established 1914 volume xi, number 160 13th waning of ...sep 23, 2003 · organizations, farmers,...

THE NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR Tuesday, 23 September, 2003 1

Established 1914

Emergence of the State Constitution is the duty of all citizens of Myanmar Naing-Ngan.

Bahusaccañ ca, to have immensity of knowledge; this is the way to auspiciousness.

Volume XI, Number 160 13th Waning of Tawthalin 1365 ME Tuesday, 23 September, 2003

Rector Dr Soe Tun addressing the mass rally held insupport of the Prime Minister’s speech on the future

policies of the State. — MNA

Seven future policies and programmes clarified by the Prime Minister are nationalprogrammes to ensure emergence of peaceful modern and developed nation

Successful holding of the National Convention is of paramount importance for the StateMass rally in support of Prime Minister’s clarafication on seven-stage roadmap held in Mandalay

Rector Dr Soe Tun presides over the mass rally together with Rector U Win Maung, Daw Win May, Dr Ko Lay andU Ko Ko Htwe as members. — MNA

YANGON, 22 Sept — A mass rally, organized by the

Union Solidarity and Development Association, was held in

support of the Prime Minister’s clarafication on the seven

policies and programmes of the State (roadmap) in Bahtoo

Sports Ground, Chan Aye Thazan Township, Mandalay

Division this morning.

Present on the occasion were CEC members of USDA,

members of USDA in Mandalay Division, Myanmar Ma-

ternal and Child Welfare Association, Myanmar National

Working Committee for Women’s Affairs, Mandalay Di-

vision War Veterans Organization, Red Cross Society,

Auxiliary Fire Brigade, Myanmar Music Asiayon,

Myanmar Thabin Asiayon, Myanmar Floriculturists Asso-

ciation, Myanmar Medical Society (Mandalay), Mandalay

Photographers Association, Traditional Medicine Practi-

tioners Association, Hoteliers and Tour Operators Asso-

ciation, Industrialists Association, Myanmar Rice and

Paddy Merchants Association, Video Association, Man-

dalay Division All Bus Lines Control, trainee nurses,

service personnel, farmers and local people totalling over

15,500 of Chanayethazan, Pyigyitagun, Amarapura, Maha

Aungmyay, Chanmyathazi, Aungmyay Thazan and

Patheingyi Townships.

Before the mass rally, members of non-governmental

organizations, farmers, workers and townsdwellers of Chan

Aye Thazan, and Pyigyitagun townships led by Column

Commander Executive U Aung Kyaw Tun of Mandalay

Division USDA together with flag bearing team and band

troupe marched into the sports ground from No1 gate and

took their designated places systematically.

Similarly, members of non-governmental organizations,

farmers, workers and townsdwellers of Amarapura, Maha

Aungmyay townships led by Column Commander Execu-

tive U Thaung Wai of Mandalay District USDA together

with flag bearing team and band troupe marched into the

sports ground from No 2 gate and took their designated

places systematically.

Likewise, members of non-governmental organiza-

tions, farmers, workers and townsdwellers of Chan Mya

Thasi township led by Column Commander Executive U

Ko Ko Lay of Mandalay District USDA together with flag

bearing team and band troupe marched into the sports

ground from No 3 gate and took their designated places

systematically.

Moreover, members of non-governmental organizations,

farmers, workers and townsdwellers of Aungmyay Thazan

and Patheingyi Townships led by Column Commander

Executive Daw Myint Myint Oo of Mandalay District

USDA together with flag team and band troupe marched

into the sports ground from No 3 gate and took their

designated places systematically.

At the rally, Rector of Mandalay Institute of Medicine

Dr Soe Tun presided over the mass rally together with

Rector of Mandalay Yadanabon University U Win Maung,

women entrepreneur Thiri Thudhama Theingi Daw Win

May, Dr Ko Lay of Myanmar Medical Society (Mandalay)

and Executive U Ko Ko Htwe of Mandalay District USDA

as members. Executive of Aungmyay Thazan Township

USDA Daw Thin Thin Oo and Member of Chanmyathazi

Township USDA Daw Nay Zar Win acted as masters of

ceremonies.

On the occasion, the master of ceremonies declared that

today’s mass rally was to hail and support the Prime Minis-

ter’s speech on the political roadmap of the State.

Next, Dr Soe Tun made a speech. He said:

(See page 16)

2 THE NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR Tuesday, 23 September, 2003

PERSPECTIVESTuesday, 23 September, 2003

YANGON, 22 Sept —

Secretary-2 of the State

Peace and Development

Council Lt-Gen Thein Sein

met departmental officials

of division, district and

township in Mandalay Di-

vision at the meeting hall

of the Central Command

this morning.

Also present were

Chairman of Mandalay Di-

vision Peace and Develop-

ment Council Commander

of Central Command, the

ministers, the deputy min-

isters, the Mandalay mayor,

the deputy commander, of-

ficials of the State Peace

and Development Council

Office, heads of depart-

ments, members of Manda-

lay Division Peace and

Development Council,

members of Mandalay Dis-

trict and Township Peace

and Development Councils

and members and depart-

mental officials.

Chairman of Mandalay

Division Peace and Devel-

opment Council Com-

mander Maj-Gen Ye Myint

reported on agriculture, eco-

nomic, education, health

and regional development

matters and measures un-

dertaken on development of

industrial zones.

Next, Minister for Infor-

mation Brig-Gen Kyaw

Hsan said information is im-

portant for the nation and

its people. The Ministry of

Information is implement-

ing information works with

Secretary-2 meets departmental officials in Mandalay Divisionfive objectives.

He also spoke on meas-

ures on media coverage in

border areas and in interna-

tional communities and the

tasks of media to be dy-

namic and effective.

He called on officials to

cooperate with departments

concerned for realization of

information works.

Minister for Rail Trans-

portation Maj-Gen Aung

Min reported on Myanma

Railways’ endeavours under

the guidance of the Head of

State and cooperation with

departments.

Next, Deputy Minister

for Health Dr Mya Oo re-

ported on arrangements for

health and longevity of the

citizens.

The Secretary-2 ex-

plained the process for

emergence of a modern de-

veloped democratic nation.

He said stability, security

and prevalence of law and

order are needed in build-

ing a new nation. In order

to achieve such condition,

the government took appro-

priate measures from 1988

to 1992. And there is sta-

bility, security and preva-

lence of law and order in

the country.

He said after achieving

stability, the government

made efforts for economic

development. Politics,

economy and security are

interrelated, he added.

Being an agro-based

country, priority is given to

agricultural development.

The Head of State had given

guidance on increase of

sown acreage and boosting

production of crops, he said.

He also spoke on culti-

vation of ten major crops,

coffee, tea, pepper and per-

ennial plants.

He spoke of the need

for Mandalay Division to

give priority to extention of

cultivation acreage, boost-

ing production of crops and

rice sufficiency in the re-

gion. The State also pro-

vided assistance to develop-

ment of agriculture in Man-

dalay Division.

It is impossible to rely

only on the agriculture sec-

tor. Efforts are to be made

for economic development

of meat and fish, forestry,

mining and energy sectors.

As regards the ad-

ministrative sector, it is

important for the state/divi-

sion, district, township and

ward/village-tract Peace and

Development Councils to

play a leading role in dis-

charging duties as they are

the highest administrative

bodies of the State.

Mandalay Division

is one of the most popu-

lous divisions/states of the

country and it plays a cru-

cial role in the State’s eco-

nomic sector. So, it is

needed to make strenuous

efforts for successful im-

plementation of the State’s

projects, tasks of the min-

istries and regional devel-

opment tasks with the co-

operation of departments.

In discharging du-

ties, it is needed to carry out

the tasks with minimum of

wastage and to meet the set

standard in a short time.

Austerity is not a trivial

matter but a thing to be

taken care of. In building

the country to be a modern

and developed democratic

one, departments are to un-

derstand the policies and

programmes of the State, so

that they will exactly know

what they have to do and

make decisions.

Afterwards, he cor-

dially greeted those present

on the occasion.

Chairman of the

Central Organizing Com-

mittee of the Myanmar War

Veterans Organization Sec-

retary-2 Adjutant-General

Lt-Gen Thein Sein, together

with Commander Brig-Gen

Nay Win and officials,

this morning inspected

Tagunthit Basic Industrial

Company Ltd, a joint ven-

ture between private com-

pany and MWVO.

Lt-Gen Thein Sein

and party viewed round the

installation of the machin-

ery and progress of the

building there.

Managing Director

of the company U Naw

Aung reported on invest-

ment, arrangements for pro-

duction of wood finishing

products and for export.

Next, Lt-Gen Thein Sein

attended to the needs.

Tagunthit Basic In-

dustrial Co Ltd will carry

out wood-based industrial

work and arrangements are

being made to start com-

mercial production at the

end of this year. After-

wards, Lt-Gen Thein Sein

met with division/district/

township WVO supervisory

committee chairmen and

members in Mandalay Di-

vision at the Central Com-

mand.

Lt-Gen Thein Sein

and party arrived back here

this afternoon by air.

MNA

Secretary-2 Lt-Gen Thein Sein inspects the installation of machinery at Tagunthit Co Ltd. — MNA

Secretary-2 Lt-Gen Thein Sein met with departmental officials at division/district/township levels in Mandalay Division. — MNA

The role of teachers innational development

Now is the time when the entire people,relying on the strength of national forces, areunitedly extending themselves for the Union tobe able to keep abreast with the developmentof other nations of the world. Needless to say,student youths are the most fundamental of allthe national forces and so it is necessary todevelop good character in them and uplift theirmorale and morality. Moreover, it is necessaryto cultivate patriotic spirit in them, for onlywhen they are patriotic will they become en-thusiastic about serving the interests of thenation and their fellow citizens.

As is known to all, the Government istranslating education promotion plans intoaction with the purpose of raising the educa-tional standard of the entire nation and turn-ing out more and more intellectuals andintelligentia who are very patriotic as well ashighly-qualified.

Teachers play a key role in bringingabout national development as they are respon-sible for producing well-qualified human re-sources necessary for the national development.The teachers are required not only to educatethe students but also to shape their attitudeand outlook in the best way as it can be, espe-cially when they are young.

The world today is experiencing rapiddevelopment in science and technologies andthis has a great influence on economic, educa-tional and social trends of the world. At sucha time like this, it is essential not to lose sightof the prevailing situations and latest develop-ments of the world.

Therefore, the Government is executingeducational reforms in accord with the inter-national developments by taking all the neces-sary steps so that the students are qualifiedenough to face the future challenges posed byrapid progress of science and technologies.

The role of teachers in national develop-ment cannot be overestimated. Therefore, wewould like to call on all teachers to activelylend themselves to the national education pro-motion plan by leading the students in the rightway and training them to become good andable citizens who can serve the best interests ofthe nation and the people.


US UNDER INTENSIFIED IRAQ RESISTANCE

An Iraqi civil defence specialist examines a land-mine after it was made

safe, in Mosul, 400 kms (250 miles) north of Baghdad, Iraq

on 20 September, 2003.—INTERNET

A US soldier stands guard at the entrance of Yarmouk hospital in

Baghdad, on 20 September, 2003.—INTERNET

Six months have passed since US-led troops went into Iraq. In the aftermath, the government is

facing problems over how to extend support to help reconstruct a postwar Iraq.

INTERNET

A US soldier from the 1st battalion of the 22nd regiment, fourth infantry division, guards a

detainee during a raid in Tikrit, about 110 miles (180 kilometres) northwest of Baghdad,

on 21 September, 2003. The early morning raid proved futile, with no arms and ammunitions

being found, due to incorrect information, according to a US army official.

INTERNET

304 US soldiers killed since beginningof military operations in Iraq

BAGHDAD, 22Sept—As of on 21 September, 304 US service members

have died since the beginning of military operations in Iraq, according to

US Central Command.

The British military has reported 49 deaths. Denmark’s military has

reported one death.

On or since May 1, when President Bush declared that major combat

operations in Iraq had ended, 166 US soldiers have died in Iraq, according

to the latest Defence Department figures.

