Myanmar Embassy Newsletter, Issue No.3, March 2004

Chairman of the Work Committee for Progress of Border Areas and National Races Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt received Chairman of Shan State (East) Special Region-4 U Sai Lin and party in yangon on 15 February.

At the meeting, the national race leaders promised that they support seven-point policy programme (roadmap) of the State, adding that they will participate in conscientiously discharging the duty in their sector together with the entire people under the leadership of the Government for ensuring implementation of the roadmap. Also, the national race leaders reported on assistance of the State to be provided for development of education, health, agriculture and tourism industries.

The inauguration of the newly-constructed Government Technical Institute (Mohnyin) under the Ministry of Science and Technology took place at the institute in Mohnyin Township, Kachin State, on 10 February.

The area of the institute is 51acres. The main building opened is 445 feet long and 260 feet wide and complete with 16 lecture rooms, two drawing rooms, two laboratories, two computer rooms, one multimedia room, three offices, one library and one meeting room. Civil engineering course, Electrical (communication) engineering course, Electrical (power) engineering course, Mechanical (power) engineering course, Mechanical (Design) engineering course and IT engineering course are being conducted at the institute.The institute was opened on 1 January, 2004 and is now being attended by 147 students.

A total of five institutions of higher education have been opened in Kachin State for turning out human resources on science and technology-- two technological colleges and two computer colleges in Myitkyina and Bhamo, and a government technical institute in Mohnyin.

The opening of Mohnyin Degree College was held in Mohnyin township, Kachin State on 11 February. With the prevalence of peace and tranquillity in Kachin State, the government has designated Myitkyina and Bhamo regions as special development regions and is making all-out efforts for development of economic, health, education and transport sectors in Kachin State. There was only Myitkyina degree college in Kachin State in 1988 but now, there are Myitkyina university, Bhamo degree college, Myitkyina education college, Myitkyina government technological college, Myitkyina government computer college, Bhamo government computer college and Bhamo government technological college, all together totalling seven. As Mohnyin region of Kachin State is densely populated and as it is also a region where emphasis is being placed on agriculture, priority is given to human resources development in the region. Accordingly, a degree college and government technical institute have emerged in Mohnyin region. There are one university, seven degree colleges and colleges, and one institute in Kachin State. In the whole nation, there were 32 universities and colleges in 1988 but there are now 154 universities, degree colleges and colleges with about 900,000 students.

The main building of Mohnyin Degree College is 385 feet long and 228 feet wide and it includes 17 lecture halls, a language lab, two laboratories, a library, two offices, a theatre and multi-purpose hall. Twelve specializations eight major subjects and four minor ones are available at the college where altogether 343 students are currently studying.

Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt and party inspected Indaw region crude oil exploration project in Mawlaik Township, Sagaing Division, on 17 February.

At the project site, Minister for Energy reported to the Prime Minister on the location of the project, history of oil exploration in Indaw region, geological condition of the region and prospects, the geological survey conducted by the Myanma Oil and Gas Enterprise in the region, road construction, provision of heavy machinery and drilling machines, and test wells No. 1, 2 and 3 in the region. The minister also said that at a depth of 6,500 feet, the No. 1 test well is producing 4.32 million cubic feet of natural gas per day. The No.2 well yields only salty water. The No.3 well will be drilled to a depth of 6,000 feet, and presently, the digging has reached to a depth of 757 feet underground. Arrangements are under way to calculate the potential yield of oil and gas in the region after the completion of the drilling of the test wells.

Chairman of the Work Committee for Development of Border Areas and National Races Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt received Vice-Chairman-1 of the New Mon State Party Naing Htaw Mon and Vice-Chairman-2 Naing Raw Sa and party at Zeyathiri Beikman in Yangon on 23 February.

At the meeting, the national race leaders said that they support seven-point future programme (road map) of the State, adding that they will participate in the tasks for successful implementation of the road map under the leadership of the government. Next, the national race leaders reported on assistance of the State to be provided for development of education, agriculture, livestock breeding, road and economic enterprises of the region.

Work has begun on K1 Billion project to build the first international-stand ard beach resort near Dawei, in Southern Tanintharyi Division. The resort, being developed on a 30-acre site at Maungmagan beach about 10 miles from Dawei, will eventually have 40 single-storey bungalows, a restaurant, swimming pool, golf course and a spa fed by hot springs. In the first phase of the project, work began on February 17 to build 20 bungalows at the beach-front site.

The bungalows will offer a range of accommodation standards, including luxury, superior and deluxe. The bungalows are expected to be completed in late October, said Dr Khin Shwe, the chairman of the Maungmagan Development Group, which was formed early last month to build the resort. The group comprises 50 companies and individuals which have each invested K20 million in the project.

The group plans to work closely with the Myanmar Hoteliers Association and the Myanmar Construction Entrepreneurs Association to support other developments in the southern coastal region. Dr Khin Shwe, who is also the chairman of both the Zaykabar construction company and the MCEA, said there was tremendous potential for tourist developments in the region. The resort was expected to attract visitors from Thailand after a road between Dawei and the Thai city of Kanchanaburi is completed, he said.

It will take about four hours to drive to Dawei from Kanchanaburi, said Dr Khin Shwe. A plan for an east-west corridor highway linking Myanmar, Thailand, Laos and Vietnam and due to be completed next year would also provide tourists with access to the resort, he said. The road will stretch from Mawlamyine, about 300 kilometres north of Dawei, to the Vietnamese coastal city of Danang. Tourists will also be able to travel by air from Yangon and by boat from Kawthaung on the border with Thailand south of Dawei. Myanmar Airways provides a daily service between Yangon and Dawei. The group is planning to negotiate with other airlines to operate a service to Dawei.

