( 1 ) Coordination meeting on development of Myanma gem industry held

Yangon, 3 June - A coordination meeting on development of Myanma gem industry was held at the meeting hall of the Ministry of Mines here this morning, attended by Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt.

The Secretary-1 said: the donation of the giant jade dyke weighing over 3,000 tons extracted from gem mining block No 109 Namhmaw village, Phakant township, Kachin State, by Pa-O National Peace Group of Special Region-6 was to be put on record at this meeting. Owing to systematic supervision and implementation of tasks in accord with the law by the committee, not only has income from sale of gems increased, but trading of gems has also become more convenient. Gems mining enterprises run on a mutually beneficial basis for the State and private companies are to be extended. Measures are to be taken in accord with the law to ensure development of Myan-ma gem industry, the exact levying of taxes for the State and development of the gem and jade markets in the country, he added.

Minister for Mines Brig-Gen Ohn Myint gave a preliminary report on an increase in the income realized from the sale of gems and development of the Myanma jade and gem market. Chairman of the Central Supervisory Committee for Gem Mining Deputy Minister for Mines U Myint Thein reported on condition of mining blocks and allotted blocks in the gem mining area and the mining of jade and gems on a mutually beneficial basis being carried out by the State and national entrepreneurs. Then, the meeting ended with closing remarks by the Secretary-1.

Secretary-1 addresses meeting of Myanmar Privatization Commission

Yangon, 3 June - The meeting No 2/2002 of the Myanmar Privatization Commission was held at Zeyathiri Beikman Hall, Konmyinttha here this afternoon, attended by Chairman of the Commission Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt.

Those present approved the minutes of the meeting No 1/2002 of the Commission. Then, Secretary of the Commission Director-General U Tin Hlaing of the Project Appraisal and Progress Reporting Department reported to the chairman on accomplishment of tasks being implemented according to the decisions of the meeting No 1/2002. Then the tasks were confirmed. Afterwards, the secretary of the Commission reported to the chairman on privatization matters. The members of the Commission took part in the discussions. The meeting ended with concluding remarks by the Secretary-1.

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( 2 ) Minister receives German Ambassador

Yangon, 3 June - Minister for Hotels and Tourism Maj-Gen Saw Lwin received Ambassador of Germany to Myanmar Dr Marius Haas, who had completed his tour of duty in Myanmar, at the ministry this morning.

( 3 ) Anyone who tries to harm the sovereignty of the State is the enemy of the State and the people
SURA led by opium-trafficking insurgent Ywet Sit, KNU insurgents and some destructive elements, with strongholds in Yodaya, are encroaching on the security of the state and disturbing stability, peace and tranquillity of border areas through various ways and means
SURA led by Ywet Sit and KNU, regarding the stepfather as their real father, are not only speaking disrespectfully of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Union of Myanmar but also launching attacks many times
The entire people loathe foreign insults and those of SURA led by opium-trafficking insurgent Ywet Sit
Shan State (South) holds mass rally to denounce SURA and KNU insurgents

Yangon, 3 June - A mass rally to denounce SURA and KNU insurgents, who are encroaching on security and peace in border areas, was held at Shan State Sports Grounds in Taunggyi, Shan State (South), yesterday morning.

Present on the occasion were departmental personnel of districts and townships in Taunggyi District and Shan State (South), members of Shan State (South), District and Township Union Solidarity and Development Associations, War Veterans Organization, Maternal and Child Welfare Association, Working Committee for Women's Affairs, Red Cross and Auxiliary Fire Brigades, local people of 20 wards in Taunggyi, rural people of 12 villages in Pantin Village-tract, Taunggyi Township and students totalling over 21,000.

First, Anawrahta Column marched to take positions in the sports grounds through Tetkhit Road in Taunggyi; Kyansittha Column marched to take positions in the sports grounds in front of Basic Education Middle School No 11 in Taunggyi; Bayintnaung Column in front of Kyauktaing Grounds; and Alaungphaya Column in front of Nurses and Midwifery Training School in Taunggyi and Hsinbyushin Column in front of the Maternal and Children's Hospital in Taunggyi.

