Internal Developments Contruction of Daka Bridge in Ayeyawady Division Daka Bridge is being built crossing Daka River to link Kyaunggon and Kangyidaunt townships in Ayeyawady Division. The bridge is being built of reinforced concrete beam and reinforced concrete floor. The foundation is of reinforced concrete bored piles and pre-stressed reinforced concrete piles.The bridge will be 1,400 feet long with a 28 -foot-wide motor road and 5 feet wide pedestrian way on the either sides. Water clearance will be 16 feet high and 93 feet wide. It can withstand 60-ton loads. The construction tasks of the bridge will soon be completed, it is learnt. New Magway Airport Construction will soon be Completed The test-landing of Fokker F-27 of Myanmar Airways at the runway of the Magway Airport in Magway Division has been made on 27 April. The Magway Airport will have 12,000 feet long and 200 feet wide concrete runway. In the first phase, the 8,500 feet long, 100 feet wide and 22 inches thick runway has been completed. In addition, the apron and airport buildings are being built. The airport will soon be opened. Aricraft of domestic airlines will land at the airport. Bagan Cybertech Offers New Services in Mandalay Bagan Cybertech, one of two internet service providers in Myanmar, hopes to increase sales of its advanced telecommunications services in Mandalay.Operations manager at Bagan Cybertech's Mandalay branch, U Tin Naing Zaw, said the company is planning to launch broadband telephone services along with broadband intranet and internet services. " Mandalay people are very interested in broadband wireless access and we have attracted more than 100 subscribers within a few months," said U Tin Naing Zaw. Bagan Cybertech in Mandalay has 105 broadband subscribers of which 30 are internet users with the rest being intranet users who can use email and visit ahout 5000 internet web sites."Most of the broadband subscribers, probably 70 per cent, have applied for the service because they get an additional telephone line," said U Tin Naing Zaw.A fixed telephone line costs K 500,000 from Myanma Posts and Telecommunications, but having the service connected can involve a long wait. The activation fees for broadband wireless access are K 1.95 million for an ' individual' account and K 2.2 million for ' corporate' subscribers. According to the speed of the connection and the volume of data downloaded, the monthly fees for ' individual' users range from K 28,000 to K 76,000 and those for 'corporate' use range from K 120,000 to K 200,000. The monthly fees for an optional telephone is fixed at K 16,000 for 'individual' and K 24,000 for 'corporate' users. "In Mandalay, though we have provided intranet and internet services to our broadband customers, we must provide telephone services in accordance with our sales contracts," said U Tin Naing Zaw. Bagan Cybertech has provided broadband services for about one year in Yangon and for three months in Mandalay." We are planning to alter the charging system for broadband telephone usage from a monthly fee to a 'per call' system in the near future, " said U Tin Naing Zaw. Bagan Cybertech doubled its available broadband delivery speed from 128 kpbs to 256 kpbs and from 256 kpbs to 512 kpbs in early April. Monthly fees have remained the same.The company also changed the measurement system for service usage- from time-based metering to volume-based metering - which means that service provider will charge the customer by measuring the amount of data downloaded and uploaded by the customer's computer or network." These new services will help us promote sales," said U Tin Naing Zaw. "But first we need to educate the business community and the public as to how useful email can be for their company and personal use," he said." For the time being, Mandalay people have adopted a ' wait and see' approach, but when we provide our telephone services, I believe the number of subscribers will increase," he said. Bagan Cybertech also has more than 500 dial-up intranet subscribers in Mandalay and 150 customers for the iPSTAR broadband satellite system in upper Myanmar, of which about 40 are from the Phakant Jade mining region. (Source- The Myanmar Times April 28-May 4, 2003) Stake Driving Ceremony for Construction of Pyapon Bridge in Ayeyawady Division The Stake Driving Ceremony for Construction of Pyapon Bridge was held on 28 April. Pyapon Bridge will be built across the Pyapon River linking Dedaye and Pyapon townships. It will be 2,385 feet long and have 28 feet wide motor road and six-foot-wide pedestrian lanes on both sides. The upper structure of the bridge is being built of steel frame and beam and the lower structure of reinforced concrete pile. The foundation is of bore pile. Its clearance is 305 feet wide and 36 feet high. It can bear the loads of 60 tons and it is being undertaken by Public Works of Ministry of Construction. Foreign Relations Senior General Than Shwe Attends Special ASEAN Leaders' Meeting on SARS and Special ASEAN-China Leaders' Meeting on SARS in Thailand Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council and Prime Minister of the Union of Myanmar Senior General Than Shwe, accompanied by Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council General Khin Nyunt, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Minister for Health, Minister for Immigration and Population, and officials, left Yangon at 9 am on 29 April by Myanmar Airways International to attend the Special ASEAN Leaders' Meeting on SARS and the Special ASEAN-China Leaders' Meeting on SARS to be held in Thailand and arrived at Royal Thai Air Base of Bangkok International Airport at 10.30 am local time. The Special ASEAN Leaders' Meeting on SARS was held at 1.30 pm. The Special ASEAN-Chinese Leaders' Meeting on SARS was held at Vithes Samosom of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand. At the Special ASEAN Leaders' Meeting on SARS, Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Prime Minister of the Union of Myanmar Senior General Than Shwe said after the WHO had released a warning on 15 March, a work plan was set up and is being carried out under the supervision of Myanmar National Health Committee. Although Myanmar was not struck by an outbreak of SARS, it had taken measures to detect the outbreak of the disease in the country as soon as possible and prevention, control and treatment of the disease. Comprehensive implementation of educative measures on the disease and special arrangements for air and water terminals and border gates were also being carried out in Myanmar. Special courses were conducted for those who are prone to be infected with the disease such as hospital staff and personnel of the hotel and tourism industry. Senior General Than Shwe said Myanmar would further cooperate with ASEAN countries and regional countries including PRC concerning the disease. At the Special Meeting on SARS of the heads of states of ASEAN and China, Senior General Than Shwe said attendance of Prime Minister Wen Jiabao of China at the Meeting showed the emphasis laid on the cooperation between ASEAN and China in control of the disease. Border authorities in Myanmar and China were closely cooperating to prevent the outbreak of the diseases in the border regions of the two countries. Senior General Than Shwe expressed his belief that China would succeed in control and prevention of the disease. Senior General and party left Thailand by Myanmar Airways International at 7 pm local time and arrived back Yangon later in the evening. Secretary-1 