Myanmar striving to keep pace with changes and developments and stand tall among the global nations
Central Committee for Preservation of Myanma Cultural Heritage meets

Nay Pyi Taw, 9 March—Chairman of Central Committee for Preservation of Myanma Cultural Heritage Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Thein Sein this afternoon attended the meeting 1/2007 of the Central Committee held at the meeting hall of the Ministry of Culture here and made a speech on the occasion.

The meeting was attended by members of Central Committee for Preservation of Myanmar Cultural Heritage ministers, the director-general of the State Peace and Development Council Office, the director-general of the Prime Minister’s Office, directors-general of departments, officials and others.

In his address, Chairman of the Central Committee Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Thein Sein said that two of the four social objectives are uplift of national prestige and integrity and preservation and safeguarding of cultural heritage and national character, and uplift of dynamism of patriotic spirit. The two social objectives cover the characteristics of uplift, preservation, safeguarding and dynamism. Now is the time when the world is experiencing rapid development in science and technology in the process of globalization. At such a time, all are to preserve and safeguard their own culture and heritage from falling into degeneration.

At present, each and every nation in the world is trying its utmost in political, economic and social spheres to serve its own national interest. Like others, the Union of Myanmar is striving in order to keep pace with changes and developments and stand tall among the global nations. In the meantime, it has been endeavouring for perpetuation of the Union, the heritage of ancestors. Based on nationalistic spirit, efforts are being made for the nation to keep abreast of countries of the world as an independent and sovereign one.

To be patriotic, one needs to know the historical trends of his own nation and race. The primate fossils found in Pontaung-Ponnya Region stand witness that Myanmars are the origin of mankind which have been in existence for 40 million years.

The fact has been recognized by experts of the world. Therefore, there has been a firm evidence that Myanmars have been living in the nation since yore. And utensils used by Myanmars in successive eras were unearthed. This being so, for Myanmar people the fact is something to be proud of.

The preservation of cultural heritage amounts to uplift of national prestige and integrity, thereby contributing to perpetuation of the Union.

These days, there are incidents that alien culture is infiltrating into developing countries through undeclared wars. This proved to be a serious threat to developing nations. It is obvious that aliens are fabricating Myanma history with every intention of sowing discord and dissension among national brethren.

Actually, national brethren have been living in the Union through thick and thin for years countable by the thousand. Although they are different in mode of dress and dialects according to geographical condition, they are identical in loyalty, integrity, hospitality and generosity.

Research work is very crucial for the Myanmar national races and so is national cultural heritage. Therefore, the State Law and Order Restoration Council formed the Central Committee for the Preservation of Myanma Cultural Heritage on 25 June 1993.

To keep pace with the developments of the State, the State Peace and Development Council reconstituted the Central Committee on 26-9-2006 with Order No (44/2006). The committee on its part is carrying out preservation work for maintaining the existing edifices, pagodas and stupas. It is also trying to maintain the antiques and explore more archaeological sites. The committee is doing its utmost for Myanmar culture to win the respect of the world. In doing so, the people are to value Myanmar culture and cultural heritage as a national task.

Next, Minister for Culture Maj-Gen Khin Aung Myint explained measures being taken for preservation of Myanma cultural heritage.

After that, Director-General of Archaeology and National Museum and Library Department of U San Win reported on forming of the Central Committee, demarcation of zone boundary in 1998 under the Myanma Cultural Heritage Preservation Law, excavation of primate fossils, researches on bronze age, preservation of artifacts, rebuilding of Bagan Shwe Nan Daw (palace), renovation of ancient pagodas and stupas in Bagan Archaeological Zone, emergency measures against degeneration of cultural heritage due to elements and collection of museum entrance fees and zone fees.

Later, Deputy Director-General of Fine Arts Department Daw Nanda Hmoon reported on holding of Myanmar Traditional Cultural Performing Arts Competitions, arrangements for conferring movie and drama degrees at University of Culture, Director-General of Historical Research Department Dr Ba Maung on works of the department to Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Thein Sein who attended to the needs.

After hearing the reports, Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Thein Sein stressed the need for officials concerned to strive for uplift and preservation of cultural heritage as they are priceless, and made concluding remarks.

After the meeting, the Secretary-1 and party viewed documentary photos on preservation of cultural heritage displayed at the office of the Ministry of Culture.

Central Committee for Prevention of Trafficking in Persons meets
Work groups protecting, preventing vulnerable persons from being trafficked

Nay Pyi Taw, 9 March — The Central Committee for Prevention of Trafficking in Persons held its first coordination meeting at the Myanmar Police Force Headquarters here this afternoon.