Since the start of military operations, 1,275 US service members have

been wounded as a result of hostile action, according to US Central

Command. Non-hostile injured numbered 319.

The latest deaths reported by US Central Command:

Two soldiers from the 205th Military Intelligence Brigade were killed

Saturday when mortars struck a US base at the Abu Ghraib prison on the

western outskirts of Baghdad.

A soldier from the 3rd Armoured Cavalry Regiment was killed

Saturday when a roadside bomb exploded near his Humvee outside

Ramadi, Iraq. The latest identification reported by the military:

No new identifications reported. —Internet

Iraqi police collect

pieces of a destroyed

car as they and US

soldiers investigate

the scene of a suicide

bomb attack across the

road from the United

Nations headquarters

in Baghdad, on 22

September, 2003.

A suicide car bomber

killed an Iraqi

policeman and himself

at a road checkpoint

behind the UN

headquarters as the

UN considers whether

to broaden its role in

Iraq . Eleven people

were injured.

INTERNET


BAGHDAD , 22 Sept—Three American soldiers died in a mortar attack and a roadside bombing west of the capital,and coalition authorities appealed to Iraqis on Sunday for information to help investigators track down those whotried to kill a prominent woman member of Iraq Governing Council.

Three US soldiers killed intwo Iraq attacks

Iraq also unveiled a new plan to open all sectors of the

economy to foreign investment — except oil — to revive an

economy shattered by years of armed conflict, mismanage-

ment and international sanctions. US Treasury Secretary

John Snow said the plan offered “real promise” of economic

revival but cautioned that security in a country still facing

daily violence would be a prerequisite for recovery.

In a sign of the country’s ongoing security crisis, the US

military reported two soldiers from the 205th Military

Intelligence Brigade were killed when mortars struck a US

base at the Abu Ghraib prison on the western outskirts of

Baghdad about 10 pm Saturday. Thirteen other soldiers

were wounded in the attack. No prisoners were hurt.

Shortly before the Abu Ghraib shelling, a soldier from

the 3rd Armoured Cavalry Regiment was killed when a

roadside bomb exploded near his Humvee outside Ramadi,

about 60 miles west of the capital, the military said.

Those deaths brought to 165 the number of American

soldiers killed in Iraq since President Bush declared an end

to major fighting on May 1. During the heavy fighting before

then, 138 soldiers died. The latest deaths brought to 303 the

number of US soldiers who have died in Iraq since the US-

led coalition launched military operations March 20.

The latest American deaths followed an assassination

attempt Saturday against Aquila al-Hashimi, one of three

women on the 25-member Governing Council and strong

candidate to become Iraq’s representative at the United

Nations. Al-Hashimi, a Shiite Muslim and career diplomat,

was seriously wounded by six gunmen in a pickup truck

who chased her in her car near her home on Saturday. The

assailants escaped.

Al-Hashimi underwent a second operation and was

reported in critical but stable condition at a military hospital

on the grounds of one of Saddam Hussein former palaces

where the Coalition Provisional Authority has its head-

quarters, an official with the US-led civilian administration

said on Sunday.

On Sunday, Douglas Brand, a British adviser to the

Iraqi police, said the coalition officials were helping Iraqi

police with the investigation and appealed to the public to

come forward with any information.

The Governing Council president, Ahmad Chalabi,

blamed Saddam loyalists for the shooting. US-led forces

have been struggling to put down a guerilla-style insurgency

that has targeted Americans and their Iraqi allies. The attempt

against al-Hashimi was the first against a member of the

council since it was appointed by US authorities in July.

Internet

WELLINGTON , 22 Sept— The tourism industry in New Zealand is recovering fromsevere acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and the Iraq war, with a flood of Australianand British tourists offsetting a downturn from Asia.

According to Statistics New Zealand (SNZ) figures released here Saturday, interna-

tional tourist numbers in August 2003 were up 2 per cent on the same month last year, and

better than arrivals in July this year.

This is the first month since April in which visitor numbers have been up year on year. SNZ

figures show that the Asian market fell 16 per cent in August from the same month last year

to 34,000. However, visitors from Australia rose 14 per cent to 54,000 and Britain 19 per cent

to 10,500 from August last year. Deutsche Bank economist Ulf Schoefisch said the recovery

to pre-SARS levels was not yet complete.

In the long term, visitor numbers were expected to increase by 5.7 per cent on an annual

average basis over the next six years, according to the economist. — MNA/Xinhua

NZ tourism industry recoversfrom SARS, Iraq war

BERLIN , 22 Sept—Britain, France and Germany wantpower transferred to civilian authorities in Iraq “asquickly as possible” and the United Nations given agreater role, German Chancellor Gerhard Schroedersaid after trilateral talks here Saturday.

He said progress was made on the question of Iraq

during the talks he just concluded with visiting British Prime

Minister Tony Blair and French President Jacques Chirac.

But he also made it clear that time is still needed for

detailed discussions on the reconstruction of Iraq, which

was in serious chaos after US-led troops invaded the

country.

“We all want to see a stable and democratic Iraq and that

the transition to democracy occurs as quickly as possible,”

British Prime Minister Tony Blair told the Press conference

held after the talks. — MNA/Xinhua

Britain, Germany,France wantquick transfer ofpower in Iraq

Giant panda Qing Qingstands upon the wooden

bracket at the ChinaPanda Breeding andResearch Centre in

Wolong in southwestChina's Sichuan

Province on 20 Sept,2003. Qing Qing willmove along with othersix pandas to a newly

established panda basein the province becausethe overloaded Wolong

centre faces greatburden to breed the

pandas.XINHUA

Du Pont toincrease

investmentin China

SHANGHAI , 22 Sept—The United States-based multi-national Du Pont will invest additional 100 million USdollars in China and move more of its regional businessheadquarters to the Chinese Mainland in the next two tothree years.

Jeff Keeffer, vice-president of Du Pont for global opera-

tions, made the pledge while addressing a ceremony to mark

the inauguration of a titanium dioxide client service centre in

Shanghai. Titanium dioxide is mainly used in industries such as

coating, plastics, paper-making, and printing ink. Du Pont is the

world’s largest supplier of titanium dioxide. —MNA/Xinhua

BEIJING , 22 Sept—China and the European Union (EU)kicked off Friday a joint training programme on globalnavigational satellite systems on the basis of the GalileoProject, a European alternative to America’s global posi-tioning system (GPS).

China, EU jointlydevelop Galileo Project

Initiated by the European

Union, the Galileo Project is

aimed at civilian use of satel-

lite navigation services, in-

cluding transport, telecommu-

nication, agriculture and

fisheries.An official from Chi-

na’s Ministry of Science and

Technology said that the min-

istry and the EU Thursday

signed a cooperative agree-

ment on the Galileo Project,

which was subject to authori-

zation of the Chinese Govern-

ment and the European Com-

mission respectively.

Under the agreement, the

two sides might join in devel-

oping satellite navigation and

timing, satellite manufactur-

ing and launching, laboratory

activities on radio transmis-

sion, standardization of receiv-

ers and applications research.

The agreement also opens a

way for China to take a sub-

stantial financial part in the

programme through a

stockholding in the Galileo

Joint Undertaking, the body

established to manage the

programme.

Francois Lamoureux, di-

rector-general for transport and

energy at the European Com-

mission, said that European

industry was eager to collabo-

rate with China in providing

satellite navigation services.

MNA/Xinhua

Tokyo joltedby moderate

quakeTOKYO , 22 Sept — An

earthquake measuring 5.5on the Richter Scale joltedTokyo and nearby areason Saturday, injuring sev-eral people, but there wereno reports of major dam-age.

The quake, with its fo-

cus 50 miles below the sur-

face in the Pacific Ocean

east of Tokyo, occurred at

12.55 pm (0355 GMT), the

Meteorological Agency

said.

No tsunami warning

was issued, but fire

officials quoted by Kyodonews agency said seven

people were slightly

injured when part of a

temple wall collapsed in

central Tokyo.

MNA/Reuters

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An American soldier stands next to a long line of trucks as security for a convoy on theroad from Tikrit to Sommara in Iraq, on 21 Sept, 2003. With an ongoing threat of

highway bandits and carjacking the US military supplies security for civilian transportconvoys through out Iraq.—INTERNET


A group of Filipino children holds placards while shouting “We want Peace, notwar” during a protest at a Manila park on 21 September, 2003. The group protested

against the visit of US President George W Bush on 18 October, en route to the APEC(Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation) summit in Thailand.—INTERNET

A Shi’te Muslim prays during the Friday prayers at theImam Ali mosque in the Iraqi city of Najaf

on 19 September, 2003.—INTERNET

Iraqi oil export hopes run intosecurity nightmare

BAGHDAD , 22 Sept— Iraq wants to boost its oil output and exports to finance reconstruction costs but is hamperedby the serious lack of security, post-war officials said here as they prepared for their first OPEC meeting.

“We are definitely eager to see the industry and produc-

tion progressing, and are planning for exports,” said Shamkhi

Huait Faraj, a member of the team from the interim admin-

istration attending this week’s OPEC talks in Vienna.

Since taking up their posts, the US-installed Iraqi lead-

ership has tried to boost production and ensure a regular flow

of crude from the country which has the world’s second

largest reserves. But the results have been disappointing for

the markets.

Faraj, one of five members of the Iraqi delegation to the

Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries meeting on

Wednesday, sounded an upbeat note: “Production is moving

higher, exports getting consistent and regular.

“We hope this trend will continue. Our objective is that

exports reach 1.3 to 1.4 million barrels per day (bpd) by the

end of December, and to raise exports to two million bpd at

the end of the first quarter of 2004.”

“At the same time, we’re working to raise production to

two million bpd at the end of the year, and to three million

bpd end of first quarter of 2004.”

Iraq was exporting 900,000 barrels per day at the end of

August, said Mohammad al-Jiburi, director general of

Iraq’s State Oil Marketing Organization (SOMO) which is

charged with selling the country’s oil.

The exported oil, coming from fields in the country’s

south, transit by the oil terminal of Mina al-Baqr on the

Gulf.

Paul Bremer, the US civilian administator in Iraq, said

that oil production in Iraq had reached 1.5 million bpd in the

first 10 days of September, up from 1.1 million at the end

of July.

But no oil is flowing onto the international market from

the Kirkuk fields in northern Iraq because of repeated acts

of sabotage, four in a month, against the pipeline running

to the Turkish terminal of Ceyhan on the Mediterranean.

Production has also been disrupted by power outages

and problems in operating the refineries.

Experts are skeptical of a quick return to pre-war output

levels of 2.8 million bpd and an increase in exports as long

as the Kirkuk crude is off the market. —Internet

HARBIN, 22 Sept —

Harbin Sheng’an Odonto-

logy Museum, China’s first

museum related to teeth, of-

ficially opened Saturday in

Harbin, capital of northeast

China’s Heilongjiang

Province.

Admission is free and ex-

hibits include the develop-

ment of odontology in China.

Covering 150 square metres,

the exhibition hall features

tooth brushes of the Song

Dynasty, toothpicks of the

Qing Dynasty, and equip-

ment for treating toothaches

through history.

Lin Yong, the curator,

said the museum would help

more people learn about

Chinese odontology devel-

opment and enhance public

awareness of the need to pro-

tect teeth.

The initiators of the mu-

seum, Harbin Haiyuan Odon-

tology Co., Ltd. and Harbin

Sheng’an Medical Institute,

will invest an additional one

million yuan to enlarge the

museum. —MNA/Xinhua

China’s firstOdontologyMuseumestablished

DUBAI , 22 Sept—Finance ministers from the Group of 24 developing countriesSaturday called on the United Nations to play a leading role in restoring peace andaddressing the postwar reconstruction in Iraq.

Following a half-day

meeting here, G-24 current

chairman, Lebanese Finance

Minister Fouad Siniora told

a Press conference that the

ministers were encouraged

by the constructive role the

international financial insti-

tutions are prepared to play

in the reconstruction pro-

cess.

