MINISTRY OF THE OFFICE OF THE STATE COUNSELLOR ISSUES PRESS RELEASE P-3 (NATIONAL)

NATIONAL NATIONAL

Dr. Win Myat Aye meets First ever riverside Thingyan festival Bangladesh ministers along Chindwin River in Monywa P-2 P-6

Vol. IV, No. 361, 2nd Waxing of Kason 1379 ME www.globalnewlightofmyanmar.com Monday, 16 April 2018

State Counsellor to visit Viet Nam in near future DAW AUNG SAN SUU KYI, State Counsellor of the Re- public of the Union of Myan- mar, will pay an official visit to the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam in the near future at the invitation of His Excel- lency Mr. Nguyen Xuan Phuc, Prime Minister of the Social- ist Republic of Viet Nam.— Myanmar News Agency Displaced persons return to Taung Pyo Letwe reception centre A FAMILY of five, who left home during the Maungtaw terrorist at- tacks last year, returned to Taung Diplomats and dignitaries sing song together with the audience at the Pandal outside the Yangon City Hall. PHOTO: ZAW MIN LATT Pyo Letwe Reception Centre, Maungtaw District, in Rakhine State on 14 April. The Rakhine State Immigra- Union minister, diplomats enjoy tion and National Registration and Citizenship Department has scrutinised the family members according to the 1982 Citizen- Thingyan Festival in Yangon ship Law, checked whether they had actually lived in the country, UNION Minister for Interna- Yangon Region Hluttaw U Tin tional bonfire festival of the Shan itors. and issued National Verification tional Cooperation U Kyaw Tin, Maung Tun, Deputy Speaker U ethnic people, to entertain the “Diplomats and personnel Cards (NVCs) to them after they diplomats and personnel from Lin Naing Myint and members dignitaries and the audience. from UN agencies and INGOs were found eligible. Besides the UN agencies and their fami- of the Yangon region cabinet. The dignitaries also enjoyed (international non-govern- this, the Rakhine State Health lies participated in the Thingyan They also visited the Splash the entertainment provided by mental organisations) enjoyed Department carried out medical Festival in Yangon yesterday. Walk along the Maha Bandoola prominent vocalists, including the festival here for the third check-ups of each member of the They arrived at the pandal Garden Street. Nwe Yin Win and Haymar Nay time since we took over office. family and the Ministry of Social of the Yangon City in downtown Dato Paduka Haji Abdu’r Win, and the performance of We organised this programme Welfare, Relief and Resettlement and were welcomed by Yangon Rahmani Bin Dato Paduka Haji traditional dance troupes. to convey our happiness and has provided rice, mosquito nets, Region Chief Minister U Phyo Besir, patron of the Diplomatic Chief Minister U Phyo Min friendship,” said U Maung blankets, t-shirts, longyis for men Min Thein and his wife Daw Corps in Myanmar, sang “Lat- Thein and his wife hosted a Maung Soe, mayor of Yangon and women, as well as kitchen Khin Mi Mi Kywe, Speaker of tee,” a song depicting the tradi- luncheon in honour of the vis- City.— Zaw Gyi utensils. SEE PAGE-6

INSIDE TODAY NATIONAL LOCAL NEWS BUSINESS LOCAL NEWS Rakhine Chief Myanmar earns Ks12.5m Export value of Slight Minister inspects from community-based forest products earthquake Gwa Township’s tourism in Pa-O region down by over jolts near development works this year $35 million Yangon City PAGE-3 PAGE-4 PAGE-5 PAGE-4 16 APRIL 2018 2 NATIONAL THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR Dr. Win Myat Aye meets Bangladesh ministers

By Thura Zaw explained in detail the repa- triation process, development Dr. Win Myat Aye, Union Min- projects and the prospects for ister for Social Welfare, Relief Rakhine State. and Resettlement, spoke about The Bangladesh Foreign the repatriation of displaced Minister said they would send persons (DPs) with Bangla- information about the DPs deshi Minister for Foreign Af- using the forms agreed upon fairs Abul Hassan Mahmood by both countries as soon as Ali, MP and Minister for Home possible. Affairs Asaduzzaman Khan MP The Bangladesh authori- at the National Guest House in ties will collaborate with My- Dhaka on 12 April. anmar to handle the sensitive At the meeting, the Union border area issues, he stated. Minister explained that Myan- Union Minister Dr. Win mar was ready for the repatri- Myat Aye and Minister Abul ation process, and he had met Hassan Mahmood Ali, MP then with DPs in Cox’s Bazar, who met the press and answered mentioned they were yet to all the questions posed by the receive the forms for the re- media. patriation process. He told the Present at the meeting Bangladesh ministers that the were UEHRD Chief Coordina- forms received by Myanmar tor Prof. Dr. Aung Tun Thet, for 8,032 individuals were not Myanmar Ambassador U Lwin the physically arranged ones Oo, Chairperson of Myanmar agreed upon by both coun- Union Minister Dr. Win Myat Aye (2nd from left), UEHRD Chief Coordinator Prof. Dr. Aung Tun Thet (Right) and Women’s Affair Federation Dr. tries. The DPs did not produce Bangladeshi Minister for Foreign Affairs Abul Hassan Mahmood Ali, MP (2nd from Right) are Thet Thet Zin, Director-Gen- signed documents stating they seen at the National Guest House in Dhaka. PHOTO: MNA eral of Department of Disas- were returning of their own ters Management Dr. Ko Ko free will, nor fingerprints and Naing, and Director-General individual photographs in the of International Organizations documents sent to Myanmar, and Economic Department U he stated. Kyaw Moe Tun. The Union Minister said Later, the Union Minister it was difficult for Myanmar visited the Myanmar Embassy to check and verify data ow- in Dhaka and met responsible ing to the lack of informa- officials of the UN agencies and tion. He said Myanmar had discussed the implementation informed Bangladesh about of advice given by the Rakhine these problems thrice, and so Advisory Commission on the far, the Myanmar authorities development in Rakhine, My- have confirmed 675 individuals anmar’s readiness for repatria- as having lived in the country tion, humanitarian aid provided before. He said the list had in Rakhine State, the develop- been sent to the Bangladesh ment efforts facilitated by the authorities, but they have not Union Minister Dr. Win Myat Aye and UEHRD Chief Coordinator Dr. Aung Tun Thet are seen together with UEHRD, the construction of responded yet. personnel from UN agencies at Myanmar Embassy in Dhaka, Bangladesh. PHOTO: MNA residential buildings, opening The Union Minister said of vocational training classes, both countries have to work easy access to education and together for the repatriation healthcare, and the planned of DPs settled in the border closing of DP camps opened areas. As the handling of the since 2012. border areas can cause misun- The Union Minister and derstandings, it is important the delegation had lunch at the for the relevant departments Myanmar Embassy in Dhaka in both countries to discuss these issues transparently, he noted. He said Myanmar Correction was working with the United Nations Development Pro- Please read “dis- gramme and the United Na- placed persons-DPs” in- tions High Commissioner for stead of “Internally dis- Refugees for the development placed persons-IDPs,” and resettlement projects in in the news story “Union Rakhine State. Minister Dr. Win Myat Later, Prof. Dr. Aung Tun Aye meets IDPs in Bang- Thet, Chief Coordinator of ladesh” and in its caption the Union Enterprise for Hu- on page-2 of April 12 Issue manitarian Assistance, Re- of the Global New Light of settlement and Development Dr. Win Myat Aye and Bangladeshi Foreign Minister Abul Hassan Mahmood Ali give the press conference at Myanmar.— GNLM in Rakhine State (UERHD), the National Guest House in Dhaka, Bangladesh. PHOTO: MNA 16 APRIL 2018 THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR NATIONAL 3

We will abolish the red tape that burdens the people and Collective strength is vital to build peace eradicate corruption and bribery that plagues all levels of and stability which we need. We need to society as we work to strengthen the moral fiber of our people. We have mutual understanding and mutual respect will draw out from our past experiences as a civilian government as the basic foundation to bring to an end the overcoming various obstacles and hardships, as we work to the best armed conflicts which have existed for many years among the ethnic nationalities. We can of our ability for the immediate present and head towards the future make this foundation strong with our collective of a democratic nation that respects human rights and is free from all strength. stains of corruption. (Excerpt from the speech by State Counsellor Daw (Excerpt from the speech by President U Win Myint at the ceremony to take oath of nd th Aung San Suu Kyi on the 2 Anniversary of NLD office at Pyidaungsu Hluttaw on 30 March 2018) Government on 1st April 2018)

