The New Light of Myanmar (Sunday, March 16, 2003)
Okkar
---------------------
1. Senior General Than Shwe and Daw Kyaing Kyaing leave
on state visit to Vietnam
2. Bangladeshi Prime Minister to visit Myanmar
3. Special Meeting 1/2002 of CCDAC held
4. Secretary-1 attends cornerstone laying ceremony
of Myanmar Maritime University
5. Press conference on 40th Myanma Gems Emporium held
6. Mayor inspects agriculture and livestock breeding farm
7. Princess Sirindhorn visits MraukU and Sittway
8. Thai Princess Sirindhorn visits National Museum,
Drug Elimination Museum
9. Italian tourists arrive
10. 612 gem merchants arrive
11. Secretary-1 attends prize presentation of MNOC
Chairman's Cup Football Tournament
12. Drug traffickers sentenced
---------------------
1. Senior General Than Shwe and Daw Kyaing Kyaing leave
on state visit to Vietnam
Yangon, 15 March — At the invitation of the President of the
Socialist Republic of Vietnam His Excellency Mr Tran Duc Luong and
Madame Nguyen Thi Vinh, Chairman of the State Peace and Development
Council of the Union of Myanmar Senior General Than Shwe and wife Daw
Kyaing Kyaing left here by special flight this morning to pay a state
visit to the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.
The Myanmar goodwill delegation led by the Senior General and wife was
seen off at Yangon International Airport by Secretary-1 of the State
Peace and Development Council General Khin Nyunt and wife Dr Daw Khin
Win Shwe, member of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen
Thura Shwe Mann and wife, members of the State Peace and Development
Council and their wives, the commander-in-chief (Navy), the
commander-in-chief (Air) and their wives, the chairman of Yangon
Division Peace and Development Council the commander and wife, the
ministers, senior military officers, ambassadors and charge d’
affaires ai of embassies in Yangon and their wives led by Deputy Dean
of Diplomatic Corps Cambodian Ambassador Mr Nim Chantara, resident
representatives of UN agencies, the charge d’ affaires ai of the
Vietnamese embassy and staff and departmental officials.
The Senior General and wife were accompanied by Secretary-2 of the
State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Soe Win and wife Daw Than
Than Nwe, Chairman of Mandalay Division Peace and Development Council
Commander of Central Command Maj-Gen Ye Myint, Chairman of Sagaing
Division Peace and Development Council Commander of North West Command
Maj-Gen Soe Naing, Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen
Nyunt Tin, Minister for Industry -1 U Aung Thaung, Minister for
Commerce Brig-Gen Pyi Sone, Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung
and wife, Minister for Livestock and Fisheries Brig-Gen Maung Maung
Thein, Minister for Energy Brig-Gen Lun Thi, Minister for Health Prof
Dr Kyaw Myint, Military Assistant to the chairman of the State Peace
and Development Council Maj-Gen Nay Win, Deputy Minister for Foreign
Affairs U Khin Maung Win, Director-General of the State Peace and
Development Council Office Lt-Col Pe Nyein, departmental heads and
entrepreneurs.
---------
2. Bangladeshi Prime Minister to visit Myanmar
Yangon, 15 March — At the invitation of Chairman of the State
Peace and Development Council and Prime Minister of the Union of
Myanmar, Senior General Than Shwe, Her Excellency Begum Khaleda Zia,
Prime Minister of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh will pay
an official goodwill visit to the Union of Myanmar in the near future.
---------
3. Special Meeting 1/2002 of CCDAC held
Remarkable achievement made in Myanmar’s cooperation with
neighbours in anti-drug drive
Yangon, 15 March—The Central Committee for Drug Abuse Control
held its Special Meeting 1/2003 at the meeting hall of Drug
Elimination Museum at the corner of Kyundaw Street and Hanthawady
Street in Kamayut Township here this morning, with an address by
Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council General Khin
Nyunt.
In his address, Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt said that with regard
to drug elimination, the Government has laid down the 15-year drug
elimination plan and is implementing it, adding that remarkable
achievements have been made in the fight against narcotic drugs.
The Government has been making all-out efforts in the crusade against
the narcotic drugs. However, the amount of the assistance provided to
the campaign by the international community was insignificant in
contrast with the efforts executed by the Government.
