94-05 BURMA PRESS SUMMARY From the Rangoon "The New Light of Myanmar" Compiled for the Burma Studies Group by Hugh C. MacDougall Published by the Center for East Asian and Pacific Studies, University of Illinois Volume VIII, No. 5, May 1994 Table of Contents POLITICAL CRISIS 2 Slogans 2 Political Articles 2 Returnees from Bangladesh 3 Special Refresher Courses 3 USDA 3 Reconciliation With Kayinni Rebels 3 DIPLOMATIC 4 Diplomatic Calls 4 New Ambassadors to Myanmar 4 New Myanmar Ambassadors 4 INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION 5 Workshops 5 Foreign Donations 6 Chinese Industry Fair 6 Bangladesh Returnee Relief 6 FOREIGN VISITORS 6 International Agency Visitors 6 Cultural and Medical Visitors 7 Business Visitors 7 Religious Delegations 7 Sacred Tooth 8 Singapore Development Mission 9 German Aid Official 9 Japanese Officials 9 Vietnam Prime Minister 9 Two Thai Ministers Visit 12 Indian General 12 Maldives Delegation 12 Yunnan Governor 12 Indonesian Ministers 13 MYANMAR DELEGATIONS 14 Study Delegations 14 Religious Delegations 15 Business Delegations 15 Delegations to Meetings & Events 15 Agriculture Minister to Egypt etc. 15 Deputy Prime Minister to South Africa 16 Trade Minister to Bangladesh 16 Construction Minister to China 16 Delegations Return 16 MYANMAR GAZETTE 16 Probationary Appointments 16 Transfers and Appointments 16 GOVERNMENT 17 Workers Day Message 17 YCDC Officers Named 18 MILITARY 18 Attacks by Armed Groups 18 Tatmadaw Actions 18 Terrorists Defeated in Rakhine 18 Surrenders by Armed Group Members 19 ECONOMIC 19 Economic Articles 19 Project Inaugurations 19 Advertisements 20 Joint Ventures & Foreign Investments 21 Overseas Telephone Calls 22 Economic Targets Exceeded 22 Environment 22 New Rail Service to Mandalay 23 Tribal Villages for Tourists 23 Freight Handling Charges Lowered 23 Rainfall in Yangon 23 SPORTS 23 Myanmar Teams and Delegations 23 HEALTH 24 Health Articles 24 Cholera in Yangon 24 Dengue 24 CULTURAL 24 Cultural and Scientific Articles 24 Health/Education Report on Children 24 Universities and Colleges 32 Publications 32 Computers 32 Planned Closure of Tuition Schools 32 MISCELLANEOUS 34 Sunday and Holiday Supplements 34 Crime 36 Anti-Narcotics Activities 36 Ex-US Drug Adviser With Khun Sa 37 Peter Bourne Responds 37 Obituaries 38 Earthquakes 39 Seven Adrift at Sea Rescued 39 Storm in Rakhine State 39 Train Wreck 39 Environment Day Stamp 39 ------------------------------------------ HIGHLIGHTS -- Peace agreement with Kayinni rebels [POLITICAL CRISIS] ------------------------------------------ -- Official Visit of Vietnam Prime Minister Vo Van Kiet, with a Joint Communique and various bilateral agreements. [FOREIGN VISITORS] -- Official visit of Indonesian Ministerial and Business Delegation. [FOREIGN VISITORS] -- Official Report on Health and Education of Myanmar Children, and Programmes for Resolving Problems (e.g., 68% of Myanmar families cannot adequately feed their children; only 21% of children complete fourth grade; literacy is falling) [full text]. [CULTURAL] POLITICAL CRISIS Slogans Recurrent Slogans: The bottom of each front page continues to bear the slogan: Emergence of the State Constitution is the duty of all citizens of the Union of Myanmar. Other slogans run frequently are: The Tatmadaw has been sacrificing much of its blood and sweat to prevent disintegration of the Union. All nationalities of the Union are urged to give all co-operation and assistance in this great task. National Convention is genuine national politics. Variable Slogans: Since August 1991, each issue has included a changing religious slogan at the top of each front page: May 1: Patirupadesavaso ca, to dwell in suitable locality; this is the way to auspiciousness. May 2-15: Pubbe ca Katapunnata, to be endowed with merits accrued in the past; this is the way to auspiciousness. May 16-31: Attasammpanidhi ca, to establish oneself rightfully; this is the way to auspiciousness. Political Articles Following the pattern begun in October 1988, many issues contain lengthy feature articles, translated from Burmese, designed to bolster government views and policies. Editorials sometimes touch on similar themes. We note them briefly, with excerpts of typical or particularly significant portion: May 13: Actions speak louder than words, by Kyaw Thura. [The United States brought the drug problem to Myanmar when it moved KMT stragglers from China into the Shan State, "where they intermarried with the locals and pushed the business of opium poppy cultivation into a larger scale." Myanmar under the SLORC has been doing its best "for crop eradication, crop and income substitution, interdiction of opium caravans, going after the rebels who thrive on drug money, law enforcement, treatment and rehabilitation, etc....." Since 1990, Myanmar has destroyed {taken from a table} a total of 1148.6 kilos of heroin, 63.4 kilos of morphine, 6929.1 kilos of opium, 62.09 kilos of opium oil, 114.2 kilos of liquid opium, 3308.8 kilos of marijuana, 19,071.4 litres and 54.4 kilos of Phensedyl, 39.8 litres of Corex, 8.8 litres of Glycodine, 10.0 litres of Promedyl, and 92.0 litres of Teradyl. "An opium yield survey project was implemented from 14 to 19 February 1993 jointly by the State Department and the Department of Agriculture of the United States, the Ministry of Agriculture of Myanmar and the CCDAC. "The US team was led by Mr. Lloyd Armstead and the Myanmar side by Lt-Col. (then Major) Khin Maung Thein. "The US team held a news conference at the conclusion of the survey where it stated that the work was highly successful.... "Recently, in an interview with Reuters, former senator and State Department Counsellor Tim Wirth proposed that it was in the US national interest to deal with the Myanmar Government in order to get at the drug problem. "He sounded genuinely sincere, more sincere towards his own people than anything else because he said: 'I'm thinking of young people on the streets of the United States of America who are directly impacted by that.'--meaning the failure of Washington to emphasize on the drugs problem in its dealing with the Myanmar Government. "He said that the primary interest should be prevention of drug production at its source, before it got to the streets of New York and elsewhere. "Mr. Wirth said: 'Here we have narcotics coming in, heroin coming in. We're on the edge of an epidemic of cheap and very pure heroin and that's going to demand more aggressive action by us because that directly impinges on our national interest.' "In the light of what is going on in the United States, Mr. Wirth has every right to feel concerned. There is no doubt about it. "Earlier on, the chief US policy-maker for Asian affairs, Mr. Winston Lord, complained that US-Asian relations have been sliding for the past six months and this falls flush with Mr. Wirth's concern." Myanmar is ready and willing to cooperate with the US against drugs.] Returnees from Bangladesh [Articles reporting the return of refugees from Bangladesh list the cumulative total since Sept. 22, 1992. Not all returns are reported in NLM.] May 3: 189 persons from 40 households returned to Kanyinchaung camp on Apr. 30 "under the agreement reached between Myanmar and Bangladesh" bringing the total since Sept. 22, 1992 to 54,760 persons from 12,287 households. (NLM 5/4) Special Refresher Courses May 16: Special Refresher Course No. 3/94 for Revenue Officers concluded, and was addressed by Minister for Finance and Revenue Brig-Gen. Win Tin. (NLM 5/17) May 23: Teachers attending Special Refresher Course No. 8 at Phaunggyi were addressed by Minister for Education U Pan Aung, who warned that "teachers...are responsible for teaching well so that their pupils will not have to rely on private tuition. He warned that as education has declined because private tuition has begun to swallow it up there is discontent and disunity among students and teachers." (NLM 5/24) // May 28: The course concluded, and was addressed by SLORC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt. He called for realization of Our Three Main National Causes, and reviewed Myanmar history and current policies. (NLM 5/29) May 28: Special Refresher Course No. 3/94 for Police Officers concluded, and was addressed by Minister for Home Affairs Lt-Gen. Mya Thin. He "warned them not to conduct misdeeds by abusing their authority against the law, saying that police officers should have skill, good will and leadership ability to gain people's trust and respect for the entire police force and for effectiveness of the force." The four-week course was attended by 3 colonels, 6 lieutenant colonels, 4 majors, 146 captains, and 90 policemen. (NLM 5/29) May 30: Special Refresher Course No. 4/94 for Revenue Officers opened at the Internal Revenue Department, and was addressed by Director-General Lt-Col. Than Nyunt of Internal Revenue. 87 officers are attending the three-week course. (NLM 5/31) USDA May 2: Speaking to Management Course No. 2/94 for USDA Executive Committee Members, Union Solidarity and Development Association Patron SLORC Chairman Senior General Than Shwe said "the USDA is a social organization which will ensure national solidarity and perpetuation of a stable and peaceful Union hand in hand with the Tatmadaw." (NLM 5/3) May 30: At the closing of the course, SLORC Chairman Senior General Than Shwe reminded the participants of the aims of the USDA, and said its foundation had "added impetus to enable the Union to stand firmly in the international community." (NLM 5/31) Reconciliation With Kayinni Rebels May 9: A ceremony to "mark the Kayinni National People's Liberation Front's return to the legal fold and joining hands with the government" was held in Kandahewun Park in Loikaw, Kayah State. It was attended by SLORC Chairman Senior General Than Shwe and numerous Ministers, and by KNPLF leader U Tun Kyaw, and discussed regional development projects for Kayah State. [numerous photos] (NLM 5/10, corrected 5/11) May 10: Editorial: To eternal peace. ["As the brethren of the Kayinni group marched from their gathering point, the football ground in Loikaw, to the venue of the ceremony for their return to join hands with the Government yesterday, they passed a huge poster which expressed the sentiment of both sides -- 'To eternal peace'. "It was a heart-warming scene as the young men and women marched fully equipped, sporting red handkerchiefs, their spirit not dampened by the slight rainfall... The brethren coming in brought their own brass band.... Along the route there were groups of damsels, dancing, singing, merry with the realization that the future will be bright, with the torch of unity held aloft.... "U Tun Kyaw, the Kayinni National People's Liberation Front leader said the occasion reflects the essence of true peace and that the Kayinni brethren will be contributing toward development, not sticking to what they would want to happen but lending a hand to see what should happen come to reality...."] [corrected 5/11] May 11: Editorial: One nation, one voice. ["We are a nation united. We can speak of it in the present tense. Yesterday, with the return to our midst of the Kayinni National People's Liberation Front, there are today eleven groups of our national brethren who have abandoned their line of armed struggle and have joined hands with the Government...."] May 19: A coordination meeting on development of Kayah State, and on development projects in the Kabaw Valley of Sagaing Division, was held under the supervision of SLORC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt, who noted that "after realizing the goodwill of the government, the 1,000-strong Kayinni National Peoples Liberation Front (KNPLF) led by U Tun Kyaw, has returned to the legal fold." He said that after the May 9 ceremony, U Tun Kyaw and other leaders had met with officials to report on "requirements of education, health care, transport, agriculture, power supply and resettlement of families." (NLM 5/20) DIPLOMATIC Diplomatic Calls The following calls were paid on Burmese officials by foreign Embassy or UN officials accredited to Burma. Ambassadors generally accompany foreign visitors from their countries on official calls, and their presence is generally not noticed in this Summary. May 2: New Zealand Ambassador Phillip Henry Gibson called on Minister for Livestock Breeding & Fisheries Brig-Gen. Maung Maung, who invited New Zealand to invest in Myanmar. (NLM 5/3) May 3: Vietnamese Ambassador Tran Viet Tan called on Deputy Prime Minister Lt-Gen. Tin Tun. Thai Ambassador Virasakdi Futrakul called on Minister for Construction U Khin Maung Yin. Swiss Ambassador Blaise Godel called on Minister for National Planning and Economic Development Brig-Gen. Abel. (NLM 5/4) May 4: New Zealand Ambassador Phillip Henry Gibson called on Minister for National Planning and Economic Development Brig-Gen. Abel, and on Minister for Communications, Posts & Telegraphs U Soe Tha. Bangladeshi Ambassador Brig. Chowdhury Khalequzzaman (Retd) called on Minister for Religious Affairs Lt-Gen. Myo Nyunt. (NLM 5/5) May 5: Vietnamese Ambassador Tran Viet Tan called on Deputy Prime Minister Vice-Adm. Maung Maung Khin. (NLM 5/6) May 6: The Vietnamese Ambassador called on Minister for Hotels and Tourism Lt-Gen. Kyaw Ba. (NLM 5/7) May 9: Swiss Ambassador Blaise Godet called on Minister for Industry 1 Lt-Gen. Sein Aung. Vietnamese Ambassador Tran Viet Tan called on Minister for Trade Lt-Gen. Tun Kyi. (NLM 5/10) May 10: The Vietnamese Ambassador called on Minister for Culture Lt-Gen. Aung Ye Kyaw. Japanese Ambassador Takashi Tajima called on Minister for Home Affairs Lt-Gen. Mya Thin. Bangladeshi Ambassador Brig. Chowdhury Khalequzzaman (Retd) called on Minister for Trade Lt-Gen. Tun Kyi, and on Minister for Cooperatives U Than Aung. (NLM 5/11) May 18: Mexican Ambassador Juan de Villafranca Andrade called on Deputy Minister for Trade U Aung Thaung. (NLM 5/19) May 19: The Mexican Ambassador called on Minister for Industry 1 Lt-Gen. Sein Aung, and on Deputy Minister for Agriculture U Kyaw Tin. Singapore Charge d'Affaires Calvin Eu Mun Hoo called on SLORC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt. Indian Ambassador G. Parthasarathy called on Minister for Rail Transportation U Win Sein. (NLM 5/20) May 20: The Mexican Ambassador called on Minister for Hotels and Tourism Lt-Gen. Kyaw Ba. (NLM 5/21) New Ambassadors to Myanmar May 18: Mr. Juan de Villafranca Andrade presented credentials to SLORC Chairman Senior General Than Shwe as new Mexican Ambassador to Myanmar. (NLM 5/19) New Myanmar Ambassadors May 1: SLORC Chairman Senior General Than Shwe appointed U Win Mra, Myanmar Ambassador to Israel, to be new Permanent Representative of Myanmar to the United Nations, New York. (NLM 5/1) May 5: SLORC Chairman Senior General Than Shwe appointed U Khin Nyein as new Myanmar Ambassador to Italy. (NLM 5/5) May 7: U Soe Myint presented credentials Apr. 28 in Colombo to President Dingiri Banda Wijetunga as new Myanmar Ambassador to Sri Lanka. (NLM 5/7) May 17: SLORC Chairman Senior General Than Shwe appointed U Nyi Nyi Than as new Myanmar Ambassador to Indonesia. (NLM 5/17) May 17: Myanmar Ambassador to Nepal Khin Maung departed for Nepal. (NLM 5/17) May 21: Myanmar Ambassador to Israel U Lu Maw left for Israel. (NLM 5/22) May 27: U Win Mra presented credentials May 23 in New York to UN Secretary-General Boutros Boutros Ghali as new Myanmar Permanent Representative to the United Nations. U Khin Maung Ohn presented credentials May 20 in Kathmandu to King Birendra Bir Bikram Shan Dev as new Myanmar Ambassador to Nepal. U Lu Maw presented credentials May 25 in Jerusalem to President Ezer Weizman as new Myanmar Ambassador to Israel. (NLM 5/27) INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION Workshops May 3: A high-level meeting on Disaster Management, jointly sponsored by the UNDP and various Ministries, opened at the International Business Centre, and was addressed by Minister for Communications, Posts & Telegraphs U Soe Tha. Disaster Management Course Coordinator Mr. Hamilton, UNDP Resident Representative Jehan Raheen, and others were present. May 5: A seminar on Feasibility of Establishing a National Population Information Network in Myanmar, jointly sponsored by the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific Region (ESCAP), opened, and was addressed by Deputy Minister for Home Affairs Col. Tin Hlaing. The existing network covers 14 countries (Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Fiji, China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, Sri Lanka, South Korea, Thailand, and Vietnam." The purposes of the network are to know information distribution systems, discuss population information, distribute population information, and expand use of such information. Myanmar has a population of 43.1 million and is increasing by 800,000 per year; it will reach 68.5 million by 2020. Papers will be presented. Also speaking were UNDP Resident Representative Jehan Raheem and Chief of the ESCAP Population Information Section Mr. Fred Burian. (NLM 5/6) May 12: Capital Mac Centre, represented by Managing Director Denis Win Thein, and Apple Computer, represented by Country Manager for South-East Asia Mr. Graham Brown, gave a special demonstration of Apple Computer run by Senior Systems Engineer for South Asia Mr. Khong Yoon Kay. Attendance included SLORC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt, Minister for Religious Affairs Lt-Gen. Myo Nyunt, Minister for Transport Lt-Gen. Thein Win, Minister for Information Brig-Gen. Myo Thant, Minister for Cooperatives U Than Aung, Deputy Education Ministers Col. Kyi Maung and Dr. Than Nyunt and others. Apple presented 10 Macintosh LC II computers to SLORC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt, for delivery to the Institute of Computer Science and Technology. (NLM 5/13) // May 16: A demonstration, coordinated with Myanma Computer Company Ltd. (MCC) was given by Managing Director U Denis Win Thein of Capital Mac Centre. (NLM 5/17) May 16: A coordination meeting on pure water in Yangon was held between Mitsui & Co. Ltd. of Japan, represented by Mr. H. Ogawa, and the Yangon City Development Committee. (NLM 5/17) May 16: A Country Course on Human Development Indicators for Planning opened, cosponsored by the Central Statistics Organization (CIO) and the UN Statistical Institute for Asia and the Pacific (SIAP). CIO Director-General U Sein Tin welcomed Course Director Miss Heidi R. Arboleda of SIAP, and Dr. Patricia Alailima, SIAP Consultant. 14 high-ranking and 26 other officers are attending the course, which will last until June 3. (NLM 5/17) // May 19: Miss Arboleda and Dr. Alailima called on Minister for National Planning and Economic Development Brig-Gen. Abel. (NLM 5/20) May 17: A Seminar on Privatization, jointly sponsored by the Ministry of National Planning and Economic Development and KPMG Peat Marwick, Accountants, of Singapore, was held at the International Business Centre. 