PRESERVE THE EXISTENCE OF INVALUABLE MURAL PAINTINGS FROM ANCIENT BUILDINGS PAGE-8 (OPINION)

Vol. VIII, No. 86, 6th Waxing of Waso 1383 ME www.gnlm.com.mm Wednesday, 14 July 2021

Five-Point Road Map of the State Administration Council

1. The Union Election Commission will be reconstituted and its mandated tasks, including the scrutiny of voter lists, shall be implemented in accordance with the law. 2. Effective measures will be taken with added momentum to prevent and manage the COVID-19 pandemic. 3. Actions will be taken to ensure the speedy recovery of businesses from the impact of COVID-19. 4. Emphasis will be placed on achieving enduring peace for the entire nation in line with the agreements set out in the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement. 5. Upon accomplishing the provisions of the state of emergency, free and fair multiparty democratic elections will be held in line with the 2008 Constitution, and further work will be undertaken to hand over State duties to the winning party in accordance with democratic standards.

Announcement on donations for COVID-19 prevention, control activities

CURRENTLY, the third wave of COVID-19 is arising The Ministry is now planning to open Nationwide made directly at the COVID-19 Prevention and Control in our country. Due to the increasing infection rate, COVID-19 Prevention and Control Hospitals, Clinics, Hospitals, Clinics, Quarantine Centres and Community the Ministry of Health and Sports are making efforts Quarantine Centres and Community COVID Positive COVID Positive Centres. along with the Tatmadaw in order to prevent and Centres. Donations of immunizations, medicines, Coronavirus Disease 2019(COVID-19) Control and control the COVID-19 disease. utensils, foodstuffs, essential aids and cash can be Emergency Response Committee

47-member leading committee of 8th State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee holds eighth meeting

The 8th State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee holds its eighth meeting of the 47-member leading committee at the Maha Pasana Cave in Thiri Mingala Kaba Aye Hill in Yangon on 13 July 2021.

HE eighth meeting of tee began at the Maha Pasana by the members of the State Nayaka Committee Abhidhaja Kumara Bhivamsa. the 47-member leading Cave in Thiri Mingala Kaba Aye Sangha Maha Nayaka Com- Maha Rattha Guru Abhidhaja Also present at the meeting Tcommittee of the 8th State Hill in Yangon yesterday. mittee led by Chairman Sayad- Agga Maha Saddhamma Jotika were Union Minister U Ko Ko Sangha Maha Nayaka Commit- The meeting was attended aw of the State Sangha Maha Bhamo Sayadaw Dr Bhaddanta SEE PAGE-4

INSIDE TODAY NATIONAL NATIONAL NATIONAL LOCAL BUSINESS NATIONAL Technical assistance Disaster search, rescue Pin Oo Village gets Myanmar rice market Security forces seize can revive Myanmar drills conducted in electricity through NEP sees flat price in border weapons in MDY tourism for post- Kawthoung Phase-1 despite sluggish trade Chanayethazan COVID-19: MOHT Township PAGE-3 PAGE-4 PAGE-4 PAGE-6 PAGE-7 14 JULY 2021 2 NATIONAL THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR

Statement to appreciate teachers’ efforts

TEACHERS are honoured as part of the Five Infinite Venerables, and the manner of paying respect to the teachers can be only seen in Myanmar as a tradition. The teach- ers teach their pupils based on their goodwill like their own children and dutifully serve a teacher’s duties. They must train their pupils and students in the best discipline. They see that they grasp their lessons well. They instruct them in the arts and sciences, they provide for their safety in every quarter, and they introduce them to their friends and associates. As the COVID-19 infection rate is controlled to a certain extent, the basic education high, middle and primary schools under the Department of Basic Education have reopened across nation for the 2021-2022 academic year starting 1 June. Those who want to seek good sake of one party, political extremist NLD members and supporters, NUG, CRPH and PDF committed arson attacks at the schools using mines, homemade bombs and grenades to fail the teaching processes, and threatened the teachers in addition to the incitements, social punishment and threats against education staff to join CDM while the officials made preparations for the reopening of schools and during the current teaching period. Their doings left some causalities, and the State Administration Council has expressed its deepest condolences and sympathy to the victims’ families. The SAC also appreciates the concerted efforts of teachers, who understand two virtues, Hiri -- shame at doing evil —and Otappa—fear of the results of doing evil —for teaching the new generations of the country amid such difficulties and challenges. The security forces will take extraordinary measures to ensure the safety of teachers who are making efforts in the academic sector for the next generations in order to promote the education qualification. The people should keep security awareness and cooperate with the security members in community peace and peaceful learning of children. Information Team State Administration Council

Request to volunteers to take part in COVID-19 prevention, control and treatment activities

1. Health workers of the Ministry of Health and Sports are making their utmost efforts on the public health services as the numbers of COVID-19 suspected patients and confirmed cases are on the rise in regions/states during the Third Wave of COVID-19. 2. However, some health workers are absent and so, due to the lack of man- power and for the highly contagious disease, the workload and manpower become unbalanced and difficulties arise in prevention and control activities. 3. Therefore, those who want to volunteer in the under-mentioned sectors at the Public Hospitals, COVID-19 treatment centres and the places under travel restrictions are welcomed to participate: - (a) COVID-19 treatment activities – doctors, nurses, experts; (b) Medical equipment maintenance – Medical Engineering; (c) Management of patient information – IT experts; (d) Transfer of patients; (e) COVID-19 vaccination – Computer experts and Data Assistants to register the data of persons who receive the vaccines; 4. The organizations or individuals who want to volunteer can contact the Call Centre (067-3411508, 067-3411509, 067-3411144) of the Ministry of Health and Sports. The officials will then connect with the Nay Pyi Taw, regions/states Public Health and Medical Services Departments and Superintendents. The government will provide accommodations, COVID-19 preventive activities and fuel used in transporting the patients for the volunteers. 5. Those who are providing medical services to families and friends are also requested here to participate in volunteer programmes. Ministry of Health and Sports

4,047 new cases of COVID-19 reported on 13 July, total figure rises to 201,274 MYANMAR’S COVID-19 positive cases rose to 201,274 after 4,047 new cases were reported on 13 July 2021 according to the Ministry of Health and Sports. Among these confirmed cases, 149,767 have been discharged from hospitals. Death toll reached 4,036 after 109 died. —MNA

Health and Sports Ministry opens COVID-19 call centre THE Ministry of Health and Sports opens the COVID-19 call centre at its office in Nay Pyi Taw as of 8 am on 22 June for the reply to queries on health awareness about COVID-19 and facts for abiding by the restrictions to the people on time. The people can dial the following telephone numbers from 8 am to 9 pm on a daily basis for facts about the COVID-19 disease. Contact numbers: (1) 067-3411508 (4) 09-882557991 (2) 067-3411509 (5) 09-882557992 (3) 067-3411144 (6) 09-882557993 14 JULY 2021 THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR NATIONAL 3

Press Release

THE Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar observed that U Kyaw Moe Tun has made statements and held discussions at the various forums of the United Nations although he has been dismissed from his assigned duty as Ambassador/ Permanent Representative of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar to the United Nations in New York since 27 February 2021. As such, his statements and discussions made at the various forums of the United Nations are neither official nor representing the Republic of the Union of Myanmar. U Kyaw Moe Tun has been charged with high treason and for his illegal activities as per instructions of the Committee Representing Pyidaungsu Hluttaw (CRPH) and the National Unity Government (NUG), both are unlawful associations and terrorist groups, at the respective District Courts, Nay Pyi Taw. Subsequently, the Courts have issued arrest warrants for him. Therefore, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has already transmitted official notes to the Headquarters of the United Nations and the State Department of the United States of America once again reminding them not to recognize U Kyaw Moe Tun as Permanent Representative of Myanmar to the United Nations and the host country to hand him back to Myanmar to face the charges.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs Nay Pyi Taw Dated: 13 July 2021

Technical assistance can revive Myanmar National flag to be tourism for post-COVID-19: MOHT hoisted at half-mast UNION Minister for Hotels COVID-19, as well as supporting Portal/App, basic features of the and Tourism U Maung Maung the tourism industry in the long mobile app and benefits for appli- Ohn attended the coordination run. He called for discussions on cation users. with siren sound on meeting with officials of Skylark the technical assistance which The Directors-General dis- Company that introduces the will effectively revive tourism in cussed the situation to consider post-COVID-19 tourism support the post-COVID-19 period. for the mutual benefit of the tour- Martyrs’ Day application yesterday in Nay Pyi Managing Director of Sky- ists, and departmental officials Taw, in line with the COVID-19 lark Company U Min Myat Soe asked questions about the appli- THE Office of the State Administration Council has instructed control guidelines. Moe presented the company’s cation and discussed. all government departments to continue directing subordinate At the meeting, the Union technical free supports of quar- The Union Minister said the bodies to display the flag of the Republic of the Union of My- Minister said it is necessary to antine centre management sys- Ministry would be able to moni- anmar at half-mast in order to commemorate the mourning travel in a new normal way in tem, certificate management tor tourist arrivals and know the throughout the country for the 74th Martyrs’ Day that falls on the future due to the COVID-19 system to Inya Centre and the latest update on information, vac- 19 July 2021. The Myanmar Radio and Television (MRTV) is pandemic and the application is quarantine centre in Mawlamy- cination status of the tourists, ordered to sound a siren at 10:37 am which was the time the supposed to be used effectively in ine during the second wave of travel history and COVID-19 martyrs were fallen and the moving vehicles are urged to stop the new normal mode, benefiting COVID-19. He also explained information through the appli- and honk their cars. — MNA all the people and tourists during the procedures of the Tourism cation. — MNA

Daily newspapers available online FOR those who would like to read the Myanma Alinn, the Kyemon and the Global New Light of Myanmar, published daily by the Ministry of Information, please visit www.moi.gov.mm/ mal, www.moi.gov.mm/km, www.moi.gov.mm/nlm and www. gnlm.com.mm/e-paper. News and Periodicals Enterprise 14 JULY 2021 4 NATIONAL THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR

Disaster search, rescue drills MYANMAR GAZETTE conducted in Kawthoung Appointment of Head of Service Organization

The State Administration Council has appointed Dr Kyaw Shwe, Deputy Director-General (Admin & Finance) of the De- partment of Human Resources for Health under the Ministry of Health and Sports, as Rector of the University of Medicine 1 (Yangon) of the Department of Human Resources for Health on probation from the date he assumes charge of his duties.

