Gold ornamental are displayed at a Gold and Jewellery shop in Yangon. Photo: Phoe Khwar

GOLD prices are increasing in Myanmar, reflecting global prices, according to gold market participants. On Saturday, the price of pure gold in Yangon was Ks916,000 per tical (or .578 ounce) compared to a global price of $1,284 per ounce, according to Aung Thamardi Gold and Jewellery Shop and Gold Refinery.
On Friday, the local gold price was Ks920,000 per tical, according to local gold merchants. Local gold prices broke Ks900,000 per tical on 20 July and Ks912,800 on 10 August.
The global gold price was $1,296 per ounce on 18 August, compared to $1,279 per ounce on 10 August, a July high of $1,268 per ounce and a July low of $1,205 per ounce.  — Mon Mon

Birds soar near a visitor boat in Indawgyi lake in Mohnyin, Kachin State, which is to be preserved.  Photo: Shwe Myanmar

INDAWGYI LAKE of Kachin State in northern Myanmar is the country’s largest freshwater lake, the third largest in Southeast Asia and home to more than 160 birds species, including globally threatened water birds, according to Myanmar Tourism Federation.
More than 450 bird species, including 20,000 migratory birds, call the lake home between October and April, according to the Indawgyi Lake Wildlife Sanctuary. Twenty of those species are considered rare or endangered.
UNESCO designated Indawgyi Lake as a Man and Biosphere Reserve (MAB), among the non-governmental organisation’s global network of 669 reserves, on 12-15 June at UNESCO’s headquarters in Paris, France. Prior to the UNESCO designation, the lake was an ASEAN Heritage Park due to its ecological importance. It was also designated as a Ramsar Site in early 2016 due to its unique bird population and wetlands.
While it is still off the beaten track, tourism businesses are promoting Indawgyi
Lake as one of Myanmar’s ecotourism destinations. Visitors explore the area by boat or on hikes or bikes. —Shwe Khine

Union Minister for Commerce U Than Myint attends Izmir International Fair Exhibition in Turkey.  Photo: MNA

A Myanmar delegation led by Union Minister for Commerce U Than Myint left Yangon International Airport for Turkey to attend 86th Izmir International Trade Exhibition from 18-27 August in Izmir, Turkey on 15 August.
The Union Minister attended the opening ceremony of the Izmir International Trade Exhibition on 18 August. Ministers from 26 countries attended the exhibition sponsored by Ministry of Economy and Ministry of Science, Industry and Technology. Fair for industrial goods of energy resource, any vehicles and products from many countries were exhibited.
The Union Minister met with Minister of Science, Industry and Technology Mr. Faruk Wzlu, Izmir Mayor, chairmen of Merchant Association and Industry and Business Association separately.
During the separate meetings, they discussed bilateral relations, promoting trade and investment, raising of rice and beans exports from Myanmar to Turkey, creation of new markets through such fair exhibitions between the two countries, and technological supports for trade development.  After the discussion, the Myanmar delegation toured the industrial zone in Izmir, Turkey.—Myanmar News Agency

Dr Pe Myint delivers speech at the coordination meeting of 100 Myanmar Classic Book Series.  Photo: MNA

