Prime Minister Sisavath Keobounphanh, meeting with some 200-business people from state enterprises in Vientiane municipality and Vientiane and Bolikhamsay provinces, urged them to contribute what they could to the country's socioeconomic development. 

In his statement to the participants, the Prime Minister pointed to the country's great business-development achievements so far following the implementation of the Party's renovation policy, which has promoted gradual growth in the national economy. 

He also noted that the country's present monetary difficulties were the result of low levels of production and shortcomings in many areas of the national economy. 

To counter this situation, the Prime Minister said it was necessary that enterprises make an active contribution to the socio-economic development and overcome their difficulties. 

He called for measures to eliminate weaknesses and shortcomings. Inefficient businesses, he said, should consider including strict financial management mechanisms, and apply accounting controls with regular auditing and inspection activities. 

He also touched on new economic management mechanisms and the necessity of using market mechanisms to turn towards a commodity economy. It remained essential to reach a consensus among all parties in carrying out Party and State policies and avoiding deviation from the course of the policies. 

The Prime Minister stressed the need for restructuring businesses to boost production to meet domestic demand, and to increase domestic production as a substitute for imports, and export-led growth. 

In his conclusion, Prime Minister Sisavath asked ministries, sectors, localities and enterprises, in coordination with the Business Overhaul Board under the Prime Minister's Office, to enhance their sense of responsibility and industriousness in developing and enhancing efficiency in the state sector economy. 

ARE US NATIONALS REALLY MISSING IN LAOS?  

On June 3, 1999, at 7:30 p.m. (Vientiane time), the Radio Voice of the America (Lao language) aired the interview of Mr. Ly Neng which alleged that Mr. Houa Ly and Mr. Michael Vang both are American citizens, entered into Laos, then disappeared in between April 19, 1999. It further stated that Mr. Houa Ly was killed, and Mr. Michael Vang had been arrested and jailed in Vientiane. 

In response to that interview, on June 4, 1999, Mr. Bounnem Chuanghom, Director of the American Division, Department of Europe and America, Ministry of Foreign Affairs gave an interview to the Newspaper Pasason, in which he explained that on May 7, 1999, the Embassy of the United States of America in Vientiane, Laos, sent a note to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Lao PDR, informing that according to the American source of information in Chieng Mai, Thailand, two American citizen, Mr. Houa Ly and Mr. Michael Vang entered into Laos from Thailand during April 19, 1999. The letter also stated that Mr. Houa Ly was killed and Mr. Michael Vang had been arrested and jailed in Vientiane.  The US Embassy in Vientiane also requested the Lao government for cooperation on the investigation of the matter. 

After receiving the said information, and base on the good relation and cooperation between the two countries, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Lao PDR had instructed the Lao embassy in Washington, D.C, to check all the visas' records. Unfortunately, it found no record of the issuance of visas for those two American people. Moreover, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in cooperation with the Ministries of Interior and National Defense as well as the concerned authorities in the northwestern provinces of Laos tried to do the best to check the records in every immigration checkpoints in order to investigate the truth on this matter. All the work found no record on the issuance of the entry visas and checking stamps for those two people, and also no information on their where-bouts. 

Base on the above-mentioned efforts on investigation, it is strongly sure that those two American nationals did not enter into the Lao territory. Therefore, the interview gave by Mr. Ly Neng to the VOA is a frame-up story aiming at slandering the Lao PDR and at creating the misunderstanding between the United States of America and the Lao PDR. 
 

  
LAO AMBASSADORS TO EU AND THE NETHERLANDS PRESENT CREDENTIALS  

Lao ambassador to Belgium recently presented a letter of credence to the President of the European Union concurrently as the Ambassador to the EU. 

Mr. Sompradith Vorasane presented the letter to Mr. Gunter Verheugen, President of the Council of the European Union. 

After the presentation, Mr. Sompradith Vorasane conveyed greetings, regards, and best wishes for success in his lofty position from President Khamtay Siphandone to the President of the European Union Council. 

Mr. Sompradith expressed his thanks to the EU for its assistance to the Lao PDR in the past, and expressed hopes for continuing assistance in the years to come. 

The Lao Ambassador also informed the President of European Union Council of his country's policy of economic renovation, its advantage and difficulties, as well as the effects of the Asian economic and financial crisis on Laos.  He welcomed the multi-sector investment by the EU in Laos. 

Mr. Sompradith assured the EU President that he would do his utmost to contribute to the improvement of good understanding, relations and cooperation between the Lao People's Democratic Republic and the European Union. 

At the same time Mr. Phanethong Phommahasay also presented a letter of credence as the new Lao Ambassador to the Netherlands to Her Majesty Queen Beatrix. The Ambassador has his chancellery in Bonn of the Federal Republic of Germany. 

