Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt, Chairman of the Work Committee for Development of Border Areas and National Races, received U Sandar, Chairman of Kayah State Special Region-2, Vice-Chairman U Tun Kyaw and party at Zeyathri Beikman in Yangon on 3 January.

During their meeting, the national race leaders said they fully welcomed and supported the seven-point future policy of the State and pledged to attend the National Convention. The national race leaders also reported on matters relating to regional development tasks of education, health, economy and road and bridge construction.

Border Areas and National Races Development Work Committee Chairman Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt received Chairman U Takleh of Shan State Nationalities People's Liberation Organization and party at Zeyathiri Beikman in Yangon on 7 January.

At the meeting, the national race leaders expressed their support for the seven-point future political programme of the State and pledged to take part in the tasks to successfully implement the programme under the leadership of the government. Afterwards, they reported on regional development tasks, road and bridge construction tasks and economic matters.

Chairman of the Work Committee for Development of Border Areas and National Races Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt received Chairman of Kayah State Special Region-1 and party in Yangon on 9 January.

At the meeting, the national race leaders expressed their support for the seven-point future political programme of the State and pledged to take part in the tasks to successfully implement the programme under the leadership of the government. The national race leaders also reported matters related to regional development, economy, education and health and construction of roads and bridges.

Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt received Shan national race leader U Khun Mein and party of Shwe Pyi Aye Development village, who have returned to the legal fold, at Zeyathiri Beikman Hall in Yangon on 14 January.

The national race leaders expressed their support for the seven-point future political programme of the State and pledged to actively participate in the tasks to successfully implement the programme. Afterwards they reported matters relating to regional development, agriculture and economic enterprise.

Chairman of the Work Committee for Development of Border Areas and National Races Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt received Chairman of Shan State (North) Special Region-1 and Vice-Chairman and members in Yangon on 19 January.

During their meeting, the national race leaders said they fully support the seven-point policy programme of the State (roadmap) clarified by the Prime Minister and made commitment to actively participate in the successful implementation of the roadmap under the leadership of the State. They also said that emphasis was to be laid on the elimination of narcotic drugs and poppy-substitute crops cultivation would be extended according to the instructions of the State. Also, they reported on their regional development, agriculture, road and bridge construction and economy and assistance rendered by the State.

Chairman of the Work committee for Development of Border Areas and National Races Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt received Chairman of Shan State (North) Special Region (5) U Matunaw and party in Yangon on 22 January. During the discussion the national race leaders said that they supported the seven-point future political programme of the State, adding that they would make harmonious efforts with the leadership of the State for the successful implementation of the political programme. They also said that the region would continue to root out the narcotic drugs with added momentum, presenting the plan for the State to render assistance in the health, education, agriculture, transport and economic sectors for regional development.

Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt, Chairman of the Work Committee for Development of Border Areas and National Races, received Chairman of Shan State (North) Special Region-7 U Aik Mone and members in Yangon on 23 January. At the meeting, the national race leaders said they fully supported the seven-point future policy (programme) of the State clarified by the Prime Minister and they would actively participate in the implementation of the political programme with the leadership of the State. They also said that emphasis was to be placed on the elimination of narcotic drugs. Also, they reported on education, health, agriculture, economy and assistance to be rendered by the State for the development of their region.

Chairman of the Work Committee for Development of Border Areas and National Races Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt received Rakhine national group led by U Saw Tun Oo from Rakhine State who had returned to the legal fold in Yangon on 27 January. On the occasion, the national race leaders said that they welcome and support the State’s seven-point Roadmap and pledged that they will collectively and unitedly participate in the tasks for accomplishment of the State’s future policy programme under the leadership of the Government. They held talks on assistance to be rendered by the State for education, health, agricultural and economic sectors and for regional development.

Kinpon Bridge on Gwa-Thandwe Road was commissioned into service in Gwa Township, Rakhine State, on 30 December. The bridge was built by Public Works of the Ministry of Construction. The Government has built 4,477 miles of new roads and 173 major bridges. Kinpon Bridge is 420 feet long, supporting a 24 feet wide motorway. Its maximum load-bearing capacity is 60 tons. Kinpon Bridge contributes towards smooth transport between Rakhine State and Ayeyawady Division and economic, health and education sectors will improve further.

Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt, accompanied by member of the State Peace and Development Council, the ministers, the deputy ministers, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, heads of departments, the entrepreneurs and officials, left Yangon on 11 January and arrived in Dawei township, Taninthayi Division. The Prime Minister and party proceeded to Kyauknimaw Affiliated High School and inquired about the academic matters of the school and attended to the needs for upgrading the school. The Prime Minister and party inspected transport conditions along the road, palm oil plantations on either side of the road and the beach.

At Hnyawbyin Village in Dawei township, the Minister for Transport reported on matters related to construction of Hnyawbyin deep sea port to be used by the 50,000 ton-capacity ocean-going liners, which was 43 miles away from Dawei, conditions for construction of warehouse and the industrial zone. Also, the Minister for Foreign Affairs reported on matters related to construction of Hnyawbyin deep sea port and regional development tasks in cooperation with the neighbouring countries and organizations in the region.

The Prime Minister said that although Taninthayi Division had railroads linking to neighbouring countries during the Second World War, the railroads fell into ruin due to various reasons in later periods. But now, as the communication between neighbouring countries and Myanmar improved, there arise opportunities in which reconstruction of these railroads linking with other countries could be made. Myanmar is in the hub of the Southeast Asian region and South Asian region. Therefore, at a time when further cooperation has been enhanced in economic, social and cultural sectors among regional countries, arrangements are under way to be able to construct roads linking with regional countries. Moreover, steps are being taken to enhance cooperation in economic, trade, social and cultural sectors, especially in tourism industries among regional countries Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand.

Likewise, India, Myanmar and Thailand have made arrangements for further strengthening cooperation including construction of the main road linking the three nations. He said that he was there to witness the conditions for construction of the deep sea port in Dawei region, construction of the main road to link the neighbouring nation and establishment of the industrial zone in Dawei region. The Prime Minister greeted the local people and inquired about education, health and economic conditions of the region and made arrangements for upgrading of Hnyawbyin Village Basic Education Primary School.

The Myanma Oil and Gas Enterprise reached an agreement with the Daewoo International Corporation of the Republic of Korea to explore and exploit oil and gas at A-1 block offshore Rakhine coast on 4 August, 2000 under production sharing contract. Seismic survey was conducted up to 3,552.75 line kilometres in the area in 2001. Follow-up measures were then taken. The offshore drilling machine Energy Searcher started drilling at Shwe-1 test well in the block on 21 November 2003 and struck the gas deposit on 26 December 2003 at the G-5 sand layer 10,588 feet below the seabed.

According to the geological condition, the deposit may yield from 4.2 trillion to 5.8 trillion cubic feet of gas. Serving as the operator, the Daewoo International Corporation has a 60 per cent stake in the business, while Korea Gas Corporation, another ROK enterprise is holding 10 per cent of the share; ONGC Videsh Ltd of the Republic of India, 20 per cent; and GAIL (India) Ltd, 10 per cent.

It is a world-class commercial-scale gas deposit, with a promising geological condition to yield platinum and silver. According to the calculations, the whole A-1 block may yield up to 14 trillion cubic feet of gas. As the host, Myanmar will have the right to enjoy the proportionate share of the benefits. The country is going to have shares of the business, and will gain considerable profit from the gas deposit.

Chairman of Central Committee for Drugs Abuse Control Minister for Home Affairs, Vice-Chairmen Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs, members Minister for Labour and Minister for Commerce, together with ambassadors of foreign missions in Yangon, diplomats, resident representatives of UN agencies, CCDAC members and officials, visited Shan State (East), Shan State (North), Mandalay Division and Magway Division starting from 23 January to observe regional development and drugs elimination tasks.