The ministers are “look-

ing forward to the achieve-

ments of tangible progress

that is essential for the well-

being of the Iraqi people

and the region as a whole,”

Siniora said.

The G-24 ministerial

meeting convened here Sat-

urday on the sidelines of the

World Bank Group and In-

ternational Monetary Fund

annual meetings. At the

meeting, the ministers also

expressed their deep concern

about the deteriorating se-

curity situation in the Pales-

tinian territories, calling on

donors to release urgently

needed funds to ease the

hardship of the Palestinian

people.

They also believed that

a substantial, timely, and

predictable amount of addi-

tional official development

assistance (ODA) is needed

over the short and medium

term for developing coun-

tries, particularly in sub-Sa-

haran Africa, to meet the

Millennium Development

Goals (MDGs).

They urged the donor

community to raise the level

of ODA to the internation-

ally-agreed target of 0.7 per

cent of GNP to help devel-

oping countries meet the

MDGs.

The Group of 24 (G-24)

was established in 1971 to

coordinate the positions of

developing countries on

international monetary and

development finance issues

and to ensure that their in-

terests were adequately rep-

resented in negotiations on

international monetary mat-

ters.

Its finance ministers

usually meet twice a year.

China has been a “special

invitee” since the Gabon

meeting in 1981.

The Group of 24 con-

sists of Algeria, Argentina,

Brazil, Colombia, Ivory

Coast, Congo, Egypt, Ethio-

pia, Gabon, Ghana, Guate-

mala, India, Iran, Lebanon,

Mexico, Nigeria, Pakistan,

Peru, Philippines, South

Africa, Sri Lanka, Syria,

Venezuela, Trinidad and

Tabago.—MNA/Xinhua

G-24 ministers call forUN leading role in

postwar Iraq

Zhang Zhigang, Vice-Minister of Com-

merce and director of the office of the na-

tional leading group for rectifying and regu-

larizing market economic order, said this at

a seminar on transnational business and credit

management.

Zhang said the existing social credit sys-

tem in developed market economies is the

result of more than 100 years of evolution.

As China is new to the market economy, it

still lacks a sound social credit system that

records bad credit and punishes bad credit

behaviours.

“However, to realize the target of build-

ing a well-off society in an all-round way,

China needs to establish a social credit sys-

tem in a relatively short time,” said Zhang.

He said the government would support

construction of the system by opening cer-

tain information on credit standings, pro-

moting the concept of honest dealings in

society and making relevant laws and regu-

lations.

Meanwhile, the government will en-

courage intermediary agencies to partici-

pate in building the system, said Zhang.

He said the social credit system in China

would cover credit standing information of

enterprises, individuals and public institu-

tions. It would be supported by a unified

credit information collection, appraisal and

consulting system.— MNA/Xinhua

BEIJING , 22 Sept—China plans to establish the basic framework and operationalmechanism for a social credit system in around five years, a senior Chinese Govern-ment official said Friday in Beijing.

China plans to establish socialcredit system in five years

RAMALLAH (West Bank), 22 Sept—Palestinian PrimeMinister-designate Ahmed Qurie told a Palestinian news-paper that the White House stance on Palestinian leaderYasser Arafat is “regrettable” and harmful to a peaceprocess with Israel.

The remarks published on Saturday in the Palestinians’

second largest daily, al-Ayyam, appeared to widen a gap

between Washington, which has attempted to sideline Arafat,

and the Palestinian Authority on how to move forward with

Israel on a “roadmap” peace plan derailed by ongoing

violence. On Thursday, US President George W Bush said

Arafat “has failed as a leader” and is responsible for stalling

the Middle East peace roadmap, which envisages a

Palestinian state by 2005 and an end to tit-for-tat attacks.

“This is regrettable and does not serve the peace proc-

ess. (Arafat) is an elected leader and represents the will of the

Palestinian people,” Qurie was quoted as telling al-Ayyam.

“We hope that President Bush and the American

Administration respect the will of the Palestinian people,”

he added.

Arafat appointed Qurie prime minister after Mahmoud

Abbas resigned from the post over what he called

“obstructions” by Arafat and Israel to his peace moves.

Next week, Qurie is expected to form the new Palestin-

ian Cabinet, which officials say is likely to include a sup-

porter of the militant group Hamas and a moderate favoured

by the US. Israeli Defence Minister Shaul Mofaz said Qurie

could prove himself a peace partner only by cracking down

on militant groups once he takes office.— MNA/Reuters

Palestinian Premiercriticizes US on Arafat

��


Actors and actresses of the Sanya Grand Troupe rehearse a drama of Deer LookingBack, in an intense preparation for the upcoming “October 1st Golden Week of Tour-

ism”, in Haikou, China’s southernmost Hainan Province, on 20 Sept, 2003. The tourismadministration and other relevant departments in the province has made great efforts to

prepare for the arrival of tourists.—INTERNET

Last memorial held for dead of UN staff in Baghdad

UNITED NATIONS, 22 Sept— They came from Iraq, Iran, Egypt, Britain, Jordan,Spain, the Philippines, Brazil, Canada and the United States to light candles in adarkened General Assembly Hall at the last mass tribute to dead UN staff in Baghdad.

Clinton says US shouldnot dominate Iraq

DUBAI , 22 Sept — Former US President Bill Clinton said on Sunday that the UnitedStates should not try to dominate Iraq and needed to give the United Nations a greater rolein restoring security to the war-torn country.

Chirac pushes plan for Iraqi sovereignty NEW YORK, 22 Sept — Hours before he travelled to the United States on Sunday,

French President Jacques Chirac proposed the United States transfer symbolicsovereignty to Iraqis soon and cede real power in six to nine months.

HONG KONG, 22 Sept — Hong Kong’s Department of

Health has designated September 20 every year as

“Love Teeth Day” and kicked off its first “Love Teeth

Campaign” this year to heighten public awareness of

oral health.

To mark the occasion, a launching ceremony and

prize presentation was held Saturday to start a series of

promotional activities on oral health.

Officiating at the ceremony, Professor Zhang Boxue,

vice-president of National Committee for Oral Health,

said he was pleased to join the first “Love Teeth Day”

activities in Hong Kong.—MNA/Xinhua

HongKong’s first“Love TeethDay” kicksoff

The United States, which has drafted a

UN Security Council resolution on military

and civilian controls, opposes any deadlines

to end the occupation and says the 25-mem-

ber Iraqi Governing Council should set a

timetable.

In an interview with the New York Timesas he left to attend the United Nations Gen-

eral Assembly, Chirac said he had no plans

to veto the US-drafted measure but might

not support it in its current form, indicating

he would abstain.

The Bush Administration has circulated

draft proposals but has not formally intro-

duced a resolution, which US officials said

was undergoing revisions. The main aim is

to get a UN-authorized multinational force

under US leadership that would attract more

foreign troops to Iraq.

Security Council members have long dis-

counted a veto and said they expected the

resolution to be adopted. But they fear that if

Washington does not cede some control, few

countries would volunteer troops or contrib-

ute substantial funds.

Chirac proposed a system similar to that

in Afghanistan, where an interim govern-

ment has full sovereignty until elections and

the United States and other nations send

troops in an often-unsuccessful attempt to

keep the peace.

The interview was published on the Timesweb page.

MNA/Reuters

they lit candles, one by one.

Instead of endless speeches that mark many

UN events, Secretary-General Kofi Annan

delivered the only eulogy, followed by a

reading of Stephen Spender’s classic poem,

“Born of the sun, they travelled a short while

toward the sun; And left the vivid air signed

with their honour...”

“Today we share our shock and sorrow at

the loss of people we loved,” said Annan,

who spoke about each of the dead individu-

ally. “We pray for those who survived but

who have to endure a trauma the rest of us

cannot imagine.” — MNA/Reuters

Often blinded by tears, the families of

those killed in a bomb blast that shattered

the United Nations headquarters in Bagh-

dad on 19 August watched as pictures of kin

flashed on a screen and their names were

called in alphabetical order.

A total of 22 people died, 15 of them UN

staff, including the head of mission, Brazil-

ian Sergio Vieira de Mello and his Chief of

Staff, Egyptian Nadia Younes. One hun-

dred were wounded.

Full of holes, the light blue UN flag taken

from the destroyed Baghdad compound

gazed at the families above the rostrum as

Thailand urges Laos to use Asia Bond to fund biggest dam

BANGKOK, 22 Sept— The Thai Government suggested

that Laos could finance the Nam Theun II hydropower

project by raising capital through the Asia Bond, saying all

the parties would like to see the biggest hydropower project

in Indochina could complete on schedule, the Nation news-

paper reported Saturday.

Thai Energy Minister Phrommin Lertsuridej was quoted

as saying that the Thai Government had suggested the Lao

side raise the money by issuing the Asia Bond.

The government of Laos should not have any trouble

raising the money, because the project was viable, and the

Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) had

guaranteed power purchase over 25 years, the minister said.

The Nam Theun II project will have a capacity of 920

megawatts and deliver 5,636 million units of electricity to

EGAT annually. A transmission line of 500 kilovolts will be

built to handle the delivery to Thailand.

But project ran into a snag in July, just one day before a

power-purchase deal worth 6.56 billion US dollars was

signed by Thailand and Laos, when state-owned Electricite

de France said it would withdraw its 35 per cent stake by the

end of this year.

The joint venture partners of Nam Theun II are Electricity

Generating Plc (25 per cent), Electricity de France (35 per

cent), Laos Government (25 per cent) and Italian-Thai

Development Plc (15 per cent).

The Thai Government then assigned Sitthiporn

Ratanophas, the governor of EGAT, and Foreign Minister

Surakiart Sathirathai to help seek the financing resources

for the 1.1-billion-dollar project.

Now, power companies from Norway and Japan have

been reported to have interest in the project.—MNA/Xinhua

China’s legislatorsays rural landcontracts should beprotected

BEIJING, 22 Sept — Chi-

na’s top legislator Wu

Bangguo Friday called for

the conscientious implemen-

tation of rural land contract

law and the protection of

farmers’ legitimate land con-

tract rights.

Wu, chairman of the

Standing Committee of Na-

tional People’s Congress

(NPC), made the remarks at

a meeting held in Beijing for

inspecting the enforcement

of rural land contract law.

In line with decisions of

the NPC Standing Commit-

tee, a task group will have an

inspection tour across the

country to examine the im-

plementation of the law,

passed by the NPC Standing

Committee in August 2002.

Under the current land

contract system in China,

Chinese farmers are allowed

to sign deals with local au-

thorities to use and manage

land for a certain term. In

practice, however, local au-

thorities tend to arbitrarily

shorten the term of contracts

and violate the farmers’ land

use rights. MNA/Xinhua

“We should play a role and spend a lot of

money there, but we shouldn’t dominate,”

Clinton said during a brief visit to the United

Arab Emirates.

“What we need is for the UN to nominally

supervize the security situation and NATO to

be used as an instrument,” he said during a

question-and-answer session at the American

University of Dubai, where he launched a

scholarship programme.

“This will enable us to spread both the

responsibility and the risks and make it look

less like an occupation,” he added.

The United States, whose troops in Iraq

suffer almost daily casualties from guerilla

attacks, is trying to push through a new UN

resolution creating a multinational force for

Iraq. But France and Germany have argued

that a US-written draft resolution does not

cede enough control to the United Nations.

Clinton also urged Israel to be prepared to

make major concessions to the Palestinians if

it wanted peace, including giving up Palestin-

ian territories it occupied in the 1967 war.

“Israel ought to be prepared to give up the

West Bank and East Jerusalem. International

forces should be invited to enforce agreements

and see through a transitional period.”

“Both sides have to make a big decision:

do they want a deal or not? In the end they have

to adopt the final agreements put on the table,”

he added.

While in office, Clinton sealed a landmark

peace accord between Israel and the Palesti-

nians in 1993, but the peace process has since

been derailed.

