THE NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR (Tuesday, December 2, 2003)

THE NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR (Tuesday, December 2, 2003)
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1.  Senior General Than Shwe sends message of 
    felicitations to President of Laos
2.  Senior General Than Shwe receives Deputy Chief of 
    General Staff of CPLA General Wu Quanxu
3.  Vice-Senior General Maung Aye sends message of 
    felicitations to Laotian Vice-President
4.  Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt sends message of 
    felicitations to Laotian counterpart
5.  U Win Aung sends message of felicitations to 
    Laotian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister
6.  Chinese delegation visits Drug Elimination Museum, 
    Defence Services Museum, National Museum
7.  Myanmar Ambassador presents Credentials 
    to SRV President 
8.  Industry-1 Minister receives guests
9.  Prime Minister attends coord meeting on observance 
    of 57th Anniversary Union Day
10. World AIDS Day commemorative ceremony held 
11. Lt-Gen Ye Myint meets departmental officials, 
    social organizations in Mindat
12. Staff of FAD, students of universities 
    of culture honoured
13. Thailand Exhibition 2003 to be held 
    in Yangon Trade Centre
14. Minister inspects new fire engines 
16. "Soon" offered to members of the Sangha 
    of State Pariyatti Sasana University
17. Maruman Golf Classic 9 December
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1.  Senior General Than Shwe sends message of 
    felicitations to President of Laos 

YANGON, 2 Dec - On the occasion of the 28th Anniversary of the
founding of the Lao People's Democratic Republic, which falls on 2
December 2003, Senior General Than Shwe, Chairman of the State Peace
and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar, has sent a message of
felicitations to His Excellency Mr Khamtay Siphandone, President of
the Lao People's Democratic Republic.
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2.  Senior General Than Shwe receives Deputy Chief of 
    General Staff of CPLA General Wu Quanxu  

YANGON, 1 Dec-Visiting Deputy Chief of General Staff of Chinese
People's Liberation Army General Wu Quanxu and party paid a courtesy
call on Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council
Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Than Shwe at
Zeyathiri Beikman on Konmyinttha this morning.

Present at the call together with Senior General Than Shwe were
Vice-Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Deputy
Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Commander-in-Chief (Army)
Vice-Senior General Maung Aye, Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt,
member of the State Peace and Development Council General Thura Shwe
Mann of the Ministry of Defence, Secretary-1 of the State Peace and
Development Council Lt-Gen Soe Win, Secretary-2 Adjutant-General
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 and
Director-General of Protocol Department Thura U Aung Htet.

General Wu Quanxu and party were accompanied by Ambassador of the
People's Republic of China to Myanmar Mr Li Jinjun and Military
Attaché Senior Col Xu Shulai.
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3.  Vice-Senior General Maung Aye sends message of 
    felicitations to Laotian Vice-President 

YANGON, 2 Dec - On the occasion of the 28th Anniversary of the
founding of the Lao People's Democratic Republic, which falls on 2
December 2003, Vice-Senior General Maung Aye, Vice-Chairman of the
State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar, has sent
a message of felicitations to His Excellency Mr Choummaly Sayasone,
Vice-President of the Lao People's Democratic Republic.
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4.  Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt sends message of 
    felicitations to Laotian counterpart

YANGON, 2 Dec - On the occasion of the 28th Anniversary of the
founding of the Lao People's Democratic Republic, which falls on 2
December 2003, General Khin Nyunt, Prime Minister of the Union of
Myanmar, has sent a message of felicitations to His Excellency Mr
Boungnang Vorachith, Prime Minister of the Lao People's Democratic
Republic.
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5.  U Win Aung sends message of felicitations to 
    Laotian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister

YANGON, 2 Dec - On the occasion of the 28th Anniversary of the
founding of the Lao People's Democratic Republic, which falls on 2
December 2003, U Win Aung, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Union
of Myanmar, has sent a message of felicitations to His Excellency Mr
Somsavat Lengsavad, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign
Affairs of the Lao People's Democratic Republic.
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6.  Chinese delegation visits Drug Elimination Museum, 
    Defence Services Museum, National Museum  

YANGON, 1 Dec - Visiting Chinese delegation led by Deputy Chief of
General Staff of the Chinese People's Liberation Army General Wu
Quanxu, accompanied by Vice Chief of Armed Forces Training Brig-Gen
Nyan Win, Ambassador of China to Myanmar Mr Li Jinjun and Military
Attaché Senior Colonel Xu Shulai, yesterday afternoon visited Drug
Elimination Museum in Kamayut Township.

