LET US SET ASIDE DIFFERENCES, WORK ON COMMON FUTURE PAGE-8 (OPINION)

NATIONAL

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing visits Mingun, offers Kathina robes to monks

NATIONAL

Vol. V, No. 221, 1st Waning of Tazaungmone 1380 ME www.globalnewlightofmyanmar.com Friday, 23 November 2018

Advisory Forum on National Reconciliation and Peace concludes

INSIDE TODAY

NATIONALPagodas in Nay Pyi Taw crowded on fullmoon day of Tazaungmone PAGE-6

NATIONALRakhine State Chief Minister discusses regional development with people in Gwa TownshipPAGE-2

PAGE-7PAGE-2

NATIONALPeople celebrate Sāmaňňaphala Day at pagodas in Yangon

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President, First Lady, State Counsellor attend religious ceremony at Eternal Peace Pagoda

NATIONALAnti-Corruption Commission to hold forum, Anti-Corruption Day ceremony in YangonPAGE-2

Shwe Parami Tawya Monastery Sayadaw Ashin Sandadika, President U Win Myint, First Lady Daw Cho Cho and State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi attend the ceremony to erect the circular flower pole atop the Eternal Peace Paogada in Nay Pyi Taw yesterday. PHOTO: MNA

A CEREMONY to erect the circular flower pole at the Eternal Peace Pagoda built

on Yazathingaha Road near Gangawpan roundabout, Dekkh-inathiri Township, Nay Pyi Taw was held yesterday morning. The event was attended by President U Win Myint, First Lady Daw Cho Cho and State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi.

Pagoda Ovadacariya Sayad-aws led by State Ovadacariya Pyinmana Maha Visutarama Zaygon Monastery Presiding Sayadaw Abhidhaja Maharat-tha Guru Dr. Bhaddanta Kavi-hara graced the event which was attended by Vice President U Myint Swe and wife Daw Khin Thet Htay, Union Ministers, Union Auditor-General, Nay Pyi Taw Council Chairman, Deputy Ministers, Nay Pyi Taw Council members and their spouses, do-nors and departmental officials.

Before the ceremony, State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi offered Soon (meal), fruits, flowers and water to the Bud-dha image in the Dhammayone (congregation hall).

During the first part of the ceremony, President U Win My-int, First Lady Daw Cho Cho, State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, Vice President U My-int Swe and wife Daw Khin Thet Htay and guests took the nine precepts from the Ovadacariya Pyinmanan Maha Visutarama Zaygon Monastery Presiding Sayadaw Abhidhaja Maharattha Guru Dr. Bhaddanta Kavihara.

Next, donors offered paritta flowers, water, thread and sand to the Members of the Sangha. The audience then listened to the Sanghas reciting the parit-tas after which donors sprinkled the paritta water, spread sand all over the pagoda compound and tied paritta thread around the compound.

Afterwards President U Win Myint and First Lady Daw

Cho Cho presented the upper stage of the circular flower pole to be erected on top of the pago-da and offertories to the State Ovadacariya Sayadaw Abhidhaja Maharattha Guru Bhaddanta Kavihara.

Next State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi presented the middle stage of the circular flow-er pole and offertories to Lewe Pauk Myaing Monastery Sayad-

aw Abhidhaja Maharattha Guru Bhaddanta Zanenda.

Following this, Vice Presi-dent U Myint Swe and wife Daw Khin Thet Htay presented the original stage of the circular flower pole and offertories to Re-gion Sangha Nayaka Committee Chairman Agga Maha Ganda-kavasaka Pandita Tatkon Shwe in Yeiktha monastery Sayadaw Bhaddanta Pannasami.

Union Ministers, Nay Pyi Taw Council Chairman and donors presented offerings to Sayadaws and Sanghas.

After presenting the offer-ings, President U Win Myint, First Lady Daw Cho Cho, State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and the audience listened to the sermon and shared merits for donations made.

SEE PAGE-3

2 23 NOVEMBER 2018THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMARNATIONAL

Advisory Forum on National Reconciliation and Peace concludes

Rakhine State Chief Minister discusses regional development with people in Gwa Township

THE second-day of the Religions for Peace (RfP) Advisory Forum on National Reconciliation and Peace in Myanmar was held at Myanmar International Conven-tion Centre II in Nay Pyi Taw yesterday morning.

At the Advisory Forum, Ms. Piyamal Pichaiwongse, Deputy Liaison Officer from Interna-tional Labour Organisation, U Aung Naing Oo from Joint Moni-toring Committee, RfP Myanmar Women of Faith Network Chair-man Daw Yin Yin Maw, Nyein Foundation Executive Director

Daw Janan La Htaw and inde-pendent researcher U Nay Lin Htike read papers on education sector, equal right for all ethnic nationals & minority groups and duties and responsibilities sec-tor, increasing capacity of wom-en and equal participation sector, relating with youth and youth protection sector and evidence of self-identity, differences and traditional challenges sector.

Next Cardinal Charles Bo, Religions for Peace Internation-al and Shanti Ashram of India Director Dr. Vinu Aram and Dr.

Din Syamsuddin of Asian Con-ference of Religions for Peace discussed under the title “Our Common Future and Our Com-mon Efforts.”

Afterwards Union Minis-ter for Religious Affairs and Culture Thura U Aung Ko, RfP Chairperson U Myint Swe and RfP Hon. President Bish-op Gunnar Stalsett delivered closing remarks about Religions for Peace Advisory Forum on National Reconciliation and Peace in Myanmar. —MNA (Translated by Zaw Min)

U Kyaw Moe Tun concurrently appointed as Ambassador of Switzerland

The President of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar has appointed U Kyaw Moe Tun, Permanent Representative of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar to the United Nations, Geneva, as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar concurrently accredited to the Swiss Confederation.—MNA

Anti-Corruption Commission to hold forum, Anti-Corruption Day ceremony in Yangon

Chief of Myanmar Police Force attends 87th Interpol Conference

MYANMAR Anti-Corruption Commission is conducting a fo-rum titled “take up increased responsibility to prevent cor-ruption” and International An-ti-Corruption Day ceremony jointly with Myanmar based UNDP (United Nations De-velopment Programme) and UNODC (United Nations Of-fice on Drugs and Crime) at Rose Garden Hotel, Yangon on 6 and 7 December.

Before holding the Inter-national Anti-Corruption Day ceremony, a forum titled “take up increased responsibility to prevent corruption” will be held on 6 December.

In the morning session on 6 December economist U Myint, Professor Dr. Aung Tun Thet, U Khin Maung Nyo (Eco-nomics) and Dr. Tin Maung Than (Thint Ba Wa) will hold

talks and discussions. In the afternoon session on that day, Professor Dr. Aung Tun Thet will moderate a talk circle consisting of representatives from government, business, media and civil service organ-isations.

The International An-ti-Corruption Day to be held on 7 December will see union level government members, members of the governments of states/regions, heads of in-ternational organisations, am-bassadors of Myanmar based embassies, representatives of non-government organisa-tions active in the anti-corrup-tion field, private business per-sons, representatives of civil service organisations, officials from all levels of administra-tion and commission office staffs in attendance.—MNA

CHIEF of Myanmar Police Force Police Lt-Gen Aung Win Oo and party attended the 87th Interpol Conference from 18 to 21 November in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The 87th Interpol Confer-ence was attended by chiefs and deputy chiefs of police forces from 194 member countries, senior officials from ASEAN-POL EUROPOL, AMERICA-POL and AFRIPOL, President, Vice Presidents and General Secretary of the Interpol.

During the conference, overview of crime events in 2018 all over the world, possible type of crimes that can occur in 2019 along with preparations were

discussed.Chief of Myanmar Police

Force, Police Lt-Gen Aung Win Oo met with President of the Interpol Mr. Kim Jong Yang, General Secretary of the Inter-pol Mr. Jurgen Stock, head of Australia Federal Police and head of federal law-enforce-ment agency and police of the Russian Federation separately and discussed cooperation in security and law enforcement sectors, upgrading and capacity development of the police force and using technologies expertly, exchanging information to com-bat terrorisms and combating drugs.—MNA (Translated by Kyaw Zin Lin)

PHOTO : THIHA SITHU

RAKHINE State Chief Minister U Nyi Pu together with state min-isters, Hluttaw representatives, state and district level depart-mental officials met with local populace of Gwa Township and discussed regional development matters yesterday morning.

The Chief Minister and party met with departmental officials and local populace in Dani Village tract, Thit Kauk Village and ex-plained about the Union Govern-ment’s programs, ongoing works and future work processes.

Local populace in Dani Village tract then asked about upgrading the Ma Kyay Ngu-Dani-Thit Kauk road that was completed this year but was dam-aged during the raining season to an all-season road, laying of a telephone line into the region, getting electricity through solar system prior to obtaining a reg-ular electricity supply, health, social, economic and education requirement because paddy fields were destroyed due to insufficient irrigation water to which state ministers and departmental offi-

cials provided sector wise expla-nations. Next, state government donated Ks 1.8 million to conduct regional development works and the Chief Minister provided ad-ditional explanations to matters raised by the local populace.