Chairman of the Central Committee Minister for Home Affairs Maj-Gen Maung Oo said that Myanmar joined UN Convention Against Transnational Organized Crime and Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons Especially Women and Children on 30 March 2004. It signed the MoU Against Trafficking in Persons of six member countries of Greater Mekong Sub-Region on 29 October 2004. Myanmar is strictly observing the UN resolutions and combating human trade.

The Law on Prevention of Trafficking in Persons is intended to protect people vulnerable to human trade. The work groups formed under the provisions of the law with deputy ministers and the deputy attorney-general as chairmen are performing to protect and prevent vulnerable persons from being trafficked in and take action against human traffickers under the law. Since the promulgation of the law, success has been achieved in carrying out tasks for elimination and prevention of trafficking in persons. In 2006, 60 cases in human trade were exposed, 200 victims were rescued and punitive action was taken against 299 human traffickers. Central Committee members departmental personnel, internal NGOs, UN agencies and INGOs have made efforts in concert to implement the four tactics of the national plan—prevention, taking action under law, protection of the victims, and rehabilitation of the victims. Responsible officials will cope with problems on trafficking in persons with patriotic fervour as a national duty.

He said that now the fifth draft has been written for the national level five-year plan for elimination of human trade. The plan is made up of five sectors—cooperation through the policy, prevention, taking action, protection of the victims, and capacity building.

In conclusion, he called for more bilateral MoUs against trafficking in persons, national plans to lay down tactics, promotion of cooperation of international community, and collective efforts in various sectors.

Chairman of the Group for Prevention of Trafficking in Persons and Protection of Victims Deputy Minister for Home Affairs Brig-Gen Phone Swe reported on work accomplishment.

Chairman of the Group of Legal Affairs and Taking Action Deputy Attorney-General U Myint Naing and Chairman of the Group for Receiving Victims, Reintegration and Rehabilitation Deputy Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement Col Kyaw Myint dealt with work progress.

Central Committee Secretary Director-General Brig-Gen Khin Yi presented success achieved in preventing human trade. Police Chief of Staff Police Brig-Gen Khin Maung Si gave an account of progress in drawing the five-year national level plan.

Next, responsible persons of the international organizations discussed matters on cooperation regarding the drive for prevention of trafficking in persons. Officials of the Central Committee assessed their discussions.

The minister gave concluding remarks.

Myanmar Government exerting all-out efforts to promote fundamental human rights, the right to development
Myanmar strongly opposes, condemns selectivity and double standards in promotion and protection of human rights and exploitation of human rights as pretext for political purposes, making false accusations of internal affairs of other countries

Nay Pyi Taw, 9 March— The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Union of Myanmar, today, issued a press release totally rejecting Country Reports on Human Rights Practices of over 190 countries including Myanmar released by the US Department of State on 7 March 2007 as the report carried a litany of unfounded and unsubstantiated allegations of human rights violations in Myanmar.

The following is the full text of the press release.

The US Department of State on 7 March 2007 released its 2006 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices of over 190 countries of the world, including Myanmar. As in the past, the report once again carried a litany of unfounded and unsubstantiated allegations of human rights violations in Myanmar.

As usual, the report falsely made sweeping accusations of human rights abuses in Myanmar, such as extrajudicial killings, custodial deaths, disappearances, rape and torture, arbitrary arrests, forced relocations, forced recruitment of child soldiers, use of forced labour, increased military attacks on ethnic minority villagers, continued detention of political prisoners, as well as restrictions on freedom of press, religion, movement, etc.

Considering the tone and tenor of the report, the source of these fabricated allegations must have emanated from the remaining insurgent group and anti-government elements, which are launching a systematic disinformation campaign by exploiting every sensitive issue to smear and tarnish the image of the Myanmar Government.

Following its failed attempt to pass a resolution on Myanmar at the United Nations Security Council, the US Government has publicly declared that it would use all multilateral avenues, including the Human Rights Council, to press on Myanmar. The Report is also a part of the US strategy to exert more pressure on Myanmar in pursuit of its own political agenda.

Contrary to the accusations made in the report, the Myanmar Government is exerting all out efforts to promote the fundamental human rights, the right to development. In order to fulfill the basic needs of its entire population, the Government has been relentlessly striving for all-round development of the country, including the remote border areas where the majority of ethnic nationalities reside. As a result, significant improvements can be seen in the economic and social conditions as well as the living standards of the entire populace, including the national races.

