Facts and figures showing the reduction of opium cultivation and production were not gathered by the government of Myanmar, but UNODC in cooperation with local police forces and anti-drug squads Information Committee of State Peace and Development Council holds Press Conference No 7/2005

YANGON, 23 Oct— The Information Committee of the State Peace and Development Council held the Press Conference No 7/2005 on clarifications of matters relating to instigation and allegations with deceitful political polys portraying Myanmar in worst shape from pessimistic point of view calling on the Security Council to act in Myanmar and matters related to the case-496 in which Myanmar Police Force and the National Narcotics Control Commission of the People’s Republic of China seized 992 blocks of heroin weighing 496 kilos at the meeting hall of the Ministry of Information on Theinbyu Road here at 12.30 pm today.

It was attended by Chairman of the Information Committee Minister for Information Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan, Minister for Home Affairs Maj-Gen Maung Oo, Maj-Gen Khin Aung Myint of the Ministry of Defence, deputy ministers, Director General of Myanmar Police Force Brig-Gen Khin Yi, members of the information committee, heads of department, officials of Myanmar Writers and Journalists, U Sein Win of Kyodo News Agency, Patron U Hla Htwe, President U Sao Kai Hpa and members of Myanmar Foreign Correspondents Club, editors of domestic magazines and journals and specially invited guests.

First, Brig-Gen Khin Yi clarified matters pertaining to the case-496 in which Myanmar Police Force and the National Narcotics Control Commission of the People’s Republic of China seized 992 blocks of heroin weighing 496 kilos.

(The clarification of Brig-Gen Khin Yi is reported separately.)

Next, Minister Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan clarified matters relating to instigation and allegations with deceitful political polys portraying Myanmar in worst shape from unpessimistic point of view calling on the Security Council to act in Myanmar.

(The clarification of Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan is reported separately.)

Afterwards, local and foreign journalists raised queries.

In asking questions, U Ko Ko of Yomiuri Shimbun said facts and figures show that the cultivation of opium has been reduced.

But, he said he wanted to know whether the opium cultivation on the ground has actually been reduced since about half a ton of heroin has been seized now. Although the production of opium and heroin has been on the increase, stimulant tablets that can be trafficked easily are penetrating into the human society. That’s why, he said, he would like to know if the State sees the danger of stimulant tablets as a future challenge of the nation and what the government has prepared and is preparing to address this challenge.

In response to the questions, Director General of Myanmar Police Force Brig-Gen Khin Yi said the facts and figures showing the reduction of opium cultivation and production were not gathered by the government of Myanmar, but they were collected by the UNODC in cooperation with local police forces and anti-drug squads after conducting surveys on narcotic drugs in regions of the country. Myanmar has already launched an illicit crops monitoring programme.

According to the programme, UNODC issued a global report that the opium cultivation fell by 29 percent and heroin production by 54 percent from 2002 to 2004. Similarly, according to the data gathered by satellites and sophisticated gadgets, the Crime and Narcotic Centre that was established in 1993 in America reported that the cultivation of opium in Myanmar fell to 81 percent when compared with that year (1993). CNC also reported on the 84 percent reduction of opium production. Brig-Gen Khin Yi said as the above-mentioned reports were issued officially and put on record of World Drug Report, it is sure that Myanmar has seen the significant reduction of its opium cultivation and heroin production.

Generally, it can also be reviewed that the opium production has actually reduced according to the surveys conducted in the 14 states and divisions by local authorities, members of the MPF and anti-drug squads in collaboration with the public. The question about the seizure of about half a ton of heroin in September 2005 should be taken into account regarding the decrease in opium cultivation.

According to formulas, 10 tons of opium is required to produce one ton of heroin. That also means 10 kilos of opium can produce only one kilo of heroin. That is why, he said, the seizure of 496 kilos of heroin accounts for 4960 kilos of opium. As 4.4 kilos of heroin can be produced through the cultivation of one acre of opium, 496 kilos accounts for the cultivation of 1127.27 acres of opium. According to the UNODC it is estimated that there are 67959 acres of opium cultivation in Myanmar. Thus, 1,000 acres is very few when compared with the number of acres mentioned above. Another fact is that the 1,000 acres of opium might be cultivated collectively in a single place or sparsely in many places.

In addition, the seized heroin might be produced in this opium season or other previous seasons. It is questionable whether the amount of seized heroin is large. Brig-Gen Khin Yi said that assessing all the facts, the cultivation and production of opium have actually been reduced to a certain degree.

Concerning how to address the future challenge, he said, the nation as well as the entire world has regarded amphetamine-type stimulant tablets as a future challenge after crushing the danger of narcotics and heroin.

In Myanmar also, after fighting the threat of heroin, the danger of stimulant tablets is coming to a head. He added that the chemicals control committee led by the deputy director general of MPF had been formed. In developing countries like Myanmar, amphetamine-type stimulant tablets cannot be produced because of lack of precursor chemicals. The country has prescribed 25 kinds of controlled chemicals such as Ephedrine and caffeine.

As the nation cannot produce precursor chemicals, no stimulant pills can be produced whatsoever. It is only the duty of the country to prevent inflows of the tablets from neighboring nations. The chemicals control committee comprising representatives of the ministries concerned was formed.

The board supervises the imported chemicals in order not to divert them from proper use. The chemicals can be utilized both in production of narcotic drugs and production of medicine. The CCDAC held workshops on where and how to use chemicals five times in Yangon and two times in Mandalay.