In the afternoon, the Chief Minister and party met with lo-cal populace in Ma Kyay Ngu sub-middle school. At the meeting locals spoke about the difficulties faced by over 60 local farmers. Over 400 acres of farmlands of these farmers were confiscated by Fishery Department to breed salt water fish and prawn but since the project was not successful, the

lands were returned the farmers. However, the farmers didn’t get form-7 and thus were unable to obtain agriculture loans. Local populace also spoke about insuf-ficient meter boxes for electricity and other requirements and the Chief Minister and departmental officials provided sector wise ex-planations. Later in the evening Rakhine State Chief Minister and party went to inspect the 100 acres special monsoon rice field at Yahaing model village where all round high technologies were used to cultivate paddy.—Zin Oo (Myanma Alinn) (Translated by Zaw Min)

Union Minister Thura U Aung Ko delivers the closing speech at the 2nd day of the Advisory Forum on National Reconciliation and Peace in Myanmar in Nay Pyi Taw yesterday. PHOTO: MNA

3NATIONAL23 NOVEMBER 2018THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR

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State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and First Lady Daw Cho Cho convey the circular flower pole to be fixed atop the Eternal Peace Pagoda in Nay Pyi Taw. PHOTO: MNA

President, First Lady, State Counsellor attend religious ceremony at the Eternal Peace Pagoda in Nay Pyi Taw

FROM PAGE-1

Next the ceremony of erect-ing the circular flower pole was continued. President U Win My-int, First Lady Daw Cho Cho, State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, Vice President U Myint Swe and wife Daw Khin Thet

Htay and the audience carried the upper stage, the middle stage and the original stage of the circular flower pole and walked around the Pagoda clock-wise after which they conveyed these to the Kuthotaw pandal.

Afterwards the State Coun-sellor, the First Lady, wife of the

Vice President, Union Ministers, the Auditor General of the Union and their wife and the audience sprinkled scented waters on the upper stage, the middle stage and the original stage of the cir-cular flower posts and sent it up with the ceremonial flying chariot.

At the designated auspi-cious time, Shwe Parami Tawya Sayadaw Ashin Sandadika, Pres-ident U Win Myint, Vice Presi-dent U Myint Swe, Nay Pyi Taw Council Chairman and donors erected the upper stage, the mid-dle stage and the original stage of the circular flower pole to be

placed at the top of the pagoda in accordance with the rituals prescribed in the ancient texts.

After the Sayadaw and Sanghas had finished reciting the Aung Mingala Zeya religious verses, the ceremony came to a successful conclusion. —MNA (Translated by Win Ko Ko Aung)

MANDALAY is crowded with Satuditha (charity food) of-fering on the fullmoon day of Tazaungmone which is a spe-cial day for Myanmar Bud-dhism.

Seasonal and traditional

food such as vermicelli soup (Kya Zan Hin Ga), mote lone and Mezali-bud salad are traditionally offered in the streets of the wards and in the Dhammayone (prayer hall) . Seasonal festivals

are held throughout Myanmar but foods offered are different. “In Yangon, mote-lone-yay-paw (sticky rice balls) is offered in Thingyan Festival, but in Man-dalay it is mostly offered in this Tazaungdine Festival,” said U

Kyaw Min Lwin, a resident of Mandalay.

The traditions of in Man-dalay Tazaungdine Festival are the donation of Mathoe robes to the Mahamuni Pagoda at dawn and then people visit oth-

er famous pagodas throughout Mandalay while enjoying Sat-uditha (charity food) around Mandalay. —Min Htet Aung (Mandalay Sub-printing house) (Translated by Myat Thandar Aung )

People enjoy charity food on fullmoon day of Tazaungmone in Mandalay

4 23 NOVEMBER 2018THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMARLOCAL NEWS

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A 63-year-old woman was killed while nine others sus-tained minor injuries after their vehicle overturned on the Thetkekyin-Phaungpyin road near Aungchantha Village in Kalewa Township around 7:30 am on Thursday, said local po-lice.

A total of 20 pilgrims were headed to the Aungsetkya Pa-goda to attend a religious cer-emony, when the vehicle they were travelling in turned tur-tle. The vehicle’s driver, iden-

tified as Moe Win, alias Hla Myo Aung, 40, was reportedly speeding.

Daw Win Yee of Naung-kauk Village died on the spot. Nine other passengers who received minor injuries were taken to the Kalewa People’s Hospital for treatment.

Police have filed a case against the driver for reck-less driving and are continu-ing their investigations in the case.—Thet Han (Kalewa)

(Translated by Khaing

A fire reportedly gutted a two-storey home around 1 a.m. on Thursday morning in Mon-gngaw Town, Kyaukme District, northern Shan State, said police.

The fire reportedly started at the home of Saing Aung Zaw Lynn Naing also known as Na-ing Naing after some cooking equipment was left unattend-ed. The blaze destroyed house No.130 on Lanthwe-1 in Zay Ward, Mongngaw Town. Resi-dents and firefighters, including members of a reserve fire bri-

gade, managed to put out the fire around 3 am with the help of two fire engines. There were no casualties.

The fire caused losses to the tune of approximately Ks2.5mil-lion, according to the Township Fire Services Department.

The police have filed a case against Saing Aung Zaw Lynn Naing for negligence and are continuing their investigations. —Thein Tun Aung

(Translated by Khaing Thanda Lwin)

One pilgrim killed, nine injured in road accident in Kalewa

Fire destroys two-storey home in Kyaukme, no casualties

SILVER Muse, a cruise ship, is expected to arrive at the Thilawa port, Yangon, on 6 De-cember, according to the My-anma Port Authority. The ship, carrying about 600 passengers, will be the 15th cruise ship to arrive in Myanmar this year.

Recently, the MS Azamara Quest docked in Myanmar for four days. It was the 14th ship to

come to the country this year and the second ship to arrive to the country this season.

The MS Azamara Quest from Azamara Club Cruises is operated by US-based Roy-al Caribbean Cruises Ltd.. It arrived at Thilawa port on 18 November and left for Phuket, Thailand, on 21 November. A total of 608 passengers and 391

crew members were on board the ship, which came from the Hambantota Port in Sri Lanka. Most of the passengers were from the United States and the United Kingdom.

The ship’s passengers visited Bagan, Inle, Thanlyin, Kyauktan, Bago, and down-town Yangon during their stay in Myanmar. The arrival

of the ship was arranged by the Myanma Port Authority under the Ministry of Trans-port and Communications with the support of the Ministry of Hotels and Tourism. The ship arrived in Myanmar through an arrangement with the My-anmar Voyages Travel Com-pany.— GNLM

(Translated by Hay Mar)

VILLAGERS from Bago Re-gion have set up watch-towers this year to protect their pad-dy crops from wild elephants. Elephants have been entering paddy fields from 16 November, said villagers.

“This year, the number of elephants invading the paddy fields has declined compared to last year. The elephants usually come to feed on pad-

dy crops around midnight. Therefore, we have construct-ed watch-towers to drive them away. We will finish harvest-ing paddy by the end of this month,” said U Mya Maung from Milaunggone Village in the Kywepoke Village-tract.

“The officials set up elec-tric fences around fields and conducted awareness train-ing to prevent human-ele-

phant conflicts this year. The government is aware that the number of wild elephants in Myanmar has declined. Ac-cording to official statistics, Myanmar’s total wild elephant population stands at 1,000 at present. Many elephants are being killed in the Ayeyawady Region as well as in regions near the Bago Yoma. Author-ities have asked villagers to

inform Nay Pyi Taw directly if they see any elephant hunt-ers,” said a member of a wild-life protection group.

Cooperation between villagers residing near Bago Yoma, law enforcement offi-cials, and conservationists has increased recently, resulting in fewer elephant killings, he said. —Than Htet

(Translated by Hay Mar)

Villagers in Bago make watch-towers to protect paddy fields from wild elephants

Cruise ship Silver Muse to arrive at Thilawa port

ACTING on a tip-off, a com-bined team of officers and staff from the forest depart-ment searched the forest near Pinton Village in Pinlebu Township, Sagaing Region, on Wednesday and seized an illegal consignment of timber valued at Ks 2.1 million.

The team recovered

58 Tanmalan logs weigh-ing 7 tons, and the forestry department is continuing its investigations to find the owner of the logs, said U Thaw Maw Khan, an officer with the township’s for-est department.— Lu Aung (Katha)

(Translated by Hay Mar)

Illegal consignment of timber seized in Pinlebu Township

PHOTO: LU AUNG (KATHA)

5LOCAL BUSINESS23 NOVEMBER 2018THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR

By Nyein Nyein

IN spite of pushing for invest-ments in the hospitality sector, Chin State has only one hotel project in the works so far.

“The state has received just one proposal for a hotel project from a domestic investor. The project was proposed by Mercy Par Company. It was approved by the Chin State Investment Committee (CSIC) in the mi-ni-budget period,” said Dr. Min Zaw Oo, director of the Chin State Office of the Directorate of Investment and Company Administration.

The 49-room hotel project will involve a capital investment of Ks833.42 million.

In the last 2017-2018 Fiscal Year, Chin State registered zero investment. In a bid to attract investors, Chin State’s Minister for Development Affairs, Elec-tricity, and Industry drew up a framework for investments in the state, giving priority to hy-dropower generation sector, ho-tel and tourism sector, urban de-velopment sector, and small and medium enterprises. A research report on Opportunities and Challenges for local Business Development in Chin State was

also released, highlighting the state’s willingness to welcome local and foreign investments.

However, lack of basic in-frastructure such as electricity and transportation has posed a barrier to investments.

“Lower profitability is a business risk factor in Chin State, although unprofitable businesses do not need to pay tax,” said Dr. Min Zaw Oo.

“There are hotel business-es in the State. At present, the state has hotels in Kanpatlat and Mindat. Local entrepreneurs from Kanpatlat, Mindat, Haka, Tiddim, and Falam have sought permits from the Chin State gov-ernment to open hotels,” he said.

“The state is offering ben-efits and tax incentives. Yet, entrepreneurs have not shown any interest in filing investment endorsement applications at the CSIC. I think they feel they may not make a profit and it would make no difference to them even if they submitted their applica-tions,” he said.