On 24 January, they visited the border area development training school in Kengtung township. The ministers, the ambassadors, the diplomats and the UN resident representatives left Kengtung and arrived at Mongpauk, Shan State (East). National race leader and party welcomed them. Resident Representative of UNODC Mr. Li Ming Hu extended greetings and Project Manger Mr. Jeremy Milson explained task for Wa region development project at the office of the project. He said altogether 44,143 people of 8,452 households are living in 337 villages of the five townships in Mongpauk District. A total of 12 ethnic groups are living there of which majority are Lahu, Shan and Wa nationals. The major objective of the project is to control drugs and to ensure no production and abuse of drugs. Opium yield survey was conducted in 337 villages in five townships in 2003. Poppy was grown on 1,915 acres of land. It shows the decrease of 19 percent when compared with 2002. As a result, poppy-growing and opium production in the region has remarkably decreased. Poppy was grown on 1,212 hectares of land in 1999, and the number decreased to 956.37 hectares in 2002. It is estimated that the number will decrease further to about 500 hectares in 2004.

The ministers, the ambassadors, the diplomats and the UN resident representatives left Mongpauk and arrived at Panghsan. Wa national race leader U Pauk Yu Chan made a presentation. He said arms have been exchanged for peace with the government since April 17, 1989. During the past 15 years, Wa region has developed remarkably. With the development achieved, efforts for elimination of drugs in 2005 can be carried out. As there were only 300 kilometers of road before 1989 compared with 1,800 kilometers at present. Over 250 bridges have been built and over 3,000 kilometers of road linking southern and northern townships of Wa region was constructed. At present there are seven hydel power stations to generate 13,560 kilowatts, up from only a 40-kilowatt hydel power station before 1989. Also, rice is sufficient for the region from 6 to 8 months, up from 4 to 6 months before 1989. There are 27 canals, six dams in Wa region and 120 tractors, and 550 cattle have been distributed to the farmers with no interest. 32,500 tons of rice was produced in 2003. Surplus 6,000 tons of paddy was sold to the other regions. 3,000 more tons of maize was produced. Hong Peng livestock breeding farms were established in northern and southern parts to fulfil local needs. In addition, rubber plants were grown on 18,122 acres of land and 80,000 teak plants were also grown. Lychee, orange, mango, citron, tea and grape were grown on 36,860 acres of land.

A total of 15,796 students are pursuing education at 288 schools including six middle schools. There are 988 teachers, 20 hospitals, 106 dispensaries and 591 health care staff. Drugs elimination tasks have been carried out since 1996. The region has the population of over 600,000. Altogether 16 ethnic groups are living in 29 districts. According to the opium yield survey, there grows no poppy in Mongmao, Weinkaung, Mongpauk, Lonhtan, Namtit, Panghsan and Mongpyin regions. The difficulty is that the region is mountainous. So, it is difficult to carry out regional development tasks and there is also a problem in UNODC’s project for regional development. The programme to resettle the people to the southern region needs a lot of funds. Raw materials produced from poppy-substitute agriculture tasks and livestock breeding tasks have a problem with market. Some essential chemicals for other industries cannot be imported due to the strict bilateral chemicals control programme. Those migrated to southern part need medicines. But, these difficulties will not change the opium elimination objective in 2005. If the assistance of Myanmar government, the Republic of China, Thailand and international organizations be rendered, the objectives will be realized smoothly.

The visitors left there and arrived at Mongmao where national race leader U Pauk Yu Lyan and party welcomed them. They visited tea plantations. Strenuous efforts have been made to reduce poppy growing for drugs elimination tasks of the region. As a result, only about 600 families of two village-tracts out of 2,800 families of six village-tracts are growing poppy. In resettling the people from the two village-tracts, housing and rice sufficiency is of prime importance. A total of 50,000 rubber plants, 100,000 lychee, 120,000 Chinese plum, 350,000 tea plants, 140,000 pineapple plants, 150,000 chinsawkha plants (Cydonia cathayensis), 5,000 walnut plants, 50,000 mango trees and 1,050,000 flower plants have been grown to subsitute poppy-growing.

On 25 January, they visited poppy-substitute coffee plantation in Lashio township, Shan State (North). Also, they left Lashio for Laukkai. At Laukkai Drugs Elimination Museum, national race leader U Phon Kya Shin briefed on regional development tasks, drugs elimination tasks and poppy-substitute agriculture tasks for Kokang region. He said poppy-growing which was started over 100 years ago has been rooted out since 2002. It is a good deed not only for Kokan region but also for the country and the international community. Local people have encountered many difficulties as they had grown poppy for over 100 years and the soil is infertile and there is no sufficient water for agricultural use. Local national race leaders have made arrangements for growing of rubber and other crops which are suitable to the region. He said over 10,000 students are pursuing education at 125 schools. A 1000-acre farm has been established at the place six miles from Laukkai. In addition, an area of 2,500 acres was put under sugarcane in 2003. China, Japan and the UN rendered assistance to the region. CCDAC Chairman briefed on drugs elimination tasks carried out in Kokang region in cooperation with the government. The visitors viewed poppy-substitute plantation and border areas development tasks near Laukkai.

On 26 January the group visited Tanyaung river-water pumping project in Salin Township, Magway Division. The group also visited Mon Creek multi-purpose dam project. The project is located in Sedoktara Township, Minbu District in Magway Division. Its main purposes are to supply enough water for growing of monsoon paddy, summer paddy and other crops, to prevent flooding of Mon Creek and to generate 330 million kilowatt hours of electricity per annum. The project started in October 1995 and will finish in March 2004. The catchment area of the dam is 1,468 sq miles. The dam is 4,320 feet long and 200 feet high. The earthen dam can supply water to 108,000 acres of land.

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Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar Senior General Than Shwe received visiting Governor of West Bengal State of India Mr. Viren J Shah and party in Yangon on 16 January. The visiting Governor of West Bengal and party were accompanied by Indian Ambassador to Myanmar Mr. Rajiv Kumar Bhatia.

State Peace and Development Council Chairman Senior General Than Shwe received the visiting goodwill delegation led by Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Planning and Cooperation Committee of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic Dr. Thongloun Sisolith in Yangon on 28 January. Present at the call with Senior General Than Shwe were State Peace and Development Council Vice-Chairman Vice-Senior General Maung Aye, Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt, State Peace and Development Council Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Soe Win, Secretary-2 Lt-Gen Thein Sein, Minister for Foreign Affairs and together with the visiting Deputy Prime Minister were Ambassador of Lao People’s Democratic Republic Mr. Chanthavy Bodhisane.

Prime minister General Khin Nyunt received the visiting delegation led by Thai Minister of Commerce Mr. Watana Muangsook in Yangon on 26 January.

Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Soe Win and wife hosted dinner in honour of Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Planning and Cooperation Committee of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic Dr. Thongloun Sisolith and wife Madame Naly Sisolith and goodwill delegation members in Yangon on 27 January.

The first meeting of the Work Committee for Implementation of Trade and Investment Cooperation among Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand under the Ayeyawady-Chao-Phraya-Mekong Economic Cooperation Strategy was held at the Ministry of Commerce in Yangon on 1 January.

Chairman of the committee the Minister for Commerce made a speech. Member of the committee Director-General of the Directorate of Trade explained matters related to the implementation of the drafted plans. Those present also took part in the discussions.

