Myanmar PM stresses amendment of past systems practised in Kokang region

Myanmar Prime Minister General Thein Sein has stressed that the administrative and economic systems, once practised in Kokang region but were announced illegal by the state, are to be mended in conformity with the law, official media reported Sunday.

Kokang stands as Myanmar's Shan State (North) Special Region-1 bordering Yunnan Province, southwest of China.

"As Kokang region is within the boundary of Myanmar and is a part of the union, people are to cultivate union spirit without sticking to racism and localism regardless of whatever part of the region they live in," Thein Sein said in his tour to Laukkai, capital of Kokang region, in the past two days, according to the New Light of Myanmar.

"As Myanmar shares the long border with China, the two peoples need to live in amity," he emphasized.

He stressed the need to fight against producing and smuggling narcotic drugs and to try to improve the regional economy based on agricultural productivity.

He also outlined four tasks for the U-Pe-Sauk-Chain-led "Kokang Provisional Leading Committee", which is a new provisional local administrative body, to carry out, that is "ensuring regional stability, security, smooth and secure transport and regeneration of local people's businesses in cooperation with the administrative staff employed by the state".

Meanwhile, a drug destruction ceremony was held in Laukkai Saturday, burning drugs worth of over 20 million U.S. dollars seized within a two-month short period from August 11 to October 24.

The burnt drugs included 11.9 million ATS tablets, 7.96 million ephedrine tablets, 0.13 kilograms heroin, nearly 1 kg opium, 0.44 kg ICE, 246 kg ephedrine, 45 kg caffeine and other precursor chemicals.

The ceremony was attended by diplomatic corps comprising ambassadors of 11 countries including Singapore and officials of resident United Nations organizations as well as local Kokang leaders and people.

Source: Xinhua