Chin State’s Office of the Directorate of Investment and Company Administration opened in September 2017, along with the formation of the CSIC.

(Translated by Ei Mon)

Chin State nets only one hotel project

THE value of trade between Myanmar and Hong Kong to-talled US$238 million in the mini-budget period (April to September this year), with My-anmar’s exports surpassing imports, according to data re-leased by the Ministry of Com-merce.

Myanmar shipped goods worth $230 million to Hong Kong, and imported goods worth $8.5 million.

Myanmar mainly exports precious stones, agricultural products, fishery products, and garments to Hong Kong, while it imports telecommunications equipment and optical goods.

Bilateral trade between the two countries stood at $385.63 million in the 2017-2018 Fiscal

Year, $234.46 million in the 2016-2017 FY, $316 million in the 2015-2016 FY, $343.8 million in the 2014-2015 FY, $502.7 million in the 2013-2014 FY, $27.28 million in the 2012-2013 FY, and $51 mil-lion in the 2011-2012 FY.

Myanmar showed a keen interest in strengthening eco-nomic ties with Hong Kong through its second Myanmar Investment Promotion Seminar held on 16 October 2018, at the Island Shangri-La, Hong Kong.

Hong Kong is one of the world’s leading financial centers and logistics hub, and serves as an international legal and dispute services center for Asia. It has positioned itself to play a prominent role in facilitat-ing trade and investment and

economic integration between Hong Kong and ASEAN coun-tries, including Myanmar.

Economic interaction be-tween Myanmar and Hong Kong has been increasing rapidly. Hong Kong has emerged as the third-largest investor in Myan-mar, following Singapore and China. Between 1988 and Au-gust 2018, 152 enterprises from Hong Kong have brought for-eign direct investments of $7.76 billion to Myanmar, according to the Directorate of Investment and Company Administration.

Myanmar has granted visa exemption to Hong Kong and Macau SAR passport holders from 1 October this year to pro-mote tourism. — GNLM

(Translated by Ei Mon)

By Nyein Nyein

THE Chin State government is planning to grant state-owned land to entrepreneurs for oper-ating hotels in the state, said Dr. Min Zaw Oo, the Director of the state’s Office of the Directorate of Investment and Company Ad-ministration (DICA).

“The state government is planning to give land-use priv-ileges and ownership to entre-preneurs planning to set up hotels in the state. It is hoping the move will attract investors to the sector. Those who are given such grants will be legally required to construct hotels. If they fail to do so, their privileges may be withdrawn,” he said.

Last year, 12 businesses sought permits from the Chin State government to run hotels

in the state. “About 12-13 busi-nesses sought permits from the government in November 2017. But their projects ran into some land issues. With encourage-ment from us, the government has now agreed to lease land to investors. But investors can-not build, operate, and transfer. They will not be able to recov-er returns on their investment even if the project has a conces-sion period of 50 years,” said Dr. Zaw Min Oo.

Chin State has potential for eco-tourism. The state’s hotel and tourism sector is ranked second by foreign investors planning to invest in the state, he said.

The Chin State government invited hotel developers in the end of 2016 and 12 entrepre-neurs have been selected to

run hotels in Paletwa, Matu-pi, Haka, Tiddim, and Falam. However, some entrepreneurs gave up the projects, while some were terminated by the state government. Only eight projects remain.

The government has land for grant, but red-tape has hin-dered the projects. The Direc-torate of Hotels and Tourism does not allow businesses who have not obtained land grants to seek hotel permits from the Ministry of Hotels and Tourism, according to the Chin State’s re-search report on opportunities and challenges for local busi-ness development.

Chin State also has more complicated land tenure issues than those in other regions and states, said Dr. Min Zaw Oo.

(Translated by Ei Mon)

Myanmar’s exports to Hong Kong outperform imports in mini-budget period

Chin State plans to give land grants to hotels

PHOTO: PHOE KHWAR

6 NATIONAL 23 NOVEMBER 2018THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR

BUDDHISTS thronged to the famous pagodas across the country yesterday to observe the fullmoon day of Tazaungmone. Religious ceremonies were con-ducted by senior monks, with officials donating provisions and gifts to them.

At the Uppatasanti Pagoda in Nay Pyi Taw, a meeting was held to mark the 10th Tazaung-dine Lotus-robe offering, the successful conclusion of the 108th non-stop recitation of Pa Htan (Patthana), and offering of gold

plates at 9:45 a.m. yesterday. Nay Pyi Taw Command

Commander Maj-Gen Myint Maw and officials offered lotus robes, food, fruit, and water to images of the Buddha in the congregation hall of the pagoda.

Afterwards, Maj-Gen Myint Maw and officials took the nine precepts from the Ovadacariya Pyinmana Maha Visutarama Zaygon Monastery Presiding Sayadaw Abhidhaja Maharat-tha Guru Bhaddantaka Vihara and listened to the parittas. They

then gave donations to Sayad-aws and Sanghas, and listened to sermons.

In the evening, devotees and members from other religious organizations lit 9,000 oil lamps and recited the parittas at the pagoda. Locals also visited the Nay Pyi Taw Thatta Thattaha Buddha Gaya, the Water Foun-tain Garden, the Nay Pyi Taw Zoological Gardens, the Safari Park, the National Races Vil-lage, and hot springs.—MNA (Translated by Win Ko Ko Aung)

Pagodas in Nay Pyi Taw crowded on fullmoon day of Tazaungmone

PEOPLE celebrated the Tazaungdine Lighting Festi-val and Sāmaňňaphala Day at pagodas across the country on the fullmoon day of Tazaung-mone yesterday.

The celebration began at early morning with offer-ing Matho robes, which were weaved last night, to Buddha images at the pagodas.

A ceremony to offer Matho robes to Buddha images was held in the four prayer halls of Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon.

At night, Buddhist devo-tees collectively recited reli-gious verses and lit candles and oil lamps to celebrate the auspicious day.

A similar ceremony was

held at Botahtaung Pagoda, Sule Pagoda, Kaba Aye Pagoda and Kyeikwaine Pagoda.

Officials donated Mathoe robes to the Buddha images of the pagoda and shared merits to all living things.

Devotees and pilgrims visited religious buildings and pagodas in Yangon the whole day and evening.

The local people served all visitors from various parts of the city with refreshments.

At night, offices, residenc-es and buildings were illumi-nated with multi-coloured lights.—Yi Yi Myint, Ohmar Thant

(Translated by JT)

People celebrate Sāmaňňaphala Day at pagodas in Yangon

Public sector exports of manufactured goods decline by $60 million

Myanmar-Indonesia trade up 13 per cent

BILATERAL trade between Myanmar and Indonesia ex-ceeded US$520 million in the mini-budget period (between April and September this year), increasing by $61.8 million, or 13 per cent, from the same pe-riod last year, the Ministry of Commerce reported.

During the same period last year, bilateral trade be-tween the two countries to-talled $461 million, with exports worth $58 million and imports valued at $403 million.

Myanmar’s imports al-ways exceed exports in trade with the Republic of Indonesia.

Compared with the pre-vious year, this year saw an increase in value of both ex-

ports and imports. According to the ministry, the value of exports between the two na-tions increased 8% this year, while imports rose 14%.

Myanmar’s exports to In-donesia include agricultural products, aquaculture prod-ucts, and other miscellaneous products. It usually imports medicines, paper, palm oil, steel, tobacco, and rubber from the ASEAN member state.

According to the annual statistical report of the Com-merce Ministry, bilateral trade with Indonesia reached its peak of over $1 billion in the last 2017-2018 Fiscal Year. Data from the Ministry shows that Myanmar-Indonesia trade

totalled $827 million in the 2016-2017 FY, $741 million in the 2015-2016 FY, $636 million in the 2014-2015 FY, over $490 million in the 2013-2014 FY, $226 million in the 2012-2013 FY, and $472 million in the 2011-2012 FY.

According to the Directo-rate of Investment and Com-pany Administration (DICA), Indonesia’s investment in My-anmar in Fiscal Year 2017-2018 was $9.8 million.

The country received fresh investment of $0.95 mil-lion from Indonesia during the mini-budget period.—Khine Khant

(Translated by Khaing Thanda Lwin)

PUBLIC sector exports of man-ufactured goods reached US$228 million in the first 40 days of the current fiscal year, declining in value by nearly $60 million from the same period last year, accord-ing to the Ministry of Commerce.

Last year, exports of manu-factured goods fetched the sector $287 million. Between 1 October and 9 November this year, the country earned a total of $799.3 million from the export of man-ufactured goods, with the value of goods exported by the private sector pegged at $570 million. While the value of manufactured goods exported by the public sec-tor registered a decline, private sector exports of manufactured goods rose by $270 million com-

pared with the same period last year. Among the major domes-tic products, Myanmar export-ed agricultural products worth $255 million, animal products worth $54 million, marine prod-ucts worth $99 million, minerals worth $139 million, forest prod-ucts worth $21 million, and other miscellaneous items worth over $120 million this year. According to the Commerce Ministry, the country earned over $4.53 billion from the export of manufactured goods during the mini-budget from April to September this year, with public sector exports valued at $1.6 billion and private sector exports totalling $2.932 bil-lion.—Shwe Khine (Translated by Khaing Thanda Lwin)

Shwedagon Pagoda is crowded with devotees on fullmoon of Tazaungmone in Yangon. PHOTO: PHOE KHWAR

Devotees visiting the Uppatasanti Pagoda in Nay Pyi Taw on fullmoon day of Tazaungmone. PHOTO: MNA

7NATIONAL23 NOVEMBER 2018THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR

Landmine blast injures one in PhakhantFire breaks out in Ayadaw TownshipA WOMAN was injured when an old landmine blasted on 21 November near Sabaw Village in Phakant Town-ship, Kachin State, according to police source.

