Prime Minister General Thein Sein meets USDA reconstruction volunteers to Ayeyawady Division

NAY PYI TAW, 9 June—Chairman of the National Disaster Preparedness Central Committee Prime Minister General Thein Sein met with members of State and Division Union Solidarity and Development Associations who are going to help in reconstruction of storm-hit regions in Ayeyawady Division at the meeting hall of the association on New University Avenue, Yangon, this afternoon. In his meeting with members of State and Division USDAs, the Prime Minister said that the government, the people and the Tatmadaw managed to successfully undertake rescue works in the storm-hit regions of Yangon and Ayeyawady Divisions in a short time. Continued rehabilitation tasks are being carried out. Prime Minister General Thein Sein meets USDA reconstruction volunteers to Ayeyawady Division The USDA was set up with the aims of protecting and safeguarding the interests of the people.

faced. As the project sites may encounter some difficultiesIn such a situation of encountering the natural disaster, members of USDAs in cooperation with the government, the people and the Tatmadaw are to help solve the problems the people have of Ayeyawady Division are located in coastal areas, members of USDAs during their travel and others. It is known that the USDA Headquarters has already fulfilled all the needs of the members who are going there. The members are to help the storm victims with basic needs such as accommodation, food and health out of goodwill. The community welfare is the foundation of social sector. The members are to make all-out efforts to undertake welfare of the community in accord with the basic principles of the association. The meeting was attended by Lt-Gen Myint Swe of the Ministry of Defence, Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Hla Htay Win, Joint Secretary- General of USDA U Zaw Min, Secretaries U Aung Thaung and U Thein Zaw, CEC Members, Ministers, officials concerned of the SPDC Office and USDA Headquarters and members of State and Division USDAs. Next, the Prime Minister cordially greeted members of USDAs. Af terwards, officials concerned explained the items the members will bring along to the storm-hit regions to the Prime Minister. After hearing the reports, the Prime Minister inspected the sample of a tent at which the members can temporarily camp in the storm-hit regions and gave necessary instructions.— MNA

Auto-telephone available in Mawlamyinegyun

YANGON, 8 June—A total of 350 autotelephones have already been installed in M a w l a m y i n- e g y u n Township and the remaining ones are being installed in the whole township coming 13 June. MNA

We have to replace earth bricks with stone ones (1)

might and main in equip themselves with saying ‘blood is thicker catastrophe, ministers groups headed for the organizations. Since the purified water,It seems to me after the storm Nargis, our country is more lively and the people have come to loving-kindness, goodwill and cohesion all the more, thus reflecting the than water’. It was very encouraging to note that soon after the under the leadership of the Prime Minister making themselves into storm-affected areas and carried out relief and reconstruction tasks with concert with local people, national entrepreneurs, servicemen and social natural disaster abated, the people of the states and divisions, entrepreneurs, merchants, and social organizations have been donating emergency supplies, vegetables, clothes and household utensils with great generosity and in bulk. That is a testament to the fact that four kinds of cardinal virtues flourish in Myanmar, a Buddhist country.

storm-hit areas including National DisasterMembers of the Red Cross Society, and specialists, doctors and nurses went down to the rural areas, and since then, they have been providing health care to local people. That shows the people of our country are helpful to each other. I would say that the efforts the people have been making with patriotic spirit, nationalistic fervour and Union Spirit to realize a national duty are remedying the devastating consequences of the storm. When the relief and rehabilitation works were in full swing, Head of State Senior General Than Shwe started to make field trips to the storm-affected areas and comforted the victims. Being a visionary leader with vast experience, the Head of State assessed the performances of the Preparedness Central Committee and gave guidance on more effective ways.

Vice-Chairman of the Prime Minister GeneralDuring the trips, he gave effective encouragements that would always be in the mind of the storm victims and created conditions that will bring benefits to the affected areas in the long run. In a bid to comply with the work guidelines of Head of State Senior General Than Shwe, State Peace and Development Council Deputy Commander-in- Chief of Defence Services Commander-in-Chief (Army) Vice-Senior General Maung Aye made a trip to the storm-hit areas from 1 to 4 June. Vice- Senior General Maung Aye was accompanied by Thein Sein, SPDC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Thiha Thura Tin Aung Myint Oo, SPDC Members Lt- Gen Aung Htwe and Lt- Gen Tin Aye, Commander-in-Chief (Navy) Vice-Admiral Soe Thein, Commander-in- Chief (Air) Lt-Gen Myat Hein, Lt-Gen Myint Hlaing and Lt-Gen Ye Myint of the Ministry of Defence, National Disaster Preparedness Central Committee member ministers, senior military officers of the Ministry of Defence, and deputy ministers. During the trip, Vice- Senior General Maung Aye visited the relief camps in Kungyangon Township in Yangon Division and seven townships in Ayeyawady Divisions at the rate of two townships a day, cordially greeted storm victims individually and family-wise and fulfilled the requirements.