Both the patient and the donor are in good health after a successful kidney transplant conducted on Daw Saw Ma Ma at Mandalay General Hospital, Mandalay Division on 7 March.

The surgical team led by Director-General of Medical Research Department (Upper Myanmar) Dr. Paing Soe, explained the improving condition of the patient. Another patient, Ko Win Thura Latt, and donor, his younger sister, Ma Win Rupa Latt, are also in good health after undergoing surgical operation. On 8 March, doctors are conducting kidney transplant on Daw Aye Aye. The donor is her elder sister Daw Ni Ni.

A ceremony to open the runway of Pathein Airport that has already been built in Pathein, Ayeyawady Division, was held on 14 March. The runway of the airport is of concrete type and it is 8500 feet long and 100 feet wide, adding the length of the facility on which Fokkar F-28 jet can easily take off and touch down. It will eventually be extended to 12,000 feet. With the opening of the airport, tourists, foreign businessmen and local passengers will soon be able to have access to seaside resorts such as Ngwe Hsaung and Chaungtha Resorts that are developing in the division and people in the division will be able to enjoy better trading, thereby contributing to development of social sector.

Ayeyadady Division has many rivers and creeks so people had to rely on waterway. The old tradition of travelling by water has been replaced with land trips. A network of township-to-township roads and bridges has emerged due to concerted efforts of the people in Ayeyawady Division. Pathein Airport was built as a small military airfield in the Japanese period in 1942. As the airport was built to be an airfield meeting the set standard in 1949 after regaining independence, the runway of the airport became 1,050 feet long and 100 feet wide in 1979. After carrying out extension works in 1986 and 1993, the runway which was built of gravel mixed with tar became 4,800 feet long and 100 feet wide.

The plan is to upgrade the runway to become 12,000 feet long and 200 feet wide. As construction of the runway of the Pathein Airport, which is now 8,500 feet long, 100 feet wide and 22 inches thick was completed, local flights and Air-bus planes weighing 150,000 lbs and Boeing-737 international flights can use the runway. So, airlines will be scheduled to land at the airport. Furthermore, the plan will be under way to extend the runway to become 9,300 feet long and 200 feet wide soon.

In the past, Myanmar had only Yangon International Airport to connect foreign countries by air. At present, international level Mandalay International Airport has been opened, and upgrading tasks and extension works are being carried out at the Yangon International Airport. Similarly, Magway Airport was opened on 6 June 2003; and Homalin Airport on 3 August 2003; now Pathein Airport was opened. Monywa Airport will be opened soon. And, other airports are being built in order that Boeing 737-400 flights would be able to land.

Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar Senior General Than Shwe received the goodwill delegation led by Prime Minister of Malaysia Dato’ Seri Abdullah bin Haji Ahmad Badawi in Yangon on 13 February. Also present at the call together with Senior General Than Shwe were Vice-Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Vice-Senior General Maung Aye, Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt, Member of the State Peace and Development Council General, Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council, Secretary-2 of the State Peace and Development Council, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, Myanmar Ambassador to Malaysia, Director-General of the State Peace and Development Council Office and Director-General of the Protocol Department. The visiting Malaysian Prime Minister and party were accompanied by Malaysian Ambassador to Myanmar Dato’ Cheah Sam Kip.

Prime Minister of the Union of Myanmar General Khin Nyunt met Prime Minister of Malaysia Dato’ Seri Abdullah bin Haji Ahmad Badawi in Yangon on 13 February. The Malaysian Prime Minister was accompanied by Minister of Foreign Affairs Datuk Seri Syed Hamid bin Syed Jaafar Albar, Secretary-General Tan Sri Ahmad Fuzi Hj Abdul Razad of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysian Ambassador to Myanmar Dato’ Cheah San Kip and senior officers. The two Prime Minister exchanged views on relations between the two countries, economic cooperation and regional issues. They agreed to enhance the existing bilateral contacts and mutually beneficial cooperation in many areas. In this regard, they agreed to set up a Joint Commission for Bilateral Cooperation.

At the invitation of Minister for Foreign Affairs, Secretary of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of the Philippines Ms. Delia Domingo Albert arrived at Yangon International Airport by air on February 19 as an official visit to the Union of Myanmar. She is accompanied by senior officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of the Philippines.

Prime Minister of the Union of Myanmar General Khin Nyunt received Minister for Industry Mr. Phinij Jarusombut and party of Thailand in Yangon on 19 February.

Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt received Secretary of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of the Philippines Ms. Delia Domingo Albert and party in Yangon on 19 February.

Prime Minister of the Union of Myanmar General Khin Nyunt received Honourable Minister for Industries and Public Enterprises, Government of Assam, Mr Bhubneswar Kalita and party in Yangon on 20 February.

Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt received Member of the House of Representatives Mr. Ikuzo Sakurai and party in Yangon on 21 February.

At the invitation of Secretary-2 of the State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar Lt-Gen Thein Sein, Mr. Luo Haocai, Vice-Chairman of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) and Vice-President of the Chinese Association for International Understanding (CAIFU) of the People’s Republic of China and party arrived Yangon on 21 February to pay a goodwill visit to the Union of Myanmar.

Mr. Luo Haocai is accompanied by Mr. Li Beihai, Vice-Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) and Vice-President of the Chinese Association for International Understanding (CAIFU), Mr. Yue Meizhen, Director-General of International Department of Central Committee of Communist Party of China and Council Member of CAIFU, Ms. Yun Suidong, Vice Director General of International Department of Central Committee of Communist Party of China and Council Member of CAIFU, Mr. Ma Jin, Associate Secretary General of Chinese Association for International Understanding (CAIFU) and other responsible officials.

Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt received ambassadors of European Union (EU) led by Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Myanmar Dr. Klaus Peter Wild at Zeyathiri Beikman Konmyinttha in Yangon on 23 February.

At the invitation of Minister for Hotels and Tourism, Minister of Sports and Tourism of Thailand Mr. Sontaya Kunplome and party arrived Yangon on 5 March. The Thai Minister and party met with the Minister for Communications, Posts and Telegraphs and for Hotels and Tourism in Yangon and discussed promotion of tourism industry between Myanmar and Thailand.

The Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in friendship tasks between Myanmar-Korea Friendship Association and Korea-Myanmar Friendship Association was held at Mingaladon Garden City on 24 February.

The 35-member delegation led by the Korea-Myanmar Friendship Association Chairman arrived in Yangon to cooperate friendship, religious, economic, education and cultural matters with the Myanmar-Korea Friendship Association. The bilateral cooperation tasks will soon be implemented.

Economic Cooperation

The ‘Made in India Show’ will be held at Yangon Trade Centre in Pazundaung Township, Yangon this week, the first show of its kind to be held in Myanmar. Organised jointly by the Indian Embassy and Confederation of Indian Industry, the event will take place from February 19 to 22. "A whole range of companies representing various industrial and business sectors will participate in the show", Mr. RK Bhatia, the Indian ambassador said at a press conference in Yangon on February 11.

While the show will feature a wealth of Indian products from cars and agricultural machinery to jewellery and textiles, one of the highlights will be seminars discussing border trade and information technology on February 20. Mr. Bhatia said that one of the key objects of the show is to strengthen trade and economic cooperation between India and Myanmar, which will be greatly facilitated by the recently agreed Framework Agreement on Comprehensive Economic Cooperation.

Since 2000, there has been a marked increase in contact between the business communities of the two countries. In the fiscal year 2002-2003, India was one of Myanmar’s biggest export markets __ India is the biggest consumer of Myanmar beans and pulses.

Minister for National Planning and Economic Development of Myanmar met Minister for Industry of Thailand Mr. Phinij Jarusombut in Yangon on 19 February. After the meeting, the ceremony to sign the agreement on investment cooperation between Myanma Investment Commission and BOI was held.

Seminar on Across Borders: India-Myanmar Trade and Economic Cooperation, jointly sponsored by Indian Embassy in Myanmar and Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) of India, was opened at the Sedona Hotel in Yangon on 20 February.

The agreement signing ceremony on fishing rights between Fisheries Department and Siam Jonathan Co. Ltd of Thailand was held in Yangon on 19 February. Present were Minister for Livestock and Fisheries, Deputy Minister for Livestock and Fisheries, Joint-Secretary of Yangon City Development Committee, departmental heads and guests.

Director-General of Fisheries Department, Deputy Director-General and Chairman Mr. Aroon Anthanapasart and Managing Dirctor Mr. Jirawat Supaseta Anun of Siam Jonathan Co. Ltd of Thailand signed the agreement and exchanged the documents.

The 11-member delegation headed by Past president Mar Rajive Kaul, Chairman and Managing Director of Nicco Corporation Ltd and Mr. S Sen, Deputy Director-General of CII (Confederation of Indian Industry) of India held discussions with UMFCCI (Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce & Industry) President, Vice-Presidents, General Secretary and Central Executive Committee members at the head office of the UMFCCI in Yangon on 19 February. They discussed matters relating to promotion of investment and bilateral trade between the two countries, enhancing economic cooperation, ensuring better transportation for border trade, signing of MoU for establishing joint task force of CII and UMFCCI.

Twenty-two Buddha images of Inwa era were found by the officials of Archaeology Department while trying to restore the Aungsigon Pagoda in old Pinya town near Sagain village, TadaU Township, Mandalay Division, during the six-day period from 7 to 12 January 2004. They also excavated four more ancient images on 3 February in the pagoda precinct. Two silver images and four bronze images were also found under the ruins of the pagoda on 7 February. The 32 images that were found at the pagoda are being systematically preserved.

The 15th Annual General Meeting of Myanmar Foreign Correspondents Club was held in Yangon on 22 February with an address by MFCC Patron U Hla Htway. After the meeting, a dinner was hosted.

The 13th Convocation of the University for Develovment of National Races and the second teachership diploma certificate presentation cercmony were held at the convocation hall of UNDR in Sagaing Division on 12 March. Chairman of the University Council Chairman of Sagaing Division Peace and Development Council conferred certificates of MED on four trainees and certificates of BED on 50 graduates. Vice-Chairman of the University Council Chairman of Civil Service Selection and Training Board also presented certificates of Dip ED to 158 graduates.

A ceremony to open the National Seminar on WTO Trade Policy, organized by the Ministry of Commerce and World Trade Organization (WTO), was held in Yangon on 16 February.

This Seminar is part of the WTO Technical Assistance and Training Plan to enhance institutional and human capacity in member countries especially for the developing and least-developed members to know more about WTO Agreements and facilitate effective participation in the Multilateral Trading System. According to the WTO Technical Assistance Programme, the National Seminar on WTO Trade in Services was convened in Yangon in February last year. The present seminar will focus on quite a number of topics such as WTO Agreement on Agriculture, Agreement on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures, Agreement on Technical Barriers to Trade, Market Access issues including on-going agricultural market access negotiations, services negotiations and customs matters including customs valuation.

Myanmar is one of the founder members of the General Agreement of Tariffs and Trade - GATT and also a signatory to the Final Act which established the World Trade Organization. This seminar is attended by 30 participants from relevant Ministries which are responsible for the implementation of the WTO Agreements. The seminar continues up to 19 February.