During the talk, the new Ambassador conveyed best wishes, and thanks from the Lao' President Mr. Khamtay Siphandone to Her Majesty the Queen, the government and people of the Netherlands, pointing to the present good relations, cooperation and assistance to the Lao, PDR. The Ambassador confirmed that he would do his best to expand the cooperative relationship between the two countries. Her Majesty the Queen thanked the Lao President for the best wishes conveyed to her and her people. 
 

  
PM BIDS FAREWELL TO US AMBASSADOR  

Prime Minister Sisavath Keobounphanh on May 31 granted audience to Ms. Wendy Chamberlin, Ambassador of the United States of America to the Lao PDR, to bid her farewell at the end of her three-year diplomatic mission here, from 1996-1999. 

The Prime Minister praised her diplomatic achievements in Laos, which have improved the relationship between the Lao People's Democratic Republic and the United States of America step by step. He also wished her a safe trip home. 
 

  
US ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF STATE VISITS LAOS 

US Assistant Secretary of State for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) Rand Beers visited the Lao PDR to further strengthen Lao-American cooperation in counter-narcotics efforts. 

Mr. Beers called upon Major General Asang Laoly, Minister of the Interior, Mr. Soubanh Srithirath, Minister to the President's Office and Chairman of the Lao National Commission for Drug Control and Supervision, to consult on ways to expand bilateral co-operation in counter-narcotics fields. Mr. Beers pledged further US support for the Lao government in these areas. 

Mr. Beers took visited the Lao-American Opium Crop Control and Development Project in Houaphanh province. Among the sites visited were the project headquarters in Viengthong district, where Mr. Beers met with Mr. Cheu Ying Vang, Governor of Houaphanh; Nam Sad Dam, where the delegation inspected the dam and the nearly complete irrigation canals; Bouam Fad village where they visited a school build with US government support and a mulberry tree experimental plot; and Kao sub-district to visit a construction site on the 43-kilometre road being built between Son Tai and Muang Peu. 

The delegation then flew to Phongsaly province, the future location of a new Lao-American opium crop control and development project. The delegation flew across the Samphan Sai region, following the route of a proposed 60-km road between Boun Tai and Samphan districts. 

With the project's success in reducing opium cultivation in Houaphanh province, Mr. Beers expressed his hope to governor Khammanh that the new project in Phongsaly will have the same very successful results. 
 

  
FM MEETS US LEAGUE OF FAMILIES PRESIDENT  

Somsavat Lengsavad, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, received in Vientiane Ms Ann Mills Griffiths, President of the US National League of Families. 

During the meeting, the Vice-Premier informed his guest of the consistent policy of the government of the Lao People's Democratic Republic with regard to humanitarian issues, as well as its cooperation with the United States of America in accounting for American soldiers missing in action during the war in Laos. This includes the ongoing search for and exhumation of remains of MlAs in Laos. 

Mr. Somsavat Lengsavad said he was pleased to discuss with the Vietnamese side trilateral co-operation between Laos, Vietnam, and the United States of America. Ms Griffiths expressed thanks for the co-operation of the Lao government on the issue, and hoped that the US-Lao coordination and co-operation in accounting and excavation for remains of the MlAs in Laos will continue and achieve its aims. 
 

LAOS PREPARES FOR WTO MEMBERSHIP 

The Government has taken a major step towards Lao PDR's integration into the international trading system by starting the process of joining the World Trade Organization (WTO). Officials at the Ministry of Commerce and Tourism signed the first document of a project, which aims to bring the Lao PDR into the WTO. The project will be coordinated by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), with funding of the initial component provided by Australia. 

Minister of Commerce said, "We hope that our co-operation in this project will help the Lao PDR to be fully prepared to integrate into the international trading system, which will benefit Laos." 

 Australia's contribution of US$ 448,800 over three years will fully fund the first component of the project, providing important assistance to the Lao PDR's accession to the World Trade Organization. During the first and most crucial stage of the WTO project, the Australian funds will help the Government's efforts to meet WTO rules and pre- conditions. 

The second component to the WTO project will be further assistance enabling the Lao PDR to fully participate in ASEAN Free Trade Agreements. 

The third and final component of the project will secure benefits from bilateral trade agreements for the Lao PDR in textiles, agriculture and other goods. 

Joining the World Trade Organization will be of great benefit to the Lao PDR. International institutions such as the WTO and ASEAN establish common rules and obligations, which enable governments to participate fully in, and benefit from, the global economy. All WTO members have a wide range of rights enforceable under the WTO dispute settlement procedures and supported under international law. By aligning the Lao economy with international practices, trade and investment will be greatly facilitated, and importers and exporters will have easier access to funding for business in the Lao PDR. 
 

