7th Plenary Meeting of Sixth 47-member SSMNC concludes

YANGON, 26 Feb—The Seventh Plenary Meeting of the Sixth 47-member State Sangha Maha Nayaka
Committee continued for the second day at Wizaya Mingala Dhamma Thabin Hall on Kaba Aye Hill in
Mayangon Township this morning.Agga Maha Ganthavaçaka Pandita BhaddantaSamvara, Agga Maha Pandita Bhaddanta Çandima and Agga Maha Pandita Bhaddanta Uttamañanabhivamsa discussed Viniççhaya, religious and academic affairs reported by the SSMNC (Third Branch). In the afternoon, members of the SSMNC
held discussions on Viniççhaya, religious and academic affairs. Joint Secretary Sayadaw Agga Maha
Pandita Agga Maha Kammathanaçariya Dvipitakakovida Bhaddanta Jagarabhivamsa reviewed the discussions
on the report and sought the approval. Next, members of the SSMNC held the discussions on Vinaya affairs and selection of the Vinaya Sayadaws. After the meeting, wellwisher U Sit Ngwe- Daw En Kyi (Mya Bayin Condensed Milk) family of Thingangyun Township offered meals to members of the Sangha at the refectory.

Factories to boost export of goods

YANGON, 26 Feb—The Management Committee of Industrial Zones in Yangon Division held its meeting at Yangon Command Headquarters in Konmyinttha, here, this afternoon. Lt-Gen Myint Swe of the Ministry of Defence delivered an address.Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Brig-Gen Win Myint in his address called for operating factories at full capacity only with domestic raw materials and boosting export of goods. Those responsible gave an account of work progress
in accomplishing the previous meeting resolutions. The chairmen of the management committees of
the industrial zones reported on functions and requirements in respective sectors. Departmental officials
responded to the reports. Lt-Gen Myint Swe gave concluding remarks.

Maintenance of Waingmaw-Chiphwe road, Chiphwenge hydropower plant project inspected

NAY PYI TAW, 26 Feb —Maj-Gen Ohn Myint of the Ministry of Defence, accompanied by Chairman of Kachin State Peace and Development Council Commander of Northern Command Brig-Gen Soe Win and departmental
officials, looked into progress in cleaning and beautifying of Myitkyina in a motorcade on 19 February. Next, he inspected maintenance of Bala Min Htin Bridge across Ayeyawady River and Washaung concrete bridge in Waingmaw Township and greeted local people. At Mile Post No (18/ 4) near Lower Namawyan village, Maj-Gen Ohn Myint oversaw road works and gave necessary instructions. Then he heard reports presented by teachers at Mandaung village Basic Education Post-Primary School in the township and attended to the needs. He
also greeted students and presented cash assistance and gifts. Afterwards, Maj-Gen Ohn Myint looked into
maintenance of 59-mile long suspension bridge in the township. Maj-Gen Ohn Myint proceeded to worksite of
Chiphwenge hydropower plant project being implemented by Hydropower Implementation Department
of the Ministry of Electric Power No.1 near Mile Post No (82) on Chiphwe-Panwah road, 11 miles south of Chiphwe and inspected No (6) approach tunnel. After hearing reports presented by officials at the briefing hall, Maj-Gen Ohn Myint asked about the requirements and called for timely completion of the project. Then he presented gifts to them and posed for a documentary photo. Next, Maj-Gen Ohn Myint and party looked
into Zan Naung Yan suspension bridge at the entrance to Chiphwe. In the evening, Maj- Gen Ohn Myint attended the 2nd Aungbam Manau Festival held on the beach of Maykha river near Zan Naung Yan village in
Chiphwe and met with national race leaders of Kachin Special Region (1) and (2). He cordially greeted national races at the festival.

Upgrading and beautifying tasks in Yangon discussed

YANGON, 25 Feb—Lt-Gen Myint Swe of the Ministry of Defence attended the meeting 3/2009 of Leading Committee for Beautifying and Upgrading Yangon at the hall of Yangon City Development Committee, here, this afternoon. Speaking on the occasion, Lt-Gen Myint Swe said that it is necessary to upgrade and beautify Yangon in accord with the town characters.
He urged local authorities, departmental officials, organizations and people to join hands with the staff of YCDC in keeping Yangon lush and green. Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Brig-Gen Win Myint reported on construction of bus stops in satellite towns of Yangon, supervision for use of bus stops for the convenience of passengers, undertaking of systematic garbage disposal system in summer and dredging of main drains in Yangon before the rainy season.
Mayor Brig-Gen Aung Thein Lin presented the reports on upgrading of traffic lights, drawing of traffic signs, carrying out of sanitation at drains and arrangements for supply of water to the suburban areas. Chairmen and officials of work committees submitted the reports on their respective sectors.After giving necessary instructions, Lt-Gen Myint Swe fulfilled the requirements.

Upgrading of Myitkyina-Sumprabum- Putao road section in progress

NAY PYI TAW, 25 Feb—Maj-Gen Ohn Myint of the Ministry of Defence, accompanied by Chairman of Kachin State Peace and Development Council Commander of Northern Command Brig-Gen Soe Win, on 18 February inspected the People’s Hospital in Sumprabum Township. At the hospital, the commander presented cash assistance to patients and donated medicines and cash for the hospital. Afterwards, Maj-Gen Ohn Myint met with departmental officials at the meeting hall of Sumprabum Township General Administration Department and he also met with teachers at Basic Education High School in Sumprabum Township.
Maj-Gen Ohn Myint inspected repairing of Myitkyina-Sumprabum-Putao road section at mile post No. 128/2 and No.107/ 6. Afterwards, Maj-Gen Ohn Myint met with teachers and nurses in Khatkayan village. At the briefing hall of mile post No. 53 in Teyanzwat village, Maj-Gen Ohn Myint and the commander met with teachers, nurses and townselders. And they also inspected upgrading of the road between mile post No. 0/0 and No. 53/0, being conducted by Public Works of Myitkyina District.
On arrival at the confluence of Maykha and Malikha rivers near Tanphe village in Myitkyina Township, they inspected flow of the river water and greening of its environment.

Seventh Plenary Meeting of Sixth 47-member State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee commences

YANGON, 25 Feb—The Seventh Plenary Meeting of the Sixth 47-member State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee of the Union of Myanmar began on Kaba Aye Hill in Mayangon Township here this morning. Chairman of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee Abbot of Maha Withutayama Monastery in Magway Abhidhaja Maha Rattha Guru Abhidhaja Agga Maha Saddhamma Jotika Bhaddanta Kumara chaired the meeting, while Joint-Secretary of SSMNC Abbot of Kalaywatawya Monastery in Yangon Agga Maha Pandita Agga Maha Kammathana Cariya Dwipitaka Kovida Bhaddanta Jagarabhivamsa acted as MC. The meeting chairman delivered Saraniya Ovada Katha (counsel). Minister for Religious Affairs Brig-Gen Thura Myint Maung supplicated on religious affairs.
Joint-Secretary Agga Maha Pandita Agga Maha Saddhamma Jotikadhaja Bhaddanta Jotika Bhivamsa read out the report on work progress in the third term of the SSMNC (third branch); and members, on work progress sectorwise in the second term. At the afternoon session, SSMNC members passed resolutions on Vinaya (rules), Sasana, and academic matters. Daw Myint Myint Thein, Daw Khin Win Myint and sisters and family offered alms food to the attendee monks.

