Vice-Senior General Maung Aye welcomes Indian Chief of Army Staff and goodwill delegation members

YANGON, 29 Oct — At the invitation of Vice-Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Commander-in-Chief (Army) Vice-Senior General Maung Aye, a goodwill delegation led by Indian Chief of the Army Staff General JJ Singh PVSM, AVSM, VSM, ADC and Mrs Anupama Singh of the Republic of India arrived here by air this morning to pay a goodwill visit to Myanmar.

The Indian Army Goodwill Delegation member were welcomed at Yangon International Airport by Vice-Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Commander-in-Chief (Army) Vice-Senior General Maung Aye and wife Daw Mya Mya San, Commander-in-Chief (Navy) Vice-Admiral Soe Thein and Commander-in-Chief (Air) Lt-Gen Myat Hein and their wives, Chief of Military Affairs Security Lt-Gen Myint Swe and wife, Indian Ambassador Mr Bhaskar Kumar Mitra, Military Attaché Colonel Jasvinder Singh Chopra and wife and officials.

When the plane carrying the Indian Chief of the Army Staff and wife and party arrived at the airport at 9.05 am, Vice-Senior General Maung Aye and wife Daw Mya Mya San and party welcomed the Indian goodwill delegation.

Next, Vice-Senior General Maung Aye and the Indian Chief of the Army Staff went to the dais at the lounge of the airport and took the salute of the Guard of Honour.

Afterwards, Vice-Senior General Maung Aye and the Indian Chief of the Army Staff inspected the Guard of Honour. General JJ Singh PVSM, AVSM, VSM, ADC cordially greeted Vice-Senior General Maung Aye and party.

After that, the goodwill delegation led by the Indian Chief of the Army Staff and wife proceeded to the State House.

Vice-Senior General Maung Aye receives visiting Indian Chief of Army Staff

YANGON, 29 Oct — Vice-Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Commander-in-Chief (Army) Vice-Senior General Maung Aye received visiting Indian Chief of the Army Staff General JJ Singh PVSM, AVSM, VSM, ADC and goodwill delegation members at Zeyathiri Beikman Hall on Konmyinttha at 2.30 pm today.

Also present at the call were Members of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Ye Myint and Chief of Armed Forces Training Lt-Gen Aung Htwe of the Ministry of Defence, Commander-in-Chief (Navy) Vice-Admiral Soe Thein, Commander-in-Chief (Air) Lt-Gen Myat Hein, Chief of Military Affairs Security Lt-Gen Myint Swe, and Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs U Kyaw Thu.

The visiting Indian Chief of the Army Staff was accompanied by Ambassador of the Republic of India to the Union of Myanmar Mr Bhaskar Kumar Mitra and Military Attaché Colonel Jasvinder Singh Chopra.

Vice-Senior General Maung Aye and wife Daw Mya Mya San host dinner in honour of Indian Chief of Army Staff and party

YANGON, 29 Oct — Vice-Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Commander-in-Chief (Army) Vice-Senior General Maung Aye and wife Daw Mya Mya San hosted a dinner in honour of the visiting Indian Army goodwill delegation led by Indian Chief of the Army Staff General JJ Singh PVSM, AVSM, VSM, ADC and Mrs Anupama Singh at Zeyathiri Beikman Hall on Konmyinttha at 7 pm today.

Also present at the dinner were Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Adjutant-General Lt-Gen Thein Sein and wife Daw Khin Khin Win, Members of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Ye Myint, Lt-Gen Maung Bo and Chief of Armed Forces Training Lt-Gen Aung Htwe of the Ministry of Defence, Commander-in-Chief (Navy) Vice-Admiral Soe Thein, Commander-in-Chief (Air) Lt-Gen Myat Hein and their wives, Chief of Military Affairs Security Lt-Gen Myint Swe and wife, senior military officers of the Ministry of Defence, Indian Ambassador Mr Bhaskar Kumar Mitra, Military Attaché Col Jasvinder Singh Chopra and wife and officials.