150 participants took part. Minister for National Planning and Economic Development Brig-Gen. Abel said "privatization aims at progress of economic efficiency and promotion of competition among them and is one of the ways for progress of the State and its policies are being practised in the world [sic]." (NLM 5/18) May 27: A Seminar on Elf Marine Lubricants, jointly sponsored by the Inspection and Agency Enterprise and M/S Elf Lubricants SEA Pte. Ltd. of Singapore, represented by General Manager Andrew Wong. (NLM 5/28) Foreign Donations Apr. 30: The Women's Organization of the Chinese Embassy donated K 200,000 for maternity clinics in Yangon. (NLM 5/1) May 5: On behalf of Managing Director Daijiro Okuyama of S.S.K. Trading (Myanmar) Ltd., Manager U Tin Oo donated 25 bags of rice worth K 20,000, as it has done each month since May 1993, to the Social Welfare Department. A total of 255 bags worth K 204,000 have been given. (NLM 5/6) May 7: Four vehicles were donated for border development by the Shina Watra Group of the Shina Watra Company. (NLM 5/8) May 9: President Mr. Shunichi Takanaga of Datmex Co. Ltd. of Japan donated two electronic keyboards to the University of Culture. Minami Co. of Japan donated two cars to the Ministry of Trade. (NLM 5/10) May 10: Malaysian Ambassador John Tenewi Nuek donated K 45,000 to the Myanmar Maternal and Child Welfare Association. (NLM 5/11) May 18: Disciples of Sayadaw U Ottama of Thailand donated a K 55,000 air conditioner to the No. 2 Military Hospital. (NLM 5/19) May 19: Mayor Takii Yoshitaka of Tagawa, Japan, accompanied by Honorary Member Mr. Momii San of the Tagawa Fire Brigade, "with the assistance of Sayadaw Ashin Kondannya of Thailand and Sayadaw U Vijjananda of Japan" donated two fire engines, a Toyota RY 12 and a Nissan FH 60, to the Fire Services Department. (NLM 5/20) May 20: Mr. Pang Kai Man of Value Industries Ltd. (Hong Kong) donated two sets of Air Shields Infant Intensive Care System, worth US$ 20,097, one to the Military Hospital and one to the Childrens Hospital; since 1991 this firm has donated medical equipment worth US$ 118,340, plus K 100,000. (NLM 5/21) May 29: Chairman Dr. Wang Li Chang of the Jin Wen Group of Hong Kong presented US$ 100,000 for sports equipment and another US$ 100,000 for medical equipment in new Myanmar hospitals. (NLM 5/30) Chinese Industry Fair May 6: The Light Industry and Machinery Fair '94 of China will be held at Tatmadaw Hall on U Wisara Road from May 7-13, arranged by the Aviation Industry of China, represented by Mr. Wang Hengbin, and Pioneer Myanmar Holdings Ltd., represented by its Managing Director U Zaw Win. The Fair has been held successfully in Saudi Arabia, Brussels, Tokyo, Hanoi, Bangkok and Hong Kong. More than 500 items will be displayed, arranged by Kimway International Trading Ltd., Aviation Industry of China, and Qingdao Zhongfu Economy Development Co. Ltd., with sale in kyats. There are catalogues for machinery too heavy to display. Spare parts will be available after the Fair. Varied kinds of machines that will be offered are described. (NLM 5/7) May 7: The Fair was opened by SLORC Secretary-2 Lt-Gen. Tin Oo. Minister for Trade Lt-Gen. Tun Kyi praised this first Chinese Fair in Myanmar. Assistant President Mr. Liu Guozhuo of Aviation Industries of China (AVIC) spoke, said the fair was an opportunity for "the China and Myanmar entrepreneurs and commercial banks to promote mutual understanding, to establish relations and to enhance friendship." 40 Chinese companies are displaying over 500 products. (NLM 5/8) // May 8: Mr. Liu Guozhuo called on Deputy Minister for Transport U San Wai. (NLM 5/10) Bangladesh Returnee Relief May 9 : "Provisions for returnees. Director-General of Immigration and Manpower Department and Regional Director for Asia and Oceania of Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees signed a Memorandum of Understanding for assistance in receiving returnees from Bangladesh. "Officials concerned discussed construction of houses, supply of clean drinking water, health and food supplies. "Under the assistance K 2,000 will be provided for repairs to homes each household previously owned, another K 2,000 per household, K 100 in travelling allowances and food supplies will also be provided...." FOREIGN VISITORS International Agency Visitors May 18: Chief Regional Representative Mr. Jean-Michel Monod of the International Committee of the Red Cross called on Minister for Minister at the Prime Minister's Office Col. Pe Thein. (NLM 5/18) // May 19: He called on Minister for Home Affairs Lt-Gen. Mya Thin. (NLM 5/20) // May 20: He called on SLORC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt. (NLM 5/21) Cultural and Medical Visitors May 9: A 9-member study group headed by Vice-Chairman Association Professor Dr. Prance Kullavanijaya of Chulalongkorn University (Academic) arrived, and was welcomed by Professor (Retd) U Tun Aung Chein of the Committee for Compiling Authentic Facts on Myanmar History. (NLM 5/10) // May 11: He called on Minister for Education U Pan Aung. (NLM 5/12) // May 16: The study group departed. (NLM 5/17) May 13: A delegation from Medicins du Monde led by Professors Prigent and Francois Xavier Roux called on Deputy Minister for Health Col. Than Zin, and donated US$ 15,000 in hospital equipment to the Cardiac Unit at Yangon General Hospital. (NLM 5/14) Business Visitors May 2: Chairman Mr. Takuma Yamamoto of Fujitsu Limited of Japan called on SLORC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt, and presented three word processors for the Institute of Foreign Languages. (NLM 5/3) // May 3: He called on Minister for Foreign Affairs U Ohn Gyaw. (NLM 5/4) May 3: Mr. Arnan of the Thai Construction Group of the Kengtung-Tachilek Road and members of the Shinawatra Group called on Minister for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs Lt-Gen. Maung Thint and donated US$ 100,000. (NLM 5/4) May 4: A British delegation led by Chairman Mr. Bryan Baldwin of the Bangkok British Chamber of Commerce called on Deputy Minister for Trade Col. Aung Thaung. (NLM 5/5) // May 5: He called on Minister for Hotels and Tourism Lt-Gen. Kyaw Ba to discuss hotel construction. In response to a question, the Minister confirmed that 1996 will be "Visit Myanmar Year", and said that plans are being made for "world-wide telecasting of programmes on Myanmar from San Francisco." (NLM 5/6) May 5: Chairman Masato Tagai of Kinsho-Mataichi Corporation called on Deputy Minister for Construction Col. Aung San to discuss construction of Ayeyarwady, Chindwin, and Thandlwin Bridges. (NLM 5/6) May 15: A 61-member Thai investors and business delegation headed by Secretary-General Mr. Staporn Kavitanond of the Investment Board of Thailand arrived, and were welcomed by Director-General U Aung Myint of the Investment and Companies Department. They will remain until May 19, and meet with officials and with the Union of Myanmar Chamber of Commerce and Industry. (NLM 5/16) // May 16: It called on Deputy Prime Minister Vice-Adm. Maung Maung Khin, who was accompanied by Minister for National Planning and Economic Development Brig-Gen. Abel. The group met with officials of the Ministries of Forestry, Agriculture, Livestock Breeding and Fisheries, and Industry-1, to discuss "prospects in cultivation of crops, agro-based industry, marine products, wood-based industry, textile, plastic industry, construction of sugar mill and light industries." (NLM 5/17) // May 17: Deputy Prime Minister Vice-Adm. Maung Maung Khin hosted a dinner for the delegation. (NLM 5/18) // May 19: The delegation returned to Thailand. (NLM 5/20) // May 21: Before their departure, the delegation visited Mandalay on May 18. (NLM 5/22) May 18: Chairman Mr. Chye K. H. Kuok of Shangri-la Hotels and Resorts of Hong Kong called on SLORC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt. (NLM 5/19) May 19: A delegation of the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Singapore) led by Vice Managing Director Mr. M. Kai called on Minister for Rail Transportation U Win Sein. (NLM 5/20) May 20: Chairman Robert Friedland of Ivanhoe Myanmar Holdings Company Ltd. of Canada and party called on Minister for Mines Lt-Gen. Kyaw Min to discuss implementation of the copper feasibility study agreement signed on Mar. 25. (NLM 5/21) May 27: President Director Mr. Hutomo of P.T. Humpuss Company of Indonesia called on SLORC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt, accompanied by various Ministers, to discuss opening "Indonesia House" in Myanmar "to help expedite economic development." (NLM 5/28) Religious Delegations Apr. 30: Sayadaw Agga Maha Pandita Bhaddanta Pyinnyavamsa, Patron of Myanmar Monasteries in Singapore, Penang, and Los Angeles, was honoured at Kandawmon Hall, Kandawgyi. (NLM 5/1) // May 20: He returned to Singapore, where he is Sayadaw of the Thathana Ranthi Myanmar Buddhist Monastery. (NLM 5/21) May 4: Vice-President Mr. Dao Shuren of the Chinese Buddhist Association called on SLORC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt. (NLM 5/5) May 5: An 8-member delegation led by Chairman Rev. Jeon Chong Yoon of the Chon Tai Order of Korean Buddhism arrived to discuss religious affairs; it is the third visit by the group. (NLM 5/6) // May 6: It called on Minister for Religious Affairs Lt-Gen. Myo Nyunt. (NLM 5/7) // May 8: The delegation departed. (NLM 5/9). May 5: Two Russian Samaneras returned home after attending the Theravada Buddhist Special Basic Course at the State Pariyatti Sasana Tekkatho. (NLM 5/6) May 7: A ceremony to honour missionary Sayadaws at home and abroad was held. Among those serving abroad were Presiding Sayadaw of Myanmar monasteries in Los Angeles, Singapore and Penang Agga Maha Pandita Bhaddanta Panyavamsa., Sayadaw Agga Maha Saddhamma Jotikadhaja Bhaddanta Kovida of the Myanmar monastery in Calcutta, and Sayadaw Agga Maha Saddhamma Jotikadhaja Bhaddanta Nyaninda of Buddha Gaya Myanmar Kyaungtaik in India. (NLM 5/8) // May 8: Honoured were Sayadaw Agga Maha Pandita Bhaddanta Siggava of Makutarama Kyaungtaik, Sri Lanka; Agga Maha Pandita Bhaddanta Pannyavamsa of Sasana Ranthi Myanmar Monastery, Singapore; Sayadaw Agga Maha Saddhamma Jotikadhaja Bhaddanta Kovida of Myanmar Monastery, Calcutta; Sayadaw Agga Maha Saddhama Jotikadhaja Bhaddanta Nyaninda of Buddha Gaya Myanmar Kyaungtaik, India; and Sayadaw Maha Ghanthavasaka Pandita Bhaddanta Neminda of Buddha Gaya Vietnam Kyaung, India. (NLM 5/8) May 25: A 28-member Korean Buddhist delegation led by San Kyo Order Venerable Sayadaw Ven Hye Jong arrived. (NLM 5/26) // May 29: The delegation called on Minister for Religious Affairs Lt-Gen. Myo Nyunt. (NLM 5/30) // May 30: The delegation returned to Korea. (NLM 5/31) Sacred Tooth Apr. 30: Consecration ceremonies for the Tooth Relic and two replicas was held at the Maha Pasana Cave in Kaba Aye, attended by Vice-Chairman of the State Law and Order Restoration Council Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Commander-in-Chief (Army) Gen. Maung Aye, and Minister for Religious Affairs Lt-Gen. Myo Nyunt. 37,021 pilgrims paid obeisance to the Relic. Total donations to date exceed K 16.8 million. (NLM 5/1) May 1: SLORC Chairman Senior General and Madame Than Shwe paid homage to Buddha's Tooth Relic and the two replicas. Donations exceed K 19.8 million. The Tooth Relic will be conveyed to Mandalay on May 5, and returned to Yangon on May 19. 1,000 copies of a book on the history of the Tooth Relic were donated by two families to the Department for the Promotion and Propagation of the Sasana. (NLM 5/2) May 2: Donations exceed K 23.4 million. (NLM 5/3) May 4: Chinese monks accompanying the Tooth Relic made a pilgrimage on May 3 to the Shwemawdaw and other pagodas in Bago. Total donations exceed K 30.6 million. (NLM 5/5) May 5: SLORC Chairman Senior General and Madame Than Shwe offered soon to the Buddha's Tooth Relic as it began its journey from Yangon to Mandalay. (NLM 5/6) May 7: The Sacred Tooth Relic entered Mandalay Division. (NLM 5/8) May 10: The Sacred Tooth Relic arrived in Mandalay, and was taken to the Yadana Sangkyaung in Gandakutitaik of the State Pariyatti Tekkatho in Mandalay, where it will remain for nine days. (NLM 5/11) May 11: Donations in Mandalay exceed K 7.3 million. (NLM 5/12) May 12: Chinese Buddhist monks visited the Maha Muni Pagoda in Mandalay. Donations in Mandalay exceed K 10.7 million. (NLM 5/13) May 13: Donations in Mandalay exceed K 14.3 million. (NLM 5/14) May 15: Donations in Mandalay exceed K 22.1 million. (NLM 5/16) May 16: Donations in Mandalay exceed K 25.9 million. Soon was offered to Chinese monks accompanying the Tooth Relic. (NLM 5/17) May 17: The Chinese monks visited the Cooperative Market Festival in Mandalay. Donations in Mandalay exceed K 31.9 million. (NLM 5/18) May 18: Donations in Mandalay exceed K 40.4 million. (NLM 5/19) May 19: The Tooth Relic was flown back to Yangon, and after a ceremonial procession, returned to the Maha Pasana Cave in Kaba Aye. Donations in Mandalay exceed K 52.5 million. (NLM 5/20) May 20: Donations in Yangon exceed K 35.6 million. Mandalay donations exceed K 54.9 million. (NLM 5/21) May 21: Yangon donations exceed K 39 million. (NLM 5/22) May 22: Yangon donations exceed K 42 million. (NLM 5/23) May 23: Yangon donations exceed K 45.7 million. (NLM 5/24) May 24: Yangon donations exceed K 49.7 million. (NLM 5/25) May 25: SLORC Chairman Senior General and Madame Than Shwe paid homage to the Tooth Relic. Yangon donations exceed K 53.6 million. (NLM 5/26) May 26: SLORC Chairman Senior General and Madame Than Shwe again paid homage to the Tooth Relic. Yangon donations exceed K 57.5 million. A documentary film on the Buddha's Tooth Relic and its arrival in Myanmar will be screened in Yangon cinemas beginning May 27. (NLM 5/27) May 27: Deputy Prime Minister Vice-Adm. Maung Maung Khin and wife paid homage to the Tooth Relic. Yangon donations exceed K 61 million. (NLM 5/28) May 28: SLORC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt paid homage to the Tooth Relic. Yangon donations exceed K 65 million. (NLM 5/29) May 29: SLORC Chairman Senior General and Madame Than Shwe paid obeisance to the Tooth Relic. Donations exceed K 70 million. SLORC Secretary-2 Lt-Gen. Tin Oo also paid obeisance to the Tooth Relic. (NLM 5/30) May 30: Donations exceed K 74.3 million. (NLM 5/31) Singapore Development Mission May 2: A 27-member Singapore Construction and Development Mission led by Executive Director Mr. Fong Siew Heng of Law Keng Huat Co. Ltd. arrived, and will meet with Ministries until May 9. (NLM 5/3) May 3: The mission called on Minister for National Planning and Economic Development Brig-Gen. Abel and discussed investment. It also met with Minister for Hotels and Tourism Lt-Gen. Kyaw Ba. The mission then studied development in the Thanlyin-Kyauktan region, accompanied by officials of the Directorate of Foreign Investments and Companies, and was hosted at dinner by the Minister. (NLM 5/4) May 4: The mission met with the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Myanmar, and with officials of the Ministry of Trade. It also called on Deputy Minister for Transport U Sann Wai and Yangon Mayor U Ko Lay. (NLM 5/5) May 5: The mission called on Deputy Minister for Energy U Tin Tun, Deputy Minister for Mines U Myint Thein, officials of the Cooperative Department, and Chairman U Kyi Aye of the Central Bank of Myanmar. (NLM 5/6) May 9: The Mission called on Deputy Minister for Mines U Hlaing Win at the Myanma Gems Emporium Hall. (NLM 5/10) German Aid Official May 3: Mr. Wighad Hardtl, State Secretary (Deputy Minister) of Economic Cooperation of Germany, arrived and was hosted at dinner by Minister for Foreign Affairs U Ohn Gyaw. (NLM 5/4) May 4: He called on Minister for National Planning and Economic Development Brig-Gen. Abel. (NLM 5/5) Japanese Officials May 4: Mr. Kozo Watanabe, Member of the Japanese House of Representatives and former Minister for International Trade and Industry, who has been visiting Myanmar, called on SLORC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt. (NLM 5/5) May 6: Deputy Director-General Ichiro Fujisaki of the Japanese Foreign Ministry Asian Affairs Bureau called on Minister for National Planning and Economic Development Brig-Gen. Abel. (NLM 5/7) Vietnam Prime Minister May 5: Vietnam Prime Minister Vo Van Kiet will pay an official friendly visit to Myanmar in the near future, accompanied by Mme. Vo Van Kiet and a mission. (NLM 5/5) May 11: Official biography of Prime Minister Vo Van Kiet. (NLM 5/11) May 11: Prime Minister and Madame Vo Van Kiet and his delegation arrived by special plane, and were greeted by Prime Minister SLORC Chairman Senior General and Madame Than Shwe and other high officials. The 37-member delegation includes Madame Vo Van Kiet, Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Manh Cam, Minister of Culture and Information Tran Hoan, and Minister of Forestry Nguyen Quang Ha. [photos] The Prime Minister was received by SLORC Chairman Senior General Than Shwe, and he and Madame Than Shwe hosted a banquet where speeches were exchanged: [photos] Gen. Than Shwe praised Myanmar's friendship with Vietnam, and their sharing of political and economic views. "As agricultural countries implementing market oriented economies, I am much heartened to observe the considerable success Vietnam has achieved in the short period after initiating the market economy...." Prime Minister Vo Van Kiet responded at greater length, thanking Myanmar for her support of Vietnam in the mid-1940s and in the movement for Asian-African solidarity against colonialism in the 1950s. He called for continued "multi-sided cooperation...on the basis of mutual respect for independence, sovereignty, non-interference in each other's internal affairs, equality and mutual benefits." The Prime Minister also visited the Myanma Gems Enterprise. Vietnamese Minister of Forestry Nguyen Quang Ha called on Minister for Forestry Lt-Gen. Chit Swe. (NLM 5/12) May 12: The Vietnamese Prime Minister met with Deputy Prime Minister Lt-Gen. Tin Tun, visited the Shwedagon Pagoda, and received a call from SLORC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt. Mr. Do Quang Trung, Head of the General Department of Vietnamese Tourism, called on Minister for Hotels and Tourism Lt-Gen. Kyaw Ba. Vice-Minister of Heavy Industry Gia Tan Dinh called on Minister for Mines Lt-Gen. Kyaw Min to discuss cooperation in jade. Minister for Culture and Information Tran Hoan called on Minister for Culture Lt-Gen. Aung Ye Kyaw, and on Minister for Information Brig-Gen. Myo Thant. Foreign Minister Nguyen Manh Cam met with Minister for Foreign Affairs U Ohn Gyaw. Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Food Industry called on Deputy Minister for Agriculture U Kyaw Tin. [photos] (NLM 5/13) May 13: The Vietnamese Prime Minister and entourage visited Mandalay and Pyin-Oo-Lwin. Meanwhile, three bilateral agreements with Myanmar were signed: An agreement on cooperation in tourism was signed by Director-General U Myi Min of the Directorate of Hotels and Tourism, and Head of the General Department of Vietnam Tourism Mr. Do Quang Trung. An agreement on trade was signed by Deputy Minister for Trade U Aung Thaung and Vice-Minister of Commerce Mr. Truong Dinh Tuyen. An agreement on formation of a Joint Commission for Cooperation was signed by Minister for Foreign Affairs U Ohn Gyaw and Foreign Minister Mr. Nguyen Manh Cam. (NLM 5/14) May 14: Following visits to the Thanlyin Oil Refinery and Dagon University, the Vietnamese Prime Minister departed, seen off by Senior General Than Shwe. Chief of the No. 1 Bureau of Special Operations of the Ministry of Defence Chief of Staff (Army) Lt-Gen. Tin Oo received Vice-Minister of Defence Lt-Gen. Nguyen Thoi Bung. [photos] The following Joint Communique was issued [full text]: 1. At the invitation of His Excellency Senior General Than Shwe, Prime Minister of the Union of Myanmar, His Excellency Mr. Vo Van Kiet, Prime Minister of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, paid an official visit to the Union of Myanmar from 11 to 14 May 1994. 2. His excellency the Prime Minister of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and Madame Vo Van Kiet were accompanied by HE Minister of Foreign Affairs and Madame Nguyen Manh Cam; HE Tran Hoan, Minister of Culture and Information; HE Mr. Nguyen Quang Ha, Minister of Forestry; HE Lt-Gen. Nguyen Thoi Bung, Vice-Minister of National Defence; HE Mr. Doan Manh Giao, Vice-Chairman of the Government Office; HE Mr. Truong Dinh Tuyen, Vice-Minister of Commerce; HE Mr. Ngo The Dan, Vice-Minister of Agriculture and Food Industry; HE Mr. Gia Tan Dinh, Vice-Minister of Heavy Industry; HE Mr. Do Quang Trung, Chairman of Vietnam Tourism Administration; HE Mr. Le Van Anh, Chairman of the People's Committee of Hue City; HE Mr. Tran Viet Tan, Ambassador of Vietnam to Myanmar; Mr. Doan Thao, Deputy Director General of Physical and Sports General Department and high ranking officials of the Government of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. 