Myeik, Taninthayi, Pyigyi Mandaing gaining development

NAY PYI TAW, 25 Feb– Lt-Gen Tha Aye of the Ministry of Defence arrived in Myeik by air on 22 February. He was welcomed at the airport by Chairman of Taninthayi Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Coastal Region Command Maj- Gen Khin Zaw Oo and officials.
Lt-Gen Tha Aye together with the commander and officials inspected construction of dam for supply of irrigated water to farmlands in the Myeik Station and generating of hydro power. Next, Lt-Gen Tha Aye and party looked into maintenance of Taninthayi Bridge, road works between mile post Nos 54/6 and 54/7 on Taninthayi-Bokpyin motorway, and gave necessary instructions. At oil palm farm of Shwe Kanbawza Co Ltd, Lt-Gen Tha Aye oversaw oil palm plantations and presented cash assistance. He also presented blankets, clothes and gifts to families of Taninthayi Station. Then, Lt-Gen Tha Aye inspected maintenance of Tamokechone creek Bridge and placing of gravel and resurfacing of road section between mile post Nos 86/5 and 86/6 on Taninthayi-Bokpyin motorway, and gave necessary instructions.
At Point 1020 of Taninthayi-Bokpyin motorway project, Lt-Gen Tha Aye heard reports on progress in road works and construction of bridges presented by officials and urged them to complete the road construction projects in time.
Next, Lt-Gen Tha Aye met with departmental personnel, members of social organizations, townselders and local national races at the hall in Pyigyi Mandaing. After hearing the reports on progress of regional development tasks, Lt-Gen Tha Aye delivered a speech. At Pyigyi Mandaing People’s Hospital, Lt-Gen Tha Aye comforted the patients, presented cash assistance to them and inspected operation theater and medicine store.
Then Lt-Gen Tha Aye met with servicemen and their families of Pyigyi Mandaing Station and presented blankets, clothes and food to them. Afterwards, Lt-Gen Tha Aye visited Chaungmon oil palm nursery of Yuzana Co and gave necessary instructions to officials.

Nancho Hydropower Project implementation commences in Nay Pyi Taw Pyinmana

At present, the Ministry of Electric Power No. 1 is implementing medium and large scale hydropower projects as the renewable energy throughout the nation. In accord with the guidance of Head of State Senior General Than Shwe to generate electricity through hydropower in the country, the Special Projects Implementation Committee of the State Peace and Development Council approved the implementation of the Nancho Hydropower Project at its meeting 1/2006 on 22-9- 2006. The project is being implemented by the Con
hydropower projects as the renewable energy throughout the nation. In accord with the guidance of Head of State Senior General Than Shwe to generate electricity through hydropower in the country, the Special Projects Implementation Committee of the State Peace and Development Council approved the implementation of the Nancho Hydropower Project at its meeting 1/2006 on 22-9- 2006.
The project is being implemented by the Construction- 1 of the Ministry of Electric Power No. 1 on Nancho Creek, 16 miles east of Nay Pyi Taw Pyinmana and 12 miles upstream of Paunglaung Hydropower Station that
is generating 280 megawatts. Nancho Creek flows into Paunglaung River. Construction of the hydropower plant at seven miles upstream of the confluence of Paunglaung River and Nancho Creek will not slow down the
flow of water in Nancho Creek and can contribute to the storage of water that flows into Nancho Creek in the rainy season for generating hydroelectricity. There are 65 inches of rainfall annually and 1024 cubic foot-second of water flow in the environs of Nancho Creek. The cheek has 317 square miles of watershed areas, and a total of 767,110 acre-foot of water flows into the creek. The water will be stored with the 443 feet long and 167 feet high CVC (Overflow Type) concrete embankment. Moreover, the surplus water will be released
from the 349 feet wide overflow type spillway. To use electricity at the project site, a smallscale hydropower plant was constructed at Hsaungtaung Creek by generating 60 kilowatts. On completion, the water from the dam will be supplied to the 269 feet long and 79 feet wide water control lake from the concrete type intake structure installed with 49 feet wide and 73 feet high sluice gate through the intake channel that measures
7330 feet by 15.5 feet. Two turbines will be run with the use of water from the water control lake through the 13 feet diameter and 876 feet long prestressed steel pipeline. Nancho Hydropower Plant installed with two
20-megawatt vertical Francis type turbines will generate 40 megawatts to be connected with the national
power grid through a switch yard. To conserve the environmental beauties, the dam of Nancho Hydropower Plant will be of the CVC (Overflow Type) concrete embankment, but not the Rockfilled Dam with Earthcore
or RCC Dam (Roller Compacted Concrete Dam). Salu Creek is located between the intake structure and the water control lake. As part of environmental conservation, two intake tunnels that measure 7,330 feet by
15.5 feet each will be connected with a 15.5 feet diameter and 384 feet long aqueduct to avoid blocking
the creek. The aqueduct on a bridge will be passed over the creek, and the bridge will be constructed with two concrete posts in the creek. At present, the temporary embankment and diversion conduit are under
construction. Soon, the water of Nancho Creek will be diverted for the project. The hydropower project will be completed in the year of 2010. Upon completion, the power plant can supply 152 million kilowatt
hours on average yearly to serve the interest of the national people.

Enshrining religious objects in Uppatasanti Pagoda, hoisting Htidaw coordinated

NAY PYI TAW, 24 Feb—A work coordination meeting on enshrining religious objects in Uppatasanti Pagoda, hoisting the Htidaw, offering Myathabeik and Shwekyathingan, consecration of the pagoda and presenting religious titles to members of the Sangha was held at the Dhammayon of Uppatasanti Pagoda here this evening, with an address by Chairman of Uppatasanti Pagoda Construction Leading Committee Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Thiha Thura Tin Aung Myint Oo. Also present were Commander of Nay Pyi Taw Command Maj-Gen Wai Lwin, members of Pagoda Construction Leading Committee, work committee
and sub-committees, senior military officers of the Ministry of Defence, departmental heads and guests. In his address, the Secretary-1 said the respective committees are to carry out the tasks systematically and he called
on the ministries and the respective committees to provide assistance for success as it is the first religious ceremony to be held in Nay Pyi Taw. He also spoke on accommodation of the Sayadaws, transport and health matters. Chairman of the Pagoda Construction Work Committee Maj-Gen Than Htay of the Ministry of Defence reported on arrangements for the ceremonies Chairman of Security and Discipline Sub-committee Commander of Nay Pyi Taw Command Maj- Gen Wai Lwin reported on the work done; Chairman of Religious Affairs Work Committee Minister for Religious Affairs Brig-Gen Thura Myint Maung on the measures taken; Minister for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs Col Thein Nyunt on accommodation of the members of the Sangha and offering alms to them; Chairman of Transport Sub-committee Minister for Transport Maj-Gen Thein Swe; on behalf of Chairman of Information and Record Sub-committee Minister for Information, Managing Director of News and Periodicals Enterprise U Soe Win; Chairman of Entertainment Sub-committee Minister for Culture Maj-Gen Khin Aung Myint; and Chairman of Health Sub-committee Minister for Health Dr Kyaw Myint on work done; and Vice Quartermaster-General
Maj-Gen Khin Maung Tun on offering alms to the Sayadaws by members of Tatmadaw (Army, Navy and Air Force) and their families. Next those present took part in the discussions. The meeting ended with the concluding remark by the Secretary-1. After the meeting, the Secretary-1 inspected ar-
rangements for the ceremony to confer religious titles at Sasana Beikman in the pagoda compound. Vice Quartermaster-General Maj-Gen Khin Maung Tun and Maj-Gen Than Htay of the Ministry of Defence
conducted round the Secretary-1, who then gave instructions. The ceremony to offer alms food by families of
servicemen (Army, Navy and Air Force) to the venerable monks at the religious title offering ceremony
will take place on a grand scale on 6 March; the ceremony to enshrine religious objects into the upper reliquary and hoist Shwehtidaw (tired, ornamented finial) atop the pagoda, on 7 March; the ceremony to hoist the diamond orb and the vane atop the pagoda, on 8 March; the ceremony to consecrate the pagoda, on 9 March; and the ceremony to confer religious titles on title-recipient monks and offer provisions to members of the Sangha, on 10 March. State Ovadacariya Sayadaws, member Sayadaws of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee, member Sayadaws of the State Central Working Committee of the Sangha, Tipitaka Sayadaws, and title-recipient Sayadaws have been invited to the religious rites. A donation centre is open at the pagoda for those who wish to donate jewellery to be attached to the diamond orb and the vane. Well-wishers may also
donate jewellery in the post-ceremony period and the donated jewellery will be attached to the religious
objects. Entertainment programmes to be staged from 28 February till 9 March include circus show, non-dramatic shows, movies and documentary films.