Receives Guest From UK Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar General Khin Nyunt received Mr. Viscount Slim, member of the House of Lords of the United Kingdom, at Zeyathiri Beikman Hall, Konmyintha in Yangon on 22 April. Secretary-1 Receives Japanese Entrepreneurs Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council General Khin Nyunt received Chairman of Japan- Myanmar Economic Committee Nippon Keidanren (Japan Business Federation) of Japan and President & Chief Executive Officer of Toyo Engineering Corporation Mr. Toshihiko Hirose and party at Zeyathiri Beikman in Yangon on 28 April. Minister For Home Affairs Addresses 46th Session of Commission on Narcotic Drugs The 46th Session of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs organized by the United Nations Office of Drugs and Crime was held at the Austric Centre in Vienna, Austria from 8 to 17 April. Implementation and difficulties of the Political Declaration approved by the 20th special meeting on drug control held at the UN headquarters in New York in 1998 were reviewed at the Ministerial Level Segment of the Session on 16 and 17 April. The Myanmar delegation led by Chairman of the Central Committee for Drug Abuse Control Minister for Home Affairs attended the session. The Minister made a speech at the plenary meeting on 17 April. In his address, he said: At the outset, on behalf of Myanmar delegation, I would like to congratulate for being elected as the Chairman of this most important meeting. I am very pleased to report on Myanmar's achievements and the difficulties encountered in meeting the goals and targets set out in Political Declaration adopted at the 20th Special Section of the United Nations General Assembly in 1998. Starting 1989, the Myanmar Government have taken advantage of the peaceful situations in the border regions for the first time since independent in 1948, laying down a strategy to develop the infrastructure of the border areas and upgrading the living standards of the national races with a view that poppy cultivation will gradually be phased out. The strategy has gradually paid off with the establishment of an Opium Free Zone in 1997 in Mong La area, Eastern Shan State, which is sustained to date. The Kokang Special Region-1 followed suit by declaring that they have stopped poppy cultivation in 2003. Moreover, the Wa Special Region-2 guaranteed to stop cultivation totally in 2005. The Government itself launched an ambitious 15-Year in 1999 to totally eradicate drugs in the country by 2014. This major undertaking relies on our own resources and is based on the United Nations Balanced Approach and accordingly, will not only strive for reducing supply but also demand and drugs abuse with community participation. As part and parcel of the 15-Year Plan, a pilot project programme called "New Destiny" was launched in April last year with a pre-emptive approach by setting up seed banks and free distribution of substitute crop seeds to poppy farmers before the poppy season. Project sites were identified in high-density cultivation areas of the Shan State. Educational campaign, crop substitution, livestock breeding, income-substituting cottage industries and various other development programmes were introduced and subsidized by the Government in the project sites. One of the important interventions of the projects is the destruction of opium seed surrendered voluntarily by the farmers from their stock for the coming poppy season. A total of 165,956 kilograms of poppy seeds have been burnt and destroyed in front of the public in nine different occasions. This intervention enabled the prevention of 41,128 hectares from illicit cultivation that could produce 44.17 tons of opium. I am pleased to report that this concerted efforts have resulted a drastic reduction in the cultivation as well as production of opium in Myanmar. Opium Yield Survey annually held jointly with the United States Government since 1993 reported cultivation dropped sharply to 77,700 hectares with an estimated production of 630 metric tons in 2002 from an estimate of 163,110 hectares of cultivation and a production of 2,560 metric tons in 1996. This is a 77 per cent reduction within seven years without any international assistance but with our own efforts and resources. The three surveys undertaken together with UNDCP under the Global Illicit Crops Monitoring Programme since 2001 also testified the significant decrease of 80,000 hectares and estimated production of 830 tons. Based on early reports from the surveys of this season, there are indications of a reduction also this year.These significant reductions have been acknowledged by all credible sources including the INCB Report of 2002 and we are grateful that the reality has been reflected in the report.On the law enforcement sector, there is also a marked decline in the amount of opium and heroin seized within the country over the recent years. However, the escalating problems of synthetic drugs like amphetamine types stimulants propel us to cooperate with our neighbouring countries in the region on bilateral, trilateral and multilateral basis. This problem is entirely different from the opium based drugs and cultivation of poppy. Myanmar does not have a chemical industry and does not manufacture precursor chemicals to produce these synthetic drugs. Due to the fact that all these precursor chemicals are illicitly trafficked from neighbouring countries, I am pleased to report that Myanmar is addressing this regional problem with the full cooperation of China, India and Thailand and technical assistance from UNODC. I have great pleasure to report to this meeting that Myanmar has enacted the Control of Money Laundering Law in June 2002, which is in line with the 40 Recommendations of the Financial Action Task Force.To demand reduction and to address the spread of HIV among injecting drug users, we have joined hands with the UN Organizations as well as International Non-Governmental Organizations working not only in the control of the problem but also in harm reduction measures. To this end, we are also tapping into the Global Funds for HIV/AIDS to combat this problem. In conclusion, to overcome these problems, nations across the world should increase cooperation at the regional, sub-regional and bilateral levels. Myanmar, on her part, is striving vigorously with a national plan to eradicate opium within 15 years, based on our own resources and is committed to maintaining the present momentum. However, if international assistance is forthcoming, Myanmar is confident that we can achieve the objectives in a much shorter period. In this connection, I would like to take this opportunity to express our sincere thanks to the Government of China, Japan, Italy, Thailand and the United States for their kind contribution to alternative development projects in Myanmar. I would lastly urge the United Nations to further strengthen its leadership in the fight against drugs and transnational crimes through impartial and effective programmes and likewise, request member-nations to lend assistance towards less developed countries. The Minister met with Justice and Customs Minister Mr. Chris Ellison of Austria on 16 April and Executive Director Mr. Antorio Maria Costa of UNODC on 17 April and discussed matters related to cooperation in narcotic drug control,Myanmar's efforts for elimination of narcotic drugs and difficulties and participation of UNDCP in Myanmar's anti-narcotic drive. The Myanmar delegation also met with Drug Control