Prime Minister of the Union of Myanmar General Khin Nyunt received Chairman of Daewoo International Corporation Mr. Lee Tae-Yong and party in Yangon on 16 January. At the meeting, Chairman Mr. Lee Tae-Yong said that under the production sharing contract, the Myanma Oil and Gas Enterprise and the Daewoo International Corporation of the Republic of Korea explored and exploited oil and gas at A-1 block offshore Rakhine coast, that the offshore drilling machine Energy Searcher started drilling at Shwe-1 test well in the block on 21 November 2003 and struck a large gas deposit on 26 December 2003 at the G-5 sand layer 10,588 feet below the seabed, that according to the deposit from 4.2 trillion to 5.8 trillion cubic feet, gas is stored in the field. The chairman added that the deposit is the world class and there are also platinum and silver at the block; that according to the calculations, the whole A-1 block may yield up to 14 trillion cubic feet of gas: that therefore, they were there to ask for permits to explore and exploit oil and gas at other blocks that will benefit the State and report the success in exploring oil and gas offshore Rakhine State.

In accordance with the agreement reached at the meeting of Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand Economic Cooperation Strategy, the Ministry of Transport (Myanmar) in cooperation with Thailand, will start the construction of a deep seaport at Dawei, Taninthari Division in January, 2004.(Source- The Business Tank -January, 2004)

Salone traditional festival will be held in Ma Kyone Gala Village in Kawthoung Township, Taninthayi Division from 14 to 17 February 2004 under the aegis of the Ministry of Hotels and Tourism and local authority. Visitors can get information on the festival on the website under the name of Myanmar.net/mtt/salone.htm.www.salonefestival.com and www.sea Gypsy festival.com.

Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt, Chairman of National Health Committee, and wife attended a dinner hosted on 17 January by the Chairman of Myanmar Medical Association conference at the hall of MMA in Yangon. Present on the occasion were the representatives of the 50th MMA Conference, those of social organizations, Myanmar doctors form abroad and guests.

In view of the friendship and solidarity between Myanmar and Iran, the Government of Myanmar has donated 41,200 pieces of disposable syringes and 10,000 sheets of plywood to Iran for the relief of the victims of the devastating earthquake which hit the ancient city of Bam on 26 December 2003 causing heavy loss of life and property.

The 24th Conference of the Myanmar Dental Association and the fifth joint educational meeting of the World Dental Federation (FDI) and MDA opened Yangon on 28 January, with an address by Chairman of the National Health Committee Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt.

The Yangon Trade Fair 2004 was launched at Yangon Trade Centre on 30 January. Displayed at the fair were local and foreign cosmetics and personal goods, textiles, utensils, foodstuff, electric and electronic apparatus, construction materials household utensils, stationery, gadgets, traditional medicines and medical equipment. The fair continues daily up to 2 February.

Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt attended the dinner to mark Kachin traditional Inlon Innan harvesting ceremony hosted by Nyein Foundation, Kachin State on 29 December. Also present on the occasion were officials, peace negotiators, national race leader of Kachin State Special Region-1 and members, national race leader of Kachin State Special Region-2 and members, Chairman of Nyein Foundation Rev Dr. Shbew Jum and members, priests, officials of the Baptist Council, national race leaders of the New Mon State Party, Kayan Pyithit Party, Kayinni National Democratic Party, Kayinni National and Kayah State All National Races Libration Front, peace negotiators of Kayin, Mon, Chin, Kayah, and Wa national races, members of Kachin State cultural troupes, national races guests and specially invited guests.

The Motion Picture Academy Awards Presentation Ceremony for 2002 of the Myanma Motion Picture Enterprise of the Ministry of Information was held at the National Indoor Stadium-1 in Thuwunna, Thingangyun Township, Yangon on 31 December evening. Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt and wife Dr. Daw Khin Win Shwe graced the ceremony.

The list of academy awards fro 2004 were given as follows:- Best Sound Awards to Po Htaung and group; Best Cinematography Award to Kyaukpyu (Padetha); Best Film Editing Award to Zaw Min (Hanthamyay); Best Scriptwriter Award to Nyein Min, Best Supporting Actress Award to May Than Nu; Best Music Awards to Khin Maung Gyi and Gitalulin Maung Ko Ko; Best Supporting Actor Award to Nyunt Win; two Best Film Awards, Best Director Awards to Bagyi Soe Moe and Kyi Soe Tun; Best Actor Award to Lu Min , Best Actress Award to Khin Zarchi Kyaw.

With the cooperation between the Governments of Myanmar and Thailand, six Myanmar girls aged 6 to 12, who had been trafficked into Thailand for child labour, arrived back in Yangon safely by air on 2 January.

The children were from Myawady and Bilin townships, lured from their parents by traffickers in person and sold into the neighbouring country the previous year. Thai newspapers dated 10 September 2003 stated that minor children were selling candies and flowers at Karaoke clubs and bars in Bangkok. The officials of Myanmar Embassy in Bangkok thus made some inquiries concerning the case and found out that among them were six Myanmars. The Myanmar Embassy seeking assistance from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand made arrangements to save and send them back to their mother land. In response to the request of the Myanmar officials, the Bureau of Anti-Trafficking in Women and Children of the Department of Social Development and Welfare of Thailand gave protective custody to the little victims and then transferred them to the Myanmar Government. It is learnt that based on the friendly ties between the two nations, further investigations will be conducted to find out other trafficked Myanmar women and children and to take action against the traffickers.

The girls were accompanied by an official of Myanmar Embassy in Bangkok. They were welcomed back at Yangon International Airport by officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement, the Ministry of Immigration and Population, the Myanmar Women's Affairs Federation and the UN Inter-Agency Project (UNIAP).

The Central Committee for Drug Abuse Control held its meeting 1/2004 in Yangon on 5 January. Reviewing measures taken by the CCDAC and the Working Committee in 2003, steps were taken with added momentum for cultivation of poppy-substitute crops in 2003 under the 15-year narcotic drugs eradication plans and the New Destiny Project, adding in the process, seeds of high yield paddy, maize, wheat, 395,756 kilos of seeds of hybrid paddy and maize, edible oil crops and vegetables, and seeds of kitchen crops were distributed; that 1616.6 tons of fertilizer, 765.5 litres of pesticided and 80 kilos of pesticide powder were distributed for 559,323 perennial plants; that 2175.5 acres of model cultivation plot, 76.5 acres of pilot cultivation plots were under taken and 6,017 acres of land were reclaimed for cultivation of poppy-substitute crops; that 19,473 acres of monsoon crops were cultivated in 2003-2004 against the targeted acres of 19,327, accounting for 101 per cent; that 4,993 acres of winter crops were cultivated up to 30 November against the targeted acres of 10,570, representing 47 per cent; that cultivation of monsoon crops and winter crops was completed 82 per cent.

In the livestock breeding sector, vaccines and treatment were given to animals in villages of the project area in 2003 and pedigree pigs were distributed to Mongpyin and Lweyon region, Monghsat and Mongtung townships in Shan State (East), Kunhein and Homein region, Pangsan of Wa region, Namtit, Mongmaw, Pangsaing and Dimar region in Shan State (South), spending K 12.5 million disbursed out of the funds of the New Destiny Project; and under the Kokang Region Livestock Breeding Project, cows, sheep and poultry were distributed with the funds of the respective ministries and 0.11 million fingerlings distributed by the Fisheries Department in 2003.

In the health care services, the Ministry of Health issued Order No. 1/2003 relating to control of drugs and psychotropic substances on 7-3-2003 to ensure the systematic control of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances and enable the patients in need of medicines to buy and use medicines easily; that workshop on Order No. 1/2003 was held at the auditorium of Myanmar Medical Association, Yangon on 19-9-2003, attended by delegates from State and Division Committees for Drug Abuse Control, heads of State and Division Health Departments and specialists of the respective drug control centres.