47-member leading th During the drills, the combined forces made special exercises for searching and rescuing speed boats and committee of 8 people in case of natural disasters in the rainy season.

MARINE Police Force (Kaw- trict Fire Department Chief Search and rescue of thoung) and the Fire Depart- Aung Nyein Oo headed mem- drowning people at sea using State Sangha Maha ment forces conducted disaster bers of the fire brigade for the rescue transport vessels and search and rescue drills near rescue drills. drills for rescue operations Bayintnaung No (2) Port and During the drills, the com- including first aid, evacua- Nayaka Committee ... the Parchan Bay in Kawthoung bined forces made special ex- tion and firefighting were also Township yesterday morning. ercises for searching and res- conducted, according to the Brig-Gen Ye Min Htet led cuing speed boats and people Kawthoung Township Fire De- members of the Naval Police in case of natural disasters in partment. — Kyaw Soe (Kaw- FROM PAGE-1 the discussion. Force (Kawthoung) and Dis- the rainy season. thoung)/GNLM of the Ministry of Religious The Sayadaws all togeth- Affairs and Culture and other er recited the Jayanaw Vo- officials of the ministry and dhiyamule Gatha, and Sadhu relevant departments. three times. Pin Oo Village gets electricity Bhamo Sayadaw Dr The Union Minister U Ko Bhaddanta Kumara Bhivamsa Ko and wife Daw Tin Tin Nyunt through NEP Phase-1 presided over the meeting and offered the first and day-time Joint Secretary Sayadaw of the meals to the Sayadaws. Then, THE National Electricity Supply tricity manager and staff, Village lights will be installed by con- State Sangha Maha Nayaka U Kyin Oo and wife Daw Chaw Project (NEP Phase-1) started lighting committee members necting the voltage lines and Committee Agga Maha Pan- Su Lwin (Popular Group) do- to supply electricity to the Pin and villagers attended the cer- the street lights will be lit from dita Agga Maha Saddhamma nated medicines and medical Oo Village, Ngaphe Township, emony. 6 pm to 6 am daily, officials said. Jotikadhaja Bhaddanta Senila supplies to the Sayadaws. Minbu District, Magway Region At the opening ceremony, “Pe Kone village, Pin Oo acted as the master of the cer- At noon, nine Sayadaws yesterday. The implementation Township Electricity Manager village, Yin Shay village, and emonies. led by Bhamo Sayadaw Dr began in March 2020. U Aung Kyaw Myint informed Chaung Phyu village in Ngaphe First, Chairman of State Bhaddanta Kumara Bhivamsa The opening ceremony for the villagers that they need Township, got electricity during Sangha Maha Nayaka Com- were chanting Yadana Sutta the village electricity access was to know how to use electricity the NEP project this month. mittee Dr Bhaddanta Kuma- and Metta Sutta at the Maha held yesterday at the Pin Oo properly as the street lights plus The villages that have ra Bhivamsa recited Saraniya Pasana Cave in Thiri Mingala Village Monastery. home lighting will soon be avail- access to electricity with the Ovada Gatha. Kaba Aye Hill aiming for all Chairman of Ngaphe Town- able. Two 100-KVA transformers region’s funds were Nesaw, Sit- Then, the Union Minister the people living in Myanmar ship Administration Committee, for 11 miles will be provided by taw, Myitpya, Thayetpin, Kan U Ko Ko briefed the religious and around the globe to be free Township Administrator U Aung NEP Phase-1 at a cost of about Thar and Nga Hlaing Taw,” said affairs and education sectors, from COVID-19 infections. — Thein Hlaing and members, de- K37 million. officials. — Ma Yu (Ngaphe)/ and the Sayadaws coordinated MNA partment heads, Township elec- In the village, 74 street GNLM

Personal preventive practices against COVID-19 infection

(1) Wear the mask systematically when going out in public.

(2) Keep a proper physical distance.

(3) Avoid the crowd.

(4) Wash your hands for 20 seconds frequently.

(5) Avoid entering unventilated closed spaces as much as possible. 14 JULY 2021 THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR NATIONAL 5 BGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGA Development of the State IT is necessary to have sufficiency of electricity, good transport, good communication system and human resources for proper health and education systems in order to ensure development of a country. Health and education sectors must be encouraged for having good human resources. Hence, the education sector must be encouraged to be able to turn out the educated new generations for emergence of human resources.

(Excerption from the speech of Chairman of the State Administration Council Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Min Aung Hlaing at the meeting with Mandalay Region Administration Council members and departmental personnel on 17-5-2021) CHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHD

Republic of the Union of Myanmar Republic of the Union of Myanmar Ministry of Health and Sports Ministry of Health and Sports Department of Medical Services Department of Medical Services

Notification No 2/2021 Notification No 3/2021 13 July 2021 13 July 2021

1. Applicants who meet the requirements can apply to be employed as 1. The Central Hospitals, General Hospitals and COVID-19 treatment cen- Assistant Surgeons under a contract in the hospitals and COVID-19 tres under the Department of Medical Services have a high demand of treatment centres under the Department of Medical Services. nurses and midwives. Those who meet the job requirements can apply 2. Applicant for these positions under the contract system. (a) must be a citizen of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar. 2. The applicants: - (b) must be a holder of an M.B.B.S Medical Degree and has a valid (a) Must be a Citizen of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar; General Medical Licence (SaMa). (Or) those who have completed (b) Must have Bachelor of Science in Nursing or Diploma in Nursing an internship must be able to submit a certificate of the internship or Diploma in Obstetrics or certificate of (18) months midwifery completion, or the General Medical Licence (SaMa). courses; (c) must not be over 50 years old on the closing date of application. (c) Must be holders of nurse (or) midwife licences; (d) must not have a criminal record. (d) Must not be over 50 years of age on the closing date of applications; (e) The term of the contract shall be six months and duties must be (e) Must not have any criminal record; performed in line with the terms of the contract. (f) The contract term will be six months, and the applicants must serve 3. To submit an application, the duties as per the terms and conditions of the contract. (a) Fill in the application form completely and with the necessary doc- 3. Submission of applications: - uments, applications must be submitted to the Director-General, (a) Completed applications along with necessary documents must be Department of Medical Services, Office No (4), Nay Pyi Taw by 4 sent to the Director-General, No (4) Office of the Department of pm on 13-8-2021. Medical Services, Nay Pyi Taw no later than 4 pm on 13-8-2021. (b) Information to be attached to the application, (b) The attached documents with the applications: - (1) Certificate of the Degree (copy) or recommendation letter for (1) Degree/Diploma/Graduation Certificate (copy); internship completion; (2) Nurse, midwife licence (copy); (2) Medical Licence (SaMa) (copy); (3) NRC (1 copy); (3) One copy of the national identity card; (4) Criminal clearance letter of Police Force (original); (4) Criminal clearance letter from the relevant police station under (5) Health recommendation letters of respective township health the Myanmar Police Force; officers (original); (5) Medical Certificate from the head of the relevant township health (6) 1 photo taken within the last six months; department; (7) The names of former public hospitals/ private hospitals/clinics (6) The application must be attached with a clear coloured photo and duration of services must be filled in the prescribed CV or taken within 6 months; separately. (7) The names of the public/private hospitals, clinics and organizations (8) Must mention the priority hospital/departments like 1st, 2nd, and and the duration that the applicant previously served must be 3rd. provided either in the prescribed format or separately; 4. Nurse’s regular salary is (regular salary – K198,000) and food expense (8) The hospitals/departments that one would like to work in should K20,000+ uniform K2,000. be listed in a prioritizing order. 5. If applicants complete the midwifery diploma course, they will be ap- 4. The salary of the Assistant Surgeon will be fixed at the regular rate of pointed at (regular salary -180,000) and food expense K20,000+ K2,000 (K275,000) with an allowance for other expenses. for uniform. 5. The interview programme will be informed to each applicant. 6. The applicants will be informed individually for a personal interview. 6. For those who want to continue to serve as a civil servant while under 7. For those who work under a contract system want to serve as government the contract, the duration of working under the contract will be changed employees, the contract period will be changed into a “probation period” to “probation period” and counted to receive the employee benefits in under the Civil Service Personnel Law and Rules to achieve the benefits accordance with the Civil Service Personnel Law and Rules. of civil services. 7. The assistant surgeons working under the contract will have the same 8. They will be praised like other permanent health workers. recognition and honour as permanent health workers for emergency 9. If you have any queries, please contact the Department of Medical Ser- medical care. vices, Nay Pyi Taw (Head Office) during office hours – 067-73411614 and 8. For more information, please call 067-3411621 during office hours. 067-73411386, and respective Medical Services departments of Nay Pyi Taw/regions/states.