In connection with this, UNODC provided educative videos to the country and the CCDAC distributed Myanmar version videos to border areas and educative talks were held about ten times. Precursor chemicals needed for production of stimulant tablets came from neighboring countries. Control tasks were carried out in order to prevent smuggling of precursor chemicals into the country under the bilateral agreements among Myanmar, China, India and Thailand. Myanmar and China signed MoU on precursor chemical control on 21 September 2001. The government regarded the issue as a future challenge and is undertaking the control tasks.

U Thet Khaing of Myanmar Times journal asked how many persons related to seizure of heroin had been arrested. He continued to ask if the seizure of heroin was the largest single seizure in Myanmar, and what was their final destination.

Director-General of Myanmar Police Force Brig-Gen Khin Yi replied that there were altogether 84 culprits of Myanmar. Two culprits were handed over to the People’s Republic of China. The destination led to Thailand through the border area between Myanmar and China. However, they were arrested in the area of Myanmar.

Seizure of the heroin weighing 496 kilos was the second largest amount in Myanmar. The largest single seizure was in Ye Township, Mon State, in 2004.

At that time, a constable of the police station in Kawtut Village in Ye Township inspected a suspicious person in the region. As a result of the further information, the largest amount of heroin was seized. The amount of the seizure was over 592 kilos of heroin worth about K 47 billion or US$ 74.5 million. The present seizure of the heroin was valued at US$ 62 million.

The press conference ended at 3.15 pm.

Later, the reporters and journalists studied documentary photos displayed at the press conference featuring those who escaped from the forced new recruitment of SSA’s Ywet Sit led insurgents and murders of innocent villagers, organizational tasks and destruction carried out by the SSA, seizure of 496 kilos of heroin and the State’s efforts for development of national races and human resources.

Tatmadaw Government putting into motion its drive for transition to democracy in conformity with way of life of Myanmar society A big power and West bloc cut off humanitarian aid Democracy cannot be introduced overnight

YANGON, 23 Oct— The following is a translation of clarifications made by Minister for Information Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan on matters relating to instigation by some western countries and internal and external destructive elements with deceitful political ploys portraying Myanmar in worst shape from pessimistic point of view calling on the UN Security Council to act in Myanmar at the Press Conference No (7/2005) held today.

I would like to clarify matters relating to instigation made by some western countries and internal and external destructive elements with deceitful political ploys portraying Myanmar in worst shape from pessimistic point of view calling on the UN Security Council to act in Myanmar.

All might have known that Ex-president of Czech Republic Vaclav Havel and Bishop Desmond Tutu of South Africa issued a report titled “Threat to Peace: A Call for the UN Security Council to Act in Myanmar” on 20 September 2005.

In that report, allegations were made lopsidedly that Myanmar’s internal affairs should be assumed as a threat to peace by the Security Council and that conditions show the basic causes for the Security Council’s action are occurring in Myanmar.

Moreover, different geographic and historical backgrounds and conditions are equalized in the report and it is also noted in it that case-by-case evaluation of incidents in Myanmar were much worse than those of Sierra Leone, Afghanistan, Haiti, Yemen, Rwanda, Liberia and Cambodia where the Security Council had to intervene.

The report featured Myanmar’s conditions as constituting a threat to peace and it called for Security Council’s action by hurling lopsided allegations and fabrications.

After perusal, it can be found that the report was based on false information, fabrications and exaggerations collectively made by some western countries, their lackeys opposing Myanmar government and expatriates.

In addition, the report copied lopsided allegations and norms against Myanmar mentioned in annual reports of a big nation with a view to deceiving international community to misunderstand Myanmar’s affairs.

Thus, it can be seen that Havel-Tutu report is not an authentic research paper compiled with sincerity. Yet it is almost absolutely the same as “The Crisis in Burma: An Agenda for the UN Security Council?” submitted to the UNSC on 4-10-2003 by fugitive terrorist Sein Win’s NCGUB (so-called National Coalition Government of Union of Burma) and the Burma Fund. As that attempt of Sein Win’s group failed, they tried again to revive the old scheme. Havel and Tutu were used to draw the attention of UN member countries and international communities. All were conspiracies of expatriates and their western masters. Those papers are also put on display for you journalists to view.

As the Tutu-Havel report is full of allegations and fabrications to tarnish the image of Myanmar and it is not contributing towards Myanmar’s transition to democracy, the Government declared on 29-9-2005 that it did not accept the report absolutely and it strongly rejected it.

Myanmar is not copying the western democracy. It has been launching the transition to discipline-flourishing democracy which is in conformity with the nation’s prevailing conditions. At a time when considerable progress has been made in this drive, internal and external destructive elements have been making underground attack, aboveground attack and expatriate attack simultaneously to hinder the momentum of the progress. I have already clarified these points at the previous press conferences.

The entire people do not totally accept the three-pronged attack of destructive elements and they join hands with the Government. When their three-pronged attacks were foiled, some western nations and internal and external destructive elements in collusion with BBC made fabricated news on the nation and the Head of State in order to frighten the public, to raise commodity prices exorbitantly and to destabilize the country.

Then, they made allegations to the effect that Myanmar was weak in cooperating with UN agencies. In this way, the destructive elements drove out GFATM (Global Fund to fight AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria) from Myanmar. Next, they put blame on Myanmar Government that Global Fund left the country due to misdeeds of the Government.

Soon after the Global Fund left Myanmar, the new generation group of 1988 Incident tried to take a place by issuing a statement that education and health situations in Myanmar were in very poor state; international humanitarian aids were required; and NGOs including itself would supervise the distribution of the aids to the public. In fact, it was aimed at attacking the Government by the internal and external destructive elements in synchronization as if they were eager to serve the public interests.

