Lt-Gen Myint Swe attends coord meeting of Management Committee for Yangon Division Industrial Zones

YANGON, 29 Jan —The coordination meeting of Management Committee for Industrial Zones in Yangon Division was held at the meeting hall of Yangon Command Headquarters in Konmyinttha here this afternoon with an address by Lt-Gen Myint Swe of the Ministry of Defence. Lt-Gen Myint Swe attends coord meeting of Management Committee for Yangon Division Industrial Zones Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Brig-Gen Win Myint, the secretary of Yangon Division PDC, departmental officials and responsible personsof industrial zones presented reports on progress of works at the meeting. After hearing reports on works being carried out and requirements presented by the chairmen of managementcommittees, responsible persons and entrepreneurs, Lt-Gen Myint Swe, the commander and officials attended to the needs. The meeting came to an end with concluding remarks by Lt-Gen Myint Swe.—MNA

H&T Minister receives Japanese Ambassador

Minister Maj-Gen Soe Naing meets Japanese
Ambassador Mr Yasuaki Nogawa to
Myanmar.—MNA

NAY PYI TAW, 29 Jan—Minister for Hotels and Tourism Maj-Gen Soe Naing received Japanese
Ambassador Mr Yasuaki Nogawa at his office yesterday morning. They discussed cooperation in tourism industry between Myanmar and Japan.MNA

NAY PYI TAW, 30Jan—The Government of the Union of Myanmar has agreed to the appointment of Mr. David Lipman as Ambassador-Head of Delegation of the Commission of the European Communities to the Union of Myanmar. Mr. David Lipman was born in London on 19 May 1949. He received a Degree of Laws (LLB) from the London University and
Master of Arts (MA) in International Relations from Boston University. He joined as an official at the Home Office in 1970 and served at the Immigration Service till 1973. From 1973 to 1976 he served as an assistant Desk Officer for Turkey, Yugoslavia and Greece at Directorate General for External Relations of the European Commission and from 1976 to 1980 he was a member of Delegation of the Commission for the Greek Accession Negotiations. From 1980 to 1981 he served as the Desk Officer for Greece and from 1981 to 1985 he served as the Desk Officer for Cyprus and Malta. From 1985 to 1995 he worked as the Assistant to the Director-General for Relations with countries of Asia, Latin America and the Mediterranean. He also served as Head of the Unit of the Management of Human and Financial Resources of the Secretariat General. Since 2004 to date, he has been serving as Director for Resources of the Directorate General for External Relations. H.E. Mr. David Lipman will be concurrently accredited to the Union of Myanmar with residence in Bangkok,Thailand.
MNA

NAY PYI TAW, 28 Jan—Prime Minister General Thein Sein accompanied by Lt-Gen Khin Zaw of the Ministry of Defence, Chairman of Rakhine State Peace and Development Council
Commander of Western Command Maj-Gen Thaung Aye, ministers, deputy ministers, the director- general of the Government Office and departmental heads, touredState from 25 to 28 January and met with departmental officials, members of social organizations and local people and attended to the needs. On 25 January, the Prime Minister and partyleft Sittway for Pauktaw Township. The Prime Minister and party were welcomed by Chairman of Township PDC U Aung Aung and officials. Better Efficiency At Pauktaw Basic Education High School,the headmistress and teachers and instructed them to teach the pupils and always try hard to study their subjects for gaining better efficiency, to train the studentsand to turn out the students to become outstanding ones endowed with good moral and Union Spirit. Afterwards, the Prime Minister cordially greeted the local people. At the hall of Pauktaw Township General Administration Department,the Prime Minister met with township level officials, members of social organizations and local people. Chairman of the Township PDC U Aung Aung reported on progress of the region.the Prime Minister presented books and medicines to Head of Township Information and Public Relations Department Daw San San Aung and Township Medical Officer Dr Maung Maung Win. In Myebon Township,Chairman of Township PDC U Thet Naing and officials. At the Township GAD Office, the Prime Minister met departmental officials, social organization members and townselders.
they were welcomed by After giving an address, to abide by the school disciplines and rules and regulations the Prime Minister met wnships in Rakhine

IBTC Open Golf Championship concludes

YANGON, 28 Jan— The third round of IBTC Open Golf Championship of Myanmar Golf Tour
2008-2009, mainly organized by Myanmar Golf Federation and Myanmar P.G.A and sponsored by International Beverages Trading Co., Ltd, was held at Ayetharyar golf resort in Taunggyi, Shan State (south), yesterday. In professionalwith 216 strokes, Min Naing (Srixon) second with 220 strokes, Soe Kyaw Naing (Srixon) third with 221 strokes, Thein ZawMyint (KM Golf Centre) and Kyaw Thiha (KM Golf Centre) fourth with 226 strokes each and Yin Htway (KM Golf Centre) fifth with 227 strokes. In men’s amateur golfers event, Bo Bo stood
first with 227 strokes, Nay Bala Win Myint second with 229 strokes, Kyawand Zaw Thet Htway fourth with 232 strokes. With the aim of turning out professional golfers, main sponsor is International Beverages Trading Co.,Ltd and cosponsors are KBZ Bank Ltd., Air Bagan Ltd, Hotel Yangon, Ruby Dragon (Jade & Gems) Co., Ltd, Srixon, MGW Construction Ltd, Myanmar Red Star International Co Ltd, KM Golf Centre, ACCEL International Co Ltd,Canon, Alpine Purified Drinking Water, MY Associates Co Ltd (Patronas), Tiger Head cement, Life Line Co Ltd (DHEA plus) and Eden Group Co Ltd.—MNA