Myanmar Masters golf tourney 12 to 15 March

Over 70 professional golfers will participate in Myanmar Masters 2009 golf tourney to be held at
Pan Hlaing Golf Club in Hlaingthaya Township from 12 to 15 March.A press conference was held at Traders Hotel here on 20 February in connection with the holding of the tourney under the sponsorship of Myanmar PGA and Myanmar Golf Federation and with the support of Air
Bagan Ltd.Patron of Myanmar PGA and MGF Maj-Gen Win Hlaing (Retd) and General Secretary of Myanmar PGA Myanmar Professional Golfer U Chan Han spoke on the occasion.
Officials concerned replied the questions raised by journalists.Also present were General secretary of Myanmar Olympic Committee Director-General of Sports and Physical Education
Department U Thaung Htaik and officials, Vice-Presidents of MGF U Zaw Min and U Min Thein,
General Secretary U Aung Kyi and executives, invited guests and media persons.

Anawrahta Bridge (Chauk) linking Chauk with Seikphyu

The day was cold with flurries of snow. From the briefing hall of Anawrahta Bridge Project in Chauk,
Magway Division, I enjoyed a wonderful view of the bridge over the Ayeyawady River with the west Yoma mountain range in the background. Anawrahta Bridge was standing magnificently amid the snow,symbolizing the development of the nation. Emergence of such large bridges one after another implies the nation's economic strength, technological development, and the government's benevolent attitude towards the people. Despite standing closely, Chauk and Seikphyu in Magway Division were in no position to deal much
relationship and trade with each other due to the Ayeyawady River flowing between the two townships. In the past, the vessel was local people's main means of transport. They had to spend excessive money and time if they wanted to travel from one side to the other side. Now, the situations have changed a lot. The meeting 2/95 of the Special Projects Implementation Committee of the Union of Myanmar held on 24 May 1995 gave
the green light to launch Anawrahta Bridge but now I don't need to do so. After drawing money, I can go back the same day. So, I am grateful to the government." A three-wheeled motorcycle driver said, "We three-wheeled cycle drivers are making a lot of money due to the bridge. On average, we make four or five runs a day. We have to pay 200 kyats to the toll gate for a run. We harge 300 kyats per to take much time, waiting
motorboat and crossing the river. So, we had to spend much time and money to make a trip. Now, I have sent my goods (roasted and fried lablab beans) to the market of Chauk by 8 o'clock in the morning, but I don't
have to spend much for transport charges. I distribute roasted lablab beans wholesale to my customers at the price of600 kyats a quarter of a viss. I get back to Seikphyu before lunchtime. Then, I go home by three-wheeled motorcycle, or by pony cart. It is very convenient for me to do my business, now. So, I thank the government for that." Pony cart driver U Saw Tun said, "Really, I had never dreamt about such a fine bridge. We pony cart drivers have got one more run between Chauk and Seikphyu. We have to pay 100 kyats tothe toll gate for a run and we charge 200 kyats per head. Now, we can lead a secure life. If there is a sick person, we can send those, who badly need prompt medical treatment, to the hospital in time. The commodity flow has got quicker at low fares. So, commod- ity prices are going down." So, it is fair to say that the bridge helps improve the living and working conditions of localpeople or nearby regions.

Secretary-1 and wife attend Russian Armed Forces Day reception

YANGON, 23 Feb—Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar
Quartermaster-General Lt-Gen Thiha Thura Tin Aung Myint Oo and wife Daw Khin Saw Hnin attended the
reception to mark the Russian Armed Forces Day held at Chatrium Hotel in Tamwe Township, Yangon this
evening. Also present on the occasion together with Secretary-1 of the SPDC Quartermaster-General Lt-
Gen Thiha Thura Tin Aung Myint Oo and wife were Lt-Gen Myint Swe of the Ministry of Defence and wife
Daw Khin Thet Htay, senior military officers and their wives, ambassadors, chargé d’ Affaires ai and military
attaches from embassies in Yangon and their wives, and guests. Secretary-1 of the SPDC Quartermaster-General Lt-Gen Thiha Thura Tin Aung Myint Oo and wife Daw Khin Saw Hnin arrived at Chatrium Hotel at 6.45 pm and they were welcomed by Military Attaché Colonel Alexander V Svintsovskiy of the Russian Federation and responsible persons. Afterwards, Secretary-1 of the SPDC Quartermaster- General Lt-Gen Thiha Thura Tin Aung Myint Oo and Military Attaché Colonel Alexander VS vintsovskiy cordially greeted the guests.

Chairman of National Disaster Preparedness Central Committee Prime Minister General Thein Sein inspects the new two-storey building of Chaungwa BEHS