Before and during the dinner, artistes of Fine Arts Department entertained the guests with songs. After the dinner, they presented Myanmar traditional dances and songs.

General JJ Singh PVSM, AVSM, VSM, ADC and Mrs Anupama Singh presented the flower basket to the artistes and later, they posed for the documentary photo.

Prime Minister General Soe Win receives Lao PDR Deputy Prime Minister

YANGON, 29 Oct — Prime Minister of the Union of Myanmar General Soe Win received Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Mr Somsavat Lengsavad of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic and party at Zeyathiri Beikman Hall on Konmyinttha, here, at 4.30 pm today.

Also present at the call were Minister for Foreign Affairs U Nyan Win, Deputy Minister U Kyaw Thu, Myanmar Ambassador to Lao PDR U Tin Oo, Director-General of the Protocol Department Thura U Aung Htet and officials.

The Laotian Deputy Prime Minister was accompanied by Laotian Ambassador Mr Chanthavy Bodhisane.

Deputy FM leaves for China

YANGON, 29 Oct — A Myanmar delegation led by Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs U Maung Myint left here by air yesterday evening to attend the Joint Study Convention on East Asia Cooperation and the 3rd East Asia Forum to be held in Beijing on 30 and 31 October, 2005.

The Deputy Minister was accompanied by Deputy Director-General U Pe Than Oo of the Consular and Legal Affairs Department, Deputy Director-General Daw Than Than Htay of Political Department, Head of Department of International Relations (YU) Prof Dr Daw Myint Myint Kyi, Union of Myanmar Federation Chambers of Commerce and Industry CEC member Dr Sein Myint and Director U Win Thein of ASEAN Affairs Department.

The delegation was seen off at Yangon International Airport by Directors-General of the Ministry, departmental officials and Ambassador-designate of the People’s Republic of China to Myanmar Mr Guan Mu.

Lao PDR delegation leaves for home

YANGON, 29 Oct — After attending the 7th Meeting of the Myanmar-Lao PDR Joint Commission for Bilateral Cooperation held in Mandalay, the Laotian delegation led by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Mr Somsavat Lengsavad left Yangon this evening.

They were seen off at Yangon International Airport by Minister for Foreign Affairs U Nyan Win and wife, U Tin Win, Ambassador of Myanmar to Lao PDR, Laotian Ambassador to Myanmar Mr Chanthavy Bodhisane and wife, responsible officials of the Ministry and Laos Embassy.

The Laotian delegation arrived in Mandalay from Yangon by air on 26 October 2005. They were welcomed at Mandalay International Airport by Mandalay City Mayor Brig-Gen Phone Zaw Han and wife and officials. In the evening, Chairman of Mandalay Division Peace and Development Council Central Command Commander Maj-Gen Khin Zaw and wife hosted a dinner in honour of the Laotian delegation.

The opening ceremony of the 7th Meeting of the Myanmar-Lao PDR Joint Commission for Bilateral Cooperation was held at Mandalay Hill Resort Hotel on 27 October. The meeting was attended on the Myanmar side by Foreign Affairs Minister U Nyan Win and senior officials from ministries concerned and on the Laos side by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Mr Somsavat Lengsavad and delegation members.

Then the meeting came to a close and the two leaders signed agreements of the meeting. Minister U Nyan Win and wife hosted a dinner in honour of the Laotian delegation in the evening of the same day. The visiting Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister and wife visited Mogok and Kyaikhtiyo before their departure for Bangkok.

With the use of Myanmar character system in computer programme, people can use computers more extensively

Yangon. 29 Oct Prime Minister General Soe Win discussed IT development and requirement in meeting with officials, IT technicians and entrepreneurs at Myanmar Info-Tech, Chairman of e-National Task Force Minister for Communication, Posts and Telegraphs Brig-Gen Thein Zaw said efforts are being made for development of  ICT sector in cooperation with officials concerned and IT technicians.