Commissioner Minister for Health and Social Welfare Marion Caspers-merck of Germany, Health Minister Achmad Sujudi of Indonesia, Ambassador Yukio Takasu of Permanent Representative Office of Japan, and Justice Minister Pornthep Jhepkanjana of Thailand and Mr. Disnadda Diskul, Secretary-General of Mae Fah Luang Foundation and discussed matters related to cooperation in narcotic drug elimination and drug problems. The delegation arrived back Yangon on 20 April. Deputy Minister for Health Attends 8th Health Secretaries’ Meeting of SEA Region WHO member Countries in Nepal The health delegation led by Deputy Minister for Health Dr. Mya Oo attended the opening ceremony of the 8th Health Secretaries’ Meeting of South-East Asian Region WHO member countries at Soaltee Crowne Plaza Hotel in Kathmandu, Nepal on 16 April. WHO SEA Regional Director Dr Uton Muchtar Rafei and Nepalese Minister of Health Professor Upendra P Devkota delivered addresses. Also present were deputy ministers of the Ministry of Health from SEA WHO member countries, secretaries, directors-general, officials of the Ministry of Health of Nepal and SEA WHO Regional Director’s Office. After the opening ceremony, the 8th Health Secretaries’ Meeting of South-East Asian Region WHO member countries followed. The Deputy Minister Dr. Mya Oo discussed progress in treatment and control of Servere Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). He reported on preparations for treatment and control of SARS which does not yet occur in Myanmar, medical check-up on passengers at International Airports, arrangements being made for watching SARS-suspects at border entry points, preparations made for providing effective treatment to the patients at the hospitals in case SARS occurs and setting up of Task Force and scholars groups related to SARS in Myanmar. Then, the deputy minister discussed financial matters of WHO, cooperation of WHO member countries in SEA region, the preparations for the declaration on health development in SEA Region in 21st Century. On 17 April, the deputy minister, together with other delegates, visited Tilganga Eye Centre and Chitapol Decentralized Health Post in Kathmandu. On 18 April, the deputy minister discussed compilation of the meeting report and arrived back Yangon by air on 18 April. Myanmar Health Delegation attends the ASEAN+3 Health Ministers' special meeting on SARS Myanmar health delegation led by Minister for Health attended the special meeting on severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) of ASEAN+3 Ministers of Health held on Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia on 26 April. The meeting was attended by the ministers from ASEAN, the People's Republic of China, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Japan and Korea the deputy ministers, officials of the embassies, senior officials of the Ministries of Health of the nations of the world, experts from WHO and Regional Office and special guests. WHO officials reported on outbreaks of SARS and death in the world and technical matters. Delegates of the People's Republic of China, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Singapore and Malaysia reported on outbreaks of SARS, death and preventive measures. Delegates of People's Republic of China, Japan, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Korea and ASEAN discussed outbreaks of SARS, death and preventive measures and cooperation. Before the special meeting, a senior officials' meeting was held on 25 April. The ministers discussed the report of the senior officials and regional cooperation. The agreement of the meeting will be submitted to ASEAN summit on SARS to be held in Thailand on 29 April. The Minister and party arrived back Yangon after attending the meeting. Economic Cooperation Myanmar-India Cooperation in Oil and Gas Sector Indian oil and gas delegation led by Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Oil and Gas Mr. M S Srinivasan on 21 April called on the Minister for Energy. The delegation discussed opportunities for bilateral cooperation in oil and gas sector with the Deputy Ministers and officials. They also held talks on exploitation of off-shore and inland oil and gas, geological survey, sales of natural gas from Myanmar to India through gas pipelines, promotion of efficiency of oil refineries, construction of the liquified natural gas plant and import of petroleum products through Tamu at Myanmar-India border. News in Brief Physiotherapists to go on Field Trips A medical team comprising rehabilitation specialists, phy-siotherapists, nurses, prosthetics and orthotics technicians led by Chairman of the Society of Medical Rehabilitation Profes-sor Dr. Than Toe of Myanmar Medical Association will provide treatment to patients with arthritis, pain syndrome, hemi-plegia, paraplegia and prosthetics repair at township hospitals daily in Meiktila, Mandalay Division, and Taunggyi, Nyaungshwe and Kalaw, Southern Shan State. 11.9 Kilos of Heroin Seized Members of the Special Region-2 Shan State (North), acting on a tip-off, on 14 April stopped and searched a car driven by Kyan Lauk Paung of Haw Shauk Kyaing Village, Laukkai District on Nyinaung Bridge at the entrance to Namtit and seized 34 packages of heroin weighing 11.9 kilos. On 20 April, he was handed over to Kunlong District Myanmar Police Force Station and No.1 Police Station, Lashio filed him under Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Law. Myanmar Health Delegation Leaves for Malaysia The health delegation led by the Minister for Health left Yangon by air on 24 April to attend the ASEAN+3 and Hong Kong Health Ministers' SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) Control Meeting to be held in Putrajaya, Malaysia on 25 and 26 April. Shan States Becoming Core of Corn Cultivation Recently, corn becomes major export crop in Myanmar rather than animal feed. Rice, groundnut, sesame, sunflower seed, black matpe, toor whole, green mung, cotton, sugarcane and corn-all of which are core agriculture products in Myanmar and their cultivation has been promoted for certain extent. Among them corn cultivation reachs more than 700,000 acres. Researchers found out that Shan State is the better place for corn cultivation. Variety of plant seeds produced from Yay Sin research center in Mandalay Division and other sources can be yielded there. It is said to expand the corn cultivation by 0.13 million acres in northern Shan State. General News State Ends Direct Purchase of Paddy, Adopts New Rice Trading Policy Ensuring Free Trade Starting Coming Year Starting coming year the Government will not buy paddy directly from farmers, and adopt the new rice trading policy ensuring free trade of the crop in the interest of the entire peasantry and helping develop the market-oriented economy. Due to the market-oriented economy of the State, the national entrepreneurs have gained experience, having the ability to work as an economic force of the nation. Farmers and the people engaged in rice trading also wish reforms in the current policy. Thanks to the market-oriented economic system, national entrepreneurs are now capable of running the rice trade and maintaining its momentum. So, the time is ripe to form necessary bodies to run the trade. With the removal of the last remaining restriction of the old national economic system, there will be firm development of the market-oriented economy. In other words, it is a new trading policy for fully implementing the market-oriented economic system. In accord with the objective--the initiative