Minister inspects reclamation of plots of land in Labutta

Minister Col Thein Nyunt inspects land reclamation in Labutta.—PBANRDA

YANGON, 28 Jan—Minister for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs Col Thein Nyunt attended a ceremony to open Ayeyawady jetty in Labutta township to mark the 62nd Anniversary Union Day on 26 January. The jetty is 108 feet long, 12 feet wide and 10 feet high and it was built by Labutta Township Development Affairs Committee during 2008-2009 financial year with the funds of Development Affairs Department. Next, the minister met with officials of the companies, members of district and township social organizations and townselders at Shwenadi Hall inLabutta. In his meeting, the minister said plans are under way to upgrade Labutta into a model districtand 66 KV power lines will be installed in the township. A total of 4548 rural houses are under construction in Labutta and an 85 percent of the whole project has been covered. In addition, seven Cyclone Shelters are being built by companies.Upon arrival at Land Reclamation Site (3rd mile camp) being implemented by the Development Affairs Department, the minister and party inspected progress in earth works and then gave instructions on measures to be taken for digging up 100 acres of land to use it as the dam. Next, they looked into progress in building the 200-bed hospital and houses with the use of heavy machinery. Plots of land will be reclaimed. Roads will be built and power and drinking water will be supplied. Plots of land will be sold at reasonable price. Plots of land will be reclaimed to build cold storage. 66 KV power lines will be installed. Labutta will be upgraded into a model district with favourable conditions for social and economic affairs.
MNA

Book stall with point of sale system opens

YANGON, 27 Jan—A new book stall of Nagar Book Centre, with point of sale system was opened at the stall at No 187, 29th street and 83rd X 84th street in Mandalay on 24 January.
A number of books and reference books are available at the book stall. Books are labeled prices. U Tun Shwe and Daw Khin Mar Oo are running Nagar Publishing House. For further information, please dial (Tel-02-35267 and 02-39869) (Mandalay) and (Te-01-708020 and 09-5102042 and 09-8033501) (Yangon).—MNA

It is very important for national people

The Tatmadaw government gave special attention to the development of Rakhine State although the successive governments were not able to carry out the development tasks effectively, he said. Construction of Yangon-Sittway Road started in 1996 and completed
in February 2000. The project was carried out for ensuring better transport between Rakhine State and other regions. The previous successive governments never dreamt of implementing
such project.Despite marshes and a lot of rivers, creeks and mountains, the government
had to construct the road with much difficulty spending a large sum of money. On the 27 road
bridges which are 180 feet and above long and 1,067 bridges which are under 180 feet were built, he added. Moreover, Yangon-Kyaukphyu Road was built braving various difficulties with the use of geo-textile for linking the south and north of Rakhine State and cilities as Rakhine State gets a lot of rain. However, the government will upgrade the roads to allweatherones, he said. The Prime Minister expressed his delight saying that railroads will be supply of electricity, he said. He continued to say that plans are under way to constructT h a h t a y c h a u n g
hydropower plant in southern Rakhine State, which, on completion, will be able to generate
ously, it was not possible to construct a hydropower plant due to scarcity of water in summer.
A hydropower plant will soon be built and operated by storing rainwater
and water from the Sai Tin Creek into a supporting lake, and on completion it will be able to
produce 236 million kilowatt hours a year. The generated electricity will be provided to Sittway,
Buthidaung, Maungtaw, Kyauktaw, MraukU and Minbya. The minister for Electric Power (1) is a
member of his entourage, and the project will be launched soon, he said. Now, the whole world is facing natural disasters such as strong natural disaster preparednesswork in 14 storm-hit
townships: seven each in Ayeyawady and Yangon Divisions. The work showed great success in a
short time due to the hard work the government, the people and the Tatmadaw had exerted in collaboration. Rakhine State has a coastline stretching 360 miles along the Bay of Bengal, so it can face astorm at any time. Accordingly, preparedness work is to be done through projects ahead of the rainy season to avert such painful experiences faced by Yangon and Ayeyawady Divisions in the storm ‘Nargis’. Requirements for development of Rakhine State are advanced communications, smooth transport and sufficient supply of electricity. Now, the whole world is facing natural disasters such as strong earthquakes, huge tidal waves triggered by tsunamis, and strong winds due to climate changes. Ayeyawady and Yangon Divisions. On the road, 16 bridges which are 180 feet and above long and 879 bridges which are under 180 feet were built at a cost of huge sum of money. Despite difficulties, the Tatmadaw government implemented these
projects to have cordial relations among the national races and to make progress in the region, he
said.He said there are some damages to the fabuilt from Sittway- Ponnagyun,Kyauktaw,MraukU and Minbya to An in Rakhine State soon and then it leads to the railroads in the west bank of Ayeyawady River.

NAY PYI TAW, 27 Jan – Col Thein Nyunt, Minister for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs, attended the opening ceremony of Basic Vocational Training Special Course No. 1 yesterday. Conducted by the Education and Training Department under the Ministry, the course was opened at Maw Ayeya Hall in Mawlamyinegyun yesterday morning. On the occasion, the minister gave a speech on the object of opening the course, curriculums, providing of teaching-aids and accommodation and food. He accepted K 10 million donated by Siri Suddhama Manijotadara U Maung Hla and wife Suddhama Theingi Daw Shwe Sein and family for offering gold foils to Nay Pyi Taw Uppatasanti Pagoda before he viewed teaching and learning process of the course. A total of 60 trainees are taking the 12-week course. Then, Minister Col Thein Nyunt attended the ceremony to open new Bo Ottama Road in the town built by the township development committee in 2008-09. The minister inspected the 1780 feet long and 12feet wide marble road, which was opened as a gesture of hailing the 62nd Union Day. Next, after attending the opening ceremony of a
similar course at Labutta, he inspected the learning of trainees. A total of 60 trainees from storm-stricken regions are taking the 12-week course. According to the guidance given by the Head of State on his tour of storm-hit regions in Ayeyawady Division on 27-30 December, 2008, a plan is underway to open 12-week basic vocational training courses conducted by
Education and Training Department of the Ministry of PBANRDA in Pyapon, Bogale, Mawlamyinegyun and Labutta Townships. Next, the minister attended the opening of new
Sein Yatu, Phaya, Awba, Myotpat and Lanmadaw tarred roads in Labutta Township as a gesture of hailing the 62nd anniersary Union Day. – MNA