U Sai Kyaw Htay of Shan national race presided over the mass rally together with members of the Panel of Chairmen U Khun Shwe Nge of Pa-O national race, U Win Oo of Bamar national race, U Win Kyi of Danu national race and U Myat Soe of Taungyoe national race. Daw Nang Wa Wa Htwe acted as master of ceremonies and Daw Khin Thanda Oo as co-master of ceremonies.

Master of ceremonies Daw Nang Wa Wa Htwe read out the agenda of the mass rally.

Then, those present at the rally saluted the Flag of the Union of Myanmar.

Next, meeting chairman U Sai Kyaw Htay of Shan national race gave a speech. He said:

I would like to extend my greetings to the national people who have come to the mass rally to denounce SURA and KNU terrorist insurgents who are attempting to encroach upon the security and peaceful condition of border areas, and wish you all good health in mind and body. We are here to condemn the opium-trafficking group and the terrorist group who, wearing the mask of the leading actor, are disturbing our border areas which are peaceful and developing.

I am Shan national Sai Kyaw Htay of Shan State (South).

Over the past ten years, concerted efforts have been made to ensure security, stability and peace and tranquillity in our Union of Myanmar. The entire national people are today endeavouring to maintain peace and tranquillity and to modernize and develop the nation.

Our Union of Myanmar is the largest nation in South-east Asia. The Union of Myanmar has an area of 261,228 square miles. In this wide nation, over one hundred national races such as the Kachin, the Kayah, the Kayin, the Chin, the Bamar, the Mon, the Rakhine and the Shan have been living through thick and thin.

In the course of the history of Myanmar which has existed for years countable by the thousand, all the national races within the territory of the Union have been living in a closely-knit community. In retrospect, as the saying goes "In times of emergency, blood inspires unity", all the national brethren have protected the sovereignty of the nation with Union Spirit against every danger posed from inside and outside the country. It is known to all.

During the reign of King Anawrahta in the Bagan Period, the first Myanmar Kingdom was established with the unity of all the national races.

In the Toungoo Period, the second Myanmar Kingdom, which was built by King Bayin Naung, stood tall as a strong nation in South-East Asia. At that time, the defence forces comprising all the national races of Myanmar was very strong.

In the Konbaung Period, the glory of the third Myanmar Kingdom, built by King Alaungmintaya, reached its peak during the reign of King Hsinbyushin. At that time, the defence force made up of all the national races was able to repel every invasion, and won every battle.

In 1885 during the 19th century, the British enslaved our Myanmar with three aggressive wars; but owing to the patriotism and Union Spirit of the national races, the nation regained independence on 4 January 1948.

The purpose of my relating to the history of Myanmar is to point out that all the Myanmar national races not only resorted to an armed revolution but also launched political activities in the anti-colonialist movement. Throughout the anti-colonialist movement, patriotism was more and more awakened in all the national races. They stood united for the independence struggle.

Once the colonialists resorted to various tactics and strategies in their bid to drive a wedge among the national races and to break up the national unity. However, our national races, bound by the national unity, strove together for the perpetual existence of the Union of Myanmar and independence.

After taking up the duty of State in 1988, the present government has worked for the national solidarity and peace and tranquillity in view of the past experiences.

The government has placed in the fore Our Three Main National Causes  non-disintegration of the Union, non-disintegration of national solidarity and perpetuation of sovereignty. In making effort for the materialization of Our Three Main National Causes, national solidarity and unity plays a crucial role. All of us need to understand that the achievement of national solidarity and unity leads to the materialization of Our Three Main National Causes.

With regard to national unity, Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Than Shwe said on the occasion of the Golden Jubilee of the Armed Forces Day, "As a matter of fact, armed groups in the jungle are the forces of the nation. If these forces of the nation are going against one another, it will be difficult to restore peace and tranquillity and to develop the nation. As fighting broke out as a result of disunity, the nation fell far behind other nations in development. If fighting continues, the nation will not develop, and things will go from bad to worse." The Senior General stressed the importance of national solidarity for the nation.

The government has striven to make peace with armed groups in the jungle out of pure goodwill.