With a view to making Myanmar Classic literature available to the public, Sarpay Beikman is planning to publish 100 Myanmar books series by collecting the best selection of literatures.
Union Minister for Information Dr Pe Myint and other literati attended the third coordination meeting in connection with the publishing of 100 Myanmar classic books series which was held at the Printing and Publishing department on Thein Phyu road in Yangon yesterday at 1:00 pm.
At the meeting, the vice chairman of the work committee Sayar U Tin Hlaing, also known as Lal Twin Thar Saw Chit, discussed and gave advises on the selection and publication of subject and category wise classic novels, biography, poems, literatures and knowledge, point-size and font for the 100 Myanmar books series. Then, U Than Ohn who was known as Mg Zayar, co-secretary 1 of the work committee discussed the list of topics and subjects which would be included in publishing 100 Myanmar books series such as novels, short stories, drama, prose, and essay during 20 century. The Director-General, Deputy Director-General and literati discussed the works to be carried out to get necessary books and documents, fonts and sizes, number of pages, coordination with experts, names and sizes for the book series.
Afterwards, the Union Minister gave the concluding remarks saying that the ministry mainly aims at restoring the former glory of Sarpay Beikman. The publication of 100 Myanmar book series will promote the roles of Sarpay Beikman.  The plan to publish 100 Myanmar books will reinstate Sarpay Beikman in its past status. After the coordination meeting for publishing 100 Myanmar books series, another meeting in connection with the holding of a Printing Forum continued at the venue.
It was held jointly by the Ministry of Information and Myanmar Printers and Publishers Association.
At the meeting, the Union Minister said that the purpose of the forum was to develop printing and printing enterprises in Myanmar. He expressed his hope that the forum will produce valuable suggestions. He spoke of the need to conduct research on the development of publication techniques and the publication sector’s contribution to the national economy.
Then, U Min Han, Chairman of Myanmar Printers and Publishers Association and U Thurain Tun, secretary, explained the arrangement for holding the printing forum, and the functions of the body.
Later, U Aung Myo Myint, director-general of Printing and Publishing Department, U Ko Ko Naing, deputy director-general and attendants discussed matters relating to distribution of 100 Myanmar books series and holding of a printing forum. The meeting ended with concluding remarks by the Union Minister. —Myanmar News Agency

A vocalist competes at the Peace Music Festival.  Photo: MNA

Level-1 song contest of Peace music festival 2017 was held at the studio (A) of MRTV (Myanmar Radio and Television) located on the Pyay Road, Kamayut Township. Present at the contest were Union Minister for Information Dr Pe Myint, Yangon Chief Minister U Phyo Min Thein, region and state ministers, director general of MRTV, officials and invited guests.
Three singers each from five townships of Taunggyi, Myitkyina, Mawlamyine, Lashio and Pathein were selected from level-1 contest.
As there were a lot of participants in Yangon, two events were held for level-1 competition for Yangon.
The first contest was held on 13 August evening and the second yesterday. Each event in Yangon selected three singer. Similarly, level-1 song contest for Sittway Township will be held on 27 August.
The second event of level-1 song contest of Peace music festival 2017 in Yangon was broadcast from MRTV channel after its eight o’clock news and broadcast directly from Facebook pages of MRTV and Peace Music Festival.
The timeline announcements of Peace music festival 2017 are posted on time at Peace Music Festival Facebook Page, www.facebook.com/peacemusicfestival. Families of the festival and well-wishers are visiting IDP camps of the host cities and donating provisions. — Myanmar News Agency

Union Minister, Region Chief Minister and the audience observe five precepts delivered by Presiding Sayadaw, Kaing Gone Priyatti School, Kayan town, Yangon Region. Photo: MNA

Yangon Region government honoured monks, nuns and layperson who were conferred on religious titles by the government of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar at Chanthagyi pavilion of Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon yesterday afternoon.
Union Minister for Religious Affairs and Culture Thura U
Aung Ko and Yangon Region Chief Minister U Phyo Min Thein ushered monks led by Abhidhaja Maha Rattha Guru Title holder Sayadaw Bhaddanta Sobhita, the presiding monk of Pariyatti School, a prominent Buddhist centre of learning, in Yangon, to the venue.
Sayadaw Bhaddanta Sobhita administered the Five Precepts, followed by the recitation of Parittas by the monks. The chief minister gave a brief account of the religious ceremony.
The Union Minister presented religious title and offertories to Sayadaw Bhaddanta Sobhita and offertories to Sayadaw Bhaddanta Sirinda, the Chief Minister presented religious title and offertories to Sayadaw Dr Bhaddanta Therinda, the Region Hluttaw Speaker presented religious title and offertories to Sayadaw Bhaddanta Vimala. The Chief Minister and officials then presented titles and offertories to other title-holder monks, nuns and laypersons. Well-wishers made cash donations for the title holders.  Sayadaw Bhaddanta Sirinda delivered a sermon. Monks and nuns were then served with day meal.—Myanmar News Agency

Delegation of Myanmar Scout Federation seen at the Yangon International Airport.  Photo: Myanmar Scout Federation