It is very important for national people to forge Union Spirit wherever they live Prime Minister General Thein Sein facilitates Rakhine State developm

NAY PYI TAW, 27 Jan –Prime Minister GeneralThein Sein, accompaniedby Lt-Gen Khin Zaw of the Ministry of Defence, the ministers, the deputy ministers, the director-general of the Government Office and departmental heads, left Yangon on 24It is very important for national people to forge Union Spirit wherever they live Prime Minister General Thein Sein facilitates Rakhine State development Prime Minister General Thein Sein meeting with departmental
officials, townselders and local people in Sittway.—MNA January. They arrived in Sittway at 10:15 a.m. Prime Minister General Thein Sein and party were welcomed at the airport by Chairman of Rakhine State Peace and Development Council Commander of Western Command Maj-Gen Thaung Aye, Col Soe Lwin of Sittway Station, local authorities and officials.
The Prime Minister met officials of state, district and township level officials, townselders and
ward administrative bodies at the hall of Sittway Station and discussed regional development and natural disaster preparedness. Present were Lt-Gen Khin Zaw of the Ministry of Defence, Commander Maj-Gen Thaung Aye, the ministers, the deputy ministers, the director-general
of the Government Office and departmental heads. The commander reported on the area of
Rakhine State, use of land resources, conditions of marine resources, output of monsoon paddy, cultivation of summer paddy, sufficiency of rice and edible oil, cultivation of cold
season crops and new item pepper, efforts for target output of ten major crops, cultivation of oil palm, rubber and physic nut, river water pumping projects, breeding of prawn, measures taken for development of education, health and transport and arrangements for disaster preparedness. In his speech the Prime Minister said Rakhine State with a population of over three million has anarea of over 14,000 square miles and it consists of four districts and 17 townships. According to geographical conditions, mountains, rivers and creeks and the sea are natural barriers to Rakhine State and therefore there were difficulties to go to other regions of the country and to deal with national people. During the colonial period, the imperialists practised the divide andrule policy. As a result, there were some doubts among national people
causing racism such as Rakhine race or Bamar race, he said. In fact, Rakhine State is a part of the Union ofMyanmar and it is a small union where various national races such as Rakhine, Bamar, Pyu, Kanyan, Thet, etc. have been living in unity since time immemorial. Rakhine national is also a Myanmar national living in Myanmar and thus it cannot discriminate
Rakhine from Myanmar. It is very important for them to forge the Union Spirit wherever
they live. All the national people with the same mind live in the same country and they must be in oneness, he said.

Senior General Than Shwe congratulates President of USA

Senior General Than Shwe, Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar, has sent a message of congratulations to the Honourable Barack Hussein Obama, on the occasion of his inauguration as the 44th President of the United States of America.

Vice-Senior General Maung Aye sends congratulatory message to US Vice-President

Vice-Senior General Maung Aye, Vice-Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar, has sent a congratulatory message to the Honourable Joseph Robinette Biden Jr., on his assumption of the Office of the Vice-President of the United States of America.

Encourage rural folks to use biogas widely

Myanmar engages in agricultural farming and livestock farming on a large scale. Agriculture and livestock farming are the main businesses of rural people, who make Electric power supply is part of the drive for rural development. Now, generation of electric power from biogas has proved successful in rural areas.
Biogas can be extracted from animal waste. Gases that can be extracted from animal dung are methane, carbon dioxide, nitric oxide, ammonia and carbon monoxide and they can be generated into electric power.
Now, innovation has been carried out to build biogas digesters for supply of electric power in rural areas. Farmers can use biogas to generate electric power, and to substitute firewood. In the process, byproducts can be used as organic fertilizer.
Apart from small-scale biogas digesters for houses, large biogas digesters can be built to supply electric power to the whole village. Biogas can be produced from animal wastes such as cow dung, pig dung, chicken and goat droppings. The dung of five to seven cattle, or pigs, buffalos and goats is enough to produce electricity through biogas for a household.
If biogas is extracted from animal wastes extensively, rural areas can get sufficient electricity and many other benefits at low costs. Therefore, rural residents should use biogas on a wider scale for multipurpose benefits.

Traffic Rules Educative Exhibition goes on

At the Traffic Rules Educative Exhibition held in Nay Pyi Taw Lewe Township of Nay Pyi Taw District, Commander of Nay Pyi Taw Command Maj-Gen Wai Lwin today heard a report on the aim of organizing the exhibition presented by the Chairman of Township Peace and Development Council and accepted commemorative pennants.
The Deputy Commander of Nay Pyi Taw Command the Chairman of the Nay Pyi Taw Traffic Rules Enforcement Supervisory Committee and the Chairman of Township PDC formally opened the archway of the exhibition.
The commander and party visited the booths of exhibition and shops of consumer products, foodstuff and farming equipment. On arrival at the integrated farm of farmer U Aung Bo in Yanaungmyin Village, the chairman of Township PDC reported on progress of agriculture and livestock breeding through the combined farming system.
After meeting with local farmers, the commander viewed tasks of the integrated farm.