A team of diplomats including Dean of the Diplomatic Corps Ambassador of Singapore to Myanmar Mr Simon Tensing de Cruz and resident representatives of UN agencies arrived at Heho township, Shan State from Yangon on 14 February.

The diplomatic team comprises Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and officials of MOFA. They studied the weaving industry and silverware industry of the Inlay Lake. Also, they enjoyed the Inlay traditional boat race. The Dean of Diplomatic Corps presented cash awards to the rowers.

They also visited sericulture and weaving industry in Nyaung Shwe township. In Taunggyi, they visited Shan State Cultural Museum.

The Salone Traditional Festival was opened at the beach of Ma Kyone Galet Village, Bo Cho Island, Kawthoung Township, Taninthayi Division on 16 February. In the past the Salone living in the Myeik archipelago are called Moken. Since the time of their forefathers, the Salone people have been living in Myanmar and Malay archipelago. And since the 19th Century, they have been the fishermen roaming on the sea along the Myeik archipelago in their small boats which are called kaban. They are nomads, moving from place to place in the sea, staying at the places on islands that are safe from strong gust of monsoon winds and waves from the sea, and where they have access to fresh water. They venture into the seas as soon as the monsoon retreats. Most worship traditional spirits, while those living on Ma Kyone Galet, Zadetgyi and Nyaungwi islands are of the Buddhist faith.

The Myeik archipelago, where the festival is being held to enable the world witness the objective conditions of Myanmar, is a pleasant place in the sea. The aims of the festival is to preserve the sincerity and tradition and culture of the Salone people, to promote the traditions and culture of the ethnic races of Myanmar, to let foreign tourists and local tour entrepreneurs study them, and to make tourists know the natural and coastal beauties of Myanmar. Salone are significant people among the ethnic Myanmar races living in the villages and towns along the Taninthayi coast since time immemorial. Their social life, love of the sea, social and cultural customs and faith are so interesting. Living in Bokpyin Township, and on Zadetgyi, Bo Cho, Jalan and Lampi islands and Myeik archipelago they are excellent divers. The festival includes diving and boat races of the Salone people.

In Myanmar there are festivals all the year round. Among them, Thingyan (Water festival), Thadingyut and Tazaungdaing lighting festivals are famous. There are also traditional festivals of national races. Naga festival have been held for three times and Salone traditional festival will become famous very soon. Myanmar is the treasure for tourists because of its snow-capped mountains, hill station resorts, beaches, its long history and ancient heritage.

2,763 drug-related cases were exposed in 2003. The authorities seized 1,481.4978 kilos of opium in 396 cases, 568.0827 kilos of heroin in 968 cases, 156.25 kilos of morphine in two cases, 51.7375 kilos of opium oil in 51 cases, 203.868 kilos of low grade opium in 200 cases, 85.2016 kilos of marijuana in 194 cases, 74.68 litres of phensedyl in 24 cases, 4,002 524 stimulant tablets in 472 cases, 307.9322 kilos of ephedrine in four cases, 8.0669 kilos of stimulant powder in eight cases, 26.83 litres of cough syrup in two cases, 98.8275 kilos of speciosa in 22 cases, 0.6 kilo of caffeine in one case, 102.0001 kilos of stimulant solid (ICE) in two cases, 402 bottles of ;buprinorphine (injection) in five cases, six bottles of morphine (injection) in two cases, 12 bottles of diazepam in one case, 248445 tablets of diazepam in nine cases, 61061 kilos of phenyl acetic acid and 2,562.24 litres of acetic anhydride in one case, 36,903.837 litres of chemical liquid in 18 cases and 7,045.3216 kilos of chemical powder. Action was taken on 289 cases for failure to register, and also on 92 other cases.

Action was taken against 3,848 person -- 3,117 men and 731 women -- in connection with the cases in 2003. In the same year, seven opium refineries were exposed and narcotic drugs, chemical liquid and paraphernalia.were seized in Shan State (North).

In 2003-2004 poppy cultivation season, i.e. up to 31 January 2004, a total of 5,573.916 acres (2255.73 hectares) have been destroyed in Shan State (North), Shan State (South), Shan State (East), Kachin State, Kayah State and Sagaing Division.

In comparison with the seizures during the year 2002, 234.195 kilos more heroin and 10,463.418 litres more chemical liquid were seized in 2003. Altogether 381.7775 kilos less opium, 196.7868 kilos less marijuana, 263.774 litres less phensedyl, 5,397,270 less stimulant pills, 1415.6047 kilos less ephedrine and 391.0484 litres less acetic-anhydrite were seized in 2003. The number of cases exposed in 2003 were 136 cases with 443 culprits less than that of in 2002.

Drug Liaison Officers attached to Bangkok-based UN Drug and Criminal Office and embassies and senior officers of Thai Drug Control Committee Office went on a one-day trip to view Yaungkha Village All-round Development tasks in Monghsat District, Shan State (East) and opium-substitute coffee and tea plantations in Wa region via Maesai-Tachilek on 17 February. On 17 February morning, Joint-Secretary of the Central Committee for Drug Abuse Control of Myanmar and officials welcomed the excursion group at the border bridge. They visited 1,000 acres of opium-substitute coffee plantations and 400 acres of Woolon tea in Lwehsanhson region where officials of the local national organization conducted the guests round the plantations and Yangkha All-round Development Model Village jointly implemented by Myanmar and Thailand under the drug elimination programme.

The excursion group included Doitung Project Executive Director-General Mr Disnadda Diskul, UNODC Regional Director Mr Akira Hujino, Deputy Secretary-General of Thai Drug Control Committee Mr Rasamee Vistavet, drug liaison officers from 18 countries and DEA, INTERPOL officers totalling 136.

