The New Light of Myanmar (Thursday, November 27, 2003)

The New Light of Myanmar (Thursday, November 27, 2003)
------------------
1. Senior General Than Shwe receives Thai Defence 
   Minister 
2. Prime Minister inspects development projects in 
   Chin State
3. General Thura Shwe Mann welcomes Thai Defence 
   Minister and party at Yangon International Airport 
4. General Thura Shwe Mann meets with Thai 
   Defence Minister 
5. General Thura Shwe Mann hosts dinner in honour 
   of Thai General 
6. Thai Defence Minister visits Drugs Elimination 
   Museum
7. ROK Ambassador calls on Culture Minister 
8. Korean trade delegation arrives
9. Seminar on industrial occupational relation 
   concludes 
10. Thai experts give talks on floriculture
11. Lt-Gen Maung Bo attends opening of Ye river 
    rail-cum-road bridge
12. Mahura Dam in Hlegu Township opened
13. Home Affairs Minister visits book fair  
14. Cash and kind donated to MMCWA 
15. Myanmar PGA & MGF President's Cup Golf 
    Tournament continues 
16. Myanmar Tong Tah Trade Fair' 2003 opened 

------------------

1. Senior General Than Shwe receives Thai Defence Minister 

Yangon, 26 Nov - Senior General Than Shwe, Chairman of the State Peace
and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar, received visiting
Thai Defence Minister General Thammarak Isarangura and party at the
Credentials Hall of the Pyithu Hlutaw Building on Pyay Road here at 11
am today.

Present at the call together with Senior General Than Shwe were
Vice-Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Vice-Senior
General Maung Aye, Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt, Member of the
State Peace and Development Council General Thura Shwe Mann,
Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Soe Win,
Secretary-2 Lt-Gen Thein Sein, Commander-in-Chief (Navy) Vice-Admiral
Kyi Min, Commander-in-Chief (Air) Maj-Gen Myat Hein, Minister for
Foreign Affairs U Win Aung, Deputy Minister U Khin Maung Win, Brig-Gen
Aye Myint of the Ministry of Defence, Director-General of the State
Peace and Development Council Office Lt-Col Pe Nyein, Director-General
of the Protocol Department Thura U Aung Htet, and Myanmar Military
Attaché to Thailand Col Ko Ko Maung.

Thai Defence Minister General Thammarak Isarangura was accompanied by
Thai Ambassador to Myanmar Mr Oum Maolanon and Military Attaché Col
Kasam Nakpun.

---------

2. Prime Minister inspects development projects in Chin State 

All arrangements afoot for all-round development of Chin State 

Yangon, 26 Nov - Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt, accompanied by
Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Soe Win,
member of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Ye Myint of
the Ministry of Defence, the ministers, the Chief of Staff (Navy), the
deputy ministers, officials of the State Peace and Development Council
Office, departmental heads and officials, left here by air and arrived
in Kale, Sagaing Division, on 24 November morning.

They were welcomed there by Sagaing Division Peace and Development
Council Chairman North-West Command Commander Maj-Gen Tha Aye,
Brig-Gen Khin Maung Aye of Kale Station, officials and members of
social organizations.

The Prime Minister and party, together with the commander, proceeded
to Tonzang in Chin State, where there were welcomed by Chin State
Peace and Development Council Chairman Col Tin Hla, local authorities,
service personnel, members of the social organizations and local
national races.

The Prime Minister met with members of Township Peace and Development
Council, departmental personnel, members of social organizations,
townselders and local people at Chin Shwe Pyi Hall in Tonzang.

Chairman of Township Peace and Development Council U Khin Maung Oo
reported on regional development projects including education, health
and transport sectors of the region, arrangements for growing 840
acres of tea and breeding of domestic wild oxen and requirements.

Col Tin Hla reported on communication and electric power sectors of
Tonzang, upgrading of Tiddim-Tonzang Road and the needs; Deputy
Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Brig-Gen Khin Maung, on
assistance to be rendered for extended cultivation of paddy, corn,
vegetables, orange and mulberry tree in the region; local livestock
breeding entrepreneurs, on livestock breeding tasks; and the
ministers, on assistance to be provided for regional development
undertakings including tasks for upgrading the roads in the township,
extension of forest reserves and education sector.