Turning a blind eye to these positive developments and prevalence of peace and tranquility nation-wide, the report released by the US is devoid of factual correctness and does not reflect the realities in the country. Myanmar strongly opposes and condemns selectivity and double standards in the promotion and protection of human rights and exploitation of human rights as pretext for political purposes, making false accusations of internal affairs of other countries.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs therefore totally rejects the biased assessment on the human rights situation in Myanmar contained in the US Department of State’s 2006 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices.

Lt-Gen Myint Swe inspects tax-free markets

Yangon, 9 March — Lt-Gen Myint Swe of the Ministry of Defence inspected tax-free markets in Yangon City and progress of the road section leading to Dagon University this morning.

At the tax-free market in Dagon Myothit (North) Township, Lt-Gen Myint Swe was welcomed by Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Hla Htay Win, Chairman of Yangon City Development Committee Mayor Brig-Gen Aung Thein Lin and officials.

Accompanied by the commander and the mayor, Lt-Gen Myint Swe visited the tax-free market and left necessary instructions.

After inspecting construction of Tawwin Road and digging of drains in Dagon University in Dagon Myothit (East) Township, Lt-Gen Myint Swe heard reports on progress of tasks presented by Head of Engineering Department (Road and Bridge) U Bo Htay of YCDC.

Next, Lt-Gen Myint Swe and party visited the tax-free market in Dagon Myothit (South) Township, Shukhintha Tax-free Market in Thakayta Township and tax-free markets in Tamway and Yankin townships, and greeted shopkeepers and the people.

Mines Minister inspects Gems Emporium

Yangon, 9 March — Patron of the Central Committee for Myanma Gems Emporium Minister for Mines Brig-Gen Ohn Myint inspected sales of pearl and gem lots at the 44th Myanma Gems Emporium at Myanma Gems Mart on Kaba Aye Pagoda Road, here, this morning. After inspecting 310 lots of pearl, the minister cordially greeted gem merchants.

Next, the minister inspected sales of gem lots on the top floor and greeted the gem merchants who were observing gem lots.

2775 gem merchants arrive

Yangon, 9 March — The 44th Myanma Gems Emporium is in progress at Myanma Gems Mart on Kaba Aye Pagoda Road and Myanmar Convention Centre on Mindhamma Road in Mayangon Township. A total of 2775 gem merchants — 1173 from local gem companies and 1602 from 536 gem companies from abroad — have so far arrived here this evening.

Pearl lots will be sold till 10 March and gem lots till 12 March through tender and competitive bidding system at the Myanma Gems Mart.

Local and foreign gem merchants are permitted to observe 5858 lots of pearl at Myanmar Convention Centre till 12 March and these pearl lots will be sold from 13 to 20 March through tender and competitive bidding system.

More gem merchants from abroad will arrived here till 12 March.

Child Rights and Child Protection Course organized

Yangon, 9 March—The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the Young Men’s Buddhist Association (YMBA) co-organized the Courses on Child Rights and Child Protection at Mingala Taungnyut Union Solidarity and Develop-ment Association on
7 March.

President of the YMBA U Bo Ni and officials gave speeches.

Twenty-five trainees are attending the three-day course.

Myanmar needs assistance from international communities to speed up tasks of controlling bird flu

Yangon, 9 March — The Donor Meeting for Avian Influenza, organized by FAO, was held at Sedona Hotel, here, today.

It was attended by UNDP Resident Repre-sentative Mr Charles James Petrie, FAP Resident Representative Mr Tang Zhengping, WHO Resident Representative Prof Ms Adik Wibowo, World Bank Senior Operation Officer Mr Steven M Schonberger, UNAID Regional Coordinator Dr John Mac Aurthur, representatives of embassies of the US, France, Australia, Republic of Korea, the UK, Japan, Singapore, Italy, Thailand, Germany and People’s Republic of China, IFRC, USAID, AusAID and international consultants of FAO, the director-general of Livestock Breeding and Veterinary Department and officials of Health Department.

Representatives of UNDP, FAO and WHO gave speeches and the representative of WB, the regional coordinator of USAID and the director-general of LBVD reported on prevention and control of bird flu and international assistance.

SE Region Bird Flu Coordinator Dr Wantanee Kalpravidth discussed control of bird flu in Myanmar, requirements and challenges, the national strategic plan for prevention and control of avian influenza drawn by FAO and the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, and requirements of the fund.