President George W. Bush helped launch

a “roadmap” to Middle East peace, but it has

floundered in the face of continuing Israeli-

Palestinian violence. — MNA/Reuters

��

A memorial placard bearing a

picture of Reuters cameraman

Mazen Dana, killed during the

recent conflict in Iraq, is placed

in London’s Parliament Square,

on 19 September, 2003. The

candle-lit vigil was staged to

remember those killed during the

conflict and marked six months

since US/UK forces entered

Iraq.

INTERNET

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(continue from 2 )We passed through Chinshwehaw Myothit, which

was a famous town in the earlier period of the peace

efforts and symbol of peace. The town was also featured

in one of the songs of Accordion U Ohn Kyaw. As we

had started late from Kunlong, we arrived Laukkai at night.

Now, one can go to Laukkai, a trip that took two days

previously, twice thanks to the broad and straight Lashio-

Kunlong-Laukkai tarred Road. About one month later, I

remained in Kokang with Ko Soe Than to carry out nec-

essary tasks from Lashio. I have already written about my

duties such as construction and maintenance of roads and

bridges, education, health, communication, public rela-

tions, agriculture, livestock breeding, agricultural produce

trading and distribution of rice and foodstuff.

What I would like to highlight is the developed

and prosperous scenes of Kokang region. Laukkai, which

had been only a village, now becomes a town surrounded

by emerging new settlements such as Eastern Myothit,

Zarmani Myothit, Shwehsin Myothit, Nyeinchanye

Myothit and Phonlechain (Two dragons) Myothit. It has

expanded to the extent of reaching close to Parsinkyaw

Village in the south and Namsan of the People’s Republic

of China in the east. When I arrived at the town again,

standing on the ground next to the high school, I gazed at

the old places in remembrance. Kongyan and

Chinshwehaw became townships, and Laukkai was also

upgraded into a district. There were now two basic edu-

cation high schools in the town. The 16-bed hospital was

upgraded into a 50-bed one. When we stayed at the hos-

pital, a Palaung woman came and gave eggs from her

basket to medical superintendent Dr Aung Shwe Phyu.

Without understanding her Palaung language, we at first

thought she gave the eggs to the doctor as gifts. But it

was only later when an interpreter had translated her words

for us did we learn that she had a patient in hospital and

she was so busy that she asked the doctor to cook and

provide meal for the patient. I always remember the hon-

est and sincere nature of the national races.

Whenever I arrived sugarcane plantations in Nali

and Mantonpa, I could not avoid gazing at Tarshwehtan.

As it was similar to the western Yoma mountain ranges,

I could not help remembering my village. I saw the red

earth road that snaked up to Tarshwehtan. Tarhswehtan

was one of the places where anti-facist movement oc-

curred. The region also witnessed so many battles while

it was under the control of the BCP. It was famous for its

best quality products such as tea, walnut and rice. Now,

it is famous for cultivation of buck-wheat.

Laukkai-Kongyan road was not serviceable in the

rainy season in the past. Even in summer, travellers had

to face many difficulties. On one occasion, Tactical Op-

erations Commander Col Tin Yi (Now the director-gen-

eral of the Immigration Department) and his convoy sank

in the marshes on their way to Kongyan and sent words

to me to help them out of the marshes. We towed their

convoy out of the marshes with the help of three tractors

and cars of the Development of Border Areas and Na-

tional Races Department. We have been intimate with

each other since I discharged duties as a platoon leader

under his command in the commando company of No 55

LID. Today, Laukkai-Kongyan road is being upgraded.

On completion of Monsi-Tarpar-Tarshwehtan road and

Tarpar bridge, Muse-Kutkai-Lashio region will be able to

enjoy the smooth transportation and flow of goods.

The most distinguished feature of Kokang region

is the earnest efforts of the entire region to eliminate

narcotic drugs. Drugs Elimination Museum of the region

was opened in December 2000. New Destiny Project

was also effectively implemented in the region. Assist-

ance was also provided to poppy substitute crops cultiva-

tion and livestock breeding tasks. The State took neces-

sary measures for food sufficiency of the local national

races.

Laukkai, which was famous as Malipa, the broad

Kokang plain, in the past, has now become a town just

after peace was restored in the region and developed and

became prosperous within another ten years. There

emerged modern hotels, markets, private clinics, restau-

rants and shops on the roads of the towns. One can see

satellite receivers all over the town. Night scene of Laukkai

in electric lights is very beautiful. Motorcycles and cars

are rustling through the roads in the town.

Kokang nationals had to grope their way in the

darkness nearly 20 years under the faint light of the BCP

which controlled the north-eastern region. Now, they have

been able to enjoy the fruits of peace starting from 31

March 1989 .

If peace had not been restored in Kokang region

till now, I would be able to write only that there is a

hamlet called Laukkai in Marlipa plain in the north of

Kunlong region and nothing more.

(Concluded)

*****Translation: MWT(Kyemon: 9-9-2003)

* Oppose those relying on externalelements, acting as stooges, holdingnegative views

* Oppose those trying to jeopardizestability of the State and progress ofthe nation

* Oppose foreign nations interfering ininternal affairs of the State

* Crush all internal and externaldestructive elements as the commonenemy

People’s Desire

* Saving one gallon of fuel per car per monthwill save the nation one US dollar

* Thus, a total of 455,822 cars in Myanmarcan save US$ 5.5 million in a year

* The amount, US $ 5.5 million, can build amajor bridge across Ayeyawady River

Efficient use of fuel

There are about 500,000 householdsusing electricity in Yangon. Thus, saving afour-foot fluorescent lamp every day by eachhousehold amounts to saving power that isequal to the capacity a 20-megawatt powerstation can supply.

Efficient use of electricity* Use daylight as the main source of light* Use the least possible amount of electricity

only if there is not enough natural light* Use the least possible amount of electricity

required in production and service enter-prises

* Preventing waste of electricity benefits theuser and others

* Do not be frightened

whenever intimidated

* Do not be bolstered

whenever flattered

* Do not be softened

whenever appeased

All this needs tobe known

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Myint Soe (Na-ta-la)

The border area(Kokang)

Korean Ambassador Mr Lee Kyung-Woo encouragesthose attending the business meeting. — MNA

YANGON, 22 Sept —

Accompanied by officials,

Col Myo Myint, Director-

General of the Development

Affairs Department, the Min-

istry of Progress of Border

Areas and National Races

and Development Affairs,

arrived at Taungoo yester-

day morning and inspected

arrangements for greening

the town.

At the office of

Taungoo Township Devel-

opment Affairs Committee,

Business meeting heldYANGON, 22 Sept —

A business meeting between

Korea Trade Mission of the

Republic of Korea and

Myanmar Entrepreneurs

was held at the Traders Ho-

tel on Sule Pagoda Road here

this morning. Ambassador

of the Republic of Korea to

Myanmar Mr Lee Kyung-

Woo and Commercial

Attaché’ Mr Choi Yoon-Tae

Beautifying tasks inspected in

Taungoo

and business entrepreneurs

of five companies from Ko-

rea and 30 companies of

Myanmar attended the meet-

ing.

They discussed mat-

ters related to the products

such as Korean-make medi-

cal equipment, computers

and accessories, consumer

goods and musical instru-

ments. — MNA

Executive Officer U Myint

Zaw reported on measures

being taken for greening the

township with the use of

charts.

The director-general

gave instructions on setting

up of district level gardens

and beautifying tasks.

Next, the director-

general, together with direc-

tors, inspected growing of

flowers and plants in the

township.

MNA

YANGON, 22 Sept —

The 15th Asia Champion-

ship Track & Field tourna-

ment is being held in Manila

in the Philippines since 20

September.

In the 400 metres fi-

nal (women) Yin Khan of

Myanmar clocked 52.96 sec-

onds and secured the gold

medal. The People’s Repub-

lic of China and Kazakhstan

won second and third prizes

respectively clocking 52.97

Myanmar secures gold in AsiaChampionship Track & Field

seconds and 53.19 seconds.

In the 1000 metres

final (men) Qatar won the

first prize clocking 28 min-

utes and 46.64 seconds; Bah-

rain the second clocking 30

minutes and 04.13 seconds;

the host Philippines the third

clocking 30 minutes and

06.20 seconds; and Aung

Thiha of Myanmar the fourth

clocking 30 minutes and

57.90 seconds.

MNA


Members of social organizations seen marching into Bahtoo Sports Grounds to attend the mass rally. — MNA

Those present at the mass rally held in support of the seven-stage future policy of the State included in the addressdelivered by the Prime Minister. — MNA

Daw Tin Tin Win, Professorof the Archaeological De-partment at the MandalayUniversity, seconds the mo-tion in support of the PrimeMinister’s seven-stage futurepolicy of the State.— MNA

U Aung Naing Oo, executiveof Pyigyitagun TownshipUSDA, tables a motion sup

porting the seven-stagefuture policy of the State

at the mass rally.MNA

Seven future policies and programmes…(from page 16)

At the National Conven-

tion, work committees of

delegations started working in

line with procedures. The

National Convention had been

able to successfully lay down

basic principles for drafting

the constitution. When it con-

tinued to obtain detailed ba-

sic principles, delegates of

NLD party which, a legal po-

litical force, out of other del-

egates walked out of the Na-

tional Convention on 29 No-

vember 1995 with the inten-

tion of jeopardizing the con-

vention, placing emphasis on

the interest of an individual

and a political party. Thus,

the National Convention had

to continue with remaining

delegates.

Under the political

roadmap clarified by the Prime

Minister, the National Con-

vention adjourned in 1996 will

resume. The constitution is to

be drafted in accord with the

basic principles and detailed

basic principles laid down by

the National Convention.

Therefore, the successful hold-

ing of the National Conven-

tion is of paramount impor-

tance for the State. The entire

national people are to make

sustained efforts for realiza-

tion of the seven future poli-

cies and programmes of the

State. All the national people

will have to contribute their

shares in successful holding

of the National Convention.

At the same time, they are to

guard against dangers of de-

structive elements that ham-

per the realization of the po-

litical roadmap.

In conclusion, the entire

national people are urged to

take part in the tasks for reali-

zation of the political road

map, the prerequisite for build-

ing a new democratic nation.

As regards the importance

of Union Spirit, Head of State

Senior General Than Shwe, at

the graduation parade of the

40th Intake of the Defence

Services Academy on 7-4-

1999, said "If we study the

international situation, we will

find that some big nations are

making efforts to interfere in

the internal affairs of other

nations. Therefore, I want to

remind you, Comrades, of a

point which you must keep in

mind. That is Union Spirit

which is very important for

the nation. All of you, Com-

rades, know that our nation is

one made up of various na-

tional races. When all nation-

als were united, our nation was

progressive and big. You will

know that if you look at Bagan,

Toungoo and Konbaung peri-

ods. During that time, we were

able to win the regard of our

neighbours. That is why we

find the value of Union Spirit

incomparably big. To put it

the way you can understand it.

Union Spirit is the spirit that

binds all citizens in unity no

matter in which section, which

region they may reside. Un-

ion spirit is built on the spirit

of nationalism that engenders

nationals to love, cherish and

value a single motherland, our

mother nation, and work for

its prosperity. In a way Union

Spirit is that of oneness and

unity of nationals who have

descended from kin who have

lived together with affection,

in weal or woe on the same

land, drinking the same water

for a very long time. There-

fore, you, Comrades, will have

to remember that if Union

Spirit disintegrates, national

unity will be adversely af-

fected, and sovereignty can be

lost. I wish to remind you to

work seriously for vitalization

of Union Spirit wherever you

may be discharging your du-

ties.” Thus the entire na-

tional people, with Union

Spirit, are to actively take part

in respective sectors for suc-

cess of the seven-stage future

policy.

Next, Executive U Aung

Naing Oo of Pyigyitagun

Township USDA tabled the

motion, calling for the entire

people to take part in their

respective sectors actively,

with full Union Spirit, for the

success of seven future politi-

cal programmes.

He said Prime Minister

General Khin Nyunt made a

significant and important ad-

dress on 30 August. His ad-

dress included three parts.

The first part vividly de-

scribed significant develop-

ments in various sectors in the

country. After taking up du-

ties of the State, the govern-

ment practised market-ori-

ented economic system that

encourages the private sector

in the national economic

policy and implemented na-

tional economic plans in con-

formity with the system.