Shan State (North) turning out human resources

The government has designated and is building 24 special development regions for ensuring equitable development of urban and rural regions throughout the nation. In the education sector, colleges have been upgraded to universities in States and Divisions.In the past, local youths from Shan State (North) had to go to Yangon or Mandalay to pursue higher education by spending a large sum of money.
The Lashio University where the local national people from 16 townships of Shan State (North) are learning can be called the Union University. The university was opened several years ago in Shan State (North). A total of 11 major subjects are being provided to the students, and the courses for Master’s degree are being conducted there.With regard to education standard of the local national races, Pro-Rector Dr. Khin Maung Oo of the university explained, “It was the pleasure for the local national students at the convocation in August 2008 in the presence of their parents and faculty members.
Local people also took pride in nurturing human resources in their region. At the university, the students are being equipped with the spirit of national unity, the spirit of cooperation, leadership and good mental characters in addition to respective academic subjects.” The establishment of Lashio University that is forging the national unity, turning out human resources for the State and conducting necessary development research to provide the higher learning subjects to the students is a milestone in the education sector of Shan State.
Indeed, Lashio University originated in the regional college and then Lashio College. In 1999, it was upgraded to Lashio Degree College, and in 2007, the facility was upgraded to Lashio University. From 1988 to date,the government had opened universities and colleges in all regions of the nation for enhancement of the education sector and upgraded them to the higher levels. The Border Areas and National Races Development Plan has been implemented since 1989. The government is fulfilling the requirements of transport, education and health infrastructures of the border areas. At the same time, plans are being implemented for development of the human resources with the aim of turning out intellectuals and intelligentsia from the youth of the national races.
Moreover, Technical Training Schools were opened for turning out national races to become skillful technicians, Universities of Computer Studies for producing IT technicians and Technological Universities for recruiting the engineers for the urban projects.
In Lashio, Government Technological University can be seen east side of Union Highway near Hopeik Village, 7 miles from Lashio. The stake driving ceremony was held on 1 May 2005 and the university was inaugurated on 1 July 2007.
The front row of the Technological University is 513 feet long, 265 feet wide and 56 feet high and it is of reinforced concrete type. The main building is a three-storey facility and left and right buildings, two-storey ones. At present, 408 students are pursuing civil engineering course, electrical communication engineering courses, electrical power engineering course, mechanical power engineering course and computer-applied machine tools engineering course.
In the past, Lashio Government Computer College was located at exit of Lashio to Namtu. At present, new University of Computer Studies is under construction near Mehan Village, southern part of the town and east of Union Highway.
The University of Computer Studies, with the similar building design of Technological University, is being built on 112 acres of land. At present, altogether 222 students are learning computer science courses for the undergraduate and post-graduate courses such as M.I.Sc. and D.C.Sc. Shan State (North) has been able to turn out advanced IT technicians in the region. Based on Lashio University of Computer Studies, the Computer Professionals Association Branch will be organized soon. For enabling computer enthusiasts to apply the computer applications, three Internet Cafés have been opened in the urban area of Lashio.
While the technologies are developing in the world, the government and local authorities are striving for enabling the local youth to study the information and communication technology in Shan State (North).

Labutta hustle and bustle with business activities

Notwithstanding early morning, Labutta, the commercial hub of the seaside area, was found lively with activities. Labutta port was busy with a good trade of marine products along with sea-going trawlers and vessels the whole morning. The entire town looked bright when the sun rose. We left Labutta port by speedboat along the Yway River.
On our way to Hlwasar and Pyinsalu, we held talks with some local authorities about progress of seaside regions and development of Labutta District, taking a sunbath on the deck.
As we were some distance to Hlwasar model village, we found some fishermen at work in groups in the river, and some of them waved to us.
After an hour’s drive, we arrived at the destination. So far, Myanma Ahla Co has built 84 houses in Hlwasar model village to improve the living standard of local people. Seven houses were found under construction. Hlwasar model village was lovely in an attractive way.
The roads in the village were clean and tidy. Each house had 10 small rows of 10 species of vegetables, thus earning extra incomes from the vegetable rows.
Pyinsalu is in Labutta District. It is constituted with three wards and 16 village-tracts. Up to now, Max Myanmar Co Ltd has built 362 houses for local people, and is building 57 houses.
We had a good time in Pyinsalu. Being close to Bay of Bengal, Pyinsalu has temperate climate. Its main roads are straight. The town has green and lush groves of trees and landscaping plants.
On its left side is a rural housing area in which houses are built in rows. Every road has their signboards. So, it was pleasant to view the town.In Pyinsalu also, each house has 10 small rows of 10 species of vegetables such as gourd, roselle, coriander, egg plant, pea, water cress and lady's finger plant. They earn extra money from the vegetable patches. Fishermen have restored their businesses and got regular incomes. So, they are doing well in their businesses.
We visited the sites around Pyinsalu, which was found attractive with the sea in the background.
Next, we left Pyinsalu by speedboat for Thitpok village of Pyin Alan village- tract. The scenes along the way were naturally beautiful in a different way. Now, Thitpok model village has 250 houses built by Wah Wah Win Co, and 100 other ones are under construction.

The village was established from a distance from the river. The main road passes through the middle of the village. There, each house has 10 small rows of 10 species of vegetables.
Then, we proceeded to Polaung model village. The village was so lovely that it was like a colourful picture. It is the nearest village to the Bay of Bengal. So, it is the gateway to the sea.
So far, Wah Wah Win Co has built 400 houses in Polaung model village of Pyin Alan village-tract.The houses were found lovely and durable and were built through good planning.
Then, we returned to Labutta from Polaung model village which has possessed all characters of a model village. On the way to Labutta, we held a meeting with Chairman of Labutta District Peace and Development Council U Aye Maung Kyi. He said, “Now, these regions have developed a lot with high living standard of local people. And trade is now good. What we have to do to improve the present living conditions is to work together.”
When we got to the Yway River in the east of Labutta, it was sundown, and we enjoyed the beauty of sunset. The development of Labutta is, indeed, very encouraging.

