Armed group attacks border fence

A local living near the site said attackers shot dead Kyaw Kyaw Wai; three other people including a government soldier, Sergeant Khai Htoo Aung, are reportedly missing. 

Local authorities and security forces went to the scene to investigate the matter and no further incidents were reported. 

Myanmar has been building the 240-kilometre border fence in the western region since 2009 to prevent unofficial trade and illegal border crossing. 

 

Switzerland opens embassy 

Swiss Foreign Minister Didier Burkhalter inaugurated the new Embassy of Switzerland in Myanmar. 

In his inaugural speech,  Burkhalter stated that “Myanmar is on an important journey – a journey to democracy, human rights and prosperity. On this important but still long and difficult way, Switzerland wants to be at your side, to support and encourage you – as good friends do”.

Comparing Myanmar’s hopeful way ahead with the experience of his own country, Burkhalter explained that since modern democracy was implemented in Switzerland 160 years ago, it has brought the country stability and prosperity. Wishing the same for Myanmar, Burkhalter said he was ready to lend a helping hand by fostering  important developments and humanitarian aid of the Swiss Development and Cooperation Agency.  

 

New bridge for Yangon

Bayint Naung Bridge No 2 will be built with the assistance of a South Korean Company, said the Yangon regional government.

The new bridge and Bayint Naung Bridge No 1 will run parallel to each other. The new bridge is connected to Hlaing Thaya Township that leads to Dala, Twantay, Kawhmu, Pharpon and Bogalay.

The old bridge has only two lanes resulting in heavy traffic during rush hour.

The proposal for the second bridge has not been drawn yet but a source said it will have the same length as the old one, only wider to accommodate four lanes.

The Yangon City Development Committee is planning to build four more bridges at Pazuntaung, Htantapin, Kyimyindin and Tharkayta across the Hlaing River, or Yangon River.

The bridges will link central Yangon to the other side of the city.