FIRE DANGER SHOULD BE TAKEN SERIOUSLY PAGE-8 (OPINION)

NATIONAL Vice-Chairman of State Administration Council Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Commander-in-Chief (Army) Vice-Senior General Soe Win meets officers, other ranks and families of Kalaw, Aungban stations PAGE-4

Vol. VII, No. 330, 14th Waning of Tabodwe 1382 ME www.gnlm.com.mm Friday, 12 March 2021 Economy plays a key role in the three main driving forces of the State: Senior General

Chairman of the State Administration Council Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Min Aung Hlaing addresses meeting 3/2021 of the Management Committee in Nay Pyi Taw on 11 March 2021.

HE Management Com- Admiral Tin Aung San, U Khin ‘efforts will be made to recov- as to carry out economic tasks skilful in works and loyal to the mittee of the State Ad- Maung Yi, U Aung Than Oo, U er businesses that faced loss in the short/long run. Other State. Staff must be undergone T ministration Council Myint Kyaing, Dr Pwint Hsan, caused by COVID-19 in various departments need to take co- on-job training and at training held a meeting 3/2021 at the Dr Nyunt Pe, Dr Thet Khaing ways as quickly as possible’. operation measures and give schools for enhancing capacity meeting hall of the State Ad- Win, U Shwe Lay, Dr Thet Thet The economy plays a key role advice for better improvement of to culture hierarchical respect in ministration Council Chair- Khine, U Maung Maung Ohn in the three main driving forces tasks. Moreover, all must strive unity in respective departments. man’s Office, in Nay Pyi Taw and U Saw Tun Aung Myint and of the State. It is necessary to for the successful operation of Democracy can be realized with yesterday with an address Attorney-General of the Union encourage domestic economy the tourism industry which can disciplines, not undisciplined delivered by Chairman of the Dr Daw Thida Oo. such as SMEs related to the rapidly contribute to the State acts. Hence, relevant depart- State Administration Council In his opening address, the objectives involved in the nine economy. The tourism industry ments need to do their tasks in Commander-in-Chief of Defence Senior General said the man- objectives, as further devel- is benefitting all arenas. accord with the practice of de- Services Senior General Min agement committee is to mainly opment of products based on With regard to duty dis- mocracy so as to have achieve- Aung Hlaing. implement tasks of social, eco- agriculture and livestock breed- charging and carrying out tasks ment in their missions. Also present at the meet- nomic and international rela- ing and stability of the market at ministries, the Council is on Next, the Union ministers ing were Vice-Chairman of the tions of the State. During more economy and inviting interna- the path of multiparty democ- reported on permission to dou- Council Deputy Command- than one month period when tional investments. The Senior racy. As democracy is a prac- ble the salaries of permanent er-in-Chief of Defence Services the Council has taken responsi- General stressed the need to set tice but not an ism, ministries and daily-wage staff in Maung- Commander-in-Chief (Army) bilities of the State, some tasks an aim for further production of need to do their tasks in accord taw District of Rakhine State Vice-Senior General Soe Win, have completed by cent per cent goods. If the people have a good with the practice of democracy. and Paletwa Township of Chin Union Ministers General Mya and some tasks which need to economy, demand will increase. So, it is necessary to clarify the State and increase their daily al- Tun Oo, Lt-Gen Soe Htut, U be continuously undertaken Consequently, supply will also practice of democracy to service lowances, matters related to the Wunna Maung Lwin, Lt-Gen must be carried out in possible be higher, contributing to the personnel. Regarding the rank agreements and MoUs between Tun Tun Naung, U Win Shein, ways. Five future programmes improvement of social-economic promotion of staff, instruction Myanmar and Bangladesh, tax U Aung Naing Oo, U Chit Na- the Council has adopted since life. Relevant departments need has been given to promote de- exemption, the appointment of ing, U Ko Ko, U Tin Htut Oo, the time of assumption comprise to cooperate with each other so served ranks for those who are SEE PAGE-3 inside TODAY

NATIONAL NATIONAL LOCAL NEWS LOCAL NEWS Ministry of State Onion growers Pwintbyu chickpea Construction holds Administration expect good price growers anticipate 2nd coordination Council holds press amid sluggish good price in early meeting conference trade harvest season PAGE-4 PAGE-6 PAGE-10 PAGE-10 12 MARCH 2021 2 NATIONAL THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR Announcement of Union Election Commission 11 March 2021

1. Regarding the Multiparty General Election held on 8 November 2020, the Union Election Commission has inspected the voter lists and the casting of votes of Aungmyethazan Township in Mandalay Region. 2. According to the inspection findings, the previous election commission released 186,323 eligible voters in Aungmyethazan Township of Mandalay Region. The list of the Ministry of Labour, Immigration and Population in November 2020 showed 185,706 eligible voters who had turned 18. The voter lists mentioned that there were 8,368 citizens, associate citizens, nationalized citizens, and non-identity voters, 846 persons repeated on the voter lists more than three times and 15,126 persons repeated on the voter lists two times. 3. Findings in inspection were as follows:

Findings on scrutinized voting list of Aungmyethazan Township

Those involved in voting list Those involved in vot- Those involved in voter Township and number of List of township List from immigra- Sr without citizenship scrutiny er list more than three list more than two times polling stations sub-commission tion department cards times holding one CSC holding one CSC 92polling stations in Aung- 1 myethazan Township of 186,323 185,706 8,368 846 15,126 Mandalay Region

4. The Union Election Commission has inspected the withdrawal/receipt/use/remaining of ballot papers used for Pyithu Hluttaw Election of Aungmyethazan Township in Mandalay Region, together with the respective township election sub-commission, head of police force, Immigration and Population and administrator according to the Hluttaw Election Law Section 53. 5. According to inspection on the ground, a total of 92 poll stations in Aungmyethazan Township in Mandalay Region took out 196,588 ballot papers. It used 136,996 ballot receipts. The remaining ballots were 49,509 instead of the exact remaining 59,592. 6. The numbers of missing ballots at 92 polling stations were 14,293 and 47 township advance ballots were also missing. The findings are as follows:

On the ground inspections on ballot papers for Pyithu Hluttaw Election of Aungmyethazan Township

Difference Sr Subject Withdrawal Used Exact remaining Remaining on the ground Missing Extra 1 Ward/Village-tract ballots 189,500 135,341 54,159 39,866 14,293 - 2 Township advance ballots 1,716 1,655 61 14 47 - 3 Township remaining ballots 5,372 - 5,372 9,629 - 4,257 Total 196,588 136,996 59,592 49,509 14,340 4,257

7. The missing ballots at 70 ward polling stations were as follows:

Inspection Difference Sr Ward Polling station Issued Used Remaining Total Missing Extra 1 Ahnate Taw 1 2,450 1,893 257 2,150 300 2 1,800 1,431 169 1,600 200 3 2,100 1,566 34 1,600 500 4 1,400 1,083 217 1,300 100 5 1,600 1,003 497 1,500 100 2 Dawna Bwar 1 2,100 1,539 501 2,040 60 2 2,350 1,699 601 2,300 50 4 2,700 1,786 864 2,650 50 5 1,750 1,334 316 1,650 100 6 1,800 1,328 322 1,650 150 7 2,450 2,048 202 2,250 200 8 2,000 1,721 29 1,750 250 3 Ohbo Shwegyin 1 1,450 1,307 43 1,350 100 2 1,850 1,529 271 1,800 50 3 2,000 1,413 537 1,950 50 4 Upoke Taw 1 1,000 654 96 750 250 2 1,200 796 204 1,000 200 3 1,550 1,151 149 1,300 250 4 1,750 1,168 282 1,450 300 5 1,950 1,117 533 1,650 300 6 1,250 845 205 1,050 200 7 2,200 1,468 182 1,650 550 8 2,300 1,418 382 1,800 500 9 1,750 1,126 324 1,450 300 10 1,850 1,290 310 1,600 250 5 Amara Htani (East) 2 2,000 1,429 531 1,960 40 3 1,500 1,195 291 1,486 14 4 1,900 1,683 201 1,884 13

5 1,750 1,295 407 1,702 48 SEE PAGE-5 12 MARCH 2021 THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR NATIONAL 3

MNM MNMMNMMNMMNMMNMMNMMNMMNMMNMMNNMNM The government wishes to appoint only the persons who win the

MNM majority respect and who are free from party politics to a possible degree MNM

NEW ward and village administrators have been appointed as the term of the old ones had expired. But there are acts

MNM against the appointment of the ward and village administrators. The government wishes to appoint only the persons who MNM win the majority respect and who are free from party politics to a possible degree. Rejections against these appointments have appeared under the influence of party politics. Democracy tolerates whether it is pro or against a topic. Full democra-

NN cies always accept appointments or assignments done in accord with the rule and law. As the township administrators are NN immediate superiors of the village administrators, they also should be free from political influence. Arrangements are being

N made to ensure this. N

N (Excerpt from the speech to the meeting of the State Administration Council made by N the Republic of the Union of Myanmar State Administration Council Chairman N N Senior General Min Aung Hlaing on 2 March 2021) N N

MNMMNMMNMMNMMNMMNMMNMMNMMNMMNMMNN Economy plays a key role in the three main driving forces of the State: Senior General