Department of Medical Services, Nay Pyi Taw Department of Medical Services, Nay Pyi Taw 14 JULY 2021 6 LOCAL BUSINESS THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR Myanmar rice market sees flat price in border despite sluggish trade

BORDER trade disruption led for now due to the transport dif- to a sluggish market yet the flat ficulties and Kyat depreciation. price occurs in the border export Next, China Customs grant- market. ed licences to 47 Myanmar com- The prices of white rice va- panies on 26 February 2021 to rieties range US$375 to 405 per legally export the rice to China metric tonne, the price of gluti- through the Muse land border nous rice price was priced $600- this year. The authorized com- 610 per MT and the broken rice panies for rice export to China fetched $300-335 per MT depend- increased this year as against ing on the different varieties and last year. However, the permitted quality, according to Myanmar volume of rice for exports has Rice Federation (MRF). not been confirmed yet, Muse Meanwhile, the price is Rice Wholesale Centre. stable on the high side despite Moreover, China banned all the low demand and low stock- the border posts on 8 July as the piles in the domestic market. COVID-19 infection is spiking Yangon market sees low supply in Myanmar. As a result of this, from Pyapon, Mawgyun, De- the agricultural exports dropped daye, Kungyangon, Wakhema, dramatically. Kawhmu, Twantay, Myaungmya, Myanmar exported 802,000 tonnes of rice and 601,000 tonnes of broken rice, totalling 1.14 million tonnes. The Myanmar set the rice export export volume in the past eight months showed a decrease of over 500,000 tonnes as against last FY. Kyaiklat, Latputa and Shwebo target at only 2 million tonnes areas. varieties of the rice, whereas the reports. a decrease of over 500,000 tonnes in the current FY as summer The price of rice has risen prices surged to K25,300-39,400 The country shipped $576.28 as against last FY. paddy growing acreage drops. after the stockpiles in the hands per bag on 30 June. million worth of 1.958 million At present, rice shipment to Weather changes affected irriga- of farmers and traders have fall- The volume of rice and bro- tonnes of rice and broken rice European countries is declining. tion water resource availability en, according to Mawlamyine ken rice exported in the near- in the same corresponding pe- However, Myanmar is mostly on agriculture, MRF stated. Rice Wholesale Centre’s trade ly eight months (1 October-28 riod of last FY. delivering rice and broken rice to Myanmar generated over data. May) of the current financial Myanmar exported 802,000 China, Malaysia, the Philippines $800 million from rice exports in On 1 June, the prices of year 2020-2021 was estimated at tonnes of rice and 601,000 tonnes and Bangladesh and shipping the previous FY2019-2020 ended low-quality rice moved in the over 1.14 million metric tonnes, of broken rice, totalling 1.14 mil- broke rice to China, Indonesia, 30 September, with an estimated range of K23,500-36,500 per bag generating US$546.6 million in- lion tonnes. The export volume Belgium, Senegal and The Neth- volume of over 2.5 million tonnes. depending on the quality and come, the Ministry of Commerce in the past eight months showed erlands. The market cools down — KH/GNLM

Dragon fruit selling well in Myanmar-Thailand border trade down by Ngaphe Township $61.49 mln as of 2 July THE value of Myanmar’s bilat- terials and other pharmaceu- border post has not witnessed eral trade with the neighbour- tical-related goods and equip- any trade yet. ing country Thailand through ment can be traded. At present, Myanmar ex- land border has registered a During the last FY, Myan- ports corn to Thailand through decrease of US$61.49 million mar has increasingly exported Myawady and Tachilek land bor- between 1 October and 2 July corns to Thailand through the der. Only Tachilek and Myawady of the current financial year Myawady border. Myanmar’s showed an increase in trade, 2020-2021 as against a year-ago corn exports to Thailand sig- while the remaining indicated period, the statistics issued by nificantly soared to over 1.2 a drop in trade as against last the Ministry of Commerce in- million tonnes through border year. dicated. posts between Myanmar and Additionally, exports of nat- The ministry reported that Thailand during the October ural gas from the Taninthayi exports surpassed imports in and May period in the FY2019- Region contributed to the enor- The price of dragon fruits moved in the range of K400 and K750 per trade with Thailand this year, 2020, an official of the Ministry mous increase in border trade fruit. The business allows to earn a handsome profit for the growers. with exports reaching over of Commerce said. with Thailand in the previous THE dragon fruits cultivated using irrigation are highly yielded in $2.2 billion and imports valued There are seven border years. This year, gas exports Pin Oo village, Ngaphe Township of Minbu District. The high demand at over $971 million, totalling posts between Myanmar and via the Hteekhee border dras- allows the growers to generate family income, said a grower U Kan $3.179 billion. Thailand, Tachilek, Myawady, tically fell. Gyi Maung of Ngaphe Myoma Ward. During the corresponding Kawthoung, Hteekhee, Myeik, Myanmar primarily exports There are over 1,000 dragon fruit plants on 3 acres of land in the period of the past FY2019-2020, Mawtaung and Maisai. Except natural gas, fishery products, north of Pin Oo village. The cultivation of a one-year-old plant started Myanmar-Thailand border for Tachilek and Myawady, the coal, tin concentrate (SN 71.58 in January 2017. The plants are over five years old. The plant bears trade touched a high of $3.241 remaining border posts showed per cent), coconut (fresh and fruits after six months of cultivation. Natural fertilizer is utilized in billion. a decrease in the trade this FY. dry), beans, and bamboo shoots cultivation. The spacing is three feet apart between plants and five Following the COVID surge The value of border trade to Thailand. It imports capital feet apart between posts. The plants can be harvested about seven in Myanmar, some border posts stood at $204 million via Tachil- goods such as machinery, raw times per year. About 10,000 dragon fruits were produced last year. are temporarily restricted, and ek, $1.35 billion via Myawady, industrial goods such as ce- The fruits are delivered to Magway and Yangon cities. The price of at present, fruits and agricultur- $245 million via Kawthoung, ment and fertilizers, consumer dragon fruits moved in the range of K400 and K750 per fruit. The al products such as cucumber, $95.79 million via Myeik, $1.2 goods such as cosmetics and business allows to earn a handsome profit for the growers, said U mango, tomato and vegetable, billion via Hteekhee and $12.3 food products from the neigh- Kan Gyi Maung. — Ma Yu (Ngaphe IPRD)/GNLM fishery products, building ma- million via Mawtaung. Maisai bouring country. — KH/GNLM 14 JULY 2021 THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR NATIONAL 7 Kyat value increases by K20 within week

THE value of Kyat against a in January-end. In a bid to con- reached the lowest of K1,420 and US dollar rose by K20 within trol the sharp daily gains of the the highest of K1,550 in March. a week (7-13 July) in the local US dollar in the local market, The rate fluctuated between forex market. the CBM reportedly sold $24 K1,550 and K1,610 in April. The A dollar is worth K1,660 on million in May. Consequently, rate fluctuated between K1,585 7 July, whereas the rate dipped the exchange rate slightly fell to and K1,730 in May and it moved to K1,635 on 13 July. K1,580 in May. Nevertheless, it to the maximum of K1,595-1,620 The Central Bank of Myan- touches a high of above K1,600 last month. mar (CBM) has sold 15 million for now. In 2020, the exchange rate dollars so far this month to con- The CBM trades the foreign moved in the range of K1,465- trol the value of the currency. currency with the authorized 1,493 in January, K1,436-1,465 Consequently, the Kyat value private banks under the rules in February, K1,320-1,445 in slightly increases in the local and regulations of the FX auc- March, K1,395-1,440 in April, forex market. tion market. K1,406-1,426 in May, K1,385-1,412 The CBM sold 12 million The local forex market’s in June, K1,367-1,410 in July, dollars at an auction market in data showed that the dollar ex- K1,335-1,390 in August, K1,310- June as well. change rate touched the max- 1,355 in September, K1,282- pegged at K1,508-1,517 in July, in December. The bullish hard curren- imum of K1,345 and the mini- 1,315 in October, K1,303-1,330 K1,510-1,526 in August, K1,527- On 20 September 2018, the cy gained in the local forex mum of K1,327 in January 2021. in November and K1,324-1,403 1,565 in September, K1,528- dollar exchange rate hit an all- market, reaching the peak of The rate moved in the range in December. 1,537 in October, K1,510-1,524 time high of K1,650 in the local K1,730 on 12 May from K1,330 of K1,335-1,465 in February. It In 2019, the rates are in November and K1,485-1,513 currency market. — NN/GNLM

Security forces seize weapons in COVID-19: start ourselves to MDY Chanayethazan Township take preventive measures

ALL people are urged to abide by the following ways of pre- vention against COVID-19 without fail in line with the motto: “COVID-19: start ourselves to take preventive measures” not to violently infect COVID-19 as next wave and not to be infected of variant COVID-19 virus.