But the Government is working hard in the fight against drugs which
posed danger to entire global people in the interests of own nation
and own race as well as in the interests of the entire global people
in accord with the faith of Myanmar people, accepting it as a
national concern. Since the Government has been making relentless
efforts for eradication of poppy cultivation and production and use of
drugs, the national race leaders participated in the drive under the
former’s leadership, paying serious attention to the conviction
of the Government. As a result, progress has been made in implementing
the 15-year drug elimination plan. At the same time, the Government
has laid down the New Destiny Project and is implementing it to
accelerate the momentum in implementing the 15-year drug elimination
plan. Meanwhile, the entire national people in border areas are
cooperating with the government in the project.
Although there has been a significant progress in the fight against
drugs in Myanmar, some western powers are still regarding Myanmar as
the one which does not cooperate in the anti-narcotic drugs drive. But
the Government, with assistance or without assistance, will continue
to make efforts in the campaign with national concept. Though the
western powers do not acknowledge the efforts of Myanmar in the drug
elimination tasks, it was obvious that the organizations related to
those countries have acknowledged Myanmar’s efforts in the
drive.
The Counter Narcotic and Crime (CNC) has been conducting surveys on
illegal poppy cultivation and production in Myanmar yearly since 1993.
It has conducted the surveys nine times up to this year. The CNC
acknowledged that there was a decrease in poppy cultivation and
production in Myanmar year by year.
According to the CNC’s survey, there were only 77,700 hectares
of poppy acreage with the production of 630 metric tons in 2002 when
compared with 163,100 hectares of poppy acreage with the production of
2,560 metric tons in Myanmar in 1996. Thus, there is a remarkable
decrease in poppy cultivation and production. In addition, the poppy
cultivation and production in Myanmar in 2003 was cut by half in
comparison with those in 2002, according to the CNC. It is obvious
that the international community has acknowledged the efforts of
Myanmar in the fight against drugs with facts and figures but some
western powers do not acknowledge Myanmar’s efforts by
intermingling then with politics. The poppy farmers in border areas
have to make just end meets in growing poppy. So also poppy-substitute
cultivation and other business undertakings need to be created for
them. The western powers do not provide any humanitarian assistance to
the poppy farmers.
The government with its own financial strength has laid down the
15-year drug elimination plan and is implementing it to create
poppy-substitute cultivation and other business undertakings for the
poppy growers.
However, significant progress has been made in poppy substitutions
— cash and perennial crops cultivation in Myanmar. There were
poppy-substitute plantations countable by the thousand and progress
has been made in poppy-substitute industries and livestock breeding
tasks in border areas. A remarkable progress has been made in
Myanmar’s cooperation with neighbouring countries in the fight
against drugs. Achievements have being made in exchange of information
and seizures of drug suspects between Myanmar and China. In addition,
progress has been made in searching the markets of Myanmar’s
poppy-substitute crops in the PRC. Similarly, progress has been made
in Myanmar’s cooperation with Thailand. Thailand has been making
efforts with added momentum after laying down a special plan in the
fight against stimulants like amphetamine. Myanmar has laid down the
15-year drug elimination plan. In implementing the plan, the new
destiny project has been laid down and is being implemented. The
Secretary-1 urged all officials to make concerted efforts to
successfully implement the drug elimination measures in accord with
the national objectives.
Chairman of Central Committee for Drug Abuse Control Minister for Home
Affairs Col Tin Hlaing reported on measures undertaken by CCDAC. He
said: in connection with crop substitution programme New Destiny
Project was implemented. Out of 15,519.5 acres, 14857.75 acres of
monsoon crops were cultivated. Percentage of implementation was
95.74%. In cultivation of cold season crops, 9,812.89 acres were
targeted and 8,504.64 acres were cultivated and percentage of
completion was 86.67%. Out of 25,332.39 acres, 23,362.39 acres of
monsoon and cold season crops were cultivated. The total
implementation percentage was 92.22%.
Under the New Destiny Project K 117.28 million were spent— K
42.5 million in Shan State (North), K 15 million in Pansay region, K
10 million in Shan State (South), K 7.48 million in Shan State (East),
K 9.5 million in Kachin State, K 10 million in Sadon region in Kachin
State special region-1, K 2.8 million in Kayah State, K 5 million for
Tachilek Anti-Narcotics Association and Rehabilitation Centre, K 12.5
million for livestock breeding, K 1.854 million for construction of
Shwepyiaye Camp and K 646,000 for purchase of 500 bags of rice for
poppy growers.