FROM PAGE-1 of healthcare staff, they need Only when banks operate reg- members of the Securities to provide public healthcare to ularly, can monetary matters and Exchange Supervisory everyone regardless of friend Therefore, education promotion be smoothly handled for the Commission and cash award or enemy. public. presentation, disbursement of The State will give medical Without a good education, special Covid loans and loan doctors the rights and privileg- is necessary. Education promo- a country cannot develop. returns, supervision of State- es they deserve. In this regard, Therefore, education promo- owned cinemas, spending of the Ministry of Health and tion efforts must be based on the tion is necessary. Education the emergency fund on agricul- Sports and relevant ministries promotion efforts must be tural, livestock breeding and need to seek ways and means. already-existing national strat- based on the already-existing transport sectors, raising of a Medical doctors themselves national strategies so that stu- socio-economic development need to live in line with their egies so that students are not dents are not abused as an ex- fund for mining work and feasi- professional ethics. Public periment. Closure of schools bility study of lead excavation. healthcare services must be abused as an experiment. causes losses to individual stu- The Senior General said considered on a long-term ba- dents as well as the State. So, needs arise now to reopen sis as they are essential. preparations are being made the hospitals. There are 1,177 Regarding banking ser- to reopen the schools system- hospitals in all regions and vices, banks are responsible with the rules and disciplines. fail to follow the disciplines. A atically. Other ministries also states but some are found to be for cash flow. They need to It is necessary to take legal modern and updated banking need to render help for nation- closed. According to the ethics operate regularly in accord action against the banks that system should also be adopted. al education promotion.—MNA

Central Bank of Myanmar discusses banking-related matters

THE Central Bank of Myanmar financial rules. organized a meeting yesterday. He stressed the need to During the meeting, CBM follow the civil services law, Governor U Than Nyein dis- rules and regulations and to be cussed the importance of the mindful of technical security administration and human re- and cybersecurity in the IT era. sources development depart- Then, the Deputy Direc- ment, control of staff under the tor-General and Directors civil services law, rules and presented the respective work regulations and assistance for plans of their departments. departmental staff within the They discussed the plans scope of the allocated budget. to meet the needs for human He also discussed the resource development, e-Gov- CBM Governor U Than Nyein chairs the meeting to discuss banking-related matters yesterday. training for staff to develop the ernment, SWIFT system and human resources and IT and CBM-NET system, completion upgrade of financial manage- and other arrangements. CBM Governor instructed current expenditure and capi- of Training Centre of CBM in ment, MIS Reporting System Then, the Vice-Governors the necessary things.—MNA/ tal expenditures following the Yangon with World Bank loan, and SWIFT Reporting Service coordinated the meeting and GNLM 12 MARCH 2021 4 NATIONAL THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR Vice-Chairman of State Administration Council Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Commander-in-Chief (Army) Vice-Senior General Soe Win meets officers, other ranks and families of Kalaw, Aungban stations

ice-Chairman of the State Administration V Council Deputy Com- mander-in-Chief of Defence Services Commander-in-Chief (Army) Vice-Senior General Soe Win met officers, other ranks and families of Kalaw and Aung- ban stations at the station hall Kalaw of Shan State (South) this evening. Also present were Lt-Gen Aung Zaw Aye from the Office of the Commander-in-Chief (Army), Chief of Staff (Air) Lt- Gen Tun Aung, senior military officers of the Office of the Com- Vice-Chairman of the State Administration Council Vice-Senior General Soe Win holds meeting with officers, other ranks and family members of mander-in-Chief (Army), Com- Kalaw and Aungban stations yesterday. mander of Eastern Command Brig-Gen Ni Lin Aung and of- the ignorance of those demands the President to solve the issue Council, adopted the five future and security awareness. He also ficers, other ranks and families by the UEC led by U Hla Thein, in time. He also said attempts work programmes and is imple- explained the dos and don’ts of Kalaw and Aungban stations. the rejection of the request to were made to convene the third menting them. Security forces for the servicemen and their At the meeting, the hold a special session on the Hluttaw without clearing all the are using the minimum force families to stay away from acts Vice-Senior General explained voter list errors by the speak- doubts about the error in the and rules at the lowest level in that may tarnish the image of the situation of the canvassing er of the Hluttaw, President U voter list that exceeded 10.4 controlling the anarchic riots in their institution. campaigns of the 2020 gener- Win Myint’s total rejection of million in numbers with the in- accord with the 1956 Law on the The Vice-Senior General al election, during the general the final request to solve the tention of taking over the three riot manual of the government and party presented foodstuff election and the post-election problem through the meeting organs of power through unfair of the Union of Myanmar and and gifts to officers, other ranks period, a gigantic error of 10.4 of the National Defence and means. Hence, the Tatmadaw the 2015 mob control manual and families of Kalaw and Aung- million in the voter list of over Security Council for two times, had to declare the state of emer- of the Myanmar Police Force ban stations through the respec- 39.2 eligible million voters, the the refusal of a personal request gency under Sections 417 and of the Ministry of Home Affairs. tive officials. frequent demands made by the to check the voter list with the 418 without revoking the 2008 Some civil servants who are After the meeting, the people and the political parties newly-formed UEC, to postpone Constitution to serve the duties misled into participating in the Vice-Senior General and party concerned to the Union Elec- the programme to summon the of the State during the desig- CDM are facing socio-econom- cordially greeted officers, other tion Commission to solve the new Hluttaw during the time the nated period. The Tatmadaw ic losses. Officers, other ranks ranks and family members who matter in a transparent way, lists were under inspection and set up the State Administration and families should have unity attended the meeting.—MNA

Ministry of Construction holds 2nd coordination meeting

THE Ministry of Construction Htein discussed the future held the coordination meeting plans of the Ministry, activities to discuss matters relating to to be implemented under the the successful implementation State Administration Council of the five key stages of the and living under the staff rules State Administration Council, and regulations. directives of the Chairman of Permanent Secretary U the Council, further implemen- Aung Myint Oo explained the tations of the Ministry, policies, status of the construction work personnel issues and status of of the Ministry and the situation the current business devel- to proceed following the rules opment, under the COVID-19 regarding the staff who have health guidelines yesterday been participating in the CDM morning in Nay Pyi Taw. campaign. At the meeting, Union Min- The meeting also dis- ister for Construction U Shwe Union Minister U Shwe Lay presides over the second coordination meeting of his ministry yesterday. cussed the status of the current Lay said from the time the State implementation and further Administrative Council took re- their duties to function the ments of the Ministry, including ards. plans, staffing issues, financial sponsibilities of the State, five whole State machinery properly. the Department of Road Trans- He urged the civil service difficulties including the current key roadmaps and nine goals for The Union Minister added port Administration which has personnel to work hard as per inconvenience in withdrawing politics, economy and society the 10,000 public housing units been affected by the COVID-19 the existing laws, rules and money from banks and trans- have been set and civil servants which have been implemented crisis. regulations to function the ma- portation of the necessary build- must follow the procedures and by the Ministry in Nay Pyi Taw, He stressed the importance chinery of the State, to continue ing materials and labour issues objectives set by the sector. Yangon and Mandalay as per of conducting implementations research activities and to com- and difficulties for some skilled Although civil service per- the COVID-19 economic relief with the 2020-2021FY fund in the ply with financial regulations in workers to come to work, and sonnel have different beliefs and plan and the need to remedy set time and meeting 100 per carrying out activities. the Union Minister coordinated practices, they must perform joint ventures of other depart- cent of the quality and stand- Deputy Minister U Min as necessary. —MNA/GNLM 12 MARCH 2021 THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR NATIONAL 5

Republic of the Union of Myanmar State Administration Council Press Release

Order No 103/2021 IT was posted on Facebook social media that Union Minister for Foreign Affairs 13th Waning of Tabodwe 1382 ME U Wunna Maung Lwin had sent an email about the “Presenting the Current Sit- 11 March 2021 uation in Myanmar” to U.S. Secretary of State Honourable Antony J. Blinken via Appointment and Duty Assignment of an email account of [email protected]. Deputy Ministers That particular email account is not the email of Union Minister U Wunna The State Administration Council has appointed and assigned the following Maung Lwin and it has never been created. Such kind of online post on social persons as Deputy Ministers shown against each of their ministries, in accordance media has a deliberate intention to sow misunderstanding to the public with with the right to exercise the powers under Article 419 of the State Constitution of false contents by using a fake email account. Actions will be taken against those the Republic of the Union of Myanmar. posting fabricated contents in accordance with the existing laws and regulations. 1. U Ko Ko Lwin Ministry of Planning, Finance and Industry The Ministry of Foreign Affairs only uses official diplomatic channels and 2. Dr Aung Gyi Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Irrigation sends official note verbales through embassies based in the respective countries 3. U Min Min Oo Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental for its official diplomatic correspondences. Conservation 4. U Thant Sin Ministry of Electricity and Energy By order Ministry of Foreign Affairs Sd/ Aung Lin Dway Nay Pyi Taw Lieutenant-General Dated, 11 March 2021 Secretary State Administration Council