The representatives of WB said that Myanmar could perform inspection, reporting and taking preventive measures against bird flu. Breeders with high knowledge reported news on death of chicken to the authorities. The laboratory for animal disease in Yangon can test bird flu applying modern technologies. Due to the proper plan on control of disease, the LBVD and Health Department could cooperate with local authorities to control the disease.

Myanmar needs assistance from inter-national communities to speed up tasks of controlling bird flu, they said.

MEB holds coordination meeting

Nay Pyi Taw, 9 March—The Myanma Economic Bank of the Ministry of Finance and Revenue held a meeting at the ministry here this morning to review the previous year’s work.

Managers of state/division and district branches reported on accomplishments.

Minister for Finance and Revenue Maj-Gen Hla Tun called for combined efforts to achieve the objectives and regional development.

He also called for assessment of strengths and weaknesses of the functions and arran-gements for the tasks to be implemented in the coming financial year. All the staff are to work hard in the interest of the nation and the banks, he said, calling for politeness in dealing with customers and effective per-formances.

Governor of the Central Bank of Myanmar U Kyaw Kyaw Maung, Managing Director of the MEB U Myat Maw and branch managers held discussions on functions of the MEC.

The meeting com-menced on 6 March and concluded today.

New model of Canon digital cameras introduced, Canon Club opens

Yangon, 9 March — Accel International Co Ltd opened Canon Club Myanmar at No (7/11), the southern wing of Aung San Stadium in Mingala Taungnyunt Township here this afternoon.

First, Company Managing Director Mr Alvin Law and Marketing Manager of Singapore Pte Ltd Mr Joe Matsumoto formally opened the Canon Club.

A ceremony to introduce and demonstrate a new model of Canon digital cameras also took place at the Traders Hotel.

Mr Alvin Law and Mr Joe Matsumoto extended greetings and Mr Roland Poon of Canon Singapore demonstrated Canon Digital SLR camera ESO-1D Mark III.

Those having a digital SLR camera and a piece of lens can apply for the membership of the Canon Club.

Various models of Canon digital cameras are available at No (7/11), the southern wing of Aung San Stadium in Mingala Taungnyunt Township (Ph: 243036 and 243038).

One wounded in mine blast

Nay Pyi Taw, 9 March— The insurgents are resorting to various means with the intention of undermining the stability of the State, community peace, the rule of law and public security.

Min Min, 25, son of U Khaw Taw in Kyaukkyi Pauk village in Htantabin Township stepped on a mine planted by insurgents and the blast wounded his right leg. He was on his way to the forest to collect wood together with his brother at 11.30 am on 6 March .

He was taken to hospital in the township. Officials and locals are making efforts to expose the insurgents.

International Conference of Theravada Buddhist Universities commences
Chancellors, rectors and faculty members of 22 Theravada Buddhist Universities, Colleges of 13 countries participate in conference

Yangon, 9 March — A ceremony to open the International Conference of Theravada Buddhist Universities, jointly organized by the International Theravada Buddhist Missionary University of the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Sitagu International Buddhist Academy, was held at ITBMU in Mayangon Township this morning.

Present on the occasion were Chairman of State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee Magway Sayadaw Abhidhaja Maha Rattha Guru Abhidhaja Agga Maha Saddhammajotika Bhaddanta Kumara and member Sayadaws, Chancellor of Sitagu International Buddhist Academy Agga Maha Pandita Bhaddanta Dr Ñanissara, Rector of ITBMU Bhaddanta Dr Nandamalabhivamsa, chancellors and vice chancellors, rectors and pro-rectors, principals, faculty members and expert Sayadaws from 22 Buddhist Universities and Colleges in Bangladesh, Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Nepal, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam and the US, Minister for Religious Affairs Brig-Gen Thura Myint Maung, Director-General Dr Myo Myint of Department for Promotion and Propagation of the Sasana, Pro-Rector (Admin) Dr Myint Kyi of ITBMU, diplomats and officials of the foreign embassies, departmental officials of the Ministry of Religious Affairs, Buddhism researchers and experts from abroad, faculty members and students of ITBMU.

Professor of ITBMU Bhaddanta Dr Dhammassami acted as MC.

Chairman of SSMNC Magway Sayadaw Bhaddanta Kumara delivered an Sammodaniya Sandesakatha.

Next, Minister Brig-Gen Thura Myint Maung read out a greetings message.

Chancellor of Sitagu International Buddhist Academy Agga Maha Pandita Bhaddanta Dr Ñanissara delivered a keynote speech.