3. His Excellency Prime Minister and Madame Vo Van Kiet and his entourage were accorded a warm welcome by the Government and the people of Myanmar, reflecting the traditionally friendly relations between the two countries. The Prime Minister expressed great pleasure in having the opportunity to visit the Union of Myanmar and conveyed to the people of Myanmar the cordial greetings and good wishes of the Vietnamese people. 4. During their stay in Myanmar, Prime Minister, Madame Vo Van Kiet and entourage visited places of cultural and historical interest in Yangon and Mandalay. They also had the opportunity to acquaint themselves with the transformations taking place in Myanmar in the areas of agriculture and urban development. 5. His Excellency the Prime Minister of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam paid a call on and had talks with His Excellency Senior General Than Shwe, Prime Minister of the Union of Myanmar. The two Prime Ministers had a friendly exchange of views on matters of mutual interest as well as on current regional and international issues. The talks took place in an atmosphere of friendship and understanding. Present at the call on the Myanmar side were HE General Maung Aye, Vice- Chairman of the State Law and Order Restoration Council; HE Lt-Gen. Tin Tun, Deputy Prime Minister of the Union of Myanmar; HE Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt, Secretary-1 of the State Law and Order Restoration Council; HE Lt-Gen. Tin Oo, Secretary-2 of the State Law and Order Restoration Council; HE U Ohn Gyaw, Minister for Foreign Affairs; HE U Nyunt Swe, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs; HE U Aye, Ambassador of the Union of Myanmar to the Socialist Republic of Vietnam; Thura U Aung Htet, Director-General of the Protocol Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs; and on Vietnamese side were HE Mr. Nguyen Manh Cam, Minister of Foreign Affairs; HE Mr. Tran Hoan, Minister of Culture and Information; HE Mr. Nguyen Quang Ha, Minister of Forestry; HE Lt-Gen. Nguyen Thoi Bung, Vice-Minister of National Defence; HE Mr. Doan Manh Giao, Vice-Chairman of the Government Office; HE Mr. Truong Dinh Tuyen, Vice-Minister of Commerce; HE Mr. Ngo The Dan, Vice-Minister of Agriculture and Food Industry; HE Mr. Gia Tan Dinh, Vice-Minister of Heavy Industry; HE Mr. Do Quang Trung, Chairman of the Vietnam Tourism Administration; HE Mr. Le Van Anh, Chairman of the People's Committee of Hue City; HE Mr. Tran Viet Tan, Ambassador of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam to the Union of Myanmar, and Mr. Doan Thao, Deputy Director General of Physical and Sports General Department. 6. The Deputy Prime Minister Lt- Gen. Tin Tun of the Union of Myanmar and the Secretary-1 of the State Law and Order Restoration Council Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt paid separate calls on His Excellency Mr. Vo Van Kiet, Prime Minister of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. 7. The Myanmar side acquainted the visiting Prime Minister with the far-reaching constitutional, political and social changes taking place in the country and with the efforts to secure national reconciliation. 8. The Myanmar side reaffirmed its independent and active foreign policy based on the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence and its active participation in the Non-Aligned Movement. 9. The Vietnamese side informed the Myanmar side of the comprehensive renewal policy and the achievements recorded as well as the measures aimed at bringing the country into the new stage of development. The Vietnamese side also informed of its independent, sovereign, open and diversified foreign policy. The Myanmar side highly appreciated the renovation policy and the achievements recorded by the Vietnamese people and wished the Vietnamese people many new successes in their noble cause. 10. The two sides reaffirmed that the people of each country have the right to freely choose their own political, economic and social system according to their needs, traditions and culture and agreed to continue their cooperation in upholding these principles. His Excellency Prime Minister Mr. Vo Van Kiet highly appreciated the efforts of the Government and people of Myanmar to achieve economic development and social progress and expressed his wishes for the success of these endeavours. 11. Talks between the two Foreign Ministers took place. Recent political and economic developments in the region were reviewed, with emphasis on bilateral and regional cooperation. Separate talks at Ministerial level of industrial, agricultural, forestry, commercial, cultural, physical and sports and tourist affairs were also held. They agreed to promote cooperation in the respective fields between the two countries. On this occasion, the following agreements were signed: (i) Agreement on the Establishment of a Joint Commission for Bilateral Cooperation, (ii) Trade agreement and (iii) Agreement on Tourism Cooperation. His excellency Lt-General Nguyen Thoi Bung, Vice-Minister of National Defence, also called on Chief of No. 1 Special Operations Bureau Chief of Staff (Army) His Excellency Lt-General Tin Oo. 12. The two sides reaffirmed their desire to promote cooperation in the economic, environmental, cultural, tourism, agricultural, forestry, education and scientific fields as well as in the fight against illegal drugs. In the field of transport, both sides agreed on specific steps to be take to establish direct airline service between Myanmar and Vietnam at the earliest possible date. 13. The two Prime Ministers expressed their satisfaction on the successful visit of His Excellency Mr. Vo Van Kiet, Prime Minister of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, and his delegation to the Union of Myanmar which contributed significantly to strengthening friendship and cooperation between the two countries. They welcomed the opportunity provided by the visit to renew personal contacts. 14. His Excellency the Prime Minister of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and Madame Vo Van Kiet expressed their sincere thanks to His Excellency Prime Minister of the Union of Myanmar and Madame Than Shwe for the warm hospitality accorded to them and their entourage. 15. His Excellency the Prime Minister of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and Madame Vo Van Kiet extended and invitation to His Excellency the Prime Minister of the Union of Myanmar and Madame Than Shwe to visit the Socialist Republic of Vietnam at a mutually convenient time and the invitation was accepted with pleasure. Yangon Dated 14 May 1994 (NLM 5/15) Two Thai Ministers Visit May 5: An 11-member study delegation headed by Thai Minister for Education Mr. Samphan Thongsamak arrived, and was greeted by Minister for Education U Pan Aung. (NLM 5/6) // May 6: he called on Minister for Education U Pan Aung, and on Minister for Culture Lt-Gen. Aung Ye Kyaw. (NLM 5/7) // May 7: He returned home, after visiting cultural sites in Bago. (NLM 5/8) May 5: A 23-member delegation headed by Thai Minister at the Prime Minister's Office Dr. Savit Bhotiwihok arrived at the invitation of Minister for Energy U Khin Maung Thein. (NLM 5/6) // May 6: He called on Deputy Prime Minister Vice-Adm. Maung Maung Khin. He also met with Minister for Hotels and Tourism Lt-Gen. Kyaw Ba and inquired about investment in the Myanmar hotel and tourist business, saying that Thailand wanted to sign an MoU [Memorandum of Understanding] on tourism with Myanmar, as it had with Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam. (NLM 5/7) // May 8: He visited Bagan-Nyaung-U and Mandalay. In the evening he returned to Thailand. (NLM 5/9) Indian General May 9: A delegation led by General Bipin Chandra Joshi, Chairman of the Chiefs of Staff Committee and Chief of Army Staff of India, including his wife, arrived at the invitation of Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Commander-in-Chief (Army) General Maung Aye, who hosted a dinner for him. (NLM 5/10) May 10: He was received by SLORC Chairman Senior General Than Shwe, and visited the Defence Services Museum. (NLM 5/11) May 12: He visited Bagan-Nyaung-U, Mandalay, and Pyin-Oo-Lwin from May 10-12. On his return, he hosted a dinner for Gen. Maung Aye. (NLM 5/13) May 13: He returned home, and was seen off at the airport by Gen. Maung Aye. (NLM 5/14) Maldives Delegation May 10: A Maldives delegation led by Minister for Trade and Industries Abdulla Yamin and Managing Director Mr. Mohamed Maniku of the State Trade Organization, arrived, and was hosted at dinner by Deputy Minister for Trade U Aung Thaung. (NLM 5/11) // May 11: He called on Minister for Trade Lt-Gen. Tun Kyi. At a meeting with Myanma Import and Export Services, Maldives agreed to purchase 7,750 tons of No. 10 parboiled rice from Myanmar. Maldives buys Myanmar rice each year. (NLM 5/12) // May 12: The delegation left. (NLM 5/13) Yunnan Governor May 16: A 7-member delegation led by Yunnan Governor Mr. He Zhiqiang arrived via Bangkok; it was accompanied by an 18-member Economic Cooperation Mission. They will remain until May 25 to discuss economic cooperation. Minister for National Planning and Economic Development Brig-Gen. Abel hosted a dinner for the Governor. (NLM 5/17) May 17: The Governor was received by SLORC Chairman Senior General Than Shwe. He also called on Minister for National Planning and Economic Development Brig-Gen. Abel, to discuss cooperation "such as building of border roads, hydro-electric power, establishment of a furniture factory, railways and machinery stores, building of a caustic soda factory, construction of Hanthawady Airfield and other projects." Calls were also made on Deputy Minister for Trade U Aung Thaung, and on Minister for Rail Transportation U Win Sein. A Memorandum of Understanding for the purchase of 55,000 tons rails on credit was signed by General Manager (Admin) U Aye Mu of Myanma Railways and Deputy General Manager Mr. Gao Chong Yun of the Yunnan Machinery Equipment Import and Export Corporation (YMEC). (NLM 5/18) May 18: The Governor called on Minister for Forestry Lt-Gen. Chit Swe, on Minister for Culture Lt-Gen. Aung Ye Kyaw, on Minister for Foreign Affairs U Ohn Gyaw, and on Chairman Lt-Gen. Phone Myint of the Security and Management Committee. In the evening, Minister for Rail Transportation U Win Sein hosted a dinner for him. (NLM 5/19) May 19: The Governor called on Minister for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs Lt-Gen. Maung Thint, and on Minister for Transport Lt-Gen. Thein Win, who hosted a dinner for him. (NLM 5/20) May 22: On May 20, the Governor and his delegation visited Mandalay, including No. 1 Iron and Steel Mill, and the Yunnan Buddhist Temple on 80th Street; he was given lunch by Chairman U Zaw Gam of the Temple Trustees. On May 22, the Governor visited the Cooperative Market Festival at the Chanmyathazi Department Store in Mandalay. (NLM 5/23) May 23: He returned from Mandalay on May 21. On May 23 he hosted a dinner for Minister for National Planning and Economic Development Brig-Gen. Abel at the Inya Lake Hotel. (NLM 5/24) May 24: He visited the Sittaung Caustic Soda Plant Project; he was given lunch by Minister for Industry 1 Lt-Gen. Sein Aung and dinner by Minister for Energy U Khin Maung Thein. (NLM 5/25) May 25: The delegation finalized an agreement on economic cooperation with various Ministries, and then returned to China. (NLM 5/26) Indonesian Ministers May 25: Indonesian Coordinating Minister for Industry and Trade and Madame Ir Hartato, Minister of Communications and Madame Haryanto Dhanutirto, Minister of Tourism, Post and Telecommunications Joop Ave, accompanied by officials and private businessmen, arrived on a goodwill visit by special plane, and were welcomed by SLORC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt and others. The delegation called on SLORC Chairman Senior General Than Shwe, and toured the Myanma Gems Emporium Hall. In the evening, SLORC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt hosted a dinner for the delegation, at which both he and Minister Ir Hartato spoke. SLORC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt said [full text in NLM] that his own visit to Indonesia had turned "a new page in the contemporary history of our bilateral relations." He praised relations, and called for more of them. Minister Ir Hartato responded in kind [excerpts in NLM], saying his visit was "to boost economic cooperation" between the two countries. He noted that the three Ministers were accompanied by businessmen in the areas of telecommunications, television, food industry, hotel and tourism, air transportation, aircraft industry, and forest based industries. Minister for Tourism, Post and Telecommunications Joop Ave called on Minister for Hotels and Tourism Lt-Gen. Kyaw Ba, and noted that Indonesia was ready to accept a contingent of 50 Myanmars to attend a tourism course in Indonesia. Like Myanmars, Indonesians seek to modernize their country without westernizing it. He suggested that Myanmar build hotels with its own materials, improve Myanmar cuisine, and stage traditional entertainment programmes. Television promotion was also important. The Minister also called on Minister for Communications, Posts & Telegraphs U Soe Tha to discuss cooperation. Minister for Communications Dr. Haryanto Dhanutirto called on Minister for Transport Lt-Gen. Thein Win to discuss transport cooperation. Indonesian businessmen Mr. Jopie Manduapessy, Mr. A.R. Siregar, Mr. Iwan Paul J. T., and Mr. Ongky P. Soemarno called on Minister for Information Brig-Gen. Myo Thant. Madame Hartato visited Bogyoke Market, accompanied by Daw Thet Thet Shwe, wife of Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs U Nyunt Swe and other ladies, and "bought jewellery, longyees and other clothings." [many photos] (NLM 5/26) May 26: Coordinating Minister Hartato was received by Vice-Chairman of the State Law and Order Restoration Council Deputy Gen. Maung Aye, and by Deputy Prime Minister Vice-Adm. Maung Maung Khin. He also visited Dagon University. A lunch at the Strand Hotel was hosted by Minister for National Planning and Economic Development Brig-Gen. Abel and Minister for Information Brig-Gen. Myo Thant. A dinner was hosted by Minister for Hotels and Tourism Lt-Gen. Kyaw Ba and Minister for Transport Lt-Gen. Thein Win. Madame Hartato visited People's Park and the University of Culture. Members of the Indonesian business delegation were briefed by Minister for National Planning and Economic Development Brig-Gen. Abel, accompanied by numerous other Myanmar cabinet ministers. He reviewed foreign investments in Myanmar, saying that "91 economic organizations of 16 nations have invested about 1.056 billion US dollars up to 16 March 1994 and are engaging in business activities." In reply to questions he said that "if foreign investors are interested in heavy investment projects they will be treated on case by case basis." He said foreign investments should be export oriented, and can vary from a minimum of 35% to 100%. Annual GDP projections are from 5.2-6.0%. About 500,000 tourists are expected in Visit Myanmar Year of 1996, and 1,000,000 people will have to be trained to tend to them. Members also met with economic enterprises of the Ministry of Transport; the Indonesians "stated that organizations of Garuda Airways wanted to assist the Myanma Airways in the transport sector so that an increased number of tourists will visit Myanmar, the building of airfields, and their desire to assist in providing parts and materials for aircraft and in conducting technical training courses." [photos] (NLM 5/27) May 27: Coordinating Minister Hartato visited the Shwedagon Pagoda, the Defense Services Museum, and the Bantbwekon Reservoir Construction Project, and in the afternoon called on Minister for Trade Lt-Gen. Tun Kyi. Minister for Communications Dr. Haryanto Dhanutirto called on Minister for Rail Transportation U Win Sein, while Minister for Tourism, Post and Telecommunications Dr. Joop Ave called on Minister for Information Brig-Gen. Myo Thant. In the evening the Indonesian delegation left for home. [photos] (NLM 5/28) MYANMAR DELEGATIONS Study Delegations Apr. 30: Township Manager U Maung Maung San of Myanma Agriculture Produce Trading and Deputy Manager U Htay Win of Myanma Department Store left for Germany to attend a 63-week course on Promotion of Private Enterprise Management. (NLM 5/1) May 1: Deputy Supervisors U Khun Shwe Thin and U Mya Maung and Technician U Saw Hla Than of Myanma Farms Enterprise left for India to attend a three-week course on Processing Technology of Cashewnut. (NLM 5/2) May 2: Staff Officer Daw Than Myint of the Cottage Industries Department, Ministry of Cooperatives, and Secretary Director U Soe Myint Tun of the Shwe Khu Fish Producers Cooperative Society in Insein Township left for Thailand Apr. 30 to study fresh water aquaculture. (NLM 5/3) May 11: Tutor U Myo Tint of Yenangyoung Technical High School and Tutor U Nyo Min Din of Taunggyi Technical High Schools left for Korea to attend the Vocational Training on Machining and the Vocational Training on Pipefitting. (NLM 5/12) May 23: Assistant Director U Hla Myint of the Technical, Agricultural and Vocational Education Department left May 21 for Seoul to attend a Colombo Plan course on Development of Essential Work-related Attitudes, Values and Behaviour of Technicians: Preparation of a Curriculum Framework. (NLM 5/24) May 27: A Red Cross delegation headed by Honorary Treasurer U Tun Myint left for Kuala Lumpur to attend the May 30-June 1 1994 Workshop on Financial Resources Development, sponsored by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Associations. The other member was Executive Officer (Finance) Daw Nu Nu Yi. (NLM 5/28) Religious Delegations May 4: Deputy Minister for Religious Affairs Col. Aung Khin and others met with the 200 pilgrims who will make the Haj to Mecca this year. He said "religious freedom had been given to members of all religions in the country since the time of the ancestors.... Those of the Islamic faith are aware of the fact that funds are being given by the State annually to Hindu, Islam, Christian and all other faiths for the propagation of the respective religions and the State also helps them by publishing religious books, he pointed out. He went on to say that they are also aware that at a time when foreign exchange is needed to build roads and bridges and construct dams and irrigation net-works, it is permitting 200 pilgrims to go on Haj involving hard currency...." Leader of the Haj pilgrims Capt. Mya Aung (Retd) then spoke on behalf of the Haj pilgrims thanking the authorities." (NLM 5/5) // May 7: The first batch of 100 pilgrims departed for Mecca. (NLM 5/8) // May 10: The second batch of 100 pilgrims departed. (NLM 5/11) Business Delegations May 17: A delegation led by Managing Director U Myint Thein Lwin of Myanma Heavy Industries left for Germany "to purchase spare parts and raw materials for tyre factory and to study modern technique in making rubber products" at the invitation of Fritz Werner AG. Other members are Factory Manager U Maung Kyi of MHI Factory No. 6, and Workshop In-charge Daw Khin Aye Mu. (NLM 5/18) Delegations to Meetings & Events May 6: Egyptian Ambassador Mohamad Hassem Ghanem delivered twenty prizes won by Myanmar children at the Second Competition of Painting held at the Egyptian National Centre for Child Culture in October 1993. (NLM 5/7) May 15: Director-General Dr. Myint Thein of the Agriculture Planning Department left for Bangkok to attend the May 17-19 Preparatory Expert Group Meeting on Sustainable Agricultural Development Strategies, sponsored by ESCAP. (NLM 5/16) // May 20: He returned. (NLM 5/21) May 20: A delegation led by Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement Brig-Gen. Thaung Myint left for Japan to attend the Ministerial-Level World Conference on Mitigation of National Disasters in Yokohama, May 23-27. He