Officials welcomed the delegation and conducted them round the museum.
Afterwards, General Wu Quanxu signed in the visitors' book. Next,
Deputy Director-General of the Myanmar Police Force Police Brig-Gen
Zaw Win presented record books on elimination of narcotic drug
activities and a museum emblem to General Wu Quanxu.

The delegation this morning visited Defence Services Museum where
officials welcomed them and conducted them round the museum.

In the afternoon, General Wu Quanxu and party also visited the
National Museum on Pyay Road where Director of the Museum Daw Nu Mya
Zan and officials welcomed the delegation.
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7.  Myanmar Ambassador presents Credentials 
    to SRV President 

YANGON, 1 Dec - U Tin Latt, Ambassador Extraordinary and
Plenipotentiary of the Union of Myanmar to the Socialist Republic of
Vietnam, presented his Credentials to His Excellency Mr Tran Duc
Luong, President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, on 19 November
2003, in Hanoi .
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8.  Industry-1 Minister receives guests

YANGON, 1 Dec - Minister for Industry-1 U Aung Thaung this morning
received Mr Xu Xiangchun of the China Metallurgical Construction
(Group) Corporation (MCC) and party at his office.

Also present at the call were the director-general and
managing-directors of the department and industries under the
ministry.
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9.  Prime Minister attends coord meeting on observance 
    of 57th Anniversary Union Day  

YANGON, 1 Dec- The coordination meeting on observance of the 57th
Anniversary Union Day (2004) was held at Zeyathiri Beikman on
Konmyinttha here at 4 pm today, with an opening address by Chairman of
the Central Committee for Observance of the 57th Anniversary Union Day
Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt.

Also present on the occasion were Secretary-1 of the State Peace and
Development Council Lt-Gen Soe Win, Secretary-2 Lt-Gen Thein Sein,
Yangon Division PDC Chairman Yangon Command Commander Maj-Gen Myint
Swe, ministers, the Yangon mayor, the Vice-Chief of Military
Intelligence, deputy ministers, senior military officers, officials of
the SPDC Office, departmental heads and officials.

General Khin Nyunt made an opening speech. He said the meeting was
held to successfully observe the 57th Anniversary Union Day which
falls on 12 February 2004 on a grand scale in full national essence
like the previous years. As Myanmar is a union, in accordance with
national policy - non-disintegration of the union, non-disintegration
of national solidarity and perpetuation of sovereignty - it is needed
to safeguard the Union with national spirit and Union Spirit.

Observing the Union Day in full political essence is a way of
depicting the firmness of Union Spirit among national people, in
accordance with the fine tradition of regaining sovereignty and
independence from the colonialists through the united strength of
national brethren. The colonialists unjustly occupied Myanmar and used
various means and ways to wipe out the unity existing for a long time
among the national people and used the divide-and rule policy in order
to prolong their domination. The independence and national
reconsolidation was regained only by the endeavours of national race
leaders with farsightedness.

However, due to purposely creating dissension by the colonialists for
over a hundred years, there were suspicions among national brethren
and armed conflicts occurred for over 40 years. That resulted in
inability to strive for development of the state. It is a valuable
history lesson for the State.

In fact, national brethren, in groups, have lived for thousands of
years. They formed larger groups and that led to formation of firm
Union. Each division and state has many national races forming small
communities. When collected, the small communities became the Union.
So, national brethren are to adopt the Union Spirit, that is to live
unitedly in accordance with the fine traditions of living in unity
over thousands of years.