Besides, he implemented shortterm programmes in the interests of the storm victims as well as longterm programmes in the interests of the areas. So, it is fair to say that the trip of Vice-Senior General Maung Aye brought great benefits to the areas and the victims. Vice-Senior General Maung Aye and party left Yangon by helicopter and arrived at Kyaiklat in Ayeyawady Division at 8.20 am on 1 June. He inspected by car the repaired roads in the town, and progress of reconstruction of the houses. At the Golden Jubilee Hall in Kyaiklat, Minister Maj-Gen Soe Naing gave an account of progress of reconstruction and development tasks in the township. In response, Vice-Senior General Maung Aye asked questions for further details and gave instructions on the tasks. During his visit to the township people’s hospital, Vice-Senior General Maung Aye consoled the victim patients and encouraged the doctors, nurses and officials. Next, he inspected by car the conditions of the town and Myoma Market and greeted local people. On arrival at Pyapon, Vice- Senior General Maung Aye inspected progress of reconstruction works and Pyapon Bridge. Next, he visited the camp next to the bridge in which medical treatment was being given to local people including members of the Sangha in the tents, and greeted members of the Defence Services Medical Services, and Indian medical team
and officials.

At the town hall of Pyapon, Minister Maj-Gen Soe Naing reported on progress of reconstruction
and development undertakings with the use of audiovisual aids. In response, Vice- Senior General Maung Aye assessed the report. Minister for Livestock and Fisheries Brig-Gen Maung Maung Thein gave an account of fishing equipment the ministry and the Myanmar Fishery Federation would provide for the fishermen to lead a normal life again. Next, Vice-Senior General Maung Aye inspected progress of reconstruction of Pyapon District People’s Hospital, and gave instructions on tasks to upgrade the medical facility to a 200-bed one. In the afternoon, Vice-Senior General Maung Aye and party arrived at Sethsan Relief Camp in Bogale Township and greeted storm victims. And Vice- Senior General Maung Aye met with villagers and explained arrangements for giving a helping hand to storm victims. Local people were pleased with the pledge of Vice-Senior General Maung Aye. On arrival at the relief camp in Kadonkani Village, Pyapon Township by helicopter, Vice-Senior General Maung Aye and party looked into opening of health care centres, providing medical treatment to local people and arrival and distribution of relief items. After that, they viewed the accommodation of storm victims of Kyunthaya Village, Bogale Township, in shelter boxes and consoled them. Vice-Senior General Maung Aye met local people of Kadonkani Village and explained arrangements for fulfilling storm victims with necessary requirements. At 1.30 pm, Vice-Senior General Maung Aye and party left for Pathein by helicopter and they viewed the prevailing situation of storm-hit regions from the helicopter.

Prime Minister General Thein Sein on inspection tour of relief camps in Bogale and Pyapon Townships

NAY PYI TAW, 8 June — Chairman of National Disaster Preparedness Central Committee Prime Minister General Thein Sein, together with Lt-Gen Myint Swe of the Ministry of Defence,Chairman of Ayeyawady Division Peace and Development Council Commander of South-West Command Brig-Gen Kyaw Swe, members of the NDPCC ministers, the deputy ministers, the director-general of the Government Office and departmental heads, left Pathein for Bogale by helicopter this morning. Accompanied by Minister for Forestry Brig-Gen Thein Aung who is closely supervising reconstruction of Bogale Township and Minister for Hotels and
Tourism Maj-Gen Soe Naing who is also closely supervising reconstruction of Pyapon and Kyaiklat townships, the Prime Minister and party proceeded to Kyaingchaunggyi Village in Bogale Township by helicopter.