In 2002, programmes for opium substitute livestock breeding were
undertaken in Phekhon and Pinlaung Townships. Altogether K 12.5
million from the funds of the ministry were spent on distribution of
pedigree fowl and pig in Tachilek, Wa, Tongta, Kunhein and Homein
regions. Under the opium free zone establishment project, treatment
for drug addicts in Tachilek District began on 6 December 2002. Social
Welfare Department started its rehabilitation tasks at Tachilek
Rehabilitation Centre on 7 January 2003. The Ministry of Health
announced the order relating to control of narcotic drugs and
psychotropic substances under its notification No1/2003 dated
7-3-2003.
Anti-drug activities were reported on daily papers and Yadanabon
newspaper and telecast on MRTV and Myawady TV and broadcast on Radio
Myanmar. Interviews were also telecast in MTRV-3 programme.
Myanmar Anti-Narcotics Association formed 11 Township level
associations in Yangon Division in 2002. The anti-narcotics
associations were formed in Tachilek District, Taunggyi and Kengtung
Townships in Shan State and Pyay Township in Bago Division (West).
Duties were assigned to six groups led by member of CCDAC the minister
and the deputy ministers to inspect implementations of the tasks under
the New Destiny Project, narcotic elimination and development tasks
and to fulfil the requirements in six project regions.
The members of CCDAC the ministers made seven field trips in 2002. He
and Vice-Chairmen of CCDAC, accompanied by ambassadors, military
attaches and local and foreign journalists, made field trips to Shan
State (North), Shan State (East) and Wa region from 1 to 3 April 2002
and Shan State (East) and Shan State (North) from 6 to 8 December
2002. They witnessed the cooperation of the government and local
people for eradication of narcotic drugs and regional development.
Similarly, Laos-based ambassadors and military attaches led by Deputy
Prime Minister of Laos visited Tachilek, Kengtung and Mongla regions
from 13 to 15 February 2003. He and Vice-Chairman of CCDAC Minister
for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung explained measures undertaken in the
regions. After the excursion tour, Chinese Ambassador to Myanmar
donated 100,000 yuan and Italian Ambassador US $ 100,000. The Japanese
Ambassador discussed assistance in connection with development
activities for eradication of narcotic drugs with four ministers on 28
December 2002. Cultivation of buckwheat is being undertaken for opium
substitute crop cultivation. It is necessary to extend other crops
cultivation that earns money for cultivation of buckwheat alone is not
sufficient. Therefore arrangements are being made for cultivation of
stevia crops.
Chairman of JBB Stevia Laboratory Ltd and party together with CCDAC
officials visited Pinlaung and Phekhon Township in connection with
cultivation of stevia. A delegation led by Adviser of JMSSO former
Prime Minister of Japan Mr Tsutomu Hata visited Myanmar in February
and discussed cultivation of stevia. Arrangements are being made for
signing of MoU. Development projects being implemented in Shan State
Special Region-1 Kokang region under Myanmar-China narcotic drugs
control programme. NNCC of the People’s Republic of China would
provide cultivation techniques and crop seeds worth 300,000 yuan. He
spoke at length on conducting of agriculture technique courses,
providing over 12 tons of various kinds of crops, 200,000 saplings,
fertilizer and pesticides. The four-member supervisory committee was
formed and the Chinese Ambassador to Myanmar provided US$ 12,000 for
construction of agriculture and livestock breeding training school.
All-round development project is being undertaken in Yaungkha Village,
Monghsat Township in accord with the MoU on Myanmar-Thai narcotic drug
control. Thailand would provide 20 million bahts for narcotic drug
control in the border areas. Tasks on supply of water, agriculture and
livestock breeding including construction of dispensary and school
would be implemented step by step. Experts from Thailand arrived at
the project area on 11 December 2002 and chose the site for
construction of school and hospital. Three small dams that would
irrigate 850 acres of lands would be built.
He said Myanmar in cooperation with international organization such as
the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the US is collecting data
on ground survey of illicit poppy cultivation.
The illicit crops monitoring programme was launched in 11 townships in
Shan State from January to March in 2001 in cooperation with CCDAC and
UNODC. According to the programme, there were 10,939 acres of poppy in
284 villages in 11 townships. The average opium yield per acre was
4.23 kilos.