(See page 9)

Daw Thin Thin Oo and Daw Nay Za Win act as master ofceremonies and joint master of ceremonies at the mass

rally. — MNA


Those present at the mass rally held in support of the seven-stage future policy of the State described in the Prime Minister’s speech. — MNA

Seven futurepolicies andprogrammes…

(from page 8)At the same time, even

while the factories, workshops

and the economic infrastruc-

ture that had been destroyed or

damaged were being repaired

and reconstructed, develop-

ment infrastructures such as

roads, river-crossing bridges,

dams and reservoirs, universi-

ties and colleges as well as

hospitals were built through-

out the nation.

Due to the day and night

efforts of the government, the

GDP of the nation, which stood

at only over 47,000 million

kyats in fiscal year 1988-89,

recovered from its decline and

by the 1990-91 financial year

reached 50,260 million kyats.

In the three-year period from

1989-90 to 1991-92, the GDP

of the nation achieved an aver-

age annual growth rate of 5.9

percent.

At the end of 1992-93 to

1995-96 Short Term Four-

Year Plan, the GDP of the coun-

try grew by an average annual

rate of 7.5 percent.

Next, from 1996-97 to 2000-

2001, the Second Short Term

Five-Year Plan was laid down

and implemented.

During this Second Short

Term Five-Year Plan, system-

atic implementation was car-

ried out to ensure that the

present sound economic foun-

dations would be further con-

solidated and that Myanmar’s

economy will be placed on a

path of steady and durable eco-

nomic growth. As a result, at

the end of the Second Five-

Year Plan, the GDP grew by

an average annual growth rate

of 8.5 percent.

The present 2003-2004 fis-

cal year represents the third

year of the current 2001-2002

to 2005-2006 Short Term Five-

Year Plan. During this Five

Year Plan, the planned target

is to realize an average yearly

GDP growth of 10.7 percent.

During the 2002-2003 fiscal

year, the second year of the

Plan, 11.1 percent GDP growth

was achieved. Moreover, at the

end of the 2002-2003 fiscal

year, per capita income had

increased to 105,940 kyats.

In addition, in order to di-

minish unemployment in the

country, the Government cre-

ated employment opportuni-

ties by using various ways and

means. Consequently, we were

able to find employment for

nearly 10 million workers and

the work force increased from

19 million in 1988 to the present

29 million. These are realities

and expressed development of

the people.

In trying to achieve growth

and development with momen-

tum in national economic life,

the government pays special

attention for all-round devel-

opment of the country based

on an economic policy which

calls for development of other

economic sectors with devel-

opment agriculture as the base.

In the initial stage, taking

paddy which is the main crop

in the country as the basis, the

government focused its atten-

tion on measures to increase

sown acreage, to utilize mod-

ern agricultural techniques and

high-yield seed varieties as

well as to use various methods

to ensure the availability of

adequate water for agricultural

purposes. In 1988, paddy pro-

duction in the nation was only

654 million baskets a year. The

government encouraged the

farmers to grow paddy not only

during the rainy season but

also during summer as double

cropping and set the target of

reaching an annual production

of 1,000 million baskets a year.

Consequently, paddy produc-

tion reached over 800 million

baskets from 1995-96 to 1997-

98 and increased to 965 mil-

lion baskets in the 1999-2000

fiscal year. The original target

of 1,000 million tons had been

realized since the 2000-2001

fiscal year.

As availability of water for

agricultural purposes is the

main requirement for devel-

opment of the agricultural sec-

tor, the government has con-

structed dams, reservoirs,

sluice gates and implemented

water pumping and under-

ground water tapping projects

across the country.

In order to obtain water for

agricultural purposes, a net-

work of dams including small

and medium size projects,

some coupled with power gen-

eration facilities, were con-

structed across the country.

Since 1988, during the time of

our government, 150 dams and

reservoirs as well as 265 river

water pumping projects in

areace where water is scare

had been constructed. Due to

the projects undertaken for ob-

taining water, arable land in-

CEC members of the USDA chant slogans in support of Prime Minister’s speech on seven-stage future policy of the State at the mass rally held inBahtoo Sports Grounds in Mandalay Division. — MNA

Those present chant slogans in support of the seven-stage future policy mentioned in the Prime Minister’s speech at the mass rally held in BahtooSports Grounds in Mandalay Division. — MNA

creased by more than two mil-

lion acres. There were 10dams in King Anawrahta pe-riod, eight in colonial period,51 between 1948 and 1962and 69 in Lanzin Party pe-riod— totalling 138 in 944years. Now the governmenthas built 151 dams in 15years. It can be said that thegovernment’s goodwill to-wards the people and en-deavours are amazing. More

than 63,494 million kyats were

used from government funds

to construct the 150 dams, res-

ervoirs and weirs. At present,

39 irrigation projects are in

the process of being built and

there are plans to construct 84

more.

In order to achieve econ-

omic gro wth based on modern

(See page 10)

U Tun Hlaing, Secretary ofMandalay Division

Cooperative Syndicate,presents a motion in favour

of the seven-point futurepolicy of the State men-

tioned in the PrimeMinister’s speech. — MNA


Prime Minister GeneralKhin Nyunt greets Mr AliAlatas, Special Envoy ofthe Indonesian President,at Zeyathiri Beikman Hall on Konmyinttha. — MNA

Prime Minister GeneralKhin Nyunt receives Mr AliAlatas, Special Envoy ofthe Indonesian President,at Zeyathiri Beikman Hallon Konmyinttha. — MNA

YANGON, 22 Sept

— Prime Minister of the

Union of Myanmar Gen-

eral Khin Nyunt re-

ceived Mr Ali Alatas,

Special Envoy of the

President of Indonesia,

at Zeyathiri Beikman

Hall on Konmyinttha

Prime Minister General Khin Nyuntreceives Indonesian Special Envoy

here this morning.

Present at the call

together with the Prime

Minister were Secretary-

1 of the State Peace and

Development Council Lt-

Gen Soe Win, Deputy

Ministers for Foreign

Affairs U Khin Maung

Win and U Kyaw Thu,

and Director-General of

the Protocol Department

Thura U Aung Htet. Mr

Ali Alatas was accom-

panied by Mr Wyoso

Prodijowarsito, Indone-

sian Ambassador to

Myanmar. — MNA

(from page 9)industrial production duringthe time of our government,the government made en-deavours to increase the ca-pabilities of the state-ownedlarge industrial enterprisesas well as to increase indus-trial production on the whole.Moreover, to increase the in-dustrial capabilities of theregions and to be able to of-fer more jobs opportunities,the private sector had set up18 industrial zones and addi-tional industrial zones in vari-ous States and Divisions. Atthe moment, the private in-dustrial zones are now capa-ble of producing motor vehi-cles, agricultural machineryand equipment, electronicgoods, spare parts needed forlarge factories. Moreover,there are also small ones suchas factories that producedsoap and detergents. With aview to increasing the indus-trial production, to improv-ing the quality of the prod-ucts and to producing importsubstitution goods, 257 newlarge, medium and smallsized factories have been es-tablished in the state sector.On the other hand, the pri-vate sector also constructed24,293 new factories.

Therefore, the number ofState- and private-ownedfactories increased from27,430 in 1988 to 51,980 atpresent. These efforts andachievements show the en-deavours by both State andprivate sectors to develop theindustrial sector in order torealize the goal of the emer-gence of the modern indus-trial country. The Four YearSpecial Plan to raise the na-tional education level in-volves not only the Educa-tion Ministry but also Health,Science and Technology andother Ministries concernedwith Higher Education. In 1988 the number ofbasic education schoolsamounted to 33,747 schools.However in 2003, this hasincreased to 40,049 includ-ing branch schools and af-filiated schools.

With a view to providingthe rural areas with the op-portunities to get basic mid-dle school education, 3,800post-primary schools havebeen opened in the country.As the increase in basic edu-cation schools requires addi-tional teaching staff, thenumber of teachers has beenincreased to 222,000 in 2003from 173,000 in 1988. In

1988, the number of studentsattending basic educationwas over 5.2 million(5,139,878). This has nowincreased to over 7.5 million(7,550,896). With regard to higher edu-cation, universities and col-leges have been opened inthe 24 special developmentregions established in 14States and Divisions with theaim of providing all parts ofthe nation with opportuni-ties for higher education aswell as for human resourcedevelopment of the region. Due to the opening of newuniversities and colleges, thenumber of universities andcolleges has increased from32 in 1988 to 154 at present. The expanded opening ofuniversities and collegeshave provided the peoplewith greater educational op-portunities and there aremany qualified graduateseverywhere. The number ofstudents studying at collegesand universities increasedfrom 130,000 to over890,000 in 2003.

If we look at the progressmade in health infrastructure,it can be seen that while in1988, there were only 617hospitals including special-ist hospitals and general hos-pitals, in 2003 this has in-creased to 757 hospitals.Similarly, 84 local dispensa-ries and 1,414 rural healthcentres have been establishedin all parts of the country.

In addition to 140 newhospitals, existing hospitalsare being upgraded. The 25-bed hospitals have been up-graded to 50-bed ones and100-bed hospitals to 200-bed

hospitals and even up to 300-bed hospitals. Altogether 114hospitals were upgraded.

In 1988, there were onlyfour Universities of Medi-cine. Today, there are 14Universities of Medicineunder the Ministry of Health.In previous times, only 10Diploma Classes and 13Master Classes were avail-able. Today, the Universi-ties of Medicine are offering28 different DiplomaCourses, 26 Master Courses,7 Dr. Med. Sc. Courses and29 Ph.D Courses. He then reported on po-litical process. As the Unionof Myanmar is composed ofover 100 nationalities thathave lived together in unityand harmony for thousandsof years, it is a nation that isstriving with highest priorityto build national unity.Therefore, non-disintegra-tion of the Union, non-disin-tegration of national solidar-ity and perpetuation of sov-ereignty have been laid downas national policy of thecountry. In accordance with thisnational policy, we are nowsystematically advancingtowards the goal of the Stateby laying down four politi-cal objectives, four economicobjectives and four socialobjectives for the emergenceof a modern and developednation.

The Prime Minister ex-plicitly explained sevenpoints on future policies andprogrammes of the State.They are —1. Reconvening of the Na-tional Convention that hasbeen adjourned since 1996

2. After the successful hold-ing of the National Conven-tion, step by step implemen-tation of the process neces-sary for the emergence of agenuine and disciplineddemocratic system3. Drafting a new constitu-tion in accord with basic prin-ciples and detailed basic prin-ciples laid down by the Na-tional Convention4. Adoption of the constitu-tion through national refer-endum5. Holding free and fair elec-tions for the Pyithu Hluttaw(Legislative Bodies) accord-ing to the new constitution6. Convening of the Hluttawsattended by Hluttaw mem-bers in accord with the newconstitution7. Building a modern, devel-oped and democratic nationby the State leaders electedby the Hluttaw and the gov-ernment and other central

organs formed by theHluttaw. This is the roadmap ofMyanmar. The people in the Unionof Myanmar suffered bitterexperiences of the past andnow they can live in dignityand peace and their socio-economic lives have alsoimproved day after day. They

lead to the goal we desire.We firmly believe that thepoints are the national prior-ity duties which will be suc-cessful practically.

He emphatically tabledthe motion calling for theentire people to take part intheir respective sectors ac-tively for success of the sevenpoints. After that, Professor

Seven futurepolicies…

have a desire to transformnation into a new democraticone gently and smoothlywithout affecting the al-ready-achieved peace andtranquillity, political stabil-ity and socio-economicprogress. The seven stagesclarified by the Prime Min-ister are in conformity withthe promises and realities that

Daw Tin Tin Win of Ar-chaeological Department ofMandalay University sec-onded the motion, calling forthe entire people to take partin their respective sectorsactively, with full UnionSpirit, for the successof seven future politicalprogrammes. She said:

(See page 13)

They have a desire to transform nation into a newdemocratic one gently and smoothly without affectingthe already-achieved peace and tranquillity, politicalstability and socio-economic progress.