They greeted members of Kachin State Red Cross Society who were undertaking reconstruction of the village. The Prime Minister cordially conversed with students from the village and consoled them that arrangements are being made to enable the students to pursue education at the temporary classrooms and to get necessary textbooks and stationery. The Prime Minister gave instructions to the officials on ensuring health and happiness of students and provision of

assistance with goodwill for uplift of morale of the students. After inspecting construction of tents in the village, the Prime Minister explained arrangements for ensuring temporary and permanent settlements for the storm victims and for enabling them to get suitable jobs. They also viewed the monastery of the village Afterwards, the Prime Minister handed over one CDMA 450 telephone and one set of loudspeaker donated by the Ministry of Communications, Posts and Telegraphs to village authorities. He also presented cash assistance for members of Kachin State Red Cross Brigade to the leader. After inspecting the arrival of power-tillers for the village, the Prime Minister instructed officials to supervise arrangements for ploughing of farmlands at
full capacity.

On arrival at Kadonkani Village of Pyapon Township,the Prime Minister met departmental officials, members of the Union Solidarity and Development Association, Women’s Affairs Organization, Maternal and Child Welfare Association and Red Cross Brigade. Responsible persons of MRCS and members of Kachin State Red Cross Brigade reported on construction of make-shift shelters at Kadonkani Relief Camp and installation of the water purifier. In meeting with officials, the Prime Minister heard reports on arrival of storm victims at Kadonkani Relief Camp from Kyunthaya Village and accommodation for them, and instructed officials that as the victims from Kyunthaya Village do not want to live in their village, they will be resettled in Kadonkani Village.

Therefore, it is required to provide necessary assistance for them. Next, the Prime Minister and party consoled the victims from Kyunthaya Village. He presented one CDMA 450 telephone to the village officials. The Ministry of Communications, Posts and Telegraphs donated one set of loudspeaker to them. At the Relief Camp in Setsan Village of Bogale Township, the Prime Minister and party heard reports on reconstruction of the village and accommodation of storm victims from surrounding villages at the relief camp. After hearing the reports, the Prime Minister instructed officials to transport the victims from the relief camp to their respective villages of their own accord only after building temporary shelters for the victims, to make arrangements for enabling the victims to take out rations enough for one week and to issue them necessary foods from nearest relief camps for long term, to resettle the victims who want to live in the new place of the relief camp, to submit the arrangements for creation of jobs for the victims as soon as possible and to place emphasis on carrying out sanitation task and establishing new better environment. They visited the village and the relief camp. While in the village, the Ministry of Communications, Posts and Telegraphs donated six sets of loudspeakers to officials. On arrival at the relief control office in Bogale, they viewed power-tillers donated by Htoo Trading for using them in agricultural tasks. Minister Brig-Gen Thein Aung reported on progress in reconstruction of Bogale Township, and the Prime Minister gave necessary instructions. They left Bogale for Pyapon by helicopter and viewed the condition of motor road. After that, they left Pyapon by helicopter and arrived back Yangon in the afternoon. —MNA

Vice-Senior General Maung Aye makes arrangements to facilitate rehabilitation tasks

NAY PYI TAW, 3 June— Vice-Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Deputy Commander-in- Chief of the Defence Services Commander-in-Chief (Army) Vice-Senior General
Maung Aye gave necessary instructions to responsible persons including ministers and national entrepreneurs concerning rehabitlitation tasks in Mawlamyinegyun and Bogale Townships at Mya Ayeyar meeting hall in Pathein yesterday. In his address, Vice- Senior General Maung Aye said that it was encouraging to witness the concerted efforts made with nationalistic fervour by departmen tal officials, local people and national entrepreneurs to carry out relief and reconstruction tasks in the storm-hit regions.

Giving a helping hand to storm victims so that they can overcome any difficulty reflects strong nationalism and Union Spirit of the nation and the people as well as unity and strength of the nation. It is Union Spirit as well as the spirit of helping each other that Red Cross members of Kachin State from the far north had come to Kadonkani in the southern Myanmar to provide the storm victims with aid in Ayeyawady Division. Bearing in mind that reconstruction of stormstricken regions is an extraordinary task construction work is to be carried out along with upgrading work. In that regard, coordination is indispensable to be able to make arrangements considering specific needs of the respective storm-hit areas. Arrangements had already been made for one region to help another in times of need.

have been made for enjoying food security.Like Ayeyawady Division which is the rice bowl of lower Myanmar, a cluster of dams and reservoirs were built in Sagaing Division to turn it into the rice bowl of upper Myanmar for self-sufficiency in rice. With the emergence of Thapanseik Dam, Sagaing Division has now been able to enjoy the surplus of 100 million baskets of rice every year. Similarly, steps are being taken to turn Taninthayi Division into an edible oil pot like Magway Division. As arrangements fulfillment of basic commodity wherever necessary, local people are now In conclusion, he spoke of the need for those present to openly discuss matters on effective implementation of the reconstruction tasks in stormhit regions of Ayeyawady Division as the government has made arrangements for successful realization of the tasks.