Announcement of Union Election Commission FROM PAGE-2 Inspection Difference Sr Ward Polling station Issued Used Remaining Total Missing Extra 6 Amara Htani (West) 1 2,500 1,764 687 2,451 49 7 Nyaung Kwal 1 2,300 1,709 241 1,950 350 2 2,550 1,409 593 2,002 548 3 1,850 1,264 376 1,640 210 4 1,800 1,684 56 1,740 60 5 1,950 1,474 276 1,750 200 6 2,000 1,074 776 1,850 150 7 1,850 1,417 333 1,750 100 8 2,000 1,163 89 1,252 748 9 2,250 1,543 697 2,240 10 10 2,400 1,563 587 2,150 250 8 Pyi Lone Chan Tha 1 2,450 1,781 619 2,400 50 9 Pyi Gyi Yan Lone 1 2,200 1,779 321 2,100 100 2 2,200 1,605 245 1,850 350 4 2,400 1,611 89 1,700 700 5 3,050 2,421 529 2,950 100 10 May Ga Thiri 1 1,900 1,304 546 1,850 50 2 2,300 1,573 17 1,950 710 3 2,100 1,572 478 2,050 50 11 Pale Ngwe Yaung 2 2,650 1,705 895 2,600 50 3 2,100 1,216 784 2,000 100 12 Aungmyethazan 1 2,450 2,027 373 2,400 50 2 2,550 1,969 131 2,100 450 3 2,350 1,734 66 1,800 550 5 2,750 1,609 588 2,197 553 13 Min Te Ei Kin 1 2,200 1,471 429 1,900 300 2 2,200 1,635 465 2,100 100 3 2,700 2,016 634 2,650 50 4 3,200 2,134 1,059 3,193 7 5 2,200 1,795 260 2,055 145 8 1,000 546 404 950 50 14 Pyi Gyi Kyet Thayay(West) 1 2,700 1,434 766 2,200 500 2 2,400 1,584 766 2,350 50 15 Thiri Malar (east) 1 1,900 1,085 415 1,500 400 2 1,900 1,333 417 1,750 150 5 2,400 1,459 541 2,000 400 16 Thiri Malar(west) 1 1,150 903 214 1,117 33 2 1,600 1,132 438 1,570 30 3 2,150 1,608 500 2,108 42 4 1,800 1,275 510 1,785 15 5 1,750 1,296 449 1,745 5 Total 143,900 101,991 27,616 129,607 14,293

Union Election Commission 12 MARCH 2021 6 NATIONAL THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR State Administration Council holds press conference

State Administration Council’s Information Team Leader Brig-Gen Zaw Min Tun explained the ongoing political affairs of the country to the media.

STATE Administration Council’s dispersal procedures and repa- He also added the investiga- Daw Cho Cho for taking bribe tion and video clips. Information Team Leader Brig- triation of Myanmar nationals tion of Anti-Corruption Commis- from some business people. U Khin Maung Oo, a mem- Gen Zaw Min Tun explained the and scholar monks from Malay- sion, corruption committed by He then highlighted the ber of UEC presented the per- ongoing political affairs of the sia, India and Sri Lanka in Tat- former chief ministers Dr Zaw difference between the election formance of the current UEC country to the media yesterday. madaw’s vessels and aircraft. Myint Maung, Dr Myint Naing results released by former UEC and its findings in inspections Before the press confer- He continued to say about and Dr Aye Zan, further inves- and findings by current UEC and on election results with pieces ence, the officials conducted the difficulties of the public in tigation by ACC on former Pres- words of a member of former of evidence. COVID-19 preventive measures health sectors for CDM, health- ident U Win Myint and his wife UEC via PowerPoint presenta- Some of the documents for the press conference, perfor- mance of current UEC, findings in inspection on election results and other documents were displayed at the press confer- ence for the media to cover the news, Brig-Gen Zaw Min Tun explained to the attendees. The press conference was attended by the members of the State Administration Council’s Information Team, officials from the Tatmadaw True News In- formation Team and journalists from local media organizations, dailies, local TVs, foreign media organizations based in Myan- mar and the full documents of the press conference will be U Khin Maung Oo, a member of UEC presented the performance of the Local and Foreign media presonnel are seen viewing the display panel. released soon. — MNA/GNLM current UEC. against the attendees to ensure care services of military medics social distancing. at military hospitals and public During the press confer- hospitals, actions that were tak- ence, Brig-Gen Zaw Min Tun en against those who pledged to talked about the performance of support financial assistance to the State Administration Coun- CDM staff and those who mis- cil for peace and tranquillity of used the cash contributions, the State, the rule of law and State-level corruption, findings sector-wise development during after inspections on Daw Khin one month, the outbreak of riots Kyi Foundation, inspection on from peaceful protests, lawless former region and state chief anarchy mob, CDM to affect the ministers while former Pres- governance mechanism, trans- ident U Win Myint and State port, public services, banking Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu services and departmental oper- Kyi were placed under house ations and threats to join CDM. arrest starting 1 February 2021 He added the formation of and testimony of former Yan- unlawful CRPH to escalate civil gon Chief Minister U Pyo Min unrest and disobedience move- Thein that he gave more than ment, forcing youths to take to $600,000 and 7 visses of gold the streets, handling protests led to State Counsellor Daw Aung by anarchists in February and San Suu Kyi and she, herself Some of the documents for the press conference, performance of current UEC, findings in inspection on early March under the crowd received them. election results and other documents were displayed at the press conference. 12 MARCH 2021 THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR LOCAL NEWS 7 Riot control conducted in townships in Magway, New gold Yangon, Ayeyawady and Sagaing regions plates to be offered to Shwedagon Pagoda

THE Shwedagon Pagoda Treasurer’s Board of Trus- tees received the sermon from the senior venerable monks regarding the re- maining work to be carried out under the Shwedagon Pagoda Gold Plate Donation Plan (2018-2019) yesterday morning in Shwedagon Pa- goda. Due to the COVID-19 crisis in 2020, the implemen- Myaing Township Police Station is seen after rioters storm into it. Rioters are seen attacking the security forces, with slingshots and rocks. tation of engraving more than 12,000 Gavisite copper SECURITY forces maintained crowd. Finally, when the group scare the group of about 80 ri- jured and one of them died due plates to the remaining ar- the situation while riots broke insisted on riot, security forces oters away who attacked them to the injury. It was reported eas of Shwedagon Pagoda out in Myaing Township in dispersed the crowd in accord- while they were patrolling the that the deceased person was was suspended. At present, Magway Region, Dagon Myo- ance with the riot control pro- streets in the wards of Kalay Chit Min, 25, who lived in (49) as a group of 50 people can thit (North) in Yangon Region, cedures and detained 2 men. Township, Sagaing Region ward, Dagon Myothit (North), be gathered, the pagoda will Nyaungdon Township in Ay- Afterwards, about 100 peo- around 10 pm on 10 March. Yangon Region. be covered in scaffolding to eyawady Region and Kalay ple gathered in front of the After the crowd had been dis- Around 8 pm on 10 March, carry out gold coating, and Township in Sagaing Region, township police station and in- persed, Soe Win, 49, who lived a rioter burned the motorbike to screw gold plates step by yesterday. vaded violently with slingshots in Chan Myay Aung ward, Kal- of an official parked in front step on necessary areas of While a group of about 50 and rocks. During the riot, one aw Township, was injured and of staff housing in ward (3), the pagoda under the guide- people were rioting in front man (still investigating) died, under medical care and will be Nyaungdon Township, Ay- lines of the senior venera- of Thukhamyaing monastery three police were injured and charged in accordance with eyawady Region and investiga- ble monks, according to the in Myaing Township in Mag- the crowd removed back. the law. tions are underway to charge statement of the Shwedagon way Region, security forces Similarly, security forces Riots in Dagon Myothit the responsible person at the Pagoda Treasurer’s Board demanded to disperse the had to fire warning shots to (North) also led two men in- township police station.—MNA of Trustees.—MNA/GNLM

Pandemic vaccinations continue Malaysia returnees provided cash for staff, religious persons assistance and items THE Department of Disaster Man- Management Department U Than agement under the Ministry of So- Soe provided a total of 9 personal cial Welfare, Relief and Resettlement grooming items, 543 boxes of surgical provided cash assistance and items masks, 1,086 face shields, 300 bot- to a total of 1,086 Myanmar nationals, tles of hand gel and Lt-Col Linn Tun who were repatriated from Malaysia, from the Yangon Command provided yesterday morning in Yangon. T-shirts to each one of them and a Deputy Director-General for the Workers’ Representative expressed Disaster Management Department U words of thanks. Win Shwe handed over K 2,280,6000 They were also provided longyis, to the two workers’ representatives; towel and soaps while they were on Director of the District Disaster board. —MNA

Tatmadaw medical corps are administering COVID jabs to the 65-year-old.