  
LAOS STANDS FIRM AGAINST NARCOTICS  

The Lao PDR continues to pay serious attention to the control of illicit narcotics, said Deputy Prime Minister Somsavat Lengsavad at a meeting of six Mekong Basin signatories of a memorandum of understanding on May 19 in Vientiane. Mr. Somsavat, who represented the Lao government at the opening ceremony, said that the efforts made by the Lao, government had gradually reduced the production of opium in rural Laos. 

"Total production of opium in 1998 declined 17 tons from the previous year," he said. 

The deputy premier attributed much of this reduction to the country's success at finding sustainable substitute jobs for traditional opium producers and controlling drug trafficking and distribution. 

We have not only coordinated closely with neighboring countries and international organizations, but we have also urged many organizations, authorities, schools and families to pay close attention to young people's possible use of drugs," he said. "Lao PDR recognizes that the problem of illicit narcotic drugs is the world's common problem," he added. 

This was the second meeting held in Laos since Cambodia, China, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) together in 1993. Similar meetings have been organized regularly in various countries within the sub-region. 

During the two-day meeting, senior officials from the six MOU countries discussed problems and achievements in the field of drug control at national and sub-regional levels. Delegates also analyzed changing patterns of drug abuse, supply and distribution, and listened to suggestions for proposals for a Ministerial meeting to be held on May 21 in Vientiane. 

Another aim of the meeting was resolutions of the United Nations General Assembly adopted at its 20th Special Session held last year. 

As the Mekong Basin Region is one of the, world's largest narcotics producing regions, it needs a collective response from the governments of the six countries to join forces and develop a framework. 

According to a paper from the United Nations Drug Control Program (UNDCP), of the 14.6 tons of amphetamine-type stimulants (ATS) seized worldwide in 1996, East and Southeast Asia accounted for 31 percent. Of this, China alone covered 11 percent. "About 90 percent of heroin seizures in the region in 1998 occurred in China," the leaflet stated. 

The six MOU countries and the UNDCP approved a sub-regional action plan outlining priority project for joint cooperation. The plan is revised every second year to ensure it remains contemporary with the ongoing drug situation and national drug control policies in the sub-region. 

The current action plan contains 13 sub-regional projects which reflect the support conferred by the six MOU countries for a balanced approach to drug control, emphasizing the need to focus on both supply and demand side measures. Of the 13 projects, all but four are now operational. 

The overall cost of the thirteen Action Plan projects is about US$ 22 million, of which 50 percent has been secured from donor governments and international organizations. In addition, in-kind contributions are provided by the six MOU signatory governments. 

With the efforts of the governments of these six countries, opium cultivation in the Golden Triangle (Myanmar, Thailand, Laos) in 1998 was reduced to 157,000 hectares with a potential yield of 1,900 metric tons of opium. 
 

  
EDUCATIONAL PROJECT IN FOUR TARGET AREAS  

The Ministry of Education and Save the Children Norway signed a cooperation agreement for a basic education development project in four target areas in Laos. The signing ceremony was held in Vientiane. 

The project will be implemented from 1999-2001 in Luang Prabang, Bolikhamsay and Khammouan provinces and Saysomboun Special Zone. 

Save the Children Norway has provided about US$ 1,065,000 for basic educational development for Lao students in remote areas. The projects intend to upgrade teaching skill, introduce a multi-grade teaching system, and cluster schools and early childhood development among others for improved standards in Lao education system. 

Over the three years, both sides will work together to see the project achieve high results. 

The project will also encourage the opportunity for school-aged children to attend school as well as try to encourage children to go to school. 

In 1997-98, the organization also assisted the Ministry of Education in basic educational development in multi-grade teaching and cluster schools in Luang Prabang, Bolikhamsay and Khammouan provinces. 
 

  
SINO-LAO JOINT PROJECTS SIGNED IN KUNMING  

Two Lao and Chinese companies have signed contracts, one for investment to build a factory for the production of cement-packing products, the other for a mining project in Vientiane province. 

The signing of the two contracts took place in Kunming, capital of Southwest China's Yunnan province, between the Agricultural- Forestry Development and Export-import Service Company of the Lao PDR and the International Economic-Technologicals Cooperation Corporation of Yunnan province, China. 

The Lao side will take a 90 per cent share in the joint venture in the two projects while the Chinese will take the remaining 10 per cent, with an interest-free loan released by the Chinese government to Laos. 

The signing of the two 28-year contracts was in furtherance of the contract for the construction of a second cement factory in Vang Vieng, Vientiane province. 

One of the projects will cost 17 million-yuan and will produce packaging products. The other is for a mining project, to be established at a cost of 15 million yuan. 