to shape the national economy must be kept in the hands of the national peoples--the new policy will be launched to enhance the ability of farmers and the national entrepreneurs to realize the objective. The aims are : to enable farmers to produce farm goods with might and main supporting the new policy; to enable the consumers to buy rice at reasonable prices with full satisfaction; and to extend export of the surplus rice to earn foreign exchange in accord with the export policy. The basic principles are : to run the rice trading, milling and processing in accord with the market-oriented economic system; to maintain the momentum of the rice trading business, one of the nation's main enterprises, in the interest of the State; to support peace and stability of the State; and to produce rice through advanced method and to trade quality rice. The Myanmar Rice Trading Leading Committee will be formed with the Government representatives and representatives of the private enterprises to smoothy implement the new policy and to give necessary supervision, coordination and guideline. The Secretary-2 of the State Peace and Development Council will act as the Chairman of the body, while the Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation, the Minister for Industry-1, the Minister for Commerce, the Minister for Energy, and two representatives each from the Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry, the Myanmar Rice Traders Association and the Myanmar Rice Millers Association. The duties of the committee are : to give guidelines and policy concerning rice trading and distribution; to lay down guidelines for the formation of necessary bodies helping ensure the smooth running of the rice trading; to act as a coordinator to build mutual understanding and trust between rice trading bodies at different levels and rice traders and farmers; to lay down rice export policies and to give constant supervision; to lay down guidance to extend summer paddy cultivation, increase per acre yield and to render assistance; and to give supervision to solve the rice trading problems. The rights of the committee are: to issue permission for formation of rice trading bodies at different levels and their rights; it has the authority to introduce rules and regulations concerning rice trading, transportation, milling and storage; it has the right to dissolve the rice trading bodies unsuitable to continue their functions and to reorganize them; it can decide the rice requirement for export and for specified forces from time to time; it has the authority to coordinate the rice prices if there occurs any inequality in fixing prices; it has the right to lay down policies for wider formation of the Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry, the Myanmar Rice Traders Association and the Myanmar Rice Millers Association; and it has the right to make submission and work for issuance of laws and principles. The Traders that will practically implement the new system of rice trading are to be formed systematically and widely. Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry at different levels, Myanmar Rice Trading Associations at township level and Rice Millers Associations are to be formed as necessary in the respective regions. In connection with the paddy purchase principle, excluding Government organizations, all nationals have the right to do the rice trading. The price will be according to the prevailing price and monopoly on rice trading will not be allowed to any one or any organizations. Regarding storage and milling, paddy can be milled at the State-owned and private rice mills. Upgrading and repair of the rice mills and establishment of modern rice mills can be undertaken for production of quality rice. The State-owned rice mills, warehouses and plots of land can be rented. Regarding the sale principle, all nationals can trade rice freely at the domestic market. Export of rice can be carried out under the guidance of Myanmar Rice Trading Leading Committee. Rice will be exported only when there is surplus. After ten per cent in export tax from export earnings that is fixed at present is paid, the rest will be shared between the Government and rice exporters, that is 50 per cent each. The Government will stand for the investment regarding 50 per cent it shares.The rice trading associations will have to resell rice for specified forces to the Myanma Agricultural Produce Trading at the same price they have purchased. The Myanmar Rice Trading Leading Committee will fix the amount of rice and places to be sent in time. Rice traders can get loans from the banks if they need money. Agricultural loans will be available at the agricultural banks. The banks will disburse loans to them under the collective responsibility system. The leading committee lays down the policies on rice trading and it is the main organization that takes responsibility for development of rice trading of the Government and private sector together in accord with the policies. The Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry, the Myanmar Rice Traders Association and the Rice Millers Association are to launch the new system of rice trading under the guidance of the Leading Committee. Efforts are to be made constantly in the interests of the people and farmers. Arrangements are to be made for development of rice trading in accord with the market-oriented economic system through continued coordination and cooperation between the State and the private rice entrepreneurs. The new system of rice trading aims at ensuring local paddy price to be beneficial to the farmers. Free trade in rice will help enhance the efficiency of the rice entrepreneurs. There will be no involvement of State organizations in the sale and purchase of rice. All nationals can trade rice in the country freely at the prevailing market price. The new rice trading policy has removed the Government's control on rice. As the private nationals are allowed to do the rice trading, it is important for them to sell and distribute rice at reasonable price to the consumers. It is also important for them to do their business wisely for the benefit of farmers and for themselves. By doing so, rice trading that serves the interests of State and the people will develop. Therefore, the new rice trading policy permitted by the Government with noble aims is to be implemented with patriotism. Handing Over of a Vessel From Myanma Shipyards to Java Marine Lines Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council General Khin Nyunt attended the handing over ceremony of Jaya Gold-2 vessel built by the Myanma Shipyards of the Ministry of Transport for Java Marine Lines Private Ltd of Singapore at the Nanthida Jetty in Yangon on 21 April. Managing Director of Myanma Shipyards and Representative of Java Marine Lines Pte Ltd Mr. Wong Sun signed and exchanged the documents related to the vessel. The offshore oil exploration utility vessel is 56 metres long, 13.6 metre wide and 5.2 metres high. Its draught is 3.5 metres and it can be operated by 52 crew. The vessel can carry about 1,200 tons of materials such as chemicals, fuel, fresh water, iron pipes, etc for the offshore oil-drilling platform. The vessel with two, 1,750 HP main diesel engines and three 315-kilowatt generators can travel 12 nautical miles per hour. Modern communication equipment, instant cement-mix tank and cement blower, mud tank, pumps and sewerage and spilled oil cleaner are installed aboard the vessel. In addition, the vessel, installed with fire-fighting