Consequently, Czech ex-president Havel and South African bishop Desmond Tutu exaggerated Myanmar’s affairs to fuel the call for the UN Security Council to act in Myanmar. Then, internal and external destructive elements immediately made declarations to support the Tutu-Havel report, call for the UN Security Council’s action and ask for veto-power wielding nations not to use veto in this case.

Meanwhile some foreign broadcasting stations broadcast instigations and fabrications in various forms and ways profusely. False accusations were made to the effect that there was deforestation in Myanmar due to illegal timber trade at border areas. Since independence there had been some illegal timber trade in border areas due to lack of the rule of law and due to armed insurgencies. But the Tatmadaw Government achieved peace with national race armed groups and earnest efforts can be made for regional development. As much as border areas and national races development plans are implemented, the illegal felling of trees decreased remarkably at Sino-Myanmar border. In some places, there are now no illegal felling of trees. While allegations and demands were made by external destructive elements, rumours and fabricated news were spread by internal destructive elements in order to frighten the public and cause the rise in commodity prices.

Rumours spread by unscrupulous persons were afloat. Some groundless rumours said rice godowns in Twantay Township were smashed and rice was looted; etc. Information was received that terrorist acts could be committed at the same time. We have learnt that Than Myint Aung (alias) Ye Thway of expatriate student group left Daungkhwin camp of ABSDF headquarters on 11 October for KNU brigade-7 area in Thaton-Bilin; three terrorists led by Maung Win (alias) Kyaukkhe of VBSW left for KNU brigade-6 area via Wayla village south of Maesot; that two teams were to blast bombs at the National Convention at Hmawby Nyaunghnapin and other vital places in Yangon; and those plots were hatched by Maung Maung Gyi of NDD and Myo Win of ABSDF. With public participation, the security unit members concerned took preventive measures. The terrorists could not carry out their scheme. At about 6:45 pm on 21-10-2005, a bomb blasted near a billboard of Traders Hotel in Yangon.

These events show that some western countries and internal and external destructive elements made conspiracies to grab the State power through short-cut by destabilizing the country. So, I would like to urge the entire people to beware of the plots of western bigshots and their minions at home and abroad.

The allegations mentioned in the report are absolutely contrary to actual conditions and situations in Myanmar. In some cases, they used double-standard norms. In the Tutu-Havel report, one-sided allegations were made under the title “Overthrow of democratically-elected government”. These allegations are absolutely contrary to Myanmar’s historical events and incidents. Myanmar is a sovereign Union where over 100 national races have been residing together since over 2000 years ago. In the 19th century, it fell under colonial servitude after experiencing several aggressive wars by the colonialists.

Myanmar was suppressed for over 100 years under the colonial rule and suffered the ill effects of the divide-and-rule tactics of the colonialists. However, it regained independence in 1948. Due to discord and dissension sown by the colonialists among the national brethren for over 100 years, the national unity deteriorated and the nation had to encounter the internal armed insurgencies for about 40 years. As a result, the nation lagged behind in development. The Tatmadaw which provided a leading role in the struggle for independence has always been standing steadfastly by the people whenever the nation faces emergency.

Since the nation’s independence in 1948, the Tatmadaw had to deal with various armed insurgencies. At that time, some foreign media dubbed the-then government as Yangon Government. The nation was on the verge of disintegration. The Tatmadaw had to crush insurgents whose strength was greater.With a view to safeguarding the national sovereignty, the Tatmadaw also shouldered the national duty at the risk of life when the nation encountered the foreign invasion in 1950s; and when the AFPFL government collapsed, the Tatmadaw was assigned duties as Caretaker Government in 1958. In 1962, the discord sown by the colonialists was at the peak and the Union was on the verge of disintegration. Thus, the Tatmadaw had to take over State power unavoidably. The Tatmadaw did not come to power by overthrowing a democratically-elected government as accused by them. At that time, the ideology that capitalism and parliamentary democracy could not serve the interests of the people of Myanmar was spread. Hence, the Myanma Socialist Programme Party was established and centralized socialist economy was adopted. After elapse of over 20 years, the system did not meet with success and there occurred 1988 incident. The true aspiration of the people during1988 incident was prevalence of peace and stability and national development.

However, external interferences and political instigation fuelled the situation that led to anarchism and the entire people were in trouble and misery. The insurgents took advantage of the situation and launched offensives against the Tatmadaw through Mongyang and Maethawaw battles. A US naval task force sneaked into Myanmar waters. A grave danger posed the nation.

At that time, the situations in Myanmar were all deteriorating as regards administration, the rule of law and machinery of public security. The nation was in disarray and it was on the verge of losing independence. At that time no one could control the country. Hence, the Tatmadaw had to shoulder the State responsibilities unavoidably.

After taking over State responsibilities, the Tatmadaw has been shouldering not only national defence duty but also nation-building tasks. The taking over of State responsibilities of the Tatmadaw was to fulfil the genuine aspiration of the people. Thus, the Tatmadaw annulled the centralized economic system and one-party system and introduced market-oriented economic system and multi-party democracy system.

At that time, the four main tasks laid down by the Tatmadaw namely (1) to ensure prevalence of peace and tranquillity and the rule of law; (2) to ensure smooth and secure transportation; (3) to strive for helping the people in meeting their food, clothing and shelter needs while assistance is provided to private and cooperative sectors to do so; and (4) to hold multi-party democracy elections after fulfilling the above-mentioned requirements.