According to a report from the Chinese news agency Xinhua, during the first four months of this year bilateral trade between Yunnan province and Laos experienced a 97.5 percent rise on a yearly basis, hitting US$ 6.3 million, with border trade rising 80 percent.  The growth rate for Lao exports to Yunnan is higher than that for Yunnan exports to Laos. Earlier this year, Yunnan signed US$ 87 million worth of contracts to join Laos in prospecting for gold and to transmit power to Laos, said the report. 
 

LAO-THAI COMMITTEES FOR BORDER SECURITY HOLD MEETING 

The 8th meeting of Lao-Thai cooperation Committees for Border Security (CCBS) was held in Vientiane at the invitation of Lieutenant General Choummaly Sayasone, Deputy-Prime Minister, Minister of Defense and Chairman of the CCBS for the Lao side. 

The Lao committee was led by Major General Douangchay Phichit, Chief of the General Staff Department, Vice Chairman of the Lao-Thai CCBS, who co-chaired the meeting, with Army General, Mongkhol Amphomphisit, Supreme Commander of the Kingdom of Thailand's armed forces Vice- Chairman of the Thai-Lao CCBS. 

The meeting assessed and viewed the results of the cooperation and relations between the two countries. Both armies were pleased that Lao-Thai relations in the state and private sectors had made concrete progress over the past year and that problems could be solved and security along the border between the two countries had gradually improved. The sides will continue to co-operate in implementing their duties in various fields, for the peace, friendship and prosperity of the Lao and Thai peoples. 

The meeting agreed that the sub- committees of Lao-Thai and Thai-Lao CCBS at provincial level continue to hold regular consultations so as to solve remaining problems in order to create peace along the border, thus answering the aspirations of the two peoples. 

To promote the relations and a better understanding between the Lao and Thai the meeting agreed to let the Thai Border Patrol units on the Mekong River (NPK) continue their operations along the river with increased precautions with regard to mutual relations and sovereignty. 

Concerning the Border Police Station 314, which is located on the Lao-Thai border, the Thai side will increase precautions in its operation so that it does not breach the mutual sovereignty. 

As for those that are against the Lao-Thai relationship, if their bases are found in the territory of either country, the side concerned will take measures to control, repress and arrest them accordingly to its own Laws. 

The meeting praised the joint land border survey and demarcation. Survey work has been completed on about 408 kilometers in the real geographic sites and 93 border markers have been erected. The sides supported the continuation of the border survey and demarcation until completion within the time frame agreed by both sides. 

The meeting advocated close co-ordination in the control and surveillance of the impact of the water current on the banks of each side and the sand exploitation in the Mekong and Heuang Rivers so that there is no impact on the environment and the natural resources. If any problems arise, the provinces concerned should consult each other so as to solve the problem rapidly. 

Both sides will cooperate closely in the exchange of information and will set strict measures to eradicate the sources of production, transport and illegal trafficking of illicit drugs along the border. 

The meeting praised the government of the Lao PDR and the government of the Kingdom of Thailand for signing one treaty and two agreements on the extradition of wrongdoers, the exemption of visas for holders of official passports of both sides, and the land transportation between the two countries. 
 

LAO-MYANMAR MEETING ON BOUNDARY MARKERS 

Laos and Myanmar held their first meeting in Thachilek, Shan State, the Union of Myanmar, on the inspection of the boundary markers. 

The two sides discussed details of a joint inspection of border markers, signing a memorandum. 

The joint inspection was in accordance with an agreement on the boundary demarcation between the two countries reached on June 11, 1994, and with the minutes of the first meeting of the central level Lao- Myanmar Border Committees in Yangon on November 17, 1998. 

The Lao People's Democratic Republic and the Union of Myanmar share a 236-km border along the Mekong River, the demarcation of which was completed in 1994. The demarcation has laid firm foundations for the expansion of bilateral co-operation at present. 
 

LAOS, RUSSIA REACHED AN AGREEMENT 

A visiting delegation of the Russian Federation led by Mr. Mikhail Bely, Director of the Department of Asia 2, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, met Mr. Phongsavath Boupha, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs. 

At the meeting, the two sides reiterated the continued strengthening of time-honored traditional ties of friendship and co-operation between Laos and Russia in the interests of the people of Laos and Russia, for peace, and for international security. 

Following the meeting, the two sides signed two agreements between the governments of Laos and Russia: a joint agreement on combating drug trafficking, and one on avoidance of double taxation between the two countries. The signatories to the documents were Deputy Foreign Minister Phongsavath Boupha and Russian Ambassador to Laos Valentine G. Yeryomchenko. 

