From Sinopolis.com, here is a translated summary of a Xinhua article:
Zhang Songdan, an official of the investigative group of the State Forestry Bureau, says in an interview Jan. 19 that the problem of APP’s forest destruction in Yunnan really exists. He says they found local governments, such as the Zhuang-Miao Autonomous Prefecture of Wenshan and Wenshan county, signed agreements very carelessly and in a brash way. He says according to the agreements between APP and the two governments, if the deserted land is not enough, the forest land will be added according to APP’s needs. At a press conference held by the State Council Information Office Jan. 18, Lei Jiafu, deputy director of the State Forestry Bureau, announces the State Forestry Bureau has begun investigating the accusations claiming that APP has destroyed forest resources in Yunnan province. He also says the investigative results will be published within two months. He says if the destruction is proven, APP will be punished according to the law.