Emperor of Japan sends congratulatory message to President U Win Myint Akihito, Emperor of Japan, sent the Union of Myanmar, I have a congratulatory message to great pleasure in sending You Government of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar President U Win Myint. my heartfelt congratulations In his message, Emperor and sincere good wishes for Ministry of the Office of the State Counsellor Akihito says, “On the occasion the success and happiness of PRESS RELEASE of Your Excellency’s assump- Your Excellency and for the (13th April 2018) tion of the exalted office of the prosperity of the people of Your President of the Republic of country.” The Government of Myanmar expresses serious concern on the news regarding the ap- plication by the International Criminal Court (ICC) Prosecutor to claim jurisdiction over the alleged deportation of the Muslims from Rakhine to Bangladesh. Myanmar is not a party to the Rome Statute. The proposed claim for extension of jurisdiction may very well reap serious consequences and exceed the well enshrined principle that the ICC is a body which operates on behalf of, and with the consent of State Parties which have signed and ratified the Rome Statute. This consensual approach is underlined throughout the ICC Statute. There is an important principle of law or legal maxim “Ubi lex voluit, dicit; ubi noluit, tacit” i.e. “if the law means something, it says it; if it does not mean something, it does not say it”. Nowhere in the ICC Charter does it say that the Court has jurisdiction over States which have not accepted that jurisdiction. Furthermore, the 1969 UN Vienna Convention on International Treaties states that no treaty can be imposed on a country that has not ratified it. The extension of jurisdiction to non-parties may have a reverberating effect to all non-parties in the world and challenges long established legal principles such as legal certainty. What the Prosecutor is attempting to do is to override the principle of national sovereignty and non-in- terference in the internal affairs of other states, in contrary to the principle enshrined in the Rakhine State Chief Minister U Nyi Pu inspects the bridge construction UN Charter and recalled in the ICC Charter’s Preamble. site on Ma Kyae Ngu-Kyauk Chun road in Gwa. PHOTO: MNA Myanmar reiterates that it has not deported any individuals in the areas of concern and in fact has worked hard in collaboration with Bangladesh to repatriate those displaced from their Rakhine Chief Minister inspects homes. Several bilateral agreements have been signed such as the “Arrangement on Return of Displaced Persons from Rakhine State” dated 23 November 2017 between the Governments of Gwa Tsp’s development works the Republic of the Union of Myanmar and the Government of the People’s Republic of Bang- ladesh. All requirements for repatriation are in place. Rakhine State Chief Minister U Rakhine State and Ayeyawady Work is proceeding steadily on this front. The Union Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Nyi Pu, along with state minis- Region, is 200 feet long and 24 feet Resettlement has just visited Bangladesh to meet displaced persons-DPs and brief them on ters, Hluttaw representatives and wide and was allotted Ks800 mil- the development, resettlement process, food supply, housing projects, vocational training, easy departmental officials, inspected lion, as part of the budget of the access to education and healthcare in Rakhine State and that Myanmar is ready for repatriation. the development works in Gwa Rural Development Department. Township yesterday. The delegation also inspect- The Chief Minister and his ed the completed five-mile later- delegation inspected a (3 miles ite road between Pyartaik Village and 6 furlongs) part of Ma Kyae and Dani Village. Thingyan Water Festival in border Ngu-Kyauk Chun road (9 miles In the afternoon, the Chief and 6 furlongs), which was up- Minister inspected the complet- town attracts Thingyan revellers graded to a concrete road. The ed concrete roads developed by Chief Minister then gave in- the Gwa Township Development Chief Minister of Kayah State Administrator U Myo Thant, fourth and last day of Myanmar’s structions on road maintenance Committee, U Ottama road seg- U L Phoung Sho celebrated the staff families and local people. Traditional Thingyan Festival. to meet the set standards and to ment 1, Gamone Myaing road third day of Myanmar Traditional The Chief Minister and officials Next, the Chief Minister donat- ensure reliable use by the public. and Yahaine Kwin-Yahaine Katoe Thingyan Festival at a pandal in awarded cash to dance troupes ed offertories to the monks and The Chief Minister exam- road, and inspected the complet- Mese, a border town in Kayah that performed entertainments elderly people. ined a bridge construction site ed new buildings for Gwa Alae State yesterday morning. to Thingyan revelers. Thingyan merrymakers from on Ma Kyae Ngu-Kyauk Chun Village Basic Education Post The Chief Minister was Seven traditional dance not only Myanmar but also Thai- road, where Staff Officer Daw Primary School, Yahaine Kwin joined by Auditor-General of troupes are taking part in a danc- land are celebrating Thingyan Tin Tin Nyo of the No. 8 bridge Basic Education Primary School Kayah State U Sai Kyaw Zan, ing contest marking Thingyan water festival at water throwing special team explained the con- and a two-storeyed building of departmental officials, Bawlake celebration in which first, second pandals throughout Mese Town struction process. The Kyauk Yahaine Katoe Basic Education District Deputy Commissioner and third prize winning teams where they are offered to enjoy Chun Bridge, which will connect High School.—Tin Tun (IPRD) U Moe Htet, Mese Township will be awarded on Atet Day, the Satuditha.—Wut Yi (IPRD) 16 APRIL 2018 4 LOCAL NEWS THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR Myanmar earns Ks12.5m from community-based www.globalnewlightofmyanmar.com

ACTING CHIEF EDITOR tourism in Pa-O region this year Aye Min Soe, [email protected] [email protected] MYANMAR earned Ks12.5 million from community-based EXPATRIATE CONSULTANT EDITOR tourism projects in the Pa-O Mark Angeles, markrangeles@gmail .com region, southern Shan State, during the past three months, SENIOR EDITORIAL CONSULTANT according to the Ministry of Kyaw Myaing Hotels and Tourism. SENIOR TRANSLATORS The Pa-O region is rich in Zaw Min, tourist attractions. The area [email protected] Win Ko Ko Aung, has ancient structures, places [email protected] of rest and relaxation, forests and mountains and other INTERNATIONAL NEWS EDITOR Ye Htut Tin, natural beauty. The tourism [email protected] authorities implemented the

LOCAL NEWS EDITORS eco-tourism plans to benefit Tun Tun Naing (Editor), the residents. [email protected] The community-based Nwe Nwe Tun (Sub-editor), [email protected] tourism projects were initi- ated in Hti Ne and Inn Ne vil- TRANSLATORS lages since 2015. The Pa-O Re- Khaing Thanda Lwin, Hay Mar Tin Win, gion CBT Committee started Ei Myat Mon receiving visitors under this Zaw Htet Oo programme the following year. Kyaw Zin Lin Union Minister for Hotels and Tourism U Ohn Maung (Centre) chats with Pa-O ethnic man as he visits a Pa-O Kyaw Zin Tun The CBT project was also im- ethnic village to assist in community-based tourism in Pago region. PHOTO: MOHT plemented in Loikhaw Village REPORTER in 2017. The committee has entertainment and community ists who visited the villages this cial responsible tourism award May Thet Hnin, [email protected] taken on the responsibility of learning activities. year reached 298. for the Pa-O region at the ITB [email protected] bringing customers to the vil- According to official statis- The country earned Ks23.3 Berlin 2017, an international lage, hosting them at the com- tics, some 597 tourists visited the million from the CBT projects in travel trade show held in City PHOTOGRAPHER Kyaw Zeya Win @ Phoe Khwar munity houses, serving food villages in 2016. The figure rose to 2016 and Ks28.3 million in 2017. Cube Berlin, Germany, in March and beverages, and organising 694 in 2017. The number of tour- Myanmar received the so- 2017.—GNLM COMPUTER TEAM Tun Zaw , Thein Ngwe, Zaw Zaw Aung, Ye Naing Soe, Nyi Zaw Moe, Hnin Pwint, Kay Khaing Win, 136 foreign enterprises invest in manufacturing sector last FY Sanda Hnin

EDITORIAL SECTION THE manufacturing sector ab- up, attracting FDIs worth $1.26 investment line-up with five tained investments worth $34 (+95) (01)8604529, Fax — (+95) (01) 8604305 sorbed foreign direct invest- billion. enterprises injecting capital million. ments (FDI) worth US$1.76 Nearly $1 billion of the worth $177 million. The Myanmar Investment CIRCULATION & DISTRIBUTION billion through 136 projects in FDIs were brought into oth- The agriculture and power Commission (MIC) permitted San Lwin, (+95) (01) 8604532, Hotline - 09 974424114 the last fiscal year (FY). er services. Eight enterpris- sectors got estimated capital of 222 foreign projects from last The figure accounts for es were given the green light $135 million and $406 million, April to March this year, with ADVERTISING & MARKETING more than 30 per cent of the to invest in the transport and respectively. The livestock and estimated investments worth ( +95) (01) 8604530, Hotline - 09 974424848 overall foreign investments communication sector, with an fisheries sector also attracted $5.7 billion. [email protected] made last FY. The real estate FDI of $902 million. seven enterprises with FDIs Singapore was the major [email protected] sector ranked second in the The hotel and tourism sec- worth $27.6 million, while the investor last FY, followed by Printed and published at the Global New foreign investment sector line- tor ranked fifth in the foreign industrial estate sector at- China. — Mon Mon Light of Myanmar Printing Factory at No.150, Nga Htat Kyee Pagoda Road, Bahan Township, Yangon, by the Global New Light of Myanmar Daily under Printing Permit No. Electrical fire breaks out in Madaya Township Slight 00510 and Publishing Permit No. 00629. earthquake [email protected] AN electrical fire broke Kyi Aye in Kyaukdada Village in fully controlled the flame within www.globalnewlightofmyanmar.com out in a village in Madaya Lamine Village-tract at some 1 20 minutes. jolts near www.facebook.com/ Township, Mandalay re- a.m. on 15 April. The police are still inves- globalnewlightofmyanmar gion, Sunday early morning, According to the investiga- tigating the case and action is Yangon City according to a police report. tion, overheated wires triggered being taken against the store- No injuries were reported. the electrical fire. With the as- keeper under Section 285 of the No immediate reports of The fire destroyed the two-sto- sistance of the local police and Penal Code for negligence.—Soe damage or casualties are rey general store owned by U residents, firefighters success- Kyaw Thu Htwe (Madaya) available following a slight of earthquake with the mag- nitude of 4.3 on the Richter Write for us 30 injured in six-wheeler crash Scale with its epicenter inside We appreciate your feedback and Myanmar, latitude 16.88°N, contributions. If you have any comments SOME 30 people, includ- According to investiga- Khamyint Village in Ayadaw longitude 95.86°E, depth 13 or would like to submit editorials, analyses or reports please email ing the driver, were injured tors, a six-wheeler carrying Township at 10 a.m. on 14 April. kilometers about 19 miles [email protected] when a vehicle turned turtle some 40 young people, driv- The injured are being treat- west of Kaba-Aye seismologi- with your name and title. Due to limitation of space we are only on Shwebo-Ayadaw-Monywa en by Ye Naing, was head- ed at a hospital nearby. cal observatory was recorded able to publish “Letter to the Editor” Road on the second day of ing to Monywa from Ayadaw The police have charged at 04:58 am Myanmar Stand- that do not exceed 500 words. Should you submit a text longer than 500 words the Thingyan New Year Water Township when it overturned the driver with reckless driving ard Time today, the Depart- please be aware that your letter will be Festival, according to a police between milepost nos. 24/4 under the existing laws.—Myo ment of Meteorology and Hy- edited. report. and 24/5 on the road near Win Tun (Monywa) drology announced.—MDN 16 APRIL 2018 THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR BUSINESS 5 Bilateral trade with Japan exceeds $1.5bn last FY

THE value of trade between Agro products, including Myanmar and its development rice and broken rice, various donor Japan last fiscal year types of peas, soybeans, ses- (FY) reached US$1.5 billion, ame seeds, ginger, fruits and according to figures released apparel from the garment sec- by the Commerce Ministry. tor on cut-make-pack basis are Myanmar’s exports to exported to Japan, whereas Japan fetched $746 million, machinery, garment raw mate- whereas imports were worth rials, consumer products and $812.6 million. electronic tools flowed into The bilateral trade value Myanmar. with Japan was worth some Japan brought in foreign $2.03 billion in the 2016-2017 investments worth some $384 FY, $1.84 billion in the 2015-16 million into Myanmar during FY, $2.3 billion in the 2014-2015 the last FY. Additionally, more FY, $1.8 billion in the 2013-2014 than 45 Japanese companies FY, $1.49 billion in the 2012-2013 invested in Thilawa so far, pri- Bamboo products being displayed for sale in a village in Yedashe Township. PHOTO: SUPPLIED FY and $822 million in the 2011- marily in the manufacturing 2012 FY. businesses.— Ko Htet Export value of forest products Capital goods imports down by over $35 million down by $270 million