Myanmar was accredited 164th member of World Organization of the Scout Movement at the 41st World Scout Conference held in Baku, Azerbaijan from 13 to 20 August.
Myanmar Scout Federation chairman Dr Tin Nyo and party attended the conference and arrived back in Yangon yesterday afternoon.
Myanmar Women’s Chief Scout Dr Tin Hla Kyi, Myanmar Men Deputy Chief Scout U Tha Sein, senior scouts and youth scouts welcomed by at the Yangon International Airport.
The scout representatives of 160 nations attended the conference and nine nations including Myanmar were granted certificates and flags being recognized as members of World Organization of the Scout Movement.
Myanmar Scout Federation chairman Dr Tin Nyo and party met with World Organization of the Scout Movement chairman Mr Joao Armando Goncalves and Secretary-General Mr. Ahmad Alhen Dawai, South Korea Chief Scout and former secretary-general of United Nation Mr Ban Ki-moon and chief scouts of other nations and discussed matters relating to international incorporation of scout movement of Myanmar.—Myanmar Scout Federation

Merchants checking the quality of pearls.  Photo: MNA

The Myanmar Pearl Auction ended yesterday after three days and selling nearly all available pearl lots on auction. Union Minister U Ohn Win made an appearance to thank the participants.
The state-run auction, which has been held in Myanmar since 1964, is organized by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation and the Myanmar Pearl Enterprise, was held under an open tender system at the Myanmar Gems Museum.
This year’s state-owned pearl stock was sold out for total revenue of about Euro 2.3 million. Since 1964, Myanmar has held 90 pearl auctions earning revenues of US$ 115 million.
Sixty-two companies participated this year. In southern part of Myanmar, there is Myeik Archipelago, formerly known as Mergui Archipelago in the Taninthayi Region. It consists of 800 islands and the total area is 25,600 sq. kilometres. Almost all of the islands were virgin lands and they have been well known since ancient times, because of their inhabitants, Pinctada maxima oysters.
Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, was renowned for its South Sea pearls in the 1800s, when the nomadic and sometimes enslaved Salon or Moken people, also known as “sea gypsies,” dived for natural pearls around the 800 islands of the Myeik Archipelago in the far south of the country.
The industry flourished with the advent of professional diving equipment, leading to attempts to regulate oyster harvesting by British colonial rulers.
The port of Myeik became a boom town, and Mumbai, then called Bombay, a center for pearl trading — which Indians still dominate today.
Myanmar’s celebrated return to the international fold has also helped.
“The lifting of sanctions allowed Myanmar pearls to be seen around the world and sold as Myanmar pearls,” said Craig Henderson, an Australian who spent five years as a pearl farmer in Myanmar. “Deep golden [pearls] have suddenly become popular and are now the most valued.”—MNA/GNLM

Union Minister for Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation U Ohn Win at a commercial teak plantation.  Photo: MNA

Union Minister for Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation U Ohn Win met officials in Pathein, the capital of Ayeyawady Region on 18 August and discussed elephant habitat expansion, human-elephant conflicts,
formation of Emergency Elephant Response Units-EERU, and anti-poaching teams and their functions.
He also dealt with the capture of orphaned elephant cubs, establishment of a system to report wild elephant rampages and human casualties, elephant camps for public recreation in Ngwehsaung, Thitgatoeaing and Moemakha.
The minister held informal talks with Rector of Pathein University Dr Nyunt Pe in which discussions were centred on regeneration, establish and conservation of mangrove forests.
After inspecting the elephants at Ngwehsaung camp, he provided food, exercise books and stationery to families living there.
He visited a 150-acre commercial teak plantation of Taungmyanaung forest reserve in Ingapu Township, another 150-acre commercial teak plantation at a forest reserve in Myanaung Township and a limestone hill in Kyangin Township which is providing raw material to a nearby cement factory. —Myanmar News Agency