Launching of Myanmar character system in computer is one of the efforts of the project. A 17-member Working Committee for computerized Myanmar character system was formed, he said.

A distribution ceremony of computerized Unicode Myanmar character software was held on 12 of this month. Myanmar consonants, vowels, numbers and special symbols can be used in digital form on various computer systems. Myanmar Info-Tech has uploaded Myanmar Unicode Font Installer Software on the Internet and anyone can use it free of charge.

Myanmar IT technicians are making efforts for translation of world languages into Myanmar language on computer and Myanmar Info-Tech is cooperating with foreign IT companies and technicians for development of IT in Myanmar, he said.

He also reported on programmes laid down for success of ICT project. Secretary of Working Committee for computerized Myanmar character system Dr Daw Myint Myint Than reported on basic Myanmar language system, implementation of tasks, characteristics of Myanmar Unicode Font Installer Software, easy writing of Myanmar and Pali words and experimental tasks.

Next, Chairman of Myanmar Info-Tech U Thein Oo reported on objectives of Myanmar Info-Tech, implementation of the tasks phase by phase and arrangements for Industrial Development Information System (IDIS), Managing Director of Myanmar Info-Tech U Aung Zaw Myint on programmes for rural development information system. Officials of Mandalay MICT Park and IT companies in Yangon reported on attempts for IT development and cooperation.

Minister for National Planning and Economic Development U Soe Tha, Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Tin Naing Thein and Minister Brig-Gen Thein Zaw reported on measures undertaken for development of IT and future plan.

Prime Minister General Soe Win said according to reports, the tasks of Myanmar Info-Tech are successful and launching of computerized Myan-mar character system is an obvious fact. With the use of Myanmar character system in computer programme, most of the public can use the computers more extensively, allowing themselves to improve their knowledge as well as social standards, he said.

The launch of computerized unicode Myanmar character software will help the people not only in urban but also in rural areas to use the computer extensively, and it will serve the interests of the country.

The Prime Minister commended Myanmar technicians for their efforts with genuine goodwill, and he said he believed they would make more innovations in future in the interests of the State. More cooperation should be made between privates and between privates and government bodies in ensuring the development of IT. They should also cooperate in improving the IT and generating more incomes through the advent of the system. Afterwards, the Prime Minister and party viewed computer accessories and IT systems displayed by IT companies at Myanmar Info-Tech booth. At Myanmar Teleport booth, Major Nay Win reported to the Prime Minister on Internet services being provided by Myanmar Teleport and measures being taken for the development of information technology. Later, Maj-Gen Thein Tun of the Ministry of Defence, Minister for Home Affairs Maj-Gen Maung Oo, Minister for Education Dr Chan Nyein and Minister Brig-Gen Thein Zaw presented supplementary reports. Prime Minister General Soe Win gave necessary instructions and left.

At the forthcoming NC, approvals will be sought to lay down detailed basic principles in accord with proposals for delegation of executive and judicial powers

YANGON, 29 Oct—The National Convention Convening Commission, Work Committee and Management Committee met at the NCCC in Nyaunghnapin Camp, Hmawby Township, Yangon Division, this afternoon.

NCCC Chairman Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Thein Sein, Vice-Chairman Minister for Electric Power Maj-Gen Tin Htut, Secretary Minister for Information Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan and members, Work Committee Chairman Chief Justice U Aung Toe, Vice-Chairman Attorney-General U Aye Maung, Management Committee Chairman Auditor-General Maj-Gen Lun Maung and officials held discussions at the meeting.

The NCCC chairman said that at the National Convention held from 15 February to 31 March 2005, he let the delegates know that the NC will resume at the end of 2005 as it could delay the agricultural tasks of delegate farmers and businesses of other delegates. The NC will resume on 5 December 2005 in Nyaunghnapin Camp in Hmawby Township. All necessary arrangements are to be made as from now for management matters such as food and accommodation, water and power supply. And preparations are to be made to invite the dele-gates to the NC in early November as it is required to deliver invitation cards to them one month ahead of the start of the NC.