THE export value of forest forest products included some ly-produced bamboos and bam- The import value of capital Before the end of the 2017- products at the end of the 2017- $13.657 million in the public boo-based products are being goods in the current fiscal year 2018 FY, Myanmar imported 2018 financial year (FY) topped sector and $197 million in the exported mainly to Bangladesh, (FY) topped US$6.294 billion, intermediate goods worth US$211 million, registering a private sector. Pakistan, South Korea and Sin- registering a decline of $270 $7.301 billion, while the value decline of more than $35 million The export value of forest gapore. million compared with the of consumer goods was $4.223 compared with the previous FY, products was $247 million in the This FY, the country ex- same period last FY, accord- million. Over the past 350 days the Commerce Ministry report- 2016-2017 FY. ported agro products worth ing to the Commerce Ministry. of this FY, the government ed. According to the ministry, nearly $3.08 billion, animal From last April to mid- sector’s imports were worth From last April through the Myanmar’s total bilateral ex- products worth $60 million, March of this year, the private $1.023 billion, while the private end of this March, the country ports with international traders marine products worth $697 sector imported capital goods sector bought $16.795 billion exported a wide variety of for- reached $14.675 billion, includ- million, minerals worth $1.779 worth $5.567 billion from in- worth of products from over- est-based products, including ing $5.05 billion via the govern- billion, manufactured goods ternational traders, which seas traders. bamboo and other non-wood ment and $9.624 billion through worth $6.794 billion and other saw a decline in value by $354 Myanmar mainly trades products. The country’s total the public sector. products worth $2.05 billion.— million, whereas the import of with ASEAN members, the earnings from the export of Currently, domestical- Khine Khant similar products by the pub- European Union member lic sector was valued at $727 states, some island nations, million against last FY, regis- Asian and African states, as tering an increase in value by well as a few western coun- CPI declines slightly in March $84 million. tries. According to the minis- The overall value of trade THE consumer price index Next, the annual rate of in- Yangon city recorded an try’s statistics, the country’s between Myanmar and its in- (CPI) recorded a slight decline flation in March 2018, based on inflation rate of 3.12 per cent, total import value went up by ternational trade partners of 0.12 per cent in March, com- the 2012 survey, was recorded at while in Nay Pyi Taw it was 3.49 $1.636 billion this FY, despite was $31.667 billion, including pared with February, on account 4.03 per cent, showing a slight per cent. a decrease in the import of $13.848 billion in exports, as of of the high prices of tobacco, decrease against February. Previously, the inflation capital goods. 16 March.—Shwe Khine liquor, food items, and costs in The inflation rate in Febru- rate was evaluated based on the the transport and communica- ary 2017 was recorded at 7.99 2006 survey, but the base year tion sectors. per cent, and it dropped to 2.3 was changed to 2012. The CSO The CPI slipped slightly in per cent in July 2017. The rate conducted a household income Kayin, Chin, Rakhine and Mon climbed from August last year and expenditure survey in 82 states; the Taninthayi, Manda- and fluctuated in February 2018. townships in November 2012. lay , Ayeyawady and Sagaing The year-on-year inflation The inflation rate in the first regions; and Yangon city and rate was 5.42 per cent in March five-year plan from the 2011-2012 Nay Pyi Taw in March. Kayah 2018 against March 2017. FY to the 2015-2016 FY rose. In a State, Magway Region and Shan Rakhine State recorded the bid to reduce the inflation rate, State and the Yangon Region highest inflation rate of 8.24 per the authorities concerned are recorded a small increase in cent, as of March 2018, followed making efforts, based on the CPI, according to statistics re- by Mandalay city with 7.26 per policies of finance, trade and cently released by the Central cent and Kachin State with 5.27 foreign currency control, ac- 09251022355, Statistical Organisation (CSO), per cent. Chin State registered cording to the second five-year Call operating under the Ministry of the lowest inflation rate at 2.09 national development plan.— Thin Thin May, 09974424848 Planning and Finance. per cent. Ko Htet 16 APRIL 2018 6 NATIONAL THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR

Immigration officers meeting the returnees to issue National Verification cards to them. PHOTO: TIN SOE The members of a family which returned to Myanmar show their National Verification cards. PHOTO: TIN SOE Displaced persons return to Taung Pyo Letwe reception centre

FROM PAGE-1 repatriation process. Authorities, including Arrangements were made Maungtaw District Deputy Ad- to provide accommodation to the ministrator U Ye Htoo, Maungtaw returnees at the houses of their Township Administrator U My- relatives in Maungtaw. int Khaing, Border Guard Police Authorities also enquired Colonel Oakkar Ko, Director of about the obstacles and the real the Maungdaw District Immi- situation of the displaced persons gration and National Registration when they fled.The authorities and Citizenship Department U will collect further information Ko Ko Thaw and Deputy Director to aid them in the repatriation The returnees receive medical check-ups at the Taung Pyo Letwe Reception Centre. PHOTO: TIN SOE U Aung Win Oo assisted in the process.—Aung Kyaw Oo

Union Minister Dr. Pe Myint participates in Nay Pyi Taw Splash Walk

Union Minister for Information Dr. Pe Myint joins the Nay Pyi Taw Performers entertain the audience with dance at the riverside Thingyan festival. PHOTO: MNA Splash Walk during the Thingyan Festival yesterday. PHOTO: MNA

Union Minister for Information The Nay Pyi Taw Splash First ever riverside Thingyan festival Dr. Pe Myint attended the Nay Walk began at 6 a.m. and was Pyi Taw Splash Walk on the third crowded with revellers at the along Chindwin River in Monywa day of the traditional Thingyan central pandal, entertainment Festival (a-kyat-nei) yesterday. stages and mini pandals. The An opening ceremony for Thing- Akyo Nei), with an address by grand scale was opened by the The event was held at Mingalar areas were busy with donors and yan water throwing pandals, Regional Chief Minister Dr. My- chief minister of Sagaing Re- Shan-Kan, Yan Aung (2) Ward, revellers at food donation stalls was held on the bank of Chind- int Naing. The Chindwin water gion, regional cabinet ministers Pyinmana Township in Nay Pyi (called satuditha) in Pyinmanna win River in Monywa, Sagaing festival, organized by Sagaing and the commander of North- Taw. Township. —Soe Moe (IPRD) Region on 13 April (Thingyan Regional Government on a west Command.—MDN 16 APRIL 2018 THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR NATIONAL 7 Revellers enjoy Thingyan Festival in three cities

Yangonites typically travel around the city on the back of a car and stop to dance and get Inya Lake’s skyline is decorated with umbrellas for Thingyan Festival and the lake’s soaked in front of a pandal with blasting music. PHOTO: ZAW MIN LATT pedestrian area is full of revellers lounging or taking a break from their Thingyan stroll. PHOTO: YE HTUT

Performers in traditional attire dance on stage at a pandal in Nay Pyi Taw. PHOTO: MNA Nay Pyi Taw Thingyan sees more revellers walking the main routes through pandals raining festive water on them. PHOTO: MNA

Actress Tun Eaindra Bo entertains the Mandalay Thingyan. PHOTO: MIN HTET AUNG Foreign tourists partake in Mandalay Thingyan alongside local revellers. PHOTO: MIN HETE AUNG 16 APRIL 2018 16 APRIL 2018 8 OPINION THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR OPINION 9

The Categories of SMEs Loan Status Beware of health in JICA Two-Step Loan Project Tagu, the auspicious month of Buddha 2015-2016 to 2017-2018 (February) hazards during Sasana guarded by Sakka Deva 41388.25 (Million of Kyat) Thingyan Festival 14623.80

3434.93 550.00 1395.00 1175.00 Maha Saddhamma Jotika New Year Calendar. Board mem- Sakka Deva is accompanied Song Thigyar Sasana Dhaja, bers are unpaid. But they receive by two other devas, Matali Deva, Composer Shwe Taing Nyunt YANMAR’S traditional New Year water festival, Sithu Dr. Khin Maung pujas in the form of clothing and the Registras and Withugyone Singer Film actor and vocalist Khin Maung Yin known as “Thingyan Festival”, is celebrated during Nyunt food ration. Twelve months of My- Deva is the Vehicle driver. Matali Record No. BBR 1127 Source : Myanma Economic Bank the time when the country experiences its hottest anmar Calendar are six 29 days Deva keeps two Record Books. British Burma Film Information Unit : Central Statistical Organization Mweather. ORD Gotama Buddha months and six 30 days months. The Gold Book is to record the Loose Translation of Song The brutal weather in mid-April is uncomfortable, and also had predicted that his 29 day month begins with the good people and the Book made Overture potentially dangerous. Sasana [Duration of his month of Tagu [Apirl] followed of dog skin is to record bad peo- Lord Buddha had left his prediction that the time is nearing for Buddha Sasana guarded by Sakka Revelling while getting wet for three to four days can make LDhamma Teachings] by eleven months of 30 days and ple. Withugyone Deva drives the Deva [Thunder god]. Yearly SMEs Loan Status of JICA Two-Step Loan Project one sick. shall last for 5000 years. But after 29 days alternately, so the twel- Vehicle on which Sakka Deva It's better to keep and practice Four Brahma cariya and Five moral precepts [Pyinsa Sila]. Frequent changes in the body temperature from hot to cold half of that predicted period was veth month Tabaung [March] has descends to the Earth -human Definitely believe that Sakka Deva with one thousand eyes, is watching human world. (Million of Kyat) Amount cause cold and flu during the water festival. over, he assigned the remaining 30 days. Calendar Board marks world. Vehicles vary in accord- First stanze All devas including Loka pala devas gather together to pay homage to Lord Buddha