The Prime Minister fulfilled the requirements, saying that
arrangements have been made for placing emphasis on tasks for
development of Chin State and high- ranking officials occasionally
make tours of Chin State and fulfil requirements for regional
development.

Likewise, the purpose of the tour was to provide necessary assistance
for the region. Chin State lagged behind in development due to various
reasons. In the time of present government, priority was given to
development projects for the border areas where armed groups had
exchanged arms for peace, he added.

Later, the government expanded the horizon of development projects in
all the border areas including Chin State. The transport sector plays
the vital role in regional development. Only when the transport sector
has made progress, can other development tasks be carried out one
after another, he remarked.

The government has spent a large sum of money on the tasks for better
transport in Chin State. Measures are being taken for upgrading of
Tiddim-Reed Road and Falam-Reed Road in addition to Tonzang-Tiddim
Road and Tonzang-Kyikha Road in the region, the Prime Minister said.

With the development of transport sector, Tonzang and Tiddim will
develop, he noted. So, efforts are to be made for raising the economic
standard of the region. There are a lot of natural barriers in a bid
to carry out agriculture and livestock breeding tasks in the region.
Emphasis must be therefore laid on cultivation of suitable strains of
paddy and crops and highland cultivation.

Tonzang Township needs to extend agricultural work to ensure regional
food sufficiency and at the same time to grow tea on a commercial
scale, he said.

In accordance with the guidance of Head of State Senior General Than
Shwe on ensuring Chin State to be a tea garden of the nation,
endeavours are to be made to cross the tea growing projects.

The domesticated wild oxen thrive well in Chin State and thus the
government is providing loans for the region. At a time when the
government has been taking measures for ensuring development of the
region in all-round sectors, local people, in their part, are to make
strenuous efforts for regional development and raising the regional
economic and living standards, he said.

Next, the General presented a computer set, a TV set, a Video Cassette
Player and an inverter set to Tonzang Basic Education High School
through Township Education Officer U Htanhe and Headmaster U Hlyan
Khant Hswin, and clothes to local people through the township
chairman. On arrival at Tonzang Township People's Hospital, the Prime
Minister comforted the patients and inspected the building of the
hospital and fulfilled the requirements.

The Prime Minister, the Secretary-1 and party headed for Tonzang BEHS,
where they were welcomed by the headmaster, teachers and students. The
Prime Minister looked into construction of a two-storey building,
audio room, language lab, computer skills room and computer aided
instruction room and attended to the needs.

Afterwards, they went to Kyikha where they were welcomed by officials,
departmental staff, members of social organizations and local people.
At Kyikha General Administration Department, the Prime Minister held a
meeting with departmental officials, social organizations, townselders
and local people. On the occasion, the head of the GAD reported on
regional development tasks including facts about location, area and
population of the region, agricultural tasks, condition of regional
food sufficiency, and livestock breeding, education, health and
transport sectors. Col Tin Hla gave a supplementary report.

Local people reported on regional development work. 

The Prime Minister attended to the needs, saying that the government
has been striving for development of Kyikha, fulfilling basic needs
and improving the living standard of local people. He called on
respective departmental officials to systematically supervise the
development tasks and carry out the tasks for enabling the region to
possess characters of a city and greening and beautifying the region.
In an endeavour to ensure regional development and to raise the living
standard of local people, working committees are to be formed and they
are to carry out the tasks through cooperation.

Organizational measures are to be taken for active participation of
local people in implementing tasks for betterment of transport sector,
and raising the education, health and social sectors of local people,
he pointed out. Kyikha shares border with the Republic of India.
Therefore, respective departmental officials are to discharge duties
through unity and cooperation for regional development and prevalence
of management and administrative machinery in the region, he noted.

The Prime Minister presented a computer set, a TV set, a video
cassette player and an inverter to Kyikha BEHS through Headmaster U Ni
Pein and clothes to local people through U Aung Kyaw Than.

The Prime Minister and party went to Kyikha Station Hospital. Doctor
Wai Phone and nurses welcomed and conducted them round the hospital.
Afterwards, they inspected lecture rooms, the computer room and the
audio visual room at Kyikha BEHS and fulfilled the requirements.

