Address of His Excellency Mr. Somsavat Lengsavad, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Chairman of the Committee for the Commemoration of the Fiftieth Anniversary of the Universal Declaration
of Human Rights at the Commemoration Ceremony ( 10 December 1998 )

Venerable Members of the  Lao Buddhist Clergy,
Excellencies Chairpersons,
Excellencies Members of Diplomatic Corp and 
Representatives of international Organizations in Lao P.D.R,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

Today, the Members of the committee for the Commemoration of the Fiftieth Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights has the honor and pleasure to represent the Government of Lao P.D.R and the Lao people in organizing this ceremony to mark, together with the international community, Human Rights Day, which is very meaningful to all members of human family.

On behalf of the Committee and on my own behalf, May I express my sincere thanks and gratitude to the Venerable Members of the Lao Buddhist clergy and all distinguished guests who are attending this ceremony.

Distinguished guests,

Fifty years ago, on 10 December 1948, the third session of the
General Assembly of the United Nations adopted The Universal Declaration of Human Rights . The Declaration is considered to be the first international political instrument that has comprehensively, profoundly and systematically spelt out the idea of promotion and protection of inviolable fundamental human rights and freedoms without any discrimination as to sex, age, race,
religion, color, language, social status. Precisely, the Declaration has set forth the rights of all categories such as civil and political rights, including the right to life, and economic, social and cultural rights.

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights came into existence after humankind had endured the sufferings from the holocausts of the two world wars. The adoption of the Universal Declaration therefore demonstrated the determination of humankind to root out the scourges of war and all forms of oppression and occupation, and to brine peace, democracy, happiness and justice to the world.

 Since then, the world has underdone enormous and profound Chances. Peoples have united to fight for peace, national independence, democracy and social progress. The prominent example of these is that nearly a hundred nations all over the world have so far won national independence, breaking free of colonialist shackles, and adopted development as objective of achievement in realization of their fundamental human rights. But unfortunately, wars have continued to break out in many different parts of the word. Moreover, poverty, famine and diseases are still serious threats to many parts of the word.

The present reality has pointed out that countries in the world have been in different levels of development and different political systems, which stem from their differences in historical and cultural traditions. As a result, they do not have a complete agreement on the need, approach and how to realize human rights. In fact, the concept of human rights carries both universality and particularity, meaning that the application of human rights is not necessary to follow the same standard. When referring to individual rights, we should recognize that individual rights include not only civil and political rights but also economic, social and cultural rights as well, all of which are equally important. On the other hand, we perceive that the concept of universality of human rights can be interpreted as a unity between individual rights and collective rights, and between rights and obligations in a single whole. Hence, if we were concerned only about individual rights while neglecting collective rights, or separated individual rights from collective rights or from obligations, society would plunge into unrest and finally anarchy. There are indeed no rights in this world without corresponding obligations and vice versa. Many declarations following the Universal Declaration of Human Rights recognize this, the 1955 Bandung Declaration on Human Rights is a good example. It is therefore clear that the most respectful right is the right to living in an independent, peaceful nation where individuals are provided with full human potential development, equal before the law, and given mutual respects.
 

Distinguished guests,

The Lao people's Democratic Republic has consistently affirmed their faith in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, for it meets the legitimate needs of our people. As all of us know pretty well that Laos is a nation whose history has been established for thousand years, with its own cultural identity, and the people are generally seen as friendly, tolerant, generous, honest and hospitable. Even though, however, the Lao people experienced a number of painful and bitter periods of history as a result of the country's falling under the domination and colonization of foreign powers. The Lao people of multi-ethnic groups, therefore, stood up to fight for their most fundamental human rights. The coming into existence of the Lao people's Democratic Republic on December 1975 was in fact the renaissance of the nation, which manifested its members' unity in the determination of the national destiny by selecting with their own choice any political system as deemed to best suit the country's historical, geographical and cultural particularities and its real conditions.

For the last 23 years, as the genuine masters of the country, the Lao people has spared no efforts for safeguard of the national security and stability and for socioeconomic development, which are considered as priorities for the realization of human rights.

In order to lead the country out of poverty, improving the people's material and spiritual lives, since 1986 our Party and government have pursued the renovation policy guidelines, which have strongly encouraged the expansion of different economic sectors on the basis of the market-based management mechanism, which has resulted in the continual growth of the national economy. At present we are at the stage of implementing the socioeconomic development plans for the period from 1996 to 2000, as well as to 2020. In other areas, our Party and Government have set forth the policy of transforming the country into a state governed by law, which was marked by the adoption in 1991 of the first constitution and other legislation of the Lao People's Democratic Republic.