was accompanied by Deputy Director U Myint Thein of the Relief and Resettlement Department and PSO Capt. Tin Htut. (NLM 5/21) May 27: A delegation led by Minister for Foreign Affairs U Ohn Gyaw left for Cairo, Egypt, to attend the 11th Non-Aligned Conference at Ministerial Level. He was accompanied by pro-leader Central Commander Maj-Gen. Kyaw Than, Deputy Director-General U Khin Maung Win of the Foreign Ministry, and Director U Thaung Tun of the Ministry as delegation secretary. Joining the delegation are Myanmar Ambassador to Egypt U Aung Gyi, Ambassador to Pakistan U Pe Thein Tin, Ambassador to India U Win Lwin, and Ambassador to Indonesia U Nyunt Tin. (NLM 5/28) Agriculture Minister to Egypt etc. May 4: A delegation led by Minister for Agriculture Lt-Gen. Myint Aung left on a visit to Egypt, Israel, and Malaysia. He was invited to Egypt by Egyptian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Agriculture, Livestock Breeding, Fisheries, and Agrarian Reform Dr. Youssef Wali. It includes Brig-Gen. Nyunt Tin of the No. 66 Light Infantry Division, Director U Than Naing of the Irrigation Department, Deputy Director U Tin Htut Oo of the Agriculture Planning Department, Deputy General Manager Dr. Tin Hla of the Myanma Agricultural Service and the Minister's PSO Capt. Moe Aung Chaw. (NLM 5/5) May 20: He returned to Yangon. In Egypt, the Minister called on Deputy Prime Minister Dr. Youssef Wali on May 5, and on President Hosni Mubarak on May 10. A memorandum of understanding on "systematic cooperation in agriculture...and economic activities" was signed May 10 by the two Ministers. Under it, "detailed programmes will be drawn up in exchange of quality strain crops, exchange and training of technical experts, and promotion of economic activities and trade." The Myanmar delegation then visited Aswan Dam and various agricultural projects, as well as cultural sites. On May 11, the Minister flew to Tel Aviv, Israel, where the delegation studied fruit trees, irrigation, and crop substitution. On May 12 he called on Israeli Minister of Agriculture Ya'akov Tzar, with whom he visited the Netiv Halamed-he integrated farm. He also called on President Davic Blass of the Israeli Chamber of Commerce, whose members expressed interest in joint ventures with Myanmar. "They offered sending of industrial and economic missions to Myanmar. The two sides made arrangements for growing crops in Myanmar with quality strains and irrigation systems of Israel. On May 14 the delegation continued to Malaysia, where it studied sugarcane cultivation and rubber resin treatment, and discussed joint ventures with Malaysian sugarcane millers. (NLM 5/21) Deputy Prime Minister to South Africa May 8: A delegation led by Deputy Prime Minister Vice-Adm. Maung Maung Khin left for South Africa to attend the swearing in of President Mandela. The delegation includes Ambassador to Britain U Hla Maung, Director U Thaung Tun of the Foreign Ministry, Maj. Hla Min of the Defence Ministry, and the Minister's PSO Maj. Thaung Kyaing. (NLM 5/9) // May 15: The delegation returned. (NLM 5/16) Trade Minister to Bangladesh May 12: A delegation headed by Minister for Trade Lt-Gen. Tun Kyi left for Bangladesh at the invitation of Bangladeshi Minister for Commerce M. Shamsul Islam. The delegation includes Director-General U Kyaw Myint of the Trade Department, Director U Aung Kyi, and Deputy Director Capt. Aung Min Naing. (NLM 5/13) May 22: He returned. (NLM 5/23) May 25: While in Bangladesh, Minister for Trade Lt-Gen. Tun Kyi paid a courtesy call on President Abdur Rahman Biswas and Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia. He met with Minister for Commerce Shamsul Islam, Minister for Transport and Communication Oli Ahmed, Minister for Home Abdul Motin Choudhury, Minister for Foreign Affairs Mostafizur Rahman, Minister for Industry A.M. Zahiruddin Khan, Minister for Livestock Breeding and Fisheries Abdullullah Alnoman, and Chairman Dr. M.D. Yunus of the Grameen Bank. The Minister and the Bangladeshi Minister for Commerce "signed border trade agreement between Myanmar and Bangladesh." Earlier, the Minister discussed trade with the Merchants Association in Chittagong. (NLM 5/26) Construction Minister to China May 18: A good-will delegation led by Minister for Construction U Khin Maung Yin left for China at the invitation of the Chinese Ministry of Rail Transportation. Other members are Deputy Director-General U Soe Lwin of the Department of Human Settlement and Housing Development, Technical Consultant of the Public Works U Thant Zin, Director (Architect) U Aung Kyee Myint of the Public Works, and the Minister's PSO U Tin Aye. (NLM 5/19) // May 29: He returned, via Singapore. (NLM 5/30) Delegations Return [Return of delegations whose departures and membership was reported in earlier months] May 10: The delegation led by Minister for Finance and Revenue Brig-Gen. Win Tin returned from the 27th Annual Meeting of the Asian Development Bank in Nice, France. (NLM 5/11) // May 11: The meeting was attended by 500 delegates from 55 countries. The Minister discussed work done in 1993 by the ADB in various fields, and noted that its loans and investments have risen 3.5% to US$ 5.3 billion, but "it has not done sufficiently for the development of member developing countries in accordance with the bank's original objectives." (NLM 5/12) // May: 12: While in Nice, Brig-Gen. Win Ten held talks with ADB President Mitsu Yosato. (NLM 5/13) May 13: The delegation led by Minister for Health Vice-Adm. Than Nyunt returned from the 47th Conference of the World Health Organization in Geneva. En route home, he visited Britain. (NLM 5/14) MYANMAR GAZETTE Probationary Appointments The SLORC appointed the following, on probation: May 4: Thura U Thaung Lwin, General Manager, to be Managing Director, Myanma Railways, Ministry of Rail Transportation. (NLM 5/5) May 18: U Saw Aung, Director, Industrial Planning Department, to be Director-General, Regional Industrial Coordination and Inspection, Ministry of Industry-1. (NLM 5/19) May 25: Col. Ohn Myint (BC/8436), on Special Duty at the Ministry of Agriculture, to be Director-General, Agriculture Mechanization Department. (NLM 5/26) Transfers and Appointments The SLORC has transferred and appointed: May 25: U Khin Maung, Director-General, Agricultural Mechanization Department, Ministry of Agriculture, to be Director-General, Settlement and Land Records Department. (NLM 5/26) GOVERNMENT Workers Day Message May 1: SLORC Chairman Senior General Than Shwe issued the following Workers Day message [full text]: To all the esteemed mass of workers, On this auspicious occasion of Workers Day which falls on May 1, 1994, I send this message to the entire mass of physical and intellectual workers in the whole of the Union of Myanmar and with this message in your honour, I also greet you with love and respect. In almost every country, the crucial role of workers is recognized in laying its political, administrative, economic and social foundations. Workers who are fulfilling with physical strength and intellectual power the food, clothing and shelter as well as social needs of nationals constitute a great force fundamental to bringing about development and progress of the respective nation. Myanmar had been a nation in servitude for hundreds of years. At that time, the people were impoverished deeply due to the import of labour from abroad and exploitation of the nation's natural resources and working the farms in the interest of the aliens. Moreover, the divisive rule bred suspicions among our national brethren. There are evident historical records indicating that the mass of workers as well as the peasants, with the unity of the nationals, took part shedding blood and sweat in the struggle for freedom from servitude. As the State Law and Order Restoration Council is providing employment at home and abroad while it is taking up duties of the State, workers also need to exert themselves with genuine goodwill, zeal and perseverance. If a study is made of the developing nations, it is clearly found that their citizens work hard, adhering to discipline. I would like to urge you to serve, aware that 'prosperity and work' and 'work and discipline' are inseparable. The State Law and Order Restoration Council believes that blue collar and white collar workers are primary forces in implementing national construction and development tasks and so, it is paying special attention and due regard to-- -- bringing about pleasant worksites for them, -- their enjoying full emoluments, -- their having the right to compensation for on-job accidents, -- their having benefits for ill health, -- solving labour disputes. The State Law and Order Restoration Council has set short-term project targets covering a period from 1992-93 to 1995-96 and is implementing them. As the targets in the first and second years have been fully realized, good economic foundations have been achieved. The workers, as well as the peasants, are playing an essential role in the continued implementation of projects designating of the current period of 1994-95, the third year of the project, as the 'Year of All-round Development'. For the nation to be modern and prosperous and to be able to stand tall in the world, it is necessary for the entire mass of workers to strive conscientiously and loyally, in unity and harmony for accomplishment of economic aims. For the present, the tasks of the National Convention which is discussing and laying down principles to form basis in drafting the new State Constitution have progressed to a certain degree. Workers' delegates and State service personnel delegates, in good attitude and with sincere goodwill, are taking part in the Convention for the emergence of a genuine democratic State in accord with the Convention objectives, upholding Our Three Main Causes--non-disintegration of the Union, non-disintegration of national unity and perpetuation of national sovereignty. I emphatically urge the entire mass of blue collar and white collar workers in Myanmar to make continued efforts for-- -- operation of machines at full capacity for raising productivity, -- turning out high quality finished goods, -- full realization of the economic aims for all-round development of the State, -- bringing about success in the national political movement for emergence of a new State Constitution. (NLM 5/1) YCDC Officers Named May 12: SLORC Notification No. 27/94 of May 12, Appointment of YCDC Secretary and additional member, reads [full text]: The State Law and Order Restoration Council has appointed Joint Secretary of Yangon City Development Committee U Kyaw Win as Secretary. The State Law and Order Restoration Council has appointed Head of Sanitation Department U Kyi Win as additional member of YCDC. (NLM 5/13) SLORC Notification No. 28/94 of May 12, Appointment of YCDC Chief Executive Officer, reads [full text]: The State Law and Order Restoration Council has appointed BC/10615 Col. Myint Aung as Chief Executive Officer of Yangon City Development Committee Office. According to Section 6 of the Yangon City Development Committee Law, Chief Executive Officer Col. Myint Aung will become Joint Secretary of YCDC. (NLM 5/13) MILITARY Attacks by Armed Groups May 6: A timber workers was injured by a Kayin land mine in Kyaukkyi Township on Apr. 15. (NLM 5/7) Tatmadaw Actions May 17: A Tatmadaw Column of Eastern Command, on May 13 seized 3,334.0 litres of acetic anhydride, used in refining heroin, from 60 members of Khun Sa's SURA group, after a 20-minute engagement near Wunlon village in Loilem Township. Also impounded were 62-pack saddles. In earlier actions, over 4,000 litres of acetic anhydride were seized from a truck in Taunggyi on Nov. 15, 1993; 415.8 litres and 9 horses/mules were seized Dec. 5, 1992 in Kengtung Township. "The Tatmadaw and People's Police Force members are exposing and arresting drug smugglers who are trying to transport precursor chemicals to Khun Sa's SUA/SURA armed groups which are hiding on the Myanmar-Thai border. The security personnel are also crushing the SUA/SURA group who are selling their refined heroin on international drug market." (NLM 5/18) Terrorists Defeated in Rakhine May 21 [full text]: RSO/Kalasoe terrorists enter Maungtaw, crushed by Tatmadawmen, police and local residents. Altogether 52 RSO/Kalasoe terrorists having their base across the border were captured dead and eight who planted time bombs in Maungtaw Township, Rakhine State, alive after they had been encircled and crushed by a 26,000-strong force made up of Tatmadaw columns of Western Command, members of the Border Area Control Unit and People's Police Force and local residents up to 19 May. Thirteen clashes broke out between the combine force and the terrorists who entered the Maungtaw area in the fourth week of April in a bid to cause instability by carrying out destructive acts and setting off time bombs. Sixteen assorted arms, ten 40-mm launcher grenades, 1,418 assorted mines, 522 hand grenades, 3,611 rounds, five communication sets, two schooners, K 40,400 and 152 taka were seized from the terrorists. The arms and demolition equipment were reported supplied by external terrorist groups. After organizing by enticing or intimidation youths who fled to Bangladesh in 1991 as recruits and having them under basic military training, the RSO terrorists entered Maungtaw by boat in the fourth week of April. On 28 April night, they planted at 12 places bombs which were set to explode at different times. Of them nine exploded, destroying one fire engine and some buildings and seriously wounding four locals. The unexploded three were seized by the Tatmadaw. On the same night, a group of 80 RSO terrorists moved to the Mayu mountains in Myinlut-Kyaukpantu area in the southern sector of Maungtaw and another group of 40 went to Mayu mountains in Bandoola, Aungthabyay and Minkhamaung area in western sector of Maungtaw. The former group burnt down Kyaukpantu Village at 2pm on 1 May, razing 10 houses. At 3 am on 2 May, the group fired over Mayrawady Model Village and set it on fire, razing the homes of two personnel and 14 of the locals, killing one person and wounding a 17-year-old woman. The latter group set fire to 13 houses in Shwedaing Village at 10.30am on 10 May. On 15 May, two villager of Aungthabyay were wounded after stepping on a land mine. In the battles between the terrorists and the Tatmadawmen together with police and local residents, four Tatmadawmen sacrificed their lives and three were wounded. The combined force is still in hot pursuit of the remaining terrorists. [map and photos] (NLM 5/22) Surrenders by Armed Group Members May 4: Three members of the Kayin armed group in Donyin Township returned to the legal fold, with their weapons, Apr. 18 [names and details]. (NLM 5/5) May 14: One member of the Mon armed group returned to the legal fold on May 3, with his weapon [name and details]. (NLM 5/15) May 17: Four members of the Kayin armed group returned to the legal fold in Kyaukkyi on May 10, with their weapons [names and details]. (NLM 5/18) May 19: Three members of the ABSDF armed group returned to the legal fold with arms and ammunition at Dawei on May 13 [names and details]. (NLM 5/20) May 23: On May 15, two members of the Kayin armed group returned to the legal fold in Pyu Township, with arms and ammunition; on May 17, five members of the ABSDF armed group returned to the legal fold with arms and ammunition at Myeik [names and details]. (NLM 5/24) May 26: On May 23, seven members of the ABSDF armed group came back to legal fold at Myeik, with weapons [names and details]. (NLM 5/27) May 27: Between April 1-12, 21 members of armed groups returned to legal fold, with weapons [names and details]. (NLM 5/28) May 28: Between April 17-23 [sic], 27 members of armed groups returned to legal fold, with weapons [names and details]. (NLM 5/29) May 29: Between April 24-30, 27 members of armed groups and one family member returned to legal fold, with weapons [names and details]. Total surrenders for April were 76 members of armed groups plus 9 family members. (NLM 5/30) ECONOMIC Economic Articles May 25: Myanmar Korea Timber International is on the right track. [Feature article on MKTI, a joint venture formed in 1991 by the Union of Myanmar Economic Holdings Ltd. and Daewoo Corporation of Korea. Joined by Samwon, a plywood factory opened in Swa, Bago Division, in June 1993. The first year it produced 1,083 sheets of teak plywood and 797,620 sheets of hardwood plywood; the next it produced 3,810 of teak and 1,467,933 of hardwood. It employs 535 workers, "less than half of them female," on three shifts. Average salary of "factory hands" is K 2,400-3,400. Other Daewoo projects discussed.] // May 26: Myanma Timber Enterprise is the partner with Daewoo Corporation which formed the Myanmar Korea Timber International Ltd. (NLM 5/26) Project Inaugurations May 1: Newly-paved 1,040-foot 125th Street in Mingala Taungnyung Township, Yangon, was commissioned by SLORC Secretary-2 Lt-Gen. Tin Oo. It cost K 319,575 in State funds and K 866,194 "donated by the townspeople." A 3-storey office for the Central Inland Freight Handling Committee opened in Botahtaung Township. (NLM 5/2) May 10: Chairman Mr. N.T.S. Tony of National Panasonic Co. (Singapore) opened a showroom of ITIS Myanmar Trading Co. Ltd. at 110/112 Bo Aung Kyaw Street, Yangon. (NLM 5/11) May 21: The new Sanpya Hospital in Thingangyun Township, Yangon, was inaugurated by SLORC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt and other officials. It has 300 beds, is built on a 15 acres plot, and cost K 370 million, including US$ 93.4 million in foreign exchange. (NLM 5/22) May 26: The new building of the Myanma Economic Bank, at the corner of Merchant Street and Sule Pagoda Road, Yangon, was inaugurated by SLORC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt and other dignitaries. The 4-storey, 137'x105' building was completed in February, and cost K 98.28 million. It will house Savings Bank Branch 3, a Foreign Exchange Counter, the Office of the Minister for Finance and Revenue, and the MEB head office. (NLM 5/27) May 28: The Minye Reservoir, which will irrigate 2,000 acres in Toungoo and Oktwin Townships, was commissioned. SLORC Secretary-2 Lt-Gen. Tin Oo said that the SLORC had completed 34 reservoirs irrigating 602,630 acres, and 18 more projects now under construction will irrigate 1,239,840 acres. By the year 2000 irrigated acreage will total 5.28 million acres, bringing total cultivated acreage up to 23.8 million. \\ The "ultra-modern" Nawarat Hotel was inaugurated [see also under Advertisements]. (NLM 5/29) Advertisements ----- "Pride of Myanmar" NEW [large picture of packet of POLO NINE FILTER CIGARETTES] MYANMAR GLACIER TOBACCO CO., LTD. NO.6, KHABAUNG ROAD, OFF PYAY ROAD, 6 MILE. NO. 33A, PYAY ROAD, 7 MILE, TEL: 60947/31629 (NLM 5/5) ----- SYLVAN EUROPEAN RESTAURANT FOLLOWING VACANCIES TO BE FILLED 1 COOK 1 2 ASSISTANT COOK 2 3 BAKER 2 4 HEAD WAITER 2 5 WAITER 5 BOTH 4 AND 5 MUST SPEAK GOOD ENGLISH AND MUST HAVE EXPERIENCE INTERVIEW TIME BETWEEN 10:00-12:00 AM ADDRESS 125, 8 1/2 MILES, PYAY ROAD YANGON TEL: 62603 (NLM 5/5) ----- URGENTLY REQUIRED by a leading Hotel - General Manager - Front Office Manager - Housekeeper -F & B Manager QUALIFICATIONS: * Male/Female * Experience in the Hotel and Travel Industry * Good command spoken and written English * Good inter-personal and communications skills. Successful candidates will be offered an attractive salary and fringe benefits. Interested person please apply in person at THANDA CO., LTD 37 GOLDEN VALLEY, BAHAN, YANGON From 10-12 am. (Last day 8-5-94) Please call for information 34321 (Daw Ruby Aung) (NLM 5/5) ----- INVITATION A modern department store with ample space will be opened very soon in the heart of Yangon City (viz corner of Pansodan Street and Merchant Street). Interested parties wishing to promote their products or commodities are cordially invited. General list of products/commodities is given below:- 1. Local and