At the office of Gokha GAD, the Prime Minister met with departmental
officials, members of social organizations, townselders and local
people. The head of the GAD reported on construction of office
buildings and roads in the town, supply of more electric power and
measures for education and health care services. Col Tin Hla gave a
supplementary report. Dr Kyaw Swa Lin of Reekhawdar PeopleÕs Hospital
reported on common diseases in the region and medical treatment given
to the patients; and an official of the Border Trade Department, on
functions of the department.

No 2 Border Areas and Immigration inspection Control Battalion
in-charge Captain Ye Moe Than reported on tasks being carried out.
Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt fulfilled the requirements. He said
border trade is being undertaken in Reekhawdar bordering India. He
spoke of the need for departmental officials to undertake the tasks on
trade, immigration and commodities in accord with the law.

He said Myanmar and India maintain friendly ties and they are good
neighbours. He said departmental officials working in the region are
to pay attention to bilateral relations that can bring about benefits
between the two countries through border trade. He said the government
has made arrangements for ensuring smooth transportation to
Reekhawdar, Falam and Tiddim. The Prime Minister called on
departmental officials to work in unity for systematic development of
border trade and regional development.

Next, the prime minister presented a computer, a television, a video
cassette player and an inverter for Ree-khawdar Basic Education High
School to Headmaster U Monkio and clothes for local people to township
officials.

The Prime Minister, the Secretary-1 and party went to Tiddim. They
were welcomed there by members of State, District and Township Peace
and Development Councils, departmental officials, social
organizations, teachers, students, members of cultural troupes and
local people. Next, the Prime Minister met members of Township Peace
and Development Council, departmental officials, social organizations,
townselders and members of cultural troupes at No 1 BEHS in Tiddim.

Chairman of Township Peace and Development Council U Sai Maung Lu
reported on location and area of the township, population, national
races living in the region, agriculture, the raising of domesticated
wild ox, education, health, communication and generating of
hydroelectric power. Chairman of Chin State Peace and Development
Council Col Tin Hla gave a supplementary report.

The Prime Minister fulfilled the requirements. He said he and
departmental officials came to Tonzang, Kyikha, Reekhawdar and Tiddim
to provide requirements. It is necessary for a region to develop
infrastructures including road transport. The government is
endeavouring for harmonious development of all states and regions with
the concept of bringing equitable development to all national races
living in the Union.

He said due to transport difficulty in Chin State, the government has
spent a large sum of money on development of roads linking townships
in Chin State and plain regions, growing of tea and raising of
domesticated wild oxen.

He said local people are to cooperate with local authorities, social
organizations, and departmental officials for successful
implementation of the tasks.

Only when there is smooth transportation, will development tasks be
successful. So, he urged departmental officials to discharge their
duties correctly with goodwill.

In implementing development tasks in Chin State, central level
officials are to provide new methods and departmental officials are to
systematically implement them for progress of agriculture, livestock
breeding and other economic enterprises suitable to geographical
conditions and climate, he said.

In addition to tea, cultivation of seasonal crops and perennial crops
is to be extended, he said. The Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries
has already made arrangements for raising of domesticated wild oxen
and other livestock breeding tasks which are marketable in
neighbouring countries. Therefore, local people are to change
livestock breeding on manageable scale to commercial one gradually.

At a time when the government is giving encouragement to regional
development in all sectors, departmental officials are to make efforts
for uplift of economic and social standards of local people.

Only when there is narrow gap and equitable development among the
national races living in the Union made up of 14 states and divisions,
will there be national solidarity and perpetuation of the Union, he
said. The entire national races have been residing in the Union for
thousands of years. There exist small communities in each state and
division where national races live. He spoke of the need for them to
live in unity.

With strong national solidarity the Union will be consolidated. If
national solidarity becomes weak, alien instigations occur any time,
he added.

He said national people have been living in unity in the course of
history countable by thousands of years. Therefore, national
solidarity is needed for existence of such noble tradition and unity
among the national races, he added.