So, in the time of Tatmadaw government, the government believes that
only when there is firm national solidarity, efforts for emergence of
peaceful, modern and developed nation can be made. Based on the mutal
understanding and forgiveness, the government has made efforts. As a
result, majority of national armed groups, having realized the
goodwill of the government, have entered into legal fold, to cooperate
with the government. At present, peace prevails all over the border
areas, which are developing like cities.

Placing emphasis on strengthening of national solidarity and
development of border areas and national people, the State has laid
down plans to prevent the dissension, being disunited and incitements
of the others and to have equitable development in all states and
divisions. The government has implemented short-term border area
development projects to build development infrastructures such as
roads, bridges, education, health, agriculture, livestock breeding,
electricity, communications and mining.

To honour the patriots who had farsightedness and built national
spirit and Union Spirit and the fine traditions and skills, the
Panglong region has been designated as special development zone and
development projects have been implemented there. Moreover, efforts
have already been made for development of other regions which lagged
behind in development.

He said the government has been building better foundations that can
enhance harmonious development of the Union and unity among the
national races for consolidating of national solidarity spirit and the
Union Spirit. Now there is national solidarity spirit and the Union
spirit among the national races, he added.

He said at such a time, discussions are being made for successful
holding of the Union Day ceremony with full political and national
essence through consolidating the already-achieved national solidarity
spirit and the Union spirit and building better foundations and
promoting good traditions of significant Union Day.

He said in accord with the national policies that flourished in the
course of long Myanmar history the government has laid down the
seven-point future policy programme that can guarantee
non-disintegration of national solidarity and non-disintegration of
the Union and perpetuation of independence and sovereignty in the long
run and lead to a united, peaceful, stable and prosperous democratic
nation and it is now implementing them.

Therefore, he said, based on national solidarity spirit and the Union
Spirit, all the people are to make strenuous efforts with oneness for
successful implementation of the seven-point future policy programmes.

At a time when the government is building a new future State,
consolidation of national solidarity spirit and the Union Spirit among
the national races is the prime national requirement for perpetuation
of the Union, he said.

With the belief that the Union of Myanmar established by all national
races in unity will stand tall amidst the nations of the world and be
perpetual forever, officials concerned are to make efforts for holding
the 57th Anniversary Union Day ceremony on a grand scale with full
national essence, he said.

He urged various sub-committees to make arrangements for holding of
the ceremony, inviting delegates, sightseeing, hosting dinner and
sending the message to Union Day Ceremonies.

Next, Commander Maj-Gen Myint Swe reported on arrangements for the
57th Anniversary Union Day ceremony.

Director-General of the Pyithu Hluttaw Office U Myint Thein also
reported on tasks for holding the 57th Anniversary Union day ceremony
and those present on the respective tasks. The Prime Minister took
part in the discussions.

In his discussions, he said the 57th Anniversary Union Day will be
observed with the national objectives-

- for all national races to safeguard the national policy -
non-disintegration of the Union, non-disintegration of national
solidarity and perpetuation of sovereignty,
- to keep Union Spirit alive and dynamic among the national people, 
- for all national people to safeguard the Union for its perpetual
existence,
- to prevent the danger of internal and external destructive elements
undermining peace and stability of the State and national development
through national solidarity, and
- for all national races to make concerted efforts for successful
implementation of the seven-point future policy programme.

He called for cooperation for realization of the objectives.
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10. World AIDS Day commemorative ceremony held  

YANGON, 1 Dec - The World AIDS Day commemorative ceremony was held at
the International Business Centre on Pyay Road here this morning.

It was attended by deputy ministers, members of the Central Commitee
for Prevention and Eradication of AIDS, information sub-committee
members, ambassadors from foreign missions in Yangon, resident
representatives of agencies under the UN, members of Global Fund for
AIDS, TB & Malaria Country Coordinating Mechanism (CCM), members of UN
Expanded Theme Group on HIV/AIDS, the director-general of Myanmar
Police Force, departmental heads, rectors and officials of
universities under the Medical Research Department, medical
superintendents from hospitals in Yangon, officials from the Ministry
of Health, social organization members, chairmen and representatives
of the organizations at home and abroad conducting AIDS educative
activities, invited guests, winners of the World AIDS Day
commemorative essay, poster and painting contests and their parents.