The officials of the Lao and Russian ministries of Foreign Affairs also held a meeting. The two sides informed each other about the situation in their respective countries as well as the relations of mutual interest. The two sides expressed pleasure at the strengthened traditional ties of friendship and bilateral co-operation. They were also convinced that these ties of friendship and co-operation would improve and expand for the benefit of Laos and Russia. 
 

  
VICE PRESIDENT OF JICA VISITS LAOS 

Mr. Hachiro Mesaki, Vice President of the Japan International Co-operation Agency (JICA) visited Laos to see some of the JICA funded projects in Vientiane. 

During the three-day visit to Laos, Mr. Mesaki paid a courtesy visit to some Lao Leaders and visited some of the JICA funded projects in Vientiane. Mr. Khamphoui Keoboualapha, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance welcomed Mr. Hachiro Mesaki and explained the investment opportunities in Laos and international trade relations. 

He continued to say that Laos' strength was in hydropower but it needs further capital to continue operating, which Laos isn't capable of investing alone. Since its trading partner Thailand has closed its doors because of the regional economic crisis, Laos is in need of international investment assistance. To step-up trade with Thailand and Vietnam, roads also need to be constructed from east to west to facilitate access to these neighboring countries. 

At present, Laos is seeking to invest in low-budget projects, such as coffee and garment production for export as well as tourism, to bring in more foreign currency and pay its debts. However Laos still lacks funds and is waiting for approval for an emergency loan of US$ 23 million from the World Bank and US$ 12.5 million loan from the ADB. 

Mr. Hachiro promised that the Japanese government would carry out all contracts, which had been signed and would also consider giving direct financial assistance to Laos without having to wait for approval from lending institutions such as the ADB, World Bank or IMF. 

JICA's co-operation projects in the Lao PDR include technical cooperation programs, development study programs, and supervising programs for grant aid and local development programs. 

Over the past year JICA has sent 35 experts and 63 volunteers to Laos, while more than 280 trainees from the Lao PDR were invited to Japan to receive technical training. 
 

  
FRENCH FIRM TO DELIVER MODERN TRAFFIC CONTROL SYSTEM 

France's Airsys ATM is ready to provide a national air traffic control system for Laos' airspace. 

The turnkey contract for the provision of the equipment was signed late last year between the Civil Aviation Department of the Lao People's Democratic Republic and the French company. 

Speaking of the significance of the new system, Minister of Communication, Post, Transport and Construction, said: "This contract is one of the finest examples of French-Lao cooperation. The new system will enable Laos to ensure sovereignty of its airspace and control air traffic over the country." 

The air traffic control system provided by Airsys ATM involves a radar station in Vientiane to be equipped with a primary radar STAR 2000, one monopulse secondary suveillance radar RSM 970 I, and in Savannakhet one autonomus RSM 970 I. 

Airsys ATM will also supply an Eurocat Control Center equipped with five controller-working positions, one integrated simulator, one EASY system (ADS satellite navigation) and one VCCS (TXM 4400) system. 

Laos' corps of air traffic controllers will all be trained at the Ecole Nationale de l'Aviation Civile (ENAC) in Toulouse, France financed by a grant from the French government. 

Financing for the project was arranged by Credit Agricole Indosuez. Airsys ATM is a joint venture company of Tomson-CSF Airsys and Siemens and is involved in the fields of air traffic management and airport development. 
 

DUTCH GRANT AID FOR RURAL DEVELOPMENT 

ZOA, a Dutch organization working in the Lao PDR, has recently agreed to continue assistance for the Community Development Cooperation Project in the Phou Khau Khuay area of Thoulakhom district, Vientiane province. 

The agreement stipulated that the Organization would continue to improve the life quality of the poor in the target area, providing vocational training in agriculture, revolving capital, health education, adult education, and educational materials for poor students. The project will continue through the 2000 with an overall budget of more than US$ 84,000. 

The signing documents for the assistance carried out by the Director of the Social Welfare Department, and My Bram Van Grootheest, Representative of ZOA in Laos. 
 

  
JAPAN HELPS EXPAND HYDROLOGICAL NETWORK  

Japan has helped Laos expand its network of hydrological stations in the central and southern parts, at a cost of US$ 82,683. 

The work included the construction of seven concrete made water-level markers, one meter wide, 0,6 meters high, and 60-80 meters long, according to the height of the river banks. Markers built include those on the rivers of Nam Kading at Ban Phosy in central Bolikhamsay province; Nam Se Banfay in Mahasay district of Khammouan province; Nam Se Bang-hieng in the Sepone district of central Savannakhet province; Nam Se Bang- hieng in the Songkhone district of Savannakhet province; Nam Sedone in the Khong Sedone district of the southern province of Saravan; and Nam Sekong in the Lamame district of the southern province of Sekong. 