Chairman of National Disaster Preparedness Central Committee Prime Minister of the Union
of Myanmar General Thein Sein, accompanied by Maj-Gen Ko Ko of the Ministry of Defence,
Chairman of Ayeyawady Division Peace and Development Council Commander of South-West
Command Maj-Gen Kyaw Swe, the ministers,the deputy ministers, the Director-General of Government Office, and departmental officials, on 22 February, went to Integrated Farm of Division Fisheries Department in Nga-auk-chaung in Pathein and inspected water convolvulus, chilli,roselle, onion tops and aubergine plantations, cultivation of mushrooms and worm breeding tanks.Next, the Prime Minister looked into breeding of pigs, ducks, cows, and goats, construction of biodigesters,and gave instructions on conducting training courses for Mobile
Community Development Team for the dissemination of integrated farming system among rural
folks.Afterwards, the Prime Minister left Pathein for Labutta in helicopters to inspect the
developments of stormravaged areas, road networks projects and construction of cyclone shelters in Ayeyawady Division and arrived at Pyin Khayaing of Labutta Township at 9 am, welcomed by Brig-Gen Myo Myint Than of the local station and personnel.At the briefing hall, U
Kyaw Naing, General Manager of Shwe Thanlwin Co explained facts about earthworks,bore piles and storage of construction materials for construction of cyclone shelters and the Prime Minister
stressed the need for completion of cyclone shelters before monsoon season.The Prime Minister
and party then looked into cyclone shelter near Kanhtu Kantha ward donated by Mitta Development Foundation where they were conducted round by patron of the Foundation
Daw Tin Aye.The Prime Minister proceeded to Kanhtu Kantha ward where he cordially
greeted the locals and urged them to strive for progress of their own region, cultivation of
shady trees as windbreak and growing of vegetable plants in vacant lands.Afterwards, the Prime
Minister looked into growing of vegetable plants in households, CDMA telephone service of
Myanmar Post and Telecommunications.On arrival at affiliated BEHS of Chaungwa village
in Labutta Township,the Prime Minister inspected the two-storey RC building donated by Shwe
Thanlwin Co.In his speech at a ceremony to hand over the new school building to Ministry of Education held at the temporary classroom in the school compound, the Prime Minister said that he was there to inspect the developments of storm-ravaged regions, road networks and cyclone shelters construction projects and fulfill the needs for completion of the projects before
rainy season.The Prime Minister said that he was attending the ceremony to handover the new two-storey building of Chaungwa village sub BEHS to Ministry of Education during his trip,The new school building opened today is strong,firm and the height of the building was raised higher
than the older one for enduring water and wind,he said.The Prime Minister continued to say that arrangements are also being made for establishment of technical school in which youths in Pyin Khayaing are able to seek vocational knowledge such as carpentry,masonry, lathe skills, mechanics and electronics both thoaretically and practically.So, youths in the region will be able to pursue vocational knowledge as well as basic education in their own regions easily,he said.
The Prime Minister said that parents should enroll their children at schools as soon as they reach the school age and should encourage their children to pursue education till completion of basic
education. As the education opportunities are within their reach, students should try to become
outstanding intellectuals and intelligentsia. Parents as well as children are required to effectively use the sound opportunities for education created by the government. Service personnel, local elders and social organizations should lend a helping hand to youths further improve their social lives.Teachers on their part are responsible for nurturing their pupils to become the ones who know the morals and manners,observe discipline, and possess strong patriotism and Union Spirit in addition to disseminating knowledge.Next, Minister for Education Dr Chan Nyein and Minister for Mines Brig-Gen Ohn Myint and General Manager of Shwe Thanlwin Company U
Kyaw Naing presented the related documents.Minister Brig-Gen Ohn Myint handed over the Prime Minister’s gift,a computer and a printer,to Headmaster U Tun Myint.Minister Dr Chan
Nyein presented stationery,school uniforms and sports gear to a teacher.Minister Dr Chan
Nyein spoke words of thanks.The Prime Minister and Maj-Gen Ko Ko of the Ministry of Defence
presented gifts to mobile rural development educative team No 1 and No 2.The Prime Minister
cordially greeted those present.The Prime Minister and party inspected L a b u t t a - T h o n g w a -Oktwin-Htaiksoon Road.They went to Konthaya Village where they toured development in motorcade.They attended a ceremony to hand over a new building of Konthaya Basic
Education Middle School.Minister Brig-Gen Ohn Myint, Managing Director of Myanma Salt
and Marine Chemicals Enterprise U Win Htein and General Manager of Shwe Thanlwin Co U
Kyaw Naing presented related documents to Minister Dr Chan Nyein.Minister Brig-Gen Ohn Myint and Minister Dr Chan Nyein presented sports gear, school uniforms and exercise books
to the Headmaster and teachers.The new building, 120 feet long and 30 feet wide,is built of iron at a cost of about K 65 million includingK 27 million by the Ministry of Industry-2 and the rest amount by Shwe Thanlwin Co.The Prime Minister inspected construction materials shop jointly
run by the Union Solidarity and Development Association and local people.The Prime Minister
left for Aukpyunwa Village by helicopter. He inspected a bird’s-eye view of the development of villages on the route, salt farms and construction of Htaiksoon-Kyaukkalat-Thingangon Road.
The Prime Minister inspected construction of cyclone shelters by FMI Co at the village and fulfilled the requirements for construction of a monastery.The Prime Minister and party left for
Magyibin Village by helicopter.On the route, they inspected construction of cyclone shelters in
Kwingyi Village by FMI Co, salt farms and construction of Thingangon-Thongwa-Labutta road.
The Prime Minister met village people in Magyibin Village and had a chat with them about
economy, employment and education. He fulfilled the requirements for construction of basic education high school (Magyibin branch).On arrival at the briefing On arrival at the briefing
hall of road construction project special group-2, Minister for Construction Maj-Gen Khin
Maung Myint and Deputy Superintending Engineer U Kyaw Shein briefed the Prime Minister on construction of 34-mile embankment on 39-mile L a b u t t a - T h o n g w a -Oktwin-Htaiksoon road and construction of bridges and hillocks.The Prime Minister gave instructions on completion of road projects before monsoon, completion of small bridges except major ones, maintenance of the piles of the bridge, construction of wooden, bailey and reinforced concrete bridges and hillocks in time.The Prime Minister and party left for Labutta 3-mile camp and inspected construction of Thongwa-Labutta Road and allot ment of land.
At the briefing hall,Minister for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development
Affairs Col Thein Nyunt reported on allotment of land, construction of port,cold storage and hospital and water and power supply.The Prime Minister gave instructions on construction
of the houses,hospital and factories in accord with the character-allotistics of the town. He inspected allotment of land and visited basic domestic science course No. 1 at Ywaynadi Hall in Labutta.He inspected tailoring, knitting and clothes made by the trainees.The Prime Minister
presented cash assistance and gifts to the course incharge and mobile rural development educative team and the trainees.They arrived back in Pathein in the evening.This morning, the
Prime Minister and party inspected Labutta- Thingangyi-Saluseik road section and construction
of bridge.On arrival at the site of Nalinkyaw Bridge, the Prime Minister inspected construction of the bridge and Labutta-Thingangyi-Saluseik road, construction of residential quarters by Wah Wah Win Co and construction of cyclone shelters by TZTM Co.Superintending Engineer U Kyaw Lwin reported on construction of Labutta-Thingangyi road section,Thingangyi-Saluseik road section, Saluseik-Pyinsalu road section and 18 hillocks and Deputy Superintending Engineer U Kyaw Lin on construction of 150 feet Nalinkyaw Bridge. The Prime Minister said local people can use the roads and bridges as emergency escape routes. The roads and bridges contribute towards the education and health conditions of local people and their families and others. He urged the officials to complete the projects before monsoon.The Prime Minister and party inspected Labutta-Thingangyi road section and they arrived at Zinywelay Village.
They inspected the sites for construction of cy-clone shelters and hillocks where Director U Thaung Sein of Eya Shwewa Co reported on the projects.The Prime Minister gave instructions on growing of windbreak trees, coconut trees and areca palms around the hillocks and bananas on the embankments.The Prime Minister and party inspected Thingangyi-Saluseik-Pyinsalu road and construction of hillocks and cyclone shelters in Pyinsalu by Max Myanmar Co and A-1 Co.
He gave instructions on completion of the construction before monsoon and inspected cyclone shelter donated by the Ministry of Industry-1.The Prime Minister fulfilled the requirements for
development of the town.He left Pyinsalu by helicopter. On the way, he inspected construction of Pyinsalu-Kwinpauk-Polaung-Hlinebone road, bridges, cyclone shelters and hillocks.The Prime Minister and party arrived in Mawlamyinegyun and gave necessary instructions.They visited basic domestic science course No 1 at the Township General Administration Department.The Prime Minister presented cash assistance and gifts to the course in-charge and the trainees and mobile rural development educative team No 1 and No. 2.Next, wellwishers presented 31 sewing machines to the course in-charge and the trainees.The Prime Minister went to the project site where departments and residential houses are to be built near the market. Minister Col Thein Nyunt reported on programmes.The Prime Minister and party inspected the site for construction of Yazudaing Bridge. Deputy Superintending Engineer U Tint Lwin reported on construction
of the bridge. It is 540 feet long and 18 feet wide and it has three feet wide walkways on each side.The Prime Minister gave instructions on completion of the bridge and road work. They arrived back in Yangon in the afternoon.

Development work facilitated in Putao Township

NAY PYI TAW, 22 Feb—Efforts should be made to complete the new P u t a o - M a n s e k h u n - Ziyadan road before the onset of open season in accord with the Head of State’s guidance, said Maj-Gen Ohn Myint of the Ministry of Defence during his visit to upper Hsangaung village in Putao Township on 16 February. Officials briefed him on the situation of the new Putao-Mansekhun- Ziyadan road and the existing Putao- Hsangaung-Ziyadan road at the village near Pataik creek. Chairman of Kachin State Peace and Development Council Commander of Northern Command Brig Gen Soe Win gave a supplementary report. At the postprimary school of the village, Maj-Gen Ohn Myint met with teachers, Development work facilitated in Putao Township local elders and local people. He then inspected generating electricity with hydropower from Pataik creek to supply power to the village. He held meetings with teachers, local elders and local people at middle school in lower Hsangaung village and at the primary school in Monngul village.
Maj-Gen Ohn Myint’s inspection tour also included a 250-feet suspension bridge linking Dagushiza and Nantbauk
villages in Putao Township and another suspension bridge linking Dagushiza and Mansay village. At Hokho ward in Putao, he facilitated the work of harnessing Nankhanti creek to generate power. He also inspected the durability of a bridge on Lonhsot creek.