equipment to be used in an emergency on the offshore drilling platforms, is valued at US $ 2.44 million. Built by Myanma Shipyards, the vessel meets the set standards of the maritime law prescribed by Singaporean Government and international maritime laws such as international safety management and prevention against sea pollution. The vessel has secured the certificate of highest grade from Lloyds Register of Shipping (LRS), an international shipbuilding inspection and registration organization. Opening of 12th Conference of Myanmar Maternal and Child Welfare Association The opening ceremony of the 12th Conference of Myanmar Maternal and Child Welfare Association (MMCWA) was held at the MMCWA in Yangon on 25 April with an address by Chairman of Myanmar National Health Committee Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council General Khin Nyunt. In his address, General Khin Nyunt noted the fact that the Government has now been mobilizing the strength of national forces which are striving for the national development adding that at such a time development and progress of MMCWA which is strong and active all over the nation constitutes success of the national forces, progress has been made in implementation of the national objectives in spite of hindrance and difficulties. In reality, MMCWA was formed with the conviction of nurturing a national force which plays an important role in the activities of maternal and child for interest of the State and the people. In addition, taking care of the mothers and children is a pre-requisite for national development as well as vitalization of the spirit to protect the race for perpetuity of the State and the people. Especially, taking care of the maternal and child which is the core of a family in Myanmar society based on families constitutes protection of the Myanma society. In other words, taking care of the maternal and child amounts to nurturing of human resources capable of realizing the objectives of the national development. The 12-year old MMCWA has 324 township level associations and 12,992 branches with over 700,000 permanent members and over 2.3 million members totaling over 3 million. Members of the association become greater and greater day by day and tasks of the association are being extended with national essence. It could educate over 8 million of mothers, taking care of about 150,000 pregnant mothers at 88 delivery rooms of the association and giving birth to over 10,000 children free of charge at its delivery rooms. In extending tasks for giving educative talks and health care services to young women and youths, the association is taking measures widely for prevention of HIV-AIDS under its own programme as well as in cooperation with UNICEF, UNDP and Japanese Trust Fund. The association has opened the disease diagnosis center on women in Yangon and is making progress on disease diagnosis and treatment of breast and uterus cancers, which commonly occurred in women and heart disease with the use of modern medical equipment. Especially, the association performed operations on 2,345 cleft lip and palate patients from 1997 to 2002 free of charge in States and Divisions. Since it is a noble task, the association needs to make efforts all the more. Regarding the literacy campaign, three Rs courses have been conducted and as a result, over 70,000 illiterates became literate in 2002. In order to maintain the momentum of literacy campaign, over 7,000 reading sessions, over 1,700 libraries and 882 community learning centers are being opened. Similarly, the associations at different levels are nurturing over 40,000 children in 1,033 pre-primary schools. These associations have been carrying out tasks for improving the economy as well as income of the families and these tasks cover courses on tailoring, cooking and baking, agriculture, livestock breeding, makeup, gold embroidery and computer. Moreover, as re gards small loans enterprises, it is found that about K 143 million has been disbursed to over 60,000 needy families for doing businesses on a small scale. The SARS has not spread to Myanmar but preventive measures have been carried out to fully to prevent it from spreading in the nation. Some of Myanmar nationals have full knowledge non-the disease but some have not. So, the Ministry of Health is holding educative talks through media coverage. To enable the citizens to gain knowledge and to put seriousness on the disease, the preventive as well as educative measures are being taken under the leadership of the Ministry of Health. In cooperation with the ministry, MMCWA and social organizations should make field trips to grass-roots level and actively participate in the tasks, he said. Secretary-1 also urged the members of MMCWA to strive to develop all the sectors of the Myanmar society based on family development; to help and coordinate with departments and other bodies to implement the five rural development tasks in accord with the guidance of the Head of State; to make harmonious efforts for consolidating and perpetuation of the association forged with the aim of serving national interest; to add greater momentum in its participation in the nation’s social sector; as the association from the center to the villages level bodies is formed to effectively take part in the social sector. National Seminar on increasing food Productivity and Improving Environment Held The National Seminar on Increasing Food Productivity and Improving Environment by effective Utilization of Organic Farming Based on Traditional Agriculture Practices, co-organized by the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation of the Union of Myanmar and Green Nation of Japan, was held at Sedona Hotel in Yagnon on 25 April, with an address by Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation. The Chairman of the Green Nation Group explained the organic farming practice in Japan and future cooperation programme with Myanmar in the future. General Manager Mr. Yoshimi Mukai of Organic Agriculture cultivation centre at Aya City in Japan gave a lecture on utilizing natural resources in town of Aya through Organic agriculture. The seminar and the demonstration will continue at Central Agricultural Research Institute in Hlegu in Yangon Division on 26 and 27 April. Special Features Statement by His Excellency U Mya Than, Permanent Representative and Leader of the Myanmar Observer Delegation to the fifty-ninth session of the Commission on Human Rights Rebuttals to the draft resolution No. E/CN.4/2003/L.36 (Agenda Item 9) Geneva, 16 April 2003 Madam Chair, I thank you for giving me the floor to offer some comments on the draft resolution on the situation of human rights in Myanmar, contained in document E/CN.4/2003/L.36, submitted by Greece on behalf of the European Union and other countries. This year’s draft resolution is once again fundamentally flawed, imbalanced and biased. Madam Chair, There is an emerging consensus view among the Member States and observers of the Commission on Human Rights that country-specific resolutions should be constructive, non-accusatory and balanced. This year’s draft resolution on the situation of human rights in Myanmar has fallen far short of meeting these criteria. Because of the time constraint, let me cite only some examples from a long list of text elements which are fraught with such defects. In the Memorandum of Human Rights Situation in Myanmar contained in document E/CN. 4/2003/G/47, circulated by the Myanmar observer delegation, we have set out in detail Myanmar’s