Implementation of projects for socio-economicdevelopment of all regions in the country

Transport infrastructures—roads, bridges, ports and airports—are being constructedwith added momentum to bridge the gap between one region and another in all

parts of the nation. The photo shows the Mandalay International Airport in TadaUTownship in Mandalay Division equipped with modern facilities. — PHOTO: MNA

In the transportation

sector, a network

of roads and bridges

are being built the

length and breadth

of the country.

At the same time

airports, jetties,

railway stations are

also being con-

structed. The photo

shows modern

railway station in

Mandalay.

PHOTO: MNA

Panoramic view of

Mandalay stands

witness to rapid

development of the

second national

capital of Myanmar.

PHOTO: MNA


p v c a

Assad orders new Cabinetto fight corruption

DAMASCUS, 22 Sept—

Syrian President Bashar al-

Assad on Saturday ordered

his new Cabinet to fight cor-

ruption, stimulate the state-

dominated economy and cut

red tape.

Chairing the first meet-

ing of the Cabinet of Prime

Minister Naji al-Otari, Assad

told his ministers it was bet-

ter to prevent corruption than

to deal with it once it had set

in, the official news agency

reported.

The new Cabinet, which

was appointed to focus on

economic and administrative

reform, should work to raise

the standard of living, he

said. It should promote Syr-

ian industry, encourage in-

vestment and improve banks,

state-run services and agri-

culture.

Assad also referred to

international and regional

changes following the US-

led war in Iraq, since which

Syria has been facing mount-

ing US pressure for alleg-

edly supporting terrorism

and failing to stop militants

crossing its border with Iraq.

“The difficult circum-

stance through which our

country and region are pass-

ing... should push us to exert

more effort to improve our

work,” the agency reported

him as saying.

Earlier on Saturday,

Vice-President Abdel-Halim

Khaddam had dismissed US

pressure for cooperation on

Iraq as “futile”.

He said Washington

should display a better un-

derstanding of Arab inter-

ests, a reference to demands

for Israel to withdraw from

all Arab lands and for an end

to the occupation of Iraq.

The state has almost com-

pletely controlled the

economy in Syria for the past

three decades. It is the main

employer and the sole pro-

vider of all key services in

the socialist republic of 17

million people.

MNA/Reuters

Britons listedas worst

binge drinkersin Europe

LONDON, 22 Sept —

British people are now the

worst binge drinkers in Eu-

rope with alcohol abuse

costing the country around

20 billion pounds (some

32.2 billion US dollars) per

year, according to a gov-

ernment report issued Fri-

day.

While Britons drink less

than most of their continen-

tal neighbours, they drink

more intensively, making

binge-drinking, which

means drinking more than

eight units of alcohol in one

sitting, is an almost uniquely

British problem, according

to the study by the Prime

Minister’s Strategy Unit.

The study shows 17 mil-

lion working days are lost

to hangovers and drink-re-

lated illness each year in

Britain.

“In the UK, binge drink-

ing accounts for 40 per cent

of all drinking occasions by

men and 22 per cent by

women,” the report said.

In addition, alcohol-re-

lated problems are respon-

sible for 22,000 premature

deaths each year, said the

report, noting that a third of

men and a fifth of women

fail to drink sensibly.

Four out of 10 men and

22 per cent of women binge-

drink, it added, and young-

sters are starting to binge-

drink at an earlier age.

MNA/Xinhua

Indian PM calls for closereconomic ties with Turkey

ANKARA, 22 Sept — In-

dian Prime Minister Atal

Bihari Vajpayee suggested

Friday that Turkish and In-

dian businessmen should

meet to strengthen economic

ties between the two coun-

tries, the Anatolia news

agency reported.

Speaking at a meeting of

the Turkish-Indian Business

Council, the visiting Indian

Prime Minister said that Is-

tanbul, the largest city of

Turkey, has a strategic posi-

tion in international trade.

Vajpayee said he had

held very fruitful meetings

with Turkish leaders and both

countries agreed on acceler-

ating bilateral relations.

Expressing his wishes

that close contacts between

the two countries would help

bring about a revived eco-

nomic partnership, Vajpayee

said they could cooperate not

only in trade of goods and

services, but also in invest-

ments in third countries, in

research and development,

and in new technologies.

There is a serious imbal-

ance in trade between Tur-

key and India, Vajpayee said,

adding that the trade volume

of 631 million US dollars in

2002 should be increased.

Air flights between Is-

tanbul and New Delhi, which

started on Thursday, would

facilitate initiatives of busi-

ness, Vajpayee noted.

MNA/Xinhua

Portuguese policeseize 18 tons of

hashishLISBON, 22 Sept — Por-

tuguese police has seized 18

tons of hashish, the biggest

confiscation of the kind in

the country, authorities said

Saturday.

Jose Braz, head of the

Central Anti-Narcotics Di-

rection of the Judicial Po-

lice, said the hashish, found

in a house in southern Portu-

gal in a Friday raid, had been

transported presumably from

Morocco.

MNA/Xinhua

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(from page 10)In his clarifications on thefuture policies and pro-grammes of the Union, thePrime Minister presenteddetailed accounts of the en-deavours for development ofthe nation.

I would like to present thedevelopment of all sectorsbeing witnessed and ben-efited by the people of Man-dalay Division. In buildingof economic infrastructureswith added momentum, em-phasis has been placed onthe agriculture sector, as oursis an agro-based nation. So,there are now over 3.5 mil-lion acres of cultivable landin Mandalay Division, upfrom 2.5 million acres ofland before 1988. To supplywater for agricultural use,altogether 37 dams andreserviours have alreadybeen built in the time of thepresent government. ThePaunglaung dam project tothe east of Pyinmana is be-ing implemented and oncompletion, it can not onlyirrigate 50,000 acres of landbut also generate 280 mega-watts of electricity. Simi-larly, the Yeywa hydel-power project will generate780 megawatts of electric-ity. In addition, 72 river-wa-ter pumping projects havebeen implemented and 1,370tube-wells dug in the divi-sion.

For development of in-

dustrial zones, MandalayIndustrial Zones 1 and 2,Myingyan Industrial Zoneand Meiktila Industrial Zonehave been established. In thedivision, there are altogether9,211 state- and private-owned factories and work-shops. Particularly, the Min-istry of Industry-1 has al-ready built 47 factories in-cluding the cluster of facto-ries in Kyaukse after 1988.In addition, 20 factories areunder construction and an-other 20 are under planningstage. In the transport sector,after the present governmenthas assumed the responsi-bilities of the State, about1,150 miles of road — over1,000 miles of tarred road,70 miles of gravel road, 35miles of earthen road — havebeen constructed. Moreover,over 1,300 small and bigbridges including four 180-feet and above bridges havealready been constructed anda new Mandalay-SagaingAyeyawady river-crossingbridge with the length of5,600 feet is under construc-tion. Considerable progresshas been made in the Man-dalay-Yangon six-lane high-way project.

In the health sector, 85hospitals, six institutes ofmedicine and two midwiferytraining schools and threenurses training school havebeen opened after 1988.

As regards the education

sector, there were 3,600 ba-sic education primary/mid-dle/high schools in the divi-sion and at present thenumber reached over 4,400.Furthermore, multimediaclassrooms have beenopened in 108 schools.

In Mandalay Division,there are now 37 universi-ties, colleges and institutesin the division, up from 7universities and colleges in1988. The Yadanabon Uni-versity, the Mandalay Tech-nological University and theMeiktila Institute of Eco-nomics, the Mandalay Insti-tute of Computer Studies, theKyaukse University, theMandalay University of Cul-ture and the Myanmar Aero-space Engineering Univer-sity have been opened.Moreover, construction of adegree college and a techni-cal institute is underway inMyingyan of the division.

Under the rural area de-velopment programme, 473primary schools have beenrenovated and 96.05% ofschool-going age childrenare attending classes in thedivision. Thanks to the lit-eracy campaigns, 98.8 % ofadults have been able to readand write. Like MandalayDivision, other states anddivisions and border areashave witnessed marked de-velopment in all sectors.

Now, I would like to ex-press in support of the firstpoint of the roadmap in the

Prime Minister’s address.At the National Conven-

tion,fundamental policies forthe State Constitution hadbeen laid down in all seri-ousness, extensively and pa-tiently in line with the sixobjectives. Famous lawyersand politicians at home andthose from abroad definedthe essence and meaning ofthe constitution. All in all,the constitution is essentialfor a country and it is themost basic and supreme lawof the country. It is also thelife-blood of the Union ofMyanmar. So, efforts are tobe made seriously to see thatit is a good, durable and reli-able constitution with noweaknesses.

Concerning the Constitu-tion, Head of State SeniorGeneral Than Shwe said,“Whatever system the na-

ciples and detailed basic prin-ciples laid down by the Na-tional Convention.

In conclusion, I secondthe motion tabled by U AungNaing Oo that all nationalpeople is to take part in theactivities for successful im-plementation of the sevenpolicies and programmes(roadmap) of the State.

Similarly, Secretary U TunHlaing of Mandalay DivisionCooperatives Syndicate sec-onded the motion, calling forthe entire people to take part intheir respective sectors ac-tively, with full Union Spirit,for the success of seven futurepolitical programmes.

He said: It is heartening toknow that the Union ofMyanmar will become a de-veloped one in the near fu-ture as the Prime Ministerhas touched on the develop-

Here I would like topresent significant progressmade in border areas. It canbe vividly seen that theTatmadaw government, withgoodwill, is striving withmight and main for develop-ment of border areas wherenational brethren reside andother regions which lag be-hind in development.

In the time of the presentgovernment, border areasand national races develop-ment projects are being im-plemented systematically asa result of building nationalunity and gaining stability inthese areas. A ministry forborder area development wasformed to carry out borderarea development tasks withadded momentum. The tasksfor development of borderareas and national races andraising their living standardhave been undertaken withadded momentum.

First, border area devel-opment projects have beenimplemented only in the re-gions where peace has pre-vailed but later, the projectshave covered all the borderareas which lagged behindin development. Tasks fordevelopment of border areasare now being implementedin 18 regions which cover 68townships of seven states andseven divisions. The taskcovers more than 83,000

(See page 15)

Seven future policies…

Columns seen marching to Bahtoo Sports Grounds where the mass rally held in support ofthe seven-stage future policy of the State mentioned in the Prime Minister’s speech. — MNA

CEC members of the USDA attend the mass rally held in support of the Prime Minis-ter’s seven-stage future policy at Bahtoo Sports Ground in Mandalay. —MNA

Aungmyethazan USDA columns seen marching to Bahtoo Sports Ground in Mandalay,venue of the mass rally to support the seven-stage future policy of the State. — MNA

Columns seen marching to Bahtoo Sports Ground in Mandalay where the mass rallywas held in support of the seven-stage future policy of the State. — MNA

tion is practising, not only aconstitution is required, butalso a firm and durable one,constantly serving the inter-ests of all the people of theUnion.”

We, the public, welcomethe third stage presented bythe Prime Minister — draft-ing of a new constitution inaccordance with basic prin-

ment of socio-economic lifeof Myanmar regarding agri-culture, meat and fish, for-estry, industry, roads andbridges, rail transportation,aviation and maritime trans-port, communications, elec-tric power, education, tech-nology and health sectors andprojects that are being im-plemented.

Concerning the Constitution, Head of State SeniorGeneral Than Shwe said, “Whatever system the na-tion is practising, not only a constitution is required,but also a firm and durable one, constantly serving theinterests of all the people of the Union.”

14 THE NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR Tuesday, 23 September, 2003� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �

SPORTS

Chiesa inspires Siena’s first ever Serie A winROME, 22 Sept— A hat-trick by former Italy striker Enrico Chiesa

helped Siena to a 4-0 win over Empoli on Saturday, their first ever Serie

A victory. Chiesa gave Siena the lead from the penalty spot in the 25th

minute after Empoli defender Manuel Belleri shoved striker Nicola

Ventola in the box.