When the Tatmadaw Government took over State responsibilities, the nation’s economy was on a decline and almost all development infrastructures including mills and factories were destroyed and looted by destructive elements. Transportation was cut off and all business ceased. Amidst the political, economic and military crisis, Myanmar’s economic index declined to (-11.4) in the year 1988-89. The per capita income was 1940 kyats only in the year 1988-89. Production, services and trade sectors showed minus signs and agriculture, livestock breeding and fisheries, mining, industrial and construction sectors were also on the decline. During the period from 1989 to 1992, the Tatmadaw had to lay emphasis on prevalence of peace and tranquillity as well as the rule of law all over the country on one hand and stabilize the economy on the other. The annual growth rate increased from 1.9 in the beginning to 7.5 per cent in 1992-1996, the first four-year short-term plan period. During the second four-year short-term plan period from 1996 to 2001, the annual growth rate increased to 8.5 per cent. In comparison with per capita income in 1988-89, that of 1991-92 increased 2.3 times; that of 1995-96 seven times; that of 2001-2002 (26.3) times and that of 2004-2005 (86.2) times. As regards foreign investments, business firms from 27 foreign countries invested 7,760.8 million US$ in 394 projects till January 2005.

Myanmar is a small country striving on self-reliance basis to achieve development. Emphasis has been placed on fulfilling the food needs of increasing population. At the end of World War II, Myanmar’s arable land was about 12 million acres and its population was about 16 million. In the year 1988, the nation’s population had increased to about 40 million while arable land remained at about 12 million acres. Hence, since 1988 agro-based development plans had been laid down and implemented. During the period of the Tatmadaw Government, a major bridge and a dam per month has been built in the country. As a result, 178 dams have been built to irrigate over 2.43 million acres of cultivated land. In 1988, the crop productivity was 119.6 per cent and the figure has increased to 152.7 per cent now. The output of paddy in 1988 was 653 million baskets and now it has doubled to about 1200 million baskets of paddy. At present, Myanmar’s population stands at 54.3 million. As regards local consumption, a person can consume 15 baskets of paddy per annum. With this rate the total population of 54 million needs 810 million baskets of paddy. Thus, it can be said that Myanmar has a capacity to fulfil the food need of 100 million population.

Myanmar has 621 Union highways stretching 18,640 miles as she had added 160 new highways stretching 5005 miles to the existing 461 Union highways stretching 13,635 miles in 1988. A total of 208 new bridges each of which is over 180 feet in length have been built on the highways during a 17-year period. Similarly, new railroads, airports, ports and jetties were built and new waterway routes and air flights were extended.

Democracy could not be introduced overnight at a time condition were below zero. From such situation, energetic efforts were made and all necessary infrastructures were built while a proper path of transition to democracy was paved. However, NLD has been constantly opposing the Government and holding confrontation line. As guided by western masters, NLD assumed the Tatmadaw Government as a dictatorial government. NLD attempted to seize power through short-cut by creating public hardships and unrest.

With the idea to put Myanmar under foreign influence, opportunities were not utilized in the interests of the nation and the people causing hindrances to bringing democracy to the country. However, the Tatmadaw Government did not lose sight of the emergence of a democratic nation as aspired by the people. It declared to the world in August 2003 that the seven-point Road Map would be implemented step by step.

The Tatmadaw Government nowadays is upholding Our Three Main National Causes —Non-disintegration of the Union; Non-disintegration of National Solidarity; and Perpetuation of Sovereignty. The Government is taking systematic steps for the emergence of a new democratic nation in accordance with the seven-point Road Map. In fact, the seven-point Road Map is being implemented in conformity with the democratic basic practices.

Thus, today’s Tatmadaw Government is not a dictatorial one but a national Government building up the nation relentlessly into a new peaceful modern, developed and discipline-flourishing democratic nation in the safest and most peaceful way as desired by the people. Myanmar people have passed the periods of colonialists, parliamentary democracy, Myanma Socialist Programme Party and present-day Tatmadaw Government. They themselves have witnessed the good and the bad; the truth and the false as well as constructive and destructive acts. Along its history, Myanmar has passed crises and difficulties time and again. However, it relies on its own strength and has been able to serve the interests of its people. After17 years, Myanmar people do not believe in party politician axe-handles relying on external elements haranguing democracy and human rights. In fact, Myanmar people are fed up with them and avoiding them. So, the party politicians are now in desperation, relying on their foreign masters and becoming their minions and lackeys entirely.

In the Tutu-Havel report, lopsided allegations were made under the title “Conflict between the government and armed ethnic groups”. The allegations stated that there were serious and protracted fighting between the Government and various ethnic groups seeking autonomy and freedom from oppression. It has also alleged without evidence that fighting went on even in areas where ceasefire agreements were reached.

As known to the journalists, the allegations may be true before 1988. Even when internal armed insurrections were high, the Tatmadaw had to crush the insurgency for national defence and security duty.

After the Tatmadaw Government took over State responsibilities in 1988, altogether 17 armed groups which had been rising against the governments of consecutive eras and 11 more smaller groups had come to realize the genuine goodwill of the Tatmadaw which has been sincerely forging and strengthening national solidarity. The armed groups thus returned to the legal fold.

Furthermore, some national race armed groups made peace with the Tatmadaw and unconditionally gave up arms. It was unprecedented event of national solidarity in Myanmar’s history since regaining independence. The neo-colonialists and their lackeys cannot bear to see such achievements and they are attempting to sow discord among the national brethren through instigation and fabrications. For optimists, Myanmar’s situation today is peaceful and heartening. For those pessimists, it is very irritable and exasperating.

