Press briefing (April 2, 1998) - D (r)

[RANGOONP@xxxxxxx]

 A. Of the amount pledged to UNDCP in 1997, $3.3 million was earmarked for
 the alternative development program in Burma.  >>

This is just a personal question to Sept. of State from The Rangoon Post.

UNDP cannot implement on eradication of opium poppies in Wa controlled areas
without the GOB fully involves. It means SPDC is the main body to eratocates
the  drug productions in Burma. On the other hands, drug lord Khun Sa and
Losit Han have been controlling 50% of businesses in transpotations and hotels
businesses for many years. 
More Interrestingly, Wa signed case-fire agreement with Rangoon regime in
1995, but the poppy fields in the Wa areas have not yet been reduced any size,
remaining in the same size as 1989 Dept. of State report as the size in 1997
report. For these reasons, how will U.S. $3.3 million aid to SPDC through UNDP
impact on the eradication?