Pubdate: Sat, 29 Nov 2003 Source: Bangkok Post (Thailand) Copyright: The Post Publishing Public Co., Ltd. 2003 Contact: http://www.bangkokpost.co.th/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/39 Author: Sermsuk Kasitipradit 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. - --- MAP posted-by: Derek