The educative committee gave lectures to and trained the basic education high school teachers in 40 projected townships in 2003 under the SHAPE project co-sponsored by the Ministry of Education and UNICEF; that the educative course on narcotic drugs for the basic education teachers in Kawthoung and Bokepyin townships, Taninthayi Division, was conducted under project for building of Kawthoung District Drug Free Zone and altogether 5,500 students were given lectures on scourage of drugs, AIDS, stimulant tablets and tobacco. Similarly, the drug educative course was opened in Mandalay, attended by the basic education teachers from three townships in Mandalay Division and altogether 55,188 students were given educative lectures by the teachers who had completed the course as a result.

Likewise, the rehabilitation committee was able to carry out the tasks at the rehabilitation centres on a regular basis in 2003 and opened the Tachilek rehabilitation centre on 9 January 2003 under the Project for building of drug free zone in border areas; that the educative lectures were given to 25 members of the Tachilek District Anti-Drug Association. The working committee for giving education to the public carried out the media task relating to activities on control of drug and education through Myanma Television. Under the New Destiny project, the government distributed 6,000 bags of rice and 150 bags of salt to the farmers who quitted cultivation of poppy in Lashio and Laukkai regions of Shan State (North) in 2003 to fulfil their food, shelter and clothing needs; that the four deputy minister who made the field trips to the respective regions themselves handed over the funds necessary out of the Work Committee for Development of Border Areas and National Races to the farmers.

Under the arrangement of WFP and NGOs such as World Vision Care and ADRA, 760 tons of rice worth US$ 186,000 were distributed to the farmers who are no longer engaged in poppy cultivation in Kokang Special Region-1 Shan State (North) in October and November 2003; that the ceremony to donate 760 tons of rice was held at the Drug Elimination Museum in Laukkai, Kokang region on 15-11-2003 and the donation reflects that the international communities acknowledged Myanmar's efforts for eradication of drugs and provided necessary assistance.

In addition, the State Peace and Development Council enacted the Money Laundering Law on 17 June 2002 under the Law No. 6/2002; that the Ministry of Home Affairs issued the Control of Money Laundering Rules under the Notification No. 1/2003 and at the same time, the investigation body was formed and assigned duties to conduct investigation into the money Laundering on Asia Wealth Bank and Myanmar Mayflower Bank in Myanmar.CCDAC actively participated in narcotic drugs control in cooperation with ASEAN countries and other countries including China and India in 2003. As a result, Myanmar was chosen as a member of Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND). Myanmar delegation attended the 46th ministerial level meeting of CND held in Vienna, Austria from 8 to 17 April 2003.

Myanmar conducted opium yield survey beginning 1996 in cooperation with the US. As a result, cultivation and production of opium decreased. Poppy cultivation in Myanmar dropped by 26 per cent from 105,000 hectares in 2001 to 77,70 hectares in 2002. Poppy cultivation also deceased by 39 percent to 47,134 hectares in 2003. Poppy production was 630 tons in 2002 and 484 tons in 2003. According to the ground data collection of poppy cultivation conducted in cooperation with UNODC poppy cultivation was 81,400 hectares in 2002 and 62,200 hectares in 2003. This indicates 24 per cent decrease in poppy cultivation. Poppy production decreased from 828 tons to 810 tons. This shows that poppy cultivation and production in Myanmar is decreasing, according to the results of opium yield survey conducted in cooperation with the US and UNODC. Poppy growing ground data collection will be made in cooperation with UNODC this year to expose illegal poppy plantations in 18 township in Taunggyi zone of Shan State (South), nine townships in Kengtung zone of Shan State (East), six townships in Lashio zone of Shan State (North), 6 townships in Wa special region, and other Wa targeted zones. Training was provided to members the operation teams in respective zones starting from 1 January. The outcome of endeavours made by the respective work committees of the CCDAC in 2003-2004 fiscal year is the last fiscal year of the first 5-year period of the 15-year plan for narcotic drugs eradication.

The Secretary-2 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Thein Sein and party met with departmental personnel in Kengtung township, Shan State (East) on 9 January. The Secretary-2 made a speech. He said the nation would be transformed into a democratic one through seven stages. It was clearly stated in the clarification of the seven points future policy programme of the State by Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt on 30 August 2003. There were three important points in transforming the nation into a modern and developed one. The first of them was to ensure the security and stability of the State and rule of law. The second one was the economic development of the State for ensuring the sufficiency of food for the entire people and the third was the literacy of the entire nation to distinguish between right and wrong.

The government had striven to make peace with national race armed groups through negotiations. As a result, 17 armed groups had returned to the legal fold and the entire nation was able to enjoy stability and security. Kengtung region where people had had to live under fear amid the sound of explosion of guns and bombs, became quite another thing enjoying peace and stability. Only after ensuring peace and stability, development tasks could be carried out. Economy plays an important role in development of the nation. The State had laid down an economic objective taking agriculture as the base for all-round development of other sectors. Agriculture was the basic economic structure of the nation, in which 70 per cent of its people in rural areas were engaged in farming. For agricultural development the government implemented 155 dams and reservoirs and 265 river water pumping projects spending large sum of money in the regions where there is insufficiency of water. In 1988-89, irrigated areas were 2.52 million and the irrigated acres rose to 5.1 million in 2002-2003. The regions of insufficient water got drinking water and became free from diseases. The government made efforts for sufficiency and surplus of paddy. In 1988, 654 million baskets of paddy were produced and over 1,000 million baskets in 2000-2001. Now efforts are being made for production of 1,200 million baskets of paddy and sufficiency of paddy for the growing population.

The nation can be built with a large number of intellectuals and intelligentsia. Therefore, the government has laid down border region development projects, 24 region development projects and rural development projects and is implementing them for development. Besides border areas development, 24 major development regions were designated in the country. The government built universities, computer colleges, technological colleges, 200-bed hospitals, nurses training schools, telegraph offices, post and telephone offices in all parts of the country including Kengtung region, spending a large sum of money for education, health, social and communication development. The government is making arrangements for human resource development to enable the local people to continue their higher learning in their own region at less expense. There were 32 universities and colleges in the past. There are now 154. The number of university students was over 200,000 in the past. There are now over 700,000 students attending the various courses. In basic education sector, there were over 30,000 schools. There are now over 40,000 schools. The number of school children rose from 5.2 million to 7.5 million.

In health sector, there were only 631 hospitals including 15 specialist hospitals. Now there are 779 including 19 specialist hospitals in all parts of the country. More and more doctors and nurses were appointed. There were 12,268 doctors and 8,349 nurses and now there are 16,570 doctors and 15,482 nurses. Narcotic drug issue, an evil legacy of the colonialists, has remained rooted in border areas so far. The narcotic drugs harm dignity of the nation and its people and much suffers. There are many evidences that drug addicts have lost their lives. The government has been launching anti-narcotic drug activities as the national task after laying down two strategies and three tactics. It also implementing 15-year drugs elimination project with the aims of enhancing belief, concepts and uplift of morale of poppy growers, promoting relations among the national races and uplifting of economic and social life of national races in border areas.

The South-East Asia Constituency Meeting on the Global Fund, hosted by Myanmar was held in Yangon on 12 January. Also present on the occasion were President of Myanmar Maternal and Child Welfare Association, Vice-President of Myanmar Women’s Affairs Federation, directors- general from the Ministry of Health, the Project Managers of AIDS/STD, Malaria and TB Elimination Projects, resident representatives of UN agencies, delegates from Myanmar, Indonesia, Nepal, Bhutan, Thailand, India, the Maldives and East Timor and invited guests.