Cold and flu commonly occur during the Thingyan water fes- half 2500 years to the guardian- the three seasons Summer, Rain ance with the calculation of the residing in Jetavana Vihara [Monastery]. 36750.43 tival due to frequent changes in the body temperature from hot ship of Sakka Deva [Thunder and Winter, Buddhist Lent term, Board-chariot, Elephant, Horse, Lord Buddha teaches Loka byuha [Bek strategy for good mundane life.] to cold, especially when ice-cold God]. For the sake of all living beings Lord Buddha left his Dhamma [Truth] to be guarded by Sakka deva waxing, waning, Full moon and Naga, Ogre, Garuda etc. what 21008.55 Meanwhile, water is used. The first month of Myanmar No moon days, auspicious days Sakka Deva carries in his hands assisted by one thousand Goman Rakhas [ogres] including Vesawun deva. People should be aware Lunar Calendar, Tagu [April] is of Buddhism, prospects of cultiva- also vary year to year water pot, So with the weapon Warazein Thunder bolt the King above in the sky that is Sakka Deva is watching us. overexposure of the diseases and risks that not only the month of New Year tion, recommends type of crop to torch of fire, weapon, or sprigs Good people'll be saved, bad people'll be cast aside in line with Buddha's Dhamma. 4808.00 to the sun and are common during the water Festival [Thingyan] water throw- be grown, the prospect of harvest. of Eugenia leaves. Water pot, Daily observe and practice Buddha's Dhamma. festival. ing public festival but also it is the The Board also forecasts econom- sprigs of Eugenia sprigs are good, Buddha Sasana guarded by Saka deva is nearing. ultraviolet 2015-2016 2016-2017 2017-2018 Respiratory diseases, heat month that reminded the people ic and political situation not only predicting peace and prosperity Second stanza (February) Source : Myanma Economic Bank radiation can cause strokes, gastrointestinal dis- of Buddha Sasana in the guardi- of Myanmar but also of the world. for the New Year. Torch of fire, Pursue the right way of Buddha's teachings recorded in canonical texts [Tipitakas] with good will, Information Unit : Central Statistical Organization eases, skin diseases and con- anship of Sakka Deva. The story There is also a Board of weapons predict outbreaks of fire, always carry out wholesome deeds. premature ageing junctivitis are common during runs as follows; Thingyan Bulletine [Thingyan rebellion and war for the coming Then you are sure to be protected and helped by Devas. and reduce the the Thingyan Festival. "On one auspicious day all Sar] composed of Brahmin year. The doers of unwholesome deeds will be taken to task without delay. To keep the diseases away, deities of higher and lower or- Priests or their descendants suc- On doomesday, a Board of Thunder bolt, the weapon of Sakka deva in the celestial kingdom Tavatimsa, surely strikes the doers Anti-Narcotic Police skin’s immunity, people should take care of their ders suck as Lokapala devas [the cessively appointed by Myanmar Devas presided by Sukka Deva of unwholesome deeds without delay. making it more personal hygiene and maintain guardian deities of the secular Kings. This Board issues Thing- judged and sent all those in the To keep the glory and light of Sasana Saka deva accompanied by Matali deva the Registrar and statement on what to susceptible to cleanliness after playing with world] Sama devas and Sasana yan Bulletine. The date and days Gold Registran Book to deva Vithakyone Deva the driver of Saka Deva's vehicle descends to human world on earth every year. They water during the Thingyan devas [the guardian deities of the of Thingyan Festival and Ritu- kingdoms above and those in the go round inspecting and examining every human being. Therefore avoid unwholesome deeds. avoid during Thingyan skin cancers, Festival. spiritual world], all gathered at als. Usually Thingyan Days fall in dog skin Registran Book are cast Third Stanza People, especially children, the Jetavana Vihara where living the second week of April. Usually down to hells below. The most Keep and observe Five moral Precepts Pancha Sila. Have a good mind. Jealousy is wrong till rosary. such as basal with weak immune systems, Gotama Buddha was residing. there are three days of Thingyan notorious ones are immediately Respect Parents and Elders. 1. Vehicle drivers must avoid consuming alcohol or other cell carcinoma, may catch a common cold after They all paid respect and homage festival and ritual viz. punished by Sukka Deva by killing I, vocatist Khin Maung Yin urge you to avoid ten evil deeds. intoxicating substances. squamous cell staying wet for a long time, and to Lord Gotama Buddha where 1. The day Sakka Deva de- with his Thunder Bolt. Chorus. 2. Everyone must avoid consuming all types of psychotropic it leads to respiratory diseases. upon Lord Gotama Buddha ut- scends to Earth for inspection Some years there are two drugs and sexually stimulating drugs and be on the look- carcinoma and Moreover, breathing in tered the following prediction and 2. The Inspection day and days of inspection. So Thingyan out for potential tempters. melanoma, a type droplets of contaminated water assignment." 3. The Day Sakka Deva as- Days last 4 days. The day after odMum;omoem 3. As responsible citizens, it is everyone’s duty to report to that contains germs or bacteria "After half of the period of cends [returns] to his Celestial Sakka Deva returns or ascends -a&;-a&TwkdifnGefY the nearest police officers if you stumble upon any drug of skin cancer might cause pneumonia. my Sasana 5000 years elapsed, Kingdom [Tavatimsa]. to Tavatimsa is marked a New -qkd-&kyf&Sifrif;om; tqkdawmfcifarmif&if dealing or consumption. Please help keep the traditional that, when left In hot weather, heat the secular world would begin to As assigned by Lord Gota- Year Day [though it may not be "mwfNym; BBR 1127 NAdwdoQbm;rm; &kyf&Sif "mwfNym; Thingyan festival clean and safe. strokes or serious dehydration deteriorate morally and spiritual- ma Buddha, Sakka Deva yearly so on calendar]. The New Year aNcqif; 4. Young people should partake in the festivities in a fun untreated, can be can occur, and it might lead ly. Controversies, conflicts and comes down to human world on Day is the Day of merit mak- b*0gbk&m; trdefYawmfxm;onf? odMum;omoema&mufcsdefeD;vkNyD? pwkNA[®pkd&fnD? yOöoDukdyJ? wu,fpGJvkdY? NrJMurSawmfvdrfYrnf? pdwfcsum and responsible manner and avoid intoxication which fatal. to unconsciousness or even fightings leading to wars would earth to inspect [check] if humans ings. Old year with its all evils ,kH,kHMunfMunf? Nrwfbkd;awmfodMum;rif;u pu©Kwpfaxmif aqmifumMunfYaernf/ may lead to adverse effects. death. People lose body water dominate. My Sasana would are behaving well according to is driven out by chanting Parit- 5. We wish to urge community elders, leaders, parents, through sweat, along with blood gradually decline. Sangha Order the teachings of Lord Buddha. ta [Protective Buddha Suttas] yxrykd'f guardians, and pavilion officials to cooperate and keep viscosity and salt levels in the body. The body needs water to stay could not maintain my Sasana Such as Pancha Sila Five moral and beating doors, windows and (okH;vky&ar?a&Tqif;eJYnD? NrwfpGmbk&m;ukdzl;arQmfMuonf? avmuygv? ewfrsm; pkHnD? apw0efausmif;awmf? aomif;aomif;zszsnD)2 vigilance so that the Thingyan Festival may commence hydrated. In this season, people must not drink contaminated water alone. Assistance is needed". So precepts (1) Abstain from killing domestic utensils and washing avmuAsL[myg? w&m;ukdomemMum;wmYonf? ukrÇPfwpfaxmif? tapnTef;&aywJY? a0o0Pfo? rusef&? trSefy &SdOD;csD? b*0gbk&m;? peacefully. or eat uncooked food to avoid diarrhoea or dysentery. I call upon Sakka Deva togather (2) Abstain from stealing (3) Ab- and cleaning. Younger members owå0gawGoem;? omoemrsm; odMum;ukdomtyfESif;cJYygonf? 0&Zdefvufeufpkd;wJY? xufrkd;bk&ifu? txifu&apmifYaeonf/ -Myanmar Police Force Meanwhile, overexposure to the sun and ultraviolet radiation with other devas to look after my stain from sexual misconduct pay homage to elder members in oHNydKif (aumif;olu,fwifrnf? raumif;wJYolz,f&Sm;r,fwJY? bkk&m;w&m;awmfeJYtnD)2 tavmfygrsm;? awmf&m&Sm;? aocsmrrSm; a'oemw&m;? can cause premature ageing and reduce the skin’s immunity, Sasana for the remaining half of (4) Abstain from telling lies and the family. Elders give youngers aeYpOfyGm;rnf? odMum;omoema&mufcsdefeD;ygNyD? making it more susceptible to skin cancers, such as basal cell the Period 2500 years". (5) Abstain' from taking intoxi- blessings as well as some pocket Invitation to young writers for Sunday section carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma, a type of Since then Sakka Deva took cants. Observance and practice money. Even pets at home receive 'kkwd,ykd'f skin cancer that, when left untreated, can be fatal. his duty of looking after Buddha of Four Brahmacariya namely special feed and treatment. bk&m;a[mxm;cJYonf? usrf;*efeJYtnD? vrf;rSefusifYrnf? aumif;rIukokdvfNyKum? aoaocsmcsm? apwem&TifMunf? ewfrif;rsm;u xif&Sm;pGm The Global New Light of Myanmar is accepting submissions of poetry, Parents should ensure that their children consume food and Sasana from the beginning of the (1) Metta [Loving kindness] (2) Thus we may rightly say ulnDygvdrfYrnf/ opinion, articles, essays and short stories from young people for its drinks that are safe, clean and freshly cooked. second half of the 5000 years pe- Karuna [Compassion] (3) Upek- Thingyan days in Tagu are Thag- raumif;rINyKwJhol? ckraES;ta&;,lvdrfhrnf? rkd;MuKd;vufESufpkd;wJh? a0Z,EÅmbkHtmumqD? odMum;rif;u? xifvif; wu,fypfcGif;rnf/ weekly Sunday Next Generation Platform. Interested candidates can send their works to the Global New Light of Myanmar at No. 150, Nga Especially, people with weak immune systems should avoid riod till now. kha [Equanimity] and (4) Mudi- yar Sasana Akartaw Nay [ omoema&mifNcnf? rEGrf;atmifapmifha&Smufrnf? rmwvdpkHnD? 0doMuKHac: xkdewfom;wkdY? w&m;awmfESifhtnD? vlYNynfvSnfhvnf? odMum; Htat Kyee Pagoda Road, Bahan Township, Yangon or by email to dce@ participating in water activities or going to crowded places. Our Thingyan legend ritu- ta [Appretiative Joy] in other’s omoem tcgawmfaeh]. Tagu the auspi- trIawGMunfhrnf? rawmfwmukdtwnfh a&Smif&Sm;oifhayNyD/ globalnewlightofmyanmar.com with the following information: (1) According to dermatologists at skincare centres, the number of als and ceremonies highlight the success. cious month of Buddha Sasana oHNyKdif aumif;olu,fwifrnf? ------odMum;omoema&mufcsdefeD;ygNyD? Sector you wish to be included in (poetry, opinion, etc.), (2) Real name patients with sun-related skin conditions usually increases during above story. Avoidance of all evil doings guarded by Sakka Deva. and (if different) your penname,(3) Your level of education, (4) Name this season as the temperature rises. Yearly, the State- appointed and actions, unwholesome deeds aemufqkH;ykd'f of your School/College/University, (5) A written note of declaration that People are urged to use an umbrella when walking during the "Calendar Board" composed of and constant doing of wholesome The following is the loose yOöoDig;yg;ukd vkHNcKHatmifxdef;odrf;rnf? pdwf&if;aumif;bkdUvkdygonf? tbdZösmyGm;&if? rSm;vdrfhrnf odMum;omoemeD;vkdY? ykwD;pdwfyg&onf? the submitted piece is your original work and has not been submitted to any other news or magazine publishing houses, (6) A color photo of the day, or wear a hat with a large brim. learned monks and laymen in as- deeds. Meditation and telling translation of the song sung by tJh 'DtcgMu&if? vlMuD;rdb&kdao&rnf? 'kp&kdufq,fyg;ukd a&Smif&Sm;bkd&m? cifarmif&ifEld;aqmfonf/အခါၾကရင္၊ လူၾကီးမိဘ ရုိေသရမည္၊ ုစရုိက္ဆယ္ပါးကုိ submitter, (7) Copy of your NRC card, (8) Contact information (email Myanmar’s traditional thanaka cosmetic paste can also provide trology, astronomy, meteorology beads for mental stability and a film actor and singer Khin ေရွာင္ရွားဘုိ့ရာ၊ ခင္ေမာင္ရင္ႏဴးေဆာ္သည္။ address, mobile number, etc.).— Editorial Department, The Global New a measure of protection against the sun. and Veda sciences works out the equanimity. Maung Yin “Thigyar Sasana”. oHNyKdif aumif;olu,fwifrnf? ------odMum;omoema&mufcsdefeDygNyD? Light of Myanmar news office 16 APRIL 2018 10 WORLD THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR US, France, Britain launch France warns of ‘new new UN bid for Syria disaster’ looming in Syria’s Idlib chemical weapons probe PARIS—French Foreign Minis- Le Drian said he hoped ter Jean-Yves Le Drian warned Saturday’s strikes, aimed at on Sunday that a new humani- punishing the regime over its tarian disaster was looming in alleged use of toxic gas, would Syria, in the rebel-held region of convince Russia to pressure As- Idlib, seen as the next possible sad into negotiations on ending target of the regime’s fightback. the seven-year war. In an interview with Le “We hope that Russia un- Journal du Dimanche weekly derstands...we must combine a day after the US, Britain and our efforts to promote a political France carried out strikes in process in Syria that favours an Syria, Le Drian said: “There are end to the crisis. 2 million people in Idlib now, in- “France is ready to work cluding hundreds of thousands towards this. Except that cur- of Syrians evacuated from re- rently the one blocking the pro- bel towns recaptured by the cess is Bashar al-Assad himself. regime.” It’s up to Russia to put pressure “There is a risk of a new on him,” he said. humanitarian disaster.” Le Drian said the first step Held by an array of jihad- would be “to begin with a cease- ists and rebels, Idlib province is fire which is really respected the last in Syria largely beyond this time.” government control. He was referring to a 30- Addressing the council, US Ambassador Nikki Haley, pictured, said the United States was confident that the Speaking in Damascus this day ceasefire called by the UN military strikes had crippled Syria’s chemical weapons programme. PHOTO: AFP week, a senior Iranian official in February to facilitate the de- UNITED NATIONS (United ia of failing to live up to its com- Council meeting called by Rus- said he hoped Idlib would be livery of aid and medical evacu- States) — Hours after striking mitment to scrap its chemical sia, which branded the military the next area to be “liberated” ations, which was never really Syria, the United States, France weapons programme, under a action an “aggression” against by Iran ally President Bashar implemented. and Britain on Saturday launched 2013 deal reached between the Syria and sought condemnation. al-Assad, after the Syrian ar- On Saturday, the US, a new bid at the United Nations United States and Russia. That bid however failed, my’s recapture of the Eastern France and Britain on Saturday to investigate chemical weapons On the humanitarian side, with only China and Bolivia vot- Ghouta region near Damascus launched a new push at the UN attacks in Syria. the measure demands medical ing alongside Russia to condemn with Russian backing. for a ceasefire. The three allies circulated evacuations and safe passage the air strikes. Eight countries The scorched-earth battle In a draft text seen by AFP a joint draft resolution at the Se- for aid convoys to be allowed to opposed condemnation while for Eastern Ghouta wound up they also called for a mecha- curity Council that also calls for all areas. four abstained. Addressing the shortly after a suspected chem- nism to probe chemical attacks unimpeded deliveries of human- The text calls for a ceasefire council, US Ambassador Nikki ical attack killed over 40 people — and also ascribe blame for itarian aid, enforcing a ceasefire resolution adopted in February Haley said the United States was and which the West blamed on them — and demanded that and demands that Syria engage but which never materialized to confident that the military strikes Assad’s forces — allegations Syria engage in stalled UN-led in UN-led peace talks, according finally take hold and “demands” had crippled Syria’s chemical Assad and Russia flatly denied. peace talks.—AFP to the text obtained by AFP. that President Bashar al-Assad’s weapons programme. The move signaled the West’s government engage in peace Haley warned that the Unit- resolve to return to diplomacy af- talks “in good faith, constructively ed States was “locked and load- ter a one-night military operation and without preconditions.” ed,” ready to strike again if any Western countries should that hit sites Western officials said Several rounds of peace talks new chemical attack was carried were linked to Syria’s chemical held under UN auspices in Gene- out in Syria. not label Russia as enemy weapons programme. va have failed to yield progress, Russian Ambassador Vass- Among the contentious pro- deadlocked over demands that ily Nebenzia accused the West — German president posals, the draft resolution would Assad make way for a political of “hooliganism” and demanded establish an independent investi- transition. that it “immediately end its ac- gation of allegations of toxic gas tions against Syria and refrain BERLIN—German President concerned about the rapidly attacks in Syria with the aim of Getting Russia aboard from them in the future.” Frank-Walter Steinmeier has growing alienation between identifying the perpetrators. “You are not only placing pointed to the need to make Russia and the West, with the Russia in November used its Negotiations on the draft yourselves above international sure there is no animosity be- consequences going far beyond veto three times to bury a previ- resolution are set to begin on law, but you are trying to re-write tween people in Western coun- the scope of that incident,” he ous UN-led inquiry which found Monday, but diplomats said it re- international law,” Nebenzia said. tries and Russia amid growing stressed. that Syrian forces had dropped sa- mained unclear when the council The United States, Britain tensions in the world. “Countering this dan- rin on the town of Khan Sheikhun would vote on the proposal. and France launched air strikes “We should not designate gerous alienation - that’s the in April last year. Western diplomats said they in response to a suspected chem- Russia in general, the country challenge and objective of re- The measure would in- were ready to allow time for ne- ical attack in the rebel-held town and its people, as an enemy,” sponsible politicians,” the Ger- struct the Organization for the gotiations to make every effort to of Douma a week ago that killed he said in an interview with the man president stated. In his Prohibition of Chemical Weap- bring Russia aboard. at least 40 people. The council Bild am Sonntag newspaper view, Europe should not reject ons (OPCW) to report within 30 Russia has used its veto 12 has met five times this week on published on Sunday. criticism of Russia’s actions. days on whether Syria has fully times at the Security Council to Syria amid repeated pleas from Steinmeir noted that the “However, we should not give disclosed its chemical weapons block action targeting its Syrian UN Secretary-General Antonio Salisbury incident gave rise up attempts to do so through stockpile. ally. The new diplomatic push Guterres to end divisions over to concern. “On the other direct dialogue,” Steinmeier The West has accused Syr- came after a stormy Security Syria.—AFP hand, we should be equally added—Tass 16 APRIL 2018 THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR WORLD 11 Israel says destroys tunnel from Gaza that crossed barrier