(1) Systematically wear masks whenever go outside and also wear face shields whenever associate with many people. (2) Take adequate distance from each other as much as they can. (3) Avoid the crowds. (4) Take 20 seconds in systematically washing hands many times. (5) Avoid the visits to the closed chambers, air-conditioned rooms and the lesser ventilated rooms as much as possible. SUSPECTS and those who pipe hidden in the garbage Aung (alias) Arr Gwayt and (6) Those who need to go outside houses should avoid acts kept Weapons and ammuni- dump to the north of a house Lwin Moe (alias) Lin Lu for close to and eat meals together with older persons tion equipment were arrested owned by Nay Lin Aung (ali- keeping the weapons and am- above 60 years and those with diabetes, hypertension, in Chanayethazan Township, as) Arr Gwayt. munition equipment. and heart diseases. Mandalay Region on 12 July. Two more handbags and 13 Those arrested will face (7) Fully cooperate in quarantine processes. According to the report, the hand grenades made of steel severe legal actions, and in- (8) Don’t buy something from the vendors who do not security forces in Chanayet- pipes were also found and vestigations are underway to wear masks. hazan Township, Mandalay seized inside the house. capture the rest of the suspects, (9) Exchange information to each other. Region inspected the PVC Police charged Nay Lin officials said. —MNA (10) Cooperate in vaccination of COVID-19 pandemic. Continuously follow the preventive measures although they have received the vaccinations. Tatmadaw provides treatments to over (11) Strictly follow the work guidelines for preventing the COVID-19 pandemic issued by the Ministry of Health 270,000 outpatients and Sports. (12) If somebody suffers from symptoms of higher body TATMADAW keeps providing culties in healthcare services. These hospitals managed temperature, coughing, suffocation, tiredness and healthcare services for pa- A total of 270,415 outpatients for the birth of 15,397 babies to sudden loss of smell and flavour, they need to imme- tients at the military hospi- and 78,567 inpatients reached date. Of those, 6,374 cases are diately contact nearby health units to receive medical tals and temporary treatment these hospitals from 5 Febru- done in the caesarean section treatment. hospitals in the townships of ary to date. and 9,023 cases in ordinary (13) If those who do not wear the masks when they go regions and states. Senior medical experts, delivery. outside, and if those who conduct mass gatherings Tatmadaw medical teams, medics, medical assistants In addition to providing will face legal actions under the existing laws. which comprise Tatmadaw and nurses have conducted medical care to patients in need doctors, specialists, medical 12,529 major operations and of hospitalization, Tatmadaw is Health Knowledge Awareness Promoting Department assistants and nurses, have 6,675 minor operations. The making arrangements for the Ministry of Health and Sports given medical treatments to senior doctors gave intensive well-being of hospitalized pa- the people to solve their diffi- treatments to the severe cases. tients and caregivers. — MNA 14 JULY 2021 14 JULY 2021 8 OPINION THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR ARTICLE 9 Preserve the existence of invaluable mural Waso, the Month of Ordination Festival paintings from ancient Maha Saddhamma Jotika Dhaja, Sithu ASO, the fourth month aging or destroying them. When is twofold-to recruit for Sangha Dr Khin Maung Nyunt buildings of the Myanma lunar the Lord Buddha heard of public the Priestly Order so as to pro- Wcalendar approxi- complaint of such unintentional mote and perpetuate Buddha mates to July. It is the first of harm, he forbade the monks to Sasana from those who choose The other evidence is as fol- were quartered in a separate ARIOUS kinds of mural paintings created on the walls of the three heavily rainy months... go out of their residing monas- to remain monks for life and lows: village. The ordination festival ancient monuments and religious edifices can be dubbed Waso, Wagaung, and Tawthalin, teries for overnight travel during to impart Buddhist education Great King Asoka was very of the Innwa Period was graphi- Vas the windows of the human mind because our forefathers i.e., July, August and Septem- the three months of cultivating and culture to those who stay n lavish in charity. He built 84000 cally described in the Lawka Byu created the artistic works as mural paintings at these locations. ber respectively. The astrological season. For the convenience of monkhood for a certain period. stupas and dug 84000 wells and Har In-Yone Sardan, a Treatise Those forefathers presented their daily experiences as mural name of Waso is Kataka (Cancer) the monks, the Lord Buddha pre- It is a religious requirement for constructed 84000 tanks among on Court Ceremonies and Festi- paintings. For example, if they faced wildlife while wandering the and its symbol is crab. In this scribed two alternative periods every Buddhist male to become other works of religious merit. vals compiled by Minister Thiri jungles for hunting and searching for food, they would create month Myat Lay flower (fra- of Wa or Lent, namely Purima a novice or ordained monk. Ac- He promoted Buddhism by send- Uzana of In-Yone as follows: pictures of wildlife when they arrived at the residences such as grant Jasminum Grandi florum) Wa and Pyitsima Wa. Purima Wa cording to Buddhism the highest ing out Buddhist missionaries “First the list of candidates caves or ravines where they could stay away from the danger blooms, and so Myanmar people or first Wa is the period of Lent religious merit one can attain is to the four corners of the world. to be ordained was submitted to of wildlife. regard it as the flower of this which begins on the first waning by becoming oneself novice or One day he asked his guru monk the Hluttaw. The Crown Prince, Sometimes, they illus- month. In the year M.E. 1355, day of Waso month and ends on being ordained monk if one is a Shin Moggaliputta whether he Senior Prince, Minister of Royal trated pictures of scenes, there were two Waso months- the day of the completion of three male or by making one’s son or deserved to be the inheritor of Granary, Ministers, Governor of weapons such as Stone first Waso and second Waso, as solid months which is the full other’s son novice or ordaining Buddha Sasana. The guru monk town, Minister of Cavalry, Min- Hence, everybody, Age objects and significant a month was intercalated af- moon day of Thadingyut (Octo- him a monk. By performing this replied that although the King’s ister of Elephantry, Minister of child or adult, scenes. Hence, we can as- ter Waso. So, this type of year ber). Pyitsima Wa or second Wa religious work, the performer religious givings were incom- Treasury, Minister of Gunnery, sess the forefathers’ purpos- is called Wa-htat year i.e., two begins on the first waning day becomes an “inheritor of Bud- parably plenty he was only the Minister of Artillery, Minister of takes care of their es for the creation of these Waso years. of Wagaung month (August) and dha Sasana.” The performer contributor to the support of the Palace Precincts, Minister mural paintings, their life- In the early lithic inscrip- ends on the day of the completion receives from the community Buddhism and that only when of Royal, Shield, Minister of Jus- unintentional style of the created period, tions of ancient Bagan, this of three solid months which is an honorific title of “Shin Taka” he ordained his own offsprings tice, Junior Ministers, wealthy habitats and nature of wild- month was called “Malweita” or the full moon day of Tazaungmon “Shin Ama” “Yahan Taka” “Ya- would he become the inheritor men etc. each took care of one acts which may life, ancient climatic condi- “Nweita” or “Nweita” or “Nwe- (November). Depending upon han Ama” “Donor of Novitiation” of Buddha Sasana. On hearing candidate for ordination. tions, geographical condi- ta”, all of which mean “the month their conditions monks may “Donor of Ordination” “Donor that his son Prince Mahinda and “The Minister of Royal be harmful to any tions, ancient monuments, for measuring land”. It is in this choose either of these two was. of Ordination” which is prefixed daughter Princess Sanghamitta Treasury provided umbrel- religious edifices, use of month that wet cultivation is Either in the evening or to his or her name. Ta death his offered themselves up to their las and eight priestly utensils others and any- colourful paints in mural done in full swing, and so the at night of the first waning day or her body is carried with two royal father for ordination. namely three pieces of a yellow thing as destroy- paintings and ingredients in farmers have to measure the of Waso all monks of the same ceremonial gold umbrellas shad- In the time of Myanmar robe, an alms bowl, a girdle, a making the colourful paints. extent of the lands to till. Hence monastery are gathered in the ing it as a token of honour to the Kings, ordination in Waso was short handle adze, a needle, and ing the artefacts Some mural paintings the land-measuring month is assembly hall facing the shrine deceased “inheritor of Buddha the great festive event of the a water dipper. These were sent disappeared in the impacts an appropriate name. As Ther- room of Buddha images. The Sasana”. Two historical pieces of month. The Hluttaw or the to the monasteries where the or structures. On of bad weather and the de- avada Buddhism flourished and monastery and the shrine room the duties of Lent. This kind of The full moon day of Waso The traditional festive event evidence that support novitiation King’s Council arranged the or- ordained monks would reside. struction of humans. Some its influence permeated the daily are artistically decorated with request is called “wa pan” re- is one of the important days of Waso is ordination. The ear- and ordination as a religious re- dination festival. It made a list An allotment of K50/- for each the other hand, mural paintings do not dis- life of the Myanmar people, this flowers, candles, festoons and quest for leave of absence from in Buddhist history because it liest mention of the ordination quirement for the Buddhists are of names of candidates to be candidate was issued from the appear but visitors to the month acquired a new name of various offertories, highlighting the monastery during Lent. But was on this day that four great festival is found in the stone in- the novitiation of Prince Rahula, ordained, names of donors who Royal Treasury to bear the cost they have to hand scenes wrote something religious importance “Waso”. the Waso occasion. Firstly, they leave of absence must not exceed events of the Lord Buddha’s life scription at Bagan dated M.E. son of the Lord Buddha and the would bear the expenses of the of celebrating the occasion at his on the mural paintings, es- It is believed that in the time pay homage to the Lord Buddha. more than seven days. If he fails took place. Firstly, it was on the 595 (1213 A.D). It described the ordination of Prince Mahinda ordination ceremony, names of house. On the 9th waning moon over any artefacts pecially at ancient monu- of King Anawrahta (A.D. 1044- Then the head monk of the mon- to make this request and stays full moon day of Waso Thursday, ordination of the son. Another and Princess Sanghamitta, son persons who would support the of Waso, candidates for novitia- to the relevant ments and religious edifices. 1077) when the Theravada Bud- astery explains to the monks the away overnight from the mon- that Prince Siddhartha (the Bud- inscription that mentions the and daughter of King Asoka. A ordained monks, and names of tion and ordination were dressed Hence, letters inked by cor- dhist monks promoted Pariyatti boundaries of the monastery and astery, he commits a breach of dha-tp-be) was conceived in the ordination event is that of the year after the attainment of Bud- monasteries the ordained monks in fine clothings and in the early departments for rection pens badly cover the Sasana, the name “Waso” for its compound within which they Wa vow and thereby he suffers womb of Queen Maha Maya, the Innwa (Ava) period. It was dated dhahood the Lord Buddha came were to reside. At this ceremony, hours of that day they were taken invaluable mural paintings. this month came into common are obliged to stay during Lent. “wa kyo”. Wa kyo means losing Chief Queen of King Suddhodana M.E. 900 (1538 A.D). In Myanma to Kapilavatsu and resided at the Byaw music was played. Byaw to the Innwa Shwezigon Pagoda. preservation to Negligent acts of someone use. The word “Waso” is a com- Starting with the most senior the priestly character in conse- of Kapilavatsu. Secondly, it was literature of Innwa and other Nigrodha Bihara monastery. One is a kind of drum. Byaw music They wore a gold coloured head- can destroy invaluable ob- pound of two words “wa” and monk (seniority is counted not in quence of a breach of a monastic on the full moon day of Waso, periods, we find references to day while the Lord Buddha was is played on the occasion of re- dress and gold chains provided ensure the long jects. So, the artistic works “so”. “Wa” is derived from the terms of age but terms of wasa vow as he has not recited the Monday that Prince Siddhartha the ordination festival held in the at the Court of his father King ligious charity. Byaw musicians by the Royal Treasury. never return to normality. Pali word “wasa” meaning “to or ordained years), every monk formula of permission. But as the at the age of 29 after seeing four month of Waso. In fact, there is Suddhodana, Rahula’s mother were appointed by the King and SEE PAGE-10 term existence of As such, everybody recite” “to say” or “to tell”. “So” by turn recites the following for- monks strictly observe priestly Omens, renounced his mundane no specific time or month fixed Queen Yasodhara told her son needs to participate in the is a Myanma word which also mula of Wa vow: disciplines there is hardly any life and left his palace for the for- for ordination. Ordination can that the Lord Buddha was his cultural heritage in preservation of ancient ob- means “to say” or “to tell”. Om case of Wa kyo. est to become a recluse. Thirdly take place in any month of the father and urged Rahula to ask the country. jects such as mural paint- the first waning day of this month Imasmim vihare imam During Lent, monks devote it was on the full moon day of year. But there are two special for patrimony from his father. ings. It is because these Buddhist monks say to the Lord temasam vassam upemi” themselves full-time to the ob- Waso Saturday that the Lord reasons for holding ordination on When the son did accordingly, paintings were created by Buddha (take a vow in front of (ဣမသ됶 ဝိဟာရ ဣမံ တေမာသံ servance of religious practice. Buddha gave his first sermon the full moon day of Waso. Firstly, the Lord Buddha kept silent. ancient human beings. As the Buddha statue) that they will ဝဿံ ဥပေမိ) Especially in the Pariyatti mon- “Dhammacakya” to the five re- it was on the full moon day of Rahula followed the Lord Bud- they do not exist now, their original works of mural paintings stay in their residing monastery which means “I shall stay in asteries teaching and learning cluses namely Kondana, Vappa, Waso that one of the five recluses dha to the monastery, repeatedly cannot be created again. In taking a lesson from the unexpected during the three months of the this monastery during the three of Tipitakas and all Buddhist Bhaddiya. Mahanam, and Assaji whom the Lord Buddha gave his asking for patrimony on the way. disappearance of the mural paintings, all the people should join rainy season. months of rainy season” Every scriptures and kinds of literature in the Deer Park Migadawun- first sermon named Shin Kon- When they reached the Nigrodha hands with the archaeologists and historians in the preservation The history of observing time each monk recites this vow are intensively carried out by na. Fourthly it was on the full dana became a monk. Secondly, VBihara the Lord Buddha told of the ancient artworks and artefacts to be able to take pride Waso rite goes back to the life- either once or twice or thrice, the teacher and student monks, moon day of Waso that the Lord those who have passed religious his disciple Shin Sariputtara to in these works in the flourishing of culture and contemporary time of the Lord Buddha. At first, the rest of the monks utter in preparing for the religious ex- Buddha under the Mango tree in examinations in the previous novitiate Rahula in the Order. civilization of respective eras. there was no religious restriction chorus word of appreciation in aminations held in the month of Sawutti showed his miracles to month, Nayon are ready to be Making Rahula a novice (Same- Hence, everybody, child or adult, takes care of their uninten- of the movement of monks. They Pali “Sadu” (well-done) three Nayon (June). At the meditation the heretics to subdue them. In ordained in Waso so that they nera) was the grant of patrimony tional acts which may be harmful to any others and anything as freely went about throughout the times. Owing to the unavoida- centres, the instructor monks Myanmar, the full moon day of can pursue learning (Pariyat- by the Lord Buddha to his son destroying the artefacts or structures. On the other hand, they year. They travelled in all sea- ble circumstances if a monk has teach their pupils the correct Waso is marked “Dhammacakya ti) during Lent. The ordination because by becoming a proba- have to hand over any artefacts to the relevant departments sons. Greengrass, plants, cul- to travel and thus has to stay ways of meditation. The material Day” which is observed by hold- festival in Waso is in sequence tioner for the priesthood, Rahula for preservation to ensure the long term existence of cultural tivation and little insects were away from the monastery dur- needs of the teacher and student ing group recitations of Dham- with the religious examination was inheriting Buddha Sasana heritage in the country. accidentally trodden upon by ing Lent, he can make a formal monks are supplied by lay devo- macakya at religious centres festival in Nayon. from his father. travelling monks, thereby dam- request for a dispensation from tees and the public. throughout the country. The purpose of ordination Spanish Jasmine (Myat Lay) 14 JULY 2021 10 ARTICLE/ GLOBAL TOP STORIES THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR Waso, the Month of Ordination Festival