He said the government is making arrangements for consolidation of
national solidarity and harmonious and equitable development of all
regions of the Union. After realizing the goodwill and attitudes of
the government, all the national races have to safeguard the State,
for non-disintegration of the Union, non-disintegration of national
solidarity, perpetuation of independence and sovereignty and to
prevent the nation from falling under the influence of others
upholding the Union spirit and to participate in the tasks for
successful implementation of seven-point future policy programme.

Next, the Prime Minister presented a computer, a television, a video
cassette player and an inverter for No 1 and No 2 Basic Education High
Schools to the Headmasters and clothes for local people to the
Chairman of Chin State Peace and Development Council. The Prime
Minister, the Secretary-1 and party spent the night at the guest house
in Tiddim.

---------

3. General Thura Shwe Mann welcomes Thai Defence 
   Minister and party at Yangon International Airport 

Yangon, 26 Nov - A goodwill delegation led by Minister of Defence of
Thailand General Thammarak Isarangura arrived here this morning to pay
a goodwill visit to Myanmar. The delegation was welcomed at the Yangon
International Airport by Member of the State Peace and Development
Council General Thura Shwe Mann, Ambassador of Thailand to Myanmar Mr
Oum Maolanon, Thai Military Attaché Colonel Kasam Nakpum and members,
and senior military officers.

The special aircraft carrying the goodwill delegation arrived at the
airport at 9.30 am. General Thura Shwe Mann boarded the plane and
greeted General Thammarak Isarangura.

Next, General Thammarak Isarangura greeted those who arrived there to
welcome the delegation. Likewise, General Thura Shwe Mann also greeted
the delegation members. Afterwards, General Thammarak Isarangura and
General Thura Shwe Mann proceeded to the saluting dais and took the
salute of the Guard of Honour. Next, General Thammarak Isarangura and
General Thura Shwe Mann inspected the Guard of Honour. Later, the
delegation and General Thura Shwe Mann went to the Tatmadaw Guest
House by car.

Thai Defence Minister was accompanied by 26 delegation members
including Supreme Commander General Somdhat Attanand,
Commander-in-Chief of RTN Admiral Chumpol Pachusanon,
Commander-in-Chief of RTAF Air Chief Marshal Kongsak Vantana, Deputy
Permanent Secretary for Defence General Poonsak Nakabhat, Deputy
Commander-in-Chief of RTA General Sirichai Thunyasiri and Myanmar
Military Attaché to Thailand Col Ko Ko Maung

---------

4. General Thura Shwe Mann meets with Thai 
   Defence Minister 

Yangon, 26 Nov - Member of the State Peace and Development Council of
the Union of Myanmar General Thura Shwe Mann met with Defence Minister
General Thammarak Isarangura and party of Thailand at Zeyathiri
Beikman Hall on Konmyintha at 2 pm today.

Present together with General Thura Shwe Mann were members of the
State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Thiha Thura Tin Aung Myint
Oo and Lt-Gen Kyaw Win, Commander-in-Chief (Navy) Vice-Admiral Kyi
Min, CommaŒder-in-Chief (Air) Maj-Gen Myat Hein, Minister for Foreign
Affairs U Win Aung, Military Appointment General Maj-Gen Hsan Hsint,
Defence Services Inspector-General Brig-Gen Thein Htaik, Deputy
Minister for Foreign Affairs U Khin Maung Win, Director-General Thura
U Aung Htet of the Protocol Department, Military Attaché of Myanmar to
Thailand Col Ko Ko Maun were also present.

Thai Ambassador to Myanmar Mr Oum Maolanon and Military Attaché Col
Kasam Nakpun accompanied the visiting defence minister and party.

---------

5. General Thura Shwe Mann hosts dinner in honour 
   of Thai General 

Yangon, 26 Nov - Member of the State Peace and Development Council
General Thura Shwe Mann hosted dinner in honour of visiting Minister
of Defence of Thailand General Thammarak Isarangura and party, at Zeya
Thiri Beikman Hall on Konmyinttha, here, at 7 pm today.

During and after the dinner, vocalists sang songs to the accompaniment
of orchestra to entertain them. After the dinner, artistes of the Fine
Arts Department of the Ministry of Culture presented variety of dances
at Thabin Hall. The Thai minister presented a basket of flowers to the
artistes.