traditional products 2. Drugs and medicines 3. Spectacles 4. Household goods 5. Toiletries 6. Sports goods 7. Textile and garments 8. Stationery 9. Electrical and electronic appliances 10. Watches and clocks 11. Footwear 12. Furniture 13. Camera and film 14. Tinned provisions and dairy products 15. Jewellery 16. All kinds of bags 17. Fancy items 18. Snacks Corner Fair Trade Co. Ltd. 31, Sint Oh Dan Street, Latha Township, Yangon. Tel: 25872, 26464. ----- INFORMATION FROM "TOTAL MYANMAR E & P" ALL RECRUITMENTS FOR "TOTAL MYANMAR EXPLORATION AND PRODUCTION" (T.M.E.P.) CAN ONLY BE INITIATED AND PROCESSED THROUGH THE HUMAN RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT OF TOTAL MYANMAR EXPLORATION AND PRODUCTION. T.M.E.P. HAS NEVER AUTHORIZED ANY PERSON NOR ANY COMPANY - TO RECRUIT FOR ANY POSITION WITHIN "T.M.E.P." ORGANIZATION - TO PREPARE, ON BEHALF OF "T.M.E.P.", ANY CANDIDATE SHORT LIST TOTAL MYANMAR EXPLORATION AND PRODUCTION SHALL NOT ENTERTAIN NOR BE COMMITTED BY SUCH UNAUTHORIZED ACTIONS (NLM 5/9) ----- SYLVAN EUROPEAN RESTAURANT DAILY LUNCH: 12:00-2:00 P.M. DINNER: 6:00-9:00 P.M. HIGH TEA: 2:00-5:00 P.M. Buffet Lunch Ks.800 (Only on Sunday) Also Special rates for tour groups No. 125, Pyay Road 81/2 Mile, YANGON Tel-62603 ----- National/Panasonic Authorized Service Centre GOOD NEWS JAPAN NATIONAL/PANASONIC TEAM IS HERE CONDUCTING FREE CLEANING OF VCR AND RADIO CASSETTE RECORDER HEADS. GO HURRY, BRING ALONG YOUR NATIONAL/PANASONIC VCR AND RADIO CASSETTE RECORDER TO OUR SERVICE CENTRE. DATE: 26 MAY TO 29 MAY, 1994 ---------------------------------------- A FREE GIFT WILL BE GIVEN TO OUR FIRST 200 CUSTOMERS ---------------------------------------- [photos of various VCRs and Cassette Players] National/Panasonic AUTHORIZED SERVICE CENTRE. NO. 263, MAHABANDOOLA STREET, YANGON, MYANMAR (NLM 5/24---full page ad) ----- Our heartfelt thanks to The Honourable Secretary-1 of The State Law & Order Restoration Council, Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt For Opening Myanmar's Newest International Hotel The Nawarat Hotel ---*--- We are honoured and grateful to have the Honourable Secretary-1 of the State Law & Order Restoration Council, Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt, officiate the opening of our hotel yesterday. The Nawarat Hotel is now open with 80 well-appointed rooms and suites. Our facilities are designed to cater to the needs of the discerning business traveller. THE NAWARAT HOTEL YANGON 257, INSEIN ROAD, YANGON, UNION OF MYANMAR TEL:(951)67888 FAX:(951)67777 Owned by Nawarat Land Pte Ltd. Managed by Concorde Hotels Management [A similar, but smaller, advertisement thanks Minister for Hotels and Tourism Lt-Gen. Kyaw Ba] (NLM 5/29) Joint Ventures & Foreign Investments May 5: Ministry of National Planning and Economic Development Notification No. 15/94 of May 5, establishes the Myanmar Fulbrim Trade and Investment Company Limited "for the purpose of carrying on the business of importing, exporting and general trading of various kinds of commodities," with an authorized capital of K 8 million, divided into 8000 shares of K 1000, of which 3800 will be subscribed in kyat by the Union of Myanmar Economic Holdings Limited, and 4200 in US dollars by Fulbrim Myanmar Limited, represented by its Managing Director Mr. Tan TF, 615(R) Pyay Road, Kamayut Township, Yangon. (NLM 5/7) May 17: Ministry of National Planning and Economic Development Notification No. 16/94 of May 17, establishes the Myanmar Seafoods Limited "for the purpose of construction of ice-plants, and cold stores and procurement, processing, storage and marketing of aqua and marine products," with an authorized capital of K 50 million, divided into 50,000 shares of K 1000 each, of which 17,500 are held by Myanma Fisheries Enterprise, and 32,500 by P.L. International Pte. Limited, represented by Managing Director Mr. Kyan Khinn (a) K.K. Lee, 231 Qutran Road, # 03-00, Tarng Chern Building, Singapore 0316. (NLM 5/18) May 26: Ministry of National Planning and Economic Development Notification No. 17/94 of May 26, establishes the Hline Tet Canning Factory Company Limited, as a Joint Venture "for production and marketing of cordials, juices & squashes, jams and concentrates, dehydrated and canned various fruits and vegetables," with an authorized capital of K 100,000,000, divided into 10,000 shares of K 10,000 each, of which 5,000 are held by Myanma Farms Enterprise and 5,000 by Kelanamas Industries Berhad of Malaysia, represented by General Manager Thomas Tuan Kit Kwong, 15th Floor, Plaza Atrium, Lorong P. Ramlee, 50250 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. (NLM 5/27) May 26: Ministry of National Planning and Economic Development Notification No. 18/94 of May 26, establishes Myanmar Swan Investment Limited to carry out "hotel and tourism related services," with authorized capital of K 3,600,000, divided into 360 shares of K 10,000 each, of which 288 are held by the Directorate of Hotels and Tourism and 72 by Applied Investments (Asia) Pte. Ltd., represented by Managing Director Koh Kim Seng, 181-B, Thomsom Road, Singapore, 1026. (NLM 5/27) Overseas Telephone Calls May 4 [full text]: Operators to help you make overseas calls. Arrangements have been made for those wishing to make overseas calls to be assisted by operators available by calling 67444 or 67555, the Myanma Posts and Telecommunications announced today. The calls will be put through by any of the nine lines concerned. Similar help will also be available by dialling 130 or 131. (NLM 5/5) Economic Targets Exceeded May 6: The Ministry of Mines extracted metals and other minerals worth K 458 million in 1993-94, as against a target of K 302 million, thus surpassing its goal with 151%. Exports were K 203.5 million, higher than the target of K 182.7 million. He called for exports of K 213.5 million next year. (NLM 5/7) May 13: The Thanlyin Glass Factory's production of K 43.8 million exceeded its production target by 129.5% and its maintenance target by 127.5% and made K 7.28 million profit. The workers were given over K 300,000 in bonuses. (NLM 5/14) May 13: The Road Transport Administration was told by Minister for Rail Transportation U Win Sein that it had increased its income from K 76.2 million in 1991-92 to K 120.8 million in 1992-93 and K 192.9 million in 1993-94, at the same time decreasing its expenditures. He went on to say that "no work can be improved without public criticism" and said that trying to withhold mistakes only makes things worse. (NLM 5/14) May 14: The Ministry of Transport made a profit of K 412.2 million in 1993-94. Minister for Transport Lt-Gen. Thein Win highlighted progress. Inland Water Transport had reduced its freight and passenger charges; in Mandalay by 50% and 25% respectively, and the increased traffic had led to greater profits. "As Myanma Airways International was established, the MA [Myanma Airways] had suspended its F-28 Fokka [sic] foreign flights after four months at the beginning of the fiscal, he noted. Though foreign exchange income lessened, the Myanma Airways had obtained considerable progress, for it could extend internal flights in full scale and there was an increase in the number of tourists." Myanma Five Star Lines had incurred losses when the SLORC took over in 1988, but there was a turning-point in 1993-94. Myanma Port Authority transported 5.447 million tons of freight, exceeding the record of 5.431 set in 1939-40. Duty free shops and billboards at airports brought in US$ 15.7 million. "Installation of modern ground/air transmitters ensured air traffic safety and as the rate of revenues for the planes flying over the Myanma territory was raised, the income had duly increased, he noted. Roughly, he said, the Civil Aviation Department gained over one million US dollars a month." The Marine Administration Department "gained over 9.4 million US dollars in 1993-94 which was nearly two million US dollars over 1991-92." (NLM 5/15) May 26: Speaking to the first Four-month Coordination Meeting for 1994 of State/Division LORC officials, SLORC Chairman Senior General Than Shwe said that economic growth in 1992-93 and 1993-94 had been satisfactory because of priority placed on paddy yield. The following year, 1994-95, has been designated as Allround Development Year because it calls for progress in the industrial, mining, forestry, livestock and fisheries sectors. He urged all to try to overfulfil national targets. (NLM 5/27) Environment May 6: Speaking at the inaugural of the Training Workshop on Elephant Census and Conservation Techniques, Minister for Forestry Lt-Gen. Chit Swe said that Myanmar ranks second only to India in elephant population, and has the largest number of captive elephants in the world, with 3,000 employed by the Myanma Timber Enterprise and 2,500 in private hands. He praised Myanmar's environmental laws and tradition. "However, he said, recent surveys have shown that some wildlife species are under threat to the point of near extinction despite abundance of wildlife in the lush natural forests. He named a number of wildlife organizations, such as the IUCN, the Smithsonian Institution, Asian Wetland Bureau, the Global Tiger Forum, the New York Zoological Society and Washington Park Zoo with which Myanmar is collaborating to ward off the threat." He said Myanmar is conducting research in collaboration with the Washington Park Zoo to increase the low birth rate of captive elephants with artificial insemination. 25 participants and 15 observers are attending the 6-day workshop. (NLM 5/7) New Rail Service to Mandalay May 15: The Dagon-Mann Special Express Train Service was inaugurated. Passengers transported by Myanma Railways increases by 2,000,000 per year, said Managing Director Thura U Thaung Lwin: 48.4 million in 1989-90; 53.2 million in 1990-91; 55.2 million in 1991-92; 56.5 million in 1992-93; and 58.56 million in 1993-94. The present Service is aimed at transporting 125,000 more passengers each year. "If Myanma Railways itself ran the service, it would have an income of K 15.9 million but it will now have K 20.1 million from the lease of the service to the company, he said. The State will have more than K 3.6 million in commercial tax while it would have only K 1.3 million if the service was run by Myanma Railways. The coaches renovated by the company at its own expense are owned by Myanma Railways and leased to the company for passenger transport in a limited period." The train has 14 coaches: 2 upper class special coaches and 2 upper class ordinary coaches with sleeping berths, 3 upper class special seaters, 2 upper class ordinary seater, 1 first class coach, 2 ordinary coaches, 1 restaurant coach, and 1 brake van. The upper class special coaches with sleeping berths are air-conditioned, have 4 four-passenger rooms, especially for families, and are installed with refrigerator and video and audio systems. The upper class ordinary coaches with sleeping berths are air-conditioned and have 4 four-passenger rooms and 2 double rooms, each installed with audio system. Each of the upper class special seat coaches has 30 seats and is installed with video and audio systems. Each of the first and ordinary class coaches has 60 seats and is also installed with video and audio systems. The restaurant coach accommodates 27 persons at a time and offers service to seats and rooms. The Express 17-Up leaves Yangon at 3.15 pm Sunday, Wednesday and Friday and arrives in Mandalay at 5.20 am. the next day. The Express 18-Down leaves Mandalay at 4.15 pm Monday, Thursday and Saturday and arrives at Yangon at 6.20 am the next day. (NLM 5/16) Tribal Villages for Tourists May 20: Minister for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs Lt-Gen. Maung Thint told the National Races Sub-Committee that "villages of national races having significant characteristics are to be organized into integrated villages to acquaint tourists with their traditions and customs.... The national races are to be settled in the so established villages in their natural characteristics and efforts are to be made for creating pleasant environment about the villages, he said." He called for suggestions. (NLM 5/21) Freight Handling Charges Lowered May 25: The Container Yard Project at Yangon Port is proving successful. It handled 3,574 20-foot containers in 1990-91, 8,941 in 1991-92, 15,124 in 1992-93, and 26,109 in 1993-4. Handling charges were reduced by 16% on Aug. 1, 1993, and will be reduced again between 20-24% on June 1, 1994. (NLM 5/26) Rainfall in Yangon Rainfall, in inches, at Yangon's three weather stations of Yangon Airport (YA), Kaba-Aye (KA), and Central Yangon (CY) was: YA KA CY 1987 97.01 100.98 95.43 1988 99.17 100.00 107.76 1989 96.22 100.59 102.76 1990 118.35 109.92 122.84 1991 91.81 83.78 96.65 1992 81.34 96.02 95.98 1993 82.64 111.18 95.12 1994, as of: May 1 4.49 5.55 5.47 May 15 9.10 12.52 10.43 May 30 11.46 14.57 12.29 SPORTS Myanmar Teams and Delegations May 4: At the 19th Asian Youth Under-19 Soccer Tournament in Bangkok, on May 3, Myanmar went down 0-2 against China. On May 5, Myanmar will play Thailand. (NLM 5/5) // May 5: Thailand trounced Myanmar 8-0. (NLM 5/6) May 11: Director-General U Myint Tun (President of the Football Federation) and Assistant Director U Bunny Tin Aung of the Sports and Physical Education Department left for Malaysia to attend the 16th Congress of Asia Football Federation on May 13. (NLM 5/12) May 27: President U Maung Maung Thwin of the Myanmar Basketball Federation, accompanied by Treasurer Dr. Moe Zaw, left for Hong Kong to attend the Asian Basketball Federation Congress and a meeting of EC members of South-East Asian Basketball Federations from May 27-29. (NLM 5/28) HEALTH Health Articles May 18: Acute Diarrhea, by Dr. Khin Win. [Cholera and other causes. "In stool of high mobility, mortality rate is almost negligible in Infectious Diseases Hospital, Yangon.... While we have been facing acute diarrhea at Infectious Diseases Hospital, Yangon, people of different walks of life give donations in cash and in kind. Health authorities also give adequate manpower and drugs. This is the reason why we have been able to face acute diarrheal attack with low mortality."] May 31: Tobacco or Health, by Dr. Win May. [Dangers of smoking. "Let us then unite in our efforts to educate the public on the health hazards of smoking, so that in time, Myanmar becomes tobacco-free."] Cholera in Yangon May 1: 300 residents of Linlun North Ward in Sangyoung Township carried out "collective sanitation for prevention of cholera." (NLM 5/2) Dengue May 17: A meeting to coordinate measures to "intensify prevention of dengue haemorrhagic fever in Yangon Division" was held May 16 at the Divisional Health Building. Demonstrations of methods for eradicating mosquitoes and larvae were given. Similar meeting will be held in townships in Yangon Division. (NLM 5/18) CULTURAL Cultural and Scientific Articles May 1,8,15,22,29: The Cat Family, by Colonel Hla Aung (Rtd). [Cont. (13) Habits of the leopard, continued. (14) Encounter with a leopard. (15) Leopards in zoos. (16-17) Snow leopards.] May 3: Buddha's Sacred Tooth Relic in post-Anawrahta time, by Dr. Khin Maung Nyunt. [Efforts by Alaung Sithu to get the Tooth in 1115 AD; other visits to the Tooth and bringing to Myanmar of replicas.] May 14: Buddha's Sacred Tooth Relic and King Bayint Naung, by Dr. Khin Maung Nyunt. [Tooth Relic comes to Myanmar in 16th century (maybe). Or was it destroyed by the Catholic Archbishop of Goa in 1561? Or was that a fake?] May 21: Kason, the month of the festival of pouring water on the Bodhi tree, by Dr. Khin Maung Nyunt. [Traditional ritual described.] Health/Education Report on Children May 28,30-31: Myanmar's National Programme of Action for the Survival, Protection and Development of Myanmar's Children in the 1990's [full text]: The World Summit Declaration on the Survival, Protection and Development of Children urged all governments to prepare National Programmes of Action (NPA) to implement its goals. Though Myanmar's NPA will require of number of policy commitments in the economic and political arenas as well as the social sector, such commitments are clearly economically necessary, politically desirable and socially indispensable. The private sector and communities must also assume responsibility for implementation if the objectives of the programme are to be achieved. The present NPA is based on studies conducted by national and international organizations; governmental programmes in health, education, water supply and sanitation, and social welfare; joint programmes with agencies of the United Nations; and detailed sectoral NPA's. It relates specific national goals to the global goals set out in the Declaration. The programmes developed for achieving the goals have been prioritised, taking into account the characteristics, numbers and locations of beneficiaries, as well as present situations. I PROBLEMS AND NEEDS OF CHILDREN AND WOMEN Human development - how people develop their capabilities and put them to use - significantly influences the pace and quality of social development. As part of its commitment to human and social development, Myanmar must protect and foster the well-being of 14 million children below 15 years of age. This group is expected to number 18 million by the year 2000. Health and Nutrition The health problems of Myanmar's children are comparable to those of other developing countries with low per capita incomes (less than US$ 200). They are largely the outcome of poor sanitation, lack of clean water, malnutrition, inadequate medical care and lack of health education. Among the 14 countries in the East Asian and Pacific region, Myanmar ranks fourth highest both in IMR {Infant Mortality Rate--HCMacD.