TATMADAW yesterday gave COVID-19 the vaccination. vaccinations for the relevant staff and re- Likewise, venerable monks and nuns ligious persons including monks and nuns from townships of eastern and northern who are above 65-year-old, according to Shan State, Rakhine State, Mandalay the officials. Region, and Bago Region received the Yesterday, relevant staff from Lash- pandemic vaccination. The Tatmadaw io, Laukkai, Kunlong, Kutkai, Namsam, physicians and medical teams who did Mongyai, Mongton, Namkham, Hsipaw, not participate in the Civil Disobedience Nawnghkio, Kyaukme and Hopan town- Movement in Myanmar gave the vacci- ships from northern Shan State received nations, according to the officials.—MNA Aids in cash and kind are provided to returnees from Malaysia. 12 MARCH 2021 12 MARCH 2021 8 OPINION THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR NATIONAL/ ARTICLE 9 Fire danger UN adopts landmark framework to integrate natural capital Objectives of 76th in economic reporting Anniversary Armed should Forces Day In a move that may reshape decision and policy-making towards sustainable development, the United Nations FOR the Tatmadaw to join hands with the entire nation to safeguard democracy, which is the aspiration of all the nation- on Wednesday adopted a new framework that includes the contributions of nature when measuring economic alities of the country, from deviating from its path, in accord be taken prosperity and human well-being. with the basic principles of the Constitution, while observing Our Three Main National Causes, which is the national policy; To protect the people from all dangers including natural The new framework no longer be heedlessly allow- the warmest six years all being seriously he new framework - the ing environmental destruction since 2015. And the loss of biodi- disasters at any time and in any situation and to provide all- System of Environmen- and degradation to be consid- versity and ecosystem integrity, round assistance for ensuring social security of the people; ith the summer season coming in, the reports on fire Ttal-Economic Account- ered economic progress." together with climate change To restore eternal peace based on NCA, without deviat- outbreak are seen on social media. ing - Ecosystem Accounting The new framework can and pollution will undermine ing from Our Three Main National Causes, as the cessation The reasons for causing fire are different from (SEEA EA) - was adopted by also underpin decision-making our efforts on 80 per cent of the W of armed conflicts is the principal requirement in realizing lighted mosquito-coils to electric short-circuit and negligence the UN Statistical Commission at two crucial conferences later Sustainable Development Goal for using an electrical appliance. and marks a major step forward this year - COP15 on Biodiversi- targets. democracy; Electrical fires involving cooking food and the misuse of that goes beyond the commonly ty in Kunming and the Glasgow And yet countries continue To build a strong and compact Standard Army, which has electrical appliances were reported in our country every year. used statistic of gross domestic Climate Conference, COP 26. to make decisions on the econo- the combat prowess and combat power, to effectively safeguard Meanwhile, faulty appliances are a big danger for fire product (GDP) that has domi- my without consideration to en- the State peace and stability and sovereignty. outbreaks even in the developed countries today. A survey nated economic reporting since Making Peace with Nature vironmental impacts. Govern- has shown that accidental the end of World War II. This According to a new UN En- ments are still directing more electrical fires in the kitch- measure would ensure that nat- vironment Programme (UNEP) than 5 trillion U.S. dollars in en were caused by misuse ural capital - forests, wetlands report, "Making Peace with Na- annual subsidies to fossil fuels, The moderni- and fires caused by electri- and other ecosystems - are rec- ture," the global economy has non-sustainable agriculture and cal appliances are due to ognized in economic reporting. grown nearly fivefold over the fishing, non-renewable energy, zation of negligence. Experts emphasize that last 50 years, largely due to a mining, and transportation. Announcement of Central Hence, the fires in our while a statistic such as GDP tripling in extraction of natural The new framework recog- country are alerted the does a good job of showing the resources and energy that has nizes that ecosystems deliver Bank of Myanmar technology people to improve their value of goods and services fueled growth in production and important services that gen- behaviour when they use exchanged in markets, it does consumption. Over the same erate benefits for people. In and techniques electrical appliances. not reflect the dependency of time, the world population has essence, they are assets to be THE foreign currency account under the name of Open Society About 90 per cent of all the economy on nature, nor its increased by a factor of two, to maintained, similar to econom- Foreign tourists swim and relax at a natural pool at Kuang Si falls, a few kilometres outside Luang Prabang in Myanmar was opened at the Small and Medium Enterprise leads to a large appliance misuse fires that impacts on nature, such as the 7.8 billion people, and though northern Laos. PHOTO: AFP ic assets. For example, forests occurred in the kitchen, in deterioration of water quality on average prosperity has also play a role in providing commu- Development Bank (SMEDB) located at the corner of Wah homes and buildings has or the loss of a forest. doubled, about 1.3 billion people highlighting the contribution The adoption comes at a nities with clean water, serving increase in the Dan street and Anawyahtar street in Yangon. Of $5 million made it the clear ‘danger UN Secretary-General An- still live in poverty and some 700 of nature, we now have a tool time when climate change con- The loss of biodiversity as natural water filters with zone’ for electrical safety tonio Guterres welcomed the million are hungry. that allows us to properly view tinues its relentless march and According to the World Me- trees, plants and other charac- transferred to that account, $1.4 million was changed into use of electricity. in the homes. adoption of the new economic "This is a major step for- and value nature. It can help us the world is on track to reach teorological Organization, 2020 teristics, such as soil depth, that Myanmar Kyat (K1,999,900,000) and Finance Manager Daw The modernization of and environmental framework. ward," said UNEP Executive bring about a rapid and lasting new highs of warming, climbing was in a dead-heat to be one help absorb nutrient pollution Electricity technology and techniques "This is a historic step forward Director Inger Andersen. "The shift toward sustainability for to at least 3 degrees Celsius of the three warmest years on like nitrogen and phosphorus Phyu Pa Pa Thaw of Open Society Myanmar withdrew it on leads to a large increase in towards transforming how we new framework can be a game both people and the environ- above pre-industrial levels by record, and 2011-2020 was the before it can flow into streams, 8 February 2021. The Small and Medium Enterprise Devel- supply is the use of electricity. Elec- view and value nature. We will changer in decision-making. By ment." 2100. warmest decade on record, with rivers and lakes. tricity supply is available Source: Xinhua opment Bank (SMEDB) failed to report such remittance and not only in big cities but available not withdrawal of money to the Central Bank of Myanmar under also in rural areas. People tend to use electrical ap- the procedures and so, arrangements are being made to take only in big cities pliances such as washing Vaccine hope, but enduring fear one year after pandemic declared action against those officials in accord with the law. machines, dishwashers but also in rural and other kitchenware. The world on Thursday marked one year since the coronavirus threat was declared a pandemic, with vaccinations offering Central Bank of Myanmar Electricity can become a areas. friend or foe depending on hope but much of humanity still enduring highly restricted lives and no clear path back to normality. the type of its use. When we use electrical he enormity of the chal- people and forced unprecedented the world at the time. - 'War footing' - appliances, we are also responsible to prevent fire by following lenge entering the second curbs on movement that eviscer- On the same day, actor Tom The only defenses to the fire safety guidelines. Tyear of the pandemic was ated economies. Hanks announced while on a film- contagious virus one year ago Those who use fire recklessly or carelessly, thereby setting highlighted Wednesday in Brazil, "It took a long time for the ing mission in Australia that he appeared to be face masks and fire to flammable materials and actions will be taken against where a surge fuelled by more politicians to act... We are pay- had contracted the virus, deep- stopping people from interacting. them according to Section 285, Criminal Law. Those who use contagious new variants saw a ing for it, the poor people," said ening fears that no one was safe. Global aviation came to a the electricity are responsible for negligence and careless use record 2,286 deaths reported for Adilson Menezes, 40, outside a But with the United States standstill and governments im- of electricity, therefore tough actions will be taken against them. the day. hospital in Brazil's biggest city only just starting to feel the direct posed deeply unpopular restric- Section 285, Criminal Law was promulgated to take against On the economic front, the Sao Paulo, where all non-essential impacts of the pandemic, then tions, forcing billions of fearful those who have committed arson. In accordance with this US Congress passed one of its businesses are closed to help fight president Donald Trump played people into some form of lock- Section, tough actions will be taken against those who have biggest stimulus efforts ever -- a the virus. down the threat. down. committed arson inadvertently or carelessly. They are liable $1.9-trillion package that Presi- The World Health Organiza- "The virus will not have a "We are on a war footing," to a heavy fine and could be sentenced to three-year impris- dent Joe Biden said would give tion officially declared Covid-19 a chance against us," Trump told Corinne Krencker, the head of onment for arson. struggling American families a pandemic on March 11 last year the nation. Under his chaotic lead- a hospital network in eastern The Brazilian mega-city is known as a world street-art capital, and not even with us/ According to the motto: “Avoid the danger of fire before "fighting chance". as infection numbers were begin- ership, the United States would France told AFP on March 11 the coronavirus pandemic has stopped graffiti painters. Mural by artist being caught by it.” Therefore, people from all walks of life are Since first emerging in China ning to explode across Asia and become the hardest-hit nation: last year, as patient and death Mari Mats on Rua Capitao Prudente, West Zone of the city of Sao Paulo on A d v e r t i s e Hot Line : sincerely urged to avoid the danger of fire by using it cautiously. at the end of 2019, the coronavirus Europe. About 4,600 deaths had the American death toll today numbers began to surge. August 10. PHOTO: AFP has killed more than 2.6 million been officially recorded around stands at more than 528,000. Source: AFP 09974424848 12 MARCH 2021 10 LOCAL THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR Onion growers expect good price amid sluggish trade