Fish are caught to be bred at a farm in Yangon.  Photo: Supplied

Prices of rohu fish, a kind of carp that is extensively farmed in Southeast Asia, have increased since July due to scarcity and due to breeders’ decision to harvest them at a younger age due to that scarcity, according to a report in the Myawady Daily yesterday.
Prices are currently about Ks6,000 for a 1.6 kilogram rohu fish, said U Hla Tun, a fish broker from Baho Sanpya fish market.
“We cannot find rohu fish sized for export in the market,” said U Win Kyaing of Myanmar Fisheries Federation. “Therefore, the exporters have to pay higher prices for big size fish at the fish brokerages.”
Myanmar is one of the largest exporters of rohu fish in the world.
But local rohu breeders have begun to forgo the export market, which demands each fish to weigh about 4 kilograms before harvest, because prices have increased so substantially. Currently, rohu fish found in the market only weigh .64 kilograms on average. —GNLM

Fresh green avocado in the basket.  Photo: Reuters

Myanmar avocados will be exported to Yunnan province, China under a new arrangement reported by Myanma Alin daily newspaper, yesterday.
The Myanmar Fruit, Flower and Vegetable Producers and Exporters Association (MFVP) and other industry groups intend to increase Myanmar’s avocado exports.  The MFVP has offered to hold technical capacity building courses for avocado producers.  Currently, Myanmar exports watermelons, muskmelons, mangos and plums to Yunnan province. In order to win China’s approval, Myanmar’s avocados must meet Chinese health and quality standards and subject harvests to inspection, said U Min Min, a fruit merchant.  More than 30 avocado varieties are grown in Shan and Chin states. Only traditional cultivation methods are used for avocado farming.  Myanmar avocado officials are also hoping to export to the United States, Europe, Japan and Canada. — Zar Lin Thu

French tourists pass Myanmar from Tamu to Myawady, under the supervision of a local tour company and the Ministry of Hotels and Tourism.  Photo: Supplied

A recent trip by six French nationals from Tamu to Myawady, under the supervision of a local tour company and the Ministry of Hotels and Tourism, is an example of tourists’ interest in scenic vacations in Myanmar by car, bicycle or motorcycle.
The Ministry said the group drove into Myanmar on 3 August in two vehicles and visited Kalay, Monywa, Mandalay, Nyaungshwe, Inlae, Bagan, Pyay, Yangon and Kyaiktiyo before departing on 15 August.
The same group had previously explored Austria, India, Nepal and India.
Following their foray into Myanmar, they will travel through Thailand, Laos and China.—GNLM

Kyaw Thu Htet and Hmwe Kyu Zin (Myanmar News Agency)