It is clearly observed that the constitution identifies the fundamental rights and obligations of the Lao citizens, embodying the firm aspiration of the Lao people to the respect for individual rights and freedoms and the economic, cultural and social equality within the national community, which consists of many ethnic groups. In order to make the Constitution more relevant to the country's reality in new era, our Party and Government have recently set up a national committee for constitutional amendment to review the present Constitution.

It is our great pride and pleasure to see that the multi-ethnic Lao people has shown jealousy of their fundamental human rights gained through the long-lasting and brave struggle, and has participated enthusiastically in the implementation of the two strategic tasks namely national safeguard and construction, bringing continuous economic growth, social harmony, and political stability to the country.

Distinguished guests,

Today, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights is just 50 years old. Over the past five decades, we have witnessed great achievements in the implementation of this Declaration. At the same time, it is also notices that in order to achieve all the objectives set forth in the present Declaration, peoples allover the world must further their ever strong efforts and closely cooperate, particularly in the eradication of destitute and poverty, which stiff seriously impede the promotion and protection of human rights.

Recognizing the value of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, as well as international conventions relating to the promotion and protection of human rights, the Lao People's Democratic Republic will continue to cooperate with the international community in determinedly safeguarding world peace, promoting the expansion of relations and cooperation between countries, on the basis of respect for the five principles of peaceful coexistence and those of United Nations charter, leading all humankind into the 21st century under the conditions of peace, friendship, handiness prosperity and justice.

On this solemn occasion, on behalf of the National Committee for the commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and on my own behalf, may I wish you all the distinguished guests good health, happiness and every success through out the coming New Year 1999.

Thank you.

LAOS, MYANMAR EXPAND BORDER COOPERATION AND MANAGEMENT 
The Lao-Myanmar Border authorities, at a central level, held their first meeting in Yangon, Myanmar, on November 16-17. 

During the session, the two sides signed minutes to the meeting between the two sides' border committees at a local level. The two sides have agreed on using border passes for crossing by the two countries' people along the border, the opening of new border checkpoints, border trade, joint inspection of boundary markers, navigation along the Mekong River, and others. 

The session was in furtherance of an agreement on the border management and cooperation reached on March 29 1997, between the governments of the Lao People's Democratic Republic and the Union of Myanmar. 

During the visit, the head of the Lao delegation called on Lt. Gen. Khin Nyunt, First Secretary of the Myanmar State Peace and Development Council (SPDC). 

The two personalities highly valued the good relations and cooperation between the two neighbors and the further multifaceted co-operation, particularly the cooperation along the common border. Lt. Gen. Khin Nyunt who stated that Myanmar leaders were prepared for the forthcoming visit to Myanmar by Prime Minister Sisavath Keobounphanh of the Lao PDR. He expressed belief that the visit would be fruitful. 
 

  
LAOS AND GEORGIA ESTABLISH DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS 
The Lao People's Democratic Republic and the Republic of Georgia on November 6 agreed to establish diplomatic relations at ambassadorial level. 

According to the protocol, which was signed in Moscow, the Lao PDR and the Republic of Georgia established their diplomatic relations in the spirit of expanding the friendly relations and the cooperation in the domains of politics, economy, commerce culture, humanitarian affairs, and others. 

Mr. Thouane Vorasane, Lao Ambassador to the Federation of Russia, and Mr. Malichas Kakabre, Georgian Ambassador to Russia signed the protocol. 

The protocol on the establishment of the diplomatic ties reflects the satisfaction of the two countries over the expansion of the bilateral relations on the basis of the respect of mutual sovereignty, equality, territorial integrity, and non-interference in each other's domestic affairs. 

The protocol is also in conformity with the UN Charter, the generally acknowledged norm of the international law and the Vienna Convention on diplomatic ties. 

  
PRISONERS WERE PARDONED 
The committee in charge of amnesty and parole for improving prisoners organized a ceremony to grant amnesty and parole to 64 prisoners with good behavior, including three women, at the meeting hall of the Justice Ministry. 