ONION growers from Monywa desh and India has been halt- Township, Magway Region are ed to contain the spread of the expecting a good price amid a coronavirus. Having said that, bear market trend. the price remains low. The on- “The onion price is steadily ion growers, as well as traders, declining. The trade has slowed have been experiencing market down for months. We cannot fallouts due to the COVID-19 im- cover even the cultivation cost. pacts since last year, said onion Onion is priced only K200-230 per wholesale dealer from Mandalay. viss (a viss equals 1.6kg). The Next, Bangladesh’s demand market will raise its head again for Myanmar’s onions coupled only if the external markets with high demand in the local demand them,” said an onion market hiked up prices, soaring grower from Monywa Township. up to K4,000 per viss on 15 No- The onion growers have vember 2019, according to the been facing extreme losses on Mandalay commodity depot. a downward trend due to the The high demand by foreign lack of foreign demand. They In early 2020, the onion fetched K1,200-1,300 per viss. Now, the price drastically fell and the growers cannot markets and a remarkable price even cover the input cost. cannot cover the cultivation cost rise prompted the growers to as well as afford the harvesting fresh bulk supply of onions. The a grower. border following the coronavirus expand the onion cultivation in cost for now. old onions fetched only K100-200 The prevailing prices of on- impacts. Additionally, the slug- 2020. Unfortunately, the market Consequently, the prolonged per viss in the wholesale market, ions are around K400 per viss gish trade amid the current polit- is getting worse. price declines led some growers whereas the prices of fresh onion in the retail market. The lower ical conditions and shutdown of The prices of domestic on- in Magway Region to leave their stand at over K200 per viss. demand brings down the price the restaurants, hotels, factories ions exceeded K3,000 per viss in onions unharvested as they can- In early 2020, the onion to the lowest level, said U Thar and donation events exacerbate 2015, 2018, and 2019. not cover the labour wages and fetched K1,200-1,300 per viss. Paw, a warehouse owner. the onion market. The onions are primarily transportation charges. Now, the price drastically fell The prices of onions sharply Earlier, onions were highly grown in Mandalay, Magway and The stockpiles in the mar- and the growers cannot even dropped owing to the bulk supply demanded by Bangladesh and Yangon regions, Nay Pyi Taw ket have exacerbated with the cover the input cost, said U Tun, and the closure of the western India. The trade with Bangla- and Shan State. — Lulay/ HH

Construction of crop dehydration factory completed by 65% in ChaungU Township

THE construction of crop de- ing director U Aung Naing Oo of dehydration factory. We faced cute crops drying, categorizing Company Administration. hydration factory is 65 per cent of Aung Nagani Co., Ltd. market loss owing to the infe- and rice milling and process- To simplify the verifica- finished in ChaungU Township, The dehydration factory is rior quality then. The dehydra- ing activities on 28 December tion of investment projects, Sagaing Region and about 2,000 aimed at fetching a good price tion factory is set up to enhance 2018, bringing in the capital of the Myanmar Investment Law tonnes of crops are daily dried in the export market. It will ex- the socio-economy of the farm- K726.44 million (including US$ allows the region and state In- on a trial run at present. port quality vegetable to foreign ers and explore more potential 0.113 million). The factory is vestment Committees to grant The factory is started to countries. About 30 people will markets,” said U Aung Naing located at No. 2038, Kywalkyay- permissions for local and for- be developed on 28 December be employed upon the comple- Oo. oe yard, Ngaya n village-tract, eign proposals, where the initial 2018, under the endorsement tion of the factory. Sagaing Region Invest- ChaungU Township, Sagaing investment does not exceed K6 of the Sagaing Region Invest- “The crop processing was ment Committee endorsed Region, according to the Di- billion, or $5 million. — Lulay ment Committee, said manag- earlier delayed due to the lack Aung Nagani Co., Ltd to exe- rectorate of Investment and (GNLM)

Pwintbyu chickpea growers anticipate good price in early harvest season

CHICKPEA growers in Pwint- his opinion. byu Township, Magway Region “This year, the yield of chick- are expecting a good price in the pea per acre is five baskets low- coming harvest season amid low er than last year. Last year, a yield this year. basket of chickpea was worth On 5 February, the prices over K20,000. We are waiting for of chickpeas ranged between a good price this year as well. US$1,365 and $1,385 per tonne, Now, the irrigation water has Bayintnaung market’s data been distributed. The summer showed. chickpea and sesame growers At present, the domestic are competitively hiring the bean market is positively related workers for harvesting, which al- to the law of supply and demand. lows the village workers to earn The black bean price depends on K5,000 a day. Those who have the buyers and sellers. There is already harvested the chickpea no official set price, the traders are also treating their farms to stressed. grow paddy and other crops,” “The prices usually fluctu- said a chickpea grower from ate depending on supply and de- Letpanwe village of Pwintbyu There are 890,000 acres of chickpeas across the country. mand. When the peas are loaded Township. on the ship, the prices climb up. The winter chickpeas are Myanmar exported chickpeas to India, Pa- Nay Pyi Taw. There are 890,000 acres of chickpeas The market is now slowing down ripe enough to be harvested in kistan, UAE, Turkey and other foreign markets across the country. due to transport problem and Pwintbyu Township. The grow- last year. The peas are cultivated in October and Novem- transaction difficulties,” said a ers started plucking them in The chickpeas are cultivated in Yangon, Man- ber and they are harvested in the January-April trader from Mandalay shared early March, a local grower said. dalay, Bago, Sagaing and Ayeyawady regions and period. —Ye Win Naing/ KK/GNLM 12 MARCH 2021 THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR NATIONAL 11 Price of tongala 692 chilli species in Pilgrims peacefully Ngaphe township expected to reach peak visit pagodas