FROM PAGE-9 edgeable is a rare opportunity 219 of the Ordination Ceremony and Chief Queen offered rice to In the days of Myanmar To have been born a hu- performed in the time of King the novices and newly ordained Kings twice in a year, homage They were carried on the man male during the period of Mindon. monks.” was paid to the parents, elders, palanquins in the ceremoni- Buddha Sasana is a rare oppor- “... 500 candidates for the The festive atmosphere of superiors, and teachers, namely al procession which included tunity. and priesthood (Upasampada = Waso is created by devotees at the beginning of Lent called gunners, musicians, palan- To be an ordained monk is Being ordained to monkhood) who come to the monasteries “Wa Win (July) and at the end quins bearing Kammma Vaca a rare opportunity. and 500 candidates for novice to watch with reverence and of Lent called “Wa Kyut” (Oc- or Plates of Scriptures to be “These five rare oppor- (Samenera) altogether one piety and performance of the tober). On the first waning day recited at the ordination ser- tunities were pointed out by thousand were dressed up in Waso rite by the monks. They of Waso, the King offered to the vice, bearers of four ceremo- the Lord Buddha himself. You fine clothes and were carried on wear colourful garments and seven Buddha white umbrellas, nial white umbrellas shading should therefore be aware that the caparisoned elephants fol- jewellery carrying candles, prayer flags, prayer festoons, the Kamma Vaca, bearers of you have now got all these five lowed by a retinue of attendants flowers, robes and other alms to gold and silver flowers and eight priestly utensils, bearers rare opportunities. You should lined up in procession. They be offered to the monks. These flower vases. At the Hluttaw of betel boxes, tea containers, therefore strictly abide by went round in the Palace City offertories came to be known princes, ministers, high ranking and water goblets and several Vinaya, the Priestly Disciplines, and eventually stopped at the as Waso candles, Waso flowers officers, men of wealth and po- other paraphernalia. After pay- and faithfully follow the teach- entrance of the pavilions set and Waso robes. Strictly speak- sition presented gold and silver ing homage to the Pagoda the ings of the Lord Buddha.” up on either side of the Mye ing, Waso robe is offered to the bowls and silk clothes to the procession turned to the Palace. “After delivering his words Nan Taw Palace Buildings. In monk in the period between the King and paid him homage. On Except for the gunners, all en- of admonition the King per- the pavilions were gathered 100 first waxing day of Waso month the 5th waning day, their wives tered the Palace City through formed the libation ceremony senior monks and eight priestly and its full moon day both days paid homage to the King. At the right Marabin Gate.” by pouring out lustral water utensils for each of the 1,000 inclusive. Waso robe is meant the monasteries, junior monks “After making a round of from the golden ewer. Then the candidates about to be noviti- to be worn by a monk during paid homage to senior monks. the Palace podium they went royal drum was struck and reli- ated or ordained. Other offerto- Lent. Similar offertories may be In towns and villages, the public up to the Northern Samok gious music Byaw was played. ries were artistically displayed presented to the Pagodas and paid homage to the Governor of (Gatehouse in a palace) Build- The procession returned to the in the pavilions. Buddha statues. In the coun- the town and the village head- ing where the King was waiting Shwezigon Pagoda and at the The candidates sat down tryside, young people go out to man. At home, children paid with his Ministers and attend- big rest house the King’s ad- respectfully in front of the the nearby woodlands to gath- homage to their parents, elders ants. The royal drums were monition was read out in pub- monks. The Queen Mother er wild followers and sprigs of and teachers. being struck to mark the occa- lic. The procession then went entered the pavilions and per- Thabye, thus providing a merry Waso traditions have long sion. The Officer-in-charge of on the Sima or Ordination Hall formed the libation ceremony. social occasion for meeting be- been maintained and observed the ceremony submitted the list where the candidates were for- Celebrations followed after it.” tween boys and girls. Folk mu- by the Myanmar people. The of Candidates to be ordained by mally ordained by the Chapters “In the evening of that day, sic, song and dance accompany mass media of today carry news reading it out to the King. His according to the prescribed pro- King Mindon, Chief Queen and them if they come out in organ- and reports of Waso activities Majesty gave the candidates his cedure”. the whole Court came out in ised groups. On the full moon at the shrines, monasteries exhortation as follows: The following is the ac- state and made a ceremonial day and the day after it, shrines, schools, Colleges and Univer- “To have been born human count given in the Myanma presentation of 1,000 candidates pagodas, and monasteries are sities. is a rare opportunity. Chronicle called Konbaung in the service of Buddha Sassa- crowded with devotees doing To be literate and knowl- Set Maha Yazawin Vol. 3 page na. The following day the King works of religious merit. Seven more rescued from France fines Google 500 mn euros in rubble of China hotel collapse news copyright row

France’s competition watchdog “We have acted in good faith “This decision is mainly on Tuesday slapped Google with during the entire negotiation pe- about negotiations that took a 500-million-euro ($593-million) riod. This fine does not reflect place between May and Septem- fine for failing to negotiate “in the efforts put in place, nor the ber 2020. Since then, we have good faith” with media compa- reality of the use of news content continued to work with publish- nies over the use of their content on our platform,” the company ers and news agencies to find under EU copyright rules. insisted. common ground.”—AFP It is “the biggest ever fine” imposed by the Competition Au- thority for a company’s failure to adhere to one of its rulings, the agency’s chief Isabelle De Silva told reporters, saying the The Siji Kaiyuan hotel collapsed on Monday and no reason for the disaster has yet been given. PHOTO: CNS/AFP decision was intended to “reflect the gravity” of Google’s short- RESCUERS have pulled according to the People’s Daily. comings. another seven survivors out No further information was The regulator also ordered of the rubble of a small budget given on the number of people Google to present media pub- hotel that collapsed in the east- still missing. No cause for the lishers with “an offer of renu- ern China city of Suzhou, state disaster has yet been given. meration for the current use of media said Tuesday. The hotel opened in 2018 and their copyrighted content”, or The Siji Kaiyuan hotel col- had 54 guest rooms, according risk paying additional damages lapsed on Monday afternoon, to its listing on the travel site of up to 900,000 euros a day. The long-running legal battle has centred on claims that Google has with authorities initially saying Ctrip. Images from the scene A Google spokesperson said been showing articles, pictures and videos produced by media outlets one person had died. showed orange-clad rescue in a statement to AFP that the when displaying search results without adequate compensation, despite The latest figures bring to workers swarming over large company was “very disappoint- the seismic shift of global advertising revenues towards the search 14 the number of those rescued, piles of rubble.—AFP ed” by the decision. giant. PHOTO: AFP 14 JULY 2021 THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR PANDEMIC: WORLD 11 Death toll rises to 64 in Iraq Covid unit fire