Obama’s Treasury nominee facing Senate questions

With the country facing a worsening economic crisis, President Barack Obama is hoping to win quick approval of his choice of Timothy Geithner to be Treasury secretary, but first Geithner has to explain how he missed paying $34,000 in payroll taxes earlier in the decade.
The Senate Finance Committee was scheduled to hear from Geithner on Wednesday with his tax mistake expected to be among a number of questions that panel members will pursue.The hearing is being held against the backdrop of a worsening situation in the banking industry. Shares of major banks plunged on Tuesday as investors feared that an unraveling financial bailout will force the new administration to intervene more deeply into the nation’s banking system.
Many observers believe the Obama team will have to pump more money into banks or create an entity to take over their toxic assets.Such moves could dramatically increase government’s involvement in banks, potentially threatening shareholders whose holdings could be wiped out in the event of a takeover.

National progress through all-round development

The government is laying foundations for development of every sector while undertaking the tasks for national progress.Establishment of essential foundations in every sector is meant to hand down precious legacy to posterity.

At the same time, priority is being given to national solidarity essential for the State.Due to the efforts of the government development gaps between one region and another have gradually become narrower and narrower and equitable development has been made in all regions of the Union. The national people now enjoy fruitful results of development.

There has been a great number of dams, motor roads, railroads, major bridges across the rivers, hydropower stations and workshops and factories nationwide. Universities and colleges that will produce human resources on whom the State can rely and hospitals that provide health care services have been opened.

Altogether 217 dams and 322 river water pumping stations have been built in the time of the Tatmadaw government since 1988.The government is giving priority to the regions which are in need of special care and attention and carrying out the tasks for development of local people, for alleviation of poverty and for promotion of social life of the people. Therefore, all the national people are to actively participate in these efforts for national development.

Kantha village gets concrete bridge, BEMS (Branch)

A ceremony to open a concrete bridge in Kantha village of Budalin Township,Sagaing Division, was held near the bridge yesterday.Chairman of Sagaing Division Peace and Development Council Commander of North-West Command Maj-Gen Myint Soe, Minister for Sports Brig-Gen Thura Aye Myint, departmental heads at division,district and township levels, members of social organizations and officials attended the opening ceremony.The chairman of township PDC, wellwishers and members of social organizations formally opened the bridge.

The commander formally unveiled the signboard of the basic education middle school (Branch). The commander and the minister made speeches on the occasion. The commander presented exercise books and the minister a set of TV and sports gear for the school.

Afterwards, the commander and the minister met with teachers of Monywa Education College and trainees and made a speech on the occasion. The commander presented K 500,000 for uniforms and the minister handed sports gear for the college.

The Union of Myanmar

The State Peace and Development Council

The Law Amending the Protection and Preservation of Cultural Heritage Regions Law

(The State Peace and Development Council Law No. 1/2009)
The 10th Waning of Pyatho, 1370 M.E
(20 January, 2009)

The State Peace and Development Council hereby enacts the following Law:

1. This Law shall be called the Law Amending the Protection and Preservation of Cultural Heritage Regions Law.

2. In section 2 of the Protection and Preservation of Cultural Heritage Regions Law:
(a) the expression “that have existed before 1886” contained in subsection (b) shall be substituted by the expression “that have existed since 100 years before the date on which the Department made inquiries as an ancient monument;”
(b) the expression “that have existed before 1886” contained in subsection (c) shall be substituted by the expression “that have existed since 100 years before the date on which the Department made inquiries as an ancient site.”

3. The fines contained in sections 24 and 25 of the Protection and Preservation of Cultural Heritage Regions Law shall be substituted respectively by the expression “with fine or”

4. Section 28 of the Protection and Preservation of Cultural Heritage Regions Law shall be substituted as follows:
“28. Whoever fails to abide by the order passed under section 27, shall be liable to a fine which may extend from kyats ten thousand to kyats one hundred thousand for each day of failure to abide by such order.”

(Sd.) Than Shwe
Senior General
Chairman
The State Peace and Development Council

Newly opened Yuzana Market develops trade, creates jobs in Nay Pyi Taw Pyinmana

While building Nay Pyi Taw as a modern, neat and tidy capital with might and main, the Nay Pyi Taw Development Committee opens new markets one after another for enabling the local people of Nay Pyi Taw and the towns in the area to have the opportunities for buying goods at reasonable prices.Nay Pyi Taw Myoma Market,Thabyegon Market,Arhara Thukha Market and Thiri Yadana Modern Market are popularshopping centres in Nay Pyi Taw. At present, the markets are being packed with sellers and buyers daily.

On 15 January, a news crew of the Myanma Alin Daily had a chance to attend the opening ceremony of Yuzana Market built in Nay Pyi Taw Pyinmana. The newly-opened shopping facility was located near the junction of Yangon-Mandalay Express Highway and Yazahtani Road leading to Nay Pyi Taw, in Paunglaung Ward of NayPyi Taw Pyinmana.
On the occasion, responsible persons of the Nay Pyi Taw Development Committee, townselders and local people attended and cut the ribbon to open the market.
It was the second vegetable, meat and fish market built in Nay Pyi Taw Pyinmana by Nay Pyi Taw Development Committee.
A total of 300 shops at 25 sheds were constructed with to put on sale to selling vegetables, meat, fish and other foodstuffs including groceries.We witnessed sales of vegetables, fruits, flowers, meat, fish, rice, edible oil, salt and other foodstuff at the market built by Diamond Mercury Company.
Indeed, agriculture work strives well in Nay Taw Pyinmana and Nay Pyi Taw Lewe. The local farmers have been extending cultivation of vegetables and fruit yearly as the new markets for paddy,beans and pulses,sugarcane and edible crops have emerged in the above towns. The extended cultivation reflects the increasing income of the local farmers. Thanks to construction of newly opened Yuzana Market by Nay Pyi Taw Development Committee, the local people have the opportunities to buy vegetables, meat and fish at reasonable prices. Moreover,the trading at the market will create jobs for the local people.