specific characteristics and conditions, and we have also explained why the process of transition in Myanmar has to be of evolutionary nature. The draft resolution, in o.p. 3(b), expresses its grave concern at " the continued refusal to enter into a genuine political dialogue with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and other democratic leaders". That paragraph deliberately portrays a negative picture as if nothing has been done on the part of the Myanmar Government in this respect. Let us see whether or not this accurately reflects the reality. There have been misconceptions and misrepresentations about the current status of the national reconciliation in the Union of Myanmar. I wish to inform you that there have been 12 meetings between a special team led by a cabinet-level representative of the Government and Daw Aung San Suu Kyi of the NLD. There have also been meetings between the two sides at the higher and lower levels. For instance, a high-ranking military official with the rank of Brigadier General, who is acting as a liaison between the Government and Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, had met her 111 times during the period between 25 October 2000 and 15 January 2003. It bears reiterating here that our national reconciliation process is a homegrown process in our own traditional way. In this context, we wish to stress that, while the Myanmar authorities have displayed their magnanimity and positive gestures, politicians and political parties, on their part, also ought to demonstrate their goodwill, constructive spirit and willingness to cooperate with the Government in the interest of the country. The political evolution can take place only when politicized attempts to destabilize the country and to derail the ongoing process have given way to a responsible, realistic and cooperative approach on the part of these elements. Madame Chair, The draft resolution includes sweeping generalizations such as "systematic violations of human rights" without any shred of evidence to substantiate those accusations. The term "systematic violations of human rights" occurs in o.p 3(a),3(c), 5(b) and 5(g). Let us see whether or not there is any shred of evidence mentioned in the report of the Special Rapporteur to support these accusations. Members and observers of this esteemed Commission will recall that the Special Rapporteur of the Situation of Human Rights in Myanmar, in his report to the fifty-ninth session of the Commission, states:- Quote "It is time to take stock of, acknowledge and evaluate the ongoing effects of incremental change which have taken place." Unquote. Furthermore, the Special Rapporteur, in the same report has made this observation:- Quote "According to third-party views, it is true that there has been more development, peace and stability in more areas than before and there is more freedom (in relative terms)." Unquote. I am quoting from the credible and authoritative report of the Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in Myanmar. It is, therefore, crystal clear that the accusations of "systematic violations of human rights in Myanmar" is unsubstantiated, and is, indeed, proven to be inaccurate and incorrect by the report of the Special Rapporteur. May I add here that it is not the policy of the Myanmar Government to encourage or condone anyone to commit any violations of human rights, let alone carrying out harassments of any kind on its own people as its policy. Madam Chair, Let us see whether or not the draft resolution is really constructive without accusatory language. The draft resolution, in o.p. 3(c), provides a very, very long list of accusations. That paragraph is, in fact, a catalogue of all possible violations of human rights, all attributed without any evidence or justification to the Myanmar Government. This clearly demonstrates the accusatory character of the draft resolution. Madam Chair, Let us see whether or not the draft resolution is fair and balanced. The draft resolution, in o.p. 4(f), calls upon the Myanmar Government to accede to a very long list of international conventions. I wish to pose a question to the sponsors of the draft resolution whether they have themselves acceded to all those conventions. The imbalance in that paragraph is underscored by the fact that a long list of international conventions also includes the Convention on the Prohibition on the Use, Stockpiles, Production and Transfer of Anti-personnel Mines and on Their Destruction (Mine Ban Treaty). The Mine Ban Treaty is not a human rights treaty . It is rather an arm control and disarmament treaty and a humanitarian treaty. The inclusion of the Mine Ban Convention in that paragraph has, indeed, weakened the claim of the sponsors to the seriousness of their purpose and genuineness of their good intention in encouraging the Myanmar Government to improve the human rights situation in Myanmar. Madam Chair, The draft resolution, in o.p 3(c), (d) and (e), includes the allegations of systematic use of child soldiers, allegations of various types of violations of human rights against ethnic minorities. I should like to point out here that there is no credible and concrete evidence of the recruitment and the use of children by the Myanmar Armed Forces. As a matter of fact, such an abuse has been banned by law in Myanmar. The Myanmar Defence Services Act of 1974 and instruction 13/73 of the War Office Council provide that a person cannot enlist in the Armed Forces until and unless he has attained the age of 18. There is neither a draft system nor forced conscription by the Government of Myanmar. The Myanmar Armed Forces is an all-volunteer army. Nor are the sweeping allegations of violations of human rights against the ethnic minorities credible and plausible. These allegations emanate from the politically-motivated anti-government elements. May I point out here that no one can deny the fact that, for the first time in the modern history of Myanmar, the overwhelming majority of the armed groups— 17 1/2 out of 18 armed groups— have concluded peace agreements with the Government; have returned to the legal fold; and have joined hands with the Government in the development of their respective regions. It would have been inconceivable that these armed groups of national races will return to the legal fold and join hands with the Government in nation-building tasks, if the allegations of systematic and widespread violations of human rights against the national races were really true. In fact, the State Peace and Development Council has accomplished border area development on an unprecedented scale for national races and a perceptible uplift in the standard of living and the well-being of these people. Madam Chair, The draft resolution, in o.p. 3(f) and 5(h), inaccurately characterizes HIV/AIDS situation in Myanmar as "progressively more critical" and of "mounting gravity". It further describes the efforts of the Myanmar Government as an "Insufficient response". Let us also see how these negative portrayals match with the reality. We have formed the National AIDS Committee, and there are 40 AIDS/STD Prevention and Control Teams. They are energetically and effectively carrying out necessary measures of prevention, control and treatment of HIV/AIDS pandemic. Myanmar is also actively cooperating with ASEAN Member States and neighbouring countries in combating HIV/AIDS pandemic. Myanmar is also cooperating fully with the UNAIDS. A joint survey, conducted by Myanmar and the UNAIDS in March 2002 estimated a total