A fire which enveloped a Covid the source said, adding that the serious about putting an end to isolation unit in southern Iraq death toll might rise further with these tragedies,” he added. killed 64 people. more bodies feared buried under In a Tuesday tweet, Iraqi “Sixty-four (bodies) were the rubble. President Barham Salih blamed retrieved and 39 identified and The ward had space for 70 the “catastrophe” at Al-Hussein handed over to their families,” the beds. Hospital on “persistent corrup- source at the Dhi Qar Forensic Outside the hospital, dozens tion and mismanagement that Science Department said. of young demonstrators protest- undervalues the lives of Iraqis”. The deadly Monday evening ed. Salih recalled an April fire blaze at Al-Hussein Hospital in “The perpetrators must be at a Baghdad Covid-19 hospital the provincial capital Nasiriyah, deterred... The state must take which killed 82 people and injured which medics said was fuelled by the necessary measures... to 110. It too was sparked by the the explosion of oxygen canisters, confront the corrupt,” a young explosion of badly stored oxygen was the second such fire in Iraq protester told AFP early Tuesday. cylinders. The April fire triggered in three months. He said those responsible widespread anger, resulting in “Medical teams and relatives must be held “accountable... in the suspension and subsequent People gather at the ravaged coronavirus isolation ward of Al-Hussein of victims are finding it difficult to transparent investigations that resignation of then health minis- hospital after a massive fire overnight, in the southern Iraqi city of identify the rest of the corpses,” show people that it (the state) is ter Hassan al-Tamimi.— AFP Nasiriyah, on July 13, 2021. PHOTO: AFP

‘Silver lining’: Albania medicinal NEWS IN BRIEF herbs bloom in pandemic Sputnik V demonstrates strong safety dried in darkened rooms to pre- profile during vaccination campaign in serve their colour before being San Marino shipped abroad. For the past few years, Alba- The Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF), an investor in the nia has been one of Europe’s top Russian Sputnik V vaccine against coronavirus, announced that producers of medicinal herbs, the vaccine demonstrated strong safety with no hospitalization mostly wild plants harvested in cases and tolerability among the elderly in San-Marino during the foothills. the inoculation campaign in the country. About 95 per cent are ex- As per an official release issued on Sunday, the results ported to the United States, were published in EClinicalMedicine, an open-access clinical Australia, New Zealand, France, journal published by The Lancet. Germany or Italy. Beginning from March 4 to April 8, a nationwide study was conducted among individuals in San Marino who received Booming exports one or two doses of Sputnik V. A descriptive analysis was con- Demand has been soaring ducted to quantify the incidence of adverse events following A woman removes weeds from a lavender field in the village of Koplik on 11 June 2021. PHOTO: GENT SHKULLAKU / AFP since the coronavirus pandemic immunization (AEFI) on both occasions.—ANI increased interest in herbs be- SCENTS of sage, lavender and valued for its ability to boost the lieved to strengthen the immune cornflowers rise from the mead- metabolism and resistance to system and amid growing enthu- South Africa: Measures to remain in ows of Albania, which has seen infections. siasm for natural and organic place against Delta variant soaring overseas demand for Early in the morning, before products. “Every cloud has a medicinal herbs since the coro- the heat of the day, dozens of silver lining,” says Altin Xhaja, Covid-19 restrictions imposed in South Africa to limit the navirus pandemic. women wearing broad-rimmed whose company, Albrut, has, devastating effects of the Delta variant will stay in place until In Sheqeras, at the foot of hats, hand-pick the magnificent like many others in the sector, the end of the month, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced the Mali i Thate mountain in Al- signature-blue flowers that at- expanded areas under cultiva- on Sunday. bania’s south, it is the season for tract clouds of butterflies and tion and intensified harvesting Infections for the worst-hit country on the continent cornflowers, a plant traditionally bees. The cornflowers are then of wildflowers.—AFP “remain extremely high”, the president said in a televised address to the nation. Bars and schools remain closed, while the 9 pm to 4 am Masking no longer required for vaccinated US students curfew stays in place. Political and religious gatherings continue to be banned.—AFP STUDENTS and teachers vac- cinated against Covid-19 will not Covid not the only risk to the Olympics need to wear masks in US class- rooms when school resumes in The coronavirus might top the risks at the Tokyo Olympics, but the fall, health authorities said organizers in Japan have other deadly, unpredictable threats Friday. to contend with: natural disasters. The new guidance follows Japan is regularly rattled by earthquakes and battered the recent federal approval of the by typhoons, and experts warn that disaster preparation Pfizer-BioNTech Covid-19 shot for a major event like the Games should not take a back seat for Americans aged 12 to 15, with because of the virus. hospitalizations and deaths down “For organizers, infection measures are an urgent chal- sharply since January -- but cases lenge,” Hirotada Hirose, a specialist in disaster risk studies, beginning an upward trajectory told AFP. “But the risks of a major earthquake mustn’t be due to the surging Delta variant of Students and teachers vaccinated against Covid-19 will not need to wear forgotten when you have an Olympics hosted by Japan,” masks in US classrooms when school resumes in the fall. PHOTO: AFP the coronavirus. The Centres for added Hirose, professor emeritus at Tokyo Woman’s Christian Disease Control and Prevention that vaccinated Americans could for schools was not immediately University.—AFP (CDC) had announced in May drop masks, but the health advice changed accordingly.—AFP 14 JULY 2021 12 ECON: WORLD THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR China growth slowed sharply to 7.7% in second quarter: AFP poll

China’s economic growth start of the year, that jump was slowed sharply in the second largely driven by the low base of quarter as the country’s army of comparison owing to large parts consumers remained hesitant to of the country being locked splurge and exports were dent- down to prevent the spread of ed by disruptions, according to the virus. an AFP poll of analysts. Official figures will be re- The world’s second larg- leased on Thursday. est economy has staged a rapid The virus first emerged in recovery from last year’s pan- China in late 2019, but the strict demic-induced slump, but the containment measures meant investment and manufacturing the disease was brought under rebound fuelling it now seems control fairly quickly, allowing to be fading -- and other drivers the country to be the only major are not picking up fast enough. economy to expand last year. It is forecast to have grown But analysts note that the 7.7 per cent on-year in April- economy has been expanding June and 8.5 per cent for the more slowly since the start of While China’s economy is seeing healthy growth, there are signs it is slowing down as key markets struggle full year, according to a poll of 2021 as the pandemic drags on with the pandemic and consumers remain reticent. PHOTO: AFP 12 analysts conducted by AFP. globally. While the quarterly figure “The production side of the lenges,” Moody’s Analytics raw material costs, and ship- ers, threatening to drag down would be much slower than the economy is... under pressure economist Christina Zhu told ping disruptions are weighing the country’s growth,” she said. record 18.3 per cent seen at the amid increasing supply chal- AFP. “Input shortages, surging on the country’s manufactur- —AFP UAE to launch its first digital Satellite data helped indigenous Peruvians save currency by 2026 rainforest: study The announcement is part of its “2023-2026 strategy” which INDIGENOUS peoples pa- 2019, in villages that were ran- aims to “position it among the trolling the Peruvian Amazon domly assigned equipment and world’s top 10 central banks,” it equipped with smartphones training compared to those that said according to state media. and satellite data were able to were not. The reductions in for- In 2019, Saudi Arabia and drastically reduce illegal de- est loss were especially concen- the UAE announced a test phase forestation, according to the trated in communities facing of a common cryptocurrency for results of an experiment pub- the most immediate threats cross-border transactions. lished Monday. from illegal gold mining, log- The UAE has big tech am- The study, which appeared ging, and the planting of illicit bitions, investing in artificial in the Proceedings of the Na- crops like coca plants used to intelligence, launching a space tional Academy of Sciences make cocaine. Though nation- programme, and hosting the (PNAS), showed that recogniz- al governments have invested The iconic Gate Building in Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) regional headquarters of large ing indigenous people’s rights heavily in satellite-based moni- will be the new venue for Art Dubai 2021. PHOTO: AFP/FILE multinational digital firms. to their territory can be a pow- toring, empowering indigenous THE United Arab Emirates will criticizing decentralized crypto- Faced with increasing pop- erful force against the climate peoples is a departure from the launch its first digital currency currencies like bitcoin. ularity of the cryptocurrency crisis, the authors said. orthodox reliance on local law by 2026, the central bank of the The Emirates central bank bitcoin, as well as for online The trial assessed the im- enforcement. oil-rich Gulf state, which serves said its plans include “issuing a payments during the pandemic, pact of indigenous forest com- What’s more, deforestation as the region’s financial hub, said digital currency and driving dig- central banks are exploring new munity monitoring patrols in alerts rarely filter down to rain- Monday. ital transformation in the UAE’s units of their own. reducing deforestation when forest communities, which lack Several central banks financial services sector, by uti- China launched the race in equipped with satellite-based reliable access to the internet around the world have recently lizing the latest artificial intelli- March with the start of a test alerts. It found a 52 per cent -- leaving villagers unaware of announced similar plans, while gence and big data solutions.” phase of its digital yuan.—AFP drop in deforestation in 2018 invaders clearing their land. and 21 per cent reduction in —AFP EU puts digital tax plan ‘on hold’ during OECD talks