THE price of tongala 692 chilli including species is expected to reach a peak in this chilli harvest season. Shwedagon The local villagers from Hsinchindaing village in Nga- ALTHOUGH the pagodas phe township, Magway region including buildings or tem- are interested in the agricultur- ples of other religions were al sector. They are growing the temporarily closed during tongala 692 chilli species with the COVID-19 pandemic, all use of underground water. Now, were reopened in accord- the chilis are yielding abundantly ance with the COIVD-19 this year. health rules starting 8 Feb- “The W7 multi-crop trading ruary. company in Tada-U township Meanwhile, the pil- in Mandalay region is selling grims and visitors includ- the tongala 692 chilli species for ing monks and nuns visit K6,000 per pack. The nursery the Shwedagon of Yangon seed plants need fertilizer to Region, Maha Muni Pago- grow well. After 25 to 45 days, the da of Mandalay Region and nursery plants are transplanted Uppatasanti Pagoda of Nay to the boundary farmland and Pyi Taw Council Area and given water once a week. The other pagodas of regions growers are not allowed to use and states accordance with any pesticides and chemicals the COVID-19 health rules. but they can use natural medi- Moreover, Islamic re- cine, consisting of wild almond, The farmers who grow Tongala 692 chilli species are having greater profit by investing less capital. ligious schools, Churches Epsom salt, egg shall, algae, rice and Hindu temples across water, molasses and raw salt. for about K1,200 per viss. So, the costs K 750,000,” said U Min Min, capital. So, the farmers are likely the nation are also reo- After two and a half months, the growers are expecting to get a a chilli grower from Hsinchin- to grow more chillies on a trial pened in accordance with plants could yield. The chilis are higher price than a fixed price. daing village. basis. Now, about 78 farmers the COVID-19 health rules planted usually in November and More than 10,000 chilli plants are The farmers who grow Ton- from the village are growing the and the people of respective they yield in March. The ripe chi- grown on one and a half acres gala 692 chilli species are having chilli on 210 acres of their farm- religions peacefully do their lis will be sold to the W7 company of farmland and the cultivation greater profit by investing less land. —Ma Yu (Ngape)/GNLM religious matters.—MNA 180 rioters Around 10,000 herds of cattle for export to China stuck in Muse since the end-last year detained during AROUND 10,000 herds of cattle market, China permits cattle im- legal action taken if they do not that have been planned to export port under legal market only after sell the cattle for three months. to China have been stuck in the ensuring that the cattle are free Live cattle export was al- riot control across Muse trade zone till now since the from 20 diseases including foot lowed in late 2017 to eradicate end of last year, said U Soe Naing, and mouth disease. illegal exports, creating more country chairman of the Mandalay Region Earlier, 1,500-2,000 herds of opportunities for breeders and Cattle Exporters Association. cattle were daily traded through promoting their interests. At present, about 10,000 the Muse border. Now, Chan halt- According to the 2018-2019 THE Security Forces detained As Security Forces inev- herds of cattle owned by 150 com- ed the cattle trading under a legal financial year trade figures of the a total of 180 rioters (155 males itably had to conduct the riot panies are stranded at the Muse route. Commerce Ministry, Myanmar’s and 25 females) during the riot control depending on the na- border. The labour wages and Because of the suspension exports of livestock and animal control across the country yes- ture of the protest, there will feedstuff cost burden them and of China’s cattle trading market, products hit over US$360 million. terday. be injuries or death. By the it costs K400,000-K600,000 to take Myanmar is trading with other Myanmar cattle tradition has sig- The protestors ran ri- time the leaders are ordering care of 100 herds of cattle every external markets such as Laos, nificantly dropped by over $100 ots in townships of Nay Pyi from hiding places, there are day, according to the association. Thailand, Malaysia and Bangla- million in 2019-2020FY. Taw, Yangon Region, Manda- just grievous losses for the Consequently, some of the desh. But, Myanmar’s live cattle According to the 2018 cat- lay Region, Magway Region, people in reality. It has been traders are going back to their export is highly relying on the tle census, there are 11.5 million Sagaing Region, Bago Region, announced that the parents original places while the others China market because of a rea- herds of cattle in the country in- Ayeyawady Region, Taninthayi and relatives must control the are trading under illegal mar- sonable price. cluding 18 buffalos, and 87 cows Region, Kachin State, Kayah situation in their neighbour- kets because of the high costs of The Ministry of Commerce and bulls. About 400,000 herds of State, Kayin State, Chin State, hood since the rioters also do labour wages and feedstuff. grants permission to each com- cattle are needed for domestic Shan State, Mon State and se- not have an actual idea of why Although China does not pro- pany for 100 cattle exports, and consumption while the remaining curity forces had to maintain they are doing these protests. hibit the purchase of cattle from the permit is valid for three cattle are targeted to export. — the situation. —MNA/GNLM Myanmar under trading illegal months. The companies can have NN/GNLM Public information Yangon Administration Council is working with relevant departments to help the businesses in the region. People are informed to contact the following phone numbers to get assistance for their small and medium-scaled businesses and investments which are facing some delays and working to do new businesses. Phone numbers: 01 830 1975, 01830 2175 Yangon Region Administration Council 12 MARCH 2021 12 PANDEMIC: TOP STORIES THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR EU plans for ‘bumpy’ vaccine production NEWS IN BRIEF THE EU has taken “bumpy” ticularly AstraZeneca. Covid-19 vaccine production But, he said, the bloc was Baltic states ask into account in its plan to ramp now on target to receive 100 mil- EU to distribute up deliveries in coming months, lion doses in each of the next vaccines based on the head of its supply task force three months, and possible fur- said Tuesday. ther hiccups have been “inte- need Thierry Breton, the bloc’s grated” into the planning. industry commissioner, told a “I forced companies to have THE three Baltic states on news conference the EU’s vac- many, many (contingency) ac- Wednesday wrote to the Eu- cine strategy should this week be tions in case something could ropean Commission to ask for augmented with the addition of go wrong,” Breton said. a new system for distributing Johnson & Johnson’s single-shot He added that reported pro- Covid-19 vaccines within the vaccine. He said that approval duction shortfalls in the United EU based on need rather than The EU has taken “bumpy” Covid-19 vaccine production into account in would be “within the next, hope- States by Johnson & Johnson population size. its plan to ramp up deliveries in coming months. PHOTO: AFP fully, days or hours,” and would would therefore not impact the In a letter to EU Health bring the number of vaccines in disappointing vaccination rollout ceived only 14 million doses in EU’s outlook. “Do not believe Commissioner Stella Kyri- use across the 27 member states started in January that faltered January, 28 million in February that because one company has a akides, the health ministers to four, on top of ones from BioN- because of a lack of doses. and he expected more than 55 problem that overall it will jeop- of Estonia, Latvia and Lithu- Tech/Pfizer, Moderna and As- “I am confident that we will million doses in March. ardize the whole programme. ania called for “a temporary traZeneca. Breton reaffirmed make it. But it’s difficult. It’s That was well below the This is why it’s good to have re-distribution of deliveries the commission’s goal of great- bumpy. And this is why we have commission’s original projec- today -- or let’s say tomorrow taking into account the ex- ly increasing deliveries in the this task force,” he said. tions, because of shortfalls by -- hopefully four vaccines to go, traordinary situations and coming three months, after a Breton said the bloc re- all three vaccine makers, par- and soon five,” he said.—AFP actual use of vaccines”. They asked that criteria such as availability of vac- cines, vaccination rate, case Los Angeles agrees to reopen schools in April rate, mortality rate and the spread of new variants should HUNDREDS of thousands of Los first to resume in-person lessons be taken into account in the Angeles children could return to in mid-April. new system.—AFP their classrooms next month, al- Secondary schools would most a year after the coronavirus follow by the end of the month. pandemic forced learning online The agreement is contingent Japan to face across the United States. on vaccinations for school staff South Korea in first The second-largest school and on restrictions being eased home game since district in the country has lagged throughout Los Angeles County. behind others in the effort to get It also still needs to be approved pandemic students back on campus, after by the school board and the mem- a prolonged battle that struggled bership of the United Teachers JAPAN will play South Korea to balance safety concerns with Los Angeles union. in a friendly in Yokohama on educational needs. Los Angeles is among the March 25, the Japan Foot- Under a reopening roadmap hardest hit parts of California, a East College Prep High School senior Jocelyn Hernandez follows a ball Association announced agreed between the district and a state that has logged the highest remote Advanced Placement (AP) Calculus class while sitting in a Thursday, in their first home teachers’ union, preschools and overall coronavirus death toll in community garden near her home, August 14, 2020 in the Boyle Heights game since the coronavirus elementary schools would be the the country.—AFP neighbourhood of Los Angeles, California. PHOTO: AFP pandemic began. The four-time Asian champions will take on their Cathay Pacific posts record loss, warns of long recovery Korean neighbours at the 72,000-capacity Nissan Sta- HONG Kong carrier Cathay Pa- “It is by no means clear dium, although attendance cific said Wednesday it suffered a how the pandemic and its im- restrictions have yet to be record $2.8 billion loss last year as pact will develop over the coming announced. the coronavirus pandemic wiped months,” he warned, saying the The greater Tokyo re- out demand for travel -- and the group expected passenger traffic gion -- including Yokohama airline warned of a long road to to remain “well below” half of -- is currently under a coro- recovery ahead. pre-pandemic levels throughout navirus state of emergency Chairman Patrick Healy 2021. Like all major airlines, Ca- that is set to end on March described 2020 as the “most thay Pacific has seen its business 21. challenging” in the airline’s 70- evaporate during the coronavirus Under the restrictions, year history and said much will pandemic but the Hong Kong car- attendance at sporting now depend on how effective and rier has had an especially torrid events is capped at 5,000 or Cathay Pacific warned of a tough road ahead after reporting a record loss widespread global vaccination year because it has no domestic half capacity, whichever is for 2020. PHOTO: AFP programmes are. market to fall back on.—AFP lowest.—AFP

CIRCULATION & DISTRIBUTION Printed and published at the Global New Light of Write for us San Lwin, (+95) (01) 8604532, Myanmar Printing Factory at No.150, Nga Htat Kyee www.gnlm.com.mm Hotline - 09 974424114 Pagoda Road, Bahan Township, Yangon, by the Global We appreciate your feedback and contributions. If you have any New Light of Myanmar Daily under Printing Permit www.globalnewlightofmyanmar.com comments or would like to submit editorials, analyses or reports ADVERTISING & MARKETING No. 00510 and Publishing Permit No. 00629. please email [email protected] with your name and ( +95) (01) 8604530, [email protected] title. Hotline - 09 974424848 www.gnlm.com.mm Due to limitation of space we are only able to publish “Letter [email protected] www.globalnewlightofmyanmar.com to the Editor” that do not exceed 500 words. Should you submit [email protected] www.facebook.com/thegnlm a text longer than 500 words please be aware that your letter will be edited. 12 MARCH 2021 THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR ECON 13 Rolls-Royce losses double as Biden victory as Congress passes huge virus hits aviation sector Covid relief plan BRITISH aircraft engine mak- than £1.0 billion in costs last er Rolls-Royce said Thursday year, including via the loss of THE US Congress passed Joe that net losses more than dou- 7,000 jobs as part of a planned Biden’s enormous economic bled last year to £3.2 billion restructuring drive. relief package Wednesday, de- as the coronavirus pandemic “2020 was an unprecedent- livering a resounding victory for hammered the aviation sector ed year,” said Chief Executive the president and giving what he and forced it to axe thousands Warren East. called a “fighting chance” to mil- of jobs. “The impact of the Covid-19 lions of families and businesses The deadly Covid-19 pan- pandemic on the group was felt suffering during the coronavirus demic had a “severe impact” most acutely by our civil aero- pandemic. on the group’s performance and space business.” The $1.9 trillion plan, near-term outlook, Rolls-Royce Regrettable’ job cuts months in the making, is one of said in a results statement. East said the company re- the largest US rescue packages The loss after tax, equiva- sponded swiftly by “launching ever. It will dramatically impact lent to $4.4 billion or 3.7 billion the largest restructuring in our every aspect of the world’s big- euros, compared with a loss of recent history, consolidating our gest economy for years to come £1.3 billion in 2019. global manufacturing footprint while protecting and expanding The aviation industry was and delivering significant cost the country’s social safety net. US Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) presided over the session ravaged last year as the conta- reduction measures.” Democrats say they have during which the huge Covid relief measure was passed. PHOTO: AFP gion grounded aircraft world- The firm suffered a record met a historic moment of crisis wide and sparked a crisis in air underlying pre-tax loss of £4.0 head on, funneling federal dol- in opposition, progressive and country, the people who keep transport. billion, which contrasted with lars into vaccine distribution, moderate Democrats locked this country going -- a fighting Rolls, which operates in the profit of £583 million a year ear- stimulus checks of up to $1,400 arms and marched the meas- chance,” the president said in a air, defence and energy sectors, lier. to most Americans, extended ure across the finish line days post-vote statement. has slashed costs as it seeks to Revenues tanked almost 29 unemployment benefits for before critical unemployment At a presentation with vac- navigate damaging fallout. per cent to about £11.8 billion. millions and an expansion of benefits were set to expire. cine makers, Biden went on to The company saved more —AFP government funding for health The bill now heads to the call the bill a “historic victory for care. White House, where Biden -- the American people” and said The measure only narrowly who made the American Rescue “there’s a real reason for hope” passed the House of Represent- Plan his top legislative priority in beating back the pandemic. atives by a 220-211 vote, with -- said he will sign the measure Critical moment zero support from Republicans, into law on Friday. Minutes earlier, loud cheers who accuse Biden of abandon- “This legislation is about and applause rose from the floor ing his Inauguration Day pledge giving the backbone of this na- when House Speaker Nancy to unify a divided nation. tion -- the essential workers, the Pelosi declared the measure But as Republicans stood working people who built this passed. —AFP