Mayor inspects development work

Chairman of Yangon City Development Committee Mayor Brig-Gen Aung Thein Lin visited Phyo Cetana Free Eye Special Clinic at the corner of Kyeikwaing Pagoda road and Insein road in Mayangon Township this morning and comforted the patients.The mayor looked into upgrading of 1020 feet long and 12 feet wide tarred road in No. 2 Ward, Mayangon Township.He also oversaw progress in paving road at the housing project on Mindamma road being carried out by YCDC and Fortune International Ltd.Next, the chairman inspected upgrading of tarred roadonSeinpanmyingStreet,No.14/1 Ward in South Okkalapa Township. The mayor also visited construction of Futsal pitch inNo13Wardinthetownship and supervised paving the road at east horse racing course road in Tamway Township.

Deputy Foreign Minister attends fifth Meeting of ASEAN Humanitarian Task Force (AHTF) for victims of Cyclone Nargis

At the invitation of the ASEAN Secretary General Dr Surin Pitsuwan, Myanmar delegation led by Chairman of Tripartite Core Group(TCG) Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs U Kyaw Thu left here for Bangkok, Thailand to participate in the Coordinating Meeting and Fifth Meeting of the ASEAN Humanitarian Task Force (AHTF) for the victims of Cyclone Nargis to be held in Bangkok from 16 to 17 January.Deputy Minister U Kyaw Thu and delegation member participated in the Coordinating Meeting for the Fifth Meeting of the ASEAN Humanitarian Task Force (AHTF) for the victims of Cyclone Nargis at Amari Water Gate Hotel on 16 January.The deputy minister attended the Fifth Meeting of the ASEAN Humanitarian Task Force (AHTF) for the victims of Cyclone Nargis at the same venue on 17 January and presented report of the Tripartite Core Group (TCG). The participants also discussed the outcome of the TCG high level roundtable on post-Nargis relief and recovery efforts in Myanmar.The deputy minister and delegation members—Deputy Director-General U Than Aye of the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation and Deputy Director Daw Kyawt Kyawt Khaing of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs—also arrived back on the same flight.

ASEAN legal experts call on Deputy Attorney-General Dr Tun Shin

Deputy Attorney-General Dr Tun Shin received delegate leaders of ASEAN countries, who are attending the Seventh Meeting of HLEG hosted by Myanmar at the diplomatic hall, here on 18 January afternoon.The delegate leaders of ASEAN countries are Mr Vasin Teeravechyan from Thailand, Ms Hjh Nor Hashima Hj Mohd Taib from Brunei, Mr Sok Khavan from Cambodia,Mr Rachmat Budiman from Indonesia, Mr Kham Kheuang Bounteum from Laos, Ms Noor Farida Ariffin from Malaysia, Mr Jose Eduardo Malaya from the Philippines, Mr Jeffrey Chan from Singapore, Mr Nguyen Xuan Thuy from Vietnam and Secretary Dr Temsak Chalermpalanupap of ASEAN legal experts group.Also present at the call were Director-General U Tin Myint of the Attorney-General’s Office and officials concerned.

Protect forests for environmental conservation

Climate pattern of a region depends on the extent of the area of the forests in it.People, plants and animals depend on the environment, and vice versa.Good environment is essential for fulfilling basic needs of world people, and for all living things to survive.Deforestation is usually followed by climate changes, drought, and damage to farmlands along with hindrance to food productivity.Myanmar has sufficient amount of farmland and water for agricultural purpose, and temperate climate. So, it contributes not only to local but also to global food security.In Myanmar, water, land and forest resources are conserved and protected systematically. In the process, it designates and conserves forest reserves, wildlife parks and sanctuaries under the Forest Law.Mangrove forests need conservation for protection of fish, prawn and crab that are the main source of meat for the people.Good environment prevents landslides and air pollution, keeps water and air clean,restores scenic natural beauty, maintains soil fertile, protects animals, and conserves watershed areas.So, the entire people have to conserve the environment collectively for prevention of environmental degradation and perpetual existence of woodlands.

Upgrading of Yangon discussed

The meeting of Leading committee for making Yangon beautiful and pleasant was held at the meeting hall of Yangon City Development Committee this afternoon, with an address by Lt-Gen Myint Swe of the Ministry of Defence.Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Brig-Gen Win Myint reported on measures taken for ensuring smooth transport and health care.Chairman of YCDC Mayor Brig-Gen Aung Thein Lin and Vice-Mayor Col Maung Pa presented reports on undertakings of the respective committees and assistance provided to them. Next, chairpersons and personnel of committees reported on works undertaken.Concerning reports, Lt-Gen Myint Swe gave necessary instructions to officials concerned and the ceremony came to an end.