G20 finance ministers on Satur- said on Monday it would delay to delay its tax plan. day approved the agreement at its plan to propose an EU digi- Meeting in Venice, G20 fi- the OECD for a global minimum tal tax in order to not jeopardize nance ministers on Saturday corporate tax rate of at least 15 efforts to secure a global deal endorsed a plan agreed by 132 per cent, and to allow nations on fairer taxation. After an “ex- countries to overhaul the way to tax a share of the profits of traordinary” breakthrough at multinational companies, includ- the world’s biggest companies G20 talks on Saturday, “we have ing US digital giants, are taxed. regardless of where they are decided to put on hold our work The G20 called on negoti- headquartered. Photo: Shutter- on a proposal for a digital levy”, ators to swiftly address the re- View of logs stacked to be cut at a sawmill near Puerto Maldonado, stock.com an EU spokesman said, a day maining issues and finalize the Tambopata province, Madre de Dios region, in the Amazon rainforest The European Commission after Washington asked Brussels agreement by October.—AFP of southeastern Peru. PHOTO: AFP/FILE 14 JULY 2021 THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR BIZ: WORLD / AD 13 Japanese astronaut Noguchi expects NEWS IN BRIEF space tourism to accelerate US economy not yet ready for end to Japanese astronaut Soichi ize ‘a six-day space trip Fed stimulus, top official says Noguchi said Tuesday he with Noguchi’,” the vet- expects space tourism to eran astronaut joked. “If THE recovery in key areas of the US economy is not “accelerate rapidly” after you want to see the aurora sufficient enough for the Federal Reserve to start pulling U.S. company Virgin Ga- borealis, the coral reefs of back on its aggressive stimulus programme, a top central lactic Holdings Inc. suc- the Caribbean Sea, and the banker said Monday. cessfully carried passen- Himalayas in one day, the While the Fed has begun to consider when to taper gers to the edge of space only way will be through its massive bond-buying programme, New York Fed on the weekend. space travel.” President John Williams told reporters the economy has “I think changes such On Sunday, Virgin Ga- not made the “substantial progress” required for it to act. as a collapse in the cost lactic’s space plane flew The US economy shed more that 20 million jobs last (of space tourism) will to about 80 kilometres year amid the pandemic, and still has not recovered 6.8 happen soon,” Noguchi of above Earth’s surface, suc- million of those. Policymakers have stressed that they the Japan Aerospace Ex- cessfully sending the six will wait for more improvements before acting.—AFP ploration Agency said in passengers including the an interview with Kyodo company’s founder, billion- News. aire British businessman Musk defends Tesla’s SolarCity deal The 56-year-old, who Richard Branson, into sub- in US shareholder trial returned to Earth in May orbital space and allowing after a six-month stay at them to enjoy a few min- TESLA chief Elon Musk defended the electric car maker’s the International Space utes of weightlessness. Japanese astronaut Soichi Noguchi gives in an interview controversial 2016 acquisition of SolarCity Monday at Station, predicted that In November last year, in Tokyo on 13 July 2021. He returned to Earth in May the start of a trial on whether the billionaire put his own costs could fall from tens of Noguchi arrived at the ISS following a six-month mission on the International Space interests ahead of investors. millions of yen per person aboard U.S. aerospace Station. PHOTO: KYODO Musk told a Delaware court that he was not en- at present to fit the budgets manufacturer SpaceX’s In his two previous space Shuttle Discovery and a riched by the Tesla-SolarCity deal and that he did not of ordinary tourists. Crew Dragon ship on his missions in 2005 and 2009, Russian Soyuz space- inappropriately pressure fellow board members to “I think we can organ- third mission to the station. he travelled on the Space craft.—Kyodo greenlight the transaction, according to CNBC. A group of Tesla shareholders contends that Musk, who was chairman of both Tesla and SolarCity at the time of the transaction, “poisoned” Tesla’s ability to fairly Vietnam’s Vinfast to launch electric cars in evaluate the purchase, wasting corporate assets in the $2.6 billion deal and harming shareholders, according US, Europe next year to a complaint.—AFP

VIETNAM’S first home- March 2022, the company grown car manufacturer added. Sharp, Fuyo General Lease form solar Vinfast said Monday it will But Vinfast will face power joint venture in Thailand launch two new electric stiff competition, especial- vehicle models early next ly when going up against JAPAN’S Sharp Corp. and Fuyo General Lease Co. have year in North America big-name brands includ- established a joint venture in Thailand to sell solar-gen- and Europe, as it pushes ing Volkswagen and Elon erated electricity to corporate clients. to enter the lucrative but Musk’s Tesla. To prepare Sharp said Monday that Bangkok-based Sharp Solar crowded market. for its entry into global Solution Asia Co. concluded an accord with Fuyo Gen- The carmaker is a sub- markets, the company said eral Lease of Mizuho Financial Group Inc. the same day sidiary of Vietnam’s largest it had recruited experts to create S-Solar Generation Thailand Co. in the Thai private conglomerate, Vin- from firms including Tesla, capital.—Kyodo group, which is owned by Vinfast sold around 30,000 vehicles last year. PHOTO: BMW and Toyota. Domes- the country’s richest man, AFP/FILE tically, Vinfast has already a press-shy billionaire who begun operations in the markets”. All the vehicles sold vehicles that include MYANMA PORT AUTHORITY started his career selling US, Canada, France, Ger- will be made in Vietnam. sedan and SUV models, dried noodles in Ukraine. many and the Netherlands It aims to launch its two along with e-scooters HOLIDAY NOTICE The company said and had recruited staff and new electric car models -- and even electric buses. As the wharves, warehouses and chellan Offices Monday it had officially opened offices in these “key the VF e35 and VF e36 -- in —AFP of Yangon Port will be closed on the 19th JULY 2021 (Martyr's Day) and 23rd JULY 2021 (FULL MOON DAY OF WASO), Loading, Unloading and delivery for Goods Consumer group lodges EU will be received on Payment as Holiday Fees. complaint against WhatsApp Myanma Port Authority “Notice of High Tide” The European Consumer its messenger platform member Germany – have Organization announced to accept new terms of stepped in to to impose Exceptionally high spring from 20.00 feet to 20.47 feet on Monday it had lodged service, but Facebook de- temporary bans. In a high above the chart datum are expected to occur in Yangon rd th a complaint with the Euro- nies that this would allow statement announcing its River during the period of July 23 to July 27 , 2021. Please be noted that it is not serious level of tide because the pean Commission against WhatsApp to share more complaint, the European Facebook is seeking highest tide level have reached up to 22 feet above the chart Facebook’s attempt to user data with its main so- Consumer Organization to nudge users of its datum in year 2014 and 2015, and this notice is normally modify the terms of ser- cial platform. Regulators (BEUC) accused Facebook WhatsApp messenging issued whenever high tide of Yangon River is expected to service to accept new vice for the WhatsApp and privacy activists have of “unfairly” pressuring reach over 20 feet high above the chart datum in order to messenging service. condemned the move, users to accept the hand- terms of service. PHOTO: take precautionary measures to the public living near river The US tech titan has and authorities in some over and failing to explain INDRANIL foreshore area of Yangon City. sought to nudge users of countries – including EU it.—AFP MUKHERJEE/AFP 14 JULY 2021 14 SOCIETY THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR

NEWS Democrats walk out again over Texas voting restrictions IN BRIEF TEXAS Democratic lawmakers are needed to prevent election Moldova pro- fled their state Monday seeking fraud, as claimed by Trump in Europeans win to derail a Republican-led voting his repeated falsehoods that the resounding election restrictions bill that critics say is 2020 election was stolen from him. blatant voter suppression follow- But critics say the measures aim victory ing Donald Trump’s presidential to make it more cumbersome for election loss. Several members of ethnic-minority voters, who tend Moldova’s main pro-European the Texas legislature decamped to vote Democratic. party has won a resounding vic- for Washington seeking to deny “Today, Texas House Demo- tory in parliamentary polls, re- ruling Republicans the quorum crats stand united in our decision sults showed Monday, strength- they would need to pass the new to break quorum and refuse to let ening the hand of President Maia measure. the Republican-led legislature Sandu as the former World Bank The dramatic move esca- force through dangerous leg- economist pushes to reform her lates the fight over voting rights islation that would trample on ex-Soviet country. in Texas and nationwide, as Re- Texans’ freedom to vote,” Texas Texas Democratic state Representative Chris Turner, seen here on 10 Sunday’s snap election -- publicans in several states intro- House Democratic Caucus Chair July speaking to a group of people waiting to testify against renewed called by Sandu in April to shore duce legislation to tighten voting Chris Turner and other state law- efforts by Texas Republicans to pass voting restrictions as state lawmakers hold committee hearings on election integrity bills at the up her position against pro-Rus- rights by, among other things, makers said in a statement. State Capitol on 10 July 2021 in Austin, Texas. PHOTO: AFP sia forces -- saw her centre-right making mail-in voting more dif- “We are living on borrowed Action and Solidarity (PAS) party ficult and curtailing early voting time in Texas,” they said, adding gress act quickly to pass legisla- the Trump Republicans’ nation- take 52.80 per cent of the vote. hours. Republicans say the bills it was imperative the US Con- tion protecting Americans “from wide war on democracy.”—AFP PAS will get 63 seats in the 101-seat parliament for four- year terms, according to the Top US general in Afghanistan relinquishes command Central Election Commission. A coalition of socialists and Com- munists, led by former Krem- ture bringing America’s longest recently by the Taliban -- have lin-backed president Igor Dodon, war nearer to an end even as raised fears that Afghanistan’s came second with 27.17 per cent, the Taliban continue a bloody security forces could be swiftly the commission said Monday, onslaught across the country. overwhelmed, particularly with- with all votes counted. After General Austin “Scott” Mill- out vital US air support. early results showed her party er -- the highest-ranked officer Biden has made clear, how- leading late on Sunday, Sandu on the ground in the war-torn na- ever, that America’s involvement hailed what she called a vote tion -- handed command to Gen- in a war launched after the Sep- for change in a country beset by eral Kenneth McKenzie, who will tember 11, 2001 attacks has to poverty and corruption.—AFP oversee remaining operations end, and Afghans must chart from a US-based headquarters. their own future. Miller has been in Af- Most of the 2,500 US and US urges Ethiopian ghanistan since 2018, but was 7,500 NATO troops who were unity after criticizing charged more recently by com- in Afghanistan when Biden mander-in-chief President Joe detailed the final withdrawal election General Austin “Scott” Miller (R) -- the highest-ranked officer on Biden with organising the final in April have now gone, leav- the ground in Afghanistan -- handed command to General Kenneth McKenzie (L). PHOTO: AFP withdrawal of US troops, to be ing Afghan troops to fight an The United States on Monday completed by the end of August. emboldened Taliban seeming- urged Ethiopians to reject vio- The top US general in Afghan- Monday at a ceremony in the The pace of the pullout -- ly bent on a military victory. lence and divisions as it voiced istan relinquished command capital, the latest symbolic ges- and multiple offensives launched — AFP concern over the conduct of elections held amid brutal fight- ing in the Tigray region. Prime Minister Abiy Bali boots tourists for breaking virus rules Ahmed secured another five- year term in results announced SEVERAL foreign tourists were Saturday but the State Depart- kicked out of Bali Monday for ment said it stood by its state- breaking the Indonesian holiday ment issued before the vote island’s stricter virus rules, as that the process “was not free the country is slammed by its or fair for all Ethiopians” due to deadliest Covid-19 wave. violence and opposition parties’ Three visitors from the boycott. United States, Russia and Ire- “All of this underscores land were put on planes bound the need to launch an inclu- for their home countries after sive effort to build a national being nabbed for not wearing consensus on the governance masks in public, violating Ba- of Ethiopia,” State Department li’s new zero-tolerance policy, spokesman Ned Price told re- authorities said. “They broke porters. “In this period follow- minimum virus rules requiring ing the election, it’s critical that face masks during the emer- Ethiopians come together to gency restriction period,” said This picture taken on January 7, 2021 shows tourists preparing to board a fast boat from Sanur beach near confront growing divisions. We Jamaruli Manihuruk, head of Denpasar on Indonesia’s resort island of Bali. PHOTO: SONNY TUMBELAKA/AFP urge politicians and community Bali’s legal and justice office, leaders to reject violence and to which oversees immigration en- after testing positive was also The four are the first for- rules as the beach-dotted island refrain from inciting others to forcement. A Russian woman set to be deported once she was eigners to be deported for clamps down on rampant viola- violence,” he said.—AFP who refused to self-quarantine virus-free, he added. breaking Bali’s stricter Covid-19 tions.—AFP 14 JULY 2021 THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR GLOBAL AFFAIRS 15 Cuba blames US for unprecedented anti-government protests