of 177,279 people, affected by HIV/AIDS in Myanmar. Mind you that this estimated figure is only one-third of the estimated figure of around 500,000 HIV/AIDS cases, published by the western NGOs and mentioned in the report of the Special Rapporteur last year. This is an example of how those people could distort the facts and figures and ignore the reality. Madam Chair, So much about some examples of too many negative elements in the draft resolution. The problem is that, even when the sponsors of the draft resolution welcome and appreciate the efforts and achievements of the Myanmar Government, they do so only grudgingly and not in full fairness. The draft resolution, in o.p. 1 (i), welcomes merely "the growing awareness of the Government to combat the production of opium in Myanmar." But there is no mentioning of the efforts and achievements of the Government in its war on illicit drugs. Let us see how this compare with the reality. In fact, Myanmar has made great sacrifices in its war on illicit drugs. During the period from 1988 to date, Myanmar has sacrificed the lives of 776 soldiers from its Armed Forces in its military operations to interdict drug traffickers; 2350 soldiers have sustained injuries and lost their limbs. Is there any other country which has made sacrifices of this kind and magnitude in its war on illicit drugs? Moreover, Myanmar has done a great deal in destroying poppy plantations and illicit drugs seized by the law enforcement agencies. Nor is it sparing any effort in its cooperation with neighbouring countries in combating this horrible scourge. The efforts and achievements of the Myanmar Government in this respect have been recognized by the International Narcotic Drug Control Board (INCB). In its 2002 report, the INCB acknowledges that the opium production in Myanmar had decreased by some 50 percent from its level in 1996. In the eyes of the sponsors of the draft resolutions, all these facts and figures on the achievements of the Myanmar Government add up to nothing more than " the growing awareness of the Government of the need to combact the production in Myanmar." Madam Chair, We hope that next year the sponsors of the draft resolution will show more flexibility and a more constructive approach to draw up a draft resolution on Myanmar which approaches our vision of a fair draft resolution, as outlined above. I regret to say that the draft resolution, as it now stands, has fallen far short of meeting the aforementioned criteria. There are too many negative elements, too excessively-worded formulations, too much politicization and too many factual errors in it. Madam Chair, I wish to place on record the profound gratitude of the Myanmar delegation and the Myanmar Government to the ASEAN countries and their ambassadors and representatives who have extended all-out support and have helped throughout the consultations on the draft resolution. I should also like to express our deep appreciation to other friendly countries and their ambassadors and representatives, who have been very supportive of my delegation, for their most valuable support in our endeavours to tone down the draft resolution. Madam Chair, Despite all these efforts by my delegation as well as the representatives of the friendly countries to make the draft resolution more constructive, less accusatory and more balanced, the end product of the draft resolution has fallen far short of meeting these criteria. For these reasons, my delegation dissociates itself from the draft resolution on situation of Human Rights in Myanmar. Nonetheless, Myanmar’s stand is a principled stand. We stand firm on our principles. One of the principles we believe in is that of cooperation with the United Nations and international organizations and the Commission on Human Rights to the extent possible. We shall, therefore, continue to cooperate with the Commission on Human Rights in the spirit and the tradition that we have carried forward to date. I thank you, Madam Chair.
* * * ASEAN Statement on the Situation of Human Rights in Myanmar 16th April, 2003 (New York) Madame Chairperson, 1. My delegation is taking the floor to deliver a statement on behalf of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) on the resolution on the situation of human rights in Myanmar, notwithstanding the statement of dissociation by the delegation of Myanmar. 2. ASEAN believes that improvement in the situation of human rights in any country could be achieved through cooperation with the country concerned, and with an appropriate degree of encouragement. Positive action taken by the government should be fully acknowledged, so as to support it in taking further concrete measures in the protection and promotion of human rights. 3. In this regard, ASEAN is pleased to note that over the past year the Myanmar Government has been cooperating with the United Nations mechanisms, in particular with the Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in Myanmar and the Special Envoy of the United Nations Secretary-General on Myanmar, and with the international labour Organization. Myanmar has made significant progress in terms of peace agreement with the majority of the armed groups. There has also been progress in other areas such as infrastructure development. 4. ASEAN feels that these positive actions by the Myanmar Government merit a consultative and constructive approach by the Commission with the intention to assist Myanmar to achieve further development and not to simply deplore its shortcomings. Indeed, ASEAN calls upon the Myanmar Government and the Commission to further promote existing cooperation in this regard. 5. In conclusion, ASEAN maintains its position as stated at the 58th Session of the Commission on Human Rights last year that it would have been more appropriate if the resolution on Myanmar could be changed to "Assistance to Myanmar in the field of human rights" under Agenda item 19 of the Commission’s Agenda. * * * Culture
"The Long-Necked Padaung Races" Aung Than Tun (Monywa), Myanmar Perspectives Vol: VII 3/2002 Myanmar is a country populated by multi-ethnic races like Mons, Bamas, Shans, Kayins, Kachins, Rakhines, Chins and other tribes. The most unique and attractive amongst these tribes are the Padaung living in the Kayah and the Shan States of Myanmar. They dwell in the Demawso Township in Kayah and Pekhon in the Shan State. According to the 1931 census, the Padaung population stood at about 16,500 but it has now grown to about 40,000. According to U Kham Zhen and U Zaw Myint who are in the know, "There are two kinds of Padaungs, one who put rings on women's necks called ' Long-necked Padaungs' and the other without rings who are 'short-necked Padaungs.' They migrated into Myanmar from Mongolia a long time ago and speak the same language." The exotic and unique traddition of putting rings around the Padaung women's necks goes back to time immemorial and no one is able to fix the exact period of their history. However, this tradition has been kept studiously all through these centuries and it is very interesting to learn this peculiar convention of the Padaungs, who are our brethren in the Union of Myanmar. They said, "We started putting the brass rings on the girl's neck at the early age of 5 or 6 years of age." When asked how it is done, they said, "When the Padaung girls comes to that age, the elder called "SHAMAN" is called upon to perform this ceremonious task. The SHAMAN chooses an auspicious day and recites rituals, and prayers for the occasion. A Padaung man makes a