News Brief

18^th May 2012

Formation of Union Peace-making Central Committee

YANGON, 18 May — The President Office with Order No.11/2012 dated 3rd May, has announced the formation of the Union Peace-making Central Committee. The order signed by President U Thein Sein, is as follows;

“ Formation of Union Peace-making Central Committee

1. The Union Government led by the President elected under the Constitution has been striving for national development in close cooperation with the legislature and the judiciary. In its drive for national development, restoration of internal peace has been high on its agenda.

2. To be able to take a leading role in negotiating with national race armed groups, “Union Peace-making Central Committee” has been formed with personalities mentioned below.

(a) U Thein Sein Chairman

President

(b) Thiha Thura U Tin Aung Myint Oo Member

Vice-President

(c) Dr Sai Mauk Kham Member

Vice-President

(d) Thura U Shwe Mann Member

Speaker, Pyithu Hluttaw

(e) U Khin Aung Myint Member

Speaker, Amyotha Hluttaw

(f) Vice-Senior General Min Aung Hlaing Member

Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services

(g) Lt-Gen Ko Ko Member

Union Minister, Home Affairs Ministry

(h) Lt-Gen Hla Min Member

Union Minister, Defence Ministry

(i) Lt-Gen Thein Htay Member

Union Minister, Border Affairs Ministry

(j) Dr Tun Shin Member

Union Attorney-General

(k) U Min Zaw Secretary

Director-General, President Office

3. The Union Peace-making Central Committee shall be obliged to set policies for and supervise functions of Union Peace-making Work Committee.

4. The committee shall adopt procedures for dealing with transnational organizations, setting up funds and spending on peace-making process when necessary. “ ---MNA

Formation of Union Peace-making Work Committee

YANGON, 18 May — The President Office with Order No.12/2012 dated 3rd May, has announced the formation of the Union Peace-making Work Committee. The order signed by President U Thein Sein, is as follows;

“ Formation of Union Peace-making Work Committee

1. With a view to discussing and making peace with national race armed groups, the Union Peace-making Work Committee has been formed with the following persons.

(a) Dr Sai Mauk Kham Chairman

Vice-President

(b) General Soe Win Vice-Chairman

Deputy Commander-in-Chief of

Defence Services Commander-in-Chief (Army)

(c) U Aung Min Vice-Chairman

Union Minister

(d) U Thein Zaw Vice-Chairman

Pyithu Hluttaw Representative

(e) U Ohn Myint Member

Union Minister

(f) U Soe Thein Member

Union Minister

(g) U Zaw Min Member

Union Minister

(h) U Than Htay Member

Union Minister

(i) U Khin Yi Member

Union Minister

(j) U Win Tun Member

Union Minister

(k) U Khin Maung Soe Member

Union Minister

(l) Region or State Chief Ministers Member

(1) U La John Ngan Hsai

Chief Minister, Kachin State Government

(2) U Khin Maung Oo (a) U Bu Rel

Chief Minister, Kayah State Government

(3) U Zaw Min

Chief Minister, Kayin State Government

(4) U Hong Ngai

Chief Minister, Chin State Government

(5) U Tha Aye

Chief Minister, Sagaing Region Government

(6) U Myat Ko

Chief Minister, Taninthayi Region Government

(7) U Nyan Win

Chief Minister, Bago Region Government

(8) U Ohn Myint

Chief Minister, Mon State Government

(9) U Hla Maung Tin

Chief Minister, Rakhine State Government

(10) U Sao Aung Myat

Chief Minister, Shan State Government

(m) Commanders Member

(1) Maj-Gen Zeyar Aung

Commander, Northern Command

(2) Maj-Gen Aung Kyaw Zaw

Commander, North-East Command

(3) Maj-Gen Soe Htut

Commander, Eastern Command

(4) Brig-Gen Tun Tun Naung

Commander, Central -East Command

(5) Maj-Gen Than Tun Oo

Commander, Triangle Region Command

(6) Maj-Gen Tin Maung Win

Commander, South-East Command

(7) Maj-Gen Khin Maung Htay

Commander, Coastal Region Command

(8) Brig-Gen Ko Ko Naing

Commander, Western Command

(9) Maj-Gen Soe Lwin

Commander, North-West Command

(10) Brig-Gen Nyo Saw

Commander, Southern Command

(n) Maj-Gen Zaw Win Member

Deputy Minister

(o) U Tun Tun Oo Member

Deputy Attorney-General

(p) Pyithu Hluttaw Representative National Races Member

(1) Daw Dwe Bu

Kachin National Pyithu Hluttaw Representative

(2) U Soe Rel

Kayah National Pyithu Hluttaw Representative

(3) U Saw Thein Aung

Kayin National Pyithu Hluttaw Representative

(4) U Ngun Maung

Chin National Pyithu Hluttaw Representative

(5) Daw Mi Yin Chan

Mon National Pyithu Hluttaw Representative

(6) U Ba Shein

Rakhine National Pyithu Hluttaw Representative

(7) U Stephen

Shan National Pyithu Hluttaw Representative

(8) U Hla Tun

Naga National Pyithu Hluttaw Representative

(9) U Kyin Wan “Wa”