Newly-imported locomotives and machinery to help improve rail transportation

The government is exerting itself in various sectors in building a modern developed nation.As part of the goal,it is constructing a network of railroads with the aim of further consolidating national unity through progress of rail transportation.In that case, the government is producing concrete sleepers on an extensive scale and importing new locomotives and machinery for maintenance of railroads in order to run trains equipped with modern engines on the new railroads and ensure sustainable service of railroad sections.In the time of the State Peace and Development Council, the Myanma Railways imported 96 diesel locomotives: 55 from the People’s Republic of China,and the rest, from the Republic of India.Y.M.E.C Co imported 20 2000 HP diesel locomotives from China.Of them, eight arrived here as the first batch on 17 October 2008, and 12 as the second batch, on 28 December. The Chinesemade locomotive is 11 feet and eight inches high,weighs 75 tons, holds 704.85 gallons of fuel, and can run 62.5 miles per hour at maximum. It is equipped with the computer-aided system, with which the engine driver can check the conditions of all the mechanical and electrical parts including the engine and generator. As soon as one of the parts of the locomotive gets out of order, the system shows the methods to repair the damaged part. It is designed to run not only in plains but also on hilly regions.Of the 20 locomotives,14 will be used in place of the old ones running between Yangon and Nay Pyi Taw, between Yangon and Mandalay and between Yangon and Mawlamyine, and the remaining six, between Mandalay and Lashio.The automatic levelling,lining & tamping machine,profile ballast regulator and rail gang car with crane imported from India will be used in constructing new railroads and upgrading and maintaining railroad sections of the Myanma Railways.The 326-HP automatic levelling, lining &tamping machine is 48.88 feet long, 8.49 feet wide and 11.49 feet high. It can run 31.25 mph at maximum.It weighs 40 tons,holds 220 gallons of diesel and 200 gallons of hydraulic oil. Its value (FOB) is US$ 1,411,740.The 189-HP profile ballast regulator is 39.03 feet long, 8.30 feet wide,and 10.58 feet high. Its maximum speed is 31 mph. It weighs 20 tons and its value (FOB) is US$ 594,884.83.The 133-HP rail gang car with crane can run 37.5 mph. It is 20.30 feet long, 7.87 feet high,and 10.25 high. It has hydraulic brake system.Its value (FOB) is US$ 138,250.The newly-imported locomotives and machinery will scale up the development of the rail transportation of the nation.

Myanmar hosts the 7th meeting of High Level Legal Experts Group

Myanmar hosted the 7th meeting of the High Level Experts Group on the following up to the ASEAN Charter at Golden Palace Hotel in Nay Pyi Taw Hotel Zone here this morning.Present on the occasion were U Kyaw Hsan, Director-General of Directorate of Attorney-General, heads of delegations from ASEAN nations, president of ASEAN high level legal experts group Mr Vasin Teeravechyan of Thailand, Ms Hjh. Nor Hashima Hj. Mohd Taib of Brunei Darussalam, Mr Sok Khavan of Cambodia,Mr Rachmat Budiman of the Republic of Indonesia, Mr Kham Kheuang Bounteum of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Ms Noor Farida Ariffin of Malaysia, Mr Jose Eduardo Malaya of the Republic of the Philippines, Mr Jeffrey Chan of the Republic of Singapore, Mr Nguyen Xuan Thuy of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam,secretary of ASEAN high level legal experts group Dr Temsak Chalermpalanupap and delegation members.President of ASEAN high level legal experts group Mr Vasin Teeravechyan of Thailand made an opening address and those present discussed on judicial matters adopted by ASEAN Charter and the meeting was stopped in the evening which will be
continued tomorrow.

Lt-Gen Myint Swe and wife Daw Khin Thet Htay being welcomed by military attache of Lao People’s Democratic Republic Colonel Khamsy Vongkhamsao at the reception to mark 60th Anniversary day of Lao People’s Army on 19 January.

Strive for further strengthening Union Spirit and consolidating of national unity

The government has laid down and is implementing the 24 special development zone project, the border area development project and the five rural development project to bring about harmonious development the length and breadth of the nation for improvement of the socioeconomic status of the people and for human resources development.Smooth and secure transport plays a pivotal role in the process of bringing about national development. The government has been implementing projects for development of border areas and national races that lagged behind in development owing to the evil legacy of colonialists. In this regard, it has built a network of roads and bridges for ensuring better transport and forging national unity.Nantsalein creek bridge, which is situated between Khamti Township and Lahe Township in Khamti District, Sagaing Division was commissioned into service on 16 January. The bridge plays an important role in the development of the region.In the past, Lahe Township was of difficult access due to poor transport. At present, with the emergence of the bridge, local people of the region can travel from one place to another, thereby getting them to be oneness with those from other regions.Making better use of the facility, local people will be able to transport goods from their region to other regions and to fully engage in the development of agriculture and livestock breeding sectors.The government spent a large amount of funds on regional development with the aim of further strengthening Union Spirit and consolidating of national unity. With this end in view, the onus is on the entire people to strive together with the government for the emergence of a peaceful, modern, developed and discipline flourishing democratic nation.

Industry-2 Minister inspects factories in Malun and Magway

Minister for Industry- 2 Vice-Admiral Soe Thein went to No.2 Farming Equipment Factory (Malun) on 17 January in which he met with staff and called for increased sales of power tillers and road-rollers during the present financial year,production of spare parts for other departments to meet customers’satisfaction and better cooperative measures among the factories of the ministry.On arrival at Heavy turbo truck assembly & component parts production plant project (Magway) on 18 January,the minister looked into foundation works for construction of 250 metre long and 90 metre wide factory building and gave instructions on standardized procedures for implementation of the project.

Commander inspects cultivation of summer paddy in Hlegu Tsp

Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Brig-Gen Win Myint visited plot-1300(a) at Wanetgontoung field of farmer U Tun in Ohnhnegon Village,Hlegu Township yesterday.At the summer paddy farm, the commander inspected sample paddy strain, pilot paddy fields and cultivation method,cultivation of paddy with the use of machines, ploughing and broadcasting fertilizer.Next, the commander held a meeting with residents.During the tour,the commander visited Letpan Nagmoeyeik,No. 4 Hsinpon, Malip and Ngwenantha river water pumping stations.The commander gave necessary instructions to officials concerned.