Late in the first half Empoli pushed forward but a Siena counter-

attack ended with Ventola being upended by keeper Luca Bucci, a foul

that earned a red card for Bucci and another penalty for Chiesa, who

coolly converted.

Chiesa claimed his hat-trick in the 61st minute, holding off a

defender before spinning to hit a right-foot shot into the corner of the

net. Norwegian striker Tore Andre Flo completed the rout six minutes

later.

The later match between Ancona and Modena finished 1-1, sec-

ond-half goals by French striker Diomansy Kamara and Brazilian

defender Fabio Bilica earning both teams their first point of the season.

Modena striker Nicola Amoruso had the best chance of a quiet first

half when he shot narrowly wide from the edge of the area.

The game came alive after the interval and in the 54th minute

Modena striker Kamara used his speed to swerve round keeper Alessio

Scarpi and clip the ball into the net.—MNA/Reuters

Chelsea go top after 5-0 rompat Wolves

LONDON, 22 Sep— Big-

spending Chelsea went top

of the Premier League after

cruising to an effortless 5-0

win over bottom club Wol-

verhampton Wanderers at

Molineux on Saturday.

Midfielder Frank

Lampard and Dutch striker

Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink

put them 2-0 up at the break

before Ireland midfielder

Damien Duff tapped in the

third and Argentine forward

Hernan Crespo came on as

a late substitute to score

twice.

The totally one-sided

game left Chelsea on 13

points, ahead of Arsenal on

goal difference and a point

clear of champions Manches-

ter United — with their two

pursuers meeting in Sun-

day’s showcase game at Old

Trafford.

Southampton moved up

to fourth place, their best start

to a Premier League season,

with a 3-1 win at Tottenham

Hotspur that puts further

pressure on Spurs boss Glenn

Hoddle.

Manchester City are a

point behind after Paulo

Wanchope’s stoppage-time

equalizer earned them a 2-2

draw at Fulham.

Liverpool are also on 11

whose England strikers

Michael Owen and Emile

Heskey scored to seal a 2-1

win over Leicester City, as

are Birmingham City, 2-0

winners at Leeds United.

But the place to be for

entertaining football was

Molineux, where Chelsea

looked to be in a different

league in the day’s early kick-

off.

Title contenders since

Russian billionaire Roman

Abramovich bought the club

in July and spent 111 million

pounds (180.5 million dol-

lars) re-building the team,

the London side could easily

have been 5-0 up at halftime.

Chelsea coach Claudio

Ranieri told Sky Sports: “I

was curious to see my play-

ers after their first Champi-

ons League game (a 1-0 win

at Sparta Prague) and they

played very, very well. Eve-

rybody was focused on the

match.”

Duff and Crespo, who

cost 17 million pounds each,

scored their first goals for

the west London club and

Ranieri was particularly

pleased with his Argentine

marksman.

Ronaldinho strike allows Barca to salvage draw MADRID , 22 Sept— A deflected strike from Brazilian forward Ronaldinho allowed

Barcelona to scramble a 1-1 draw against Osasuna in a Spanish First Division matchat the Nou Camp on Saturday.

The visitors had taken a thoroughly de-

served lead when skipper Cesar Cruchaga

nodded in from a corner early in the second

half but Ronaldinho popped up to equalize

16 minutes later when his low shot spun off

defender Jose Izquierdo and into the net.

The result put Barca into second place in

the table, a point behind leaders Deportivo

Coruna and one ahead of Real Madrid, both

of whom play on Sunday.

Osasuna, who have begun the season in

confident fashion, move up to fourth, level

on points with Real.

The Navarrans eclipsed their opponents

in the opening exchanges with some slick

passing moves and rapid counter-attacks,

former Olympique Marseille striker

Ibrahima Bakayoko heading just wide of

the post within the first minute. The Catalans

struggled to find their rhythm and did not

mount a serious attack until the 23rd minute

when midfielder Luis Enrique sent a miscued

shot over the bar after Patrick Kluivert and

Javier Saviola had combined well to prise

open the Osasuna defence.

Despite the presence of Ronaldinho, who

joined the club for 30 million euros (33.89

million dollars) from Paris St. Germain in

the close season, Barca looked surprisingly

short of ideas in attack.

The Brazilian was rarely able to wriggle

free from the attentions of Uruguayan

midfielder Pablo Garcia and without any

recognized wingers on the pitch Barca were

unable to get behind the Osasuna defence.

It came as no surprise when Osasuna took

the lead early in the second half after Cruchaga

outjumped Philip Cocu following a well

struck corner from Patxi Punal and nodded in

past Victor Valdes.—MNA/Reuters

Stuttgart beat Dortmund to go top of Bundesliga

Germany striker Kevin

Kuranyi headed the winner

after the break for last sea-

son’s runners-up, the only

unbeaten side six games into

the season, and yet to con-

cede a goal.

Bayer Leverkusen dropped

from the top to second place a

point back after a spectacular

3-3 draw with 10-man Bayern

Munich at the Olympic Sta-

Celtic backto top withsecond-halfblitz

GLASGOW, 22 Sept —

Celtic struck three times in 23

second-half minutes to beat

Motherwell 3-0 and make a

stylish return to the top of the

Scottish Premier League on

Saturday. Terry Butcher’s

young Motherwell side

fought gamely to hold the

Glasgow giants at halftime

but were helpless as goals

from Henrik Larsson, Chris

Sutton and a Shaun Maloney

free kick gave Celtic victory.

Celtic now have 16 points

from six games to move one

ahead of champions Rang-

ers, who visit third-placed

Hearts on Sunday.

Celtic manager Martin

O’Neill praised his side, who

conceded two late goals to

lose their Champions League

opener 2-1 to Bayern Munich

on Wednesday.

MNA/Reuters

“With him, Adrian Mutu,

Eidur Gudjohnsen and

Jimmy I’ve got four great

strikers,” said Ranieri, who

rubbished media reports link-

ing England coach Sven-

Goran Eriksson with the

manager’s job at Chelsea.

Wolves boss Dave Jones,

whose promoted side are

rock bottom with one point,

one goal scored and 17 con-

ceded from six games, was

very disappointed with his

players for giving Chelsea

so much space.

“They (Chelsea) are good

players but you’ve got to

match that and compete with

that,” Jones said. “Players

have got to stand up and be

counted.

MNA/Reuters

Norway’s Anita Rapp (9) and France’s Sabrina Viguier,right, go up for a header during first half action of their WorldCup game in Philadelphia on 20 September, 2003.—INTERNET

dium. Werder Bremen moved

up one to third, level on points

with Leverkusen, courtesy of a

2-1 win over TSV 1860 Mu-

nich. Champions Bayern, who

missed a penalty in the first half

and had Brazilian midfielder

Ze Roberto sent off after the

interval, remain fifth and are

now three points off the pace.

Kuranyi’s goal after 67

minutes gave Stuttgart a

measure of consolation after

their 2-1 defeat by Rangers

in the Champions League on

Tuesday and made them

Bundesliga leaders for the

first time since 1996.

“This is a well-deserved

victory but you have to take

into account the fact that

Dortmund were missing sev-

eral valued players,” said

Stuttgart coach Felix

Magath.

Dortmund, now seventh,

four points back, have a long

injury list that includes de-

fender Christoph Metzelder,

midfielder Torsten Frings

and striker Marcio Amoroso.

Bayern showed charac-

ter but also confirmed they

had defensive problems in

their action-packed game

against a resurgent

Leverkusen.—MNA/Reuters

Canada’s Christine Latham, left, and Germany’s KerstinStegemann battle for the ball in the second half of the

Women’s World Cup on 20 September, 2003,in Columbus, Ohio. Germany won, 4-1.—INTERNET

BERLIN , 22 Sept— VfB Stuttgart moved to the top of the Bundesliga standings witha 1-0 win over Borussia Dortmund on Saturday that also stretched their unbeatenleague run to six games from the start of the season.

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Seven future policies…(from page 13)

square miles. Over five mil-

lion people are living in

these areas and thus humani-

tarian aids can be provided

widely.

The projects imple-

mented for border area de-

velopment are in roads and

bridges, education, health,

agriculture, livestock breed-

ing, electric power, commu-

nication and mining sectors

and they directly benefit the

areas which lag behind in

development and people liv-

ing in border areas.

As border area develop-

ment tasks are being carried

out in all sectors, the State

has spent over K 45,000 mil-

lion plus US$ 500 million

on these tasks during the

period from 1989 to 2003.

As mentioned in the

Prime Minister’s speech, it

is believed that endeavour-

ing for regional develop-

ment, creating economic in-

frastructures and raising the

living standards after con-

solidating the national unity

is the foundation for democ-

racy.

While striving for bor-

der area development, ef-

forts have been made for

armed national race groups

to return to the legal fold.

As a result, 17 armed na-

tional race groups returned

to the legal fold. Even a

casual look can reveal that

the task of persuading the

ing basic principles required

in the drafting of the consti-

tution that would shape the

future democratic State. The

Convention was not only

composed of representatives

from the political parties,

representatives-elect, repre-

sentatives from the national

races, national races leaders

that had returned to the le-

gal fold but also from repre-

sentatives of intellectuals,

public servants and people

from various strata in the

country.

In the National Conven-

tion, political parties and

politicians have the right to

take part in the deliberations

and to make known their

views and wishes. The Na-

tional Convention, which

enthusiasts in politics had

longed for so long, was con-

vened allowing all the politi-

cal forces to participate in

the process. The convening

of the National Convention

is also for the emergence of

a modern, developed and

democratic State in accord-

ance with the aspirations of

all strata of people.

However, in 1995, one

of the above-ground politi-

cal forces, namely the NLD,

decided to ignore the future

of the country and placed

the attitude and wishes of an

individual and the interests

State Constitution which is

drawn with the six objec-

tives. Therefore, reconven-

ing of the National Conven-

tion is important for

Myanmar nationals.

After successfully im-

plementing the seven-stage

roadmap, a new genuine

democratic nation must be

built. Myanmar is home to

over 100 national races. It is

important for the respective

national races to live to-

gether with peace, security

and development. To be able

to live together like this, the

State Constitution is essen-

tial. Emergence of the State

Constitution is the national

duty of all citizens. All citi-

zens are also responsible for

safeguarding the State Con-

stitution.

Chairman of the State

Peace and Development

Council Commander-in-

Chief of Defence Services

Senior General Than Shwe

gave the following guidance

to trainees of No 30 Primary

Teachership Course of the

University for Development

of National Races in his

speech delivered on 23-2-

1999. The Senior General

said, “The Union of

Myanmar has been home to

national races who have

been residing in it with Un-

ion Sprit through thick and

due to instigations of

colonialists though national

races had joined hands in

unity for years countable in

thousands. Like a grain

of sand and a slab of brick

the should make efforts

without fail for perpetual

strengthening of Union spirit

of the national races at the

places they were assigned

duties taking the example

that a magnificent edifice

can be built beginning from

a grain of sand and a slab of

brick.”

I strongly believe that the

new Constitution will up-

hold non-disintegration of

the Union, non-disintegra-

tion of national solidarity

and perpetuation of sover-

eignty thereby resulting in

the emergence of a modern

nation. In conclusion, U Tun

Hlaing said that he whole-

heartedly seconded the mo-

tion calling for the partici-

pation of the entire people

in any sector for successful

realization of the future poli-

cies of the State tabled by U

Aung Naing Oo.

Next, the chairman

sought the approval of the

mass rally concerning the

motion for active participa-

tion of the entire national

people by doing their bid for

the successful implementa-

tion of the seven future poli-

cies and programmes. The

mass rally unanimously ap-

proved the motion and the

chairman approved the mo-

tion. The master of ceremo-

nies announced the resolu-

tion of the mass rally for

active participation of the

entire national people by

doing their bit for the suc-

cessful implementation of

the seven policies and pro-

grammes.