Similarly, the collecting data on ground illicit poppy cultivation was
also carried out in 53 villages in Shan State ( North), (South), Shan
State (East) and Wa regions.
In 2003, similar survey was conducted in 50 townships in Shan State
from January to March.
Myanmar in cooperation with the US conducted opium yield survey for
nine times from 1993 to 2003. According to the data collected, annual
opium yield gradually fall beginning from 1996. In 2002 opium acreage
was about 77,700 hectares and opium production was only 630 tons. In
2003, production is expected to fall another 50 percent compared with
the previous year. With the decrease of poppy cultivation in Myanmar,
tasks on cultivation of opium substitute crops and livestock and
breeding and other economic enterprises are to be extended. It is
obvious that poppy cultivation and production considerably fall in
Myanmar according to opium yield survey of UN and CNC and illicit
crops monitoring programme of UNDOC. It is accepted as Myanmar’s
endeavours.
However, Myanmar was accused of producing stimulant tablets.
Production of stimulant tablets has nothing to do with opium
cultivation. Chemical precursors such as ephedrine, pseudo ephedrine
and caffeine came from neighbouring countries. Rich people from abroad
made the technicians produce the stimulant tablets in mountainous
regions.
Over 6.5 tons of ephedrine was seized in 1999; 2.6 tons in 2000; 3.9
tons in 2001 and 1.7 tons in 2002. Over 58,000 litres of Chemical
precursors were seized in 1999; 89,000 litres in 2000; 159,000 litres
in 2001 and 29,000 litres in 2002. Over 28.89 million stimulant
tablets were seized in 1999; 26.76 million in 2000; 32.43 million in
2001 and 9.399 million in 2002. Every year seizures increased in
number but they decreased in 2002 because of tight security in the
border areas.
The root of the problem is chemical precursors and all neighbouring
countries are to make efforts for prevention of precursors. Myanmar
hosted a meeting on control of chemical precursors in January 2003 in
cooperation with Myanmar, China, India and UNODC. The meeting
discussed difficulties faced in Myanmar, exchange of information and
technical assistance. A seminar on control of chemical precursors
between law enforcement officers of Myanmar and India will be held in
Moreh under the sponsorship of UNDOC at the end of this month.
Information was exchanged at grassroots levels in Thailand and central
level transnational meetings and cooperation is being promoted by
opening offices of liaison officers. It shows how Myanmar is serious
on stimulant tablets issue.
Then, Vice-Chairman of CCDAC Minister for PBANRDA Col Thein Nyunt
explained the cultivation of poppy substitute crops in Shan State
(East) and Wa region, assistance for cultivation of perennial crops
and raising of pigs, assistance rendered to drug addict rehabilitation
centres, creation of job opportunities for local people and
cultivation of buckwheat as a poppy substitute crop and export of
buckwheat in respective years. CCDAC member Minister for Labour U Tin
Winn explained matters on formation of anti-narcotics associations
and discussions with local people over eradication of drugs in
Tachilek and Monghsat Districts, Shan State (East), findings in
success of cultivation of poppy substitute crops, and conditions of
education, communication and transportation. CCDAC member Minister for
SWRR Maj-Gen Sein Htwa explained matters related to conducting
educative courses in rehabilitation centres in Yangon, Mandalay,
Myit-kyina, Lashio, Namlatt (Taunggyi), Tachilek, Shwepyitha and
Shwepyiaye youth rehabilitation camps and participation of trainees in
the courses. Secretary of CCDAC Director-General of Myanmar Police
Force Brig-Gen Khin Yi explained implementation of the minutes of
Special Meeting (3/2002) of CCDAC.
Then, the chairmen and secretaries of Supervisory Group for CCDAC
working groups, working group for cultivation of poppy substitute
crops, livestock breeding working group, working group for medical
treatment, working group for dissemination of knowledge among youth,
working group for organizing the public, rehabilitation working group,
working group for international relations, and working group for
prevention and control of narcotic drugs reported on works being
carried out and future tasks. Those present also took part in the
discussions.