At the second Pyithu Hluttaw 5th regular session 47th day meeting held yesterday morning Deputy Minister for Agriculture, Livestock and Irrigation U Hla Kyaw responded to a question by U Myint Wei of Gwa constituency on transferring the construction of Gwa Chaung Bridge from Rural Development Department to Ministry of Construction. As the bridge is about 1,500 ft long and located near Gwa Bay the Deputy Minister said Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Irrigation wouldn’t object to Ministry of Construction taking over the construction work with its technical expertise, experienced engineers and machineries.
Deputy Minister for Agriculture, Livestock and Irrigation U Hla Kyaw then answered to a question raised by U Sein Aung of Paletwa constituency on plan to provide solar panels to households without access to power supply in Paletwa Town.
The Deputy Minister said out of 18,531 households without electricity in Paletwa, 19 villages with 1,022 households had proposed for solar power lighting under the part payment by the people scheme and will be provided with solar power lighting in FY 2017-2018. In the coming fiscal years the remaining households will also be considered in accordance with the National Electrification Plan (NEP) policy and the household will need to share costs for the electrification under the NEP.
Next, questions by U Sai Ngaung Hsaing Hein of Maukmai constituency, U Zaw Min Thein of Laymyethna constituency, U Min Thein of Ngazun constituency and U Kyaw Tin of Saw constituency on upgrading gravel surfaced road in Khosaing, Nathe and Ywathit villages in Maukmai Township to tarred road, finding ways for people to participate in rural development work, cases of renting lands from local farmers to be in accord with enacted laws, construction of Min Chin dam in Saw Township with government budget were answered by Deputy Minister for Agriculture, Livestock and Irrigation U Hla Kyaw.
Afterward, a motion tabled by Daw Mi Kun Chan from Paung Constituency on abolishing rural area electrification committees nationwide and to hand over the task of electrification to the Ministry of Electricity and Energy was discussed by U Win Win of Minbu constituency, U Tun Tun of Pwintbyu constituency, Daw Cho Cho of Ottwin constituency, Dr. U Than Aung Soe of Minhla constituency, Dr. Daw Kyi Moh Moh Lwin of Singaing constituency, U Aung Htoo Myint of Aunglan constituency, U Soe Aung Ning of Kyonpyaw constituency, Dr. U Khin Maung Thin of Ayadaw constituency, Dr. U Aye Min of Kayan constituency, U Myint Tun of Taze constituency, U Win Myint Aung of Tabayin constituency,  U Zaw Min Thein of Laymyethna constituency, U Myint Thein of Wetlet constituency, U Sai Thant Zin of Hsipaw constituency, U Sai Oo Kham of Hsenwi constituency, Dr. U Lin Lin Kyaw of Myittha constituency, U Myo Zaw Oo of Lewe constituency, Dr. U Win Aung of KhinU constituency and U Bo Gyi of Chauk constituency.
In their discussion, MPs pointed out malpractices of the rural area electrification committees, urging the authorities to take actions those who practiced the malpractices.
Discussing on the motion, Deputy Minister for Electricity and Energy Dr. Tun Naing advised the MPs to consider the consequences of abolishing the committees.
So far 8,942 rural electrification committees have been formed, he said. Instead of abolishing, these committees should be reformed to conduct their work systematically, said the Deputy Minister.
The Deputy Minister also said the ministry is considering to establish a sub-department  led by a chief engineer to manage power generation and supply to rural areas as the task is enormous, he said.
He also suggested to reform the current rural area electrification committees after rewriting the rules for the committees in attempts to resolve the current challenges being faced by the committees.
Hluttaw decided to put the motion on record.

Thura Zaw, Mi Mi Phyo (Myanmar News Agency)

The Amyotha Hluttaw addressed strategies to mitigate erosion along the Yangon River during its meeting yesterday in Nay Pyi Taw.
U Kyaw Myo, Deputy Minister for Transport and Communications said that the Myanma Port Authority was preparing to dredge part of the river, particularly along the Seikkyi-Khanaungtto side.
He explained that the authority would use steel sheet piles along an area 700 feet in length.
He also said that ships are avoiding shallow depths by using a route along Thayettaw Village and Pinlewa Thaungkhon Village in Kawhmu Township in the western part of the Yangon River.
“Myanma Port Authority is making arrangements to choose companies for dredging silting in the lower reach of the river under the international tender bidding system,” said the Deputy Minister.
The body also discussed measures being taken to make loans available to Myanmar business owners.
Deputy Minister for Planning and Finance U Set Aung said the Myanmar Economic Bank is providing collateralized loans with terms between 3 and 12 months to construction contractors. He said that tender project loans, however, were still unavailable.
“Tender Project Loan cannot be granted for the time being, by the Myanmar Economic Bank and Government-joint-ventured Banks without getting any collateral for tender winners to work conveniently. It will be considered to be able to be implemented later. Instead, for now it can be obtained from other banks who have been giving other kinds of banking services,” he added.
The body also discussed the security situation in Maungtaw, Buthidaung and Yathadaung townships of Rakhine State.
Kachin State representative U J Yaw Wu said “the eradication of terrorism from the region should be the priority of the government, with cooperation from the Tatmadaw, local nationals and representatives from various regions.”