Zee Creek Dam inaugurated in Rakhine State to irrigate crop land, generate power

NAY PYI TAW, 22 Feb —Zee Creek Dam was inaugurated in Kyauktaw Township, Rakhine State yesterday. The earth dam was built on Zee Creek by Irrigation Department Construction- 3 of the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation and it
is the 219th one for the country. With 840 feet long and 115 feet high embankment, the dam can store 7,530- acre feet of water. It can supply water to 1,000 acres of cultivable land and generate 80 kilowatts. Present on the inauguration ceremony were Chairman of Rakhine State Peace and Development Council Commander of Western Command Maj- Gen Thaung Aye, Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen Htay Oo, members of Rakhine State

Peace and Development Council, local authorities, departmental officials, members of social organizations and local people. The commander said the Zee Creek Dam is the sixth one to be opened for Rakhine State. Water is now available for cultivation of summer paddy and other crops in the region. He urged the local people to take part in the development projects of the region as the respective ministries give special priority to all-round development of Rakhine State. He also urged them to actively participate in the 2009 Rakhine State allround development year. Next, Minister Maj- Gen Htay Oo said the dam was successfully opened for boosting production of agricultural produce and supplyof power in the township. The minister elaborated on development of cultivable lands, efforts for availability of water, research on production of quality seeds and distribution and maintenance of the dam. U Ba Saw of Kyauktaw
Township thanked the government for construction of the dam. The commander and the ministers cordially bullgreeted those present. The commander formally unveiled the stone plaque of the dam. The commander,the ministers and party sprinkled scented water to it. The commander, the ministers and the guests posed for souvenirs. Then they visited the dam

Prime Minister inspects disaster preparedness,development projects in Ayeyawady Division

NAY PYI TAW, 22 Feb — Chairman of National Disaster Preparedness Central Committee Prime Minister General Thein Sein, accompanied by the ministers, the deputy ministers, the directorgeneral of the Government Office and departmental officials, on 21 February left Yangon yes- Prime Minister inspects disaster preparedness,
development projects in Ayeyawady Division terday by helicopter for Pyapon, to inspect development tasks of stormhit
areas in Ayeyawady Division, road network project and construction of cyclone shelter. Prime Minister General Thein Sein was welcomed by Maj-Gen Ko Ko of the Ministry of Defence, Chairman of Ayeyawady Division Peace and Development Council Commander of South-West Command Maj-Gen Kyaw Swe and Minister for Hotels and Tourism Maj-Gen Soe Naing and officials. The Prime Minister visited basic domestic science course conducted by
Education and Training Department under the Ministry of Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs at Thiri Annawa Hall in Pyapon. He cordially greeted the trainees. The Prime Minister
said the basic domestic science course has been conducted for local youths under the guidance of the Head of State and arrangements are being made for opening of industrial training schools in the suitable places. He urged the trainees to be proficient in vocational career. Next, the Prime Minister viewed learning of tailoring, knitting, and
clothes made by trainees and presented sewing machines and cash to the course in-charge.

Wellwisher U Aung Zaw Myint and wife Dr Myat Myat Ohn Khin also presented ten sewing machines to him. Altogether 60 trainees from Pyapon and nearby villages are taking the 10- week course that includes tailoring, knitting, cookery
and snacks-preparing. At Shweyatu Yeitktha, Ayeyawady Division Superintending Engineer U Myint Thein reported to
the Prime Minister on construction of 39 miles 2 furlongs- Bogale-Setsan- Htaw-paing- Amhar road and Pyapon-Kyonkadon- Ahmar road. Maj-Gen Ko Ko of the Ministry of Defence gave supplementary reports. After hearing reports, the Prime Minister fulfilled the needs. The Prime Minister said the Head of State had Kyonkadon-Daw Nyein- Ahmar road will also be upgraded. These network roads will be used as a hillock or embankment in some places. The Prime
Minister urged the officials to finish the projects before monsoon. The Prime Minister inspected construction of 200-bed hospital by Dagon International Co Ltd and fulfilled the needs. The Prime Minister and party inspected progress of Pyapon-Daw given guidance on construction of road networks in the storm-hit areas as a preparedness task in case of natural disasters. Maubin- Yelegale-Shwetaungh m a w - K y a i k p i - Mawlamyinegyun road, M a w l a m y i n e g y u n - Hlinephone-Thitpoke- Kwinpauk-Pyinsalu road, Labutta-Thingangyi- Pyinsalu road, Bogale- Kyainchaung-Kadonkani road and Labutta - T h o n g w a - O k t w i n - Hteikson road will be built under the guidance of the Head of State. Bogale-Setsan-Htawpaing- Ahmar road will be built and Pyapon- Nyein-Ahmar road, and cultivation of summer
paddy. They arrived in Ahmar in Pyapon Township. During the visit, the Prime Minister inspected construction of school buildings donated by Myanmar Motion Picture Asiayon, Pyae Phyo Kyaw Co Ltd and Total Company in the compound of Ahmar Basic Education High School and the conditions for opening of technical high schools. The Prime Minister heard the reports on construction of cyclone shelters by Chairman of Dagon International Co Ltd U Win Aung. Cyclone shelters can normally be used as classrooms. At Ahmar Hospital, the Prime Minister visited wards, operation theatre, medical warehouse, dispensaries and health care services. At Kadonkani Village, Bogale Township, the Prime Minister and party inspected the work of building cyclone shelters and hillocks and digging drinking water lake by Htoo Trading Co Ltd. The Prime Minister urged officials to give first priority to construction of cyclone shelters. Prime Minister
Thein Sein heard a report on facilitation of the earthworks being undertaken by the company presented by Chairman U Teza of Htoo Trading Co Ltd. The Prime Minister and party inspected the progress in building Kyinechaung-Bogale
road and cultivation of summer paddy from helicopter during their flight from Kadonkani village to Kaingtawgyi Bridge construction project site in Bogale Township. At the briefing hall, Chief Engineer U Soe Tint of Public Works reported on progress in carrying out earthworks at 41st mile on Bogale-Kyeinchaung- Kadonkani Road, and building of hillocks n and the bridges and Deputy- Superintendent Engineer U Kyaw Lin of Bridge Construction Project Special Unit-4 on the
construction of Kinetawgyi Creek bridge which is 400-feet long and 12-feet wide, Phalachaung bridge, which is 50-feet long and 12-feet wide, Thaingchaung bridge-1, 61-feet long and 12-feet wide, and Thaingchaung bridge-2, 60-feet long and 12-feet wide, on Bogale- Kyeinchaung-Kadonkani road. The Prime Minister urged the officials to construct the roads simultaneously. On arrival at Bogale Education College in Bogale Township, the Prime Minister cordially greeted the trainees taking basic domestic science course No-1 at the Education College. The Prime Minister inspected learning of tailoring, cookery and clothes made by the trainees. He told the officials to present handsome prizes to the outstanding ones at the course. The Prime Minister presented cash assistance to course in-charge, Chairman of Htoo Trading Co Ltd U Teza presented 40 sewing machines to the course in-charge. The Prime Minister went to Pathein by helicopter. At Meeting Hall of South-West Command, he met with officials concerned of construction companies that are carrying out the rehabilitation tasks and building cyclone shelters for storm-hit areas in Ayeyawady Division. The officials concerned of Shwe Thanlwin Co, FMI, Tetlan, TZTM, Eya-Shwewa, Moe Kyaisin, Max Myanmar, A-1, Wah Wah Win, Myat Noe Thu, Htoo Trading, Diamond Mercury, Dagon International, Yuzana, Aden Group, Mya Nanda and Shwedaungrizes to the Companies reported on the completion of the earth works, bore pile, stockpiling of construction materials and availability of water for the construction of Cyclone Shelter (500 people) at Chaungwa, Pyinkhayaing, Thingangon and Thatkalthaung villages in Ngapudaw Township, Thingangyi, Zinywegyi, Saluseik, Pyinsalu- 1, Pyinsalu-2, Poelaung and Thitpute villages in Labutta Township, Kadondani and Aye villages in Bogale Township, Amar, Daw Nyein and Daminseik villages in Pyapon Township and Kyonda village in Dadeye Township. Then responsible personnel of Mya Nanda and Shwetaung Companies also reported on progress of work of construction of primary schools in Toe and Thaughtkya Villages. After hearing the reports, Prime Minister General Thein Sein fulfilled the requirements. He said the cyclone shelters can save lives in case of natural disaster and he told the officials to finish the cyclone
shelters before the rainy season.