In Myanmar, the CCM was formed in March, 2002, with 19 members from organizations including UN agencies and NGOs, and later expanded to 29 members. The 29 members include nine from the Ministry of Health, one from the other related government ministries, nine from the NGOs and three from the private sector, one from HIV/TB/Malaria patients group, four from the UN and two from religious/faith groups. The existing health development plans are "Myanmar Health Vision 2030", "Special Four-Year Plan for Promoting National Education (Health Sector) ", "Rural Health Development Plan", "Project for Upgrading Hospitals", and "National Health Plan". With these plans, the health care infrastructure of the country along with access to health care has been improved by the establishment of more health care facilities, and training and deployment of more health care professionals and workers. The ministry is also closely collaborating with UN agencies, local and international NGOs and other partners in the country as well. One of the outstanding achievements in disease prevention aspect for the year 2003 was the success achieved in the "First Exhibition on HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control Activities" at a national level that was held in Yangon during November 2003.

In 2003, Myanmar was able to declare itself free from Leprosy and Polio, indicating the success of an integrated and well-coordinated effort involving communities, NGOs, public and private sectors as well as international agencies. In attempting to mobilize external resources to fill the resource gap, CCM Myanmar had submitted proposals to the Global funds to fight AIDS, TB and Malaria. Proposal for the TB component was approved in the second round. Malaria component in the third round and HIV component in the third round with subject to verification in January 2004. One of the significant progresses during the past few months was that UNDP was selected by the Global Fund Board to act as Principal Recipient (PR) for national TB Programme on receiving Global Funds. The Ministry of Health of Myanmar and the Ministry of Public Health of Thailand are also preparing to apply for the Global Funds to fight AIDS, TB and Malaria (GFATM) along border areas. Preliminary meetings on development of a "Joint Proposal for Myanmar Thailand Cross Border Disease Control Programme" were already conducted during 2003 on Bangkok and Yangon. Since the establishment of GFATM in last two years ago, our member countries from South-East Asia region have been submitting proposals to the GFATM board and many have been approved. Delegates from eight countries from Southeast Asian region, representatives from UN agencies attended the South-East Asia Constituency Meeting on the Global Fund.

The 50th Conference of the Myanmar Medical Association was held at the MMA in Yangon on 14 January, attended by the Chairman of the National Health Committee Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt. The MMA has been established 55 years ago and the Government is striving to develop the health sector in the entire nation. The four-year national education promotion programme of the health sector has been laid down and implemented to use international level teaching aids in teaching medical science. Post-graduate courses have been extended, and the number of post graduate courses have reached six and the master’s degree courses, 29. In the past there were only one post-graduate diploma course and 12 master’s degree courses. In addition, there are now seven Ph.D. courses and 30 Dr.Med.Sc. courses, and the Government has produced 17 Ph.D. degree holders and 55 Dr.Med.Sc degree holders. The Government is also giving enabling the candidates of different studies to attend MRCP, MRCPH, MRCOG, FRCS and MRCS courses at the prominent universities in the United Kingdom. Starting from 1991, 82 new MRCP degree holders, 28 new MRCPH degree holders, 35 new MRCOG degree holders, 78 new FRCS degree holders and 10 new MRCS degree holders totalling 233 have emerged in the nation.

Advanced equipment including cardiac catheterization unit, angiogram, heart and lung machine, magnetic resonant imaging, CT scanner, gamma camera probe counter, X-ray machine with fluroscopy, mammogram, auto-analyzer, c-arm X-ray with TV system, hand surgery operating microscope, eye operation microscope, neuro surgical operating microscope, ultrasonic aspirator and argon plasma have been equipped at the hospitals in Myanmar.Through the combination of modern hospital equipment and competence of professors and specialists, various sorts of medical performances such as open heart surgery, kidney transplant, cardiac operations, separation of conjoined twins, replantation of a forearm cut off and a traumatically amputated crushed distal forearm.

As regards the diseases control sector, due to combined and concerted efforts of the medical staff, social organizations and the people including physicians as mass activities, epidemic diseases have been nearly eradicated. In the year 2003, the WHO declared that Myanmar was totally free from leprosy and polio. Myanmar also won a significant victory in preventing against the disease SARS that spread all over the world in 2003, as a result of the collective efforts of medical experts and the entire people with full sense of health knowledge. The departments concerned, social organizations and the people hand in hand with the international NGOs widely carried out tasks for control and prevention of HIV-AIDS that pose danger to the mankind. Educative talks on HIV-AIDS can be given well to the national people and the achievements can be made known to the international community through the First Anti-AIDS Exhibition, it is learnt.

After a nine-hour surgical operation, doctors were able to replant the amputated right forearm of a 55-year-old man at Yangon General Hospital in Yangon on 11 January. The operation started at 8.45 pm, and two hours later, the doctors were able to replant the vein and the artery of forearm of the patient. U Than Maung, whose right forearm was cut off when he was attacked by a sword. Doctors gave him I/V Heparin (5000-unit) injection to prevent blood clotting. U Than Maung was transferred from Thingyangyun Sanpya Hospital in Thingyangyun township, where he was initially warded, to YGH at 5.30 pm on 11 January. The health condition of the patient is improving under intensive care at a special ward at the hospital. He can now move his fingers. Minister for Health and Deputy Minister visited the patient at the hospital on 16 January. The minister looked into the requirements. It is the third time in Myanmar doctors have successfully replanted an amputated arm. The State has provided one operation microscope each to Yangon and Mandalay general hospitals. The unit price of the microscope is US $ 55,000. Medical doctorate degree course on hand surgery is being conducted at Institute of Medicine-1 in Yangon to produce medical practitioners.

The Committee for Preventing Recruitment of Child Soldiers held its first coordination meeting in Yangon on 16 January. Present on the occasion were Chairman of the committee Secretary-2 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Thein Sein, members of the committee Minister for Foreign Affairs, Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement, Minister for Labour, Judge Advocate-General, Deputy Chief Justice, Deputy Attorney-General and Vice-Chief of Armed Forces Training, Secretary of the Committee of the Ministry of Defence, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office and departmental heads. The committee chairman made a speech. In his speech, he said that the meeting was held to seek ways and means to safeguard the interest of children by protecting them from being recruited for military service in the country and to render supervision for ensuring the strict observance of rules, regulations and directives concerning the prevention against recruitment of children for military service. The committee members reported on prevention against recruitment of children for military service. Also, discussions were held on matters relating to measures actually being taken to protect children from forceful recruitment for military service; and future work programmes.

The Naga Traditional New Year Festival held at the sports grounds in Leshi, Hkamti District, Sagaing Division on 15 January attended by the officials concerned, the representatives of Naga national race from Hkamti, Homalin, Leshi, Nanyon, Lahe and Tamu Townships and local Naga national race, guests, tourists who were there as observers and others numbering about 7500.

The new year festival was held with the aim of safeguarding the Naga customs, traditions and cultural heritage. In the past, the traditional festivals were held in separate places as Naga national races live in different places. The Naga Tradditional Cultural Committee was formed in 1989. Starting from 15 January 1992, the festival was held at a place, attended by the representatives from various Naga regions.

The final matches of the ITF 14 and Under Asian Championships 2004 Zone-2 jointly sponsored by International Tennis Federation and Myanmar Tennis Federation were held in Yangon on 17 January. In the final of men's single, Pyho Min Tha of Myanmar beat Batrakh Munkhbastar of Mongolia 7-5,6-1 and won first. In the final of women's single, Noordin of Malaysia beat Arudpragasam of Sri Lanka 6-1, 6-3 and won first.

In men's double, Phyo Min Tha and Win Htet Paing of Myanmar won first beating Babar and Nazir of Pakistan 2-6, 6-2, 6-4. In women's double, Noordin and Vy Thinathan of Malaysia were first beating Jayatilaka of Sri Lanka and Thirumalaichelvam of Malaysia 6-2, 6-4. In men's single, Phyo Min Tha got first winning first and second round event with high marks. In women's single, Noordin of Malaysia won first with high marks. In men's double, Phyo Min Tha and Win Htet Paing stood first.

