This was the region where the UN undertook its first work in alternative development, right here in Thailand in 1971. The successful experience in South East Asia served as a model for our work in other countries. This region has also been the pioneer in other aspects of drug control. Particularly important has been the Memorandum of Understanding or MOU approach to subregional cooperation. You will hear more about drug control in the region from the speakers who follow.
Drugs are by no means the only commodity used to finance conflicts.
Diversion of diamonds and other natural resources from legitimate commerce is a main source of funding for groups operating in Angola and Sierra Leone. The BBC reports that 300 thousand illegal diamond prospectors operate in the east of Angola. They earn 300 million dollars per year from their illegal trade. This money not only supports the arms purchases needed to continue what is one of the world's longest conflicts. It also deprives the legitimate government of a major source of tax revenue to assist in developing the society and economy.