ECB to speed up pandemic bond buys on The company saved more than £1.0 billion in costs last year, rates fears including via the loss of 7,000 jobs in a restructuring drive that seeks to shed “at least” 9,000 roles by the end of 2022. PHOTO: AFP over the coming months to re- spond to a recent global bond sell-off that has spooked inves- Spain declares delivery riders tors. Attention now shifts to to be staff, in EU first Lagarde’s 2:30 pm (1330 GMT) SPAIN’S government an- up the first legislation in Europe virtual press conference where nounced Thursday a deal that that explicitly regulates the sta- she will likely be quizzed on just will recognize riders working tus of delivery workers who get how worried the ECB is about for delivery firms such as Deliv- around on bikes and motorcy- the recent rise in bond yields. eroo and UberEats as salaried cles and whose numbers have The higher European yields staff following complaints about exploded in recent years. are largely seen as a knock-on their working conditions -- a In Spain, as in other coun- effect from an even steeper first in the EU. tries, the riders have repeated- surge in US Treasury yields, The move came six months ly denounced their precarious fuelled by optimism about the after Spain’s leftwing govern- working conditions, taking legal The move over the next quarter is aimed at “preventing a tightening of US economy as well as signs of financing conditions” while the eurozone economy is still fragile, the ment pledged to clarify the le- action to demand recognition bank said in a statement. PHOTO: AFP higher inflation on the horizon. gal status of couriers working as salaried staff, which would Yields serve as a guide for for online delivery firms, say- grant them benefits such as THE European Central said in a statement. bank lending rates, and the ECB ing they should be considered paid holidays and sick leave. Bank said Thursday it would The ECB’s 1.85 trillion euro is eager to avert a premature employees rather than “gig” “They are now consid- “significantly” step up the pace pandemic emergency bond pur- end to low borrowing costs that workers. ered as salaried workers and of its pandemic bond buys to chasing programme (PEPP) is could slow the euro area’s re- It will strike at the heart will enjoy all the relevant soothe market jitters about a the bank’s main tool to help the bound. of the so-called gig economy, protections,” Labour Minister recent rise in government bond eurozone weather the coronavi- In Thursday’s statement, which relies on hundreds of Yolanda Diaz said in a televised yields. rus shock. the ECB said it would maintain thousands of independent work- address. The move over the next While no changes were ex- “an ample degree of monetary ers for app-based services such Spain is “the first coun- quarter is aimed at “prevent- pected to the scheme’s size or accommodation” and stressed as food delivery or car rides. try in the European Union to ing a tightening of financing duration, many observers had that it stood ready to “adjust all The government’s deal legislate on the matter”, Diaz conditions” while the eurozone said the bank could decide to of its instruments, as appropri- with Spanish labour unions sets said. —AFP economy is still fragile, the bank “frontload” asset purchases ate”. —AFP 12 MARCH 2021 14 GLOBAL AFFAIRS THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR

NEWS PNG parliament bids farewell to ‘father of the nation’ IN BRIEF Papua New Guinea’s first prime three separate terms. minister Sir Michael Somare’s “Somare united our leaders, 18 al-Shabab coffin laid in state at a special and united a thousand tribes to militants killed in sitting of parliament Thursday become a nation called Papua southern Somalia ahead of a series of funeral ser- New Guinea,” Chief Justice Sir vices for the beloved “father of Gibuma Gibbs Salika told par- the nation”. liament over the coffin placed in SOMALI National Army Crowds lined Independence the centre of the chamber. “You (SNA) on Thursday killed Boulevard in the capital Port and I are to guard with our lives 18 al-Shabab militants and Moresby, throwing flowers onto our PNG national identity with injured several others during the passing motorcade carrying integrity and respect,” he said. operations in several locations the body of the “Grand Chief” as Two weeks of memorial in Lower Shabelle region, it approached parliament. events for Somare have come southern Somalia, local media Somare, who died of pan- amid a surge of coronavirus reported. creatic cancer late last month infections in the poor Pacific SNA Operation Com- aged 84, led Papua New Guinea nation, with large crowds turn- mander in the region, Abdalla at independence from Australia ing out to honour the politician Mustaf told the state news Two weeks of memorial events for Somare have come amid a surge of in 1975 and was prime minister heightening concerns of a wors- PHOTO: AFP agency, SONNA that the coronavirus infections in the poor pacific nation. for a total of 17 years, during ening outbreak.—AFP operations were aimed at neu- tralizing terrorists who often plant landmines on the main roads in the region. Hundreds of thousands take holy dip in India “The army killed 18 al- Shabab terrorists and injured NAKED, dreadlocked holymen dreadlocks, their bodies smeared hills. Because of the pandemic held regularly in different cities, several others. They were all were among hundred of thou- in ash -- before their dip in the the government has curtailed and negative test certificates are in charge of explosives and sands of jubilant Hindu pilgrims holy town in the Himalayan foot- the Kumbh Mela, a mass event in theory compulsory.—AFP landmines that target armed who thronged the banks of India’s vehicles and civilian buses Ganges river on Thursday, ignor- using roads. The operations ing any coronavirus threat, for were very successful,” Mustaf one of the nation’s most famous was quoted as saying. and colourful religious festivals. He said that the opera- Authorities in Haridwar ex- tions happened at Magurto, pect 2.5 million people for the Gumurey, Adeyley, Donyarow Maha Shivratri festival, one of and Lafagale neighborhoods three auspicious bathing days near Afgoye town in Lower over the next month as part of Shabelle region.— Xinhua a major gathering called the Kumbh Mela. Before dawn men, women Ethiopia’s Amhara and children jostled for space region rejects charge along the several miles of riv- of ‘ethnic cleansing’ erbank before a brief plunge in the fast-flowing water, singing in Tigray hymns and showering flowers into the Ganges. ETHIOPIA’S Amhara region The highlight later was set denied Thursday that its to be a jubilant procession by forces were engaged in “ethnic groups of hundreds of Naga Sad- Authorities in Haridwar expect 2.5 million people for the Maha Shivratri festival, one of three auspicious cleansing” in conflict-hit hus –- naked holy men with long bathing days over the next month as part of a major gathering called the Kumbh Mela. PHOTO: AFP Tigray, one day after US Secre- tary of State Antony Blinken used the phrase in public testimony. Japan’s 2011 disaster as it happened Earlier this week, IT was just after quarter to three deeper under another, formida- Tigrayan officials accused on a cold Friday afternoon when ble tension was released and a forces from neighbouring buildings across northeast Ja- section of the seabed was thrust Amhara of kicking thousands pan began to shake fiercely as upwards. The sudden rift sent of people off land in western one of the strongest earthquakes a series of huge waves racing Tigray -- a part of the region ever recorded unleashed its fury. towards Japan -- leaving 45 that ethnic Amharas claim The March 11, 2011 tremor, minutes or less for people to rightfully belongs to them. which triggered a catastroph- scramble to safety as the country Appearing before Congress ic tsunami and nuclear disas- issued its top tsunami warning. Wednesday, Blinken said “acts ter, was unlike anything Sayori “I grabbed grandfather and of ethnic cleansing” had been Suzuki had experienced in her our dog and drove. The wave was committed in western Tigray, coastal town of Minamisoma. right behind me, but I had to keep calling for them to “stop” and “My son cried violently, zigzagging around obstacles and for “full accountability”. In an and things just flew from the the water,” survivor Miki Oto- The tsunami breaches an embankment and flows into the city of Miyako interview with AFP Thursday, shelves,” she said of the convul- in Iwate prefecture. PHOTO: AFP mo told AFP shortly afterwards. Amhara spokesman Gizachew sions that continued for multiple Footage of the sea barrelling into Muluneh dismissed reports of terrifying minutes, crumbling and rocked Tokyo, where sky- standstill.But the day’s horrors the coast showed it obliterating ethnic cleansing and large- homes and tearing cracks into scrapers swayed alarmingly, had just begun. concrete buildings and carrying scale displacement as “propa- roads. The 9.0-magnitude quake fires broke out and the vast Miles offshore, as one part boats, cars and chunks of flaming ganda”.—AFP was felt as far away as Beijing, transport network came to a of the earth’s crust smashed debris inland.—AFP 12 MARCH 2021 THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR SOCIETY 15

