The ban on Cambodian log exports imposed by the UN Security Council is being flagrantly flouted.

However, debate continues between four stakeholders: timber owners, domestic processors, consumers and communities on the impact of log export on the local economy.

"There is no question log exports are affecting supply in the Pacific Northwest," said George Leonard, associate chief of the Forest Service.

Proponents of log exports say states should not be allowed to restrict free trade.

An industrial logging machine is mowing down Vancouver Island forests at an accelerating rate for the purpose of raw log export.

The Oregon vote, which would amend the state Constitution to end log exports, was advisory.

But others argue that an equal number of jobs, in different sectors of the economy, would be lost if log exports are banned.

The inlet's maximum depth is 380m and serves as a staging area for log exports, fishing, a ferry, and seasonal tourism and sporting activities.

The ban on Cambodian log exports was adopted by Cambodia's Supreme National Council, a body that includes representatives of the country's Government and rebel factions.

In Oregon yesterday, Governor Clinton also explicitly stated he opposes a ban on private log exports.