National Pyithu Hluttaw Representative

(q) Amyotha Hluttaw Representative National Races Member

(1) U Zakhon Ting Ring

Kachin National Amyotha Hluttaw Representative

(2) U Hsan Rel

Kayah National Amyotha Hluttaw Representative

(3) U Saw Tun Mya Aung

Kayin National Amyotha Hluttaw Representative

(4) U Pau Hlyan Lwin

Chin National Amyotha Hluttaw Representative

(5) U Saw Ohn

Mon National Amyotha Hluttaw Representative

(6) U Ohn Tin

Rakhine National Amyotha Hluttaw Representative

(7) U Sai Kyaw Zaw Than

Shan National Amyotha Hluttaw Representative

(8) U Myat Ko

Naga National Amyotha Hluttaw Representative

(9) U Hsai Paung Nup

“Wa” National Amyotha Hluttaw Representative

(r) U Tin Myo Kyi Secretary

Director-General, Union Government Office

2. The Union Peace-making Work Committee shall discharge the following duties in implementing the tasks for reaching peace agreement.

(a) State Level Peace Talks

(1) To halt the attacks of both sides

(2) To reside at the designated places agreed by both sides

(3) Not to move with arms in any other regions except the designated places

(4) To set up the liaison camps without arms at the appropriate places agreed by both sides

(5) To coordinate matters on forming a delegation, time and venue to hold discussions with the Union Level Peacemaking Group

(b) Union Level Peace Talks

(1) To reside together in the Union

(2) To agree on non-disintegration of the Union, non-disintegration of national solidarity and perpetuation of sovereignty

(3) To mutually engage in economic activities and development works in accord with the laws

(4) To cooperate in the fight against narcotic and psychotropic substances

(5) To stand for election by establishing party

(6) To accept the constitution and if any amendments, they are to be carried out with the majority’s consent in the Hluttaw

(7) To unconditionally return to the legal fold for eternal peace and to equally live, move and earn a living in line with the constitution

(8) To coordinate to be transformed into an armed organization in line with the constitution

3. Measures taken by the Union Peace-making Work Committee are to be reported to the Union Peace-making Central Committee in real time. “ —MNA

Vice-President Dr Sai Mauk Kham inspects projects in Yangon

YANGON, 18 May —Vice-President Dr Sai Mauk Kham inspected sports grounds and Hledan Overpass construction project, here this afternoon. Accompanied by Union ministers, the Vice-President viewed the university tennis courts of the Higher Education Department (Lower Myanmar).

Next, at Hledan Overpass construction project site they were reported on traffic congestion at Hledan Junction, on progress of the work, further expansion of Shwegondaing, Tamway and Bayintnaung junctions and measures for reducing traffic congestion.

The Vice-President spoke of the need for perfect completion of the projects, for keeping Yangon neat and clean as it is the commercial capital, for successful completion of the projects in coordination with related departments as the increasing number of cars cause traffic jams, for adoption of road network system with a master plan covering the whole city of Yangon and for letting the people know the estimated time of completion.

The steel-beamed-and-RC type Hledan Overpass project is being constructed by Yangon City Development Council and Shwetaung Development Co Ltd. The proposed length is 2,507 feet. The motorway with pedestrian lanes will withstand 60 tons of loads.

Afterwards, the Vice-President and party inspected the national badminton gymnasium. At the Youth Sports Training Camp (Thuwunna) in the afternoon, they were briefed on lawn preparations of the football ground, progress in extended construction of stands and roofs. The Vice- President left necessary instructions. —MNA

Union I&C Minister receives Secretary-General of CNIE and party

NAY PYI TAW, 18 May— Union Minister for Information and Culture U Kyaw Hsan met Secretary-General Mr You Jianhua of China NGO Network for International Exchange (CNIE) and party of the People’s Republic of China, here this morning.

They exchanged views on the opportunities to provide assistance for socio-economic development, and sustainability for development of rural libraries and perpetuation.

Also present at the call were Deputy Minister for Information U Soe Win, Director-General U Thein Aung of Myanma Radio and Television, Managing Director U Ye Tint of Printing and Publishing Enterprise, Managing Director U Zaw Min Oo of News and Periodicals Enterprise and departmental officials.—MNA

Union I&C Minister meets Chinese officials of CSIETC

NAY PYI TAW, 18 May— Union Minister for Information and Culture U Kyaw Hsan received Mr Lu Guooguang and party of Chinese Sports, International Economic and Technological Cooperation, here, yesterday.

They cordially discussed on arrangements for providing necessary technological and mechanical assistance to hold the opening and closing ceremonies of the XXVII SEA Games 2013 on a grand scale on par to regional and international sports competitions, training for performers in the opening and closing ceremonies, and fulfilling necessary technology and machinery to be used in TV broadcasting works.