The ceremony was presided over by Mr. Thongmy Phomvisay, Vice-Mayor of Vientiane, member of the Standing Committee of the Party Committee of the municipality, and also chief of the committee in charge of the amnesty and parole of the municipality. 
 
The amnesty was granted in implementation of State decree No 70 of the President of the Lao PDR, issued on August 20 1998, in commemoration of the seventh anniversary of the Promulgation of the Constitution, and in preparation for the celebration of the upcoming 23rd anniversary of the Lao PDR and the 50th  founding anniversary of the Lao People's Army. 

  
BUILDING A BETTER TAX SYSTEM 
Improving national fiscal management remains a key issue for the government as it attempts to increase revenue level to serve national development goals. 

With this in mind, the Ministry of Finance recently organized a workshop titled "Strengthening Tax and Customs Administration". The workshop fell under the government's Strengthening Fiscal Management Project and brought together national financial officials and business leaders to discuss tax and customs payment procedures. 

At the meeting, Vice Minister of Finance Mr. Lien Thykeo reported on results of recent efforts to strengthen fiscal management. This workshop is intended to allow government officials and representatives of the business community the chance to air their views on the state of the economy and to consider possible tax policy initiatives. 

Resident Representative of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Mr. Wayne Canard expressed his hope that the seminar would help officials to negotiate some of the potential pitfalls that may present themselves in developing an efficient tax system. 

The IMF, was working together with the Tax and Customs Departments of the Ministry of Finance to develop a good tax system; one that is easy to understand and in which everyone can be confident when they pay their taxes that others are also paying their fair share of taxes because, "the only thing worse than paying taxes, is paying taxes in the knowledge that other people are not paying theirs." 

The workshop was sponsored by the UNDP IMF and NORAD. Also attending the workshop were UNDP Assistant Resident Representative Mr. David Bizenberg, various ambassadors to Laos, officials from the Ministry of Finance and representatives of the business community. 

  
NEW SETHATHIRATH HOSPITAL TO BE CONSTRUCTED 
In response to a request from the government of the Lao PDR, a study team organized by the Japan international Cooperation Agency (JICA), headed by Dr. Takefumi Fukuhara, visited Vientiane to conduct a basic design study on the Project for the Construction of the New Sethathirath Hospital. 

According to a press release, the purpose of the study mission was to formulate a draft report of Japan's grant aid scheme. This project aims not only to improve medical services but also to establish a training capability at Setthathirath Hospital. Through the construction of facilities and procurement of necessary equipment the project is expected to be completed in the year 2001. 

Mrs. Chanthanom Manotham Director of the Cabinet Ministry of Health and Dr. Chanphomma Vongsamphan Director of the Department of Health for Vientiane municipality signed and exchanged the minutes of the discussion of conduction the basic design study for construction of the new hospital. 

Team experts held a series of discussions with Lao health representatives  concerning measures to be taken by both the governments of the Lao PDR and Japan. 

The New Setthathirath Hospital construction project is a key health project which Japan supports through the extension of funds through its grant aid program. When fully completed, the hospital will symbolize the friendship and cooperation between the Japanese and Lao people. 

The New Setthathirath Hospital will be located near the present facility at Donkey village, Sisattanak district, Vientiane. Officials say it will be the most modem health care facility in the country and will care for people from all around Laos. 

Attending the ceremony were Mr. Ponmek Dalaloy, Minister of Health, Mr. Shigenori Kobayashi, the first secretary of the Embassy of Japan to the Lao PDR, and other concerned officials. 

CATTLE BANK EXTENSION IN XIENG KHOUANG 
The integrated rural development project of Xieng Khouang province set up a cattle bank in 1992 with 2,769 breeders. The project has distributed these cows and oxen to groups of farmers in six districts on a condition that borrowers pay an interest of 2 calves per one breeder within a period of 3-5 years. 

The six districts where the project has operated are Phou Koud, Phasay, Paek, Nonghaed, Kham, and Khoune. Since 1992, this cattle bank has been paid in interest 57 calves from its customers in the districts of Paek and Phasay alone. 

Additionally, the cattle bank plans to lend cattle to 16 groups of farmers in three other districts. At present, the cattle bank has built a water reservoir on Khilao Mountain in Lad-Ngone village, Paek district. This reservoir, valued at over 62 million kip, is capable of supplying water to over 100 ha of grazing fields. 