Next, Vice-Senior General Maung Aye greeted the national entrepreneurs present on the occasion. Afterwards, officials led by Prime Minister General Thein Sein went on discussing the reconstruction and development measures in detail. In his address, Central Committee Chairman Prime Minister General Thein Sein said that Vice Senior General Maung Aye had already clarified relief, reconstruction and development tasks, policy of the government towards preventative and preparedness measures in the event of natural disaster, future work and arrangements. He continued to say that relief and reconstruction of storm-hit regions had been successfully carried out in a short period of time through the active participation of members of National Disaster Preparedness Central Committee, the respective subcommittees, local people
and national entrepreneurs.

The government will make arrangements for storm victims to enable them to resume their livelihoods such as agriculture, fisheries and salt industry, and the relevant ministries and officials concerned are to report the requirements in that regard, he noted. Next, Central Committee Vice-Chairman Secretary- 1 of the SPDC Lt-Gen Thiha Thura Tin Aung Myint Oo dealt with reports of the relevant ministries and requirements. This was followed by a general round of discussions. The meeting ended with the concluding remarks by Central Committee Chairman Prime Minister General Thein Sein.—MNA

Vice-Senior General Maung Aye visits relief camps in Kyaiklat, Pyapon, Satsan and Kadonkani in Ayeyawady Div

NAY PYI TAW, 3 June – 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, accompanied by Chairman of National Disaster Preparedness Central Committee Prime Minister General Thein Sein, Vice-Chairman of NDPCC Secretary-1 of the SPDC Lt-Gen Thiha Thura Tin Aung Myint Oo, Commander-in-Chief (Navy) Vice-Admiral Soe Thein, Commander-in-Chief (Air) Lt-Gen Myat Hein, senior military officers, Chairman of Ayeyawady Division Peace and Development Council Commander of South- West Command Brig-Gen Kyaw Swe, members of NDPCC ministers, deputy ministers, the director-general of the Government Office and officials, arrived in Mawlamyinegyun Township by helicopter from
Pathein yesterday.

At the briefing hall, Minister for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs Col Thein Nyunt who is closely supervising reconstruction tasks in Mawlamyinegyun reported on the storm-affected villages, relief measures taken for storm victims, accommodation, supply of food and drinking water for the survivors, arrangements for resuming agricultural work and fisheries, delivery of relief items, repair of offices, hospitals and schools by private companies, re-running of rice mills and requirements for rehabilitation and development tasks.

Vice-Senior General Maung Aye said as relief works have almost com completed continued efforts are to be made for reconstruction of storm-hit regions and regional development and improvement of socio-economic life of the local people. In doing so, tasks for building of roads and bridges, fulfillment of food, clothing and shelter needs and resuming of the livelihoods of storm victims are to be carried out in a speedy and systematic manner, he said. In the meantime, preventive measures should be taken in the event of natural disaster in the future, he noted. As regions are different in the livelihoods according to geographical conditions some regions have to depend on agriculture while others have to engage in fisheries. Hence, in rehabilitaion of a region one should know its condition and requirements, and only then, will rehabilitation measures be carried out more effectively.

Vice-Senior General Maung Aye said he made a field trip right down to the respective storm-hit

areas. And prompt action is being taken for providing each region with necessary requirements in cooperation with region incharge ministers, national entrepreneurs and departments concerned, he added. Vice-Senior General Maung Aye and party inspected clearing of the fallen trees in Mawlamyinegyun, Myoma Market and river bank. They went to Township People’s Hospital where they greeted specialists, doctors and nurses from Yangon General Hospital and Yangon West District General Hospital who are giving treatment to the patients.