---------

6. Thai Defence Minister visits Drugs Elimination Museum 

Yangon, 26 Nov - The delegation led by Minister of Defence of Thailand
General Thammarak Isarangura, together with senior military officers
and officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, visited the Drugs
Elimination Museum at the corner of Kyundaw and Hanthawady roads in
Kamayut Township, here, this afternoon.

Myanmar Police Force Deputy Police Director-General Police Brig-Gen
Zaw Win, Curator of the museum Police Lt-Col Se Maung and officials
welcomed them at the museum. Conducted round there by Police Brig-Gen
Zaw Win and officials, the visiting minister and party viewed the
booths displaying drug eradication tasks and documentary photos there.
The Thai minister signed in the visitors' book.

Police Brig-Gen Zaw Win presented books on drug elimination tasks to
the visiting General who presented a souvenir in return.

Afterwards, the Thai General and party proceeded to Myanma Gems Museum
on Kaba Aye Pagoda Road. Deputy Director U San Lwin of Myanma Gems
Enterprise and officials conducted them round there. The visiting
minister signed in the visitors' book.

---------

7. ROK Ambassador calls on Culture Minister 

Yangon, 26 Nov - Minister for Culture Maj-Gen Kyi Aung received
Ambassador of the Republic of Korea Mr Lee Kyung Woo at his office
here this afternoon.

---------

8. Korean trade delegation arrives 

Yangon, 26 Nov - A three-member Korean trade delegation led by Mr Han
Joon-Ho, Chairman of the Association of Small and Medium Economic
Entrepreneurs of the Republic of Korea, arrived here by air yesterday
evening.

---------

9. Seminar on industrial occupational relation concludes 

Yangon, 26 Nov - The seminar on industrial occupational relation,
jointly organized by the Ministry of Labour, the ASEAN and the
Ministry of Health, Labour and Social Welfare of Japan, continued its
programmes for the third and the final day at the Traders Hotel on
Sule Pagoda Road here this morning.

The Deputy Director-General of the Labour Department presided over the
morning session of the seminar. Representatives of respective
subcommittees put into discussions their findings. The seminar came to
an end with the concluding remarks of Brig-Gen Win Sein, Deputy
Minister for Labour.

---------

10. Thai experts give talks on floriculture 

Yangon, 26 Nov - Talks on floriculture, organized by the Myanmar
Floriculturist Association and the Wildlife Conservation Society, was
held at Pyidaungsu Ayeyeiknyein Hall in PeopleÕs Square and People's
Park on Ahlone Road, Dagon Township here this afternoon. Vice
President-1 of the MFA U Than Nwe extended greetings and introduced
the two resource persons from Thailand to those present. Associate
Professor M L Charuphant Thongtham of Kasetsart University and
Assistant Professor Dr Patana Thavipoke (Ph D) of Mahidol University
in Bangkok, Thailand, gave talks on floriculture and replied to
queries. The two Thai experts together with MFA CEC member U Saw Lwin
will observe flora in Chin State.

---------

11. Lt-Gen Maung Bo attends opening of Ye river rail-cum-road bridge

There will be better transport among Bago Division, Mon State and
Taninthayi Division
Lt-Gen Maung Bo attends opening of Ye river rail-cum-road bridge 

Yangon, 26 Nov - The opening of Ye River crossing bridge, built by
Myanma Railways under the Ministry of Rail Transportation, was held
yesterday morning in Ye Township, Mawlamyine District, Mon State.
Member of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Maung Bo of
the Ministry of Defence attended the ceremony and made a speech.

Also present were Chairman of Mon State PDC Commander of South-East
Command Maj-Gen Thura Myint Aung, Minister for Mines Brig-Gen Ohn
Myint, Minister for Rail Transportation Maj-Gen Aung Min, Deputy
Minister U Pe Than, Managing Director of Myanma Railways U Min Swe,
officials of the Ministry of Rail Transportation, local authorities,
members of the Union Solidarity and Development Association, War
Veterans Organization, Working Committee for Women's Affairs, Red
Cross Society, Auxiliary Fire Brigade and local people totalling over
10,000.

U Hla Win of Myanma Radio and Television acted as master of
ceremonies.