On behalf of the Minister for Health, Deputy Minister Dr Mya Oo made a
speech. He said the aim is to create awareness about HIV/AIDS among
the general population and to inform the public about prevention and
control activities, leading to increase community participation. This
year's theme, "Live and Let Live" is the same as last year. In other
words, it aims for development of activities for care and support for
people infected with HIV and AIDS patients and their families.

According to WHO/UNAIDS estimates, there are 42 million persons living
with HIV/AIDS all over the world. Among them, 19.2 million are women
and 3.2 million are children under 15 years of age. The number of
newly HIV-infected individuals in the 2002 alone was about 5 million.
Worldwide AIDS kill more than 8,000 people every day: that is a person
dies of AIDS every 10 seconds. At present, HIV/AIDS account for the
highest number of deaths by any single infectious agent, he hilighted.

HIV/AIDS is not only a health issue. Experience from other countries
has shown that it impedes national development and in some countries
it has even become a security issue. Among the eight millennium
development goals spelled out at the Millennium Declaration in the
year 2000, the sixth goal states to halt and reverse the trend of
HIV/AIDS, Malaria and TB by half by the year 2015, he added. Myanmar
has launched an all out effort to prevent and control HIV/AIDS. With
the guidance from the National Health Committee a multisectoral
National AIDS Committee was formed in 1989, to combat HIV/AIDS.
National AIDS Programme was formulated and implemented in accordance
with the objectives of the National Health Plan.

In implementing the comprehensive HIV/AIDS prevention and control
programme there are certain areas which need to be scaled up. This
will require more financial resources. Ant-retroviral drugs should
also be made more widely available at an affordable price, he
elaborated.

The spread of HIV infection is mainly related to human behaviour. The
strong social and cultural values in Myanmar have contributed in
preventing the spread of HIV infection and also helped in the care of
those infected and affected by HIV/AIDS. The kind-hearted nature of
the people and religious teachings emphasizing on loving kindness and
compassion contributed to the care and support of people living with
HIV/AIDS and their families. Basic health workers and social
organizations are providing support with sympathy and compassion. In
conclusion, he emphasized the State's aware of the impact of HIV/AIDS
on health, economic and social development. Healthy societies are more
likely to become wealthy societies. We are implementing health and
education programmes, including the comprehensive HIV/AIDS prevention
and control activities. He reiterated that Myanmar is seriously
committed in fighting "HIV/AIDS war" with an all out effort and with
all available resources, in partnership with national, regional and
international partner agencies. Afterwards, Chairman of UN Theme Group
on AIDS Mr Najab Assifi read the message of Executive Director Dr
Peter Piot of UNAIDS Programme.

The outstanding students who won prizes in the contests were then
presented prizes. Myanmar Maternal and Child Welfare Association
President Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe presented the first, second and third
prizes to ninth grader Ma Khaing Mala Nyunt of Kyimyindine BEHS-1,
eighth grader Maung Phyo Paing Thaw of South Okkalapa BEMS-1, ninth
grader Maung La Min Win of Lanmadaw BEHS-2 respectively in the higher
education level essay contest. Eighth grader Ma Hsu Mon Yee of Ahlone
BEMS-3 and ninth grader Ma Cherry Aung of Kamayut BEHS-2 won
consolation prizes.

Deputy Minister Dr Mya Oo presented the first, second and third prizes
to sixth grader Ma Thazin Thet Su Tin of Kyauktan (Myoma) BEMS,
seventh grader Ma Hnin Ei Ei Phwe of Kyauktan BEHS-1, seventh grader
Ma Thinza Lwin of Latha BEHS-2 respectively in the middle school level
poster contest. Sixth grader Maung Aung Kyaw Tun of Batahtaung BEHS-6
and seventh grader Maung Thiha Tin of Dagon BEHS-1 won consolation
prizes. Chairman Mr Najab Assifi presented the first, second and third
prizes to second grader Ma May Htoo Myat Mon of Kyauktan (Myoma) BEMS,
second grader Maung Htet Lin San of Kyauktan (East) BEPS and fourth
grader Ma Hsu Hnin Wai of Latha BEHS-2 respectively in the primary
school level painting contest. Fourth grader Maung Htet Naing Lin of
Dagon BEHS-1 and fourth grader Ma Shwe Yee Win Tun won consolation
prizes.