Efforts were exerted to make peace on the basis of Our Three Main National Causes. Altogether 17 armed groups, realizing the genuine attitude of the government, returned to the legal fold. It is a significant political achievement.

Stability and peace and tranquillity are now prevailing in the Union of Myanmar. As the leaders of national groups who made peace, have come to work together with the government, the latter has managed to undertake national and rural development tasks in urban and rural areas as well as in border areas. The objective condition bears witness to this fact. The government has systematically worked for the development of border areas and national races, which is the backbone of the perpetual prevalence of peace and tranquillity.

Moreover, to improve the socio-economic life of local national people, the government has built transport infrastructures concerning roads, bridges, energy and communication, social infrastructures related to education, health and public relations and economic infrastructures pertaining to agriculture and livestock breeding.

To promote the development of border areas and national races, the government has constituted the Central Committee for Progress of Border Areas and National Races, the Work Committee and the Sub-committee. The Ministry for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs has been set up.

In working for the development of border areas and national races, the government has spent over K 24 billion since 1989. Moreover, over K 12 billion has been spent on improvement of transport in border areas. This shows that the government has made a lot of investment for border areas and national races.

As the government has worked day and night to the best of its ability, construction of economic infrastructures is gaining momentum.

In implementing four political, four economic, four social objectives, the government is working hard for the development of the State and at the same time keeping a lookout for the danger from inside and outside the nation.

As stability and peace and tranquillity has already prevailed in the nation, the government has built economic infrastructures to strengthen the national economy. Up to now, Myanmar is an agro-based country, and agriculture is a fundamental sector in the production sector of the State. Therefore, the government has stepped up its efforts for water supply to increase the number of irrigated areas.

To supply water for agriculture, the government has built altogether 134 dams including Baingda Dam in DaikU Township, Bago Division, after 1988. They irrigate 1,967,619 acres of land.

Now there are over 39 million acres of land on which crops have been grown, and cultivation of crops has increased by 155%.

After assuming the duty of State in 1988, the Tatmadaw government has spent over US $ 398 million and over K 36,005 million on construction of railroads, motor roads and bridges, and US $ 336 million and K 9,364 million on motor roads and bridges.

To strengthen the national economy, the government has implemented plans by enlisting the participation of the people. Therefore, significant success has been achieved.

At a time when the government is building a new, peaceful, modern and developed nation, SURA led by opium-trafficking insurgent Ywet Sit, KNU insurgents and some destructive elements, taking strongholds in Yodaya, are encroaching on the security of the state and the stability and peace and tranquillity of border areas through various ways and means.

SURA led by Ywet Sit and KNU, regarding the stepfather as their genuine father, are not only speaking disrespectfully of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Union of Myanmar but also launching attacks many times.

SURA opium-trafficking insurgent Ywet Sit and his confederates, a group of Yodayas, fired at the Myanma Tatmadaw outposts, Tatmadaw columns, towns and villages and vehicles. They launched attacks. They planted mines. They murdered people and looted things. Yodaya is having a hand in this matter like the jungle cat which is filled with glee while the jungle is on fire.

Therefore, the entire people loathe SURA led by opium-trafficking insurgent Ywet Sit and outsiders who are insulting the nation.

In conclusion, I would like to say that despite internal and external disturbances, the government is building a new, peaceful, modern and developed nation. It is working for the development of the nation and seeing to it that the new generation youths are free from troubles and miseries. So I would like to urge all the national brethren to denounce courageously whoever encroaches on the sovereignty of the nation, whoever makes an attempt to break up national unity, any organization attempting to disturb the security and stability of the State, and any nation putting pressure on the nation.

I am a Nang Than Than Soe, Shan national of Shan state (South). I will table the motion to denounce SURA and KNU insurgents who are encroaching on security and peace in border areas.

All national people,

Anyone who try to harm the sovereignty of the State is the enemy of the State and the people. We gather here to ward off those who try to harm the sovereignty. Recently, SURA drug trafficking terrorists and KNU terrorists disturbed the border areas of the motherland through various means. It means that they have harmed the sovereignty, security and peace and it also means that they have disrupted border areas development tasks being undertaken by the State.