Model paddy farming zones gaining more ground

Lt-Gen Myint Swe of Ministry of Defence views progress of farm roads and drains being undertaken by Yuzana Co in Agricultural Mechanized Farming Special Zone (1) in Dagon Myothit (East) Township.

YANGON, 19 Feb—Lt-Gen Myint Swe of Ministry of Defence inspected paddy cultivation in irrigated fields by Dagon International Ltd in the Agricultural Mechanized Model Farming Special Zone-1 in Dagon Myothit (East) Township today.

During the tour, Lt- Gen Myint Swe viewed progress of work on construction of ring road at the lake, cultivation of paddy in the farm and pumping water into the fields.

Lt-Gen Myint Swe went to Yuzana Co Ltd in the zone and inspected the paddy cultivation and land preparation for the integrated farm.

He also visited the 50- acre model paddy field of Htoo Trading Co Ltd, and thriving paddy field of Shwenaga Min Co Ltd in the Special Zone-2 in Dagon Myothit (South) Township and the main irrigation canal of Pinle Koethwe Co in the Special Zone-2 in Dagon Myothit (Seikkan) Township. Afterwards, Lt-Gen Myint Swe proceeded to the 50-acre model paddyfield of the local battalion in Dagon Myothit (South) Township and pumping water into the field.

After viewing thriving paddy plantation in irrigated field in Shantaegyi Village in Dagon Myothit
(South) Township, Lt-Gen Myint Swe went to Thakhutpin Monastery in Darbain, Hlegu Township, and donated offertories to the Presiding Sayadaw of the monastery.

Afterwards, he inspected work on construction of a new school building in the village and viewed learning of students at the Basic Education Middle School in the village.
He also inspected the 2-mile-long and 12-footwide earth road linking Darbain and Thakhutpin.

He also looked into theroad works between Mile Post No. 21/7 and 22/20 on No. 2 Highway maintained by Public Works of Ministry of Construction and gave instruction to officials concerned.

Talks on micro-credit scheme given

NAY PYI TAW, 19 Feb—The Myanmar Women's Affairs Federation organized the talks on micro-credit scheme at the City Hall, here, this morning.

Vice-President Daw Khin Thet Htay of MWAF delivered an address.

Chairman of CentralCooperative Ltd and Cooperative Bank U Khin Maung Aye gave talks on benefits of the micro-credit scheme.

The chairman replied to the queries raised by responsible persons of MWAF, patrons and chairpersons of State and Division Women’s Affairs Organizations. Vice-President Daw Khin Thet Htay gave gifts to Chairman of Cooperative Bank U Khin Maung Aye, members of Myanmar Police Force, Nay Pyi Taw Development Committee, Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement, Ministry of Information, Ministry of Transport and Ministry of Health who contributed to holding the Annual General Meeting through officials.

The chairman of the bank presented K 1 million to the funds of the federation through the vice-president.

Information Minister attends stake driving ceremonies for construction of self-reliant village libraries

NAY PYI TAW, 19 Feb—Minister for Information Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan, together with member of Rakhine State Peace and Development Council Police Col Ba Kyi, Managing Director U Soe Win of News and Periodicals Enterprise and Acting Director-General U Ye Htut of Information and Public Relations Department drove stakes for construction of selfreliant library in Taungphu Village of Pauktaw Township on 16 February.

In meeting with over 1,200 local people from six villages, the minister heard reports on regional development matters presented by officials and fulfilled the requirements. The minister presented K 3 million for construction of the library in Taungphu Village donated by Union Solidarity and Development Association and K 400,000 each for construction of school buildings at basic education schools in Thawinchaung and Taungnyo Villages, books
for self-reliant village libraries and clothes personal goods to the local people through officials. Police Col Ba Kyi handed over K 500,000 donated by Rakhine State PDC for purchase of furniture at Taungphu Village Library to officials.

In Sunye Village of Minbya Township, the minister also attended the stake driving ceremony for the self-reliant village library. Afterwards, the minister met with over 1,500 local people of three villages and attended to the needs.

The minister handed over K 3 million donated by USDA for constructionof the library in SunyeVillage, K 400,000 each for school buildings of basic education schools in Sunye and Kyaungshaychaung Villages, books for libraries and clothes and personal goods for the local people through officials. Police Col Ba Kyi presented K 500,000 donated by Rakhine State PDC for purchase of furniture at Sunye Village Library to officials.

At the ceremonies meeting with local people, the minister said that the government is striving for development of the region in Rakhine State. In February this year, the Ministry of Information is gathering momentum on construction of new TV retransmission station and installation of high frequency transmission machines for enabling the local people to enjoy various kinds of TV channels of their choice.Efforts are being made to implement the FM radio system to present news and entertainment to the people in the state as quickly as possible, he
said.

He added that all the national brethren have been living in the Union since yore through thick and thin. As such, the national people turn into families in amity. All the villages, towns, States and Divisions become mini unions through relationship, under-standing and unity. Therefore, the national people are to uphold the Union Spirit to prevail peace and tranquility. The Union Spirit can develop the Union as well as to prevent the Union from breaking up. The lives of people in miseries can be seen across the world due to breaking up of the countries. By taking lessons gained from the miseries, the national people are to make collective efforts for prevailing peace and stability of the State with Union Spirit, for undertaking development tasks, for ensuring perpetual existence of the nation and for achieving success in realization of the democratic process.

Vice-Senior General Maung Aye receives Commander-in-Chief of Royal Thai Army General Anupong Paojinda

Vice-Senior General Maung Aye cordially greets Commander- in-Chief of the Royal Thai Army General Anupong Paojinda at Bayintnaung Yeiktha in Nay Pyi Taw.



Vice-Senior General Maung Aye receives visiting Thai goodwill delegation led by Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Army General Anupong Paojinda at Bayintnaung Yeiktha in Nay Pyi Taw.

NAY PYI TAW, 18 Feb— Vice- Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Commander-in- Chief (Army) Vice-Senior General Maung Aye received the goodwill delegation led by Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Army General Anupong Paojinda at Bayintnaung Yeiktha here at 6 pm yesterday.

Also present on the occasion together with Vice-Senior General Maung Aye were Member of the SPDC General Thura Shwe Mann of the Ministry of Defence, Secretary-1 of the SPDC Lt-Gen Thiha Thura Tin Aung Myint Oo, Commander-in-Chief (Navy) RearAdmiral Nyan Tun, Commander-in- Chief (Air) Lt-Gen Myat Hein, Maj- Gen Min Aung Hlaing and Lt-Gen Tha Aye of the Ministry of Defence, Adjutant- General Lt-Gen Thura Myint Aung, Lt-Gen Ye Myint of the Ministry of Defence, Minister for Foreign Affairs U Nyan Win, Brig-Gen Maung Maung Ohn of the Ministry of Defence and Myanmar Military Attaché to Thailand Col Win Maung and together with Commander- in-Chief of the Royal Thai Army General Anupong Paojinda were Thai Ambassador to Myanmar Mr Bansarn Bunnag and Defence Attaché and Army Attaché Colonel Ekachai Harnpoonvittaya.