In women's double, Noordin of Malaysia and Jayatilaka of Sri Lanka won first. Phyo Min Tha won the best player award for man and Noordin of Malaysia won the best player award for woman. Phyo Min Tha and Zin Bo of Myanmar were chosen as ITF team. Moe Chit The of Myanmar was chosen in women's team. They will participate in Asian Championships to be held in Indonesia in February.

Work Committee for Prevention and Treatment of Avian Influenza under the Ministry of Health held its meeting in Yangon on 20 January. Meeting Chairman Director-General of Health Department made a speech. He said that to be able to prevent the outbreak of Avian influenza, educative measures on health are needed to be taken; that preventive measures are to be taken for constant monitoring of the outbreak of the disease and for controlling the spread of the disease in a short time in case its outbreak; that effective medical treatment is to be given to the people who are infested with the disease and preventive measures are to be taken for prevention of the spread of the disease to the animals. Director of Livestock Breeding and Veterinary Department reported on matters related to the avian influenza.

The Third Myanmar ICT Week 2004, jointly organized by the e-National Task Force and the Myanmar Information and Communication Technology Development Corporation, was launched on 21 January at the MICTDC building in Hline Township, Yangon. MICT Park was established as part of the ICT Master Plan of Myanmar to stimulate the development of Myanmar ICT industry by attracting local and international partners to form a cluster of ICT-related business supported by world class infrastructure and technologies. Myanmar have identified five important focus areas namely, implementation of e-ASEAN Information Infrastructure; facilitation of e-Commerce growth; liberalization of ICT goods and services, capacity building and emergence of e-Society and development of e-Government. Various seminars and workshops will be held during the current ICT Week reinforcing the theme "Software Industry Development". In recognition of Myanmar's efforts for ICT development, the Asian Oceanian Computing Industry Organization (ASOCIO) has awarded ASOCIO ICT AWARD 2003 to Myanmar. Myanmar is cooperating actively with Japan, India, Malaysia, Singapore, Korea, Thailand and China. The Third Myanmar ICT Week 2004 will be kept open daily free of charge to enthusiasts and general public from 9 am to 5 pm till 27 of this month as of 21 January.

A combined team, acting on information, searched the house of Swum Lut John in Lweje in Bhamo township, Kachin State on 26 December 2003. The authorities seized Swum Lut Larein together with 0.75 kilo of raw opium hidden in the compound of the house. The Lweje Police Station filed a lawsuit against Swum Lut John, in Lweje and his brother Swum Lut Larein under Sections 15/19(a)21 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Law.

In a similar action, a team acting on information, searched the house of Khaung Shin (a) Hon Yee Myint in Muse township, North East Shan State on 30 December 2003 and seized Khaung Shin and Aik Yee together with 21 heroin blocks weighing 7.16 kilos--- 19 380-gram heroin blocks weighing 7.22 kilos and two 190-gram heroin blocks weighing 380 grams.

The Muse Police Station filed a lawsuit against Aik Yee in Muse and Khaung shin (a) Hon Yee Myint in Muse Township, under Sections 15/19(A)/21 of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Law.

The Minister for Health and party viewed the joint surgical operation conducted by cardiac surgeons teams of Myanmar and Australia at Yangon People's Hospital on 23 January. When the minister and party inspected the cardiac treatment at the cardiac catheterisation laboratory, Professor Dr. Daw Khin May San and cardiologists of Myanmar and Professor Dr. David Kelly and Dr. Bruce Bastian of Australia reported to the minister, who later attended to the requirements. The minister and party also inspected the heart-disease patients, who have undergone surgical treatment, at the intensive care unit. Professor Dr. Khin Maung Aye and Australian Professor Dr. Alan Gale reported to the minister on conditions of the heart diseases they dealt with and the health care services they provided.

The World Canaan Farmers’ Movement of the Republic of Korea donated computer sets and farm implements and a building to the Myanma Farms Enterprise under the Ministry of Agriculture & Irrigation. The donation ceremony was held at the Myanmar Canaan Farmers’ Training School in PyinOoLwin Township on 21 January attended by World Canaan Movement President Dr. Kim Bum Il, Managing Director of Myanma Farms Enterprise, PyinOoLwin District Agricultural Supervisory Committee members, the principal of the training school, course instructors, factory managers and those in charge of the farms.

The training school is opened under the joint sponsorship of the Ministry of Agriculture & Irrigation and the Korean NGO named World Canaan Farmers’ Movement. Altogether four training courses were conducted in 2003-2004 fiscal year at the school for ensuring development in technical know-how among the farmers. Altogether 138 trainees attended the course.

Seminar on Understanding Myanmar, organized by Myanmar Institute of Strategic and International Studies, was opened at MICT Park in Hline Township, Yangon, with an address by Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt. The seminar was also attended by diplomats, UN resident representatives, officials of the SPDC office, departmental heads, Myanmar ambassadors, retired Myanmar ambassadors, Myanmar historians, economists, rectors and professors of universities, officials of social organizations, researchers of foreign countries such as Brunei, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Laos, Malaysia, Pakistan, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, United Kingdom, the United States and Vietnam, resource persons, departmental officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and special guests.

Speaking on the occasion Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt said that on 30th August 2003, he announced a roadmap for transition to a disciplined and modern democratic state. Already the National Convention Convening Commission and its subsidiary bodies have commenced work. Once the groundwork is complete, the process will go forward. To ensure the success of the important undertaking, the Prime Minister have received to date thirteen national groups out of 17 that have returned to the legal fold. He plan to meet the remaining groups. In addition, he is holding talks with Karen National Union (KNU), the last major group remaining out of the legal fold. As Myanmar is home to over 100 national races, national unity is key to achieving its vision of a prosperous democratic nation. The Government has therefore placed the highest priority on achieving national reconsolidation. In this connection, Prime Minister stressed that democracy can only be established in an environment of peace and stability. It must take into account the historical background and objective conditions of the country. Democratic change is never easy and cannot be imposed from the outside. If the transition to democracy is not built on firm foundations and is not accompanied by steps to establish credible institutions, it will result in disintegration of national unity. The peace and stablility that now reigns in the country is unprecedented and augers well for the future of the country. It is an undeniable fact that the country has not only been able to overcome the unilateral economic sanctions imposed by some Western countries but has been able to improve the economic well-being of its peoples. It has accomplished this task relying on its own resources and the cooperation of neighbours. Notwithstanding the positive changes in the country, Western countries continue to demonize Myanmar and accuse the Myanmar Government of carrying out atrocities ranging from gross violations of human rights to employment of child soldiers.

The false perception that Myanmar is crumbling and that its people are down-trodden has been created by those who wish the country ill. It is time to correct the misperceptions. After the opening of the seminar, the Prime Minister greeted the diplomats, researchers from foreign nations and guests. At the seminar resource persons will submit nine papers __ future political programme of the State, endeavours for peace and stability of the State, drugs elimination, all-round development undertakings, foreign policy of Myanmar, cooperation with the United Nations, Myanmar women’s rights, Myanmar history and culture and Myanmar’s human rights. Besides, researchers of foreign countries will take part in the discussions. The seminar continues on 28 January.

Prime Minister of the Union of Myanmar General Khin Nyunt and wife hosted a social dinner to diplomatic corps led by the Dean Singaporean Ambassador to Myanmar Mr. Simon Tensing de Cruz and wife, and resident representatives of UN agencies in Yangon on 2 January. Also present at the dinner were Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Soe Win and wife, Secretary-2 Lt-Gen Thein Sein and wife, ministers and their wives, deputy ministers and their wives, responsible personnel of the State Peace and Development Council Office, departmental heads, and guests.

Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt extended greetings and spoke on the occasion. The Prime Minister said: In stark contrast to the strife and uncertainty that prevailed in many parts of the world, Myanmar remained an oasis of peace and stability. The insurgency, which emerged together with our independence, has subsided and people from all parts of the country are enjoying the benefits of peace.

In the economic sphere, Myanmar has been able to overcome the challenges posed by pressures from outside and to achieve the significant growth in our economy. The agricultural sector, which is the backbone of our economy, continues to achieve success qualitatively and quantitatively. The most important development is the decision to liberalize the rice trade, thus further consolidating the market economy in the country. According to the preliminary figures, the number of tourists continues to rise considerably. Cross-border visitors increased by over 20 percent last year.

Important advances had also been accomplished in social field, particularly in health and education sectors. In 2003 alone, 22 new hospitals were opened and 6 existing hospitals upgraded. In the education sector, the national literacy rate increased from 91 percent in 2000 to 92.2 percent in 2003.

A political development that deserved special mention was the laying down of the groundwork for a smooth transition to a disciplined modern democratic state. On 30th August, the Prime Minister outlined a roadmap for transition to democracy. The seven-step roadmap includes reconvening of the National Convention to draft a new constitution, adoption of the constitution by referendum, holding of free and fair election, convening of Hluttaws (Parliament), the election of state leaders and formation of government and other central organs that would lead the nation in the future. The roadmap has been welcomed enthusiastically by all strata of society in Myanmar. It has also won praise and support from the leaders of ASEAN at the Bali Summit in October.

Steps have already been taken to implement the roadmap. The three main organs being necessary for the successful convening of the National Convention, namely the National Convention Convening Commission, the National Convention Work Committee and the National Convention Management Committee have already been formed and are carrying out preparations for the holding of the National Convention.

As Myanmar is composed of over 100 national races, it is of paramount importance that we achieved consensus in the drafting of a new constitution. He had extensively travelled to States and Divisions where the national races live, with the aim of strengthening national unity and for the development of these regions.

Out of the 17 armed groups that had returned to the legal fold, he recently met with the leaders from 6 of them and every group has welcomed the roadmap and reaffirmed its desire to take part in the Convention. He will also be meeting with the remaining groups.

We are determined to implement the seven-step roadmap. It is our hope that we will continue to receive the understanding and support from our regional and international friends. Trying to exert pressure on Myanmar for political motives will only serve to unnecessarily prolong the process. In the international arena, Myanmar is working to ensure a favourable regional and international environment conducive to our national objectives. We seek to maintain good and friendly relations with all countries in the region and the world so that we can thrive and prosper together. A historic event in Myanmar's international activities is the holding of the Bagan Summit among Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand in November. The 4 nations' economic cooperation strategy adopted in Bagan is aimed at increasing competitiveness, generating economic growth in border areas, creating jobs and reducing income disparity. In 2003, Myanmar has been able to contribute actively in regional forum, from ASEAN to BIMST-EC. Cooperation with the United Nations was also maintained in 2003. We welcomed to Myanmar the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Mr. Paulo Sergio Pinheiro and the United Nations Secretary General's Special Envoy, Ambassador Razali Ismail. 2004 will see significant developments in the National Convention process. Later, Mr. Simon Tensing de Cruz spoke words of thanks. Afterwards, Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt and wife hosted the dinner to the guests.

* * *

Excellencies,

Distinguished Participants,

Ladies and Gentlemen

I am very pleased and happy to welcome you to the Seminar on Understanding Myanmar organized by the Myanmar Institute of Strategic and International Studies. Your presence today is doubly gratifying to me. It not only bears witness to the importance you attach to international affairs but also demonstrates your interest in our country, Myanmar.

          I m particularly pleased to note that academics and researchers from many countries are present here. Your vast experience will stand the seminar in good steed. I am confident that you will be able to contribute to the overall objective of promoting better understanding of Myanmar in the international community.

          We live in an era of change. Everywhere around the world transformations are taking place due to the rapid progress of science and technology and the aspirations of people for economic advancement and better living standards. Myanmar too has been swept forward by the tide of change. As peace and stability has been restored, we are talking steps to transform the country into a peaceful, prosperous and modern state that would take its rightful place in the world.

          On 30^th August last year, I announced a roadmap for transition to a disciplined and modern democratic state. The seven-step programme includes reconvening of the nation convection to draft and the election of the State Leaders and formation of the Government that would that lead the nation into a bright future.

          Already the National Convention Convening Commission and its subsidiary bodies have commenced work. Once the groundwork is complete, the process will go forward. To ensure the success of the important undertaking, I have received to date twelve national groups out of the 17 that have returned to the fold. I plan to meet the remaining groups. In addition, we are holding talks with the remaining major group the Karen National Union (KNU).

          As Myanmar is home to 130 national races, national nuity is key to achieving our vision of a prosperous democratic nation. Our Government has therefore placed the highest priority on achieving national reconsolidation. We have therefore vigorously endeavoured to strengthen ties among all our national races and to promote economic and social development of the regions inhabited by them. To date, the Government has spent more than 40 billion kyats and 500 million US dollars in improving infrastructure development, raising standard of living and quality of life as well as education and health conditions.

          In this connection, I would like to stress that democracy can only be established in an environment of peace and stability. It must take into account the historical background and objective conditions of the country. Democratic change is never easy and cannot be imposed from the outside. What works for one country nay not work for another. If the transition to democracy is not built on firm foundations and is not accompanied by steps to establish credible institutions, it will result in disintegration of national unity. Like a toddler taking its first faltering steps, we must proceed step by step before larger strides can be taken.

          As a developing nation faced with daunting challenges, Myanmar needs to set its priorities. In the final analysis, it is for us to determine what model to follow and what pace of transformation to adopt.

          In the economic sphere, Myanmar has been able to maintain a steady course in its effort to promote a market-oriented system in spite of the unilateral sanctions institute by some Western countries. The economy led by the agriculture sector continues to grow. The prospects for growth in tourism and energy sectors also look promising. Tourism is likely to increase dramatically with the introduction of e-visa last week. In the energy sector, the discovery of world-class commercial gas deposits off the coast of Rakhine, coupled with the completion of large hydro-electric power projects in the country will contribute to the development of the industry sector of the country. At present, Myanmar’s economy is primarily based on agriculture. Our aim is to transform Myanmar into an industrialized and modern state. In the efforts for modernization, the private sector must be the driving engine. In this regard, we are happy to note that private industries are growing steadily and are producing a wide range of goods, from foodstuff to agriculture machinery and motor vehicles.

          Noteworthy advances have also been made in the health and education sections. In the past year alone, 22 new hospitals were commissioned and six exiting facilities upgraded. In the education sectors, new universities and colleges have been opened and postgraduate courses have been established. The number of institutes of higher learning in the country has increased from 32 in 1988 to 154. Grater educational opportunities have been created and as a result the number of students studying at institutes of higher learning has increased from 130,000 to 890,000 at present. Likewise the number of professors and instructors have grown. The Number today totals 16,600. The Yangon University, Mandalay University and the Yangon Institute of Education presently offer doctorate courses PhD courses and 30 Dr MedSc courses; the technological universities five doctorate courses in engineering and 16 architecture and engineering doctorate courses; and one IT doctorate course.

          With regard to foreign affairs, Myanmar plays an active role in the maintenance of an environment of peace and stability in our region and the world. We consider that it is vitally important to establish external conditions which guarantee security needed for development of our country.

          Myanmar will continue to support the search for peaceful solutions to the problems that the world faces based on the Charter of the United Nations and the principles of international law. Accordingly, we support efforts to strengthen the United Nations. At the same time Myanmar seeds to maintain friendly relations with all countries, particularly with our neighbours.