Daw Ma Ywe Si, 54, and anoth-er woman were returning to Sabaw Village after fishing in Kyin Haung Lake at the precious gems mining

company, located two miles east of their village, when she stepped on an old landmine and triggered an ex-plosion.

Daw Ma Ywe Si sustained minor injuries and is receiving medical treat-ment at a hospital.—GNLM

(Translated by JT)

A FIRE caused by an electric short cir-cuit broke out at Damathinkha Monas-tery in Kantha Village, Ayadaw Town-ship, Monywa District in Sagaing Region at 7 pm on 21 November.

U San Lwin, 45, had connected a car battery and an inverter to power the lighting for the Buddha image at the monastery. The electric wire overheated

and resulted in a wire shock that caused the fire.

The fire was put under controlled by the help of the police force from Ayadaw Myoma Police Station and Township fire fighters at 8 pm.

Action is being taken against U San Lwin under Penal Code 285 for negli-gence. —GNLM (Translated by JT)

COMMANDER-in-Chief of De-fence Services Senior General Min Aung Hlaing and wife Daw Kyu Kyu Hla paid homage to Pahtodawgyi in Sagaing Region, Mingun area yesterday morning.

After making donations for all-round repair and mainte-nance work for the pagoda the Senior General and wife went to Tipitaka Nikaya monastery. The Senior General, wife and par-ty took the nine precepts from Shwe Yatu Tipitakadara Dham-mabhandagarika Bhaddanta Vamthapala Linkara Sayadaw and listened to the recitation of the parittas.

Next the Senior General and wife offered Kathina robe and offertories to the Sayadaw while high ranking Tatmadaw officers and the regional commander of-fered offertories to the Sanghas.

Afterwards the Senior Gen-eral, wife and guests listened to the sermon of the Sayadaw, shared merit for donations made

Senior General visits Mingun, offers Kathina robes to monks

PAGODAS in the Mandalay re-gion follow different traditions when celebrating the Tazaung-dine Festival. At the Shwe Saw Lu Pagoda, devotees offer only cakes to Buddha, while at the Shin Mar Le Pagoda, devotees offer lotus flowers on the Full Moon Day of Tazaungmone.

The Shwe Saw Lu Pagoda existed since 364 AD at the Mi Chaung Tat Village in Amarapu-ra Township. The Buddha Pu-janiya Festival is held annually at the pagoda from the 14th wax-ing day of the Tazaungmone. “Traditionally, only cakes are offered to Buddha during the festival,” said Ko Htoo Chun, a member of the Festival Organ-izing Committee at the pagoda. The Buddha Pujaniya Festival began at the pagoda 20 years ago with two kinds of events - Land Festival and Water Festi-val. The signature of the festival

is the offering of cakes and with donors’ names written on them. Devotees offer cakes during the Land Festival.During the Water

Festival, 1,500 lamps are floated in the Dottawadi River, barges are paraded around the river, and boat races are held.

The Shin Mar Le Pagoda, which is located at the north entrance of the Mahamuni Pa-goda, was built during the reign

of Min Shin Saw. Here, devotees offer only lotus flowers during the festival.

The pagoda festival starts from the evening of the 14th waxing day of the Tazaung-mone. During the festival, sev-eral kinds of lotus such as white lotus, red lotus, and brown lotus are offered.

Milk and food are offered to Buddha at the dawn of the Full Moon Day. “The festival is held with the belief that the pagoda festival will thrive as long as the Buddhist Era exists,” said a member of the Festival’s Su-pervisory Team.

The Shin Mar Le Pagoda Festival coincides with dona-tions of Mathoe robes at the Ma-hamuni Pagoda and the pagoda is especially crowded with devo-tees during this time. — MNA

(Translated by Myat Than-dar Aung)

and offered “soon” (day meal) to the Sanghas. From there the Senior General and party went to Dhamma Dana monastery, paid homage and offered offer-tories to Sayadaw Tipitakadara Dhammabhandagarika Bhadd-anta Gandamala Linkara.

Later the Senior General and wife donated cash which was accepted by a member of the trustee who in return presented a photo of the Mingun Tipitaka-dara Sayadaw and certificate of appreciation.

At the Mingun Tipitaka cen-

tenary monastery they observed the images of the Mingun Tipita-ka Sayadaw and the records of religious works shown.

The Senior General and party also went to the Mingun Buddhist home for the aged and greeted the senior citizens there

and donated cash to the chair-man of the home for the aged.

Following this, the Senior General and party visited the Mingun Bell, according to the news released by the Office of the Tatmadaw Command-er-in-Chief. —MNA

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing and wife Daw Kyu Kyu Hla pay homage to the Sanghas in Pahtodawgyi in Sagaing Region. PHOTO: OFFICE OF THE COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF

Mandalay enjoys festivities in Tazaungdine Festival

Devotees offer cakes at the Buddha Pujaniya Festival in Shwe Saw Lu Pagoda in Amarapura Township. PHOTO: MNA

8 923 NOVEMBER 2018THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR 23 NOVEMBER 2018THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAROPINION OPINION

Let us set aside differences, work on common future

CONFLICTS and tragedies are playing out almost everywhere in the world today. There is an urgent need for us to identify the causes of problems so we can reach the right solutions and help ensure peace

and stability in the world. Extremists across the world are using religion to incite

violence and justify acts of terrorism.Now is the time for us to reaffirm our common commitment

to end the scourge of extremism and terrorism.Due to terrorism, our fundamental right “to live in safety

and in peace” is being increasingly challenged in ways we have never seen before.

During the Advisory Forum on National Reconciliation and Peace in Myanmar, State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi called for promoting interfaith dialogue through which people can foster respect and understand religious and cultural diver-sity which, in turn, can contribute to lasting peace and security.

“For interfaith dialogue to be truly effective, it should not be limited to religious lead-ers. It must extend to all so that it results in the meet-ing of minds and hearts,” she said.

Daw Aung San Suu Kyi also stressed the need to address the root causes of violent extremism. “We can see that youths are attract-ed to extremist ideologies because they feel socially alienated and excluded, or because of poverty and chronic unemployment,” she said.

“Education can help people overcome prejudic-es and stereotypes, mis-trust and discrimination. It is only through educa-tion that we can promote a culture of peace that en-sures mutual respect,” she added.

In an anecdote on diversity of faiths, when people of different views approached him, the Bud-dha said, “Let us set aside our differences, let us give attention to what we can agree on and let us put the common core which we agree upon into practice.

Why quarrel?” This wise counsel still retains its value today.Animosity can only be eradicated by its opposite which

is pure love, patience, and forgiveness. Animosity cannot be eradicated by animosity. Violence begets violence. Only through non-violence can it be ceased. Hatred begets hatred. It can only be conquered through pure love. This is the eternal law.

Let’s set aside our differences, let’s move towards our goal of peace and national reconciliation which can guarantee a future where we can be assured of a worthwhile existence and a world that we can leave to coming generations with confidence and honour.

CallThin Thin May,

0925102235509974424848

Due to ter-rorism, our fundamen-

tal right “to live in

safety and in peace”

is being in-creasingly challenged in ways we have never seen before.

MYANMAR is awe-somely beautiful in the eyes of the for-eigners for having

possession of Myanma traditional values and motley assortment of rituals in conjunction with cultural heritage, matchless arts and crafts in addition to abundant natural resources.

Among the traditional cul-tural heritages, the Myanma ten traditional arts and crafts are the most valuable and talented work handed down from the times of Myanma ancient kings up to the modern times.

There are ten traditional arts, called pan sè myo (ပန္းဆယ္မ်ဳိး), listed as follows: 1. Blacksmith (ပန္းပဲ ba-bè)2. Woodcarving (ပန္းပု ba-bu)3. Goldsmith (ပန္းထိမ္ ba-dein)4. Stucco relief (ပန္းေတာ့ pandaw)5. Masonry (ပန္းရန္ pa-yan)6. Stone carving (ပန္းတေမာ့ pantamaw)7. Turnery (ပန္းပြတ္ panbut)8. Painting (ပန္းခ်ီ bagyi)9. Lacquerware (ပန္းယြန္း panyun)10.Bronze casting (ပန္းတဥ္းbadin)

The most popular, distinctive and visible presentation of Myan-ma 10 traditional arts and crafts have been put up in artistic phra-seology by the ancient classical scholars with 10 short terms such as “din”; “dein”; “bè”; “daw”; “bu”; “yan”; “maw”; “but”; “gyi” and “yun”.

As the beautiful pieces are

crafted out of natural materials of the country, most of the tour-ists across the globe purchase with pure passion while they visit many places in Myanmar, forging craft making business as foreign income source creating job oppor-tunities for the locals.

Over the years, some grey shadows hover over the Myanma 10 traditional arts and crafts hint-ing the possible extinction in the foreseeable future. Therefore, re-sponsible institutions such as that of the government, the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Culture, the traditional handicraft experts teams, the Myanmar Painting and

Sculpturing Council, the Myanmar Traditional Flower Experts As-sociation, Myanma Painting and Sculpting Association have come together and work in various ways for the sustainable development of Myanma ten traditional arts and crafts.

In Gyo Bin Gauk Township of Tharrawaddy District, some crafts of six categories such as ba-dein; ba-bè; pa-yan; ba-bu; panbut; and bagyi have been in continued pro-duction, and that the remaining arts and crafts are still flourishing elsewhere in the country side.