The aid also covered the installation of two sets of transceivers at two sites: at Lahanam and Sobnam villages, Savannakhet province. 

In addition, the Japan International Development Agency (JICA) has provided three advanced rainfall meters, which are installed in the southern provinces of Saravan and Sekong, and in Sepone district of Savannakhet. A water-levels register for Kengkork in Champhone district of Savannakhet was also part of the aid. 

These facilities will enable the meteorological and hydrological division to improve its data collection on rainfall and water levels, which will also improve weather and water forecasting. 
 

  
BRITISH ORGANIZATION OFFERS SALARY-FREE EXPERTS  

British Executive Service Overseas (BESO), a London-based Organization which provides foreign experts in developing countries, arrived in Vientiane to offer this service to interested parties in Laos. 

BESO has about 3,800 volunteer advisers in UK who are available for service in Laos to help small and medium enterprises with their expert knowledge on short-term assignments, said South East Asian representative John Burlison. 

The advisers give their expertise free of any salary. BESO volunteers cover about 250 different skills, including all aspects of Business Management, Hotels and Tourism, Health, Education, Forestry and many others. 

Mr. Burlison said that his Organization pays the cost for the adviser's airfare to Vientiane and that the adviser donates his/her time without pay. However, the in-country costs of accommodation, food and local transport must be provided by the local host. 

BESO works in 95 different countries and takes on about 700 assignments every year. In the past it has helped with deer farming, journalism, and technology management in Laos, and has undertaken 23 jobs in Vietnam ranging from charity management to business skills. 
 

  
WORKSHOP ON ENGLISH TEACHING AT THE UNIVERSITY OF LAOS 

The Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, the National University of Laos, ran a two-day workshop on using literature to teach English. The event was co-sponsored by the US Embassy. 

The 45 participants who attended the workshop were faculty members of the national university, who teach English in various departments. The featured speaker for the program was Dr Kenneth Michael Jenson of the US Embassy in Jakarta. Dr Jenson's extensive teaching experience includes assignments in the United States, Poland, Mexico, and Indonesia. 

The two-day workshop, a sequel to last year's program on "Folktales: Bridges to English Competency and Communication", was designed to enhance the English, teaching skills and techniques of the participants. 
 

  
LAOS, NORWAY REVIEW COOPERATION 

A consultation on development cooperation between the governments of Laos and Norway was held in Vientiane. 

The two governments established bilateral co-operation in 1997, signing an aide memoire on cooperation in development on April 24 of that year. 

In order to review and continue the development cooperation, this second consultation was held by the two governments. The meeting reviewed the efforts of co-operation for development of the two governments in 1998, and discussed the 1999 cooperation plan. 

In 1997, the Norwegian government through the Norwegian Development Agency, NORAD, granted aid worth 38 million kroner (equivalent to US dollars 5.5 million). This aid rose to 54 million kroner (US dollars seven million) in the following year, and the Norwegian government has confirmed that aid in 1999 would remain unchanged. 

In the 1999-2000 plan, Laos put forward a number of aid priority projects for consideration by the Norwegian government. These included a project to create a master plan for regional development, of the Lao PDR; administrative reform of the government phase 2; and financing of the construction of Seset Hydropower Station II (southern Laos) following the completion of a feasibility study. 

Other ongoing Norwegian aid projects considered significant for socioeconomic development in Laos include: 
• unexploded ordnance (UXO) clearing project; 
• capacity-building project for the National Assembly; 
• improvement of taxation system; 
• continued aid for the Science Technology and Environment Organization (STENO) in the building and enforcement of the law on the environment; 
• waste water management project; 
• aid project phase 2 for the Lao Women's Union; 
• drafting of laws for the hydropower sector. 
 

AUSTRALIA SUPPORTS NUOL  

The Australian Embassy in Laos presented US$ 8,000 to the Tadthong Faculty of Irrigation and Engineering of the National University of Laos (NUOL) during a ceremony at the Faculty. 

Part of the funds will be used to install and maintain 30 computers at the computer room of the Faculty Irrigation and Engineering. The rest of the money will be used to help fund scholarship programs for teachers to upgrade their credentials and qualifications in Thailand. 

Previously, the Australian Embassy donated five computers and one video camera, valued at US$ 10.000 to the Faculty of Irrigation and Engineering. 
 

  
UN, SIX ASEAN MINISTERS AGREE ON DRUG CONTROL 

Ministers of six East Asian countries and the Executive Director of the United Nations International Drug Control Program (UNDCP), at a meeting in Vientiane expressed resolve to intensify joint action to reduce drug abuse in the Greater Mekong Region. 

The new strategy incorporates an expanded cross-border cooperation programmer a large-scale computer- based drug law enforcement training project, and a new initiative to fight the increasing abuse of methamphetamine and other Amphetamine-Type-Stimulants (ATS). 