The Secretary-1 then made concluding remarks. He said Myanmar’s
anti-narcotics endeavours have practically been successful according
to the reports of the officials. Poppy cultivation was an evil legacy
that Myanmar had tried to solve throughout the periods. Anti-narcotic
endeavours have been successful with the cooperation of local people
and national race leaders in border areas under the leadership of the
government.
The suppression of the danger of stimulant tablets will meet success
only through the cooperation with neighbouring countries. Hence,
prevention of the in-flow of chemical precursors required in making
stimulant tablets and prevention of the smuggling the stimulant
tablets out of the country will be carried out harmoniously. In
conclusion, he called for continued efforts for accelerating the
momentum in the anti-drug movement by decreasing the poppy cultivation
and opium production while raising the momentum in suppressing the
stimulant tablets. The meeting then ended.
--------
4. Secretary-1 attends cornerstone laying ceremony
of Myanmar Maritime University
Yangon, 15 March — Chairman of Myanmar Education Committee
Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council General Khin
Nyunt attended the cornerstone laying ceremony of the Myanmar Maritime
University under the Ministry of Transport at Thanlyin-Kyauktan
Development Zone in Thanlyin Township, Yangon South District, at 8.30
am today.
Staff Officer of Yangon Division Religious Affairs Department U San
Thin Hlaing acted as master of ceremonies.
At the auspicious time, the Secretary-1 laid the silver casket with
nine different kinds of gems in the middle of the foundation.
Then, the Secretary-1, the commander and the ministers put
cornerstones at the designated places.
The Secretary-1 laid the bronze plaque in the middle of the foundation
and sprinkled scented water on it.
After the ceremony, Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt performed rituals
of golden and sliver showers to mark successful completion of the
ceremony.
The Secretary-1 arrived at Kyaikhmawwun Yayle Pagoda in Kyauktan at
9.30 am.
The Secretary-1 offered flowers and lights to the Buddha image of the
pagoda and presented cash donations to the pagoda through the chairman
of the pagoda board of trustees. The Secretary-1 then had a stroll
round the pagoda and inspected all-round renovation tasks for the
pagoda. Then, the Secretary-1 cordially greeted the pilgrims and left
the pagoda.
---------
5. Press conference on 40th Myanma Gems Emporium held
Yangon, 15 March — Members of the Public Relations and
Information Committee Deputy Minister for Information Brig-Gen Aung
Thein, Director-General of Myanma Radio and Television U Khin Maung
Htay, Director (News) of the News and Periodicals Enterprise U Hla
Tun, Correspondent of Kyodo News Agency U Sein Win, Patron of Myanmar
Foreign Correspondents Club U Hla Htwe, President U Sao Kai Hpa and
member correspondents, and chief editors and deputy chief editors of
dailies visited the 40th Myanma Gems Emporium 2003 organized by the
Central Committee for holding Myanma Gems Emporium at the hall of the
Myanma Gems Emporium on Kaba Aye Pagoda Road this afternoon.
Then, they viewed the jade figurines of MGE to be sold at fixed
prices, gem mosaic shops on the ground floor, uncut jade displayed
near the building, gems and pearl lots to be sold through competitive
bidding on the third floor and high quality jade in the auction hall
of the emporium.
Then, the press conference on the gems emporium commenced. At the
press conference the deputy minister said high quality jade and gems
and pearl lots are to be sold at the emporium. A total of 348 gem
merchants from 70 companies in 13 countries replied to attend the
emporium so far. Most of foreign gems merchants are from the
People’s Republic of China and Thailand. Number of merchants who
attended the emporiums was always greater than the number of those who
replied to the emporium. There are a total of 1423 lots of jade to
be sold at the floor price of US$ 21.32 million, 219 lots of gems to
be sold at the floor price of US$ 14.66 million, 224 lots of pearl to
be sold at the floor price of US$ 1.35 million, 9,672 pieces of gems
and jade figurines to be sold at the fixed price worth US$ 1.59
million and 224 lots of pearls to be sold at the floor price of US$
1.3 million at the emporium.
Chairman Deputy Minister for Mines U Myint Thein, Secretary Managing
Director of Myanma Gems Enterprise U Khin Oo and members of the
central committee replied to the queries raised by those present.
Significant jade lots in the emporium are imperial jade Lot No 1173 of
Myanmar Sithu Joint-venture Co ( two blocks, 87 kilos, floor price US$
4.5 million), imperial jade Lot No 1172 of Yadana Tuangtan
Joint-venture (two blocks, 92 kilos, floor price US$ 2 million) and
imperial jade Lot No 1171 of Myanmar Sithu Joint-venture Co (two
blocks, 77 kilos, floor price US$ 550,000).