Ba-dein industry is making objects of gold or silver. Silver-

smith’s art produces bowl con-tainer, price cup, plate and belt. Generally speaking, gold entre-preneurs established personal ba-dein shops for making gold or-naments. Meanwhile, silversmith industry is declining.

Lovely pieces of gold jewellery are the items that people wear as decoration, and it is therefore,

remained a successful business in all townships across the country. However, the silver pieces hap-pened to be merely household items, and the silversmith industry is not flourishing.

Goldsmith Ko Zaw Min Htaik remarked “Based on the fluctua-tion of prices on the gold, the dollar, the crops, the business of local people; the tempo of the jewellery business changes. When the pric-es of paddy and bean are good, the goldsmith business is fine”.

Ba-bè is a kind of blacksmith relied by the farmers. It is tem-pering of the iron in the oven to make the necessary elements. The craftsmen make oxcart axle, oxcarts iron, scissors, hammer, ax, pick ax, knife, and dig hoe. As the time is transforming from manual agriculture farming to mechaniza-

tion, the items being produced by the blacksmith are not selling well.

Blacksmith U Myint Htoo said, “The whole business is slowing own. Some few items for the use in the farm and in the kitchen are still under sales. In summer time, the iron items for bullock carts and horse carts are being ordered. In modern time,

the wrought ironwork and iron grilled items are being attached to blacksmith industry. In Gyo Bin Gauk Township, there are only about ten people engaged in the blacksmith industry”.

Pa-yan is flourishing across the country. It constructs the build-ing with brick, stone and concrete. Our residential buildings and hous-es are built in beautiful designs by the construction engineers and the pa-yan skill workers.

To become a skillful pa-yan worker, one has to start from the lowest stage of task such as mixing cement and sand, carrying bricks. When the worker becomes a skill-ful person in handling the tools for filling and feeding cement to necessary places, then he could be considered as a skillful pa-yan worker.

Ba-bu professionals are shrinking in number. It is the art of sculpture and its means one that produced figures and floral motifs made of wood. Artisans make the figure of man and animals and flo-ral motifs. In Gyo Bin Gauk Town-ship, there are only a few number of ba-bu professionals. In fact, the ba-bu professionals are the most artistic people who created Bud-dha images and lovely home deco-ration items with amazing beauty that are genuine handicrafts of Myanmar in distinct attraction in the eyes of the foreigners.

Panbut is the art of making wooden utensils such as umbrella, table legs, and the legs of the bed and rotary seats and railings of stairways

Bagyi means the art of paint-ing and that shows live animals and inanimate objects using differ-ent colors. Artists paint the figures of beings, animals, objects, draw-ings and caricatures human scene. These professionals are pursuing the arts due to their inborn hob-by. The arts is still flourishing in the Bagan archeological areas.While inheriting the design and old drawing of Bagan era pictures, the modern artists modified paintings made of inflated sands.

According to the Office of Township Education Officer, the education authorities have includ-ed time slot for learning paintings in the school curriculum. In town-ship public libraries, competitions on paintings and coloring are be-ing conducted from time to time to attract the children in the creation of arts, and it is therefore, the arts of painting would develop in line with the time forward.

As time flies away, there are many ups and downs in the Myan-ma ten traditional arts and crafts status as some could maintained and moved ahead the traditional ways, and some gradually faded out from the eyes of the public.

The Myanma ten traditional arts and crafts could be mostly seen today at the religious struc-ture. At this juncture, the writer of this article would like to urge all the citizens of the nation to come together in unison for the sustain-able development and preserva-tion of traditional arts and crafts to be cherished and preserved in elevating the dignity of the nation and its people. (Translated by UMT {Ahlone})

Over the years, some grey shadows hover over the Myanma ten

traditional arts and crafts hinting the possible extinction in the

foreseeable future.

By Zeyar Tun (Gyobingauk)

Myanma ten Traditional Arts and Crafts need to be cherished and preserved

Invitation to young writers for Sunday SpecialThe Global New Light of Myanmar is accepting submissions of poetry, opinion, articles, essays and short stories from young people for its weekly Sunday Next Generation Platform. Interested candidates can send their work to the Global New Light of Myanmar at No. 150, Nga Htat Kyee Pagoda Road, Bahan Township, Yangon, in person, or by email to ce@globalnewlightofmyanmar.com with the following information: (1) Sector you wish to be included in (poetry, opinion, etc.), (2) Own name and (if different) your penname, (3) Your level of education, (4) Name of your School/College/University, (5) A written note of declaration that the submitted piece is your original work and has not been submitted to any other news or magazine publishing houses, (6) A color photo of the submitter, (7) Copy of your NRC card, (8) Contact information (email address, mobile number, etc.).— Editorial Department, The Global New Light of Myanmar

Myanmar Daily Weather Report(Issued at 7:00 pm Thursday 22 November 2018)

BAY INFERENCE: Weather is generally fair over the East Central Bay and partly cloudy to cloudy over the Andaman Sea and elsewhere in the Bay of Bengal.FORECAST VALID UNTIL AFTERNOON OF 23 November 2018: Rain or thundershowers will be scattered in Taninthayi Region and isolated in Kayin and Mon states. Degree of certainty is (80%). Weather will be partly cloudy in Sagaing Region, Eastern Shan, Chin and Kayah states and generally fair in the remaining regions and states.STATE OF THE SEA: Sea will be slight to moderate in My-anmar waters. Wave height will be about (3-6) feet in off and along Myanmar Coasts. OUTLOOK FOR SUBSEQUENT TWO DAYS: Slight de-crease of night temperatures in Shan and Kayah states.FORECAST FOR NAY PYI TAW AND NEIGHBOURING AREA FOR 23 November 2018: Fair weather.FORECAST FOR YANGON AND NEIGHBOURING AREA FOR 23 November 2018: Fair weather.FORECAST FOR MANDALAY AND NEIGHBOURING AREA FOR 23 November 2018: Fair weather.

Low Pressure Area ConditionIssued at (14:00) hours MST on (22- 11 -2018)

According to the observations at (13:30)hrs MST today, the low pressure area over the Southwest Bay of Bengal and adjoining Tamilnadu coast (India) moved to Tamilnadu coast (India).

10 WORLD 23 NOVEMBER 2018THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR

Khashoggi murder: Trump ignores US leverage over Riyadh

RIYADH—US President Donald Trump has doubled down on his partnership with Saudi Arabia, calling it an indispensable ally after a journalist’s grisly murder, but critics say his position ignores Washington’s enormous leverage over Riyadh. Trump on Tuesday gave Saudi Crown Prince Mo-hammed bin Salman a pass on Jamal Khashoggi’s murder, gloss-ing over the Central Intelligence Agency’s reported conclusion that the kingdom’s de facto ruler had authorised the killing.

“Maybe he did and maybe he didn’t!” Trump said, implying Prince Mohammed’s culpability in Khashoggi’s killing in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on 2 Octo-ber hardly matters. What does, he asserted, was the Gulf king-dom’s role as a bulwark against rival Iran, its multi-billion dollar investments in the US ?- includ-

ing several arms deals—and its perceived stranglehold on global oil prices.Trump was widely pil-loried for what critics called his mercantile priorities that made him appear more like a lobbyist for the oil-rich kingdom, raising the prospect of strong congres-sional action against Saudi Ara-bia.But Trump’s firm backing of the kingdom in the face of global outrage reinforced what officials in Riyadh often say: the US-Saudi relationship is too big to fail.

“Structural ties -? intelli-gence, counterterrorism co-operation and energy—really are too big not only to fail but to place at risk,” said Hussein Ibish, a scholar at the Arab Gulf States Institute in Washington. “But transactional aspects of the relationship -? weapons sales, investments that are valued by Trump -? shouldn’t become an

excuse to make a Faustian pact and turn a blind eye to justice.”

‘Substantial leverage’Trump’s stance ignores

what the Washington-based Center for International Policy says is America’s “substantial leverage over Saudi behav-iour”.“The Saudis need US weapons and equipment more than we need to sell them,” for-mer US Middle East negotiator Aaron David Miller wrote for CNN’s website.“It would be very difficult and expensive for the Saudis to make good on their periodic threats to ‘buy foreign’ if they can’t get what they want from the United States.”Experts say Riyadh is more suscepti-ble to American pressure than Trump asserts, as its economy is intertwined with that of the US.—AFP

Afghan Taliban not serious about peace, says govt chiefPARIS—The Taliban in Afghanistan have not yet shown any sign they are serious about ending their 17-year insurgency despite US efforts to push a fresh peace process, the country’s de facto prime minister told AFP. Abdullah Abdullah, who serves as “chief executive” of the unity government in Kabul, struck a far more sceptical tone about the prospects of a deal than his political rival, President Ashraf Ghani, and his Western counterparts. Ghani said earlier this month it was “not a question of if, but when” an agreement would be reached with the Taliban, while the US envoy to the country even raised the possibility of a breakthrough before presidential elections in April.

“Recently there are renewed efforts in terms of the internation-al community and especially the US,” Abdullah told AFP during a wide-ranging interview in Paris that also covered his own political ambitions. “We are not judging it too prematurely, but I would say that our experience as of now has been that they (the Taliban) have not shown any intention to get seriously engaged in the peace negotiations,” he added.The comment on Wednesday came after the latest atrocity targeting civilians in Kabul when a bomber killed 55 people at a banquet hall at a ceremony to mark the birthday of the Prophet Mohammed. Abdullah, a political veteran of the fight against Soviet forces in the 1980s and Taliban rule in the 90s, called it “beyond comprehension.”Beleaguered Afghan security forces are also suffering an unprecedented level of casualties across the country where the Taliban and the Islamic State group are stepping up attacks.