and food for storm victims, reconstruction of schools, party left for Hlinephone Village in Labutta Township.Vice-Senior General Maung Aye and party visited the patients undergoing treatment at the hospital and inspected the site chosen for construction of a 100-bed hospital. They went to Bogale from Mawlamyinegyun by helicopter. At the relief control office, Minister for Forestry Brig-Gen Thein Aung reported on loss of lives and property, relief measures, accommodation hospitals, dispensaries, arrangements for cultivation of monsoon paddy, operation of rice mills, power supply and participation in rehabilitation tasks in Bogale by private companies. Vice-Senior General Maung Aye then gave instructions. Vice-Senior General Maung Aye and party went to Township People’s Hospital and cordially greeted doctors. They comforted the patients and inspected the site for construction of a 100-bed hospital. They toured Bogale by car. Vice-Senior General Maung Aye and party inspected treatment for the storm victims by medical unit at the township gym. They greeted medical team from India led by Dr Prafull. At 11.30 am, Vice-Senior General Maung Aye and They cordially greeted the storm victims at the relief camps and doctors, health staff and members of Red Cross Brigade at the dispensary. They visited Hlinephone Village and inquired the experiences of the storm, food, clothing and shelter needs and education of the children.

They flew to Theikpangongyi Village by helicopter. Vice-Senior General Maung Aye met the villagers and explained arrangements for reconstruction and development of the village. He inspected repair of affiliated basic education high school in the village. They arrived back in Pathein in the afternoon.—MNA

Vice-Senior General Maung Aye comforts storm victims

Yesterday, Vice-Senior General Maung Aye and party comforted storm victims at relief campsi Yangon Division and gave necessary instructions to officials. At Atwin Padan relief camp in Hlinethaya Township, Lt-Gen Myint Swe and Commander Maj- Gen Hla Htay Win gave accounts of the small scale of the housing built of bamboo floor, bamboo matting walls and nipa palm roof for the storm victims. Next, Vice-Senior General Maung Aye cordially greeted the stormvictims being accommodated in tents at Atwin Padan relief camp and asked about living conditions in the relief camp, health matters, businesses and basic needs and education of the children of the storm victims and comforted them.

Next, officials conducted Vice-Senior Genera Maung Aye and party round Basic Education Middle School No. 7 being repaired near the relief camp. A total of 40 households were accommodated at 40 tents of Atwin Padan relief cam and arrangements are being made to provide requirements to 369 storm victims. At the relief camp in Ward-17 of Dagon Myothit (South) Township, Vice-Senior General Maung Aye and party inspected tasks of the administration office and control office and opening of the clinic.

Deputy Foreign Minister receives Singaporean Ambassador

YANGON, 31 May—Singaporean Ambassador to the Union of Myanmar Mr Robert Chua Hian Kong of Tripartite Core Group (TCG) formed by Myanmar Government, ASEAN and UN and party paid a call on Chairman of TCG Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs U Kyaw Thu at Chindwin Hall of the ministry this morning to give necessary assistance for relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction of the storm victims. Deputy Minister U Kyaw Thu and members of TCG discussed cooperation in relief and resettlement tasks in the storm-hit areas. Also present were Deputy Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement Brig-Gen Kyaw Myint, head of natural disaster management department and Assistant-Director- General of ASEAN Secretariat Ms Adelina Kamal, resident representative of UNDP and resident coordinator Mr Bishow Parajulli and resident representative of United Nations Fund for Population Activities (UNFPA) Mr Daniel B Baker and other members of TCG.

International relief supplies continue to arrive

YANGON, 31 May—The international community have been providing relief supplies for storm victims. Two MD-11 aircraft carrying 143.193 tons of tents, medicines, foodstuff, blankets, carpets, water proof tents donated by King of Saudi Arabia and the people, AN-12 aircraft carrying 11.97 tons of water purifier and appliances donated by emergency rescue agency of Sweden, five C-130 aircraft carrying 55.816 tons of plastic sheets, one life boat and water bottles donated by the USA, IL-76 aircraft carrying 24.445 tons of medical items,mosquito nets, water purifying tablets, buckets, water tanks, water filters donated by WFP, A-300 aircraft carrying 37.86 tons of plastic sheets donated by Relief Supplies Co Ltd of Britain arrived at Yangon International Airport today. Relief supplies provided by donors from abroad have been arrived here by air continuously and the accepting group is receiving the supplies systematically and delivering them to the storm-affected areas by helicopter, by car and by boat without delay.

Vice-Senior General Maung Aye, wife Daw Mya Mya San attend ceremony to honour monks who passed Tipitakadhara Selection Examination

YANGON, 31 May —A ceremony to honour monks who passed different treatises in the 60th
Tipitakadhara Selection Examination organized by the Ministry of Religious Affairs was held at
Maha Pasana Cave on Kaba Aye Hill in Mayangon Township here this morning, attended 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 and wife
Daw Mya Mya San.