} and U5MR {Under 5 Mortality Rate} (94 and 147 per 1,000 live births respectively, while it ranks third highest in MMR {Maternal Mortality Rate} (123 per 100,000 live births). In Myanmar, one half of child mortality is due to a few diseases: pneumonia, diarrhoea, immunisable diseases and malaria. The underlying causes of child mortality are low birth weight; malnutrition in children under three years of age; a shortage of essential drugs; and too many children, born too close together, to mothers who are too young or too old. The maternal mortality rate can be attributed to causes such as haemorrhages, anaemia, and other complications in pregnancy. The recent promulgation of a population policy emphasizing birthspacing is expected to reduce the mortality rates of young children and mothers. Hospital records show that 36% of admissions are due to infectious diseases (Source: Hospital Admissions Data, DOH). Actual mortalities from malaria are believed to be much higher than the reported figure of 5,100 in 1990. Other prevalent health problems include diarrhoeal diseases, ARI and tuberculosis. The goitre rate resulting from iodine deficiency is increasing, not only in the hilly areas but also in the delta lowlands. AIDS has spread alarmingly, especially on the country's eastern border. This disease will soon become a major health problem if the general public does not understand how it spreads and take effective preventive measures. Malnutrition is prevalent, particularly among children under three. Poor nutrition and lack of proper shelter in some areas have compounded the impact of most diseases. A recent nutrition survey shows that 68% of families had insufficient income to meet recommended daily food intake (Source: Nutrition PPS Survey, 1991). Knowledge of good health practices is still very weak, but efforts are being made to raise individual and community awareness. Basic health care facilities remain under-utilized as a result of shortage of essential medical supplies, management problems and inadequate demand-creation efforts. Planned upgrading and strengthening in human resources for health training, logistics management, data collection and information processing, and multi-level coordination are urgently needed. Water Supply and Sanitation Traditionally women and children collect water in Myanmar. The water supply and sanitation programme aims to reduce the drudgery of women and children, as well as to prevent disease. While important gains have been made in extending water supply and sanitation facilities, more families lacked these services in 1990 than a decade earlier. The annual increase in coverage for both water supply and sanitation (approximately 600,000 people in 1981-1982) was lower than the annual population growth (approximately 2% or 800,000 people) throughout the International Drinking Water Supply and Sanitation Decade (1981-1990). At the close of the decade, the annual increase in coverage dropped to as little as 300,000. As a result, the unserved population increased from 26.4 million in 1980 to 27.2 million in 1990. Water supply coverage increased from 19.6% in 1980 to 32.1% in 1990. If the present trend continues, only 48% coverage will be achieved by the year 2000. The major constraints in water supply and sanitation are financial, technological and institutional. Extension of these services is precariously dependent on the limited support of UNICEF and other agencies. While urban water supply projects rely on external financing, urban sanitation is totally dependent on community support. The use of appropriate low-cost technology should be continued; however, such technology must be sustainable at the local level. A major institutional constraint is the absence of a central body to direct and coordinate the water and sanitation sector, including the important work of information management and monitoring. To overcome this constraint, a number of organizational options will have to be considered. If annual coverage rates are to increase on schedule, the progress of implementation and any constraints must be closely monitored. Though daunting, the magnitude and complexity of the task ahead is not insurmountable. Education and Early Childhood Development Myanmar has some 36,500 primary schools, 5,000,000 students and 200,000 teachers. Statistically, there is at least one school for every two villages. It is widely believed that primary schooling is universally accessible in most parts of the country. However, school mapping exercises have not been carried out extensively and there is no data on how far children have to travel to school, especially in disadvantaged rural and border areas. Furthermore, it is not clear whether primary school buildings can accommodate a much larger student population in the future if the government succeeds in its effort to reduce repetition and drop-out rates. A UNICEF-assisted Department of Basic Education study reported that out of every 100 students of primary school age, 38 never enroll. Forty-one drop out before completing grade 4, and only 21 complete the primary school cycle. In other words, only about 35 per cent of all students who enter KG complete the 5-year cycle. The findings of the first phase of the Education Sector Study undertaken by the Ministry of Education and assisted by UNDP/ UNESCO show a similar pattern for primary education. One of the major causes of repetitions and drop-outs is that parents cannot afford to send or keep their children in school. The school-related causes of repetitions and drop-outs include the rigid examination system, text-based learning standards and a lack of learning materials. The emphasis of education must shift to learning how to learn inside and outside the classroom, and to preparing students for lifelong learning. Drastic changes in teaching and learning methods are urgently needed to ensure that students acquire basic literacy and life skills. Quality education can be achieved through a curriculum development process based on research and evaluation. With its simple division into academic and administrative sections, the Department of Basic Education cannot devote adequate attention to primary school problems. The current unbalanced curriculum does not include, for example, basic general science or environmental studies. Furthermore, it does not adequately emphasize literacy, Facts for Life, and reasoning or thinking skills. Overall, the primary school curriculum is subject-oriented, and aims at preparing students for secondary school rather than providing a fundamental education with its own objectives and activities. Textbooks and other learning materials also require improvement to facilitate student-centered activities and innovative teaching strategies. Apart from the short supply of textbooks in many rural primary schools, there is a severe shortage of classroom learning aids such as wall posters, graphs and charts. The examination system is believed to be a significant contributing factor in the high failure, repetition and drop-out rates. Currently, the sole criterion for advancement to the next grade is a passing grade on the end-of-the year written examination. A failing grade in a single subject requires a student to sit for the examination in all subjects again the following year. Undertaken by the DBE and assisted by UNICEF, the Continuous Assessment and Progression System (CAPS) Project has been introduced in 44 primary schools. It aims to make student assessment learning-oriented by providing continuous feedback to both students and teachers, and by emphasising child-centered, activity-based teaching and learning. It is hoped that CAPS will develop a more systematic, continuous system of recordkeeping for monitoring the development of student competencies. A township education development programme has also been carried out in Nyaung Lay Bin township. The training of primary school teachers is undertaken by 13 Teacher Training Schools (TTS), but a rapid increase in the number of primary schools during the 1980s required new teachers to go straight to work without any pre-service training. As a result, the TTS had to integrate their regular pre-service programmes into the annual in-service classes. Since the TTS could train only 3,000 in-service teacher annually, 67% of primary school teachers were not trained in 1991. The current plan for upgrading the correspondence teacher training course into a more effective distance learning system should not only reduce the backlog of untrained teachers, but also increase the training capacity of the TTS. Pre-service programmes are expected to be revived soon. The literacy campaign has been an important ingredient of Myanmar's education strategy. Due to the voluntary contributions of university students, much has been accomplished since 1965. However, with the termination of the literacy campaign in 1988, it is likely that the actual functional literacy rate is considerably lower than the figure of 78% reported by the 1983 Census, and declining. Since 1988, the Myanmar Education Research Bureau (MERB) has designed innovative non-formal education programmes in 6 pilot townships based on the Asia Pacific Programme of Education for All (APPEAL). This UNICEF-assisted programme seeks to promote literacy and life skills that are conducive to a market-oriented economy. A Non-Formal Education Council and Department are required for long-term implementation. The estimated coverage of various types of pre-school and day-care facilities is less than 2% of children under 5. The Department of Social Welfare runs 41 day-care centres and 20 pre-primary schools throughout the country and subsidizes 609 community-run voluntary day care centres. These facilities must be improved through training programmes for pre-school teachers, specialized teachers, and supervisors. The standards for childcare techniques and management of the facilities must be clearly defined, and manuals and learning materials developed. Many other voluntary day care centres and private pre-primary schools are operating in the country, but their exact number is not known. In view of the inadequacy of existing facilities, a two-prong strategy has been developed: the formation of community-based self-reliant ECD centres promoting the development of the "whole child," and a parenting education initiative designed to raise the awareness of parents about the importance of children's cognitive, social, and psychological development as well as their physical growth. Two pilot projects are currently operating. Children in Especially Difficult Circumstances The prevalence of children in especially difficult circumstances (CEDC) in Myanmar has achieved greater recognition during the past few years. Myanmar categorises CEDC as follows: institutionalized children; abandoned children; child labourers; child prostitutes; street children; and disabled children. CEDC is a new and relatively unfamiliar field in Myanmar. Because no studies have been conducted and the infrastructure for delivering social services is weak, initiatives to address the needs of CEDC will have to be innovative and opportunistic in character. (NLM 5/28) II MYANMAR GOALS FOR CHILDREN AND WOMEN IN THE 1990'S The World Summit Declaration articulated 7 major goals and various supporting sectoral goals for implementation by all countries. Myanmar is committed to achieving these global goals as well as three additional national goals. Health 1a Reducing the Infant Mortality Rate from 94 to 50 per 1,000 live births. 1b Reducing the Under 5 Mortality Rate from 147 to 70 per 1,000 live births. 2 Reducing the Maternal Mortality Rate from 140 to 70 per 100,000 live births. 3 Eradicating polio. 4 Eliminating neonatal tetanus by 1995. 5 Reducing measles cases by 90% and deaths due to measles by 95% from the 1990 levels by 1995. 6 Achieving a 90% Expanded Programme on Immunisation coverage rate against the 6 childhood (EPI) diseases and against tetanus among women 15-49 years old. 7 Reducing deaths due to diarrhoea by 50% and diarrhoea incidence by 25% among children under 5. 8 Reducing deaths due to Acute Respiratory Infection (ARI) by 33% from 1990 levels. 9 Increasing the rate of pregnant women's access to pre-natal, safe delivery, and referral services from 68% to 100%. 10 Providing universal access to information and services relating to birth spacing. 11 Providing universal access to a basic list of 30 essential drugs. 12 Providing access to information about and preventive measures against HIV/ AIDS to all at-risk groups. 13 Providing access to information, preventive measures, and adequate treatment for malaria to all at-risk groups. Nutrition 14aReducing the rate of severe malnutrition from 11% to 5% among children under 3. 14bReducing the rate of severe and moderate malnutrition from 37% to 19% among children under 3. 15 Reducing the rate of low birth weight from 24% to 10%. 16 Reducing iron deficiency anaemia among women aged 14-49 by one third of 1990 levels. 17 Eliminating iodine deficiency disorders. 18 Eliminating Vitamin A deficiency and its consequences, including blindness. 19 Enabling all women to breast-feed exclusively for 4 to 6 months and to continue breast-feeding, with complementary food, well into the second year. 20 Dissemination of knowledge and supporting services to increase food production to ensure household food security. 21 Increasing the rate of monthly growth monitoring and promotion activities for children under 3 from 32% to 100%. Safe Water Supply and Excreta Disposal 22 Increasing access to safe drinking water from 32% to 100%. 23 Increasing access to safe means of human excreta disposal from 36% to 100%. Basic Education and Child Development 24aEnsuring universal access to basic education by increasing the net primary school enrolment rate from 62% to 100%. 24bIncreasing the completion rate for basic education from the present 25% to 80%. 25 Reducing the adult illiteracy rate from 22% to 11% among those aged 15-45 years. 26 Increasing access to Early Childhood Development (community-based) services from 2% to 25% among 3-5 year old children. 27 Increasing awareness of Facts for Life among all families. Children in Especially Difficult Circumstances 28 Improving the situation of children in especially difficult circumstances by increasing the proportion of such children provided with adequate protective services. III IMPLEMENTATION, STRATEGIES AND APPROACHES Seven complementary general strategies are applied in the NPA. Specific activities will employ these strategies to realize the global and national goals. General Strategies 1. Universalization Ongoing projects that are doable, affordable and have demonstrated maximum impact will be implemented on a nation-wide basis in order to cover the entire target population. This strategy will be employed in the following activities: immunization, breast-feeding practices, growth monitoring, water supply, sanitation, etc. 2 Disparity reduction For geographical and other reasons, a number of 'unreached' or 'hard to reach' populations have not had access to services. Some projects must address particular target groups and be implemented in selected areas, population groups or classes in order to reduce disparities e.g., Vitamin A deficiency, residential schools, gravity-flow water supply systems, and goiter control. 3. Convergence In selected rural, urban and border areas, special efforts will be made to deliver simultaneously to a common target population several conceptually linked interventions that are otherwise delivered by different ministries. Most notably, water supply and sanitation facilities will be linked with health and education projects. 4. System capacity building and quality assurance The capacity of the sectoral systems to handle the required tasks and to deliver in all programme phases will be created or strengthened to ensure the quality and successful implementation of projects and activities. 5. Demand creation Utilization of services will be improved by increasing community awareness of their utility and value, especially in health, water supply and sanitation, and education. 6. Innovative approaches More affordable and efficient approaches to programme implementation will be devised and tested to maximise utilisation of resources and impact. Low-cost, high-impact technology that is appropriate for specific topographical and climatic conditions and sustainable at the local level will be used whenever possible. 7. Advocacy and social mobilization First call for children and support for mothers will be advocated at all levels of the government. In addition, communities and concerned groups will be mobilized to increase available resources and to harness the spirit of volunteerism for the achievement for programme objectives. Sectoral Strategies 1. Health and Nutrition 1.1 Universalization and Extension of the Child Survival Project Through a set of activities, this project addresses most of the national goals at the first level of care and will gradually be extended to all remaining townships (109). It will require additional human resources and physical infrastructure. The following services will be provided to the target population, which includes children under five, mothers and pregnant women: -- Immunization of all children under one and pregnant women -- Growth promotion and growth monitoring -- Monthly feeding advice for malnourished mothers and children -- Iron and folic acid tablet supplementation -- Delivery by trained personnel -- Postnatal care -- Treatment of malaria -- Diarrhoea management -- Selective and rehabilitative feeding of children to 36 months -- Selective deworming -- Detection of high-risk pregnancy -- Tetanus Toxoid immunization -- ARI and TB control -- Provision of high-potency vitamin A capsules -- Birth spacing -- Risk screening for obstetric cases -- Communication, information and advocacy. Acute Respiratory Infection, Control of Diarrhoeal Diseases, and Safe Motherhood will be addressed at the primary care level, with adequate support at the secondary level. 1.2 Strengthening of Primary Health Care Services Recognizing that improved health and the NPA goals can be achieved only if appropriate and timely health care services are readily accessible to the majority of the population, Myanmar will work for effective peripheral health centres in both urban and rural areas. Universal access to at least the rural health sub-centre level will be assured by the year 2000. This goal will be achieved by: (i) Building up basic health capacity, not only adequate physical infrastructure but also properly trained and motivated staff. (ii) Making available essential drugs and supplies on a timely basis, and assuring their rational use. (iii) Systematizing the community financing that already exists and ensuring that communities manage the system. These measures will help to ensure that the local costs of providing health services are met. 1.3 Capacity Building at the Secondary Level: A Package of Priority Services. 1.3.1 Safe Motherhood Since a basic package of services for pregnant women will be provided by the Child Survival Project, the Safe Motherhood Project will carry out the following interventions at the township and division levels: -- Emergency obstetrical care -- Provision of contraceptive information and methods after delivery -- Management of complicated pregnancies -- Monitoring of high-risk pregnancies 1.3.2. Management of Acute Respiratory Infections The ARI project will be extended from seven townships to all 318 townships by the year 2000. While the Child Survival Project provided basic interventions at the grass-root level, township an divisional hospitals will be supported through the following training programmes for Medical Officers: case management and programme management, oxygen delivery systems, and proper essential drugs. In addition to the Information, Education and Communication component implemented by midwives, a broader media campaign on prevention and home and community management of ARI will be launched. 1.3.3 Diarrhoea Management The secondary level will be reinforced through training programmes for TMOs in case management and programme management. As part of the CDD Programme, private practitioners, representing two thirds of medical doctors, will undergo refresher training and become advocates for proper case management. Diarrhoea Training Units will be established in seven state and divisional hospitals. Local production and equitable distribution of Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS) will be strengthened. Oral rehydration therapy in homes and health facilities will be encouraged. 1.4 Universal Salt Iodation Iodation of all salt produced in the public and private sectors, including salt consumed by livestock, will be achieved by 1995. This project will be supported by new legislation and means of enforcement. Monitoring of iodine in salt used by consumers will be ensured by the Ministry of Health. A large communication campaign is required to ensure that the public understands the importance of consuming iodated salt. From 1992 to 1995, iodated salt will be distributed in 93 townships at the same price as common salt. For smaller pockets of iodine deficiency, and while universal iodation of salt is being established, iodized salt will be provided for immediate protection of women and children. (NLM 5/30) 1.5 Specific Disease Control Projects 1.5.1 AIDS The problem of AIDS will be tackled through the following activities: (i) Conducting a national campaign on on AIDS to inform the general public about the AIDS epidemic, its prevention, and necessary behaviour changes; and use of the mass media and peer group discussions to inform general practitioners and intravenous drug users about the risks and dangers of AIDS. (ii) Strengthening the present Sexually Transmitted Diseases teams and increasing the number of STD clinics, particularly in border areas; and providing clinics with appropriate drugs and means of prevention. (iii) Screening of blood for safe blood transfusions. (iv) Taking strict precautions for the sterilisation of syringes and needles through legislation, if necessary. 