MURR DECLARES VICTORY IN WAR ON DRUG CULTIVATION

Interior and Municipalities Minister Elias Murr has announced the end of
the "illegal crops issue" in the Bekaa, following the destruction of 114
million square meters of cannabis and 9 million square meters of opium.

Speaking during a visit to the area Wednesday, Murr said the destruction
operation was carried out by the Internal Security Forces with the army's
cooperation and Syria's support.

He added that the government was "serious" in preventing the cultivation of
drugs "until we reach the day when no one will think of it anymore."

Murr expressed hope that backing the cultivation of alternative crops by
the state would take place soon, now that destruction of the banned
plantations had been completed.

"Today, I stand on the side of farmers in advocating their rights as they
have fully cooperated with the Interior Ministry," he said.