It is estimated that about 1,000 local and foreign gem merchants will
attend the emporium. Number of jade to be sold at the emporium is more
than the previous year and this has been due to the increased
production of quality jades as a result of cooperation between the
government and private entrepreneurs, and profits gained from
confidence on the government.
Although production and sale of Myanma pearls have decreased for some
period, over 100,000 high quality pearls could be produced this year
thanks to the joint-venture between the government and local and
foreign companies.
Measures are being taken to ensure the former pearl merchants to
re-enter the Myanamr’s pearl market.
---------
6. Mayor inspects agriculture and livestock breeding farm
Yangon, 15 March — Chairman of Yangon City Development Committee
Yangon Mayor U Ko Lay, accompanied by officials, formally opened
Seinpan self-reliant road in Ward-2, Shwepyitha Township, and
inspected Maubin wetland agriculture and livestock breeding farm of
the Production Department of YCDC in Maubin Township this morning.
Then, the mayor inspected the staff welfare shop of the farm at the
junction of Yangon-Nyaungdon road and Maleto-Mezali road in Maubin
Township. Afterwards, the mayor and party inspected the breeding and
hatching of fish, raising of 200 pigs, 25,000 ducks, and fresh water
shrimps, thriving fields of Manawthukha paddy, and arrangements for
marketing of the products. Then, the mayor attended a ceremony to
present prizes to outstanding staff of the farm. Afterwards, the mayor
donated K 100,000 to Phayalay Village Monastery, and presented K
300,000 for the staff of the farm to an official.
---------
7. Princess Sirindhorn visits MraukU and Sittway
Yangon, 15 March — Visiting Thai Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn
of the Kingdom of Thailand made a tour of MraukU and Sittway in
Rakhine State on 13 March.
Together with Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung and wife,
Myanmar Ambassador to Thailand U Myo Myint and wife, Director-General
of the Department of Myanmar Missions Abroad U Ko Ko Kyaw, Thai
Ambassador to Myanmar Mr Oum Maolanon and wife, Princess Sirindhorn
left Putao Airport in Kachin State by special flight and arrived at
Sittway Airport at 2 pm on 13 March.
The Princess, accompanied by Chairman of Rakhine State Peace and
Development Council Commander of Western Command Maj-Gen Maung Oo and
wife, helicoptered to MraukU Township in Sittway District. She was
welcomed there by Commander of MraukU Station Col Khin
Maung Myint, officials and local people by waving the miniature flags
of the two nations and chanting slogans “May the Prince of
Thailand be healthy” “May the ties of friendship between
the two countries be strong”.
In a motorcade, the Princess went to the MraukU Hotel in MraukU.
Then, the Princess visited Shitthaung (a) Yan Aung Zeya Stupa in the
MyaukU ancient heritage area, where she was welcomed by
Director-General of the Archaeology Department U Nyunt Han, Director
of the Department of Cultural Institute Daw Nu Mra Zan, officials and
members of the pagoda board of trustees.
She offered flowers, water, lights and joss sticks and paid reverence
to the Buddha Image in the Gantakutitaik of the stupa. Afterwards, she
paid homage to the Buddha images and observed statues depicting 550
Jatakas on the grotto wall of the stupa. Director-General U Nyunt Han
and Director Daw Nu Mra Zan conducted her along the grotto. The
Princess signed in the visitors’ book, and presented cash
donations for the Shitthaung Stupa and the Htokkantthein Stupa to
Chairman of the pagoda board of trustees U Htwi Sein, who then
presented a picture of the Shitthaung Stupa to the Princess.
The Princess also visited the Arntdawthein Stupa and offered flowers,
water, lights and joss sticks of incense to the Buddha images in
Gantakutitaik of the stupa. She paid reverence to the Buddha images of
MraukU era in the grotto of the stupa. She then observed Buddha images
and sculptural decorations on the wall of the grotto of Htokkantthein
Stupa. Then, the Princess offered flowers, water, lights and joss
sticks to the Buddha images in the upper reliquary Gantakutitaik of
the stupa. She arrived back at the MraukU Hotel.