          We are very pleased that our relations with the countries of the region have made significant progress in recent years. I would like to express our sincere thanks for all the assistance and solidarity shown towards Myanmar by our friends from the region. Myanmar has also been able to contribute actively to regional forums, from ASEAN to BIMST-EC

          Myanmar had the privilege and honour of hosting the First Summit on Economy Cooperation among Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand in Bagan last November. The 4 nation economic cooperation strategy adopted by the Summit is aimed at increasing competitiveness, generating economic growth and border areas creating jobs and reducing income disparity. We are confident that this sub-regional initiative will yield fruitful results that would benefit the peoples of all the nations concerned.

          Excellencies,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

          Myanmar has come a long way in the past 15 years. Never in its history has the country seen so much improvement in its basic infrastructure as well as in health and education standards in such a short time. The peace and stability that now reigns in the country is unprecedented and augers well for the future of the country. It is an undeniable fact that the country has not only been able to overcome the unilateral economic sanctions imposed by some Western countries but has been able to improve the economic well-being of its people. It has accomplished this task relying on its own resources and the cooperation of neighbours. Notwithstanding the positive change in the country, Western countries continue to demonize Myanmar and accuse the Myanmar Government of carrying out atrocities ranging from gross violations of human rights to employment of child soldiers.

          The false perception that Myanmar is crumbling and that its people are down-trodden has been created by those who wish us ill.

          It is time to correct the misperception. 

          I believe that academics and researchers like you can play a positive role by speaking out objectively so that the would will have a better appreciation of the complex situation in the country and the tremendous effort we have made to bring about a smooth transition to a modern in democratic country.

          I m happy to learn that following the seminar you will have an opportunity to see first hand the vast transformation in the country, particularly in the remote border areas. In accordance with the dictum seeing is believing, I am confident that you will able to witness that Myanmar is a country at peace, that it is a dynamic country that it is a country in rapid transformation to a modern and democratic State.

          I wish you all success in your deliberations.

          Thank you

* * *

by Kyaw Win (Fine Arts Department)

Doe is a kind of Myanmar long drum instrument. It creates a loud sound and by listening to it people got so moved and lively that the jovial mood was enhanced and that is why at jovial occasions, Doe is played which is well loved by all Myanmars and which makes them refreshed and happy. This kind of feeling is felt not only by the players but also the audience. The dance we are going to talk about is the playing of doe music on the traditional long drum in various verses of the song depicting Ko Gyi Kyaw and accompanied by dance portraying him. 9 male and 9 female dancers are presenting this item.

In excavating the Pyu capital of Tharekhittaya, five antique copper dolls were excavated which gave us the proof that Myanmar music and dances have been established since over 2000 years ago. One copper statuette is of playing of the drums, another is a dancing statuette, the next is of a doll blowing a flute, another is of a doll playing cymbals and another doll is of a clown who entertains people.

According to some ancient Chinese records Pyu cultural troupe had visited China during Tan Dynasty era. Therefore, the Myanmar culture born during the Pyu era was gradually handed down to and passed the Bagan, Pinya, Innwa, Taungoo, Nyaung Yann, KonBaung and Yadanabon, eras, till to date. It was also found that the dress mode changed also with the time. You can learn these changes of dress mode and cultures by studying the wall paintings, statuettes and from Parabaike, the writing made on paper or palm leaf. Based on all these findings, the dance of the six eras was created. In this dance item, the over 2000 year-old Pyu era group dance, the over 150 years old Yadanabon group dance and the present day group dance are being presented collectively and vividly.

Dr. Sein Tu

For that matter Kinabalu is not even the second tallest mountain in Southeast Asia, that honour rightfully belonging to Indonesia?s Mount Puncak Jaya, which stands a little over 5,000 metres high. Mount Hkakabo is located in Naung Mon Township in Putao District of the Kachin State. It is situated in the extreme North of Myanmar and is perenially snow-capped, being part of the Eastern Himalayan Region. Hkakaborazi lies in the Hkakaborazi Protected Area which covers 3812 square kilometers and the head waters of the great Ayeyarwadi River, Myanmar's main artery for commerce and navigation, are to he found here.

Communications are difficult in the Hkakaborazi forests and on its mountain slopes. Streams have to be crossed on precarious rattan bridges slung across the gorges sometimes hundreds of feet above the rushing torrents and rocky stream-beds. For the most part, Journeys are made on foot along footpaths that hug the mountainsides and wind through dense jungle undergrowth. Every few miles you may come across small encampments of road maintenance workers where you may take shelter for the night without any payment other than for firewood.

The Kachin tribes inhabiting the Hkakaborazi area are of Tibeto-Myanmar stock
and number some (948) individuals living in 11 villages. They are of Rawan, Lisu and Tibetan extraction, and include the last remaining members of the Tarong tribe, an endangered race of diminutive people none of whom are more than 4 feet in height.

The people in this area practice shifting cultivation of paddy, wheat, beans, maize, millet, mustard and yams, and any extra produce is taken, together with medicinal herbs and tubers foraged for in the jungle, to market in the District Headquarters town of Putao. Trade in Pelts, antlers, bones and other parts of wild animals flourishes across the Myanmar-China border and this ready market is freely availed of by local hunters in disposing of their trophies.

The survey undertaken by the biological expedition clearly points up the richness of the region's flora and fauna and its unique eco-system that has remained largely undefiled by the hand of man. To take just a few examples: the tree rhododendron is indigenous to this mountain area, and of the 600 known species of rhododendria,118 were collected here by the English botanist Farrer in 1919-20 and specimens were sent to the Royal Botanical Gardens in Edinburgh, U-K, where 107 of these may be still viewed.

Wild orchids also bloom in great profusion on Hkakaborazi, including the "Slipper Orchid", so named by the English botanist F. Kingdom-Ward in 1920 because of its general resemblance to Dutch wooden slippers or clogs. Nineteen species of pine were also identified by botanists with the expedition, among these species being the striking "Blue Pine" (pirus wallichiana).

One hundred and thirty four avian species were also recorded, among them being two on the endangered list, viz, the Impeyan Pheasant (lophophorous impejanus) and the Blood pheasant (Ithaginis cruentis). Fifteen rare species of pheasant were also observed, including the chestnut thrush and the Red-tailed laughing thrush, specimens of which were plentifully encountered.

The Hkakaborazi region is the home of the rare "blue sheep"(pseudoissp), the Red Goral (Naemorbaedus cranbrooks), the Takin (Budorcas taxicolor), the serow (Capricornis sumatrensis) and the Black Barking Deer (Muntiacus crinifrons). The presence of crinifroms in northern Myanmar has never been recorded in the scientific literature, but this species was found to be thriving in the icy
mountains of the Hkakaborazi reserve. In fact, the Black Barking Deer skins acquired by the expedition during the relatively short collection period far outnumber the specimens owned by museums throughout the world.

The remoteness and inaccessibility of the region has helped to maintain the pristine purity of its forests and eco-systems. The richness of its
biodiversity deserves to be maintained and fostered in the interests of coming generations and presents unparalled opportunities to present-day professionals in the fields of zoology, botany, forestry, environmental protection and conservation and ecology, as well as hardy eco-tourists and mountaineers who prefer the
challenge of a testing back-packing trip in the mountain fastnesses of Myanmar to a tour of routine tourist attractions in the more accessible urban centres.

To the credit of the State Peace and Development Council the Hkakaborazi region was designated a Protected Area on January 30, 1996. Indeed this area meets all the criteria to be upgraded to the status of a National Park. And, in
order that the unique qualities and biodiversity of the Hkakaborazi eco-system be maintained intact in all its unspoilt natural beauty not only for the sake of future generations of Myanmars, but also for the benefit of all mankind, strenuous and unremitting efforts should be directed towards giving it
international recognition as a World Heritage Site.

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