Changing drug trafficking patterns in the region, substantial ATS abuse in Thailand, and increased drug trafficking and abuse in all countries of, the region demanded new initiatives from governments and the international community. The Under Secretary General of the United Nations and Executive Director of the UNDCP, reported that international experience demonstrates that "results can only be achieved by a balanced approach, combining effective law enforcement, demand reduction and alternative development".  He urged governments to follow up the agreement made by the UN General Assembly at the World Drug Summit in 1998, calling for a significant decrease in the supply and abuse of drugs by the year 2008. 

The ministers agreed on the need for a balanced and integrated approach in tackling the supply of, and demand for, illicit drugs and endorsed a number of new measures to combat the problem. Furthermore, they committed themselves to closer cooperation and the active implementation of a joint Sub- regional Action Plan initiated in 1995, by Cambodia, China, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam, together with the UNDCP. 

The Ministerial Meeting followed three days of bilateral meetings and a meeting of senior officials of the six governments and the UNDCP. It reviewed the progress of projects under the Sub-regional Action Plan (SAP) and also approved a revision of the SAP which makes it more relevant to the current drug abuse, production and trafficking situation, as well as to evolving national and regional drug control policies. The ministers were determined to provide better and more reliable mutual exchange of data regarding the drug situation. 

The revised Action Plan calls for further collective efforts at the cross-border, bilateral, regional and international levels. It also focuses more on escalating drug abuse, especially of ATS, in urban areas among youths and other vulnerable groups. An outline of a new US$ 6 million Joint project against amphetamine-type stimulants was endorsed by the Ministerial Meeting. The revised Action Plan contains 13 sub-regional projects with a total value of about US$ 25 million. 

The Ministerial Meeting also signed a new US$ 1.8 million project document for Sub-regional Cross- border Law Enforcement Cooperation, financed by the Japanese Government, to be incorporated in the Sub-regional Action Plan. The project aims to strengthen national law enforcement agencies at the local level to facilitate better cooperation with their counterparts along and across borders in the sub-region. 

Following the success of a precursor control project in Thailand and a subsequent sub-regional project financed by the European Union, the UNDCP is now moving towards a third phase. Experience gained from the-previous projects prompts the need to enhance cooperation and coordination with countries outside the MOU group faced with widening attempts at precursor diversion. 

Increased regional cross-border co-operation, trade and community development activities are seen as viable and effective measures to eradicate illicit crop cultivation, providing former and potential poppy growing farmers with alternative sources of income. 

The six countries also reported on and discussed their progress in implementing resolutions of the UN General Assembly Special Session on Drugs in June 1998. They further agreed to take collective steps for a significant reduction of both the supply of and demand for illicit drugs by 2008. 

The Vientiane Declaration issued on 21 May pledged "the joint commitment to forcefully combat illicit drug production, trafficking and consumption in the region in compliance with UN conventions on drug control". 
 

  
UXO REMAINS DANGER TO THE INNOCENT LAO PEOPLE. 

One boy was killed and two were injured when a bomb exploded while they were preparing land to plant rice in Thongnamixay village, Yommalad district, according to the UXO Lab office in Khammouan province. 

The unexpected event happened to the three young boys when a spade one of them was using hit a bomb buried beneath the ground. Thirteen- year-old Thong died instantly and Vadsana and Toiu suffered serious injuries. According to statistics from nine provinces where. UXO Lao has its operations, over the first four months of 1999 there were over 60 UXO victims. Fifty of those people sustained injuries and, 15 died. 

Most accidents happen to innocent, people who don't know about UXO. Children catch, pat, hit and throw them and farmers working in the fields dig with spades and detonate the bombs. 

To warn the local community about the danger of the ever-lurking bombs, UXO LAO has urged all headmasters and teachers to show children how to prevent UXO accidents. Parents are also being taught how to protect themselves from, UXO to avoid disasters. 
 

  
PROFILE "My Soul Is In Laos"  
After being away from Laos for a quarter century, Mr. Khamchong Luangpraseut decided to visit his homeland. He described his impressions to Ay Mit (from the Vientiane Times April 27-29, 1999) 

So much has changed, I recognize nothing," was Mr. Khamchong Luangpraseut's leitmotiv during the conversation we had at the Vientiane Times office. Even in the building in which we were he did not recognize anything. "Here (in the former Ministry of Information before 1975) we used to hear the sound of antique typewriters. Now there are computers everywhere, all connected to the web." he noted. 