In the evening, Commander Maj-Gen Maung Oo and wife Dr Daw Nyunt Nyunt
Oo hosted a dinner to the Princess. Rakhine State and MraukU Township
cultural troupes entertained the Princess with Rakhine traditional
songs and dances. The Princess presented a flower basket to the
members of the troupes. After the dinner, Commander Maj-Gen Maung Oo
and the Princess exchanged souvenirs.
The Princess spent the night at the MraukU Hotel.
Yesterday morning, the Princess visited the Archaeological Museum in
MraukU Township. She observed cultural heritages of Danyawady, Vesali,
Laymyo and MraukU eras and the scale model of ancient MraukU City in
the booths of the museum. She then observed the stone stupas and
signed in the visitors’ book. Director-General U Nyunt Han
presented a souvenir to the Princess. She observed the Nandawgon
palace site excavated by the Archaeology Department. The officials
conducted the Princess round the site.
She observed Arnanda Sandra Stone Inscription of Rakhine King Vesali
(AD 729) in the Shitthaung Stupa.
Next, she helicoptered to Sittway and arrived there at 9.35 am. She
visited the Buddhology Museum in Sittway. The Princess offered
flowers, lights and fruits to the Buddha Image in the museum.
Historian Dr Khin Maung Nyunt and Professor Daw Aye Aye Mon of History
Department of Sittway University conducted the Princess round the
museum. The Princess visited the Lawkananda Pagoda. She offered
flowers, water and “soon” and paid homage to the Buddha
image. The Princess signed in the visitors’ book and made cash
donations there. She then viewed round the Gantakutitaik of the
pagoda. The Princess visited the Rakhine State Cultural Museum in
Sittway, where officials conducted her round the museum. Then, she
signed in the visitors’ book. Director Daw Nu Mra Zan presented
a painting on Rakhine traditions to her. The Princess enjoyed luncheon
at the Sittway Hotel.
The Princess proceeded to Sittway Airport. She was seen off at the
airport by the commander and wife, departmental officials, local
authorities, officials of USDA, MCWA and WCWA, Red Cross Society,
Auxiliary Fire Brigade, nurses and others. Members of Rakhine State
Cultural Committee and USDA also saw off the Princess by waving the
miniature flags of the two nations and chanting slogans “May the
Princess of Thailand be healthy” “May the ties of
friendship between the two countries be strong”. The visiting
Princess arrived back at Yangon by special flight at 2.35 pm.
---------
8. Thai Princess Sirindhorn visits National Museum,
Drug Elimination Museum
Yangon, 15 March — Visiting Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn of
the Kingdom of Thailand, arrived at the National Museum on Pyay Road
at 3 pm yesterday. They were welcomed there by Department of Cultural
Institute Director-General U Myint Thein Swe, directors and officials.
The Princess first studied the Thihathana Lion Throne Show Room where
Director of the museum Daw Nu Mra Zan conducted her round the room.
Next, the Princess viewed the scale models of Mandalay Myanansankyaw
Golden Palace, photographs, paintings, furniture and costumes at the
Yadanabon Era booth and royal appurtences in successive monarchies at
the royal appurtence booth. Curator Daw Mi Mi That Nwe and assistant
curator Daw Htay Htay Swe conducted her round the booths. The
Princess then studied National History Show Room, the booths on Myanma
ancient ornaments and Myanma rural arts and Mon stone inscriptions.
Then, the visiting Thai Princess signed in the visitors’ book.
Director-General U Myint Thein Swe presented the Princess with books
on Myanma Culture.
At 4.50 pm, the Princess and party proceeded to the Drug Elimination
Museum at the corner of Kyuntaw Street and Hanthawady Street in
Kamayut Township where they were welcomed by Secretary of the Central
Committee for Drug Abuse Control Director-General of Myanmar Police
Force Brig-Gen Khin Yi and officials. The Princess viewed the exhibits
on narcotic drug elimination endeavours in successive eras. Brig-Gen
Khin Yi and CCDAC Joint-Secretary Police Col Khan Aung explained the
facts about the museum. Later, the Princess signed in the
visitors’ book and left there in the evening after accepting the
bronze medal of the replica of the museum.