1.5.2. Management of Drug Resistant Malaria Interventions will strengthen the secondary level through provision of necessary drugs for effective treatment of drug resistant cases. In the coming years, the malaria project will concentrate on identifying areas where drug resistant malaria is dominant, the type of vector that transmits this protozoa, vector control in these areas, and preventive measures (such as use of impregnated bednets). Effective health education should address the dangers of malaria, its symptoms and the rational use of drugs for treating it. 2. Water Supply and Sanitation 2.1 Institutional Adjustments for Achieving the Water and Sanitation Goals 2.1.1 Strengthening Government Infrastructure Strengthening the public infrastructure, including formation of a central body to provide leadership for achieving the decade goals, is urgently needed. Among other things, this central authority will promote the use of data management and information systems, provide effective monitoring and quality control, and advocate increased resource allocation to the sector. 2.1.2. Involvement of the Private Sector The involvement of the private sector on a large scale is crucial. The limited role of private entrepreneurs at present (e.g., water supply system design, physical implementation, handpump manufacture, etc.) is clearly inadequate and falls well below capacity. 2.1.3. Community Involvement Community participation is also essential on a number of fronts: hygiene education, the establishment and financing of water supply and sanitation systems, and their management and maintenance. To create a sense of ownership, communities should be apprised of the benefits of such systems and an appropriate cost-sharing component should be developed. Communities should also be required to ensure at least a minimal level of operational efficiency in relation to costs and technologies. 2.2 Technologies to Be Applied Appropriate low-cost, high-impact and sustainable technologies must be used to the fullest extent possible. Technologies that are appropriate to the country's four major geographical zones have already been identified, but they must be applied on a broader scale to attain full coverage. 3. Education and Early Childhood Development 3.1 Access to Primary Education Strategies for improving access to primary education include school mapping exercises to identify inefficiencies in the present distribution of schools and ways to reach the currently unserved populations. A new Education Management Information System will also be developed and installed in order to obtain systematic feedback from all primary schools. Access to schooling for all children in remote and border areas will be undertaken through the construction of new schools and, for example, the creation of residential (boarding) schools for children scattered across rural areas. Moreover, new standards will be adopted to make primary schooling accessible to all school-aged children residing within a certain distance of townships. 3.2 Primary School Curriculum A curriculum centre with a separate curriculum unit for primary education will be established to develop curricula, syllabi, textbooks and other learning aids. Extension training to assist curriculum developers in the production of relevant and stimulating child-centered materials will be an integral part of the process of curriculum reform. The development of learning materials will account for a major portion, after salaries, of the overall basic education budget. Finally, primary education will be established as a separate division of the Department of Basic Education, with its own distinct aims, objectives, and outcomes. 3.3 Continuous Assessment Assessment techniques that measure the cognitive and non-cognitive skills of students will be developed. The continuous assessment process in primary schools will be based on the development of new textbooks that reflect student-centered curriculum goals and promote process- and activity-based learning. In other words, continuous assessment will be one of the key functions of the basic education system. A core steering group will be responsible for implementing continuous assessment at DBE, and core sub-groups will be appointed to study each major aspect of primary education (curriculum, textbooks and learning aids, pedagogy, classroom management, assessment and supervision) in order to redesign and improve the curriculum, teaching and assessment methods, and learning materials. 3.4 Teacher Training Key strategies will include redefinition of the purpose, scope, content and length of teacher training courses. Moreover, the Ministry of Education will establish interdepartmental committees to improve coordination of teacher training and primary school curriculum development, textbook design and production, and school supervision. In order to reach the large number of untrained teachers, distance education will be established through the dissemination of audio visual lessons and more effective use of correspondence courses. 3.5 Supervision The roles of the Assistant Township Education Officers will shift from that of inspectors to pedagogical counsellors. New orientation and training courses will be designed to prepare the ATEOs for the changes that are needed. Primary School heads will also be included in this staff orientation and training at Teacher Training Schools throughout the country. 3.6 Functional Literacy Institutional development and capacity building are essential if far-reaching literacy programmes are to be developed and sustained. A non-formal education council will be established to co-ordinate a variety of non-formal education projects. Monasteries, NGOs and other voluntary agencies from the non-state sector will be involved in delivering literacy programmes. Educational research will focus on the public demand for functional literacy and on population groups - especially women and other vulnerable groups - that would benefit most from literacy programmes. Finally, extensive training on all aspects of literacy programmes will be carried out, and many coordinating and teaching functions will be delegated to regional and township authorities. 3.7 Early Childhood Development (ECD) 3.7.1 Inter-disciplinary supervisory means Given the multi-dimensional character of ECD, future ECD programming will be multi-sectoral. With Department of Social Welfare as the focal point, inter-disciplinary supervisory teams (including doctors, health workers, members of the Maternal and Child Welfare Association, educators, and administrators) will be organised to support and monitor community-based ECD activities. (NLM 5/31) Universities and Colleges May 19: Government Notification No. 10/ 94 of May 19 establishes the following three new cooperative colleges under Section 3 of the 1973 University Education Law: Central Cooperative College Yangon Cooperative Regional College Mandalay Cooperative Regional College They will be administered by the Ministry of Cooperatives. (NLM 5/20) May 23: The Higher Education Department issued an Announcement on applying for entrance to universities and colleges for 1994-95. Those who passed the BEHS A list in 1993 and who will attend the University of Distance Education (UDE) for 1994-95 and those who will attend university and college courses opening at the beginning of 1995 can obtain application forms, mark lists and guidebooks at the supervisors of the respective examination centers, beginning May 27. Those who passed before 1993 and had not applied for higher education may obtain guidebooks at the centres on application to the UDE or Workers College or Mandalay University Evening Courses. Graduates of four-year regular teachership courses at the University for Development of National Races at equal level with those who passed the BEHS in A list can get documents and guidebooks at the offices of State/Division Education Officers. Documents and guidebooks cost K 16 per head. Applications and transcripts must be set to the Higher Education Department by June 17, 1994. (NLM 5/24) Publications May 13: The bi-monthly Student's Digest published by the English Language Committee of the Nay La Education Services Cooperative Society Ltd. of the Ministry of Cooperatives will appear beginning June 1. The digest in two levels--for primary/middle and for high schools--is available at the Myawady Ltd. book-shop on Sule Pagoda Road and the News and Periodicals Enterprise book-shop on Pansodan St., at K 5 per copy. A one-year subscription may be obtained by sending K 100 to Circulation Manager, Nay La ESCS Ltd., 24 Mandalay St., Mingala Taungnyunt Township, Yangon. (NLM 5/14) May 15: The Encyclopaedia Myanmanica Yearbook 1994 was published. The 328 page book is available at Sarpay Beikman Bookshop at K 100 per copy. (NLM 5/16) Computers Apr. 30: Computer Course No. 1/94 for Tatmadaw Officers and Other Ranks concluded with an address by SLORC Secretary-2 Lt-Gen. Tin Oo, who said "companies which are involved in importing and selling computers and related equipment and offering computer courses should not work mainly on profit motive but with the goodwill to distribute high quality computers at reasonable prices and to enhance dissemination of techniques in the country." (NLM 5/1) Planned Closure of Tuition Schools May 4: SLORC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt, Chairman of the Myanmar Education Committee, addressed State/Division Education Officers at the Higher Education Department, in a meeting attended by various other Ministers and top Government officials. "In his address, the Secretary-1 said he is pleased to learn that points contained in his address at a similar meeting in January 1994 are taken as guides and being implemented in States and Divisions. "He indicated that in the sphere of education today is being influenced by tuition [sic] and good teachers have come under criticism because of a selfish few. He said because of tuition there may arise situations which can harm unity at work in the classrooms and disturb peaceful pursuit of education. Officials concerned of the Ministry of Education have to provide supervision at all levels to do away with tuition, he said.... "The programme to do away with tuition, he said, is to preserve the dignity of the entire sphere of education. "With the objective of enabling teachers to discharge their duties with peace of mind, he said, ten cooperative societies limited were formed the previous day for education personnel. More will continue to be formed in all the States and Divisions including Yangon Division, he said.... "He quoted the Senior General [Than Shwe] as saying that as students at basic education schools are not taught properly they have to rely on tuition, that as students are not taught fully during the prescribed period the teacher cannot cover the entire syllabus, and that students therefore should be taught fully during the prescribed period thereby covering the entire syllabus. "Secondly, he quoted the Senior General as saying that discipline at schools is lax and in the middle of the school year only about 50 per cent of the students attend classes; discipline is to be enforced collectively, conscious of duty. "Thirdly, he again quoted the Senior General as saying that observance of discipline at the universities and colleges is also lax and students have had to take tuition. Discipline is to be enforced and students are to be taught well. All faculty members are to tach the students with cetana. All personnel are to provide supervision at different levels and enforce discipline. "Fourth, the Secretary-1 quoted the Senior General as stressing the need to bring about quantitative to qualitative improvement in education and sufficient supply of teaching aids. "Fifthly, he quoted the Senior General as advising that schools are to be upgraded only where it is necessary.... "In taking measures to do away with tuition, he said, other ways and means are to be applied in addition to formation of cooperative societies limited to ease the food, clothing and shelter needs of education personnel. He called for discussions and suggestions for such programmes.... "In making changes in basic education curriculum, emphasis is being placed on seeing that contributes to vitalizing patriotism and consolidating the Union spirit, he said. "He noted that tuitions come into vogue as students give greater priority to passing examinations and gaining high marks than being educated. Efforts should be made to adopt attitudes that being educated is more important than gaining distinctions. He pointed out that emphasis must be placed on teaching the students to be truly educated. For teachers' extra income, formation of cooperative societies limited is one means, and other should also be sought, he said...." (NLM 5/5) May 5: Editorial: A long, hard look. [Those few, or more than a few {bad teachers}, must not become the whipping boy, for there is more to it than avarice, for tuition itself involves two sides to it, demand and supply.... If children are taught sufficiently in school, with proper teacher-pupil ratio, with teachers not distracted by extra-mural activities, with teachers teaching the full length of the syllabus, then it might merit concluding children will learn as much as they should. The Secretary-1 has also found it advantageous to quote Senior General Than Shwe's observation that discipline in schools is lax and that by the middle of the academic year, half the number of pupils in most classes is absent. True. They were either doing private study at home or getting some special coaching in order to get high marks and distinctions. No pupil would like to spend extra time anywhere else after school or at weekends doing extra school work if it could have been done at school. No sane parent would eke out from meagre savings and send the children to private tuition if that could be helped. Just because children convince parents that they could get a few extra marks for a few extra hundred kyats, they had resorted to doing it. Now, all teachers in all schools are going to give all the attention their pupils need in class. All teaching is going to be in school. More relevant to the situation, the authorities are going to give the curriculum a long, hard look. Parents, and children, have been feeling the load in high school may be much of a burden on the child when too many subjects are taught and just a few questions are asked at exam time. This merits review in all fairness.... The lot of teachers is going to be alleviated with the opening of the Education Employee Cooperative in the first instance, with presumably more help in the future for they, too, must make ends meet."] May 18: Four Township Education Employee Cooperative Societies were formed in Aungmyethazan, Chanayethazan, Maha-aungmye and Chanmyathazi Townships in Mandalay. (NLM 5/19) May 20: Speaking to Yangon officials and teachers, SLORC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt "disclosed that a plan is being drafted to root out tuition organized by education personnel with the aim of upholding good reputation of the education sector through management means." (NLM 5/21) May 22: On a tour of Bago, Mandalay, Sagaing, and Magway Divisions from May 13-21, Minister for Education U Pan Aung "stressed the important role of teachers to nurture youths to become reliable leaders who will be loyal to the State, pointing out the moral decline in connection with private tuition in schools. He said tuition is getting out of hand involving primary to higher education level, noting that the pursuit of education is like buying and selling. Even degrees are being purchased, causing to sow discord among students and teachers, he observed. The Minister said that if the situation is not brought under control, the standard of education will decline.... The Minister also dealt with arrangements being made for education personnel to earn sufficient income...." (NLM 5/23) MISCELLANEOUS Sunday and Holiday Supplements -- in each Sunday supplement: ----- Special Projects The following projects have been approved by the Special Projects Implementation Committee on 8-2-94 for further development of the country. Six Bridges: 1. A bridge across River Ayeyarwady near the town of Pyay, 2. A bridge across River Thanlwin near the town of Hpa-an, 3. A bridge across Myaungmya River near the town of Myaungmya, 4. A bridge across Toe River near the town of Maubin, 5. A bridge across River Chindwin on the Chaung-U-Pakokku railway line, 6. A bridge across Myitthar River on Pakokku-Kalay railway line. Twelve Dams: 1. The Mon Chaung Dam in Tatkon Township, 2. The Taungtha Dam in Taungtha Township, 3. The Weilaung Dam in Taungtha Township, 4. The Zeedaw Dam in Nwahtogyi Township, 5. The North Pinle Dam in Myingyan Township, 6. The Pinn Chaung Dam in Kyaukpadaung Township, 7. The Sinthe Dam in Tatkon Township, 8. The Thamekku Dam in Taungtha Township, 9. A series of Daungthe weir dams in Yenangyaung Township, 10. The Yaw Chaung Dam in Pauk Township, 11. The Nankathu Dam in Ingapu Township, 12. The Taungnyo Dam in Nattalin Township. ------ May 1,8,15,22,29: Let us rally around the Tatmadaw, build and defend the country, by Minye Kaungbon. [Cont. (36) Racial breakdown of Myanmar population. The twenty-five most numerous (1989 projection of 1983 census) are: Bamar (27,000,000); Kayin (2,500,000); Shan (2,100,000); Rakhine (1,600,000); Mon (1,000,000); Chin (730,000); Pa-O (470,000); Kachin (340,000); Palaung (300,000); Danu (220,000); Lahu (179,000); Innthar (130,000); Akhar (100,000); Wa (350-000 to 400,000); Kokang (77,000); Naga (73,000); Kayan (70,000); Kayah (64,000); Rawan (41,000); Taungyoe (41,000); Mro (34,000); Khamwi (23,000); Kadu (21,000); Maru (Lawgaw) (20,000). Other groups are under 20,000. Need for unity. [(37) British testimony to Myanmar resistance to colonial rule; exploitation of Kayins. [(38) Excerpt from 1948 report of the Regional Autonomy Enquiry Commission, on the races of Myanmar, concluding that all are "descendents of Mongols," and are divided into three families: Mon-Khmer (Mon, Palaung, Wa), Tibeto-Burman (Bamar, Rakhine, Kachin, Chin), and Tai-Chinese (Shan, Kayin, Taungthu). [(39) Excerpts from a Bamar report rebutting the Mon and Kayin claims on the Commission. [(40) Additional excerpts; why Karens and Mons should not be allowed to have separate states.] May 1: -- The Hidden Pleasures of Burma, by Melissa Ward. [Travel article from Travel Focus, reprinted by NLM.] -- The emerging Myanma economic zone, by Paungde Min Thein. [Development in Upper Myanmar.] -- Standard housing projects for city dwellers, by Reporter Thant Zin. [Proposals of the Department of Human Settlement and Housing Development for high-quality apartment houses.] -- Pilot project for bringing about all-round rural development, by Khayan Soe Myint. [Project in three villages in Yangon, Bago, and Mandalay divisions. Visit to one of them.] -- Summer paddy for surplus in paddy, by Ye Myint Swe. [Push to increase irrigated summer paddy which "produces a better yield than monsoon paddy. It gets more sunlight and since there is no wind and rain it gives a better yield."] May 8,15: -- Circular railway diesel engines successfully reconditioned, by Ahtet Minhla Nyunt Aung. [Repairs on Yangon commuter line.] May 8: -- Let us work together in restoration of verdure to Myanmar, by Minbu Aung Kyaing. [Deforestation around Bagan area.] -- Kokko nut fuel to substitute petrol, by Shwe Nagar Tin Win. [Inventor claims oil from kokko nuts can be distilled for fuel. Write to U Toe Nyunt, 3rd Ward, Zagargyi, Zagargyi Post Office.] -- Summer paddy that has turned Ayeyar golden yellow, by Aung San (Agriculture). [Summer paddy projects promoted.] -- Bayint Naung Bridge to assist regional development, by Tekkatho Chit Swe. [Almost completed new bridge across Hline River between Yangon and Hlinethayar.] -- Maenyo Hill which will become lush and verdant, by Aung Htay (Mahlaing). [New forest project.] -- Let us grow trees to turn the land lush and green, by Myint Lwin Thein (Pyawbwe). [Tree planting project