The chairman of the meeting explained the government's efforts for national development tasks as well as development tasks for national races during the decade after 1988. According to the speech of the chairman, urban and rural regions including border areas in the Union of Myanmar developed equitably and proportionately after the Tatmadaw government had taken up duties of the State.

The government and national race leaders in harmony made efforts for development. They did so with strong determination. It is obviously seen that all national races living in Myanmar can now enjoy fruits of success.

The government has been making efforts for equal development in states and divisions after designating 24 development regions. The government designated Taunggyi, Panglong, Lashio and Kengtung regions in Shan State as four development regions.

In implementing the development tasks in all regions, the government is also undertaking national development tasks and other development programmes including opening of university, degree college, government technological college and government computer college in designated development regions in states and divisions.

Today, the government has promoted economic and social powers for economic infrastructure to be able to achieve national development.

Therefore, the government laid down the 12 political, economic and social objectives. Strong infrastructures are needed to establish political, economic and social systems.

After the Tatmadaw government had taken up duties of the State in 1988, regional stability was restored. The government has been establishing economic infrastructures and other infrastructure development such as construction of roads, railroads, bridges, port development, construction and renovation of airports with added momentum.

The government built Shwenyaung-Yaksauk, Aungban-Loikaw, Namhsam-Mongnai, Shwenyaung-Taunggyi-Seikkhaung Railroad and Namhsam Airport for transport in . Seikkhaung-Namhsam-Mongnai Railroad is being built. Especially, it also built the Mongpang-Tarhsan Bridge across Thanlwin River. Therefore people in the region can now go to Taunggyi and various parts of the country.

In honour of Panglong region which is the land of victory of the Union, Panglong university, Panglong technological college and Panglong computer college were built according to the guidance of Head of State Senior General Than Shwe. Moreover, hospitals in Panglong and Loilem were upgraded.

Esteemed Chairman,

Although the government has goodwill toward national races, SURA drug trafficking terrorist group and KNU terrorist are making schemes with ill intention. The entire people detest them for their rude behaviours.

On 11 February 2001, from the side of Yodaya, SURA drug trafficking insurgents and his group launched surprise attack on Myanmar Tatmadaw camps on "O" hill near Tachilek. They fired shells of heavy weapons into Tachilek. As a result, ten shells fell and exploded in Tarlot Ward and Tarlot Market, destroying seven houses, one monastery, three shops and three vehicles. This is the rude act of SURA toward our country.

Esteemed Chairman,

As a saying goes " the slave behaves imprudently for ingratiation the master", SURA drug trafficking insurgents attacked Lwetawkhan camp in border area on 21 February and Parchee camp near Pungpahkyem camp in Mongtong Township on 21 April 2001.

In order to discredit the dignity of Myanma Tatmadaw, SURA drug trafficking insurgents and follower group in collaboration with some media stations announced that they had seized 200,000 stimulant tablets from Myanmar Tatmadaw camp.

True event about the made-up story came to light when company commander Kwankham, platoon commander Aik Maung and private Aik Pi of the group returned to the legal fold.

SURA drug trafficking insurgents gradually showed their true colour. About 200 SURA drug trafficking insurgents with the help of Yodaya attacked Lwetawkhan camp at Myanmar border on 21 February 2001, and about 200 SURA insurgents the Tatmadaw camp in border post BP-1 Pungpahkyem in Mongton Township on 21 April 2001. About 80 SURA terrorists also fired at Maikyoke camp, new Maikyoke camp and Maikyoke Village with heavy weapons on 8 February 2002. Altogether 28 houses, one vehicle and two motorcycles were burnt and destroyed. They took away two cars and two motorcycles. In the battle of Maikyoke camp five Tatmadawmen, three people's militiamen and nine villagers were killed and public properties were lost.

KNU terrorists has committed destructive acts for over 50 years and harmed Myanmar internal affairs and security of the border region. Yodaya has bred the armed terrorists to weaken Myanmar and to cause disintegration of the Union of Myanmar.