Present at the call were Deputy Minister for Information U Soe Win, Deputy Minister for Culture Daw Sanda Khin and departmental heads. —MNA

Chairman of Constitutional Tribunal leaves for Seoul

YANGON, 18 May—Chairman of the Constitutional Tribunal of the Union U Thein Soe left here today to attend the Asian Constitutional Tribunals and Similar Organizations Conference to be held in Seoul at the invitation of Chairman of Constitutional Tribunal of the Republic of Korea Mr Lee Kang Kook.

The Chairman was accompanied by member of the Constitutional Tribunal of the Union U Soe Thein. -- MNA

Union F&R Minister receives US, Japanese guests

NAY PYI TAW, 18 May—Union Minister for Finance and Revenue U Hla Tun met Vice-President for Asia Ms Tami Overby and party of US Chamber of Commerce, here, this morning.

They discussed that as the US government is lifting sanctions against Myanmar step by step, due to reforms of the Myanmar government, greater investment opportunities will come into Myanmar and that the US Chamber of Commerce and the UMFCCI (Republic of the Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry) will join hands in the tasks for development of economy and for mutual cooperation matters.

The Union Minister also received President & Chief Executive Officer Mr Takashi Hinino and party of Daiwa Securities Group Inc, today.

At the call, they discussed concerted efforts of Daiwa Institute of Research Ltd of Japan, Tokyo Stock Exchange and the Ministry of Finance and Revenue for emergence of stock exchange and investment market in Myanmar, matters related to providing necessary technology and expertise and mutual cooperation between the two countries. —MNA

Addressing the climate change impact of Central Myanmar discussed

NAY PYI TAW, 18 May— A national preliminary meeting on implementation of the project to the impact of climate change to water resources and food sufficiency in Myanmar’s arid zone, took place in Mandalay this morning, with an address by Union Minister for Environmental Conservation and Forestry U Win Tun.

Speaking at the meeting, jointly organized by Environmental Conservation and Forestry Ministry and the UNDP, the Union Minister said that despite the fact that Myanmar is blessed with temperate climate and is making strenuous efforts to conserve the ecological balance, it is now facing the consequences of climate change. Cyclones Nargis ( 2008) and Giri ( 2010) , record high temperatures in central Myanmar and floods and water scarcity are vivid effects of the climate change.

“The mitigation of climate change impact and adaptation to climate change are a must. However, such works could not be accomplished by government departments alone but needs cooperation of efficient organizations, and to change the behavior and lifestyle of each individual, “ he said.

Shwebo and Monywa in Sagaing Region, Myingyan and NyaungU in Mandalay Region and Chuak in Magway Region are selected as the project areas. The project will last four years. The proposed implementation of the project is under three sections—to address the reduction of fresh water resources due to climate change, to produce and breed weather-resistant crops strains and animals, information on evaluation of possible loss due to climate change and monitoring the climate change.

Mr Gernod Laganda, the UNDP Asia Pacific Regional technical expert, also spoke on the occasion. Next, UNDP officials explained the proposed project, followed by suggestions of the attendees.

After the meeting, the Union Minister discussed follow-up plans for implementation of the project and acceleration of environmental conservation works with Mr Laganda.—MNA

Deputy H & T Minister meets JMA Chairman

NAY PYI TAW, 18 May— The visiting Chairman, Senior Advisor Mr Hideo Watanabe of Japan- Myanmar Association (JMA) called on Deputy Minister for Hotels and Tourism U Htay Aung , here this morning.

They discussed preservation of old historical buildings in Yangon and proposed to build a three-story luxury hotel in Yangon. The deputy minister explained potentials of tourism industry in Myanmar and preparations for adoption of a tourism master plan.—MNA

63rd ASEAN Science and Technology Committee Meeting concludes

NAY PYI TAW, 18 May—The 63rd ASEAN Science and Technology Committee Meeting continued its final day here today, attended by Deputy Minister for Science and Technology Dr Ko Ko Oo, representatives from ASEAN member countries, China, EU, Japan and the US.

Representatives from ASEAN-China, ASEAN-EU, ASEAN-Japan and ASEAN- USA exchanged views on development of science and technology and passed resolutions for future plans. —MNA

Vietnam to invest in Myanmar’s rice sector

YANGON, 18 May—Myanmar Rice Industry Association says that Vietnam has agreed to put investment in paddy production which is the main product of Myanmar.

An official of MRIA revealed that the main theme of foreign investment is to systematically provide assistance for production of quality rice, development of agricultural technology and operating of rice mills.

“It will be the first foreign investment focusing on development of paddy sector. Vietnam will invest about US$ 100 million on development of the paddy sector of Myanmar. It is expected to implement the plan during harvesting time of monsoon paddy,” he said.

At present, Myanmar rice faces competitiveness in the market due to some requirements in its quality and cheap price of India’s rice. However, export of rice from Myanmar is in normal status.

There are about 18 million sown acreage of paddy across the nation. The larger number of sown acre is located in Ayeyawady delta area of lower Myanmar. Rice of the region has been exported. —MNA