  
NAM LEUK HYDROPOWER PLANT 48 PERCENT COMPLETE 
The construction of the Nam Leuk Hydropower Plant is now 48 percent achieved and the plant is expected to be operational by the end of 1999. The construction started in late 1997. 
Located in Longsane district, the Special Zone of Saysomboune, Nam Leuk Hydropower Plant has an installed capacity of 60 megawatts, with two generators, and a generation capacity of 215 kWh per year. 

The Lao government will invest US$ 112.6 million in the project, one of the projects to supply electricity to the development of the national economy till the year 2000.  Of the fund, US$ 52 million are loans from the Asian Development Bank, which will be used for environmental protection and the acquisition of consultants and engineers. Another US$ 38.5 million will come from Japan for the electric machinery and transmission lines. The Lao government contributes US$ 22.1 million to the project. 

  
RECONSTRUCTION OF FORTY BRIDGES ON ROUTE 13 SOUTH STARTS 
The Japanese government has granted 5,723 million yen (approximately US$ 46 million) to the Lao PDR for the reconstruction of forty bridges on the National Road, Route No 13 from Savannakhet province to Pakse district, Champassak province. 
The groundbreaking ceremony for the project was officially held at Pakse district, Champassak province. 

In the past, the Japanese government has granted funds totaling 4,381 million yen (approximately US$ 39million) in order to reconstruct thirty-seven bridges along the National Road Route No 13 south from Nam Kading to Savannakhet. 

The project for reconstruction of bridges on Route No 13 south, financed by the grant aid of the Japanese government includes 77 bridges and costs in total 10,112 million yen (approximately US$ 85 million). This project will be completed in 2001, the year of the completion of the construction of Pakse Bridge over the Mekong River. 

  
NORWAY INVOLVED IN SESET 2 HYDROPOWER PROJECT 
The Norwegian government has recently agreed on granting 14 million krona, equivalent to US$ 1.84 million, worth of gratis aid to Laos for the study of an economic, technical and environmental analysis for the Seset 2 Hydropower Project. The Seset 2 Project is located between the southern provinces of Saravane and Champassak and 35-km southwest of Saravane Township. It is 20 km north of the Seset I hydropower plant 

The Seset 2 Project has many options for development which need to be studied to determine the most suitable one. It will have an installed capacity of 22 to 57 megawatts. The study will be carried out between December 1998 and November 1999. There are four Norwegian consultant companies taking part in the bidding for the feasibility study of the project. The evaluation of the bidding is under way. 

OPIUM PRODUCTION IN LAOS DROPS FROM 140 TO 123 TONS 
Opium production in ten provinces of Laos has dropped from 140 tons last year to 123 tons this year, said Chairman of the Lao National Commission for Drug Control and Supervision (LCDC), Mr. Soubanh Srithirath at the opening ceremony of the two-week "Regional Drug Enforcement Seminar. 

"The Lao PDR has pursued a constant policy to supervise and control narcotic drugs on its condition and responsibility to gradually curb opium production, marijuana plantation, and smuggling of illicit narcotic drugs in or out of the country," he said. 

The mentioned seminar was organized by the US embassy in Vientiane, in cooperation with the LCDC, and is being conducted by instructors from the US Drug Enforcement Administration's Office of  training. 

NORWAY HELPS WATER SUPPLY PROJECTS IN TWO SOUTHERN PROVINCES 
The governments of the Lao PDR and Norway on November 4 signed an agreement on co-funding 29 million krona or US$ 3.6 million with the Asian Development Bank for water supply construction projects in two southern Lao provinces. 

The funds will be used for the design and construction of pumping stations in Pakse, the capital of Champassak province, and in Sekong province. 

The agreement was signed by Director of the Foreign Currency Department, Ministry of Finance, and Mr. Jan Daj Andersen, acting chief of NORAD. The signing was witnessed by Mr. Lien Thikeo, Deputy Minister of Finance, Mr. Khamlouat Sitlakone, Deputy Minister of Communication, Transport, Post and Construction and consultants of NORAD. 

CANADA, US DELEGATIONS VISIT UXO LAOS TRAINING CENTER 
High level delegations from Canada and the United States visited the UXO LAO Training Center. 

Mr. Bounpone Sayaseuth, National Program Director of UXO LAO, received the delegations headed by Ms Jill Sinclair, Canada's Ambassador for Mine Action, and Mrs. Deborah Rosemblum, Director, Humanitarian Assistance and Anti-Personnel Landmine Policy, Office of the United States Secretary of Defense, who visited the Lao PDR after attending an International Landmines Conference in Phnom Penh. 