Poppy plantations are being destroyed in 2003-2004 poppy growing season. A combined team comprising members of local Tatmadawmen (Defence Services personnel), local intelligence unit, Myanmar Police Force, departmental officials and local people, destroyed 22.35 acres of poppy plantations illegally grown near Nampoke Creek in Hkamti Township on 10 February, making the total acres of destroyed poppy plantations grown in poppy growing regions in this year’s poppy growing season to 6,316.44 acres up to 10 February, 2004.

Patron of the Myanmar Women’s Affairs Federation Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt met with delegates to the plenary meeting of State and Division Organizations for Women’s Affairs in Yangon on 1 March. The Prime Minister spoke on the occasion. The Prime Minister said: The MWAF has been founded to organize the women mass to become a national force, while enabling them to take part in the nation-building task in the respective sectors. At present, the sector of Myanmar women are entering a new age: their ability rising and their fine traditions flourishing. In this regard, the Government has been making arrangements to promote the women’s organization as a means to accelerate the developing momentum of the sector and enhance its essence and leadership role.

Of the nation’s population of over 52 million, about 27 million are women, and 15 million of them are young ones or in their prime age. Thus, such a large volume of human resources should be united to become a single mighty force. The MWAF has been formed with the fine traditions __ to promote the women’s sector in building a peaceful, modern and developed nation; to protect the rights of women; to develop the economy, health and education of women and to ensure a secure life for them; to nurture train them to promote their spirit of cherishing and valuing the traditions and culture; to systematically carry out the task of preventing violence against them and rehabilitation; to launch the task to eliminate trafficking in women and children; and to cooperate with international, regional and local bodies in ensuring the rights of women in accord with the traditions and culture and customs of the national races.

Moreover, the basic principles of the federation are: to serve only the national interest with the united strength of the entire nation based on Our Three Main National Causes; the ethnic basic principle of giving serious attention to love, friendship, respect and unity of the national races; the social basic principle of contributing to the community peace, food, clothing and shelter needs, and health, education and cultural development; and the basic women’s affairs principle of promoting the women’s sector and ensuring a secure live for the womenfolk. The womenfolk will have to discharge their duties in accord with the basic principles. The Federation is the main organization to boost the morale of women, and manage the health, education, organization and other affairs. It is also the highest body of the women’s sector helping realize the State’s policies and aims of the sector.

President of the Myanmar Women’s Affairs Federation reported on formation of the federation. The federation was formed on 20 December, 2003. It includes two honorary patrons, 12 members of Patrons, 44 central executives and 332 members of central organization for women’s affairs. The federation will carry out 16 major tasks based on policies on women’s development and ensuring secure life laid down by the Government for Myanmar National Committee for Women’s Affairs and sectors designated by The Fourth World Women’s Conference. The sectors are education, health, economy, prevention of violence against women, culture, conservation of environment, information and communication, young girls and women, international communications, scrutiny of laws, prevention of human trafficking, nurturing and resettlement, organizing, national races affairs, discipline and finance and administration. Organizational set-up and functions, fundamental rules were compiled. Central executive members led by President and Vice-President of the MWAF made field trips to states and divisions. They met members of state and division organizations for women’s affairs and explained procedures on finance and expenditure, indicators needed in compiling reports and fundamental rules of the federation. They also replied to the queries.

The opening of the Seminar on Tuberculosis in Myanmar took place at the Health Staff Training School in Dagon Township in Yangon on 3 March. Also present on the occasion were heads of departments under the Ministry of Health, medical superintendents, specialists, officials, the presidents of social organizations, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Research Institute of Tuberculosis (RIT) of Japan Dr Nakamura. Myanmar is using the WHO recognized most effective DOTS Strategy to combat TB. The WHO set Global TB Target By 2005 identify 70 per cent of all people with active TB and cured 85 per cent of those detected. In 2002, Myanmar case detection rate was 70 per cent and treatment success rate is 82 per cent which is very close to WHO target. The achievement is due to high political commitment, efforts of health personnel, and community involvement and participation of NGOs and INGOs hand in hand. The seminar was held under the third joint programme of RIT and JATA (Japan). At the seminar the papers on anti-TB including the JATA project which covers six townships — Mingala Taungnyunt, Thanlyin, Kyauktan, Chanmyathazi, Amarapura and Aungmyethazan townships were submitted. The seminar continues till 4 March.

The press conference related to the narcotic drugs reports of International Narcotic Control Board-INCBN was held at the hall of United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime-UNODC in Mayangon Township, Yangon on 3 March. Present were Myanmar Foreign Correspondents Club members, officials of periodicals, resident representative Mr. Jean-Luc Lemahieu of UNODC and officials.

At the press conference, Resident Representative Mr. Jean-Luc Lemahieu said that as illegal cultivation areas of poppy plantation continued to decline in east and south-east Asia regions in 2003, there was the two-thirds decline of poppy cultivation in Myanmar in 2003 compare with the cultivation in 1996 due to endeavours in narcotic drugs elimination being undertaken by the Government of the Union of Myanmar. Similarly, it was obviously seen that seizures of production and trafficking of amphetamine stimulant tablets declined in Myanmar in 2002.

He welcomed Myanmar and Mongolia which joined as members in the narcotic drugs control treaty (1988) and drug eradication treaty (1982). Cambodia, China, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam, members of Mekong Basin Countries, signed the MoU on cooperation in drugs elimination in 1993 and approved to implement that MoU in September 2003. He supported regional cooperation such as control of transnational smuggling of narcotic drugs, matters related to amphetamine tablet and prevention against HIV infection.

In addition, he was satisfied with eradication of narcotic drug production jointly carried out in April 2003 by Myanmar and Chinese police forces. As there were 81,400 hectares of poppy plantations in Myanmar in 2002 and 62,200 hectares in 2003, cultivation of poppy plantation was obviously reduced by 24 per cent.

