‘Project Hell-Flower? unveiled in latest move against drug scourge: THE government announced a new opium eradication project last week in a move which followed the highest level talks on counter narcotics measures with the United States since 1988... EU aid helps Cambodia fight poverty, AIDS: THE European Union said last week it was granting Cambodia US$63.2 million in cash for the next three years for spending on rural development, trade and HIV/AIDS... Court sentences hotel murderer: A YANGON man has been sentenced to death for the murder of a Japanese businessman and a Myanmar woman at the Inya Lake hotel earlier this month... Border with Thailand closed: THE government said it had closed checkpoints on the border with Thailand last Wednesday after four military outposts in Shan State came under Thai artillery fire on two consecutive days... No conflict of interest, says Razali: UNITED Nations special envoy to Myanmar, Razali Ismail, last week dismissed allegations of a conflict of interest over a business deal and also said he would soon be making his eighth visit to Yangon since his appointment to the position in 2000... Myanmar responds to US move by calling for encouragement: THE government says it regrets a decision by the United States last week to extend sanctions on Myanmar because the continued embargo could hamper the nation?s transition to democracy... Top economist urges businesses to update accounting standards: MYANMAR businesses need to adopt international accounting standards if they plan to expand their operations overseas, a leading economist has said... Seoul?s man in Yangon upbeat on prospects for investment, tourism: THE newly-appointed South Korean ambassador is confident that Myanmar will attract more investors and tourists from his country... A labour of love wins hearts at art contest: A SURPRISED and delighted U Aung Myint has won the Juror?s Choice award of US$5000 at the finals of the Asean Art Competition, judged in Bali, Indonesia, in early May... Myanmar delegation addresses UN meet: A REPORT on Myanmar?s efforts to prevent the sexual exploitation and abuse of children was presented at a special United Nations conference in New York earlier this month... Seafarers? body inaugurated: A non-government organisation established to protect the interests of merchant seamen was officially inaugurated at a ceremony in Yangon last week... A mat hawker: After the harvest is completed, rice farmer Ko Shwe Bo and his wife load up their bullock cart with the bamboo mats they sell in Shwe Bo district of southern Sagaing Division... Washington offers praise: THE United State has said it was "encouraged" by the government?s decision to grant freedom of movement to the leader of the National League for Democracy, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi... Degree by distance education the choice of 400,000 students: STUDYING for a degree through distance education is becoming the preferred option of an increasing number of students, according to figures provided to Myanmar Times last week... Big construction company wants downtown site for highrise tower: ONE of Myanmar?s biggest construction companies, Olympic, has unveiled plans to build a 22-storey residential and office tower in downtown Yangon... City allocates K150m for drainage system: YANGON City Development Committee has allocated K150 million for improvements to the city?s drainage system this financial year, an increase of K50 million over 2001-2002... Gem fair sales tripled: SALES at the Gem and Jade Emporium which ended in Yangon on May 18 more than tripled the amount realised at the previous event last year... Deadline for motorbikes: YANGON residents who own motorbikes have been told that they will have to be re-registered in districts outside the municipal area by August 1... Another 140,000 trees for Yangon: YANGON City Development Committee intends to plant 140,000 shade and ornamental trees throughout the city this year as part of a long-term project to beautify the capital...