Hence, the allegations of conflicts between the government and ethnic groups is totally untrue. The allegations are in fact aimed at making hindrances by internal and external destructive elements as the national brethren in Myanmar are achieving almost cent per cent unity . In the same report, allegations were made that many villages were destroyed or relocated since 1996; that soldiers raped ethnic minorities; that there were widespread forced labour in Myanmar; and that child soldiers were recruited by the Tatmadaw. Actually, emphasis could not be laid on the national development till 1988 due to lack of unity and peace and stability. After taking over State responsibilities, the Tatmadaw Government laid down and has been implementing the Special Development Projects, border areas development projects, the 24 Special Development Region Projects and rural development projects harmoniously. As a result, in border areas, towns and villages are achieving rapid development. In rural areas, the local people are enjoying the fruitful results of development endeavours and many model villages have emerged.

In endeavouring for the development of their own respective regions, necessary assistance is being provided by the State while the local people have a tradition of contributing service voluntarily. While Myanmar people are contributing voluntary service in community welfare activities collectively according to their traditions, the destructive elements are making false accusations.

The anti-government groups and expatriate fugitives joined hands in portraying the tradition of voluntary service contribution by Myanmar people as forced labour in order to tarnish the image of the nation. Their attempts were also aimed at hindering the development pace. The destructive elements intended to prevent the national people from fully enjoying the development endeavours.
Likewise, the allegations that soldiers raped ethnic minorities were also aimed at disintegrating the national unity, creating misunderstanding towards the Tatmadaw members and disturbing the Tatmadaw not to make operations in border areas where armed insurgents are taking refuge. These accusations were made by a handful of terrorist insurgents taking shelter in border areas. Similarly, the Tatmadaw is being built into a modern and strong one for the future of the nation. The destructive elements cannot bear to see it and they accused that children were recruited forcefully by the Tatmadaw. The allegations were the outcome of an interview by expatriates with some renegades abroad. It was merely a step to prevent the Tatmadaw from becoming strong.

The Tatmadaw is recruiting new members in accordance with rules and regulations. Action is also taken against those who violate the rules and regulations. A high level committee to prevent recruitment of minors has been formed and supervision is being made. Actually in Myanmar, those forcefully mobilizing children as new recruits are a handful of insurgent terrorists. In the previous press conferences, it has been elucidated that children of the national races were forcefully recruited by the SSA (South) of Ywet Sit group. There are many evidences about this case.

The insurgent group led by Ywet Sit of SSA (South) forcefully recruited children and used cruel means to prevent them from running away. According to the confession of private Sai Yee of SSA (South) who had returned to the legal fold, it is learnt that SSA practised the method of killing parents for preventing new recruits from going back home. His parents were killed by SSA in their village. SSA suffered losses in every battle and its members were always intending to run away and return to the legal fold. At the SSA (South) headquarters, there were some 60 new recruits who were mobilized forcefully. Of them, about 20 ran away. But those who were rearrested by SSA were beheaded before the new recruits. Shouting the prosperity for Shan State, SSA Ywet Sit group is concentrating on the interests of their own families. The local national people do not want to join SSA Ywet Sit group and therefore they fled with own families. SSA invaded villages suddenly and demanded rice and extortion money. Every paddy grower had to pay four baskets of paddy or 8400 kyats in cash. Every rice mill owner had to pay 20,000 kyats. K 50,000 for each trawler-G was paid. If such events in Myanmar are not known by those from far regions, Tutu-Havel and their accomplices should have known the forced recruitment of child soldiers by God Army and SSA (South) insurgent terrorist groups by reading Times and Newsweek magazines featured as cover stories.

The fourth allegation was about the migration of refugees. It is falsely mentioned in the report that a large number of refugees have poured out of Myanmar in recent years as a result of grave conditions created by the Government. The report also falsely accused that the Government is responsible for a decline in the economic situation so alarming that Myanmar is now one of the poorest nations in the world providing its people little or no access to health care or education. In the report on food sufficiency indicators of International Fund for Agricultural Development, Myanmar stands at sixth position among 24 Asian nations. As regards poverty indicator, Myanmar stands at No 9. As regards adult literacy rate, Myanmar is in twelfth position. Average welfare indicators showing food sufficiency, poverty and literacy witnessed that Myanmar is in seventh position among 24 Asian nations.

In comparison with international data as regards per capita income, economic growth, ratio of rich and poor, and adult literacy rate, Myanmar is in the mid-position.

In the Human Development Report-2001 issued by the UN, the undernourished people percentage of total population was 21 per cent in Thailand; 21 per cent in the Philippines; 25 per cent in Sri Lanka, 11 per cent in China, 22 per cent in Vietnam, 21 per cent in India, 7 per cent in Myanmar, 33 per cent in Cambodia, 20 per cent in Pakistan, 38 per cent in Bangladesh, 28 per cent in Nepal and 29 per cent in Laos. It can be seen that the undernourished people percentage of total population in Myanmar was merely 7 per cent. It shows how the human right of longevity prevails well in Myanmar. According to Human Development Indicators (HDI) of UN, Myanmar’s HDI value is 0.5. It is above average. Myanmar’s HDI rank stands at position 132 showing the considerable place. The government has built more institutions of higher learning and basic education schools in every part of the nation to enhance learning opportunities. In addition, it has extended teachers training colleges and education universities and degree courses to produce a large number of qualified teachers. The nation now has 156 universities and colleges and 40,525 schools, up from 32 and 33,747 respectively in 1988. Of them, there are 4 technological universities, two computer universities, 26 technical colleges and 24 computer colleges. These universities, institutes and colleges are opened all over the country.