Havana on Monday blamed a The anti-government rallies on Sunday. US “policy of economic suffo- erupted spontaneously in sever- President Miguel Di- cation” for unprecedented pro- al cities as the country endures az-Canel blamed the discontent tests against Cuba’s communist its worst economic crisis in 30 on the United States pursuing a government, as Washington years, with chronic shortages “policy of economic suffocation pointed the finger at “decades of electricity, food and medicine to provoke social unrest in the of repression” in the one-party and a recent worsening of the country.” state. coronavirus epidemic. Cuba has been under US The longtime foes traded The only authorized gather- sanctions since 1962. barbs a day after thousands ings in Cuba are usually events “What do they want? To pro- of Cubans took to the streets of the ruling Communist Party, voke social unrest” with a view chanting: “Down with the dic- but according to the data jour- to “regime change,” he said in People take part in a demonstration against the government of Cuban tatorship” in protests dispersed nalism site Inventario, a total an address broadcast on public President Miguel Diaz-Canel in Havana, on 11 July 2021. PHOTO: AFP by police who arrested dozens. of 40 demonstrations took place television and radio.— AFP

NEWS Greek coastguards hit with IN BRIEF new migrant pushback claim Venezuela detains opposition leader on charges of ‘terrorism,’ ‘treason’ TCHINDA said the longed-for destination of his risky Aegean crossing -- the island of Kos -- Venezuelan opposition leader Freddy Guevara was arrested Monday was already tantalizingly in view by the secret police and will be charged with “terrorism” and “treason,” when Greek vessels halted the the prosecutor’s office said. boat he was sailing in along with Attorney — General Tarek Saab said in a statement that Guevara, a 30 other migrants. close ally of opposition head Juan Guaido, was detained by members “First a navy ship blocked of the Bolivarian National Intelligence Service (Sebin) due to “his our way, then it was joined by links with extremist and paramilitary groups associated with the two smaller Zodiac-type boats,” Colombian government,” which together with the United States is the 39-year-old from Cameroon one of the harshest critics of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. told AFP. “He will be charged with the crimes of terrorism, attacks against “The coastguards were the constitutional order, conspiracy to commit a crime and treason,” armed and shouted at us to go said Saab. home,” he said in a series of Guevara, elected to parliament in the 2015 election that gave the phone interviews conducted Greece has toughened its migration policy since 2019, with increased border patrols among other measures. PHOTO: AFP/FILE opposition control of the assembly under Guaido’s leadership, has between July 1 and 8. been accused in the past by the Socialist government of encouraging A cellphone video shared third vessel can be seen in the guard fingers a machine gun. violence in protests that called for Maduro’s departure. Some 125 by the Cameroonian with AFP distance. But the migrants, most of were killed in the subsequent clashes that took place between April shows a packed dinghy immo- “Stay down and stay calm, them men wearing life jackets, and July 2017.— AFP bilized by a Greek coastguard for your safety,” a Greek coast- are agitated. patrol boat, with four crew mem- guard, in a mask and gloves, “I am tired,” one man bers monitoring the migrants. says, holding a long pole. shouts back. “Pushback,” says 10 Colombian ‘paramilitaries’ killed in A second patrol boat and a Next to him, a female coast- another.—AFP clashes: Maduro

Ten Colombian “paramilitaries” died during violent clashes between US says helping investigate Haitian president’s killing armed groups and security forces that have ravaged Caracas, Vene- zuelan President Nicolas Maduro said Monday. out sending troops at Haiti’s Firefights first broke out Wednesday evening, forcing people to request. According to Haitian flee their homes. authorities, a hit squad of 28 men The socialist leader said at least 20 “Colombian paramilitaries” -- 26 Colombians and two US citi- helped train armed groups that have carried out constant shootings, zens -- killed the president in his leaving an unknown number of civilians killed by “stray bullets”. home last week, also injuring “At least 20 Colombian paramilitaries, we captured three with their his wife. “At the request of the weapons, it seems that others were killed who are being identified,” Haitian government, the De- Maduro said in front of the presidential Miraflores Palace. partment of Justice, along with “I don’t know if the number they gave me is exact, 10 killed, and its US government partners, is there are others fleeing and we are looking for them.” assisting the Haitian National Venezuela’s armed forces have engaged in clashes with Colombian Police in the investigation,” the armed groups along the border since March 21, displacing thousands department said in a statement. of civilians who fled to Colombia. Venezuela does not name the armed “An initial assessment has groups it blames for the unrest, apart from calling them “terrorists” or been conducted in Haiti by sen- linking them to drug trafficking or to Colombian President Ivan Duque. Security awaits the arrival of a Haitian diplomatic delegation at the ior US officials. The department US embassy in the Tabarre neighbourhood of Port-au-Prince on 11 However, security sources in Colombia say they are likely dissi- will continue to support the Hai- July 2021, three days after the assassination of Haitian leader Jovenel dents of the now-disbanded Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia Moise. PHOTO: AFP/FILE tian government in its review (FARC) rebel group, an analysis Maduro — who has accused Colombia of the facts and circumstances and the United States of seeking to overthrow him — has conceded THE United States said Monday tian president Jovenel Moise’s surrounding this heinous at- was possible.— AFP it was helping investigate Hai- assassination and did not rule tack.”—AFP 14 JULY 2021 16 SPORT THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR XXXI Southeast Asian Games to be rescheduled amid pandemic surge Republic of the Union

THE XXXI South East Asian video conferencing on 8 July “Although 40 sports will be of Myanmar (SEA) Games was originally that the rescheduling date included in the competition, planned to hold with forty kinds would be announced again. Myanmar will compete in only State Administration of sports in 12 cities in Viet Nam The meeting decided to 18 potential sporting medals. from 21 October to 2 December hold the SEA Games in 2022 and Although 529 medals will be Council 2021 but the tourney has been proposed to hold the event from awarded for 40 sports, Myan- postponed to next year amid the the last week of April to the first mar will only compete for 281 global outbreak of the pandem- week of May, but the host Viet medals for 18 sports,” said of- Nine Objectives ic, said SEA Games officials. Nam replied that they would ficials from the Department of It was decided at the approve the proposal after sub- Sports and Physical Education. SEAGF Office meeting held by mitting it to their government. — GNLM 1. Political affairs (a) To build a Union based on democracy and fed- eralism, through a disciplined and genuine mul- IOC chief praises ‘best-prepared Tokyo’ tiparty democratic system that is fair and just. (b) To emphasize the achievement of enduring peace as Olympic Village opens for the entire nation in line with the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA). “You have managed to make (c) To continue implementing the principle of peaceful Tokyo the best-ever prepared co-existence among countries through an inde- city for an Olympic Games,” he pendent, active and non-aligned foreign policy. said. 2. Economic affairs “This is even more remark- (a) To enhance production based on agriculture able under the difficult circum- and livestock through modern techniques and stances we all have to face.” strengthen all-round development in other sectors The pair met as the first ath- of the economy. letes began entering the Olympic Village, which opened Tuesday (b) To develop a stable market economy and promote without any of the welcome cer- international investment in order to enhance the emonies or media opportunities economic development of the entire National often seen at the Games. people. Organisers declined to even (c) To promote and support local businesses to create specify which teams were enter- employment opportunities and increase domestic Olympics chief Thomas Bach (L) has praised Tokyo has the ‘best-ever ing or how many athletes were production. prepared’ host city. PHOTO: POOL/AFP now in the Village. 3. Social affairs OLYMPICS chief Thomas Bach attending all Olympic events Strict coronavirus rules (a) To ensure a strong and dynamic Union spirit, the praised Tokyo on Tuesday as the in the city and surrounding re- mean athletes can only enter genuine spirit of patriotism. “best-ever prepared” host city, gions. the Village five days before their (b) To respect and promote the customs and tradi- as athletes began entering the International Olympic events and must leave within 48 Olympic Village 10 days before Committee President Bach, hours of winning or being elim- tions of all National peoples and preserve and the opening ceremony. who arrived in Japan last week inated. safeguard their cultural heritage and national The final countdown to the and spent three days in quaran- Despite the low-key open- characteristics. Games comes with Tokyo under tine, told Tokyo 2020 chief Seiko ing, Bach said organizers could (c) To enhance the health, fitness and education a coronavirus state of emergen- Hashimoto that organizers were “be confident that the stage is quality of the entire nation. cy and spectators banned from “doing a fantastic job”. set”. — AFP Euro 2020 experiment proves a hit on the pitch, less so off it

IT began with Italian celebra- the football on the pitch and crowds, especially with virus tions in Rome and ended with it marked the return of spec- cases in the United Kingdom Italian celebrations at Wembley. tators on a large scale for the surging. This European Champi- first time since the coronavirus Euro 2020 was an experi- onship finally concluded with pandemic. ment, a major tournament held Italy’s penalty shoot-out win The intervening 12 months for the first time all across Eu- over England, a year after the since the tournament was post- rope, with 11 host cities as far tournament was postponed due poned saw football played al- apart as Seville and Baku. to the health crisis. most entirely behind closed That led to enormous vari- The incidents when ticket- doors — contrast that with the ations on the number of specta- less fans tried to break through official crowd of 67,173 at the tors at games, from the crowds ticket barriers at Wembley, final, and more without tickets in London and the full houses in leading to violent scenes, may who stormed their way into the Budapest to sparse attendances have tarnished Sunday’s final stadium. elsewhere, in Azerbaijan and in London. Organizers will have ques- This European Championship finally concluded with Italy’s penalty Glasgow, as supporters found But overall Euro 2020 was tions to answer about why more shoot-out win over England, a year after the tournament was postponed it almost impossible to travel an uplifting tournament for was not done to control the due to the health crisis. PHOTO: AFP to certain countries. — AFP