First, Lt-Gen Maung Bo made a speech saying that the successful
opening of Ye River crossing rail-cum-road bridge will contribute much
towards regional development and emergence of a modern nation.
Moreover, it will also contribute to the convenience of local people.
In the past, people living in Ye Township had to rely only on rail
transportation to reach Mawlamyine. In 1972, a bridge across Ye River
emerged. Ye-Dawei rail road that was opened in March 1998 did not
reach right through Ye because of a natural barrier posed by Ye River.
Today, the barrier can be overcome and thus it can be said that
difficulties people had to face in the past in crossing the river by
boat have been overcome. People living in Taninthayi Division that was
adjacent to Mon State have to rely on motor road, water way and air
route to reach other states and divisions. Although there were such
transportation facilities, railway service, on which people could rely
with reasonable price, could not be provided beacuse of the railroads
interrupted by natural barriers.

In accord with the guidance of Head of State Senior General Than Shwe,
new Ye-Dawei railroad was built, Ye-Dawei motor road upgraded and
Dawei-Myeik-Taninthayi-Bokpyin-Kawthong Union Highway constructed.
These facilities will link Taninthayi Division with Mon State and it
is sure that it will contribute much towards regional development. On
completion of rail- cum-road Thanlwin river crossing bridge
(Mawla-myine) which will be the longest one in the country
transportation among Taninthayi Division, Mon State and Bago Division
will be swift and Mon State that is in a position of economic hub will
be more developed.

Therefore, Ye bridge plays a key role in development of Taninthayi
Division and the State. With better transportation, there will be more
contacts among national brethren and friendship among them will be
further consolidated. Commodities will be transported from one region
to another by various kinds of vehicles and thus it is safe to say
that economic development of the region will be achieved.

Today, efforts are being made to uplift Union Spirit among national
brethren who have been living in the country since time immemorial.
Only when there are correct patriotism based on Union Spirit will the
people be able to defend the country with national awareness. With
this end in view, roads and bridges are being built across the
country.

As there are Gyaing (Zathabyin) bridge, Gyaing (Kawkareik) Bridge,
Athtaran Bridge and Thanlwin Bridge (Hpa-an) in Mon and Kayin States,
transportation in the states has improved more than ever. Similarly,
Winwa Bridge, Palauk Bridge, Palaw Bridge, Pathaung Bridge, Taninthayi
Bridge, Kyweku-Kyaukpya Bridge and Laynya-Mandaing Bridge were built
in Taninthayi Division and thus there is better transportation in the
division. One can reach Kawthoung by car from Mawlamyine.

With the aim of ensuring the bright future of the Union, roads and
bridges are being built and they are the good foundations of the
State.

As these foundations are laid by Myanmar engineers with own strength
and own technical know-how, they are the historical landmarks that
reflect the national characteristics in which the entire national
people can take pride. It can also be said that it is relaying not
only good physical heritage but also noble spiritual heritage from old
generation to new generation youths.

Now preparations are being made for emergence of new State
Constitution that will ensure stability and development of the State
which the entire people aspire to. The political process for building
genuine democratic nation including emergence of a new State
Constitution are practical political arrangements for the State.

Destructive elements within and without the country are now
criticizing the endeavours for national development. Therefore, it is
the duty of all citizens to ignore these criticisms and march to reach
the goal of national development. All the national people are to take
part in nation-building endeavours.

In conclusion, Lt-Gen Maung Bo honoured those who engaged in building
the Ye Bridge and urged them to maintain the bridge for its
durability.

Next, Minister Maj-Gen Aung Min said transportation is the basic
requirement for development of a region. As the Ministry of Rail
Transportation has been constructing new railroads and infrastructures
in accord with the guidance of the State, total length of railroads in
the country rose from 1,976.35 miles before 1988 to 2,998.36 miles, up
1,022.01 miles of new railroads, he said. Plans are under way to build
515.05 miles length of new railroads. Since 1989, the ministry has
constructed a total of 3,435 bridges of various sizes along the
railroads. With the encouragement of the State, engineers of Myanma
Railways, relying on the skill and competence of their own, were able
to construct a 5,610-foot long railway tunnel on Pakokku-Gangaw-Kalay
railroad section.