There were over 138,000 university students and 5,240,000 basic education students totalling over 5,380,000 in Myanmar in 1988. There are now 748,000 university students and 7,790,000 basic education students totalling 8,540,000. In 1988, Myanmar had over 6,500 university teachers and about 174,000 basic education teachers totalling over 180,000, and now the nation’s teacher population reaches 260,000 — over 18,000 university teachers and over 240,000 basic education teachers. On average, Myanmar has one school in every one and a half mile perimeter. About 89 per cent of the schools are in rural areas, and according to 2004-2005 academic year record, 93 per cent of primary school teachers have completed their teachership course. The primary school teacher-student ratio is 1:32. Enrolment rate of five-year old children is increasing annually in the whole nation from 91 per cent in 1999-2000 academic year to 97.5 per cent in 2005-2006 academic year. Adult literacy rate reached 94.1 per cent in 2005, up from 83 per cent in 1996.

The health sector is trying to realize the aim of ensuring health and longevity for all the people. Myanmar has the highest vitamin-A feeding coverage rate. It can significantly reduce the mortality rate of children under five. In 1990, 130 out of 1000 newly born babies died, and in 2003 the number was reduced to 66.6. The target for 2015 is 38.3. Mortality rate of infants under one year was reduced to 49.7 in 2003 from 98 in 1990. Efforts are being made to decrease the number to 28.3 in 2015.

The nation now has 824 hospitals, up 193 from 631 in 1988. The number of doctors has risen to nearly 19,000 at present from 13,000 in the past. In the past the nation’s health sector had only four universities, one institute and 26 schools. Now it has 14 universities, one institute and 43 schools. One of the successes of the health sector is the decrease in the crude death rate. In 1988, the rate was 9.9 every 1000 in rural areas and 8.9 every1000 in urban areas. In 2003, it was 6.5 every 1000 in the rural area, and 5.6 every 1000 in the urban areas. Myanmar has totally wiped out polio, small pox and leprosy. Outbreaks of other diseases have also decreased. As a result, life expectancy rate in Myanmar has risen. Life expectancy in rural areas were 56.2 years (men) and 60.4 (women) in 1988. The rates increased to 61.3 years (men) and 63.8years (women) in 2002. The life expectancy rate in urban area were 59 years (men) and 63.2 years (women) in 1988 and the numbers increased to 61.8 years (men) and 66.1 years (women) in 2002. The endeavours to supply adequate food for the people, open more learning opportunities, and to extend health care services to reach every corner of the nation in reality are creating perpetual human rights for the nationalities. To fulfil the rising electricity demand, 30 hydel power projects, four gas-fired power stations, one coal-fired power station and four steam-powered generation plants have been built after 1988. They are generating 1596 more megawatts. These are the results of the Tatmadaw government’s tireless efforts.

It has been 16 years since the nation has been implementing border area development project. Moreover the nation has been implementing the five rural development tasks for five years. The border areas development drive benefits 10 per cent of the nation’s population and the rural tasks, 70 per cent of the population. The essence of the project and the tasks is same as the global poverty elimination drive. Thus the so-called refugees are not the persons living in the embrace of the nation. As mentioned above, they are remnant insurgents, and the persons who have connections with the remnant insurgents.

The fifth accusation of the paper concerning the drugs is totally wrong. The Information Committee has already explained for many times that the government has designated the drug elimination drive as a national task, and that it has been implementing the long-term anti-narcotics plan with three five-year projects beginning 1999-2000. They made a drama out of the drug-related case of Myanmar. The report exaggerates the number of Myanmar’s drug addicts as about 500,000. It accounts for one in each 100 people is a drug addict in the nation.

Such an exaggerated statement is designed to dissuade international community from providing aid for Myanmar that has been taking all possible measures with might and main for elimination of drugs in the nation.

In addition, it fabricates a false story that Myanmar is a nation that plays a major role in spreading HIV/AIDS in ASEAN region. Myanmar produces and distributes heroin in the region, so the HIV virus is spreading to neighbouring countries through the route used to smuggle heroin out of the country. In fact, it is just a carbon copy of a false statement presented in the publication “HIV and National Security. Where are the Links” that came out in the early 2005. In this regard, the Ministry of Health, WHO and UN AIDS Programme have rejected it through a joint declaration. Likewise, head of UNODC office in Myanmar Ms Talar Manyu stated that the accusation to the effect that an HIV/AIDS strain originated in Myanmar and spread to neighbouring countries was untrue. She also explained that Myanmar’s anti-drug endeavours are achieving remarkable success.

Now, the Tatmadaw Government has been putting into motion its drive for transition to democracy that is in conformity with way of life of Myanmar society. So, a big power and members of the West bloc have cut off humanitarian aid, imposed economic sanctions, and put pressure on the nation politically. They have a bias in favour of their lackeys without analysing the acts of the latter.

They should have been convinced that it is undemocratic that they putting pressure variously on Myanmar to directly copy the western democracy, ignoring the specific characters of the nation. It is common knowledge all over the world that democracy cannot be introduced overnight.

Despite witnessing that Myanmar is translating the State’s seven-point Road Map for democratic transition, the big power and associates are interfering in the internal affairs with the intention of diverting and delaying Myanmar’s drive. Therefore, I would say it is nothing but just a political game intended to fuel internal disputes and destabilize the region. Despite the UN Principle that says UN Charter does not permit any UN interference in the affairs which are within the local jurisdiction, they have submitted Myanmar’s internal affairs to the UN Security Council with a call on the UNSC to put one-sided pressure on the nation. So, the entire national people are now strongly protesting against such an unfair act.

Likewise, media persons in Myanmar are also responding to the false accusations of Tutu-Havel report. They write rebuttals with sound evidence to show there are deceitful political polys behind the Tutu-Havel report. Similarly, a certain power is creating a situation that ASEAN will become its follower by means of calling on ASEAN members to isolate and put pressure on Myanmar. However, the ASEAN uphold the principle that says no interference in internal affairs of other members, equality and mutual interests. The ASEAN countries will never give up ASEAN spirit. Thanks to the correct leadership of the Tatmadaw and cooperation of the people with correct national outlook, the nation is overcoming sanctions and pressure imposed by many nations and is now on the path towards stability, peace and development.