JERUSALEM — Israel’s army The tunnel came from the said on Sunday it had destroyed area of Jabaliya in the northern a Hamas tunnel crossing from Gaza Strip and was being dug the Gaza Strip into its territory in the direction of the Nahal Oz after more than two weeks of community in Israel, he said. tension along the border of the It was the fifth Gazan Palestinian enclave. tunnel destroyed by Israel in Defence Minister Avigdor recent months, Conricus said. Lieberman said it was the long- Israel destroyed it over the est and deepest Gazan tunnel course of the weekend. discovered by Israel. The operation comes after The tunnel crossed into protests along the Gaza bor- Israeli territory by several der since 30 March that have metres (yards) but did not yet led to clashes in which Israeli have an exit point, military forces have killed 34 Palestin- spokesman Jonathan Conricus ians and wounded hundreds Syrian soldiers inspect the wreckage of a building described as part of the Scientific Studies and Research told journalists. of others. Centre (SSRC) compound in the Barzeh district, north of Damascus, on 14 April, 2018. PHOTO: AFP Israel destroyed the tun- Israel alleges Hamas is nel —which it said connected seeking to use the protests as to several others within Gaza cover to carry out violence and and could have been used for said the tunnel destroyed could Chemical inspectors to begin attacks — by filling it with ma- have been used for that pur- terial to make it inoperative. pose, saying it comes from near “We filled the tunnel with an area where demonstrators work in Syria’s Douma material that renders it useless have gathered. for a very long period of time,” Israel has faced criticism Conricus said. Explosives were over its use of live fire along DAMASCUS (Syria) — Inspec- not used. the Gaza border since March tors from the OPCW chemical “According to our early as- 30, while the European Union watchdog will begin their inves- sessments, this tunnel reaches and UN chief Antonio Guterres tigation Sunday at the site of an kilometres, several kilometres, have called for an independent alleged chemical attack near into the Gaza Strip.” investigation.—AFP Damascus, a senior official said. “The fact-funding team ar- rived in Damascus on Saturday and is due to go to Douma on Sunday,” Deputy Foreign Min- ister Ayman Soussan told AFP. A delegation of experts from the Organisation for the Prohibi- tion of Chemical Weapons, based An image grab taken from a video released by the Syrian civil defence in The Hague, is tasked with in- in Douma shows unidentified volunteers giving aid to children at a vestigating an April 7 attack on hospital following an alleged on 7 April, 2018 chemical attack on the Douma, just east of Damascus. rebel-held town. PHOTO: AFP Western powers say chem- ical substances, most likely denied ever happened, prompted chemical experts would be allow chlorine and sarin, were used an unprecedented wave of mis- to investigate unimpeded. in the attack and killed at least sile strikes by the United States, “We will ensure they can A picture taken with a fisheye lens on 18 January, 2018 from the Israeli side of the border with the Gaza Strip shows a tunnel that 40 civilians. France and Britain on Saturday. work professionally, objectively, Israel says was dug by the Islamic Jihad group leading from the The alleged attack, which Da- Soussan reiterated a pledge by impartially and free of any pres- Palestinian enclave into Israel. PHOTO: AFP mascus and its Russian ally have the Syrian government that the sure,” he said.—AFP At destroyed Syria lab, workers deny producing toxic weapons

DAMASCUS —Plastic gloves and One multi-storey complex, and a burning smell still hung in he told AFP. ‘Children’s toys’ face masks lay scattered in the in the capital’s northern district the air. The bombardment, including The site, according to West- rubble of a Syrian research lab of Barzeh, had been complete- “The building had three sto- both cruise missiles and air-to- ern powers, was part of the Syrian destroyed by Western strikes on ly reduced to rubble, AFP’s reys: a basement, ground floor, surface strikes, hit Syria around government’s “chemical weap- Saturday, where an official denied correspondents saw during a and second floor,” said Said Said, 4:00 am on Saturday (0100 GMT), ons infrastructure.” the centre was developing chem- government-sponsored tour on an engineer who identified him- jolting people awake in the cap- But Said told AFP only ical weapons. Saturday. self as head of the centre’s paint ital’s nearby residential neigh- non-lethal research and devel- US, British and French Its roof had been punched and plastics department. bourhoods. Syrian state news opment was under way at the strikes slammed into a series of down and several walls appeared “It had labs and depart- agency SANA reported several centre. targets around Damascus that on the verge of collapse. ments that were unfortunately missiles hit a research centre in “As we work in civilian the Western countries said were Even hours after the strikes completely destroyed, with all Barzeh, “destroying a building pharmaceutical and chemical linked to the Syrian government’s wrapped up, plumes of smoke their equipment and furniture. that included scientific labs and research, we did not expect that chemical weapons programme. wafted lazily up from the building Thank God, no one was here,” a training centre”. we would be hit,” he said.—AFP 16 APRIL 2018 12 WORLD THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR

Canada’s British PM faces backlash Trudeau defends controversial for bypassing MPs on Syria pipeline project

UNITED KINGDOM—British convention had emerged that PARIS—Canadian Prime Min- Prime Minister Theresa May MPs should have a say, except ister Justin Trudeau on Sunday faced a backlash from the do- in cases of emergency. defended his government’s back- mestic opposition after launch- British MPs voted against ing of a controversial pipeline ing military strikes on Syria taking military action against project, saying the world could without consulting parliament. Damascus in 2013, in what was not afford to choose between the As the Conservative leader widely viewed as an assertion environment and the economy. explained her rationale for the of parliamentary sovereignty on In an interview with French air strikes, opposition parties the use of force. business daily Les Echos ahead claimed the attacks were legal- David Cameron, who was of a visit to Paris, Trudeau ac- ly dubious, risked escalating prime minister in 2013, tweeted knowledged that environmen- conflict and should have been on Saturday: “As we have seen talists were “concerned” by the approved by lawmakers. in the past, inaction has its con- Trans Mountain pipeline. The shadow of the 2003 in- sequences”. But he said, “Canadians and vasion of Iraq still lingers in the Lawmakers backed action people around the world know corridors of Britain’s parliament, in Iraq in 2014, and again in Syria that we cannot choose between when MPs backed then-prime in 2015, strictly limiting strikes what is good for the environment minister Tony Blair in joining in both countries to targets of and good for the economy.” US military action. the Islamic State jihadist group. “You have to do both at “Bombs won’t save lives or Prime Minister Theresa May. PHOTO: AFP Four British Tornado jets the same time, and above all, bring about peace,” said Jeremy fired Storm Shadow missiles at you have to fund the transition Corbyn, the veteran leftist leader a Syrian military base suspect- towards reduced use of fossil of the main opposition Labour ing the “extreme humanitarian parliament reconvenes after ed of holding chemical weap- fuels.” Party. suffering” of the Syrian people a break. ons components. The strikes On Thursday, the Liberal “This legally questionable by reducing the chemical weap- Stop the War, a pacifist co- at 0100 GMT were 15 miles (24 premier cut short a visit to Peru action risks escalating further... ons capabilities of President alition once chaired by Corbyn, kilometres) west of Homs. to try defuse a threatened con- an already devastating conflict. Bashar al-Assad’s regime. has called a demonstration out- Scottish First Minister Nico- stitutional crisis over expand- “Theresa May should have “The UK is permitted side the British parliament on la Sturgeon said Syria’s use of ing a 1,150-kilometre (715-mile) sought parliamentary approval, under international law, on Monday to protest against the chemical weapons could not be pipeline to move 890,000 barrels not trailed after Donald Trump.” an exceptional basis, to take strikes. tolerated but questioned wheth- of oil per day from landlocked Corbyn has written to May measures in order to alleviate The group said it “strong- er the strikes would halt their Alberta’s oil sands to the Pacific seeking assurance that there overwhelming humanitarian ly condemned” the action and use or contribute to ending the coast. would be no further bombing suffering,” the statement said. accused May of “sanctioning civil war. Opponents of the pipeline raids and urged the government It added that it believed killing” at Trump’s behest. “This action risks not just point to the risk of oil spills at to negotiate a pause in the Syrian the Syrian government had further escalating the civil war sea and say it flouts Trudeau’s civil war. committed a “war crime and ‘Dangerous escalation’ in Syria but also a dangerous commitments to cut greenhouse The British, US and French a crime against humanity” with Deploying the armed escalation of international ten- gas emissions. bombings on Saturday followed chemical weapons use and that forces is a prerogative power, sions,” said the leader of the left- “We cannot change an alleged chemical weapons attempts to find a unified in- meaning the prime minister wing Scottish National Party, the everything in our economies attack on the rebel-held town of ternational approach through can launch action without back- third-biggest force in the British overnight,” Trudeau said. Douma on 7 April. the United Nations had been ing from MPs. parliament. “It’s clear that people on the May’s government has in- blocked by Damascus-ally But after the Conserv- Both Syria and Russia have left and ecologists are concerned sisted the punitive strikes were Moscow. atives entered office in 2010, denied all responsibility for but there are also people on the legal, releasing a statement that May will face questions the government suggested that the alleged chemical attacks. right who do not like the idea of said they were aimed at alleviat- from MPs on Monday, when since the 2003 vote on Iraq, a —AFP a carbon tax.”—AFP Brazil AG files racism suit against far-right presidential candidate

BRASÍLIA — Brazil’s top pros- polling a distant second behind attack.” In response, Bolsonaro’s ecutor has filed a complaint Luis Inacio Lula da Silva, Brazil’s Bolsonaro has run a cam- spokesman decried the “un- against far-right firebrand and recently-jailed ex-president. paign heavily focused on his founded attacks” aimed at gen- presidential candidate Jair However, the slow pace of tough-guy approach to law and erating “sensationalist news” by Bolsonaro for “racism” against Brazil’s judicial system was like- order, and has worked hard to smearing “the greatest political Afro-Brazilians, indigenous peo- ly to weigh in the 63-year-old’s capitalize on the widespread phenomenon Brazil has seen in ples, refugees, women and mem- favor, according to the JOTA dislike of Lula. recent years.” bers of the LGBT community. news website, which specializes Brazil’s Jair Bolsonaro is a far- At an event in Rio’s He- Bolsonaro will have “no dif- The formal complaint, filed in legal matters. right former army captain who braica Club in April 2017, Bol- ficulty in showing in court that has praised torture and the on Friday by the attorney gen- If convicted he could face country’s two-decade military sonaro “used expressions of a he is not racist,” the spokesman eral’s office, will now head to the a prison sentence of between dictatorship. PHOTO: AFP discriminatory nature, inciting said. Supreme Court. one and three years, said the hatred,” the complaint said, cit- In 2017, Bolsonaro was or- Should the court find him attorney general’s office which wing congressman who has ing remarks about women, ho- dered to pay damages to leftwing guilty of racism before October’s has also asked he be fined a min- praised the use of torture as well mosexuals and the descendants deputy Maria do Rosario for say- presidential election, Bolsonaro imum of $117,500 (95,000 euros) as Brazil’s two-decade-long mili- of Afro-Brazilian slaves, known ing he wouldn’t rape her because could be barred from the vote. for “collective moral damages.” tary dictatorship, has denounced as quilombolas, whom he spoke she was “ugly” and “not worth The ex-army captain has been Bolsonaro, a veteran right- the lawsuit as an “unfounded about “as if they were animals.” it.”—AFP 16 APRIL 2018 THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR WORLD 13

Belief Clinton China FM visits Japan for talks would win election on N Korea, regional issues ‘factor’ in email probe: TOKYO—Chinese Foreign dor to Tokyo, comes as the forts to engage with North Minister Wang Yi was due world’s second and third Korean leader Kim Jong Comey in Tokyo on Sunday for a largest economies attempt Un. China has demonstrat- visit seen as a sign of a to ease tension, caused by ed its significant influence gradual thaw between the longstanding disputes over over its reclusive ally with WASHINGTON—Former Asian rivals, amid flurries maritime claims and Ja- Xi hosting Kim and his wife FBI chief James Comey of diplomacy over North pan’s wartime legacy. in Beijing. said his belief that Hillary Korea. His visit is also seen South Korea’s Moon Clinton would be elected Shortly after his ar- as paving a way towards and US President Donald president in 2016 “was a rival, Wang will meet his Japanese Prime Minis- Trump are also preparing factor” in his handling of Japanese counterpart Taro ter Shinzo Abe’s wish to for separate, direct talks the probe into her misuse Kono with their talks ex- host Chinese Premier Li with Kim, leaving Abe to of a private email server pected to touch on key sub- Keqiang next month for a continue asserting a “max- while she was secretary jects such as economic re- trilateral summit including imum pressure” campaign of state. lations, territorial disputes Japan’s Foreign Minister Taro Kono (R) and his Chinese South Korean President against the North. Comey, who was fired in the East China Sea, and counterpart Wang Yi (L) arrive for their meeting in Moon Jae-in. Abe, who is due to by Trump last year, told ways to push North Korea Tokyo. PHOTO: AFP Such a meeting, Tokyo meet with Trump in Flor- ABC that a desire to en- to give up its nuclear weap- hopes, would lead to a long ida on Tuesday to discuss sure Clinton’s victory was ons, Japanese officials have “I hope that we will be “Of course, the North awaited exchange of state North Korea, may also seen as legitimate played said. able to discuss what Japan Korean issue will surely visits between Abe and Chi- meet with Wang. Wang, a role in his decision to an- Kono met Wang in and China can work togeth- come up in the meeting,” nese President Xi Jinping. who will be in Tokyo until nounce the bureau would China in January when he er on in the international he said. Tokyo also hopes to Tuesday, will also partici- reopen the investigation, became the first Japanese arena, not just bilateral is- The visit by Wang, a expand its exchanges with pate in the fourth China-Ja- made 11 days before the foreign minister to visit the sues,” Kono told reporters veteran Japan handler who China to stay relevant in pan High-level Economic election.—AFP country in nearly two years. on Friday. had served as an ambassa- increasing international ef- Dialogue.—AFP

CLAIM’S DAY NOTICE CLAIM’S DAY NOTICE CLAIM’S DAY NOTICE M.V AS SOPHIA VOY. NO. ( ) M.V SIMA PERFECT VOY. NO. ( 037N/S ) M.V TOVE MAERSK VOY. NO. ( ) Consignees of cargo carried on M.V AS SOPHIA Consignees of cargo carried on M.V SIMA Consignees of cargo carried on M.V TOVE VOY. NO. ( ) are hereby notified that the vessel will be PERFECT VOY. NO. ( 037N/S ) are hereby notified that MAERSK VOY. NO. ( ) are hereby notified that the arriving on 17-4-2018 and cargo will be discharged into the vessel will be arriving on 18-4-2018 and cargo will vessel will be arriving on 17-4-2018 and cargo will be the premises of M.I.T.T/BSW where it will lie at the be discharged into the premises of AWPT where it will discharged into the premises of M.I.T.T/MIP where it consignee’s risk and expenses and subject to the byelaws lie at the consignee’s risk and expenses and subject to the will lie at the consignee’s risk and expenses and subject and conditions of the Port of Yangon. byelaws and conditions of the Port of Yangon. to the byelaws and conditions of the Port of Yangon. Damaged cargo will be surveyed daily from 8 am Damaged cargo will be surveyed daily from 8 am Damaged cargo will be surveyed daily from 8 am to 11:20 am and 12 noon to 4 pm to Claim’s Day now to 11:20 am and 12 noon to 4 pm to Claim’s Day now to 11:20 am and 12 noon to 4 pm to Claim’s Day now declared as the third day after final discharge of cargo declared as the third day after final discharge of cargo declared as the third day after final discharge of cargo from the Vessel. from the Vessel. from the Vessel. No claims against this vessel will be admitted after No claims against this vessel will be admitted after No claims against this vessel will be admitted after the Claims Day. the Claims Day. the Claims Day. SHIPPING AGENCY DEPARTMENT SHIPPING AGENCY DEPARTMENT SHIPPING AGENCY DEPARTMENT MYANMA PORT AUTHORITY MYANMA PORT AUTHORITY MYANMA PORT AUTHORITY AGENT FOR: M/S MCC TRANSPORT AGENT FOR: M/S NEW GOLDEN SEA AGENT FOR: M/S MCC TRANSPORT (S’PORE) PTE LTD SHIPPING LINE (S’PORE) PTE LTD Phone No: 2301185 Phone No: 2301185 Phone No: 2301185