---------
9. Italian tourists arrive
Yangon, 15 March - Under the supervision of the Ministry of Hotels and
Tourism and with the assistance of the Ministry of Transport and
arrangements of Asian Trails Tours Co Ltd, 94 Italian tourism
entrepreneurs arrived at Yangon International Airport by flight TG 303
of Thai Airways this morning.
They will tour Yangon, Bagan, Popa and Mandalay during their visit and
leave Myanmar on 20 March.
---------
10. 612 gem merchants arrive
Yangon, 15 March - A total of 612 gem merchants- 327 from 117 foreign
firms, 285 from 105 local firms have arrived at 40th Myanma Gems
Emporium 2003 being held at the hall of Myanma Gems Emporium on Kaba
Aye Pagoda Road today. The merchants viewed the gems displayed at the
emporium from 9 am to 5 pm. They were welcomed there by Emporium
Organizing Central Committee Secretary Managing Director U Khin Oo of
MGE and officials. The officials concerned also rendered assistance to
the merchants. More foreign gem merchants will arrive at the emporium
on 16 and 17 March and keep on viewing the gems displayed at the
emporium.
---------
11. Secretary-1 attends prize presentation of MNOC
Chairman's Cup Football Tournament
Yangon, 15 March — The final match and prize presentation
ceremony of second Myanmar National Olympic Council Chairman's Cup
open football tournament 2003 took place at the Youths Training Centre
(Thuwunna) this afternoon, attended by Chairman of MNOC Secretary-1 of
the State Peace and Development Council General Khin Nyunt.
In the final match, Finance and Revenue Ministry team played against
Commerce team. The latter beat the former 4-2 in the penalty
shoot-out, and fetched the trophy and K 7.5 million. The Energy
Ministry team stood third.
Then, prize presentation ceremony was held. General Secretary of MOC
President of Myanmar Football Federation Director-General of Sports
and Physical Education Department U Thaung Htaik presented K 50,000 to
man of the match Soe Paing Phyo of the Commerce Ministry team. Next,
Chairman of MOC Minister for Sports Brig-Gen Thura Aye Myint presented
medals and K 2.5 million to Energy Ministry team and Minister at the
State Peace and Development Council Chairman's Office Lt-Gen Min Thein
medals and K 5 million to Finance and Revenue team.
Afterwards, Commander Maj-Gen Myint Swe presented medals to the
players of Commerce team individually.
Then, Adjutant-General Lt-Gen Thein Sein presented medals and K
100,000 each to the best player awards in respective places Soe Paing
Phyo of Commerce team, Zaw Htet Aung of Energy team, Lwin Oo of
Finance and Revenue team and Marla of Commerce team and a medal and K
200,000 to the best player of the tournament Myo Hlaing Win (F & R).
Premium Marketing Ltd presented a pair of Pan brand football boots
worth K 27,000 to the best players each.
The fair play award went to the Finance and Revenue team.Secretary-1
General Khin Nyunt presented the shield and K 7.5 million to the
Commerce team.
---------
12. Drug traffickers sentenced
Yangon, 15 March — A combined team comprising members of the
local intelligence unit and members of Zayawady Police Station, acting
on information searched Ma Malarlamon Thiya’s house at Sinmawtaw
village, Jpu village-tract, Zayawady on 11 October 2002. The
authorities seized 4.233 grams of marihuana.
Action was taken against Ma Malarlamon Thiya, 26, daughter of U
Ramdisiya under Section 15/16(C) of the Narcotic Drugs and
Psychotropic Substances Law by Zayawady Police Station.
The Pyu District Court handed down 7 years’ imprisonment on her
under Section 16(C) on 20 February.
Similarly, a combined team comprising members of the local
intelligence unit and members of Tachilek Special Anti-drug Squad,
acting on information, searched Saisam’s house on Tawwin street
at Weinkyauk village, Haungleik village-tract, Tachilek on 17
September 2002. The authorities arrested Saisam and Aeikthaung
together with 1,800 stimulant tablets. Action was taken against
Saisam, 36, son of U Lonsam and Aeikthaung, 39, son of U Aeikkat under
Sections of 15/19(A)/21 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic
Substances Law by Tachilek Police Station.
The Tachilek District Court handed down 25 years’ imprisonment
on Saisam under Sections 15 and 19(A) and 20 years’ imprisonment
on Aeikthaung under Section 19(A)/21 on 3 March.
---------------------
http://www.myanmar.com/nlm/