed his deepest appreciation. I am now also in a position to provide more infonnation about the incident that took place on the night of 30th May. An official inquest is being conducted by the Police Department under the Ministry of Home Affairs. Preliminary investigation reveals that the incident began when the convoy of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi attempted to plow through the crowd that was blocking the road. Up to that point there were no incidents of violence. However, since some people were hit by the cars in the convoy, a melee ensued between the followers and opponents of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. As it was nighttime and in an area with no public lighting, there was much confusion and things got out of hand. Finally, when the police regained control of the situation, four persons were found dead and 48 persons injured. As a result, the Dapayin Police Station has opened a case under Section 304 (A) of the Penal code. Contrary to the exaggerated reports circulated by some quarters, I wish to confirm once again that only four persons died during the incident, not 70 or more as alleged. As for the 48 people injured in the clash, 16 were treated for superficial wounds and sent home without having to undergo treatment at the hospital. Out of the 32 persons hospitalized, 14 have been subsequently discharged from the hospital and only 18 are still undergoing treatment in the hospital. According to preliminary enquiries, the injured included both local people as well as members of the NLD party. These are the facts that we are able to garner from the preliminary police investigation. The inquest is still on going and we hope to uncover more details in the near future. However, wild speculations and rumors are still being spread. Allow me to say categori-cally that allegations that the attack was premeditated are unfounded. As I have stated, the melee began when the cars belonging to Daw Aung San Suu Kyi’s convoy tried to force their way through the crowd in the dark of the night. Both Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and NLD Vice Chairman U Tin Oo were not hurt in the incident. After his meeting with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi earlier today, Ambassador Razali confirmed that Daw Aung San Suu Kyi is well and has not been injured in the incident. I wish to assure you that the police inquest will be conducted fairly and objectively. * * * * * * Myanmar Information Sheet
N0. C- 2661 (I/L) Government of Myanmar concurs with the notion that a democratic and prosperous Myanmar contributes towards regional stability and prosperity. The Government of Myanmar shares the view stated in June 11 statement by U.S. president Bush and Thai Prime Minister Thaksin that "a democratic and prosperous Myanmar is important to the stability and prosperity of Southeast Asia." This is why the Government's two main goals have been the transition to a market economy, and the transition to multiparty democracy. To achieve these goals, the Government has consistently invited the participation of all interested countries -- including the United States and Thailand --to contribute constructively in the development of our country. We remain open, as always, to all constructive and pragmatic advice. We welcome economic cooperation, with the goal of a prosperous Southeast Asia. The Government also fully appreciates the suggestion of President Bush and PM Thaksin for "an immediate substantive political dialogue between Yangon and all domestic political elements." In fact, the Government started such a dialogue in 1993, when it organized the National Convention. That Convention, which brought together representatives of all Myanmar's political parties, ethnic groups, minorities and other "political elements", was designed to draft a national democratic constitution. Unfortunately, this national dialogue had to be postponed after the National League for Democracy decided in November 1995 to unilaterally withdraw from the Convention. This was an unfortunate turn of events, which has prevented progress toward a constitu-tionally-based democracy. Myanmar is a country of great ethnic, political and religious diversity, and the Government is fully committed to the national reconciliation process and to work together with all the political forces in its effort for national reconciliation and democratization. It is the sincere hope of the Government that all people of Myanmar will able to work together in building our democratic future in peace.
C u l t u r eThe Month of Nayone The Nayon month as is the third month of the year comprises summer. Having fifteen days more for ending. Summer the writers used to eulogise the month as "Late summer month" and or "over stay summer month". Being a late summer month, the scorching heat sun in Kasone Slackens its tempo of radiations. The more loosening the heat intensity the more the rain muses to take its turn of smarting action. Sometimes, the whole expanse of sky becomes overcast as if covering with a dark sheet and showing bodes of its usual ardour, drizzling rains being apt to be suffered. Under the burning heat of Kasone sun trees denuded of leaves remaining skeleton standing recover its status quo, with it shooting tender leaves verdant in each of the bare trees. Dried and hard surfacing grounds with the quenching sprays of Nayon rains near their head of prosperity and verdure followed by tender leaves. On this account, verses likely to appear as a slogan of "Under tiny rain of Nayon grass bears its gene". As is the on set of prior rain and shine reciprocate their torments. In this month peasants broadcast the seed of cotton, maize, millets and multi furious seeds of peas, paddy seedlings were undertaken for which the said month is the due time when peasants and cultivators begin their career which we called Ardimatha (Allotted duty) According to astrological terms the weather is called " The Gemini the third sign of Zodiac the image being. (Me-Htu-na- Mehtone) <couple of male and female>; which accordingly, the couple each holding spiky stick and a harp. Some scholars remarked them(Kainaya) male and female mythological birds. In this season the moon intertwined with Antares Stars and the sum with bright constellation (Orion) simultaneously give their radiance and the seasonal flowers are Spanish Jasmines and Jasmines. The Old kings of Myanmar celebrated the examination of "Buddhists scriptures reciting" and the kings themselves experienced the celebration of propicious ploughing as a sign of encouraging peasantry and cultivation whereas now-a-days whenever the full moon day of Nayon occasion influenced by the Lord Buddha’s preaching of Mahathamaya Sutta parable on great occasion pious and devotees of Buddhist ceremoniously celebrate the chant of Mahathamaya Sutta denominating as"The great occasional period" The iridescent constellation of Horse Star. The Nayone when the sum takes it amoral brilliance at 5:20 am and shortened night which has odd days to count. The inaugural of Examination The earliest time of such examinations celebrated in the earliest history of first and foremost view was the period of King Tha Lun of Second Innwa era in (1000)AD. The celebration used to hold from the waxing Nayone to full moon of it. In the Konebong times it was held from 8th waxing moon of Nayone to full moon day lasting eight days prompt while the examination was held in Nayone by the king must be elucidated that the said month was the end of day people and monks of academic year in which member of religious order strained every nerve to well acquainted in their Breasts. their first month of academic year was the month of Waso. Monks all over the country inaugurated their teaching and learning of new syllabus after observing the lent in the first winning of Waso month. During the Strain in teaching and learning as code of conduct night stay anywhere apart from their permanent abode was strictly prohibited. Such prohibition was so propitious and reverential for the fact the teaching and learning of their respective subjects were opened to study without let and hinderences. It was irregular in literary practices in other months as summer and winter which was the liberation from code of conduct. But such freedom was not as of lay people. Before resumming to new syllabus, the learners qualification to test the future position, the examination for reciting Buddhist Scriptures was necessity events it was held at the last month of academic year Nayone. Myanmar Business Tank, June 2003
T o u r i s m
Chaungtha Beach reflecting the success
of tourism
For the development of tourism and gaining economic development through tourism, work that should be done is to be done and should not put the blame on causes created by man and his environment. One should not think of a possible decrease in the number of tourists due to the outbreak of SARS in Asia region and political and military situation.
Author : Chit Swe Myint
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