C-in-C of Defence Services Senior General Min Aung Hlaing pose for a documentary photo with a delegation led by Cardinal Charles Bo, the Archbishop of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Myanmar. Photo: MNA

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services met with a delegation led by Cardinal Charles Bo, the Archbishop of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Myanmar at the Bayintnaung Guest House in Nay Pyi Taw, yesterday.
During the meeting, the Archbishop urged the various participants in recent ceasefire negotiations to continue to try to find a way to bridge their differences and peacefully resolve their conflicts.
The Archbishop and the Senior General discussed various strategies to improve Myanmar’s political transition. — Myanmar News Agency

Deputy Minister for Home Affairs Maj-Gen Aung Soe delivered an opening speech at the workshop on Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing Consequence Analysis in Nay Pyi Taw. Photo: MNA

A two-day workshop on money laundering and terrorist financing organized by the Money Laundering/Terrorist Financing (ML/TF) National Risk Assessment Committee and International Monetary Fund (IMF) ends today at the Hilton Hotel in Nay Pyi Taw yesterday.
Deputy Minister for Home Affairs Maj-Gen Aung Soe delivered an opening speech and IMF Resident Representative Ms. Yasuhisa Ojima discussed current activities of the working group. Workshop participants included Central Bank of Myanmar Deputy Governor U Soe Thein, Deputy Director General Daw May Toe Win, Union Attorney General Office Deputy Director General U Kyaw Kyaw Naing and law enforcement officials.
The ML/TF National Risk Assessment Committee was formed under the guidance of Anti-Money Laundering Central Board and with technical support from IMF.—MNA

By A One Soe and Myo Thu Hein

A nurse gives polio vaccine to a child in Maungtaw, Rakhine State, on 21 August, 2017. Photo: Aung Kyaw Sein

Health officials commenced a five-day polio vaccination campaign in Maungtaw, yesterday, for children five years old and younger in Maungtaw District, Rakhine State.
Nine vaccination tasks forces in Maungtaw and eight in Buthidaung are leading the second campaign in the field to vaccinate children aged from 3 months to two years old against polio from 21 to 25 August.
One of the groups is led by Dr. Kyaw Maung Maung Thein of Maungtaw People’s Hospital, whose team vaccinated children in Nga Khu Ya, Kyein Chaung, Alan Than Kyaw, Pa Nyaung Pin Gyi, Zay Kone and Maung To Lar villages in Maungtaw. Children in Yar Thit Kay, Myo Oo, and Ka Nyin Tan towns and Myo Thu Gyi, Shwe Sar, Thiho Kyun and Nyaung Chaung villages were also vaccinated.
U Thein Swe Myint of the Alan Than Kyaw Station Hospital said the second campaign was required because polio, a debilitating virus that cause death or crippling defects in children and which has been all but eradicated in much of the world, was recently discovered in Maungtaw.
In addition to vaccination, the teams are also disseminating information about how to avoid infection and to identify polio symptoms.
A first Oral Polio Vaccination (OPV) campaign carried out in  July 2017, in Maungtaw, Rakhine State, yesterday to boost immunity of local under five children against the crippling disease.
The move to vaccinate more than 10,000 children under five year old against polio comes after the five times door-to-door OPV vaccination in Maungtaw in 2016 following the finding of disease in 2015.
The vaccination activities began at more than 400 locations in the township simultaneously as part of the state-level campaign covering 17 townships. Myanmar is expected to declare a polio free country in 2019.

Union Minister for Information Dr. Pe Myint delivers a speech at the ceremony of Myanma Radio and Television (MRTV) to commemorate the joint broadcasting of a Chinese TV series. Photo: MNA

A ceremony was held yesterday morning in Nay Pyi Taw at Myanma Radio and Television (MRTV) to commemorate the joint broadcasting of a Chinese TV series by MRTV and a Chinese broadcaster.
Today, the Chinese TV series “Mingalaba Chung” is being broadcast with Myanmar voice dubbing. The series, popular in China, depicts the overcoming of life’s difficulties with strength and determination that is expected to be equally popular with Myanmar audiences, said Dr. Pe Myint, the Union Minister for  Information.
As part of the agreement, a recording studio signboard was also set up and commemorated yesterday.
At the ceremony,  Dr. Pe Myint delivered a welcoming speech, noting that Myanmar and China have a long history of cooperation in the information sector and other sectors in Myanmar.
In keeping with an agreement between Guangxi TV (GXBS) and MRTV, the two stations sent representatives on study tours between 2013 and 2015 and, based on discussions held during these visits, additional agreements were signed, including an agreement on jointly broadcasting a Chinese TV programme. Through such joint broadcasting, MRTV programmes will become more complete and support the transition to Public Service Broadcasting (PSB) while increasing relations between the two organisations.
As part of yesterday’s commemoration, Ms. Fan Xioali, the Guangxi Autonomous Region party permanent committee member, gave words of thanks.
A trailer of “Mingalaba Chung” was then shown, after which officials cut a ceremonial ribbon.
Afterward, Union Minister Dr. Pe Myint, Guangxi Autonomous Region party permanent committee member, minister of information Ms. Fan Xioali toured the recording studio.—MNA