All national people,

I would like to say earnestly that Yodaya has bred some traitors of our country, armed and provided them with food & shelter and recruited new members for them. The entire Myanmar people know these facts.

These acts create conflicts and bloodshed among the Myanmar citizens. The entire Myanmar people know that the acts lead to instability of the State and undermining the national development.

On 6 May 2002 KNU terrorist group relying on external elements entered the place between Bilin and Thaton and destroyed Yangon-Myainggalay gas pipe line near Kazaing Bridge between mile posts 130/3 and 130/4 on Yangon-Mottama Road by planting mines. At 4.20 am on 15 May 2002, about 100 terrorists from KNU and ABSDF attacked Minletpan Village in Myawady Township.

The acts of SURA drug-trafficking insurgents and KNU caused harm to regional security and peace. Esteemed Chairman, The destructive acts of SURA and KNU terrorists caused harm to regional security and peace. Properties of the people in border areas were lost. Esteemed Chairman and all national races, SURA drug-trafficking insurgents and KNU are bad enough to harm regional security and peace.

On 20 May 2002, the drug-trafficking insurgents with the tanks and heavy weapons from Yodaya brazenly opened fire on Panmongsun, Nyaungbin-gon, Pangangaw and Yan-paingsun outposts.

On behalf of the national brethren in Myanmar, I would like to table the motion to denounce SURA drug trafficking insurgents and KNU insurgent destructionists who are encroaching on security and peace along the border in line with the People's Desire:

- Oppose those relying on external elements, acting as stooges, holding negative views,
- Oppose those trying to jeopardize stability of the State and progress of the nation;
- Oppose foreign nations interfering in internal affairs of the State;
- Crush all internal and external destructive elements as common enemy.

Afterwards, Pa-O national Khun Aung Tun of Shan State (South) seconded the motion that all regional people denounce SURA and KNU insurgents who are encroaching border area security and peace tabled by Shan national Daw Nang Than Than Soe. He said: The government is building the nation upholding Our Three Main National Causes  Non-disintegration of the Union; Non-disintegration of the National Solidarity; and Perpetuation of Sovereignty.

Mutual love and respect, sympathy and understanding, trust and reliance and assistance have been firmly established among the national brethren at present. Thus, we are now enjoying the fruits of national peace and development. During a decade, the government implemented plans for development of border areas and national races with added momentum. As a result, border areas where national brethren live have developed and local people are now enjoying the fruits of socio-economic development of the region.

Since 1988, the government has assumed the responsibilities of the State. In the education sector, 366 basic education primary schools, 48 basic education middle schools, 19 basic education high schools have been opened in border areas under the arrangement of the Ministry of Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs. A total of 586 BEPSs, 59 BEMSs, 39 BEHSs have been opened in border areas under the arrangement of the Ministry of Education. The total number of the schools opened is 1,117. Altogether 35,154 BEPSs, 3,109 BEMSs, 1,712 BEHSs have been opened all over the country. In the higher education sector, a total of 150 institutions of higher learning have been opened in the nation including 62 universities, degree colleges and colleges under the Ministry of Education.

In the health sector, 46 hospitals, one station health care centre, 74 dispensaries, 18 rural health care centres and 30 branches of rural health care centres have been opened in border areas.

The government has made equitable efforts in agriculture, livestock breeding sector, electric power sector and communication sectors, etc. In transport sector, union highways have emerged as the outcome of farsighted endeavours of the government. As a result, transport has become easy and smooth in the entire Union. Increase in the relationship among the national people has led to further strengthening the Union Spirit. Encroaching of State security and peace by opium trafficking insurgents and KNU insurgents is a loathsome act for all the people at a time when the government is building a peaceful modern developed nation.

The rally chairman and the person who tabled the motion have already clarified the attempts of SURA and KNU insurgents to encroach on State sovereignty and stability.

SURA and KNU groups are opium trafficking insurgents under the guise of racism and politics. They are harming State sovereignty with reliance on Yodaya. Setting up strongholds in Yodaya territory, they are attempting to destroy security and peace of border areas. The SURA drug-traffickers and KNU terrorists are not only launching attacks on the Tatmadaw outposts, but also accusing Myanmars working in Yodaya territory as spies; and the Yodaya army tortured and murdered them. It is impossible make an assessment on the number of Myanmars who were tortured inhumanely and murdered along the border.