After the ceremony, those present viewed the educative booths
displaying HIV/ADIS prevention activities of Myanmar and international
organizations and prize-winning works of students at the lounge of the
IBC.
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11. Lt-Gen Ye Myint meets departmental officials, 
    social organizations in Mindat  

YANGON, 1 Dec-Member of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen
Ye Myint of the Ministry of Defence met with students of No1 Border
Areas and National Races Development Training School in the compound
of Taungpulu Pariyatti Patipatti Kyaungtaik in Mindat on 28 November
morning, and spoke words of encouragement to them.

Next, Lt-Gen Ye Myint and party paid homage to Presiding Sayadaw of
the Kyaungtaik Bhaddanta Panñasiri and presented offertories to him.

Next, Lt-Gen Ye Myint and party met with district and township level
departmental officials, members of social organizations, townselders
and others at No 1 Basic Education High School in Mindat.

At the meeting, Lt-Gen Ye Myint made a speech. He said that the
government has laid down the five rural development tasks and is
implementing them to ensure regional development and bring about
harmonious development across the nation.

Next, Lt-Gen Ye Myint handed over a set of computer, a set of TV, a
set of video and one generator donated by the Prime Minister for No1
BEHS and No 2 BEHS in Mindat.

Afterwards, Lt-Gen Ye Myint and party inspected learning of students
in the multimedia classrooms of No 1 BEHS.

On arrival at No 2 BEHS, Lt-Gen Ye Myint and party inspected skills
demonstration of students in the computer aided instruction room.

Next, Lt-Gen Ye Myint and party in the afternoon arrived at the local
battalion in Mindat where they met with officers and other ranks and
their families and gave instructions.

Next, Lt-Gen Ye Myint and party inspected farming undertakings of the
local battalion.
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12. Staff of FAD, students of universities 
    of culture honoured  

YANGON, 1 Dec -The staff of the Fine Arts Department and students of
the universities of culture were honoured this afternoon for their
achievements in the 11th Myanmar Traditional Cultural Performing Arts
Competitions.

Minister for Culture Maj-Gen Kyi Aung made an address at a ceremony to
honour the prize-winners held at Kambawza Theatre of the Fine Arts
Department on KabaAye Pagoda Road here.

Next, the minister, deputy minister, the directors-general and rectors
presented prizes to the staff and students who gained gold, silver and
bronze medals in the competitions.
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13. Thailand Exhibition 2003 to be held 
    in Yangon Trade Centre 

YANGON, 1 Dec - Under the economic cooperation promotion programme
between Myanmar and Thailand, with the permission of the Ministry of
Commerce of the Union of Myanmar, jointly-organized by the Office of
the Commercial Royal Thai Embassy in Yangon and the Department of
Export Promotion of Ministry of Commerce of Thailand, a press
conference on Thailand Exhibition 2003 to be held at Yangon Trade
Centre on upper Pazundaung Street, Mingalar Taungnyunt from 10 to 13
December was held at Mingalar hall of Dusit Inya Lake Hotel at 11 am
today.

Present were Managing Director of the News and Periodicals Enterprise
U Tin Kha, Director (News) U Hla Tun, Chief Editors of Dailies and
Myanma News Agency, Minister Mr Opas Chantarasap and
Minister-Counsellor Mr Matya-wongse Amatyakul of Royal Thai Embassy in
Yangon, Patron of Myanmar Foreign Correspondents Club U Hla Htwe,
Chairman U Sao Kai Hpa and members and guests.