CLAIM’S DAY NOTICE CLAIM’S DAY NOTICE CLAIM’S DAY NOTICE M.V ARCA VOY. NO. ( ) M.V MCC SHANGHAI VOY. NO. ( ) M.V SHAMIM VOY. NO. ( ) Consignees of cargo carried on M.V ARCA Consignees of cargo carried on M.V MCC Consignees of cargo carried on M.V SHAMIM VOY. NO. ( ) are hereby notified that the vessel will SHANGHAI VOY. NO. ( ) are hereby notified that the VOY. NO. ( ) are hereby notified that the vessel will be arriving on 18-4-2018 and cargo will be discharged vessel will be arriving on 18-4-2018 and cargo will be be arriving on 18-4-2018 and cargo will be discharged into the premises of M.I.T.T/TMT where it will lie at the discharged into the premises of M.I.T.T where it will lie into the premises of M.I.T.T where it will lie at the consignee’s risk and expenses and subject to the byelaws at the consignee’s risk and expenses and subject to the consignee’s risk and expenses and subject to the byelaws and conditions of the Port of Yangon. byelaws and conditions of the Port of Yangon. and conditions of the Port of Yangon. Damaged cargo will be surveyed daily from 8 am Damaged cargo will be surveyed daily from 8 am Damaged cargo will be surveyed daily from 8 am to 11:20 am and 12 noon to 4 pm to Claim’s Day now to 11:20 am and 12 noon to 4 pm to Claim’s Day now to 11:20 am and 12 noon to 4 pm to Claim’s Day now declared as the third day after final discharge of cargo declared as the third day after final discharge of cargo declared as the third day after final discharge of cargo from the Vessel. from the Vessel. from the Vessel. No claims against this vessel will be admitted after No claims against this vessel will be admitted after No claims against this vessel will be admitted after the Claims Day. the Claims Day. the Claims Day. SHIPPING AGENCY DEPARTMENT SHIPPING AGENCY DEPARTMENT SHIPPING AGENCY DEPARTMENT MYANMA PORT AUTHORITY MYANMA PORT AUTHORITY MYANMA PORT AUTHORITY AGENT FOR: M/S MCC TRANSPORT AGENT FOR: M/S MCC TRANSPORT AGENT FOR: M/S LAND AND SEA (S’PORE) PTE LTD (S’PORE) PTE LTD SHIPPING LINE Phone No: 2301185 Phone No: 2301185 Phone No: 2301185 16 APRIL 2018 14 SOCIAL THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR Bon Jovi, Nina Simone enter Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

CLEVELAND—Bon Jovi, the to gospel and jazz. Moody Blues, Dire Straits, the Raised in segregated North Cars, Nina Simone and Sister Carolina, Simone became a Rosetta Tharpe joined music passionate advocate for racial royalty on Saturday as they were equality, with her best-known inducted into the Rock and Roll song perhaps the civil rights an- Hall of Fame. them “To Be Young, Gifted and Richie Sambora, the origi- Black.” She died in self-exile in nal guitarist for arena-packing France in 2003. rockers Bon Jovi reunited with Tharpe, who died in 1973, the band for a rousing set at the was chosen for her early influ- Public Auditorium in Cleveland ence on rock. that included hits “You Give With her confident stage Love a Bad Name and “It’s My presence and distortion on her Life.” guitar, Tharpe took gospel music R&B-infused progressive to new audiences in the 1930s rockers the Moody Blues took and 1940s, helping set the stage the stage to perform “Your Wild- for rock ‘n’ roll after World War est Dreams,” while New Wave II. pop songwriters the Cars played Dire Straits, led by Mark “Just What I Needed.” Knopfler, emerged from Brit- Soul legend Nina Simone ain’s so-called pub rock scene and Sister Rosetta Tharpe, the of the 1970s, which emphasized gospel inspiration for early rock- blues roots and no-frills musi- ers, both of whom were posthu- cianship in an era of angry punks mously inducted, and British Rockers Bon Jovi reunited with original guitarist Richie Sambora for a rousing set at the Public Auditorium in and flamboyant glam bands. rockers Dire Straits rounded Cleveland. PHOTO: AFP In its citation, the Hall of out the 2018 Hall of Fame class. Fame credited the London band The shrine to rock culture sake Jon Bon Jovi, came out memorable hits such as “Livin’ Simone, who won induction with its revival of Americana, surveyed some 1,000 historians on top in a survey that drew 6.8 on a Prayer” and “Wanted Dead on her first nomination, was saying, “Dire Straits dragged and music industry players to million fans, whose preferences or Alive,” Bon Jovi became kings widely considered one of the rock kicking and screaming back select the new inductees. were taken into account to give in the 1980s, packing arenas on most influential singers of the to its gritty, country roots using Bon Jovi, the hard rockers an extra vote to five acts. their exhaustive tours full of py- 20th century who brought the beefy guitar licks and bluesy vo- from New Jersey led by name- With a string of quickly rotechnics. sensibilities of classical music cals.”—AFP Controversy builds over German Suspect charged in France over rappers accused of anti-Semitism Kardashian gunpoint robbery PARIS—A French court charged gagged her and locked her in BERLIN—Outrage has grown in an eleventh suspect Friday over a bathroom, before making off Germany after a rap duo accused the gunpoint robbery of US re- with jewels worth nine million of anti-Semitism over lyrics com- ality TV star Kim Kardashian in euros ($10.6 million), including paring themselves to Auschwitz Paris in 2016, a source involved in her four-million-euro diamond prisoners was awarded a mu- the investigation told AFP. engagement ring. sic prize on Holocaust Remem- The 28-year-old man has The robbery was the biggest brance Day. German rappers Kol- been charged with armed rob- of an individual in France in the legah and Farid Bang reference bery, criminal conspiracy and past 20 years. One of the robbers the Nazi death camp in their song holding Kardashian against her fleeing the scene on a bicycle “0815”, saying their bodies are will, the source said. dropped a diamond-encrusted “more defined than an Auschwitz Ten people had already been cross worth 30,000 euros, which prisoner”. Despite the controver- charged over the 2 October, 2016 was found by a passer-by a few sy which followed, on Thursday robbery at a luxury residence hours later. they won the Echo Music Award’s where Kardashian was staying It remains the only piece to German rappers Kollegah and Farid Bang perform during the 2018 Hip-Hop/Urban prize after sell- during Paris Fashion Week. be recovered from the heist.— Echo Music Awards ceremony in Berlin on Thursday. PHOTO: AFP ing more than 200,000 copies of Five men tied her up, AFP their album “Young, Brutal and Heiko Maas said such “anti-Se- use of terminology or images Handsome 3”. mitic provocations” were “sim- out of their historical context is Also on Thursday, Israel ply repugnant”. memory-based violence”. marked Yom HaShoah, its Holo- “It is shameful that this “That musical industry of- caust Remembrance Day, dedi- prize was awarded on Holo- ficials reward such comments cated to the six million Jews killed caust Remembrance Day.” under the cover of art and free- by the Nazis during World War II. Ronald Lauder, head of the dom of expression is scandal- Both rappers have said they World Jewish Congress group, ous,” said Josef Schuster, the reject all anti-Semitism, and Kol- told the Bild newspaper: “In head of the Central Council of legah has offered free “lifetime” Germany, you now get reward- Jews in Germany. Before the tickets to the duo’s Jewish fans. ed for despising women, glo- rappers won the Echo prize, But the lyrics have sparked a rifying violence and mocking the International Auschwitz heated debate in Germany, which Auschwitz victims?” Committee said their presence is still haunted by lingering mem- A spokesman for Jerusa- at the awards ceremony was a ories of Nazi crimes. lem’s Yad Vashem Holocaust “slap in the face for Holocaust The robbery of US reality TV star Kim Kardashian was the biggest of an Germany’s Justice Minister memorial told Bild that “the survivors”.—AFP individual in France in the past 20 years. PHOTO: AFP 16 APRIL 2018 THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR SOCIAL 15 ‘Godfather’ of gambling: Macau magnate Stanley Ho

HONG KONG—Macau gam- before securing the only gaming the city’s annual revenue. bling tycoon Stanley Ho, who licence in the then-Portuguese But his casino-hotel busi- has announced his retirement colony in 1962. ness took a dive after Chinese from his flagship company SJM, A flamboyant entrepreneur, President Xi Jinping launched made his riches by transform- Ho first married in 1942 but subse- a high-profile corruption crack- ing neighbouring Macau from a quently had three other partners, down in 2014 which triggered a sleepy Portuguese outpost into one of whom is a lawmaker in dramatic decline in high-rollers the world’s biggest casino hub. Macau. It is unclear whether or in the city. Ho’s hotel giant Socie- Known as the “godfather” of not he married all the women he dade de Jogos de Macau Hold- Macau casinos, 96-year-old Ho called wives. ings (SJM) saw its net profit for was instrumental in turning the He has said that he had never 2014 drop 13 per cent and saw an city on China’s southern coast wagered a bet, even as his casi- even steeper profits fall of 63 per into a gambling boomtown, with nos continued to rake in billions cent for 2015. Profits continued gaming revenue surpassing Las in revenues annually. The keen to decline in 2016, which saw a 6 Vegas. ballroom dancer cultivated a play- per cent decrease from the year Known as the “godfather” of Macau casinos, 96-year-old Stanley Ho Ho is the great-nephew of boy lifestyle, fathering at least 17 before, and continued to fall by was instrumental in turning Macau, a city on China’s southern coast, one of Asia’s first tycoons, Rob- children, one of whom, Lawrence, the half-year point of 2017. into a gambling boomtown, with gaming revenue surpassing Las ert Hotung, among Hong Kong’s runs rival casino and hotel opera- The lower profits were com- Vegas. PHOTO: AFP wealthiest individuals at the turn tor Melco International in Macau. pounded when his nephew Alan of the 20th century and an influen- The billionaire monopolised Ho, executive director for the is trying to lure back visitors from gambling and attract more tial Eurasian businessman and Macau’s gaming industry until company’s Hotel Lisboa, was with the sprawling new Grand mass-market tourists. philanthropist. 2002, when the government intro- caught along with 96 sex work- Lisboa Palace complex, which Ho has been keeping a low Ho made his fortune smug- duced foreign investors, sparking ers in 2015 after police broke up will feature Versace and Lager- profile after a serious fall in 2009 gling luxury goods into China a boom which saw casino takings a prostitution ring. He spent 14 feld hotels, reportedly due to at the age of 87 which left him from Macau during World War II, contribute around 80 percent of months in jail. SJM Holdings open in 2019 in a bid to diversify requiring brain surgery.—AFP Musical time travel: recreating Tokyo Disneyland marks Mozart-era pianos in Czech wood 35th anniv. with reopened