I would like to stress that we the national people oppose and denounce

- anyone who encroaches on the sovereignty,
- all activities of the destructive insurgents,
- all traitorous insurgent destructionists and all those who are supporting them,
- those who are harming the State from outside the framework of law and those who are stealthily or
   blatantly conspiring with them
- any attempts to hinder the developments by defaming the State with pessimism I will put it bluntly.
* Down with SURA and KNU drug trafficking insurgents
* Down with external elements that interfere internal affairs of Myanmar keeping
   destructionists.

The following are our desire. Those who are imbued with Nationalist Spirit and Union Spirit are desirous of seeing security and peace and continuous development in border areas, in border areas. Let's maintain and safeguard security and peace and progress. We must daringly crush those who are harming the sovereignty along the border area and wipe out all destructive activities of insurgents. Opium trafficking SURA and KNU insurgents at the border area will be crushed with the strength of the people.

Later, the rally chairman declared approval of the motion by the rally. The ceremony ended with chanting of "Non-disintegration of the Union — Our Cause, Our Cause"; "Non-disintegration of the National Solidarity — Our Cause, Our Cause"; "Perpetuation of Sovereignty — Our Cause, Our Cause".

( 4 ) Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than attends opening ceremonies of Nyaungkhashay-Myitkyo-DaikU road sections

Yangon, 3 June - Member of the State Peace and Development Council Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than of the Ministry of Defence, accompanied by officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office and departmental officials, attended the opening ceremony of Nyaungkhashay-Myitkyo-DaikU earth road in DaikU and Waw Townships on 2 June and inspected Zwebat Sluice Gate Construction Project.

At 6.30 am, Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than and party left here by car and arrived near Wanbawdat Bridge at the entrance to Bago Division where they were welcomed by Chairman of Bago Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Southern Command Brig-Gen Aung Min, No 77 LID Commander Col Than Htay and officials. Then, they attended the opening ceremony of DaikU section of Nyaungkhashay-Myitkyo-DaikU earth road at the entrance to DaikU. Also present were Chairman of Bago District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Myo Tint, departmental officials, members of the Union Solidarity and Development Association, Maternal and Child Welfare Association, the Working Committee for Women's Affairs, Red Cross and Auxiliary Fire Brigades, the band and pom-pom troupes, students and local people totalling over 5,000. The officials formally put the road into service.

Next, Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than, the commander and party inspected DaikU section Nyaung-khashay-Myitkyo-DaikU earth road. Afterwards, Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than gave a speech. On behalf of the local people, DaikU Township USDA U Min Aung spoke words of thanks. Then, they attended the opening ceremony of Waw section of Nyaungkhashay-Myitkyo-DaikU earth road at the mile post 81/4 in Abyar Hngetchaywin village-tract in Waw Township. The officials formally opened the road. Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than, the commander and officials released pigeons in commemoration of the road opening ceremony. Then, Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than delivered an address. On behalf of the local people, Waw Township USDA Secretary U Cho Oo spoke words of thanks.

Afterwards, District Chairman Lt-Col Myo Tint presented commemorative pennants to Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than, Commander Brig-Gen Aung Min and No 77 LID Commander Col Than Htay. Next, Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than, the commander and guests inspected Waw section by car. Also present on the occasion were local authorities, members of USDA, MCWA, Red Cross and Auxiliary Fire Brigade members, the dance troupe and local people totalling over 5,000. Speaking at the opening ceremonies, Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than said that the Government is endeavouring for emergence of a peaceful, modern and developed nation which is designated as the State's goal.

Under the guidance of Head of State Senior General Than Shwe, the plans were laid down and are being implemented to equitably develop the regions all over the country. Development projects are being undertaken in 24 development regions as well as five rural development tasks are also being carried out. Nyaungkhashay-Myitkyo-DaikU earth road was constructed with a view to contributing towards the five rural development tasks. The road, 21 miles and two furlongs, links Mandalay and Mawlamyine by the short-cut road. The road is 24 miles shorter than the 45 miles and two furlongs long Sittoung-Phayagyi-DaikU road. This region is Pyundaza plain region.