The building of the political, economic and social infrastructures is nearing completion in Myanmar that is on the threshold of development. It is implementing the seven-point Road Map for transforming the nation into a democratic one, which is the common goal of the State, the people and the Tatmadaw.

Being a member of the UN, Myanmar always firmly practises the objectives and principles of UN Charter. Myanmar has prescribed cooperation with the UN as its foreign policy with the belief that UN is capable of restoring international peace and security and helping develop all its members.

At the same time, Myanmar has been cooperating with UN agencies such as UNDP, UNICEF, FAO, WHO, UNODC and UNHCR to help serve the interests of the world people including Myanmar nationals. On the whole, Myanmar is doing its utmost not just in cooperating actively with international and regional organizations but in further strengthening friendship and relations with world’s nations, neighbouring friendly nations and regional countries. With respect to international relations, Myanmar practise independent and active foreign policy and cementing friendship with international community, while constantly following the principles of the UN Charter. Myanmar is always in support of world peace and disarmament, participates in the international affairs with positive attitude, and maintains friendly relations with regional nations and world nations.

In conclusion, I would say Myanmar complies with the Five Principles of Peaceful Co-existence needed in international relations. Myanmar continues to crush with constant vigilance various forms of pressure and sanctions imposed by neo-colonialists and internal and external destructive elements and to steadfastly move forward along the path towards national development.

Nowadays, internal and external destructive elements under the pretext of human rights and democracy are entertaining rumours, manufacturing fabricated news stories, committing acts that harm security and peace of the people, and interfering in internal affairs of the nation from abroad intentionally and systematically. Thus, the onus is on the government, the people and the Tatmadaw to make combined efforts to surmount such unjust acts.

Today, the State is taking all necessary measures for public security. The people on their part are to beware of terrorists who are mingling with the public.

The people are to inform security persons immediately if there are any suspicious-looking persons or materials. Rumours are usually floating around and the people are not to believe rumours and fabrications.

In conclusion, I would like to point out that as a saying goes “The strength of a nation lies within”, the combined force of the State, the people and the Tatmadaw will overcome all hardships and obstacles successfully.

CCDAC of Myanmar and NNCC of PRC seize 496 kilos of heroin in collaboration

YANGON, 23 Oct — The following is a translation of the clarification by Director-General of Myanmar Police Force Brig-Gen Khin Yi on seizure of 992 blocks of heroin weighing 496 kilos.

The director-general said that 992 blocks of heroin weighing 496 kilos were seized in September 2005 under collaboration between members of the Central Committee for Drug Abuse Control and the National Narcotic Control Commission (NNCC). The incident was titled “Case 496” and it can be attributed to a great success of the CCDAC and the NNCC. The government has laid down and is implementing the 15-year plan covering from 1999 to 2014 with added momentum in the fight against drug, accepting it as a national duty. The present period is the first year of the second 5-year of the plan. The UNODC’s reports stated that poppy cultivation decreased by 29 per cent and heroin production by 54 per cent while CNC (USA)’s reports stated that poppy cultivation decreased by 81 per cent and heroin production by 88 per cent when compared with those of 2002. It can be said that the endeavours in the fight against drugs are meeting with success. In this regard, members of MPF, members of local MPFs and Special Anti-Drug Squad have been making relentless efforts. With those efforts, 102.05 kilos of ICE that are to be smuggled into Malaysia were seized by MPF in Yangon on 24 May 2005. Further information regarding the case led to the arrest of Mr Weerapan Seeya, a Thai national, at Queen’s Park Hotel, where he was putting up. Upon interrogation, it is learnt that heroin has been produced in a jungle area on China-Myanmar border with the use of mobile huts. Hence, the area is being monitored and systematic steps have been taken for the exchange of information.

The MPF has been in close contact with its counterparts of the neighbouring nations as well as with those of Interpol for the exchange of information and coordination in the fight against drugs. As Myanmar and China share a long border there broke out transnational crimes committed by drug smugglers. The two nations realized that mutual cooperation in the fight against drugs is imperative. Therefore, the two nations signed Memorandum of Understanding on control of narcotic drugs on 21 January 2001. Under the MoU, the two nations held bilateral meetings at different levels and exchanged information on control of drugs. Greater success has been achieved in the exchange of information and cooperation since the two nations were in close contact in a friendly atmosphere. Of the achievements, the “Case 496” is of most significance.

A three-member Myanmar delegation led by a high-ranking police officer were dispatched to Kunming, the People’s Republic of China on 26 August to collect the information systematically. The Myanmar delegation met with the leader of NNCC, the deputy general staff officer of Chinese Armed Police Force and the director of Yunnan Province Narcotic Control Commission (YPNCC) in Kumming, Yunnan Province, the PRC and exchanged the information.

Under the programme, information was received that Hang Yu Wen, a Chinese national, wanted by Chinese authorities charged with drug trafficking, would smuggle blocks of heroin from Myanmar-China border into Thailand via Tachilek after crossing Myanmar in the first week of September. To closely monitor and effectively address the case, a Myanmar-Chinese combined team comprising three Myanmar police officers and four Chinese authorities, on information, entered Myanmar and conducted close monitoring at Kengtung.