UNODC, on its part, is carrying out drugs elimination tasks in Myanmar with the assistance being provided by the US, Germany, Japan and Italy. It is estimated that out of US$26 million which will be spent on drugs elimination in Kokang and Wa regions, UNODC has already fetched about US $ 6 million. Later, the resident representative answered the queries raised by Journalists.

Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Senior General Than Shwe and party arrived at Mawlamyine University in Mawlamyine Township, Mon State on 2 March and met with rector, pro-rectors, professors, associate professors, lectures, assistant lecturers, tutors and demonstrators of Mawlamyine University, Mawlamyine Education College, Government Technical College and Government Computer College at Mawlamyine University.

Senior General said that the earlier education standard of Myanmar lagged far behind when compared with that of international community, adding that at a time when there have been changes and developments in leaps and bounds in the field of world education there should not be a series of weak points in Myanmar education. There will be no progress in Myanmar education if review and reform are not made in an effective way in the education system in time.

The vision of ASEAN is "all member nations must become modern and developed ones in 2020" , and it is imperative to swiftly reform the Myanmar education system and efforts are to be made for development in the field of education. Therefore, transformation is being introduced with added momentum in the education system under the motto "building a modern and developed nation through education" and education infrastructures were established after laying down the national education promotion special 4-year project.

Universities and colleges were set up in the 24 development zones and opportunities to pursue the higher learning within the reach were created. Human resources needed for the region will emerge if the opportunity to pursue education is created in the region, thereby contributing to ensuring regional development and narrowing development gap between one region and another. Intellectuals and intelligentsia play a crucial role in building a modern and developed nation. The government is doing its best in promoting the national education standard and continued efforts are to be made for successful realization of the national education promotion goal.

In the process, the qualified teachers are to provide well-rounded education with the effective use of teaching aids in accord with the curricula. The government will provide necessary assistance with goodwill and the teachers, on their part, are to strive to become highly qualified ones while teaching the students to become outstanding ones.

A ceremony to open the Poppy-substitute Crops Cultivation and Livestock Breeding Training School for the purpose of drug elimination, built by the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Myanmar, was held at the school in Laukkai, Shan State (North) Special Region-1, Kokang Region, on 3 March.The donation of the Ambassador was used to build the training school by the Regional Committee for Drug Abuse Control Chairman Commander of North-East Command.

A ceremony to observe the 2004 International Women’s Day under the aegis of Myanmar National Committee for Women’s Affairs was held at the International Business Centre in Yangon on 8 March. It was attended by Chairman of Myanmar National Committee for Women’s Affairs Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement, Minister for Education, members of MNCWA and members of Working Committee, President of Myanmar Women’s Affairs Federation, Vice-Presidents, General Secretary, Central Executive Committee members, Adviser to the MNCWA, advisers, Ambassador of the Philippines Mme Phoebe A Gomez, Resident Representatives of the United Nations Agencies, wives of Ambassadors, wives of Military Attaches, and wives of the Resident Representatives of UN agencies, officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, delegates of social organizations, representatives of non-governmental organizations, members of the Working Committee for Prevention of Human Trafficking, and guests. Coordinator of the United Nations System’s Operational Activities for Development in Myanmar Mr. Charles James Petrie read the message sent by the Secretary-General of the UN.

A ceremony to sign an agreement on small-scale dairy technology transfer and training- TCP/MYA/3001(T), which will be conducted under the sponsorship of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, took place in Yangon on 8 March.

Present on the occasion were Minister for Livestock and Fisheries, Deputy Minister, Resident Representative of FAO in Myanmar Mr. Tang Zhengping, heads of departments under the ministry, the general secretary of the Myanmar Livestock Breeding Federation, and officials. Director-General of the Livestock Breeding and Veterinary Department and Mr.Tang Zhengping signed the agreement and exchanged the documents. The programme will be launched for two years from 2004 to 2005 with US$ 0.356 million funded by the FAO under the technological cooperation. The programme will provide breeders with such advanced techniques as the preservation of the quality of cattle milk for long-term consumption, and the manufacturing of value-added milk-based products. The programme will also help the breeders manufacture standard and wholesome milk products on a greater scale and introduce new lines of milk products as import-substitute goods.

As ASEAN- Japan friendship, a film festival for South East Asia Movies was held in Japan and directors U Nyi Pu, U Hla Myo, U San Shwe Maung, U Myint Soe (A/S), actors Kyaw Thu, Min Maw Kun and actress Myo Thandar Tun, who were invited to attend the festival arrived back to Myanmar on 7 December. Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippine, Thailand, Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia brought their best movies to compete at the film festival. Myanmar movie "Thway" was shown on the closing day 14 December. The Myanmar Movie "Thway", directed by Japanese director Mr. Chino will also be sent to compete at the World Film Festival.

The Myanmar movie group also paid respect at the tomb of Mr. Sukamoto who was one of the 55 survivors of Infar battle during the second World War. Mr. Sukanoto was the one who initiated to film "Thway" movie. Director Mr. Chino came to Myanmar in 1990 with a group of Japanese to find the bones of their ancestors who died in Myanmar. One of the persons from the group said that his father died in Myanmar 50 years ago and by now he is one of the Myanmar people. Those words touched the heart of director Mr. Chino.

During the second world war over 120, 000 Japanese soldiers died in Myanmar battle field. All of the bones have not been recovered as yet. During the war Japanese soldiers who lost their way was well looked after by the Myanmar people. Although the Japanese soldiers treated very badly to Myanmar people during the Japanese occupations, Myanmar people with a good heart let the families of those Japanese soldier do what they want in Myanmar. They are allowed to pick the bones of the fallen Japanese Soldiers and built Pagodas in the country. Thus bringing unseen attachment within the two countries and that is what director Mr. Chino has in his mind.