Despite heavy rain and high tide, Ye river crossing bridge, the
project of which started on 12 July 2001, had been successfully
constructed by the staff of Myanma Railways with the assistance of
departments concerned, encouragement of the local people, and
cooperation of Tatmadawmen.

Thanks to the opening of the bridge, trains can ply between Mawlamyine
and Dawei within a day and national brethren who live in Mon State and
Taninthayi Division can enjoy social progress and economic
development. On completion of Thanlwin Bridge (Mawlamyine) in the near
future, Mon State and Taninthayi Division will be accessible from
other states and divisions by car or train.

In the past, people had to cross the Ye river by boat braving various
kinds of dangerous situations every day. Now, he was pleased to see
students and the local people crossing the bridge safely. In
conclusion, the minister urged the local people to maintain the bridge
for its durability.

Speaking on the occasion, Commander Maj-Gen Thura Myint Aung said that
the Ye river-crossing Bridge, opened today, will contribute towards
the economic boost of local people of both Mon State and Taninthayi
Division, and facilitate the social activities to a greater degree. In
particular, the bridge serves as a major lifeblood of transport that
will accelerate the development pace in economic, social, education
and health sectors. He also expressed his thanks to the Head of State,
who initiated the project, and officials of Myanma Railways and
engineers, who extended themselves to the project.

He later called upon the locals to do their every bit for regional
development by making the most of smooth and secure transport system
and maintain the bridge for its durability. On behalf of the local
people, U Kyaw Thura, secretary of Ye Township USDA, spoke words of
thanks for the construction of the bridge.

Next, Lt-Gen Maung Bo presented gifts to engineers and officials of MR
through senior engineer U Hla Thwin. Commander Maj-Gen Thura Myint
Aung and Minister Maj-Gen Aung Min formally opened the bridge, and
Lt-Gen Maung Bo unveiled the stone inscription of the bridge. Later,
Lt-Gen Maung Bo and party had a documentary photo taken together with
local national people. The Ye Bridge is a bridge which links Mon State
and Taninthayi Division by the Mawlamyine-Ye-Dawei railroad.

In line with the guidance of the Head of State Senior General Than
Shwe for cementing the friendship among national brethren in Mon State
and Taninthayi Division, the MR of the Ministry of Rail Transportation
started the construction of the bridge on 12 July 2001 and finished it
on 21 October 2003. The bridge is 857 feet and 6 inches long and has a
16-foot-wide motor road and railroad with a four-foot-wide pedestrian
lane on either side. The bridge is built of iron frames and can stand
60 tons of load.

----------

12. Mahura Dam in Hlegu Township opened 

Yangon, 26 Nov - The opening ceremony of Mahura Dam (Ngamoeyeik
Supporting Dam) was held at the dam near Bwetgyi Village in Hlegu
Township, Yangon North (District), this morning.

It was attended by Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development
Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Myint Swe, Minister for
Agriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin, departmental heads of
the ministry, local authorities, members of social organizations,
teachers, students and local people totalling about 2,000.

First, the commander spoke on the occasion. He said the dam was the
154th irrigation facility constructed during the time of the State
Peace and Development Council and the 13th facility in Yangon
Division. The division cultivated over 1.17 million acres of monsoon
paddy and 250,000 areas of summer paddy every year. To meet the
monsoon paddy cultivation target, about 600,000 acres of paddy fields
had to be protected from floods by building irrigation facilities, he
said. A total of 65,000 acres of summer paddy fields in the division
were irrigated by the dams in the division.

To fully utilize water of the creek, Mahura dam was constructed, he
added. In conclusion, the commander thanked Head of State Senior
General Than Shwe, who gave guidance to implement the dam project, and
the minister for Agriculture and Irrigation, Director U Khin Maung Yu
and staff of Construction Group-1 of the Irrigation Department, who
constructed the dam and urged local people to maintain the dam for its
durability.

Next, the minister made a speech. Afterwards, U Kyi Aung, on behalf of
the people, expressed thanks for construction of the dam. The minister
formally unveiled the stone inscription of the dam. Afterwards, the
commander and the minister formally opened the dam. Next, the
commander, the minister and guests posed for a documentary photo
together with the staff who constructed the dam and the local people.
Later, the commander and party inspected round the dam.