brass ring resembling a big spiral cord and then a skilled Padaung woman puts the said ring around the girl's neck using a tool like a pipe about 12 inches long. With that tool she fits and places the ring around the girl's neck. Not all Padaung women are adept at this task but a few are capable of doing this. It looks easy but it takes more than two to three hours to complete the performance and more than an hour to take them out. This art is meticulously kept in practice by the Padaungs from generation to generation and handed down from their forefathers to posterity to date. It is in fact a very exciting, interesting and invaluable tradition of our brethren Padaungs in the far east of Myanmar. It is told, the Padaung girls have to add to her neck brass rings every four years increasing the numbers up to nine times in her lifetime until the age of 45. That is the normal practice but additional rings may be supplemented at their choice. By the last round, the total weight of the rings will weigh approximately 5 kg altogether. From the medical point of view the human neck cannot be elongated and stretched. It is due to the pressure of the rings, that the shoulder blade and the ribs are pushed down gradually, making the necks look long. If the said rings are removed, the neck will return to normal position after 2 or 3 years. The Padaungs are a rural race and they are essentially agriculturists and hunters. Their methods of cultivation are outmoded and badly in need of modernization. They should be taught terrace farming, fertilization, multiple cropping, etc. to uplift their living standards. They mostly produce rice and corn, cotton, pumpkins, peas, beans, ginger, sugarcane, bananas, tobacco just self-sufficient for their living. Padaung women do weaving for their own use after harvesting. Due to the work of Christian missionaries in this region Padaungs embraced Christianity but the majority remain Buddhists. It is quite an outrage and an insult that long-necked Padaungs were subject to dire humiliation by being exhibited as curious creatures by unscrupulous exploiters at the Thai-Myanmar border some time ago. This is not the case in Myanmar. The authorities concerned would take severe action if there should be such exploitation. For, the national races who inhabit this land of ours are kinsfolk, who are bonded by the Union Spirit, to live together in harmony as one, in weal and woe and in fair weather or foul.
Tourism Cruising at high altitudes
MYANMAR, the Golden Land; the Ruby of the East; described by Kipling and Orwell and yet, not exactly well known by the tourist industry. It is home to the famous temples of Bagan, known for the beauty of Inlay Lake and the mighty Shwedagon Pagoda, sites which alone make a trip to Myanmar fascinating and rewarding. But honestly, how many people have done this before you? What to do if you want to get off the beaten track? If you have the feeling for something different, the need for a real adventure, for example? Right, there are many such places in Myanmar but these are difficult to reach, still off-limits for tourists, or both. An exception to the rule is a place called Namhsan (‘Golden Water’), a Palaung tribe village high up in the mountains of Shan State, hardly mentioned in the Lonely Planet guide and not easily found on the map. And a place where not many foreigners have been before. The most interesting way of getting there is by doing the train ride from Pyin Oo Lwin, just an hour away from Mandalay to the town of Hsipaw. The train ride itself is worth the trip. It is considered to be one of the most beautiful train rides in the world and it takes an easy pace through the hills of Shan State. On the way you will pass over the Gokteik viaduct, which goes over a deep gorge and was once the second highest railway bridge in the world, a hundred years ago. But don’t think about its age too much as you travel over it… In Hsipaw you can take it easy for a day or two to arrange transportation to Namhsan, to take a swim in a nearby waterfall or do some pleasant walks along the river. Arranging transportation is not a difficult task. You can either hire a 4WD or a motorcycle or you can take the local bus/pick-up, which travels the 80 mile journey every now and then (that is the best way to describe the ‘timetable’). To give accurate information on how long the ride takes is kind of difficult. The locals will tell you that it can take from only six hours up to two days depending on how many trucks have broken down on the way, have flat tires, engine problems – or simply on how many stops you need to take to get some snaps of the beautiful scenery. The area between Hsipaw and Namhsan is known as the ‘Switzerland of Myanmar’. Due to the condition of the road it would be wise to hire a jeep with driver. The adventure starts immediately after you jump onboard. Most of them have seen better days and your grandparents most likely were kids when that was the case. Anyway, somehow they are still running whether this is a good sign or not. But no doubt, the road up to Namhsan is breathtaking in every sense – make sure you don’t run out of film. You will be so busy gazing at the surrounding scenery that you forget about the steep edges of the road leading down to deep gorges far below you. You even forget about the fact that that bridge you just drove over had at least one foundation practically disappearing into the river. (Never mind, the gaps are filled with enough loose planks of wood to get you across safely…) Arriving in Namhsan I was immediately transported back in time. All the buildings are made of wood; little shops had their goods on display and the Palaung women were wearing their colourful traditional dresses. Even though Namhsan has never heard about such inventions like hotels or guesthouses, finding accommo-dation is not a big problem unless you are used to first class hotels and breakfast in bed. Daw Aye Wun is the only person in town who has permission to host foreigners in the attic of her house and she is more than happy to invite you in for a cup of tea. The place is indeed somehow a little basic but ‘Daw Aye’ will provide you with everything you need – hot water to get rid of the layers of dust from the jeep ride, as many blankets you want because the nights can get freaking cold and, most important, all the information you need about her local area. Do not worry too much about what to do while you are in Namhsan because it can easily happen that Daw Aye will send a letter through a hole in the wall into your room telling, not asking, you that it would be nice if you joined her and her family at a traditional Palaung wedding in a village somewhere in the mountains. If there is no wedding invitation or ‘Daw Aye’ is busy with something else, no need to worry; the arrival of tourists is still such a big event that there is fierce competition among the locals to show off with pride their culture, traditions and countryside. The least that will happen is that someone will invite you for a cup of home grown and harvested tea. Namhsan has no such things like impressive ancient temples or jumping cats. Instead it is the atmosphere which makes you instantly feel that this might be the highlight of your trip to Myanmar.
Namhsan The Lonely Planet Myanmar, 2000
For More Information on Myanmar www.mewashingtondc.com www.myanmars.net www.myanmar.com/gov/trade/inv.htm
Information Officer Embassy of the Union of Myanmar 2300 S Street NW Washington, D.C. 20008 Tel. (202) 332-9044, 332-9045 Fax. (202) 332-9046
|