French minister says Poland threatened to cancel meetings over LGBT activism

A French minister said Thursday He said he was informed ski, on Tuesday. that the Polish government had that “if I went there, there He has vowed to return to threatened to cancel his official wouldn’t be any official meet- the country and travel to one meetings during a trip to the ings during the trip.” of the anti-gay zones. country if he visited a village Beaune, who came out “I think it’s serious, but that has declared itself an “LG- publicly as gay in December, I don’t want to cause a con- BT-ideology free zone”. has previously called the exist- troversy with a government,” During a two-day trip to ence of “LGBT-free zones” in Beaune said. “What is very Poland this week, Europe Min- Poland an “absolute scandal” serious is the situation on the ister Clement Beaune, who is amid a long-running row be- ground, not my personal case.” gay, had planned to stop in the tween the EU and the populist With support from the gov- village of Krasnik to highlight right-wing Polish government. ernment, several regions have its anti-LGBT stance. Beaune decided not to declared themselves free from “They didn’t want me to visit Krasnik, but he met gay “LGBT ideology” in Poland to go there. They didn’t physical- and women’s rights activists protest against support for gay ly prevent me, it was political in Warsaw. He held talks with rights from Warsaw Mayor Ra- pressure,” Beaune told France his counterpart in the Polish fal Trzaskowski, an opposition Inter radio. government, Konrad Szyman- leader. —AFP Beaune came out publicly as gay in December. PHOTO: AFP

Palace hand-wringing sparks media soul-searching in UK NEWS Meghan said media-driven prej- IN BRIEF udice and hostility had driven them out of the UK. Digital Covid pass There was a furious back- for air travel a lash against the Society of Ed- consideration itors, which represents senior media figures and organizes a FRANCE will try out a Cov- glittering annual awards cere- id-free status digital pass for mony, after its executive direc- air travellers with flag carrier tor Ian Murray baldly retorted Air France starting a month- that the media are “most cer- long trial for some flights, tainly not racist”. Transport Minister Jean-Bap- “The blanket refusal to tiste Djebbari said Thursday. accept there is any bigotry in Airlines battered by travel the British press is laughable, restrictions are pushing hard does a disservice to journalists for a global standard that of colour and shows an institu- would reassure passengers tion and an industry in denial,” over contagion risks onboard said an open letter signed by and accelerate an eventual more than 250, mostly minority, recovery for the sector. For Air journalists. After doubling down France flights to the French in a bad-tempered interview on Caribbean territories of BBC News, Murray resigned Martinique and Guadeloupe, late Wednesday, a day after passengers will have to pres- Many in the British media have called for reflection after Prince Harry and his wife Meghan say prejudice and hostility drove them out of the UK. PHOTO: AFP controversial presenter Piers ent a phone app that shows Morgan also stepped down from either a vaccination certificate FOR all the anguished talk of media bearing the brunt most Many in the industry have his high-profile perch on the ITV or a recent negative Covid test. a reckoning on racism for Brit- noticeably, with two high-profile called for reflection after Prince network’s flagship breakfast —AFP ain’s royal family, so far it is the departures. Harry and his mixed-race wife show. —AFP Israeli aerospace company, UAE tech Lady Gaga ‘praying’ for Japan on 2011 disaster anniversary defence group to LADY Gaga added her voice to the news, and thinking, ‘what develop joint anti- the diplomats and dignitaries can I do to help?’” she said in drone system sending condolences to Japan a video posted on Twitter. THE Israeli government com- on Thursday to mark 10 years “Seeing and hearing about pany Israel Aerospace Indus- since its catastrophic earth- the vast recovery of your beau- tries (IAI) and the United Arab quake, tsunami and nuclear tiful cities, I have so much re- Emirates’ advanced technolo- disaster. spect to the people of Japan gy group EDGE on Thursday The US singer has a huge for your strength, kindness, announced an agreement to following in Japan and visited and love for each other,” she develop an advanced solution the country three months after said in the clip of just over a against unmanned aircraft the 2011 disaster, declaring minute. systems. As part of the agree- “Japan is safe” and calling on In the video -- viewed 1.5 ment, the IAI’s C-UAS (coun- tourists from around the world million times -- the currently ter-unmanned aircraft system) to do the same. lilac-haired star said Japan’s solution will be tailored to “It seems like yesterday response would give hope the UAE’s market, with wider that I was watching the shock- to people who are “fighting ranging benefits for the MENA ing footage of the devastating through” the coronavirus pan- Lady Gaga, seen here in Tokyo in 2016, has a huge following in (Middle East and North Africa) earthquake and tsunami on demic. —AFP Japan. PHOTO: AFP region and beyond. — Xinhua 12 MARCH 2021 16 SPORT THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR ASEAN’s Suzuki Cup gets official sponsor for upcoming season

JAPANESE electrical equipment mercial partner of the AFF Su- “We view Southeast Asia as an consumption. In Indonesia, we velopment of medical care and company Fuji Electric will sup- zuki Cup, said AFF officials. important region so we are work- have delivered the most geother- reducing CO2 emissions through port the ASEAN region Suzuki As part of the partnership, ing to develop our business there. mal power generation facilities in energy conservation. Given all Cup as an Official Supporter for Fuji Electric will get to host fan In Thailand, we have our largest the country, contributing to the this, we are pleased to be working the upcoming football season, engagement and promotional mother factory in the Asian re- popularization of clean energy.” with our employees in Southeast according to the statement with activities to connect with fans in gion, and we develop and man- “In Singapore, we supply envi- Asia to support the AFF Suzuki the AFF. South East Asia,” officials stated. ufacture state-of-the-art trans- ronmentally friendly inverters Cup 2020, one of the region’s larg- The deal was brokered by Yoshitada Miyoshi, Execu- formers and drive equipment to for air conditioning at a national est soccer tournaments”, Yoshit- SPORTFIVE, the exclusive com- tive Officer at Fuji Electric, said, promote local production for local hospital, contributing to the de- ada Miyoshi added.—GNLM Barcelona ‘gutted’ at earliest Osaka’s sister Mari European exit in 14 years retires, saying she ‘didn’t enjoy’ tennis

TOKYO— Mari Osaka, the Pan Pacific Open in Tokyo. “I elder sister of four-time ma- am retired from playing tennis,” jor-winner Naomi Osaka, has Mari wrote on Instagram. “It retired from tennis at the age of was a journey which I didn’t 24, explaining “it was a journey enjoy ultimately but I’m grateful which I didn’t enjoy”. for all the memories and sup- The elder Osaka was port I’ve gained and received ranked 340th in the world, hav- over the years from the sport. ing reached a career-high of “I’m moving on now so 280th in 2018, and last played a you can look forward to new singles tournament in January. fun projects upcoming in the She partnered in doubles future.” Mari also plays a role with her sister Naomi, who is in her younger sister’s career, 18 months younger, ranked sec- and last year helped produce a ond in the world and the reign- manga character representing ing US and Australian Open Naomi in a magazine aimed at champion, at the 2017 Toray teenage girls. —AFP

Barcelona’s French midfielder Antoine Griezmann (2nd-L) enters the pitch prior to the UEFA Champions League round of 16 second leg football match between Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and FC Barcelona at the Parc des Princes stadium in Paris, on March 10, 2021. PHOTO: AFP

ANTOINE Griezmann admit- a shame,” Griezmann told but won 6-1 in the return. “We ted Barcelona was “gutted” Movistar Plus after Barca had said we would give the most after going out of the Cham- 20 attempts on goal but only effort possible and it wasn’t pions League in the last 16 on scored courtesy of a Lionel to be. We still have the league Wednesday, as a 1-1 draw away Messi thunderbolt in the first and the cup left and we have to Paris Saint-Germain saw the half. to give everything in them.” Catalans lose 5-2 on aggregate. Messi then had a penalty The five-time European cham- “We put on a good showing, saved by Keylor Navas as Bar- pions had not been knocked it was a great performance, celona fell short of repeating out before the quarterfinals we had a lot of chances in the their remarkable comeback since 2006/07 when, with Mes- first half but we just missed against PSG in 2017, when they si aged 19, they lost to Liver- Mari Osaka, pictured here in March 2019, announced her retirement the finishing touch which was lost 4-0 in the first leg in Paris pool in the last 16. —AFP from tennis on Instagram. PHOTO: AFP In it to win it, Liverpool eye Champions League salvation

LONDON —Liverpool made tie. final 10 games of the Premier light of their Premier League The Champions League League season, a return to the woes to ease into the quar- this season and next is now Champions League via the top ter-finals of the Champions the Reds focus as they try to four is looking increasingly un- League by beating RB Leipzig salvage a campaign decimated likely. 2-0 in Budapest for the second by injuries and a drastic de- Instead, the English time in three weeks. cline in form after romping to champions could have to win After a wretched run of a a first league title in 30 years a seventh European Cup just record six consecutive defeats last season. to avoid missing out on next at Anfield, Jurgen Klopp’s men With a seven-point gap to season’s Champions League might have welcomed a return make up on a resurgent Chel- for the first time in five sea- Mohamed Salah (left)and Sadio Mane (right)scored the goals as Liverpool beat RB Leipzig 2-0 to reach the Champions League quarter- to the Hungarian capital for sea or 10-point deficit to bridge sons. —AFP finals. PHOTO: AFP their ‘home’ leg of the last 16 to third-placed Leicester in the