The movie "Thway" was arranged by the Independent Administrative Institution Japan Foundation Asia Centre. When the movie was shown in Japan, it was seen by veteran Japanese soldiers, their families and Myanmar people who are in Japan. The movie was so touching that tears welled in their eyes. You may also read about the movie in the internet by typing the word Thway. They have been making arrangements to have the movie shown at cinema halls in Myanmar and in Japan.

* * * * *

Myanmar Information Committee, Yangon

Information Sheet

N0. C- 2955(I/L)
4th March, 2004

The United States this week praised Myanmar’s dramatic accomplishments in the international war against narcotics, noting that opium production had been slashed by more than 81 percent over the past seven years. Moreover, Myanmar has taken a leadership role in the regional war on drugs, intensified its co-ordination with neighbouring countries, and has one of the lowest rates of drug addiction in Asia. Given these successes, the State Department recommended a "large scale and long term" international assistance to Myanmar. The State Department report, titled the 2003 International Narcotics Control Strategy Report, was released on March 1, 2004. In it, the State Department acknowledged that:

Overall opium production in Myanmar in 2003 declined substantially for the seventh straight year. According to the joint U.S./Myanmar opium yield survey, opium production in Myanmar totalled no more than 484 metric tons in 2003, down more than 23 percent from a year earlier, and down 81 percent from the 2,560 metric tons produced in Myanmar in 1996.

Myanmar has taken a leadership role in the regional war on drugs. Myanmar’s official 15-year counternarcotics plan calls for the eradication of all narcotics production and trafficking by 2014, one year ahead of an ASEAN-wide plan of action that calls for the region to be drug-free by 2015.

The Myanmar Police, Army, and the Customs Service together seized massive amounts of narcotics, including approximately 1,247 kilograms of raw opium, 488 kilograms of heroin, 78 kilograms of marijuana, 102 kilograms of methamphetamine powder, 156 kilograms of morphine, and 4.5 million methamphetamine pills in the first ten months of 2003.

Myanmar’s opium is grown predominantly in areas controlled by the former insurgent groups. Since the mid-1990s, the Government has elicited "opium-free" pledges from each group and has stepped up law enforcement activities in areas controlled by these groups. The US Government noted that involvement by the United Wa State Army in drug production and trafficking "remains a serious concern."

Cooperation with regional partners increased during 2003, particularly with China and Thailand. The Chinese and Thai governments stepped up bilateral counter-narcotics cooperation efforts and established joint Border Liaison Offices with Myanmar along their respective borders to facilitate the sharing of intelligence.

Myanmar has been actively cracking down on corruption. Noting that there is "no reliable evidence that senior officials in the Myanmar Government are directly involved in the drug trade", the report noted that the Government has arrested and prosecuted hundreds of low-level officials, particularly army and police personnel posted in outlying areas, in its fight against corruption.

Myanmar has successfully fought drug abuse within its own borders, with the result that "the overall level of drug abuse is low in Myanmar" according to the US State Department.

New regulations against money laundering were put in place during 2003. These victories in the war on drugs are particularly impressive, as Myanmar has fought the drug war with virtually no help from the United States. The State Department report acknowledged Myanmar's commitment, and noted that the United States was not helping Myanmar in the war on drugs for political reasons unconnected with narcotics. The Government of Myanmar encourages the United States to reconsider this counter-productive approach. Myanmar encourages the United States to become an active partner in the war against drugs, and to join with Myanmar in this common cause.

The State Department noted that "large-scale and long-term international aid — including development assistance and law-enforcement aid — is necessary to help curb drug production and trafficking in Myanmar."

Remarkable successes in the war against narcotic drugs mentioned above are being outstandingly achieved thanks to the combined efforts of the Government and the people. Likewise, the Government welcomes sincere cooperation, support and help from its international partners. As the Asian countries work together in the fight against illegal drugs, we urge the United States to join in the effort. By way of working together, the global narcotics industry, which is a serious threat and menace to mankind, could be defeated sooner than later.

Lotus, Lotus Everywhere

The Myanmar word, "Kya" stands for the sacred lotus (Nelumbium speciosum) as well as the water-lily ( Numphaea spp.) . Traditional beliefs and poetic references usually number five kinds of " Kya" although classifications enumerating seven types can be seen in various commentaries of the Buddhist scriptures. According to Buddhist cosmology, the beginning of this world witnessed a growth of five lotuses, each flower bearing a complete set of a monk’s requisites signifying that five Buddhas would attain enlightenment during this world cycle. The life history of the historic Buddha also starts with the newly born Buddha-to-be infant taking seven steps and lotus blossoms springing forth at every step so that his feet would not touch the ground.

The lotus is to be found in many cultural aspects. At most pagodas, lotus flowers and flower buds can be bought to be used as flower offertories. On the stupa itself band upon band of embellishments between the bulbous spire of the banana bud, which is the part below the tiered umbrella finial, and the series of plain mouldings above the inverted bowl employ the lotus motif. The uppermost band of petals is known as the matured lotus (kya yinh), after which comes a band of upturned petals naturally called " the upturned lotus". (kya lan). Below that is a band of petals of the smallest size known as " the delicate lotus" (kya nuh) and after an interceding band of bosses, a band of " overturned lotus" (kya hmauk).

On the pagoda platform, bargeboards and gable ends of the pavilions and on columns, running scrolls of lotus stems, leaves, buds and flowers known as "kanout" are added as trim and this motif is ubiquitous appearing on lacquerware either in incised or moulded form, on silverware as repousse-work and on sculpture, carvings and artwork - from commemorative plaques to greeting cards.