Presidential candidate?Returning to Kabul on Thursday after a three-day trip to France,

Abdullah said he expected to be briefed fully about the latest round of talks between US envoy Zalmay Khalilzad and the Taliban, which are believed to have taken place in Qatar last week.

Whatever the outcome, he argued that Afghanistan should hold its presidential election as scheduled next April despite a recent upsurge in violence and suggestions from some that it should be delayed. “My idea is to stick to the timing, make it work, because it’s part of the system and legitimacy of the system depends on the elections,” he said. “At the same time, continue the efforts on peace with full vigour.”

He downplayed any suggestion of a pre-election breakthrough with the Taliban.“It will be very surprising if that happens, but should it happen ... that would be welcomed by the people of Afghanistan,” he added. Abdullah has kept up suspense about his own political ambitions after twice running for president in 2009 and 2014 in campaigns that ended bitterly amid accusations of fraud. After being beaten in 2014 by Ghani, Abdullah agreed to become prime minister of the unity government in a US-brokered deal -- but the rivalry between the two men continues. “I will actively be involved one way or another, but I have not made that final decision,” Abdullah said when asked if he would run in 2019.

Fraud fearsLooking ahead to next April’s vote, Abdullah was candid about

the lack of progress made in correcting the weaknesses in Afghani-stan’s fraud-plagued electoral system.He said he was “disappointed” by parliamentary elections in October, which were marred by a shambolic rollout of new biometric polling technology and missing or incomplete voter lists.“Our expectations for the parliamentary elections and the conduct of them was much higher, and the people’s expectations were much higher,” he said.—AFP

Death toll in C. Africa clashes rises to 60: UNBANGUI (Central African Re-public)—The death toll has risen to at least 60 from clashes last week between Christian and Muslim-dominated militias in a restive Central African Repub-lic town, an internal UN report said Wednesday. The bloodshed was sparked in the central town of Alindao on 15 November be-tween Christian militiamen, known as anti-Balaka, and the Union for Peace in CAR (UPC) Muslim militia.

Other sources reported an even higher death toll on Wednesday but AFP could not confirm the information.The number of dead had previously been reported as 48, including two priests, in the latest surge of sectarian violence in the country.

Alindao’s church, a convent

and a camp for displaced people were torched. Pictures seen by AFP showed burnt bodies in the fire.The town lies on a critical route traversing the south and east of the country and is in the heart of a region with numer-ous gold and diamond mines that have helped fuel conflict.

People affected by the fight-ing have fled to the south of the city, close to the village of Datoko, according to the UN report.It said a local NGO premises had been “looted”.“We are back to square one,” Najat Rochdi, coor-dinator of the UN Humanitarian Affairs Office in the Central Af-rican Republic (OCHA), said in a statement. More than 50,000 people have been affected by the violence in Alindao and Batanga-fo to the north, OCHA said.Three

days of national mourning have been declared in the country.

One of the world’s poorest nations despite a rich supply of diamonds and uranium, the CAR has struggled to recover from a 2013 civil war that erupted when President Francois Bozize, a Christian, was overthrown by mainly Muslim Seleka rebels.

In response, Christians, who account for about 80 percent of the population, organised vigi-lante units dubbed “anti-Balaka” in reference to a local machete.

UN Secretary General An-tonio Guterres on Saturday said the latest attack was attributed to the UPC militia, which has its roots in the Seleka group.How-ever the UPC accused “both Muslim and Christian bandits” of being behind the incident. —AFP

Abdullah Abdullah downplayed any suggestion of a pre-election breakthrough with the Taliban. PHOTO: AFP

US President Donald Trump has given Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman a pass on Jamal Khashoggi’s murder. PHOTO: AFP

11WORLD23 NOVEMBER 2018THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMARNews in Brief7 school children, driver killed in road accident in India

Japan to pave way for raising working age limit to 70

6 killed in oil tank truck fire in southern Viet Nam

US troops limited to batons on Mexico borderWA S H I N G T O N ( U n i t e d States)—US troops stationed on the border with Mexico ahead of the expected arrival of a Central American migrant caravans can intervene to quell violence but will be armed only with batons, Defense Minister Jim Mattis said on Wednesday.

The White House has giv-en almost 5,800 troops posted along the frontier guidance that they can come to the aid of any Customs and Border Protection agents who come under attack, Mattis told reporters.

But even if migrants try to force their way through border posts, they will likely be met by military police with shields and batons, with “no armed element going in,” he added.

In all, some 8,000 migrants are currently crossing Mexico in several caravans, according to the Mexican interior ministry.

They are mostly fleeing pov-erty and unrest in Central Amer-ica’s “Northern Triangle” -- El Salvador, Guatemala and Hondu-ras, where brutal gang violence has fueled some of the highest murder rates in the world.

President Donald Trump ordered troops to the border in a move critics decried as a costly political stunt to galvanize sup-porters ahead of hard-fought mid-term elections earlier this month.

Trump declared the exodus a “national emergency” and an “invasion”—suggesting US troops could shoot migrants if

they threw stones at the US bor-der—but he has since been less vocal on the issue.

The US military is not al-lowed in almost any case to get involved in domestic law enforce-ment and the border mission has put the supposedly non-political military in an uncomfortable spotlight.

Mattis said he had taken no decision on the duration of the deployment, initially expected until 15 December, because that would depend on HOW the mis-sion developed, he said.

The estimated cost is cur-rently $72 million but “I am confi-dent that number will go up,” the Pentagon chief said. — AFP

Brexit goes down to wire as May calls last-day talks

BRUSSELS (Belgium) —Ne-gotiations to secure an orderly Brexit deal will go down to the wire after Theresa May said she would return to Brussels for more talks on the eve of a planned signing summit.

After an inconclusive trip to Brussels to meet EU chief Jean-Claude Juncker, the British prime minister said she would return on Saturday to finalise preparations for a full EU meeting the next day.

It is believed that the texts of the deal will not be final before a meeting of top EU diplomats -- the summit’s so-called “sherpas” -- on Friday, frustrating some Eu-ropean leaders.

“There are some further issues that need resolution. We

have given direction to our ne-gotiators this evening. The work on those issues will now start im-mediately,” May said in a state-ment on Wednesday. “I believe we have been able to give sufficient direction for them to be able to resolve those remaining issues,” she said, adding that she would meet Juncker again on Saturday.

With less than four days until Sunday’s meeting, a European Commission spokesperson said: “Very good progress was made in meeting between President Juncker and Prime Minister The-resa May.” But she added: “Work is continuing.”

News of Saturday’s last-ditch meeting will not go down well in Berlin, where Germany’s Chan-

cellor Angela Merkel had earlier urged negotiators not to reopen talks on the main withdrawal agreement.

“I hope it will be solved by Sunday,” she told German law-makers. “We know how difficult the discussions are in Britain, but I can say for the German government that we agree with this exit agreement.” Negotiators are hammering out details of a political statement on future UK-EU ties that will accompany the divorce deal, under pressure to put it together before the sherpa meeting on Friday. After endur-ing another parliamentary grill-ing at prime minister’s questions in London, May slipped out of the Westminster bear pit and crossed the Channel to meet the head of the EU executive.

Having seen off—at least for now—a potential leadership challenge by hardline Brexiteers in her own party, she hoped to wring out of Brussels a Brexit arrangement that she can sell to her parliament.

The withdrawal treaty itself is all but final, and preparations are under way for Sunday’s sum-mit to sign it, but there remains the matter of the parallel 20-page

political declaration on future re-lations. European diplomats and EU officials have been in intense talks on the declaration this week.May must show that she has left nothing on the table if she is to convince British members of par-liament to ratify the deal in the coming weeks. May and Juncker were expected to cover fishing rights and the movement of goods after Brexit, as well as the dura-tion of the transition period and the British territory of Gibraltar, which lies on an outcrop off Spain.

Spain, N. Ireland pressureMay faces pressure from

her Northern Irish allies, who oppose a deal they say weakens British sovereignty in their province, and from Spain, which has warned it might oppose the accord over Gibraltar. Madrid wants a veto over applying any agreement on post-transition relations to Gibraltar but May told MPs that Britain “will not exclude Gibraltar from our negotia-tions on the future relation-ship”. There is frustration among some EU countries at Spain trying to play hardball so late in the game. — AFP

Soldiers from the Kentucky-based 19th Engineer Battalion have installed barbed and concertina wire in Laredo, Texas. PHOTO: AFP

Theresa May heads to Brussels looking for a political declaration on Brexit that she can sell to the British parliament. PHOTO: AFP

TOKYO —The Japanese govern-ment wants to raise the working age limit to 70 from the current 65 as part of efforts to promote economic growth in the fast-gray-ing country, a draft plan compiled by a government panel showed Thursday.The draft midterm report by the committee responsible for coming up with the government’s growth strategy also calls for making big firms disclose the ratio of different age groups among employees, a move aimed at pro-moting mid-career employment among companies, which tend to heavily recruit people freshly out of school.—Kyodo News

HANOI—A petrol tank truck fire broke out Thursday morning in Viet Nam’s southern Binh Phuoc province, leaving at least six people, including a family of four, killed and dozens of others injured, local media reported.The fire broke out after the truck crashed into a stone-carrying three-wheeled vehicle in Chon Thanh district around 4:00 a.m., jumped onto pavement, pulled down an electric pole, and overturned, online newspaper Tuoi Tre (Youth) quoted witnesses as saying.Petrol was spilled over the road, and the subsequent fire burnt 16 houses on the roadside with people inside sleeping.After more than one hour efforts, firefighters managed to put out the fire, said the provincial police who are investigating the cause.—Xinhua

NEW DELHI—At least seven children and a driver were killed and six others injured Thurs-day after a private school van carrying them collided head-on with a tourist bus in central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, police said. The accident took place in Birsinghpur area of Satna district, about 483 km northeast of Bhopal, the capital city of Madhya Pradesh.“This morning a tourist bus collided with a school van here killing seven children and van driver on spot,” a police official said. The victims in the school van were aged between seven and 14 years.—Xinhua

12 WORLD 23 NOVEMBER 2018THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR

Submission of EIA Study Report of Exploration Drilling Campaign in Onshore Block MOGE-3by PTTEP SA

PTTEP South Asia Limited (PTTEP SA), successfully completed the Block MOGE-3 Seismic Acquisition in 2017. PTTEP SA is now planning to conduct a drilling campaign in order to explore petroleum potential in Block MOGE-3. This drilling campaign consists of 4 exploration drilling wells from 8 selected locations located in Thayet Township, Magway Region, Myanmar. The tentative plan for commencement of drilling will be end of 2018.

An Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Study for the proposed activity has been prepared by PTTEP SA with third party EIA/SIA consultants International Environmental Management Co Ltd. (IEM) and Environmental Quality Management Co. Ltd (EQM); and was submitted to Environmental Conservation Department (ECD) on 4th October, 2018. The report is publically viewable at the following locations:

• PTTEP SA’s office in Yangon: 3rd Floor, Vantage Tower, 623 Pyay Road, Kamayut Township, 11041, Yangon, Myanmar.

• Environmental Conservation Department, Magway Region

• Thayet District General Administrative Department Office, Magway Region

• On PTTEP SA’s website as follows: www.pttep.com

Feedback on the report can be submitted to PTTEP SA in writing by contacting the following e-mail address: TinNilarSoe@pttep.com

INVITATION FOR PRICE QUOTATIONSThe Republic of the Union of Myanmar has received financing from the International Development Association (IDA) towards the cost of the National Community Driven Development Project (NCDDP). The IDA N° of the financing agreement is N° H814MM. The Department of Rural Development (DRD) of the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Irrigation, in its role as implementing agency of the NCDDP, intends to apply a portion of the proceeds of this financing towards eligible payments under the Purchase Order/Contract G-92.1 for the supply of Pick-Up Double Cab Vehicles. DRD now invites eligible suppliers to express their interest in supplying the following items:

Reference Number: G 92.1 – Pick-Up Double Cab Vehicles

Reference No.

Lot N°

Item N° Description Quantity

G 92.1 1 1 Pick – Up Double Cab Vehicles 9 vehicles

Supply to Department of Rural Development, Office No.(36),Nay Pyi Taw

Expressions of Interest must be submitted in a written form to the email address below and clearly indicate the reference number above. Eligible suppliers having expressed interest will receive an INVITATION TO QUOTE (ITQ). Sealed Quotations will be submitted to the address below at the latest at the dead line of Wednesday 19 December 2018 at 10:00 am Myanmar time, after which no Quotations will be accepted.The goods will be contracted in 1 (one) contract. Suppliers will be selected following the Shopping Method as per the “Guidelines for Procurement of Goods, Works and non-Consulting Services under IBRD Loans and IDA Credits & Grants by World Bank Borrowers” dated January 2011.Please submit your Expression of Interest for receiving the Invitation to Quote (ITQ) to: Ms. Nyo Nyo Win, Deputy Director General, Department of Rural Development, Office No.(36), Nay Pyi Taw. For detailed information please contact U Kyaw Swa Aung, Director, Procurement and Logistic Section, Mobile phone 0943434333 or office phone 067409071/ Email: procurement@ncddpmyanmar.org Please indicate your e-mail address as only electronic copies of the ITQ will be send. For more information on the NCDD Project please also visit Website: www.cdd.drdmyanmar.org.

Dead sperm whale in Indonesia found with 6 kg of plastic in stomachJAKARTA (Indonesia)—A sperm whale has been found dead in Indone-sia with 115 plastic cups and 25 plastic bags in its stomach, raising concern among environmentalists and throwing the spotlight on the country’s rubbish problem.

The items were part of nearly six kilograms (13 pounds) of plastic waste discovered in the 9.5-metre (31-foot) carcass when it washed ashore in Wakato-bi National Park, in South-east Sulawesi province, on Monday.

Other debris includ-ed flip flops and ripped tarpaulins, the head of Wakatobi tourism, La Ode Saleh Hanan, told AFP on Wednesday.

Conservation group WWF Indonesia said on

social media its staff found four plastic bottles and 3.26 kilograms of raffia rope, as well as the plastic bags and cups.

The exact cause of the

whale’s death is not yet known but there are signs that “plastic waste might have triggered it”, WWF Indonesia marine species conservation coordinator

Dwi Suprapti told AFP.Wakatobi district, a

picturesque collection of four main islands sur-rounded by a marine re-serve, has urged Indone-

sia’s central government to help tackle the problem of marine debris.

Indonesia is the world’s second biggest contributor to marine

debris after China, and a colossal 1.29 million met-ric tons is estimated to be produced annually.

The problem has grown so bad that Indo-nesian officials declared a “garbage emergency” last year after a six-kilo-metre stretch of coast along the island of Bali was swamped with rubbish.

The archipelago of more than 17,000 islands has pledged to reduce ma-rine plastic waste by 70 per cent by 2025.

It plans to boost re-cycling services, curb the use of plastic bags, launch cleanup campaigns and raise public awareness.But poor waste-process-ing infrastructure and low awareness among its 260 million inhabitants prove major obstacles.—AFP

Australia, India to promote bilateral economic relationshipCANBERRA—Australia and India have committed to boosting their economic ties following a meeting between lead-ers of the two nations. Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Thursday met with Indian President Ram Nath Kovind, the first Indian president attending the opening of the Australian chapter of the Confederation of Indian Industry.

“India is the world’s fastest growing major economy and offers more opportunity for Australian business over the next twenty years than any other single market,” Mor-

rison said in a media release on Thursday. “Our work will focus on greater economic engagement targeting ten Indian states and ten key sectors, while providing practical support for Australian businesses entering or expanding operations in India,” Australian Trade Minister Simon Birmingham said.The meeting coincided with Morrison confirming that he would adopt recommendations in a report written by Peter Varghese, the for-mer secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), on cementing Australia-India trade ties. —Xinhua

Indonesia is the world’s second biggest contributor to marine debris after China. PHOTO: AFP

13ENVIRONMENT23 NOVEMBER 2018THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR

TRADEMARK CAUTION

Kanbawza Bank Limited, a company incorporated and existing under the laws of Myanmar, and having its registered office at 615/1, Pyay Road, Ward (2), Kamayut Township, Yangon, The Republic of the Union of Myanmar,hereby declares that the Company is the Owner and Sole proprietor of the following Trademarks:

Reg. No. IV/3744/2014 Reg. No. IV/3745/2014

Reg. No. IV/3743/2014

Reg. No. IV/3746/2014

The trademarks listed above will be used in different designs, sizes, and colors, and in different items in relation to banking services within the Republic of the Union of Myanmar. No one is allowed to use, counterfeit or use misleading or similar marks without the Company’s written consent. Anyone found to be in violation will be dealt with according to law.

As instructed by KBZ Bank LimitedDaw Yee Mon Aung, (H. G .P No.30522) Level 18, Unit 18-03, Sule Square, 221 Sule Pagoda Road, Kyauktada Tsp., Yangon, Republic of the Union of Myanmar. Ph: 95 1 9255 095

7 inches x 3 col x MMK 50,000 = MMK 1,050,000 The Global New Light of Myanmar

PESTICIDES DISTRIBUTOR CHANGING

We, LIMIN CHEMICAL CO., LTD. would like to change the Distributor of the following products, which registered under Pesticide Registration Board, Myanmar, from CLOSE FRIEND CO., LTD. to LIMIN CHEMICAL (MYANMAR) CO., LTD. If any object or enquiry , please contact to Pesticide Registration Board, Plant Protection Division Department of Agriculture, Yangon from here to next (14) days.

No Trade Name Active Ingredient RegistrationNumberRegistration

Type

1 DOUBLEZOLE 300 EC Difenoconazole 150 g/L +Propiconazole 150 g/L EC E2017-4022 Experimental

2 SUPERADI 325 SC Azoxystrobin 200g/L +Difenoconazole 125 g/L SC P2017-4023 Provisional

3 FARMERZIM 50 SC Carbendazim 50% SC P2017-4024 Provisional

4 LINKONIL 75 WP Chlorothalonil 75% WP P2017-4025 Provisional

5 FARMERCYNIL 25 WP Cymoxanil 25% WP P2017-4026 Provisional

6 MANCYNIL 72 WP Mancozeb 64% +Cymoxanil 8% WP P2017-4027 Provisional

7 FARMERFOSE 80 WP Fosetyl-Aluminium80% WP P2017-4028 Provisional

8 FARMROUND 41 SL Glyphosate 41% SL P2017-4029 Provisional

9 FARMERIMID 10 WP Imidacloprid 10% WP P2017-4030 Provisional

10 MANTAXIL 72 WP Mancozeb 64% +Metalaxyl 8% WP P2017-4031 Provisional

11 FARMERZEB 80 WP Mancozeb 80% WP P2017-4032 Provisional

12 FARMERTAI 25 WP Metalaxyl 25%WP P2017-4033 Provisional

13 SUPERCOL 70 WP Propineb 70% WP P2017-4034 Provisional

Address: CLOSE FRIEND CO., LTDAdd No.827/A, Thu Mingalar Road, South Okkalapa Township,Yangon, MyanmarTel: 01 8500424, 09 421032105, 0943135303, 09 401534797

CLAIM’S DAY NOTICEM.V UNI ANGEL VOY. NO. (0268-483 W/E)Consignees of cargo carried on M.V UNI ANGEL

VOY. NO. (0268-483 W/E) are hereby notified that the vessel will be arriving on 23-11-2018 and cargo will be discharged into the premises of H.P.T where it will lie at the consignee’s risk and expenses and subject to the byelaws and conditions of the Port of Yangon.

