INFORMATION SHEET NO.A-0373(I)

[OKKAR66127@xxxxxxx]

                             INFORMATION SHEET NO.A-0373(I)

NO.A-0373(I)	                                                       2nd April
1998

(1)		Seminar Delegates Satisfied With Myanmar Efforts to Eradicate 	Poppy
Cultivation
		Delegates to the Seminar on Alternative Development jointly sponsored by the
Japanese Government, Central Committee for Drug Abuse Control of Myanmar and
United Nations Drug Control Programme met the Press at the International
Business Centre on Pyay Road, Yangon on 1 April. First, Director-General of
Agricultural Planning Department Dr Mya Maung clarified highlights of the
Seminar on Alternative Development. Next, Mr Dickins of UNDCP, Liberal
Democratic Party Special Adviser of Japan Mr Iwakura, Deputy Director-General
Mr Sunio Tarue of the Asian Affairs of Japan and Chief of European and the
Middle East Section of UNDCP Mr Joern Kristensen replied to questions.
		They said UNDCP would cooperate with international organizations to
implement the projects, donor nations have plans to grant US $ 15.5 million in
aid for opium substitution in Wa region, and US $ 3.8 million have already
been received for the project. They said they believed the donor nations would
contribute cash towards the project since the drug problem concerns all
nations. They said after their field trips they were satisfied with efforts of
Myanmar to eradicate poppy cultivation. They also said that buck-wheat, an
opium substitute crop, is a promising crop for local farmers and that other
seasonal substitute crops such as corn, beans, paddy and sugarcane as well as
perennial plants such as plum, coffee, mulberry and rubber are also being
introduced. They pointed out that supply reduction and demand reduction should
go together in harmony in order that poppy cultivation may be eliminated.
 
(2)		Alternative Development Programmes Can Be Effective Way to Reduce, and
Eventually EradicatePoppy Cultivation
		The Seminar on Alternative Development which began 31 March at the
International Business Centre issued a Press Release on 1 April. An
international seminar entitled " Alternative Development: strategies to reduce
opium poppy cultivation in the Region" was held at the International Business
Centre in Yangon, Myanmar on 31 March and 1 April 1998. The seminar was
jointly organised by the Government of the Union of Myanmar, the Government of
Japan and UNDCP. Representatives from 21 countries including Bangladesh,
Cambodia, China, India, Laos, Thailand and Vietnam participated in the
seminar. Dr Mya Maung, Director General, Ministry of Agriculture and
Irrigation, representing the host country, chaired the meeting. 
		The drug menace does not respect international borders, and it is thought
that concrete reduction in the level of opium production in the South East
Asian region would contribute positively to the enhancement of regional
security and, indeed, be highly beneficial to the entire international
community. During the two day seminar, participants shared existing approaches
to reducing opium poppy cultivation with considerable discussion of the
problems and difficulties experienced.
		The participants shared the view that alternative development programmes can
be an effective way to reduce, and eventually eradicate opium poppy
cultivation. In line with this view, many participants expressed appreciation
for the ongoing efforts presently being undertaken by countries in the South
East Asian region. Effective international cooperation was seen to be of
crucial importance, and the role of UNDCP in facilitating such programmes was
commended. Having studied the various cases presented, participants also
agreed on the following:
		-- the success of alternative development as a strategy to reduce opium
poppy cultivation relies on a strong commitment and political will to improve
the social and economic well-being of the poppy-cultivating populace. 
		-- community participation is one of the key elements in ensuring the
sustainability of alternative development programmes.
		-- integrated support by the UN Agencies especially UNDCP and improved
coordination among various donor agencies involved is needed to further
enhance the effectiveness of the programmes. 
		The need for strengthening the national capacity and regional 
cooperation in this field was also underlined as well as the need for further
donor support towards this end. As the conclusion of the two day seminar, the
participants shared the view that the seminar was a fruitful exercise in
promoting understanding of the issues involved and agreed to continue
discussion on these matters for further actions at the Special Session of the
UN General Assembly on drugs to be held in June 1998.
 
(3)		People's Republic of China Broadcasting and Television Delegation
	Arrives
		A Broadcasting and Television Delegation comprising 11 members of Yunnan
Province Television Department led by Mr Xue Zegao, deputy in-charge of
Propaganda Department of Party Committee of Yunnan Province of the People's
Republic of China arrived Yangon on 1 April for strengthening of bilateral
understanding and goodwill relations and cooperation and exchange in
broadcasting and television.
 
(4)		Myanmar Orchid Exhibition Opens
		A large variety of orchids totalling over 108 species from over 30 genus are
on display at Myanmar Orchid Exhibition opened on 1 April at the People's Park
and People's Square. Held with the sponsorship of Myanmar Floriculturists
Association, it is the first kind of significant flower exhibition to be shown
in Myanmar, displaying vast array of orchids including rare species such as
Vanda, Dendrobium, Vanila, Phalaenopsis and Paphiopedlium collected in various
States and Divisions with the assistance of Ministry of Forestry. It is open
daily from 8 am to 5 pm at Sanyeaing near Pankhinzay at the park till 7 April.
 
			OFFICE CALLS IN YANGON ON 1 APRIL	
(A)		Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council 
Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt received Ambassador of Brunei Darussalem Pengian 
Dato Paduka Asmalee Ahmad at Dagon Yeiktha of the Ministry of Defence.
(B)		Chairman of Myanmar Investment Commission Deputy Prime Minister received
President Mr William A Doyle of Inter Digital Communications Corporation
together with Senior Vice-President Dr Wolfgang Stemberger of Siemans AG,
Marketing and Strategy Director Mr Pedro Mancebo Sanchez of Alcatel and
General Manager Mr Mohd Shamsor Mohd Zain of UMW Corporation Sdn Bhd at his
office.
(C)		Minister at the Office of the State Peace and Development Council
Chairman Secretary of Myanmar Investment Commission received Manager
(Corporate and Institutional Banking) Mr Richard McHowat and party of Hong
Kong Bank of Thailand and Group Representatives Mr Henry HG Tan and party of
Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Ltd at his office.
(D)		Deputy Minister for Information received Mr Xue Zegao, deputy in-charge
of Propaganda Department of Party Committee of Yunnan Province of the People's
Republic of China and party, accompanied by Ambassador of People's Republic of
China Mr Liang Dong at the office of the Minister for Information.
 
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