Rector Ven Phra Theppariyattiwimol of Mahamakut Buddhist University and Rector Ven Prof Dr Phra Dharmakosajarn of Mahachulalongkorn-rajavidyalaya University of Bangkok in Thailand extended greetings.

After the opening ceremony, the Chairman Sayadaw of SSMNC together with the chancellors and vice-chancellors, rectors and expert Sayadaws from 22 Buddhist universities and colleges in 13 countries and Buddhism researchers from abroad posed for documentary photos.

Members of the Sangha attending the conference are from University of Chittagong of Bangladesh, Preach Sihamuni Raja Buddhist University and Preach Sihanouk Raja Buddhist University of Cambodia, Delhi University and Nalanda University of India, International Buddhist College Songkhala of Thailand, Mahachulalongkorn University and Mahamakut Buddhist University of Bangkok of Thailand, Tribhuvan University of Nepal, Buddhist & Pali College of Singapore and Burmese Buddhist Temple of Singapore, the Light of Buddhadhamma Foundation of Los Angeles of the US, Vietnam Theravada Buddhist College, Buddhist & Pali University and Buddhasarvaka Bhikkhu University of Sri Lanka, Ketarjasa Buddhist College, Bodhidhamma Buddhist College, Nalanda Buddhist College, Syailendra Buddhist College and Smaratungga Buddhist College and Finarakkhita Buddhist College of Indonesia, Samgha College of Lao PDR, and ITBMU, State Pariyatti Sasana University and Sitagu International Buddhist Academy of Myanmar.

The conference continues its agenda at Mount Popa Hotel in Magway Division on 10 and 11 March. Members of the Sangha will exchange views on practice and experiences of Theravada Buddhism, set up an organization of Theravada Buddhist Universities and sign MoUs on sharing and exchange of technologies, instructors and trainees in the conference.

Measures taken as to death of birds in Yangon Division

Yangon, 9 March — The death of 234 crows, pigeons, sparrows, quails and owls was found in townships of Yangon Division from 27 February to date.

The LBVD came to the conclusion that the death of birds in Yangon Division was due to temperature changes of the season and eating poisonous foods, but not bird flu. Among them, 21 per cent of birds were found dead due to heat stroke, 17 per cent of birds chronic respiratory disease, 12 per cent of birds enteritis, 10 per cent of birds pigeon pox, 20 per cent of birds poison and eight per cent of birds suffering injury. A total of 12 per cent of birds could not be detected as they had decomposed.

The department warned to guard the pet dogs and cats not to eat dead bodies of crows and other birds, to spray pesticide on the dead birds and bury them and the bodies of animal killed with poison should be buried systematically.

Gold chain snatcher arrested

Yangon, 9 March — A man was arrested by duty-conscious people and handed to Pabedan Township Police Force as he was running down a road after snatching a gold chain from a person at about 8 pm on 4 March.

As Ko George King (a) Khin Maung Ngwe of Kamayut Township was waiting for the circular train at the Pagoda Road Railway Station in Ward-5, Pabedan Township, at about 8 pm, the man named Saw Mu Ray (Kyaban) approached him and grabbed the gold chain weighing about .5 tical after asking him where he was going, and ran to Shwedagon Pagoda Road. As Khin Maung Ngwe shouted for help, Chairman of Yawmingyi Ward Peace and Development Council U Maung Htwe and member U Kyaw Win and Sergeant Yan Aung of Auxiliary Fire Brigade ran after and arrested the snatcher. Pabedan Town-ship Police Station is taking action against Saw Mu Ray (Kyaban), it is learnt.

Int’l organizations observe bird flu prevention in Yangon

Yangon, 9 March — A bird flu watchdog comprising regional coordinator Dr John Mac Arthur of USAID, Ms Manlowe Teresal, first secretary of US Embassy, Mr Steven Schonberger of World Bank, Mr Kwanpadh Suddhi Dhamakit and veterinarians of Livestock Breeding and Veterinary Department this afternoon made a field trip to chicken farms in Mayangon Township and observed tasks on prevention of bird flu.

Fires break out in Natmauk, Myitkyina

Yangon, 9 March — A fire broke out in Ale village, Natmauk Town-ship, Magway Division at 11.30 am yesterday. A total of 42 houses were gutted by the fire that left 41 people homeless. A makeshift relief camp was opened at a monastery in the village and necessary assistance is being provided to the fire victims.

Similarly, a fire that broke out in Tatkon and Aung Nan wards in Myitkyina in Kachin State on the same day destroyed three houses and 23 people were left homeless. Authorities concerned have provided assistance to the fire victims.