Mr. Khamchong Luangpraseut left Laos after 1975. He was then the editor of Lao Presse, Lao edition, and director of Administrative Affairs at the Ministry of Information. After a while in Thailand, he went to France where he stayed three years from I 975 to 1978. Then he went to the United States where he attended Georgetown University's Graduate School while working part time for the World Bank in Washington, D.C as a research assistant, specializing in trade involving members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). In 1979, he moved to California and has lived there ever since. 

Though holding a master's degree in economics from the University of Warsaw, Mr. Khamchong has devoted his whole life to education, coordinating the Southeast Asia/Pacific Islander Student Programs at the Santa Ana Unified School District (SAUSD), and heading a special unit, the Indochinbse Student Program. SAUSD is the seventh largest school in the State of California with an enrollment of 54,000 students, most of them from lndochinese countries. 

During his two-week stay in Laos, Mr. Khamchong visited Vientiane, Luang Prabang, where he celebrated Pimai, the Lao New Year festival, and his home province of Xieng Khouang. "So much has changed. I didn't recognize anything," he said, adding "some people in the US, after coming back from a visit to Laos said there was nothing but dust. "That is unfair," Mr. Khamchong protested, "when I worked at the Ministry of Information at the editor of Lao Presse, before 1975, I knew very well how many kilometers of asphalted roads there were throughout the country, and how many houses in town had electricity. Now I've seen many villages in remote areas with electricity. There are good, asphalted roads linking Vientiane to the provinces. Priority has been given to the construction of infrastructure, which is a correct decision," he said. 

Many things have changed but Mr. Khamchong noted that the spirit of the Lao people, the sense of fraternity and generosity have remained the same. "Meeting with people from all walks of life, from the Vice President of the State to the modest citizen, anywhere I went, they talk with me so kindly, so open-heartedly." Vice President Oudom Khattigna whom he met twice, in his office and at his home, talked with him for four hours. "He told me about the past, the present and the future of the country. I'm overwhelmed by the warm and sincere welcome from all the people I met," Mr. Khamchong said. 

Mr. Khamchong was much impressed by the first woman governor of Xieng Khouang, Mrs. Bounpheng Mounphosay. "She is a tremendous person. She has great plans for the future of her province," he noted. 

Mr. Khamchong took pictures and a video film of all the places he went and all the people he met. He will show them to Lao people living in the United States, Canada, France and Australia during his lecture tours. "I want to show them the reality of Laos, especially how much effort people have made for their development, especially to preserve the Lao culture. I want to convey this message to all Lao living abroad: Come and help rebuild Laos. I want to relay the spirit of fraternity and hospitality of our Lao people". 

He said Vice President Oudom Khattigna had conveyed him a very strong message. "Mr. Oudom said the line is drawn between the present and the past. So, Lao people, wherever they are, should get together to build the future". 

Mr. Khamchong said he would make a suggestion to the Lao ambassador to Washington to form a committee to study issues pertaining to overseas Lao and Lao inside the country, to exchange information aiming at promoting interaction to develop the country together. 

Mr. Khamchong also insisted that Lao inside the country should also know they have brothers abroad. He said critics made by some Lao abroad against the government are irrelevant, unfair, he said. Those critics come from people who don't know the reality back home. Mr. Khamchong hoped that when those Lao are educated and understand Laos, they will help their motherland just like Americans of Japanese descent helped Japan rebuild itself after the war. 

As far as he is concerned, Mr. Khamchong said he has always followed, closely what happened in Laos. He praised Vientiane Times for keeping readers, especially Lao living abroad, informed about events back home. He found that the newspaper's cultural pages featuring Lao traditions, Buddhist festivals, literature etc. are invaluable for young overseas Lao to learn about and keep in touch with their culture. "Culture is extremely important in the nation building process," Mr. Khamchong stressed. 

Laos is always present in Mr. Khamchong's life and work. "My talks, my papers, my keynote speeches delivered all around the world are always about Laos and the Lao people," he said. "I told Deputy' Prime Minister Somsavat Lengsavad: Only my body left. My soul never left Laos," he said and confessed that: "At night, you dream about Laos. You see your friends, familiar scenes. When you wake up, you find yourself so far away!" 

Despite his attachment to his Lao roots, Mr. Khamchong, who up to now has been holding a green card, has decided to become a full-fledged US citizen. Why? "Because, becoming an American citizen, I have a voice. I can lobby for Laos. I can talk to people and influence them. He recalled that, when he was an adviser of the Bush administration, President Bush was ready to grant the Most Favored Nation status to Laos. "But, meanwhile, the Democrats came to power and the process was stopped," he said regretfully. But Mr. Khamchong promised he would do his utmost to help his motherland where his soul still remains. He plans to come back to Laos with a delegation of all backgrounds to get acquainted with the country's reality and improve mutual understanding. 

"Laos should remain the most beautiful country in the world," he said as a conclusion to our conversation.