Gold plates, cash donated to Uppatasanti Pagoda of Nay Pyi Taw

For offering gold foils and gold plates to Uppatasanti Pagoda being built in Nay Pyi Taw, a ceremony to donate gold plates and cash was held at the Dhammayon on the hill of the pagoda,here, this afternoon.It was attended by Chairman of the Financial Committee for the pagoda Minister for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs Col Thein Nyunt,Minister for Religious Affairs Brig-Gen Thura Myint Maung, Attorney-General U Aye Maung and members, guests and wellwishers.At the ceremony, the ministers and officials accepted five gold plates weighing three ticals each donated by Commander of Nay Pyi Taw Command Maj-Gen Wai Lwin-Daw Swe Swe Oo and servicemen; one gold plate weighing three ticals by Attorney-General U Aye Maung-Daw Khin Mya Mya; three gold plates weighing three ticals each by the minister and staff families of Ministry of Industry-2; one gold plate weighing three ticals by staff families of Ministry of PBANRDA; two gold plates weighing three ticals each by Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries;five gold plates weighing three ticals each by staff families of Ministry of Finance and Revenue; one gold plate weighing three ticals by Minister for Industry-1 U Aung Thaung, wife Daw Khin Khin Yi and family; two gold plates weighing three ticals each and one gold plate weighing one tical by Minister for Religious Affairs Brig-Gen Thura Myint Maung-Daw Aye Aye Tun, staff families of Nay Pyi Taw Development Committee; one gold plate weighing three ticals by Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen Htay Oo-Daw Ni Ni Win and family; one gold plate weighing one tical by Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Tin Naing Thein-Daw Aye Aye and family; one gold plate weighing three ticals by Minister for Rail Transportation Maj-Gen Aung Min-Dr Daw Wai Wai Tha and family; one gold plate weighing three ticals by Minister for PBANRDA Col Thein Nyunt-Daw Kyin Khaing and family; in memory of parents and brothers and sisters U Tin Aye and niece Daw Tin Myint of Pantanaw one gold plate;one gold plate weighing three ticals by Deputy Minister for PBANRDA Col Tin Ngwe-Daw Khin Mya Chit and family; one gold plate weighing three ticals by Director-General U Myo Myint of Development Affairs Department, brothers and sisters under the aegis of mother Daw Thin Kyaing;10 gold plates weighing three ticals each by Agga Maha Thirithudhamma Manijotadhara U Tint Hsan (ACE Co.)-Dr Daw Htay Htay Nyein (Award winner of Excellent Performance in Industrial Field-First Class) and family; six gold plates weighing three ticals each by U Win Naing and family and staff of WEG; one gold plate weighing three ticals by U Tint Hsan (ACE Co),U Yan Win (A-1 Co), U Tha Htay (Original Group Co) and U Thet Lin (TZTM Co); two gold plates weighing three ticals each by U Thein Win-Daw Tin Tin Win and family; one gold plate weighing one tical by Secretary of Nay Pyi Taw Development Committee U Tun Kyi-Daw Than Than Mya; one gold plate each weighing one tical by Development Affairs Department,Department for Progress of Border Areas and National Races, Education and Training Department and Si Bin Thar Yar Yay Bank Ltd; 10 viss, one pè and two yway by Union of Myanmar Economic Holdings Ltd and K100,000 by the State Peace
and Development Council Chairman’s Office.Certificates of honour were presented to the wellwishers.Today’s donations by 27 wellwishers amounted to 46 gold plates weighing three ticals each and seven gold plates weighing one tical each.Other 38 wellwishers who did not attend the ceremony also donated 53 gold plates weighing three ticals each.

Minister receives IDE, Chinese delegation

Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen Htay Oo received the economists led by Mr. David Dapcie of International Development Enterprises (IDE) at 1 pm and a delegation led by Mr. Xia Baolin of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Mechanization Sciences of the People’s Republic of China at the Irrigation Department in Yankin Township, here, at 2:30pm yesterday.At the meeting, the minister and delegations held discussions on extending cooperation in agriculture works.Also present at the calls were Directors-General and Managing Directors of Departments and Enterprises under the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation.

Foundations being laid for emergence of new nation

The Machine and Machine Tools Factory of the Ministry of Industry-2 was inaugurated in Myaing Township, Pakokku District, Magway Division the other day,graced by the presence of Prime Minister General Thein Sein.Industrial sector plays a pivotal role in building of a new nation and the government has established industrial zones and branch zones nationwide.Inauguration of the factory is a new chapter for development of industrial sector of the State. The government has been making endeavours to transform the nation to become a modern developed one. Building a nation is not a matter of routine and the government is implementing special projects that will really serve the interest of the people. Endeavours are being made to narrow development gap among the regions in the Union and to achieve equitable development in all regions.For industrial development of the country, the government is establishing industries with the intention of bringing about development in agro-based industries,increase of quantity of the products of the factories and high quality, production of new machinery items for industrial use. It is thereby laying basic foundations to transform the nation into an industrialized one.Priority is being given to the regions where requirements are badly in need. All the tasks the government is implementing are for development of local people, for alleviation of poverty and for promotion of social life of the people.The people on their part are to participate in the tasks to lay down better foundations for the emergence of a peaceful modern developed nation through perseverance, diligence, and consolidated unity after realizing the goodwill of the government.

New school buildings for Thanlyin, Kyauktan Townships

YANGON, 15 Jan —Opening ceremonies of new school buildings in place of old ones that had
been damaged by storm Nargis were held in Thanlyin and Kyauktan townships this morning.
At Htanhnapin Basic Education Primary School in South Myoma Ward of Thanlyin Township
,Lt-Gen Myint Swe of the Ministry of Defence, Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Brig- Gen Win Myint and the

managing director ofShwetaung Develop-ment Co Ltd formally opened the new school building. After presenting exercise books, pencils and ball-pens, Lt-Gen Myint Swe, the commander and the chairman of the company visited the new school building.A similar ceremony was held at Seikkyi BEMS in Seikkyi Village of Thanlyin Township.

Photo records of State, People and Army in the capacity of the unity to overcome the natural disaster of Cyclone Nargis