The mass rally concluded

by chanting the slogans: im-

plementation of the roadmap

(must succeed, must suc-

ceed), convening of the Na-

tional Convention (must suc-

ceed, must succeed), emer-

gence of the new democratic

nation (must succeed, must

succeed), and the mass rally

ended at 8.20 am. — MNA

armed groups to return to

the legal fold represents a

very tough job. It was defi-

nitely not easy to overcome

difficult conditions created

by more than four decades

of internal strife with na-

tional brethren fighting

against each other with loss

of lives on both sides while

the people faced all kinds

of difficulties and

sufferings. This success was

due to the fact that there

was mutual respect, under-

standing, confidence and

sincerity on both sides.

It is heartening to note

that the national leaders

from these groups are ac-

tively participating in the

construction of basic infra-

structure not only in their

regions but also in national

development projects.

As is known to all, ef-

forts were initiated in 1992

for the convening of the Na-

tional Convention. The Na-

tional Convention is a meet-

ing which tries to find a so-

lution through discussions

and deliberations for adopt-

Monday, 22 September, 2003

Summary of observations recorded at 09:30 hoursMST: During the past 24 hours, weather has been partly

cloudy in Kayah State and Ayeyarwady Division , rain

or thundershowers have been isolated in lower Sagaing,

Magway and Bago Divisions and scattered to wide-

spread in the remaining areas. The noteworthy amounts

of rainfall recorded were Hpa-an (1.69) inches, Katha

(1.54) inches and Hakha (1.42) inches.

Maximum temperature on 21-9-2003 was 30.0°C

(86°F). Minimum temperature on 22-9-2003 was 21.7°C

(71°F). Relative humidity at 9:30 hrs MST on 22-9-

2003 was 96%. Total sunshine hours on 21-9-2003 was

(2.0) hours approx. Rainfall on 22-9-2003 was nil at

Yangon Airport, Kaba-Aye and central Yangon. Total

rainfall since 1-1-2003 was 2134 mm (84.02 inches) at

Yangon Airport, 2227 mm (87.86 inches) at Kaba-Aye

and 2296 mm (90.40 inches) at central Yangon. Maxi-

mum wind speed at Yangon (Kaba-Aye) was 12 mph

from Southwest at (14:30) hours MST on 21-9-2003.

Bay inference: Weather is partly cloudy in the North

Bay and monsoon is feeble to weak elsewhere in the

Bay of Bengal. Forecast valid until evening of the23-9-2003: Weahter will be partly cloudy in Kayah State

and Magway Division, Rain or thundershowers will be

isolated in Shan State, Ayeyawady and Bago Divisions

and scattered in tghe remaining areas. Degree of cer-

tainty is (80%). State of the sea: Seas will be slight to

moderate in Myanmar waters. Outlook for subsequenttwo days: Likelihood of withdrawl of Southwest

monsoon from the Deltaic areas. Forecast for Yangonand neighbouring area for 23-9-2003: One or two

rain or thundershowers. Degree of certainty is (80%).

Forecast for Mandalay and neighbouring area for23-9-2003: Likelihood of isolated rain or thundershow-

ers. Degree of certainty is (60%).

WEATHER

Chinese FMmeets withJamaicangovernor-

general, PM MEXICO CITY , 22 Sept

— Jamaican Governor-General Howard Cookeand Prime MinisterPercival Patterson on Fri-day respectively met withvisiting Chinese ForeignMinister Li Zhaoxing.

During the meetings with

Jamaican leaders, Li ex-

pressed his satisfaction over

the smooth development of

China-Jamaica relations.

Based on mutual respect

and trust, the two countries

have carried out effective co-

operation in the fields of poli-

tics, economy and trade and

culture in the past 31 years

since the establishment of

diplomatic relations in 1972,

he said, adding that Jamaica

has become China’s biggest

trade partner in the English-

speaking Caribbean region.

The Chinese Foreign

Minister thanked the Jamai-

can Government for its ad-

herence to the one-China

policy, and spoke positively

of the mutual support and

close cooperation between

the two countries in interna-

tional affairs.

Li said Jamaica, an im-

portant country in the Carib-

bean region, plays a unique

role in the region and inter-

national affairs. China at-

taches great importance to

the friendly ties featuring

mutual benefit between the

two countries, and is willing

to enhance consultation and

expand economic and cul-

tural exchange and coopera-

tion with Jamaica.

MNA/Xinhua

In a pair of reports sent to the White

House and key committees in Congress, the

ITC estimated the steel tariffs had cost the

United States about 30.4 million US dollars

annually in lost economic growth, a tiny

fraction compared to the overall economy

which totals about 10 trillion US dollars.

The reports set the stage for Bush to

decide whether to end the tariffs early or let

them remain in place for the full three years

he originally planned.

Heading into next year’s presidential elec-

tion, Bush is under pressure to scrap the

tariffs to help the manufacturing sector which

has lost 2.5 million jobs on his watch. Ad-

ministration officials said Bush had not

decided what, if any, action to take on the

tariffs. He imposed the duties in March

2002 to give the US industry time to restruc-

ture after more than 30 bankruptcies.

The tariffs originally ranged up to 30 per

cent in 10 different steel categories. The top

rate declined to 24 per cent in the second year

and will fall to 18 per cent in the third.

Both critics and supporters of the tariffs

found something to cheer in the ITC reports,

which examined how well the steel industry

had used the relief and the impact the tariffs

have had on steel-consuming firms and on

the overall economy.

Bill Klinefelter, director of legislative

affairs for the United Steelworkers of

America, called the studies a complete vin-

dication of the President’s programme.

“It clearly demonstrates that the other

side has little or no case” because job losses

in the steel-consuming industries were greater

in the year before Bush imposed the tariffs

than in the year after, Klinefelter said.

MNA/Reuters

US steel duties dented economyWASHINGTON , 22 Sept— Hefty steel tariffs imposed by President George W Bush 18

months ago have had a slightly negative impact on the US economy, the USInternational Trade Commission said on Friday.

of its own party above the

national cause, and carried

out a plan aimed at destroy-

ing the National Convention.

Consequently, efforts for po-

litical development have

now faltered half way.

For the nation, the suc-

cessful completion of the

National Convention and

emergence of the State Con-

stitution is of vital impor-

tance. Only after the suc-

cessful holding of the Na-

tional Convention, the State

Constitution can be drafted

using the principles laid

down at the National Con-

vention. It is sure that the

entire people will support the

thin together keeping the

eggs and the nest intact since

yore. It has been usual for

the people to resist together

whenever they were con-

fronted with foreign aggres-

sion. The national brethren

had been residing together

in friendship and unity but

they became like strangers,

misunderstood one another

and engaged in conflicts be-

cause of instigation during

over 100 years of colonialist

rule. UNDR students should

strive to consolidate unity

to strengthen Union spirit

among national races taking

lessons of the past during

which the unity was divided

For the nation, the successful completion of theNational Convention and emergence of the StateConstitution is of vital importance.

16 THE NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR Tuesday, 23 September, 200313th Waning of Tawthalin, 1365 ME Tuesday, 23 September, 2003

Four political objectives* Stability of the State, community peace and

tranquillity, prevalence of law and order* National reconsolidation* Emergence of a new enduring State

Constitution* Building of a new modern developed nation in

accord with the new State Constitution

Four social objectives* Uplift of the morale and morality of the

entire nation* Uplift of national prestige and integrity and

preservation and safeguarding of culturalheritage and national character

* Uplift of dynamism of patriotic spirit* Uplift of health, fitness and education

standards of the entire nation

Four economic objectives* Development of agriculture as the base and

all-round development of other sectors of theeconomy as well

* Proper evolution of the market-orientedeconomic system

* Development of the economy inviting partici-pation in terms of technical know-how andinvestments from sources inside the countryand abroad

* The initiative to shape the national economymust be kept in the hands of the State and thenational peoples

The presiding chairman and members of the mass rally chant slogans in support of the seven-stage future policy ofthe State laid down by thePrime Minister. — MNA

Foreign NewsPages

3,4,5,6,12,13,14

INSIDE Article

Secretary-2 meetsdepartmental officialsin Mandalay Division

Page 2

Seven future policies and programmes clarified …

(d) Flourishing of a genuine multi-party democraticsystem

(e) Further flourishing of worldly values—justice, lib-

erty and equality in the nation

(f) Participation of the Tatmadaw in the national politi-

cal leading role of the future State.

Representatives that widely represent the entire nationalpeople enthusiastically attended the National Convention

held from 9 January 1993 to 1996.

Members of the Panel of Chairmen were elected from

the representatives. One Chairman each from eight groups

of the representatives and one member of the Panel ofChairman from the National Convention Convening Work

Committee totalling 9 systematically sponsored the plenary

meeting in accord with procedures.

(See page 8)

ArticleThe border area

(Kokang)Page 7

PerspectivesThe role of teachers innational development

Page 2

The mass rally aimed to support the Prime Minister’s speech on the seven-stage policy

of the State in progress in Bahtoo Sports Grounds, Mandalay Division. —MNA

24,288Circulation

(from page 1)Today’s mass rally is to support the Prime Minister’s

speech on the political roadmap of the State delivered at the

Pyithu Htuttaw building on 30 August. The mass rally heldin Yangon Division on 20 September supported the Prime

Minister’s speech. The mass rally held in Mandalay today is

to show the attitude of people in Mandalay corresponds with

that of people in Yangon and the unanimous and enthusiastic

support the Prime Minister’s speech.

The seven future policies and programmes clarified bythe Prime Minister are the national programmes to ensure the

emergence of a peaceful modern and developed nation, the

national goal of the State and the entire national people. That

is why we attended that mass rally.

The political roadmap was clarified in three parts.

In the first part, it highlights, as regard national develop-ment. the all-round development of the State owing to the

harmonious efforts of the entire national people. Political

undertakings were pointed out in the second part. And the

third part dealt with lucid and precise political work pro-

grammes to be carried out for the establishment of a modernand developed democracy in the future.

The Prime Minister reviewed the fruitful results in eco-

nomic, social and political sectors of the State on a national

scale from the time when the Tatmadaw started shouldering

the State’s duties. The Government did its best for all-round

development.The seven future policies and programmes are:

(1) Resuming of the National Convention that has been

adjourned since 1996.

(2) After the successful holding of the National Conven-

tion, step by step implementation of the process necessary

for the emergence of a genuine and disciplined democraticsystem.

(3) Drafting of a new constitution in accord with basic

principles and detailed basic principles laid down by the

National Convention.

(4) Adoption of the constitution through national refer-

endum.

(5) Holding of free and fair elections for Pyithu Hluttaw

(Legislative bodies) according to the new constitution.

(6) Convening of Hluttaws attended by Hluttaw mem-

bers in accord with the new constitution.(7) Building a modern, developed and democratic na-

tion by the state leaders elected by Hluttaw; and the govern-

ment and other central organs formed by the Hluttaw.

The political roadmap of the State is the own pro-

gramme laid down by the State Peace and Development

Council in the interest of the State and the people.The four political objectives out of the 12 objectives

correspond with the seven- future policies and programmes

in essence. The successful holding of the National Conven-

tion and the emergence of enduring State constitution are

included in the political roadmap.

The coordination meeting for holding of the NationalConvention was held in June 1992, attended by the political

parties and the representatives-elected. Matters related to

inviting of the representatives were discussed at the coor-

dination meeting, and the representatives were chosen and

in groups or categories allowed to attend the NationalConvention.

The political parties, the elected Hluttaw representa-

tives, the national race delegates from the states and divi-

sions, the national race leaders who have returned to the

legal fold as well as the intellectuals and intelligentsia, the

service personnel and the delegates from all walks of lifeparticipated in the National Convention.

Chairman of the State Law and Order Restoration Coun-

cil Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior Gen-

eral Than Shwe met with the political parties and the

representatives-elect who attended the National Conven-

tion at the meeting hall of the President’s Residence onAhlon Road on 10 July 1992.

The National Convention commenced held in 1993.

The six objectives of the National Convention are:

(a) Non-disintegration of the Union

(b) Non-disintegration of the national solidarity

(c) Perpetuation of the national sovereignty

established 1914 volume xi, number 160 13th waning of ...sep 23, 2003 · organizations, farmers,...

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