Minister Mr Opas Chantarasap and Minister-Counsellor Mr Matya-wongse
Amatyakul of Royal Thai Embassy in Yangon explained that the Thailand
Trade Exhibition were held for seven times from December 1998 to May
2003 in Myanmar and the 8th Thailand Exhibition will be held on
December 10, 2003. Altogether 150 companies will display a wide range
of products and services in 180 booths, namely: auto parts &
accessories, chemical products, children products, construction
materials, hardware, cosmetics, electronic products, food products,
beverage, packaging, furniture, garments and textile, fashion
accessories, household products, kitchenware, leather products,
footwear, machine-tools and parts, pharmaceutical, sanitary products,
service trade and stationery products. Trade Day's entrance tickets
without charge can be taken out to be able to meet with Thai traders
and Myanmar businessmen on 10 and 11 December. The exhibition will be
kept open for general public on 12 and 13 December from 10 am to 6 pm
daily. Moreover, special events will include Thai Fresh Fruits & Fruit
carving Contest, Technology-Transfer presentation on Beauty & Health
and Thai famous Papaya-Salad Contest. Office of the Thai Commercial
Affairs in Yangon invited Myanmar Traders and entrepreneurs to hold
Myanmar Trade Exhibition in Thailand for which it will render all
possible help and assistance. Conditions of the exhibitions held in
Myanmar from 1998 to 2003, attitude of Thailand regarding the
exhibitions and trade matters were explained.

Next, Minister-Counsellor Mr Matyawongse Amatyakul replied to queries
raised by journalists.

The entrance tickets can be taken out at TTF (Yangon), Co. Ltd No 96,
Bogalazay Street, Botah-taung Township, Yangon, Ph-294006 or 296227 or
245137 or 245138 and Fax-245092.
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14. Minister inspects new fire engines 

YANGON, 1 Dec - Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement
Maj-Gen Sein Htwa, this afternoon inspected two fire engines renovated
by the engineers of the Fire Services Department for Tiddim Township
Fire Brigade and Salingyi Township Fire Brigade.

The director-general of the Fire Services Department and officials
reported on the fire engine to the minister.
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15. Final rites of Thamanya Sayadaw on 5 December 

YANGON, 1 Dec - A ceremony to carry the remains of Presiding Sayadaw
of Thamanya Hill Monastery in Hpa-an Township, Kayin State, Abhidaja
Aggamaha Saddhama Jotika Bhaddanta Vinaya, aged 93, vassa 73, with
white umbrella, will be held on 2 December (Tuesday) afternoon at the
monastery and the final rites of the Sayadaw will be held at 1 pm on 5
December (Friday).

On 5 December, the remains of the Sayadaw will be entombed on Thamanya
Hill.
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16. "Soon" offered to members of the Sangha 
    of State Pariyatti Sasana University  

YANGON, 1 Dec - Staff families of the Ministry for Progress of Border
Areas and National Races and Development Affairs yesterday morning
offered 'soon' to the Sayadaw and members of the Sangha of the State
Pariyatti Sasana University here.

Minister for PBANRD Col Thein Nyunt and wife, the deputy minister and
officials presented offertories to the Sayadaw and members of the
Sangha.

Next, an official presented K 200,000 donated by the ministry for
offering 'soon' through the director of the Department for Promotion
and Propagation of the Sasana U Myo Win. Afterwards, the staff
families offered soon to the monks.
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17. Maruman Golf Classic 9 December

YANGON, 1 Dec - The Myanmar PGA and Myanmar Golf Federation will
organize Maruman Golf Classic, the Fifth Leg of Myanmar Golf tour
2003, at Yangon Golf Club in Danyingon here from 9 to 12 December.

Only golfers with handicap 0 to 12 may take part in the professional
level contest. Those under 18 years of age are not allowed to enter
the contest.

Rothmans of Pall Mall Myanmar Co Ltd mainly sponsored the tour
together with Air Mandalay, Grand Slam (Munsing Wear), Loi-Hein
(Alpine), UPG, Canon, KM Golf Centre, Maruman and Wilson. Sun Far
Travels and Tour, Yangon Golf Club will present hole-in-one prizes.
Professional golfers and amateur golfers may enlist at Yangon Golf
Club, Danyingon, Ph- 635563, 635617, 703785 and 723221 by 7 December
afternoon.
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