The Republic of the Union of Myanmar
State Counsellor Office

Message of Congratulations sent by State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi to the 29th SEA Games Athletes
(22nd August 2017)

I would like to say “Mingalarpar,” to all of you men and women athletes bringing honor to the country by representing Myanmar and competing in various sports in the 29th SEA Games being held in Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia from 19 August to 30 August, 2017.
To our great delight and honour, news and information are coming in continually that our sportsmen are participating in the Games, by representing the Republic of the Union of Myanmar and our people with pure sporting spirit, indomitable zeal and the ASEAN Spirit of Friendship.
On 21st August, at 7:45 am a car accident occurred to the vehicle with the Myanmar Squash Sports team onboard, in which one sportsman and two sportswomen were injured. Fortunately enough, the sportsman was slightly wounded, managing to contest in the game, whereas it has been learnt that the two sportswomen would be able to participate in the games after a few days of rest. This was a great relief for us.
Myanmar U-22 men’s soccer team was defeated by the host team at the group’s last match on 21st August, but it was a great honour for us as Myanmar would progress to the semi-final. The whole nation is encouraging you with great expectations. It is natural that sometimes we win and sometimes we get a learning experience. The greatest reward is to be able to apply physical strength, wisdom and bravery after accumulating new strength and renewed spirits, in the coming matches by reviewing these lessons. I would like you all to lay stress on making efforts to show your best calibre in the midst of the audience with light spirits and well-rested bodies. Our people will also continue to encourage your best efforts.
Taking part in the games while representing the motherland, individual skills, good training, good spirit, and team unity are needed. At the same time, it gives us the opportunity to show the civility and dignity of the athletes of the participating country.
The State and its people are hoping that all of you will be able to uplift our national dignity by exerting your utmost efforts with sporting spirit and ethical sporting behavior, spirit of justice, fairness, purity and noble spirit. I wish to express my deep and firm belief that all of you are trying your very best in these games to fulfill these hopes.
I hereby send my sincere good wishes and message of congratulations to all of you who are bearers of the country’s honor and pray that you would be able to uplift the honor of the country to new heights.

Sd, ——–
Aung San Suu Kyi
State Counsellor
(Unofficial Translation)

Mr. Kofi Annan (left) is welcomed by Minister of State for Foreign Affairs U Kyaw Tin (center) at the Yangon International Airport. Photo: MNA

Mr. Kofi Annan, the chair of the Advisory Commission on Rakhine State and the former UN Secretary General, arrived in Yangon yesterday in advance of the release of the commission’s final report.
Mr. Annan is scheduled to hold talks with members of the Central Committee for the Implementation of Peace, Stability and Development in Rakhine State chaired by  State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi today in Nay Pyi Taw, according to the Ministry of Information.
The central committee includes 20 cabinet ministers.
According to the website of the advisory commission, Mr. Annan will answer questions from the media in the Sule Shangri-La hotel on Thursday morning. The commission’s final report will be published on the same day.
The report will include recommendations for the government on conflict prevention, humanitarian assistance, reconciliation between the region’s Buddhist and Muslim communities, institution building, and development in conflict-torn Rakhine State.
The advisory commission has already submitted a15-page interim report to the government with 30 recommendations that the Burmese government could undertake immediately including points related to citizenship, humanitarian aid, border issues, and bilateral relationships with Bangladesh.
The nine-member Advisory Commission is chaired by Mr Kofi Annan, the former Secretary-General of the United Nations, the chairman and founder of the Kofi Annan Foundation and a Nobel laureate. In addition to  Mr. Annan, the commission comprises three international and six national persons of eminence who are highly experienced, respected and neutral individuals, added the statement.—GNLM