Damaged cargo will be surveyed daily from 8 am to 11:20 am and 12 noon to 4 pm to Claim’s Day now declared as the third day after final discharge of cargo from the Vessel.

No claims against this vessel will be admitted after the Claims Day.

SHIPPING AGENCY DEPARTMENTMYANMA PORT AUTHORITY

AGENT FOR: M/S EVERGREEN SHIPPING LINES

Phone No: 2301185

CLAIM’S DAY NOTICEM.V KUO TAI VOY. NO. (114 N/S)

Consignees of cargo carried on M.V KUO TAI VOY. NO. (114 N/S) are hereby notified that the vessel will be arriving on 23-11-2018 and cargo will be discharged into the premises of M.I.P where it will lie at the consignee’s risk and expenses and subject to the byelaws and conditions of the Port of Yangon.

Damaged cargo will be surveyed daily from 8 am to 11:20 am and 12 noon to 4 pm to Claim’s Day now declared as the third day after final discharge of cargo from the Vessel.

No claims against this vessel will be admitted after the Claims Day.

SHIPPING AGENCY DEPARTMENTMYANMA PORT AUTHORITY

AGENT FOR: M/S SILKAGO LOGISTICS PTE LTD

Phone No: 2301185

Researchers measure carbon footprint of Canada hydroelectric damsHAVRE-SAINT-PIERRE (Canada)—Squatting on spongy soil, a climate sci-entist lays a small cone-shaped device to “measure the breathing” of a peat bog in the northern part of Can-ada’s Quebec province. Mi-chelle Garneau, a university researcher and a member of the UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), is collecting the first data on areas flooded to build the new Romaine hy-droelectric dams in a bid to assess the project’s impact on the region.While renew-able hydroelectricity itself is considered to be one of the cleanest sources of energy on the planet, there is cur-rently no proven model for calculating the greenhouse gas emissions released by flooding huge areas behind new dams.

With construction of four new dams on the Ro-maine River in northern Quebec nearly complete, researchers saw an op-portunity to try out new techniques to measure its

carbon footprint.The team led by Gar-

neau zeroed in on a swamp a mere stone’s throw from the raging river in the wilds of Canada’s boreal forest, an area accessible only by helicopter. After landing, she takes several boxes out of the belly of the aircraft and places them next to some solar panels and a portable weather station that she and her students installed over this summer.

The devices are ex-pected to produce sample data within two years.

“Every 20 minutes, the cone will capture and

measure the breathing of the soil,” she explains, plac-ing a transparent device that resembles a handbell on the lichen, as wild geese honk and cackle overhead.She takes a few steps fur-ther on the unstable ground and places a box that con-nects to sensors already sunk into the ground.

“This automated device to measure the photosyn-

thetic activity records the CO2 and methane emis-sions every three minutes, for hours,” the researcher says. Carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane emissions are the main sources of global warming. Another team is measuring carbon dioxide emissions from artificial lakes created by flooding lands behind dams, for even-tual comparison.—AFP

Researcher Michelle Garneau from the University of Quebec in Montreal tests soil in a peat bog to gauge the climate impact of the giant Romaine hydroelectric dam project. PHOTO: AFP

14 SOCIAL 23 NOVEMBER 2018THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR

Looted Byzantine mosaic goes on display at Cyprus museumNICOSIA—A centuries-old mo-saic of Saint Mark has gone on display at a Cyprus museum that now plans to reunite it with the 11 other apostles decades after it was looted in the island’s Turk-ish-held north.The mosaic dating back more than 1,600 years was returned to the Mediterranean is-land this week after being tracked down by a Dutchman dubbed the “Indiana Jones of the art world”.

The director of the Byzantine Museum in Nicosia, Ioannis Eli-ades, was delighted to see it on display Wednesday next to the mosaic of Saint Andrew which was also repatriated this year.

“We’re thrilled about it be-cause it arrived three days ago,” Eliades told AFP. “It’s the last one of the 12 pieces that we have here in the museum.” The mosaic was looted from the church of Panayia Kanakaria in northern Cyprus following the Turkish in-vasion in 1974. According to the antiquities department, it was “violently detached and stolen from the church, between 1977-79 by the Turkish looter and art dealer Aydin Dikmen” along with other mosaics. Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkey

invaded and seized its northern third in response to an Athens-en-gineered coup to unite the island with Greece. Visitors to the mu-seum were excited to see the apostles on show.

“I think it is an exceptional and rare discovery, for this mosa-ic and others,” said Elpis Skarda-si, a retired teacher from Athens.

“It’s the dream of all Cypriots and Greeks to see their heritage return to them,” the 77-year-old told AFP. Dutch art investigator Arthur Brand tracked down the

mosaic in Monaco in the posses-sion of a British family who he said had bought it “in good faith more than four decades ago”.

It was handed over to the antiquities department and the Church of Cyprus during a pri-vate ceremony in The Hague last week and was returned to the island on Monday.

“We are thrilled that he man-aged to find the place that it was hidden,” said Eliades.

“We are thankful also to the family who... gave it back without

asking for money or making prob-lems and having any legal action taking years.”

Eliades said the museum plans to restore the two newly returned mosaics and to put them on a reconstructed apse of the Panayia Kanakaria church by May next year.

Eventually, he hopes Cyprus will be reunited and all of the re-covered artefacts will be returned to the churches they originally came from in the north of the island.—AFP

History lied about Vincent Van Gogh, says Willem DafoeLONDON—Actor Willem Dafoe, who plays acclaimed artist Vin-cent van Gogh in “At Eternity’s Gate”, says the character came across a more hopeful person, contrary to what has been writ-ten about him in the history.

The 63-year-old actor portrays the 19th century Dutch Post-Im-pressionist painter in the Julian Schnabel’s feature and like most of the people, he also considered the artist a “tortured soul”. “He felt like he was painting in a new way. One of the things that changed for me in making this movie was the joyous part of him that we don’t see. He’s usually depicted as the poster boy for the tortured artists, but I would definitely say he’s a hopeful character. History lies!” he told The Guardian in an interview.

The “Florida Project” actor believes flexibility is an essen-tiality for an artiste to explore different realms of art.

“Flexibility is important for an actor. Otherwise, corruption sets in. You get stuck in certain patterns, and a certain kind of performing language that keeps you from a kind of sense of dis-covery or danger or mystery,” he added.—PTI

After years of silence, music fills streets of Iraq’s MosulMOSUL (Iraq)—For centu-ries, it was a magnet for artists across the region and churned out Iraq’s best musicians -- but recent years saw Mosul suffer a devastating musical purge.

For three years until last summer, the sprawling northern city was under the brutal rule of the Islamic State group.

In imposing a city-wide ban on playing or even listening to music, the jihadists smashed and torched instruments. “It was impossible to bring my instru-ment with me whenever I left the house,” said city resident Fadel al-Badri, who hid his precious vi-olin from the rampaging fighters.

Foreshadowing IS’ repres-sion, the 2000s saw Al-Qaeda and other groups impose an ul-tra-conservative interpretation of Islam in several districts of the city.But with Mosul freed from the grip of IS in July 2017, Iraq’s second city is embarking on a musical comeback.

“After the liberation, songs are back where they truly belong in Mosul,” said Badri, welcoming the return of evening celebrations and festivals. The 45-year old violinist now has the pleasure of playing in public once more to an audience that claps hands and sings along to traditional local tunes.

After IS, ‘we sing’Mosul has a rich musical his-

tory. It is the home city of Ziryab, a musician who introduced the oud —the oriental lute popular across the Arab world—to Eu-rope in the 9th century. One of its more recent musical prodi-gies is Kazem al-Saher, the Ira-qi crooner-turned-talent judge known around the region. The city even has its own special gen-re of Arabic ballads, recognised across Iraq and beyond.—AFP

A model displays a creation during the Arab Fashion Week in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates, on 21 November 2018. The Arab Fashion Week is held in Dubai from 21 to 28 November. PHOTO: XINHUA

Highlight of Arab Fashion Week in DubaiIn Picture

Director of the Cyprus Byzantine Museum Ioannis Eliades shows a centuries-old mosaic of Saint Mark in Nicosia on 21 November 2018. PHOTO: AFP

Iraqi Musicians perform live music at a book fair in Mosul on 6 November, 2018. PHOTO:AFP

15SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY23 NOVEMBER 2018THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR

Probiotics no help to kids with stomach flu: studiesTAMPA (United States) —Pro-biotics are a multibillion dollar international industry, but new research Wednesday showed they don’t help children recover from stomach flu any better than a placebo.

The results of two rand-omized clinical trials—which came to the same conclusions -- were published in the New Eng-land Journal of Medicine.

“Probiotics had no effect on the children,” said co-author Phil-lip Tarr, a professor of pediatrics at Washington University in St. Louis, adding that the findings were “not ambiguous.” “Parents are better off saving their money and using it to buy more fresh fruits and vegetables for their children.” Probiotics are surg-ing in popularity, with the global market predicted to expand from $37 billion in 2015 to $64 billion by 2023, according to the report.

Five of 12 leading medical groups worldwide currently endorse their use, as a way to promote gut health by restoring intestinal flora, building up so-called “good bacteria” in chil-

dren’s bodies.