Vice-Senior General Maung Aye sees off Thai delegation led by Commander-in-Chief of Royal Thai Army

NAY PYI TAW, 18 Feb —The Thai delegation led by Commander-in-Chief of Royal Thai Army General Anupong Paojinda who was on a visit in Nay Pyi Taw at the invitation of Vice-Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Commander- in-Chief (Army) Vice-Senior General Maung Aye left here for Yangon by special flight at 9.50 a.m. today.

Commander-in-Chief of Royal Thai Army General Anupong Paojinda and party arrived at Nay Pyi Taw Airport from Nay Pyi Taw Hotel Zone in a motorcade and Vice- Chairman of the State Peace and DevelopmentCouncil Deputy Commander- in-Chief of Defence Services Commander- in-Chief (Army) Vice-Senior General Maung Aye and party welcomed them.

Next, Vice-Senior General Maung Aye presented documentary photo album of the goodwill visit to the Commander-in- Chief of Royal Thai Army.

Thai delegation left here for Yangon. They were seen off at Nay Pyi Taw Airport by Vice- Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Deputy Commander- in-Chief of Defence Services Commander- in-Chief (Army) Vice-Senior General Maung Aye, Member of the SPDC General Thura Shwe Mann of the Ministry of Defence, Commander- in-Chief (Navy) Rear-Admiral Nyan Tun, Commander-in-Chief (Air)Lt-Gen Myat Hein, Lt-Gen Ye Myint of the Ministry of Defence, Commander of Nay Pyi Taw CommandMaj-Gen Wai Lwin, senior military officers of the Ministry of Defence and officials.

Vice-Senior General Maung Aye hosts dinner in honour of Thai delegation led by Commander-in-Chief of Royal Thai Army

NAY PYI TAW, 18 Feb —Vice-Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar Deputy Commander-in- Chief of Defence Services Commander-in-Chief (Army) Vice-Senior General Maung Aye hosted a dinner in honour of visiting Thai delegation led by Commander-in-Chief of Royal Thai Army General Anupong Paojinda at Bayintnaung Yeiktha here yesterday evening.

It was also attended by Member of the SPDC General Thura Shwe Mann of the Ministry of Defence, Secretary-1 of the SPDC Lt-Gen Thiha Thura Tin Aung Myint Oo, member of the SPDC Lt-Gen Tin Aye of the Ministry of Defence, Commander-in- Chief (Navy) Rear- Admiral Nyan Tun, Commander-in-Chief (Air) Lt-Gen Myat Hein, Maj-Gen Min Aung Hlaing, Lt-Gen Tha Aye and Lt-Gen Khin Zaw ofthe Ministry of Defence, Adjutant-General Lt-Gen Thura Myint Aung, Lt-Gen Myint Hlaing and Lt-Gen Ye Myint of the Ministry of Defence, Commander of Nay Pyi Taw CommandMaj-Gen Wai Lwin, Minister for Foreign Affairs U Nyan Win, senior military officers, Myanmar Military Attaché to Thailand Col Win Maung, Thai Ambassador toMyanmar Mr Bansarn Bunnag, Thai Defence Attaché and Army Attaché Colonel Ekachai Harnpoonvittaya and officials.

Before and during thedinner, artistes entertained those present with songs to the accompaniment of Myanma Athan Modern Music Band.

After the dinner, Vice- Senior General MaungAye and General Anupong Paojinda exchanged gifts.

Next, Commander-in- Chief of Royal Thai Army General Anupong Paojinda cordially greeted
the artistes.

Thai delegation leaves Yangon

YANGON, 18 Feb— The goodwill Thai delegationled by General Anupong Paojinda, Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Army, arrived here from Nay Pyi Taw by special flight today.

The delegation, accompanied by Brig-Gen Maung Maung Ohn, Thai Ambassador to Myanmar
Mr Bansarn Bunnag and Thai Defence Attaché and Army Attaché Colonel Ekachai Harnpoonvittaya, was welcomed by Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Brig-Gen Win Myint, military officers and officials concerned at the Yangon International Airport.

The delegation paid homage to Lawka Chantha Abhaya Labha Muni Buddha Image on Mindamma Hill in Insein Township and viewed white elephants at White Elephant Garden.The delegation also visited Shwedagon Pagoda and Thira Mingala Kaba Aye Pagoda.

Later, the delegation left Yangon by special flight in the evening. They were seen off by the commander, military officers and officials concerned at the Yangon International Airport.

The Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Army was here at the invitation of Vice-Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services
Commander-in-Chief (Army) Vice-Senior General Maung Aye.

ဂန္ဘာရီ

ဂန္ဘာရီ၊ ဂန္ဘာရီ
တစ္ေခါက္လာျပန္ၿပီ
သည္တစ္ခ်ီ သတၱမေျမာက္
ရန္ကုန္ၿမိဳ႕သို႕ေရာက္ ။

အေခါက္ေခါက္အခါခါ
သူေရာက္လို႕လာ
သည္ကိုလာ ဟိုျပန္သြား
ပိတုန္းေကာင္အလား ။

မ်က္ႏွာထားက ၿပံဳးခ်ိဳခ်ိဳ
ႏိုင္ငံေရးသမားကို
သူလိုခ်င္တာ အတင္းေတာင္း
စိတ္ပ်က္စရာေကာင္း ။

သူ႕အေၾကာင္းႏွင့္ သူေရာက္လာ
သူ႕ဆရာအတြက္လည္းပါ
ဟုိကခိုင္းတာ အကုန္လုပ္
သူတို႕ လက္ကိုင္တုတ္ ။

လက္ကိုင္တုတ္ႀကီး ဂန္ဘာရီ
သူေတြ႕လိုတာ ေဒၚစုၾကည္
အန္အယ္လ္ဒီတစ္ျဖစ္လဲ ၊ သူလဲတူတူဘဲ ။

Senior General Than Shwe sends message of congratulations to
newly-elected Bangladeshi President

NAY PYI TAW, 18 Feb—Senior General Than Shwe, Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar, has sent a message of congratulations to His Excellency Mr. Mohammad Zillur Rahman on his election as the President of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh.

Senior General Than Shwe receives Commander-in-Chief of Royal Thai Army and party

NAY PYI TAW, 17 Feb — Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Than Shwe received a visiting Thai goodwill delegation led by Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Army General Anupong Paojinda at Bayintnaung Yeiktha here at 12.30 pm today.
Also present were Vice-Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Commander-in-Chief (Army) Vice-Senior General Maung Aye, Member of the SPDC General Thura Shwe Mann of the Ministry of Defence, Commander-in-Chief (Navy) Rear- Admiral Nyan Tun, Commander-in-Chief (Air) Lt-Gen Myat Hein, Lt-Gen Ye Myint of the Ministry of Defence, Minister for Foreign Affairs U Nyan Win and Myanmar Military Attaché to Thailand Col Win Maung, Thai Ambassador to Myanmar Mr Bansarn Bunnag and Thai Defence Attaché and Army Attaché Colonel Ekachai Harnpoonvittaya.