The lotus is also to be found on various utensils and appurtenances. Among the royal regalia, various crystal receptacles and even a portable armrest employing the lotus motif are mentioned. Sheer canopies and drapes to ward off mosquitoes from sleeping royalty appears to be at one time made from filaments drawn from the stem of the lotus as the term for it incorporates the term for lotus. And even now, special robes called " lotus robes" for Buddha images or a revered monk might be woven from such filaments, no doubt because of the association with the five lotus flowers that grace this world cycle. The stemmed salver on which food offertories are presented to the image of the Buddha is trimmed with lotus petals and is called a "kya kalap", that is "lotus salver". Scalloped trim ornamenting the hangings on ceremonial pavilions is known as "kya yap", that is, "lotus fan".

The lotus also features in terms of respect and worship. Hands, palms pressed together in an attitude of paying obeisance are termed " hands formed into the lotus bud" " the embryo of an august personage such as a future Buddha is said to gestate in " the lotus chamber" of his mother.However, reference to the lotus are also to be found in terms dealing with the salacious side of humanity. Its incorporation in a poetic term for the mosquito net as mentioned above, has led to it being employed in a synonymic term for committing adultery which might be literally translated as " to loiter near the lotus", and the less serious sin of " flinging out the lotus" meaning, "giving a come-hither look".

In my childhood days, however, the seedpod of the lotus was much more appreciated than the beauty of its flower. The seedpod contained many green tinged ivory seeds which although of insignificant flavour are satisfyingly succulent and crunchy and when all the seeds had been eaten, it became a handy weapon for playfights and the stem could be given to a sister who would cut it into segments and make a necklace out of it.

Source: Myanmar Perspectives, vol. 4/98

The beautiful evening scenery of the beach and the festival itself was a memorable moment for everyone at the ceremony. That night, we stayed at logging houses that had been built in accord with the design of a typical Salone house. The sound of the sea waves from under the hut where I was sleeping and the cool breeze that came from the sea made me fresh and feel cozy all the night. My mind was free and I felt I was part of the mother nature, wandering up in the sky and on the sea at will. At that moment, I felt as if I was totally free from greed, anger and ignorance, or in other words, I understood the life and the mind of the Salone people, the brethren of all Myanmars.

The sea is their life. They were born at the sea and live there roaming about and also die at the sea. The sea has fulfilled all their requirements. They live on the kaban boats family-wise, freely travelling in the sea in search of food and other necessities. They do not need material luxuries such as cars or brick houses. The sea provides all their needs. Thus, I came to understand what they value in their life. They were so honourable. I respect them for they are skilled at the sea and they understand the sea and the marine life without any advanced equipment. They will be much useful for the nation. We will have to preserve and promote their skills to improve their condition and help develop the nation. During childhood days, I heard from others or read in books about the amazing life of the Salone people. Thus, I was very happy to see them with my own eyes. I was thinking about the future of Salone people. Later I fell asleep. The next morning, together with other persons, I attended the Salone Traditional Festival with much happiness and joy. While listening to the speeches delivered by Chairman of Taninthayi Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Coastal Region Command Brig-Gen Ohn Myint and Minister for Hotels and Tourism Brig-Gen Thein Zaw, I felt so encouraged and happy. The speeches reflected our will to preserve and promote the traditions and culture of Salone people, and to develop tourism. They explained the riches on land, and in and under the sea in the region and the investment procedures. All those at the festival were happy. We all danced together with the Salone people at the end of the opening ceremony.

Happiness was shared among all those present. The general-secretary of Thai-Myanmar Cultural and Economic Cooperation Association also danced together with the Salone people. The festival achieved greater success than expected. Member of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Maung Bo of the Ministry of Defence declared that next year's festival would be grander and more crowded than the present one.

Commander Brig-Gen Ohn Myint looked satisfied and happy. I greeted Minister Brig-Gen Thein Zaw, honouring him for his idea to hold the festival. I, on behalf of others, thanked and honoured the Government, for sponsoring the first Salone Traditional Festival at Ma Kyone Galet Village. I thanked Deputy Minister for Hotels and Tourism Brig-Gen Aye Myint Kyu, local authorities, officials and also friends who took part in giving close supervision to the festival from the start to the end. I would like to meet with them again at another Salone Traditional Festival next year.

While travelling on a motorboat from Kawthoung to Ma Kyone Galet Village on Bo Cho Island, I saw many islands large and small along the way. Myeik Archipelago has over 800 islands and islets. One big island in it is even larger than Singapore. Some of the islands are like New Zealand. They have sand beaches, plains and hills. Some resemble Bali or Tahiti. Places with such natural riches are rare to be found in other places of the world. We have human resources to a certain degree.

If we combine them with zeal and capital, we will also have urban areas like Singapore and New Zealand. Moreover, we can create places like Bali or Tahiti in our country. We already have examples and methods. We must take what is good for us, and to discard what is not good. The Myanmar seas are inviting us to come visit them and properly exploit them. We can rely on the skill and experiences of Salone people. They are the people who love and protect the sea for many years since yore. We will have to further develop the nation with the spirit we have achieved from the first Salone Traditional Festival. History teaches us that the countries which dare venture out into the high seas for trade and are able to control them become the developed, rich and most advanced countries. Hence, the time has arrived for us to extend businesses and develop zones in the sea.

Author : U Maung Maung Soe Tint (Retired Ambassador)

Information Officer

Embassy of the Union of Myanmar

2300 S Street NW

Washington, D.C. 20008

Tel. (202) 332-9044, 332-9045

Fax. (202) 332-9046