Cambodia's Supreme National Council (SNC) adopted a declaration on Sept. 22 that

places a moratorium on logging exports as of Dec. 31, 1992.

The measure-supported by all of the factions represented on the SNC except the Khmer

Rouge-also puts sawn timber exports under the control of the U.N. Transitional Authority

in Cambodia (UNTAC), in close consultation with the SNC.

The declaration calls on the Cambodian parties to review immediately their timber

contracts and examine the feasibility of establishing value-added wood processing

activities in Cambodia.

Special Representative Yasushi Akashi said that UNTAC will identify external assistance

programs which could offset the loss of revenue caused by the ban on the export of

logs.

Studies are also planned by international agencies to assess the extent of deforestation,

as well as provide technical assistance on the use of forestry resources in Cambodia.

Khmer Rouge spokesperson Mak Ben said on Sept. 23 that without active participation

by all the Cambodian parties in monitoring and controlling logging, the ban "could

not be carried out effectively."

The Khmer Rouge has pressed for months for representatives of the resistance factions

to be empowered to work in tandem with UNTAC to monitor key ministries of the Phnom

Penh government.