Ye Nwe Creek, Baingda Creek and Kawliya Creek which originate from Bago Yoma violently flow into the sea through Sittoung River. The Pyundaza plain was flooded and farmlands were damaged whenever Sittoung River overflowed. Local authorities carried out digging of silted creeks and canals and constructed embankments. The new earth road has 20 feet wide and 6 feet deep drainages on both sides. Therefore, the road and the drainages will benefit four village-tracts, 18 villages, 4,947 households and 28,557 persons in DaikU Township and five village-tracts, 19 villages, 3,704 households and 24,171 persons in Waw Township. In addition, agricultural tasks would be carried out in 12,537 acres of land out of 61,156 acres of wetland in DaikU Township and Waw Township in Pyundaza plain. Efforts are to be made for turning the remaining wetland into cultivable land.

In conclusion, he said the road will contribute towards development of economic, health, education, social matters of the local people due to better transportation from Mandalay to Mawlamyine and southern part of the country and ensuring smooth transportation of commodities. He urged the local people and officials to maintain and safeguard the road for its durability. Nyaungkhashay-Myitkyo-DaikU earth road has 21 miles and two furlongs long axis road from DaikU to Nyaungkhashay, 30 feet wide earth road and it is six feet high. The straight road has 20 feet wide and six feet deep drainages on both side. As the road is an important part of Mawlamyine-Mandalay Union Highway, arrangements are being made for upgrading the road to the gravel road and then tarred road step by step.

Then, Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than and party inspected Zwebat Sluice Gate Project at mile post 8/6, east of Moeyungyi Lake near Pyunchaung village and Kywetesu village in Waw Township at noon. Deputy Director U Aye Myint of Construction-6 of Irrigation Department reported on tasks of the sluice gate project. District Chairman Lt-Col Myo Tint, Commander Brig-Gen Aung Min and Director U Kyaw Tun of Irrigation Department gave supplementary reports. Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than gave necessary instructions. They then inspected the project site of the sluice gate. Zwebat Sluice Gate is being built near Zwebat Creek at mile post 8/6, east of Moeyungyi Lake, with the aim of taking out water from the Lake in the rainy season and supplying water to summer paddy fields.

It is 12-foot-wide 25 concrete weirs. The sluice gate has a 500 feet long feeder canal and a 2,500 feet long extraction canal. The sluice gate will benefit 25,000 acres of land. Then, Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than and party left the project site for Yangon.

Maj-Gen Maung Bo tours Kayin State

Yangon, 3 June - Member of the State Peace and Development Council Maj-Gen Maung Bo of the Ministry of Defence, Deputy Commander of South-East Command Brig-Gen Myo Hla and Chairman of Kayin State Peace and Development Council Col Maung Shein inspected construction of new building for Kawtkada Village Basic Education Primary School in Hpa-an Township, Kayin State on 31 May.

The new building was built with the contribution of K 17.5 million by the people and K 2 million by the Ministry of Education. Maj-Gen Maung Bo gave instructions on cooperation of teachers, school trustees and people for uplift of education. Maj-Gen Maung Bo met departmental officials at Kawkareik District Peace and Development Council Office. He urged them to make efforts for exceeding the targets set and to cooperate with local people and social associations for regional development. Later Maj-Gen Maung Bo inspected Thitseik nurseries.

Altogether 305,300 Thitseik trees will be cultivated on 6,106 acres of lands in monsoon season. Next, Maj-Gen Maung Bo attended the opening ceremony of multimedia teaching centre at BEHS-1 in Kawkareik. He unveiled the signboard of the centre. Girl students presented gifts to him. The headmaster reported to him on the centre. Maj-Gen Maung Bo presented exercise books and pencils for schoolchildren to the Headmasters. Chairman of Kawkareik District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Ko Ko Gyi presented K 40 million, member of School Board of Trustees U Win Myat-Daw Than Than Aye K 50,000 and Dr Win Myint a VCD player worth K 43,800 to Chairman of School Board of Trustees U Yin Hoke and officials. Maj-Gen Maung Bo spoke at length on the government's endeavours for development, emphasis on uplift of education promotion programme and efforts for opening of more multimedia teaching centres in the district. Maj-Gen Maung Bo had souvenir photo taken together with teachers, students and members of the School Board of Trustees.