in Pyawbwe Township.] May 15: -- Boosting capacity to produce power tillers: IRRI PT-3 Power Tiller, by Shwe Nagar Tin Win. [Need for small agricultural machines.] -- Nankathu reservoir to irrigate and generate power, by Win Nyunt Aung. [Power project in Ingapu Township of Hinthada District.] -- Inland freight handling workers provided with social security, by Kyaw Kyaw. [History of provisions for these workers, who were unprotected until the Caretaker Government in 1958.] -- Summer paddy challenge to heat of summer, by Aung San (Agriculture). [More on summer paddy.] -- Success achieved in fish breeding, by Thein Mya Lwin. [Visit to fish nursery in Shwepyitha Township.] May 22: -- Summer paddy of Shwe Mayin area in Twantay Township, by Nyein Aung (Taze) [Visit to area.] -- Yaw Chaung reservoir project, by Ahtet Minhla Nyunt Aung. [Project in Pauk Township {Magway} that will irrigate 2,000 acres and generate 6.5 kwh of electricity.] -- Social security for freight handling workers, by Kyaw Kyaw. [Survey of current benefits.] -- Sea fishing Industry: Our water, our fish, our wealth, by Maung Ko Win. [Since 1968 fish resources, and maximum sustainable yields, have been being calculated. Following are results: Rakhine: 439,850 fish tons; MSY 274,500 Ayeyarwady: 792,150 fish tons; MSY 456,250 Tanintharyi: 528,350 fish tons; MSY 307,000 TOTAL: 1,760,350 fish tons; MSY 1,037,750 "Foreign fishing vessels are given the right to fish only in reserved economic zone and Joint Venture fishing vessels are given the right to fish only in territorial waters.... No foreign fishing vessel is permitted to fish in the seas lying between the coast line and the base line which have the largest stocks of fish. This area is reserved for nationals to fish freely. This will make it clear that Myanmar is not wantonly selling fishing rights away as some malicious elements allege.... The business of permitting foreign fishing vessels to fish in Myanmar waters, however, is not altogether snag-free.... There are also dishonest elements who operate under duplicate licenses, who operate with a duplicate of a licensed fishing vessel, who operate in fishing compartments where they should not, who use fishing equipment prohibited under the terms of the license, and those who simply come in and steal fish without any license.... Action was taken against 175 fishing vessels in the year 1991-92, 181 vessels in 1992-93, and 137 vessels in the year 1993-94.... It is now over ten years since work began to evaluate the extent of Myanmar sea resources.... In 1991-92, a foreign concern offered to make a survey free of cost and it was therefore permitted to survey coastal fish stocks. But the operation had to be halted because the foreign concern became too businesslike. A survey by our own researchers, using our own resources, is now under way. But time will have to be given to this operation...."] -- Thingangyun Sanpya Hospital, by Reporter Win Kyi. [New 300-bed K 370 million hospital to serve the over 200,000 people in the Township.] -- Success in developing Chauk Township, by Kyaw Zaw Lin (Magway). [Summary of progress.] May 29: -- Social and educational benefits for freight handling workers, by Kyaw Kyaw. [Further discussion of welfare benefits.] -- A machine that makes faggots out of paddy husks, by Ahtet Minhla Nyunt Aung. [Information on a new low-technology process.] -- Myanma Agriculture and Maykhala's help, by Shwe Nagar Tin Win. [A new low-technology "mini-bukkdozer".] -- Pyinmana-Pinlaung development road, by Tin Maung Than (Industry). [Visit to project which will reduce road distance from 200 to 70 miles.] -- Roads being expanded as befitting capital city, by Tekkatho Chit Swe. [New roads in Yangon area.] -- Direct seeding of paddy and producing 800 million baskets, by Min Soe (Agriculture). [New methods that eliminate transplanting, and, by planting in rows, permit use of machinery.] -- Success achieved in growing maize, by Maung Kyee Maung. [Visit to Htaukkyant agriculture station in Mingaladon Township, Yangon, and the plantation of the Union Solidarity and Development Association.] Crime May 10: A forger who tried to withdraw K 250,000 from the Myanma Economic Bank on Apr. 14 has been arrested. (NLM 5/11) May 13: Two men were arrested in Tachilek on May 9 for smuggling artifacts "from Myanmar to Mesai in the other country." A variety of them were found May 11 in a Mesai warehouse and returned, including a variety of Buddha statues [details]. (NLM 5/14) // May 18: The artifacts, including a bronze Buddha statue, 32 brick Buddha statues, a reclining Buddha, 5 Bhumiphasamudra Buddha statues, 41 small bronze bells, 12 bronze Hintha figures, 9 statues of Arahats, 2 wooden sculptures of lions, 1 open-ended glass mosaic Shan long drum, 2 ancient scales, and 2 treatises, were returned to Director-General Dr. Ye Tut of the Archaeology Department. (NLM 5/19) May 27: A gold chain robber was nabbed red-handed by the people in Yankin Township, Yangon. He used a 10-inch dagger to seize a gold chain worth K 7,800 from Daw Sanda Win, 32. (NLM 5/28) Anti-Narcotics Activities Apr. 30: During March 1994, the Tatmadaw seized 47.9 kilos of opium, 0.2 kilo of heroin, 1.7 litres of Phensedyl, and 29.5 kilos of marijuana. The Police seized 247.6 kilos of opium (47 cases), 22.0 kilos of heroin (196 cases), 162.3 litres of Phensedyl (20 cases), 18.0 kilos of marijuana (29 cases), 0.0002 kilo of pure opium (2 cases), 15 litres of Mesadyl (1 case), 2.9 litres of Phensedyl [sic] (3 cases); it exposed 135 cases of failure to register for treatment and 32 other narcotics-related cases. Also, the Police in collaboration with the Tatmadaw, seized 14.3 kilos of heroin (3 cases), 87.6 kilos of opium (1 case), 2.3 cases of marijuana (3 cases), and 77.3 litres of Phensedyl (3 cases); it exposed a total of 465 cases involving 529 men and 91 women. (NLM 5/1) Apr. 30: 13.4 kilos of Kyathnakaung Kabalon-brand heroin, 77.6 kilos of raw opium, and heroin labels were seized near Tachilek on Mar. 25 in a vehicle coming from Kengtung. 15.45 kilos of raw opium were seized Mar. 7 in Mohnyin Township. 508 bottles of Phensedyl were seized Mar. 8 in Monywa Township. 0.2 kilo of heroin and 0.009 kilo of opium were seized Apr. 21 in Kyaukme Township. (NLM 5/1) May 1: 29.5 kilos of raw opium were seized in Pyawbwe Township on Mar. 22. 8.2 kilos of raw opium were seized Feb. 24 in Mohnyin Township. (NLM 5/2) May 9: Effectiveness of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Law, by KMO. [Various law cases under the Law.] May 11: 43.9 litres of Phensedyl were seized in Kalay Township on May 2. (NLM 5/12) May 13: 23.1 kilos of heroin were seized by a combined anti-terrorist and Tatmadaw intelligence unit on May 8 in Muse Township [Shan]. The group with the drugs "threw a grenade when the combined group tried to stop them. the combined group returned small arms fire." Two of the drug group were killed and six arrested. (NLM 5/14) May 18: 27.2 grammes of heroin were seized May 6 in Shwepyithar, Yangon. 6.4 kilos of opium were seized Apr. 20 on the No. 41 Mandalay-Myitkyina Up train. (NLM 5/19) May 19: 53 bottles of Phensedyl were seized May 4 in Monywa. (NLM 5/20) May 22: 100 bottles of Phencodeine were seized May 18 in Taunggyi. (NLM 5/23) May 23: 3.9 kilos of opium were seized May 3 in Mogaung Township. (NLM 5/24) May 24: Legal feature of the term "possession" under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Law, by K M O. [Court cases interpreting "possession".] May 27: During April 1994, the Tatmadaw seized 56 kilos of opium, 4.1 kilos of heroin, 24.4 litres of Phensedyl, nearly 1 kilo of marijuana, 8 litres of Taradyl, and 0.05 litre of Phencodeine. The Police seized 32 kilos of opium (29 cases), 12.6 kilos of heroin (146 cases), 70.1 litres of Phensedyl (15 cases), 41.5 kilos of marijuana (38 cases), 0.01 kilo of opium oil (2 cases), 0.09 litre of Taradyl (1 case), and 1.26 litres of Comethazine (2 cases). Combined Tatmadaw/Police teams also seized 9.37 kilos of heroin (2 cases), 9.15 kilos of opium (3 cases), and 37.8 litres of Phensedyl (4 cases). Police exposed 382 drug cases, and took action against 517 persons. (NLM 5/28) May 27: 193 bottles of Phensedyl were seized Apr. 8 in Monywa. 2.7 kilos of heroin were seized Apr. 10 in Lashio. 62 bottles of Phensedyl were seized Apr. 10 on a Mandalay-Myitkyina train. 220 bottles of Phensedyl were seized May 23 in Kalay Township. (NLM 5/28) Ex-US Drug Adviser With Khun Sa May 5: NLM photocopies an article and photos from the May 1 Bangkok Post, under the headline "Ex-DEA man now close consort of Khun Sa." Body of article concerns preparations by drug warlord Khun Sa for an expected major Burmese attack in mid-May. He is quoted as saying "The confrontation is at Ban Namchang, Nam Too, Saen Wie, Nam Kham, Maung Tang and Maung Gnae which are located on the eastern side of the Salween." Khun Sa claims to have 20,000 troops. One of the photos shows Khun Sa next to a Westerner in a Khun Sa Army Uniform, with caption "An American identified as Peter Bond, in MTA uniform, is present at the ceremony to see off MTA soldiers. Drug warlord Khun Sa said Bond, 60, was formerly an adviser on narcotics affairs in the US Government under President Jimmy Carter." The article says "An American dressed in military uniform was seen during the ceremony. Peter Bond, as identified by Khun Sa, was a former consultant of the US Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) who retired from the service. 'At one time, he treated me as a drug kingpin. Now he just comes and has some meals with me,' Khun Sa said. He refused to elaborate." (NLM 5/5) May 12: According to the Bangkok Post of May 3 {photocopy}, the Thai police will arrest Carter's former drug advisor Peter Bourne, since "He appears to have crossed the Burmese border illegally from Thailand." A US Embassy spokesman in Bangkok said "He is not in Burma on any official business of the United States Government. As far as we are concerned Khun Sa is the single biggest heroin dealer in Burma--and we have warrants out for his arrest." Bourne had been fired as presidential adviser on narcotics "after allegedly abusing his position." He is rumoured to have re-entered Thailand and to have departed on a US-bound flight on Sunday night." (NLM 5/13) Peter Bourne Responds May 12: Letter to the Bangkok Post {photocopy in NLM} [full text]: Time for talks with Khun Sa SIR: I am writing in connection with the article on Khun Sa that appeared in your May 1 issue. You showed a picture of me speaking with the general's son but misidentified me as 'Peter Bond.' You stated that I had been a consultant to the DEA. I have never worked for the DEA. I served as special assistant to the president of the United States and director of the Office of Drug Abuse Policy in the Carter White House. In my role as the top official formulating and executing drug policy for the United States government, the director of the DEA was one of several agency heads reporting to me. Further, I did not retire, but as a presidential appointee I served only for the president who appointed me during his term in office. My trip to Shan State was aimed in answering, for my own satisfaction, a number of questions: First, is the Shan State independence struggle a legitimate, popularly supported movement with any likelihood of achieving its goals? The answer I found to be a resounding yes. In the last few years, Khun Sa has successfully galvanised under his leadership the many disparate and often warring factions and splintered ethnic groups in the independence struggle. What I found was a unified organization of dedicated people from diverse background determined to defeat the Burmese and established [sic] their own nation; a reality that, sooner or later, Bangkok, Yangon and Washington are going to have to face up to. Second, is Khun Sa capable of delivering on his promise to terminate opium cultivation in Shan State if Burmese troops withdraw, peace is restored, and the international community recognizes the independence aspirations of the Shan people? Again, I believe the answer is yes. The historic reasons for opium cultivation in Shan State and the tradition of taxing it, so warmly embraced by the British, was adopted by all of the independence groups including Khun Sa, as a way of financing the struggle against SLORC. I believe now, he sees the opium trade, especially the international image it has created, as a major impediment to the larger aspirations he has for himself and the people of Stan State. With peace he would have control to carry out his policies throughout the territory, and with peace he could develop the other potential sources of immense wealth in Shan State, making opium growing no longer necessary for the survival of a Shan government and the currently impoverished farmers who grow it. If we accept his proposal then the pressure would really be on him to honour his side of the bargain. Third, I wanted to judge the calibre of the man and whether he was a person of the stature to lead an independent country. I found him to be a person of great charisma and considerable depth. The epithet of 'drug warlord' attached to him by me and others in the past is both simplistic and unfair. He is clearly deeply committed to the cause of Shan independence and is moving dramatically in that direction with dramatic economic development in the areas he controls. I regard him as one of the most impressive national leaders I have met. The time has come, I believe, to begin an open dialogue with Khun Sa, accepting what he has achieved and stands for. To continue to dismiss him merely as a drug trafficker is to perpetuate a self-delusion for which we will ultimately pay heavily. "Peter G. Bourne, MD "Washington, DC" (NLM 5/13) Obituaries [English language obituaries only; there are obituaries in Burmese as well.] Apr. 30: Daw Than Tin (a) Mrs. Anne Khin Maung Gyi, wife of Sithu Thiripyanchi U Khin Maung Gyi, retired ECAFE Adviser, died in Bangkok, aged 78. [Christian] (NLM 5/2) // May 4: She was buried in the Christian Cemetery, Samprang, Bangkok. (NLM 5/10) May 2: Sayadaw Agga Maha Pandita Bhaddanta Vannasiri, Secretary of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee and Presiding Sayadaw of Thanlyin Minkyaung Pahtamabyan Sarthintaik, vassa 55, died at the Defense Services General Hospital in Yangon, aged 74. Biography. [article] (NLM 5/3) May 4: Sayadaw Bhaddanta Aparajita Maha Thera, Chief Patron of Ingapu Kyaungtaik, Letpadan Township, Bago, vassa 62, died, aged 82. (NLM 5/6) May 4: Noel Mg Pe (MPE), son of the late Rt. Rev. Bishop John Mg Pe and Mrs. Ruth Mg Pe, husband of Saw Mai Hmone, died in Yangon, aged 42. [Christian] (NLM 5/6) May 7: U L.J. Kan Gyi, Professor (retired), English Department, Yangon University, died in Yangon, aged 61. [Christian] (NLM 5/8) May 8: Daw Mya Thein (Mandalay), widow of Superintendent of Excise U Ko Gyi, died in Yangon, aged 68. [Christian] (NLM 5/9) May 11: U Nay Lin Aung, C.E. (Mann) C.M.D., MPE, husband of Daw Khin Myo Tint (Ajinomoto), brother of...Dr. Tu Tu Aung (USA)..., died "suddenly" in Yangon, aged 37. (NLM 5/12) May 11: Dr. I. Fong (a) Dr. K. Ling Fong (Pathein), husband of Daw Nway of Daly City, California, USA, died in Daly City, aged 84. (NLM 5/16) May 16: U Yacoob Dawood, husband of Daw Safira Bi, died in Yangon, of heart disease, aged 70. [Muslim] (NLM 5/18) May 19: Zeya Kyaw Htin Col. Aye Maung (Retd), husband of Daw Khin Khin Sein, father of...Daw Tin Moe Aye (Moe)-Mr. Chris Mok (USA)...died in Yangon, aged 75. (NLM 5/20) May 22: Daw Kyin Htay, wife of U Toe Maung, mother of...Maung Sein Wai (a) Steven Phung-Mi Mi Fong (U.S.A.), died in Yangon, aged 73. (NLM 5/25) May 24: Daw Than, widow of Sithu U Aung Chein, died in Yangon, aged 83. (NLM 5/24) May 24: State Ovadacariya Sayadaw Bhaddanta Nyanika, Presiding Sayadaw of the Ayeyarwady Division Einme Township Kanhla Kyaungtaik, vassa 60, died in Yangon, aged 80. [article] (NLM 5/27) May 26: Capt. Tin Bo Hline (a) Michael Yaw Hline (Myanmar Five Star Shipping, Retd.), husband of Daw Cho Cho Win, father of...Tin Hnin Yu (USA)...died in Yangon, aged 53. (NLM 5/27,28) May 27: U Khin Maung (Wakema), Director-General (Retd), FERD, husband of Daw Khin Htay Myint, father of...Dr. Khin Maung Oo (USA.)-Dr. Nyunt Nyunt Wai...died in Yangon, aged 73. (NLM 5/31) Earthquakes May 2: An earthquake of strong intensity (6.3 Richter) was recorded at 23:49:48 local time, with epicentre 1363 miles SE of Yangon. (NLM 5/4) May 3: An earthquake of slight intensity (2.5 Richter) was recorded at 00:00:37 hours, local time, with epicentre about 28 miles from Yangon Seismological Observatory. (NLM 5/4) May 15: An earthquake of slight intensity (4.5 Richter) was recorded at 04:04:13 local time, with epicentre about 213 miles NE of Yangon. (NLM 5/16) May 29: An earthquake of moderate intensity (5.6 Richter) was recorded at 20:45:40 local time, with epicentre about 45 miles W of Minbu. (NLM 5/30) Seven Adrift at Sea Rescued May 4: Seven persons, who on Apr. 27 had hired a sampan to carry 600 posts from Myeik to Yangon, were rescued by the Myanma Port Authority navigation boat Thamada. Their boat had capsized on May 2, and they had drifted for two days, without food or water, on an improvised bamboo raft. Arrangements are being made to send them home. (NLM 5/5) Storm in Rakhine State May 2: A severe cyclonic storm has crossed the coastline north of Maungtaw, Rakhine State. (NLM 5/4) May 6: SLORC Secretary-2 Lt-Gen. Tin Oo visited storm damaged areas of Buthidaung, and Maungtaw in Rakhine State on May 5-6. "He said damages in Buthidaung and Maungtaw are just slight compared with those in the neighbouring country and will be rebuilt immediately." [photo of Maungtaw Township buildings with roofs blown off] (NLM 5/7) May 8: A coordination meeting was held under SLORC Secretary-2 Lt-Gen. Tin Oo for repair of storm damaged buildings in Buthidaung and Maungtaw Townships. "The seasonal storm on 2-5-94 in the area caused damage to certain departmental buildings and dwellings.... Thanks to training courses organized in advance for preparedness against storms, public education and early warnings, the effects of the storm were less than expected, he said. However, he said, damages caused to departmental buildings, schools, hospitals and dispensaries are to be repaired and reconstructed speedily." (NLM 5/9) May 18: A meeting was held at Maungtaw on May 15 to discuss "reconstruction of the storm-hit" town. (NLM 5/19) Train Wreck May 16: The No. 147 Thazi-Loikaw Uptrain was derailed on May 15 "due to technical trouble of the diesel engine" at mile post No. 444/5-6 between Hsaung Pyaung and Kayah Stations in Pinlaung Township. 25 passengers were killed and 38 injured. The engine and one coach overturned, two coaches were off the track, and other derailed. "There were more casualties because coaches carrying bags of rice were packed with passengers as it was a market day." SLORC Secretary-2 Lt-Gen. Tin Oo consoled the injured. (NLM 5/17) Environment Day Stamp May 30: A four-kyat commemorative stamp and First Day Covers will be issued June 5 to mark Environment Day. [photo of stamp] (NLM 5/31) ----- SUBSCRIPTIONS & RENEWALS ATT: Burma Press Summary The Center for East Asian & Pacific Studies University of Illinois 910 South Fifth Street, RM 230 Champaign, IL 61820 Annual Subscriptions: Individuals - US$ 50.00 Institutions - US$ 60.00 Add Postal surcharge for Canada - US$ 2.00 Foreign (surface) - US$ 2.00 Europe (air) - US$ 20.00 Asia (air) - US $ 25.00 [additional charge for US$ check on foreign bank - $5.00] NOTE: Checks should be payable to: University of Illinois, with "Burma Press Summary" annotated on check. Correspondence concerning subscriptions, missing issues, etc., should be sent to the Center for East Asian and Pacific Studies in Champaign, Illinois EDITORIAL CORRESPONDENCE Editorial correspondence, and requests for full texts of articles, should be sent to: Hugh C. MacDougall 32 Elm Street Cooperstown, NY 13326