BURMA BACKS THAILAND'S WAR ON DRUGS

Burma's State Peace and Development Council chairman Than Shwe says he
backs Thailand's fight against drugs along the border, Defence
Minister Thammarak Isarangkura na Ayudhya said.

``We have reached an understanding on security issues, and Burma
agreed that both sides had to strengthen their cooperation to snuff
out the problem which also posed security threats to Burma,'' the
minister said after his return from a three-day visit to Burma.

Gen Thammarak said the common threat could not be resolved without
full cooperation from Burma.

``Gen Than Shwe said Burma had suffered many casualties from its
decades-long drug fight.

``From now on we will walk hand-in-hand to tackle the problem,'' said
the minister, adding some border areas suspected of being used as drug
routes or storage points would be tackled.

Rangoon's top brass at the talks on Thursday in the Burmese capital
included SPDC deputy chairman Gen Maung Aye, who is the army
commander-in-chief, and Prime Minister Gen Khin Nyunt.

The minister said Gen Than Shwe blamed some Burmese ethnic groups for
spreading illicit drugs at the border.

It was understood that he was referring to senior members of the
United Wa State Army, who are still actively involved in the drug trade.

The minister said he had discussed a plan to transform border areas
into peaceful areas, with the Burmese junta saying ``one day we could
see new era of economic development in the border area once the
fighting ends.''

More development could take place in border villages similar to Yong
Kha village, where Thailand has put 20 million baht into fighting drugs.

Gen Thammarak said closer cooperation between Thailand and Burma
should not be taken to mean they would conduct joint military
operations or suppress ethnic groups on the border.