After the ceremony, the director of Construction Group-1 reported to
the commander and party on salient points of the dam. The commander
gave necessary instructions. Later, the commander and the minister
inspected the herbal plant garden established by the ministry,
irrigation tasks of Ngamoeyeik dam, Hlawga herbal plant garden and
construction of a reservoir in the garden.

---------

13. Home Affairs Minister visits book fair 

Yangon, 26 Nov - To mark the Sarsodaw Day of the Myanmar Writers and
Journalists Association, the Book Fair and Centenary of Myanmar Novels
Show continued today at the building No 379-383 on Bo Aung Kyaw Street
here. Minister for Home Affairs Col Tin Hlaing visited the book fair
this morning. Chairman of MWJA U Hla Myaing (Ko Hsaung), Vice
Chairman-1 U Tin Kha (Tekkatho Tin Kha) and central executive
committee members, departmental officials conducted the minister round
the booths.

----------

14. Cash and kind donated to MMCWA 

Yangon, 26 Nov - Wellwishers donated cash, vehicles and beds to
Myanmar Maternal and Child Welfare Association this morning at
multipurpose building of MMCWA in South Okkalapa Township. MMCWA
President Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe accepted four vehicles, 50 beds and K 4
million and presented certificates of honour to the wellwishers.

---------

15. Myanmar PGA & MGF President's Cup Golf 
    Tournament continues 

Yangon, 26 Nov - The opening of the Myanmar PGA and MGF President's
Cup Golf Tournament, organized by Myanmar PGA and Myanmar Golf
Federation, continued at Hanthawaddy Golf and Country Club in Bago
Division this morning.

After the second round of the professional level event, Myint Shwe
(Wilson) stood first with 140 (71+69) strokes. Runners-up were Zaw Zaw
Latt (Pan-West) with 142 (68+74), Soe Kyaw Naing (Pan-West) with 143
(70+73) and Aung Win (YCDC) with 144 (71+73). At the amateur level
event, Zaw Zin Win led the tour with 145 (72+73) strokes, followed by
Yin Aung Latt with 146 (74+72), Myo Min Aung with 147 (74+73), and
Aung Aung Kyaw with 148 (72+76).

After the first round of amateur level women's scratch event, Khin
Khin Thu (YCDC) stood first with 77 strokes. Khin Mar Nyunt scored 79
to take the second place and Myint Myint Thein and Swe Swe Win shared
the third place with 91 each. Rothmans of Pall Mall Myanmar Pte Ltd
mainly sponsored the tour together with Air Mandalay, Grand Slam
(Munsing Wear), Loi-Hein (Alpine), KM Golf Centre, Maruman and Wilson,
Canon, and UPG.

Sun Far Travels and Tour, Pan-West and Eastern Pro Enterprise Ltd will
present hole-in-one prizes. Han Golf Event Management took
responsibilities to hold the tour, which continues tomorrow.

---------

16. Myanmar Tong Tah Trade Fair' 2003 opened 

Yangon, 26 Nov - Sponsored by the Ministry of Commerce and arranged by
Tong Tah Co Ltd, Myanmar Tong Tah Trade Fair 2003 was opened at the
Yangon Trade Centre this morning, attended by Minister for Commerce
Brig-Gen Pyi Sone.

Present on the occasion were Minister for National Planning and
Economic Development U Soe Tha, Yangon Mayor Brig-Gen Aung Thein Lin,
deputy ministers, senior military officers, officials of social and
economic organizations, President of Tong Tah Co Ltd Mr Peter Loh and
members, Managing Director U Khin Maung Lat and officials. Brig-Gen
Pyi Sone, Mr Peter Loh and U Khin Maung Lat formally opened the trade
fair.

Next, the ministers, the deputy ministers, guests and officials viewed
round the trade fair. On display at the trade fair are foreign and
local textiles, cosmetics and household goods, plastic wares,
foodstuff, electric and electronic appliances, stationery, vehicles,
air freshers, farm implements, lawn mowers, generators and various
kinds of engines. The trade fair will be kept open daily from 9 am to
5 pm till 30 November. Admission is free.

-----------------
http://www.myanmar.com/nlm/