The proposals respective delegate groups submitted to the previous NC regarding the division of executive and judicial powers had been discussed. At the forthcoming NC, approvals will be sought to lay down detailed basic principles in accord with the proposals for the delegation of executive and judicial powers. Then, discussions will continue for other articles, so all necessary steps are to be taken in advance.

The seven-point Road Map has been adopted for the emergence of a discipline-flourishing democratic nation. The convening of the National Convention plays a pivotal role in the process.

The chairman called on the members of the Commission, Work Committee, Management Committee and respective subcommittees to take measures in concert for ensuring accomplishment of their tasks.

The Commission secretary reported on programmes for inviting the delegates to the NC and financial allotments allowed by the State for the NC; the Work Committee chairman progress of work carried out by the Work Committee the discussions to be held at the next NC; and the Management Committee chairman, on arrangements to be jointly made by the Management Committee and subcommittees after reviewing the strengths and weaknesses the committee experienced in order to avoid possible weak points on management sector of the NC. It was followed by a general round of discussions.

The Commission chairman delivered concluding remarks.

After the meeting, the Secretary-1 inspected Pyidaungsu Hall in Nyaunghnapin Camp and gave instructions on repair to the building.
The eight groups — delegates of political parties, representatives-elect, delegates of national races, delegates of peasants, delegates of workers, delegates of intellectuals and intelligentsia, delegates of State service personnel and other invited persons will attend the next NC.

Wife of Indian Chief of Army Staff visits MMCWA, Early Childhood Development Centre

YANGON, 29 Oct — Mrs Anupama Singh, wife of Indian Chief of the Army Staff General JJ Singh PVSM, AVSM, VSM, ADC, and party, accompanied by Daw Nwe Nwe Win, wife of Maj-Gen Than Htay of the Ministry of Defence, and officials, arrived at Myanmar Maternal and Child Welfare Association Headquarters at the corner of Thanthuma and Parami Roads in South Okkalapa Township this afternoon.

The guests were welcomed there by President of MMCWA Daw Khin Khin Win, Vice-President Dr Daw Tin Lin Myint and CEC members.

President Daw Khin Khin Win and Secretary Dr Daw Wai Wai Tha explained the aim and functions of the association.

The wife of the Indian Chief of the Army Staff donated cash to the funds of the association. President Daw Khin Khin Win gave souvenirs to the guests.

Afterwards, the guests viewed round documentary photos on activities of MMCWA and they the Early Childhood Development Centre.

Indian General and party visit Memorial to Fallen Heroes, Myanma Gems Museum

YANGON, 29 Oct — Accompanied by Maj-Gen Than Htay of the Ministry of Defence, visiting Indian Chief of the Army Staff General JJ Singh PVSM, AVSM, VSM, ADC and goodwill delegation members arrived at Memorial to Fallen Heroes on Arzarni Road in Bahan Township this evening.

They were welcomed there by Chairman of the Memorial to Fallen Heroes Maintenance Group Yangon Station Commander Brig-Gen Myo Myint and officials.

The Indian Chief of the Army Staff laid a flower basket to pay tribute to the fallen heroes and visited there.

On arrival at Myanma Gems Museum on Kaba Aye Pagoda road, the Indian guests were welcomed by Deputy Director U Kyaw Win and officials of the museum. The guests toured the museum.

Prime Minister General Soe Win to attend ACMECS Summit

YANGON, 30 Oct — At the invitation of Dr Thaksin Shinawatra, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand, General Soe Win, Prime Minister of the Union of Myanmar and delegation will attend the 2nd Ayeyawady-Chao Phraya-Mekong Economic Cooperation Strategy (ACMECS) Summit to be held in Bangkok, Thailand, in the near future.