Local authorities and congenial organizations fully supported the Myanmar-Chinese combined team that is to totally eradicate narcotic drugs. To be able to seize drugs to be smuggled transnationally, local Tatmadaw and MPF members in collaboration with the Special Anti-Drug Squad were taking systematic measures. Keeping pace with changes, the information received was sent to the MPF Headquarters to be confirmed, and the combined team was laying in wait to arrest the culprit.

On 9 September, the combined team made a raid between Mongpyin and Nawngkhio and seized 992 blocks of heroin weighing 496 kilos, 0.5 kilo of raw opium, seven vehicles, two walkie-talkies, 4,100,200 bahts and 156,000 kyats.

Upon interrogation, the owner of the heroin blocks was Hang Yu Wen (a) Ah Yon (a) Khaing Soe who is holding a fake Myanmar NRC card.

Drug lord Hang Yu Wen was born of U Han Pa Sein and Daw Ah Yon in Zenkhant Village, Lunqun District, Yunnan, the PRC in 1970. He is the second son of four. At the age of seven, he illegally migrated together with his parents from the PRC to Myanmar border where he was engaged in various kinds of jobs.

He met and became acquainted with drug lord Tang Xiao Lim at a gambling den, when he was in Muse area. At that time, Tang Xiao Lim was notorious as leader of a drug gang that was involved in gambling and drug trafficking under the protection of an armed group led by Monhsala in Monkoe region.

In July 2000, Hang Yu Wen smuggled blocks of heroin owned by Tang Xiao Lim into the PRC. In that incident, Hang Yu Wen concealed the drugs in the water tank of a ten-wheel truck mingled with other items and asked Lauk Yang, a Chinese national, to supervise it along Shweli-Kunming-Guangxi road. The truck was intercepted at Guangxi Province by Chinese police force who arrested Lauk Yang. Lauk Yang was given the death sentence by Chinese authorities who issued a warrant for the arrest of Hang Yu Wen. Since then, culprit Hang Yu Wen had been on the run along Lao-Myanmar border.

After Monhsala in Monkoe region had been arrested by Myanmar government, drug lord Tang Xiao Lim was left unprotected. Hence, he was arrested by Muse Special Anti-Drug Squad in April 2001 and handed over to the authorities of the PRC. After Tang Xiao Lim had been arrested, Hang Yu Wen continued running drug trafficking with those who were in close contact with Tang Xiao Lim in China-Myanmar border. He became prosperous by means of smuggling drugs into Thailand and China many times. For drug trafficking, he used innocent national races at China-Myanmar border.

As soon as Hang Yu Wen learnt that the combined team had seized the heroin blocks, he came to Tachilek from Myanmar-Thai border on 11 September and to Wanpon port and he fled to Hwesai, Laos.

He reached Lanplaban and Shinkhaung from Hwesai. He hid in Sannal close to Vietnam and planned to enter Vietnam. The Myanmar-China investigation team received information about him and made contact with Lao Police Force and Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB). They exchanged information and held coordination.

On 22 September, Lao Police Force with the cooperation of Myanmar, China, Laos and Thailand arrested Hang Yu Wen and Li Phu So (a) Ar So in Sannal Village before they left for Vietnam. On 28 September, Lao Police Force handed them over to officials of Myanmar Police Force in Vientiane. Culprit Hang Yu Wen was then taken to Yangon.

After culprits Hang Yu Wen and Li Phu So (a) Ar So wanted by Chinese Police Force were investigated by CCDAC of MPF, they were handed over to China on 2 October under the bilateral goodwill relations. Action was taken against other culprits who were involved in the case in accord with the procedures and the existing laws and deterrent prison terms were given to them.

The street value of heroin seized in the case 496 is worth K 39.68 billion equivalent to over 62 million US dollars.

Active cooperation of Myanmar and China and members of police forces of Thailand and Laos and narcotic control team led to the arrest of the culprits. Lao Police Force arrested the drug lord in their country.

Thai Police Force and members of anti-drug squads provided the officials concerned with necessary assistance.

The transnational drug control operation has been successful in a short time due to the active participation of the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and there were no casualties.

Achievements of four nations on drug control operation were reported at the meeting on ASEAN and China Cooperative Operations in Response to Dangerous Drugs (ACCORD) held in Beijing, China, from 18 to 19 October 2005.

He said foreign countries with negative views and anti-government organizations often speak ill of narcotic drug issue without any evidence. The government does not ignore the issue of drug control and it has been carrying out the drug control programme as a national task in cooperation with the people in the country as well as neighbouring countries and international organizations.

Message from the Secretary-General on the United Nations Day

YANGON, 24 Oct— The following is the message from the Secretary-General on the United Nations Day.

Today, as we celebrate sixty years of our United Nations, we must recognize that the world today is very different from that of our founders.

The United Nations must reflect this new age, and respond to its challenges- including, first and foremost, the knowledge that hundreds of millions of people are left defenceless against hunger, disease and environmental degradation, even though the world has the means to rescue them.

Last month, world leaders met in New York to try and forge a common response to these challenges.

Leaders of both rich and poor countries committed themselves to detailed policies which, if fully implemented, could reduce hunger and poverty by 50 per cent in the next ten years.

They decided to create new UN bodies for promoting human rights and building lasting peace in war-torn countries.

They promised to fight terrorism in all its forms, and to take collective action, when needed, to save populations from genocide and other heinous crimes.

They decided on important reforms of the UN Secretariat.

But on climate change and Security Council reform they could make only weak statements. And on nuclear proliferation and disarmament they could not agree at all.

They have left us a great deal of work to do. Today, as we mark the 60th anniversary of our indispensable institution, I promise you that I will do my part. And I trust that you, as global citizens, will do yours.

United Nations Information Centre, Yangon.