Maj-Gen Maung Bo inspected construction of Pwintlin Nyinyar Bridge. The reinforced concrete bridge, 144 feet long and 24 feet wide, is being built at a cost of K 300 million and it can withstand 30 tons of load. On completion of the bridge, local people from nearby villages can go to Kawkareik and vehicles can directly go from Kawkareik to eastern part of Kayin State. Maj-Gen Maung Bo gave instructions on regional development, peace and tranquillity, agriculture and livestock breeding and implementation of education and health tasks in meeting with departmental officials at Kayin State Peace and Development Council Office in Hpa-an.

( 5 )  National Convention Convening Commission meets

YANGON, 3 June - The meeting of National Convention Convening Commission was held at the meeting hall of NCCC at 2 pm today, attended by NCCC Chairman Maj-Gen Saw Lwin and members.

Chairman Maj-Gen Saw Lwin presided over the meeting. The secretary of NCCC, the work committee and the management committee discussed matters related to NCCC. Then, members of NCCC took part the discussions. Regarding the matters reported, Chairman Maj-Gen Saw Lwin attended to the needs and made a concluding speech. The meeting then came to a close.

Diploma in Buddha Dhamma presented to trainees

Yangon, 3 June - The presentation of Diploma in Buddha Dhamma for 2001-2002 academic year and the fresher welcome took place at the International Theravada Buddhist Missionary University here this morning.

Present were Vice-Chancellor Sayadaw Bhaddanta Kumara, Pro-rector Sayadaw Bhaddanta Kumarabhivamsa, Minister for Religious Affairs U Aung Khin, Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement Maj-Gen Sein Htwa, Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Thura Aung Ko, ambassadors and trainees. The Pro-rector Sayadaw presented certificates to successful candidates of the diploma examination. The diploma holders recited Theravada Buddhist missionary oaths. A total of 44 trainee monks, nuns and lay persons passed the examination. Altogether 72 new trainees are attending the course for 2002-2003.

Basic Diplomatic Skill Course opens

Yangon, 3 June - The opening ceremony of Basic Diplomatic Skill Course (6/2002) organized by Ministry of Foreign Affairs was held at Wunzin Minyaza Hall of Ministry of Foreign Affairs with an address by U Win Aung, Minister for Foreign Affairs this morning. Various subjects including protocol, international conferencing, international etiquette, international correspondence, international law and negotiation techniques are being lectured in the twelve-week course. A total of 156 trainees are attending the course.

( 6 ) Commander attends first four-monthly coord meeting

Yangon, 3 June - The first four-monthly coordination meeting for 2002 of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council was held in conjunction with a ceremony to assign duty concerning 2002-2003 plans and monsoon paddy cultivation at the meeting hall of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council this morning with an address by Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Myint Swe.

First, Maj-Gen Myint Swe made an address on the tasks carried out in the first four months in 2002 and the tasks to be undertaken in the second four months in 2002. U San Maung, Yangon Division Manager of Myanma Agriculture Service, reported on monsoon paddy cultivation in Yangon Division in 2002-2003. Then, Division Manager of Myanma Agricultural Produce Trading U Maung Maung Tin reported on the purchase of monsoon paddy. Next, Head of Yangon Division Planning Department U Shwe reported on the implementation of plans in 2001-2002 and matters concerning implementation of the plans in 2002-2003.

Yangon Division Police Commander Police Col Aung Dai and Head of Yangon Division Settlement and Land Records Department U Naing Win reported on progress of work and future tasks. The commander assigned duty concerning plans for 2002-2003 and monsoon paddy cultivation to the chairmen of Yangon East/West/South/North District Peace and Development Councils. The meeting came to a close in the afternoon.