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PRESS RELEASE (r)



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
commanded.

	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 prograrnrnes.

	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.

	At 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.

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