DIVISOV, Czech Republic—The popular attraction sign on the old sunlit house reads “Machine Factory” but now hand- CHIBA, Japan—Tokyo Disneyland marked its 35th anniversary iwork reigns in this workshop on Sunday with the reopening of renovated popular attraction where replicas of fortepianos “It’s a Small World.” once played by the world’s great- The operator, Oriental Land Co, held a ceremony with Mick- est musical geniuses are created. ey Mouse and his Disney friends at the theme park, which first Since 1998, more than 200 opened to the public on 15 April, 1983. “We would like to create the copies of pianos played by Wolf- next Disneyland with everyone for a new dream,” Toshio Kagami, gang Amadeus Mozart, Joseph chairman of Orien- Haydn or Frederic Chopin have tal Land, said at the left the house in the village of ceremony. Divisov, some 40 kilometres (25 The park plans miles) southeast of the Czech to run special anni- capital, Prague. versary event “To- Paul McNulty says authenticity is the reason for replicating fortepianos “Authenticity. There can be kyo Disney Resort —to give their players the chance to play Mozart on a copy of a Mozart- th no other purpose in replicating era instrument . PHOTO: AFP 35 ‘Happiest Cel- these instruments,” says their ebration!’” through builder Paul McNulty, a 64-year- He couldn’t say no. He showed in the Czech Sumava (mountains) 25 March next year old American of Irish descent, me how to sharpen the blade and is the original source” of wood for with the new parade whose small round glasses liken some osmosis happened,” says fortepiano makers in Vienna and “Dreaming Up!” to him to John Lennon. “I want to McNulty. elsewhere, says McNulty, who re- celebrate the anni- raise no eyebrows if the original His entire house is packed cently received Czech citizenship. versary. Oriental builder walks past my instru- with copies of pianos originally “I get the tree and I saw it Land also plans to ment,” he adds with a chuckle. made by Johann Andreas Stein, up into eighths and they sit out open a new area in- Italian Bartolomeo Cristofori Jean-Louis Boisselot or Mozart’s in the garden for five or 10 years spired by the “Beau- invented the piano around 1700, piano builder Anton Walter. and then I slice it up on a saw into ty and the Beast” and fortepianos were made until McNulty himself produces soundboard pieces,” he told AFP. film by 2020. the 19th century, serving a num- between 10 and 15 pianos a year, Besides the soundboard Ryoichi Mi- ber of Classicist and Romantic spending 800 to 6,000 hours on wood, McNulty uses iron strings, yauchi, operating composers. They were then re- each of the instruments, whose not steel, and the hammer heads officer in charge of Mickey Mouse and other Disney characters placed by the heavier modern prices start at 30,000 euros are covered with the skin of hair corporate planning, celebrate the 35th anniversary of Tokyo piano with a metal frame. ($37,000) apiece, lifetime war- sheep, an old breed with shorter told reporters the Disneyland in Urayasu, east of Tokyo on 15 McNulty first studied guitar, ranty included. hair than the thick wool of their company is con- April, 2018. PHOTO: KYODO then switched to piano tuning be- modern cousins. sidering expanding fore embarking on his career as - ‘Detective work’ - “I don’t use (modern) sheep one of the two parks. a fortepiano builder at a Boston McNulty moved to the Czech because sheep have been bred “Whenever I come here, I feel like I’m spellbound. I hope (the workshop. Republic in 1995 via the Nether- out of resemblance to the sheep of park) will keep creating new pleasures,” said Yu Kuroki, 34, who “I got my degree and I went lands, in search of quality spruce the 18th century. They have more visited the park with her family. Tokyo Disneyland and its adjacent to this man and I said, ‘I’ll work logs for his instruments. wool now so the skin texture has Tokyo Disney Sea, which opened in 2001, had attracted a combined for you for one dollar per hour’. “The Schwarzenberg forest changed,” he says.—AFP 720 million customers as of the end of March.—Kyodo News 16 APRIL 2018 16 SPORT THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR Man City on verge of title after bouncing back at Spurs, Salah hits 40

LONDON — Manchester City “After what happened and how Spurs back into the game just and the way we play suits him,” football next season alive by clos- moved to within touching dis- the people reacted, these guys before the break with a bit of added Klopp. “For him, for ing to within seven points tance of a fifth English league are fantastic. They are awesome, fortune when Aymeric Laporte’s the boys, it’s fantastic of Spurs with a stun- title after bouncing back from they are incredible. clearance ricocheted off the and today he certain- ning eight-minute a bitterly disappointing week to “What they lived in the last Dane and past the helpless Ed- ly didn’t look like he fightback to deep- beat Tottenham Hotspur 3-1 at week was so unfair but they de- erson. doesn’t want to score en Southampton’s Wembley on Saturday. serve (to win the league) and However, this time in the next few predicament in the Defeat for Spurs handed now we have a match ball. We there was no second-half games.” bottom three.— Chelsea a glimmer of hope in had the first one against Unit- collapse as City should All of Liv- AFP the fight for Champions League ed, we could not do it and now have ran out even more erpool’s prolific places after they came from 2-0 we have another one against convincing winners. front down to beat Southampton 3-2, Swansea with our 60,000 people Jesus and Sterling but Liverpool strengthened their and we are going to try to be passed up huge chances position in the top four as Mo- champion.” to add to their lead before hamed Salah scored his 40th goal City host Swansea next Sun- Sterling -- who also missed of the season in a routine 3-0 win day but could even be confirmed two great opportunities over Bournemouth. as champions as early as Sunday when City were 2-0 up on City blew the chance to seal if United lose at home to rock United last weekend -- finally the title by losing 3-2 at home to bottom West Brom. found the roof of the net after Salah scored local rivals Manchester United Gabriel Jesus raced in be- Lloris parried another Jesus three were on his 40th goal of last weekend, and were then hind an unsettled Spurs defence effort. target as Sa- the season, 30 dumped out the Champions to drill home the opener on 22 dio Mane and of which have League at the quarter-final stage minutes and Ilkay Gundogan Salah has the ‘wow’ factor Roberto Firmi- come in the 5-1 on aggregate by Liverpool in slotted home the second from City’s Champions League no struck either Premier League. PHOTO: AFP midweek. the penalty spot three minutes conquerors moved ever closer to side of Salah’s However, Pep Guardiola’s later as Hugo Lloris wiped out sealing their place in the compe- deft header to men showed why they have been Raheem Sterling, although re- tition next season as Liverpool take their com- compared with the all-time great plays suggested the contact took cruised past Bournemouth with bined tally for teams of the Premier League era place outside the area. Salah again taking centre stage. the season to by inflicting Spurs’ first league Just like against United last “What a number. Wow!” ex- 82. defeat since the sides last met weekend when a 2-0 half-time claimed manager Jurgen Klopp Chelsea at the Etihad in December. lead disappeared in 16 minutes, on hearing Salah is the first Liv- kept their “I said after 10-15 minutes City threatened to let another erpool player since Ian Rush 31 faint hopes we will be champions,” said promising position slip away years ago to score 40 in a season. of Champi- Guardiola of his side’s fast start. when Christian Eriksen brought “Mo knows what this means ons League Johnson seeks ATP US Clay ‘Emotional’ Nehwal crown repeat against Sandgren grabs badminton gold in all-India thriller LOS ANGELES—Defending level at 4-4 in the opening set, GOLD COAST — Saina Nehwal hunched over gasping for champion Steve Johnson outlast- denied the Croatian on a break made up for her disappointing breath as the Gold Coast crowd ed fellow American Taylor Fritz chance in the ninth game and Rio Olympics as she defeat- rose to its feet in applause. 7-5, 6-7 (4/7), 6-2 on Saturday to then dominated the tie-breaker, ed fellow Indian and rival PV Nehwal, the London Olym- reach the ATP US Clay Court scoring five of the last six points. Sindhu to win her second Com- pic bronze medallist, had heavy Championships final. Sandgren broke for a 2-1 monwealth Games badminton strapping on her right shin and The US sixth seed will play edge in the second set but Kar- singles gold on Sunday. revealed afterwards she had for his third ATP title and second lovic broke back to level at 3-3, In a tense final, the Delhi been playing through pain in a row on Houston clay against setting up the final tie-break. 2010 champion staged a sec- throughout the competition. American eighth seed Tennys Sandgren took his lone point off ond-game comeback against “It was a very pressurised Sandgren, who made a stunning Karlovic’s serve for a 5-3 lead, Sindhu, the Olympic silver-med- tournament, a lot of top com- run to the Australian Open quar- Steve Johnson. PHOTO: AFP then held twice on his next serves allist, to grasp a thrilling victory petition from the Malaysians, it ter-finals in January. for the 97-minute triumph. 21-18, 23-21. was a very challenging tourna- Eighth-seeded Sandgren, utes, but dropped four of the last With a victory, 88th-ranked Former world number ment,” said Nehwal, ranked 12 ranked five spots behind John- five points in the tie-breaker to Karlovic would have become one Nehwal, 28, a poster girl of in the world to Sindhu’s three. son at 56th, advanced to his first force a third set, which Johnson the oldest ATP finalist since Indian sport, used her great- Asked how this gold ranked to ATP final by downing Croatia’s dominated to book his first match Ken Rosewall won the 1977 Hong er experience to peg back the the one she won on home soil 39-year-old Ivo Karlovic 7-6 (7/2), against Sandgren. Kong title at age 43. 22-year-old Sindhu and the de- eight years ago, Nehwal said: 7-6 (7/4). Johnson, whose ATP Fritz had beaten Johnson en Karlovic settled for being the cisive moment came at 18-18 in “Much more tough because the titles came in 2016 at Nottingham route to his only ATP final in 2016 oldest ATP semi-finalist since the second game when a mam- pressure is always there when and Houston last year, broke Fritz at Memphis. Jimmy Connors in 1993 at San moth rally went Nehwal’s way. you already have gold, so there to claim the first set in 50 min- Sandgren broke Karlovic to Francisco.—AFP Both players were left is a lot more expectation.—AFP