Dailies to reach every village in Rakhine State

NAY PYI TAW, 17 Feb — A ceremony to open the new press of sub-printing house of News and Periodicals Enterprise of Ministry of Information and to launch the distribution of newspapers to every village in Rakhine State, was held at the house on 15 February. Minister for Information Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan, Vice- Chairman of Rakhine State Peace and Development Council Col Soe Lwin of Sittway Station and Managing Director of NPE U Soe Win formally opened the ceremony.
At the ceremony, Managing Director U Soe Win presented newspapers to paper agents from 892 villages from 14 townships — 27 villages in Sittway Township, 92 villages in Ponnagyun Township, 79 villages in Kyauktaw Township, 94 villages in MraukU Township, 62 villages in Minbya Township, 53 villages in Pauktaw Township, 51 villages in Myebon Township, 88 villages in Rathedaung Township, 98 villages in Maungtaw Township, 78 villages in Buthidaung Township, 54 villages in Kyaukpyu Township, 51 villages in Yanbye Township, 36 villages in Manaung Township and 29 villages in An Township. After the ceremony, the minister and the deputy chairman of Rakhine State PDC cordially greeted those present at the ceremony. Measures are being taken to distribute newspapers to remaining villages in Rakhine State.

Annex of BEMS under construction in Nay Pyi Taw Tatkon Township

NAY PYI TAW, 16 Feb— Minister for Home Affairs Maj-Gen Maung Oo inspected construction of annex of basic education middle school in Nyaunglunt Village in Nay Pyi Taw Tatkon Township on 15February.The annex is under construction with the contribution of the Ministry of Home Affairs.

The minister met with the headmaster and teachers. The minister inspected repair of Larban Bridge in Telmyint Village Tract and donated 200 sacks of cement. He met with village people from seven villages and asked them about their economic, social,education and health matters.
The minister went to the integrated farm of U Cho Te of Khitaye Village and inspected cultivation of summer paddy, mushroom, raising of cattle and production of biogas from the waste of animals.

Industrial training school to be built in Pakokku

NAY PYI TAW, 16 Feb—Minister for Industry- 2 Vice-Admiral Soe Thein arrived at the site of industrial training school project (Pakokku) in Magway Division on 14 February .

Officials reported on the site chosen for construction of three workshops and classrooms and supply of water and electricity. The minister fulfilled the requirements and visited the sites.
On 15 February, the minister cordially met families of staff of Machine and Machine Tools Factory (Myaing) and inspected machine shop, mould and die making shop, assembly-1 and 2,sheet metal and painting shop, heat treatment shop, foundry shop and pattern making shop. The minister met service personnel and gave instructions on good workmanship, innovations and reviews on products.

Sittway Airport runway project to be completed by 30 May 2009

Recently, I made a trip to Sittway in Rakhine State to cover news about the First Floriculture Contest, the photo contest, and the opening ceremony of the exhibition to mark the 62nd Anniversary Union Day.

While the airplane was about to touch the ground, I had a good view over the airport, and noticed that half part of the runway along it was black and the other half part, white with heavy machinery and trucks at work. For the time being, the Sittway Airport is serviceable only three days a week as its runway is being upgraded. The following day, I studied the project site under the arrangements of Deputy Director of Rakhine StateGeneral Administration Department U Kyaw Myint. Senior Engineer U Tin Maung Thein and Junior Engineer (2) U Thant Zaw Oo conducted me round the site.
In the World War II, Sittway Airport used to be a military airfield. The International Aeradio Limited (I.A.L) Co handed over the transport facility to the Civil Aviation Department on 24 July 1947. In 1960, the runway was upgraded to a 6000' x 150' tarred one.
The airport building was upgraded from a 120 long and 60 feet wide one to a 220 feet long and 60 feet wide one with a lounge and a special lounge for VIPs, and was launched on 22 March 2002. Sittway Airport has a 6000' x 150' runway, a 600'x 300' apron and a 525' x 75' taxiway. The runway can withstand 7300 pounds and cope with F-28 Fokker airplane.
The surfaces of the runway, apron and taxiway deteriorated due to wear and tear. So, the Civil Aviation Department under the Ministry of Transport launched the project for upgrading the airport facilities on 1 December 2006, and skilled workers are working hard day in, day out under the close supervision of the engineers of the department to complete the project on schedule. So far, the project has been completed by 85 per cent.
The Directorate of Military Engineers began the installation of light units on 2 February 2008, and now it has completed cent per cent: 58 runway edges lights, 36 runway threshold identification lights, 24 precision approach path indicator lights, 33 pairs of taxiway lights, a pair of beacon lights, five wing indicator lights, 24 approach lights and four flash lights.
Junior Engineer (2) U Thant Zaw Oo said that Chairman of Rakhine State Peace and Development Council Commander of Western Command Maj-Gen Thaung Aye, Minister for Transport Maj-Gen Thein Swe, and officials of the Civil Aviation Department had made an inspection tour of the project.
I noticed a modern tar mixer, seven trucks and road rollers were operating at full capacity, and tar, egneiss stones, and construction materials were stockpiled in an organized way. The project is due to be completed by 30 May 2009. After the project is completed, Fokker 27 and F 28 aircraft can use it safely. And after the runway is extended into a 2500 feet long one, the airport can cope with B 737-200 and A-300 aircraft. So,the project will make a remarkable contribution towards the development of Rakhine State.

Auspicious and historic Day

“Union Day” is an auspicious and historic day, on which the Union of Myanmar, through the might of unity of national people, managed to throw off the yoke of servitude under the colonialists who enslaved the nation for more than one hundred years, and the nation became an independent and sovereign nation again.

Senior General Than Shwe
Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council
Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services
(From the 59th Anniversary Union Day message)

Senior General Than Shwe, wife Daw Kyaing Kyaing host Union Day commemorative reception and dinner

Senior General Than Shwe greets Union Day delegates from states and divisions, national race cultural troupes, members of social organizations and special guests.

Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar Senior General Than Shwe and wife Daw Kyaing Kyaing hosted a reception and dinner to mark the 62nd Anniversary Union Day at City Hall Square here this evening. Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Senior General Than Shwe and wife Senior General Than Shwe, wife Daw Kyaing Kyaing host Union Day commemorative reception and dinner Daw Kyaing Kyaing were welcomed at City Hall Square by Vice-Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Vice- Senior General Maung Aye, Member of the SPDC General Thura Shwe Mann, Prime Minister General Thein Sein, Chairman of Central Committee for Observance of the 62nd Anniversary Union Day Secretary-1 of the SPDC Lt-Gen Thiha Thura Tin Aung Myint Oo, Chairman of Management Committee for Observance of the 62nd Anniversary Union Day Commander of Nay Pyi Taw Command Maj- Gen Wai Lwin and officials.

Next, Senior General Than Shwe and party greeted Union Day delegates from states and divisions, national race cultural troupes, members of social organizations and special guests. Senior General Than Shwe and wife Daw Kyaing Kyaing hosted the dinner to the guests.It was also attended by Vice-Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Vice- Senior General Maung Aye and wife Daw Mya Mya San, Member of the SPDC General Thura Shwe Mann and wife Daw Khin Lay Thet, Prime Minister General Thein Sein and wife Daw Khin Khin Win,Chairman of Central Committee for Observance of the 62nd Anniversary Union Day Secretary-1 of the SPDC Lt-Gen Thiha Thura Tin Aung Myint Oo and wife Daw Khin Saw Hnin,member of the SPDC Lt- Gen Tin Aye and wife Daw Kyi Kyi Ohn, senior military officers of the Ministry of Defence and their wives, the ministers, the Chief Justice, the Attorney- General, the Auditor-General and their wives, members of the central committee and management committee for observance of the 62nd Anniversary Union Day, the deputy ministers, the director-general of Myanmar Police Force, the directors-general of the SPDC Office and the Government Office and departmental heads, Union Day delegates from states and divisions, national race cultural troupes, representatives of social organizations and guests.
Before and during the dinner, national races and vocalists to the accompaniment of Myanma Athan modern music troupe presented music and songs to the guests.

After the dinner, gold medalists of Myanmar Traditional Cultural Performing Arts Competitions, national race cultural troupes of Kachin, Kayah, Kayin,Chin, Mon, Rakhine, Shan States and Taninthayi Division and artistes of Fine Arts Department of the Ministry of Culture entertained those present with dances at open air theatre of Nay Pyi Taw City Hall.