During the visit, Mr. Bounpone provided some background on the extent of unexploded ordnance (UXO) contamination in the Lao PDR and the work of UXO LAO and its cooperating partners to build national capacity to clear land of UXO and raise awareness of the risks posed by UXO in the affected communities. The visitors also received a briefing from the US training detachment commander on the training carried out at the Training Center with US assistance. The US teams at the Training -Center are Training Lao instructors, and this particular area of US support to UXO LAO is expected to be completed by the end of September 1999. Following the briefings, there was a chance for the visitors to view, displays of demining, medical and community awareness equipment and supplies, with explanations provided by UXO LAO staff and instructors. 

A highlight of the visit was a performance of the puppet show by UXO Lao’s instructors. The puppet show is normally shown in villages to illustrate how bombies (anti-personnel sub-munitions) can be found anywhere around a village- and how a child's curiosity can cause major injury, and grief to family members. 

The visitors also showed great interest in the display of ordnance at the Center, from large aircraft bombs to bombies and mines, which clearly showed the special 
nature of ordnance contamination in the Lao PDR. 

The United States and Canada both support the work of the Lao National UXO Program. The US government provides bilateral assistance for training support and equipment, and has recently provided a contribution of US$ 750,000 to the Lao PDR Trust Fund. Canada has supported UXO LAO' s Community Awareness Program through the Trust Fund. 

  
AUSTRALIA HELPS PROMOTE TRADITIONAL WEAVING SKILLS 
The Australian Embassy, through its Australian Community Assistance Scheme, has granted funds totaling US$ 2,262 from the Embassy to promote traditional weaving skills among the Lao Theung women in Ban Hadvee, Kaleum district, Sekong province. 

Ban Hadvee is a remote rural village of the Gnae tribe of Lao Theung, Kaleum district, Sekong province. The village includes 15 households with over 100 inhabitants. The standard of living of the local people is quite poor as they have primarily made their living through subsistence farming. Presently, some development projects are being implemented in the community by CAA (Community Aid Abroad) and the UNDP. These projects cannot meet all the needs of the local people who have suffered under a subsistence agricultural way of life, including slash and bum farming. 

These projects are designed to create income generation activities for the local villagers, in particular for the women, through the support of their traditional weaving handicrafts through the formation of involving funds. 

Weaving has a good potential to become a major income generation activity for the community. The produce will be sold to the local retailers or sold in Saravane and Pakse township markets. It is anticipated that the project will lead to improve living conditions through the promotion of a traditional activity of these women. In addition, the project should become a model income generation activity for other women in the locality. 

  
UK AID FOR RURAL DEVELOPMENT IN SAVANNAKHET PROVINCE 
Great Britain will provide aid worth US$ 829,202 through World Vision Laos for the project of integrated rural development in Phalanesay district Savannakhet province. 

A memorandum of understanding of this aid was recently signed in Savannakhet province by Mr. Ian Wishart, Director of World Vision Laos and Mr. Soukkhaseum Bodhisane, Vice-Governor of Savannakhet province, Mr. SoneAsay, Chief of the provincial Rural Development Board and Mr. Bounkhouang Khammounheuang, Chief of Phalanesay district. 

The grant will be used for the implementation of the integrated rural development project in Phalanesay district for five years. 

At present, the project has set up rice banks, undertaken land clearing for rice cultivation, held training courses on rice plantation for local farmers, and built irrigation facilities. 

In addition, the project will extend its operation to the fields of education and public health in the future. 

US HELPS STUDY OPIUM CONTROL PROJECT IN PHONGSALY 
The US Government will provide US$ 215,000 to the Lao Government for preparations for a study for a possible development and opium crop control project in Phongsaly province. 

The agreement was signed by Minister to the President's Office and Chairman of the Lao National Commission for Drug Control and Supervision Soubanh Srithirath, and United States Ambassador Wendy Chamberlin. 

In Phongsaly province, there are many farmers who grow opium because it is very difficult for them to grow other crops for the market. However, these opium producers still cannot support themselves financially, and many have become opium addicts. The Lao National Commission for Drug Control and Supervision has had a goal for some years to provide development assistance to opium growing areas of Phongsaly, to help these farmers grow other crops or find other occupations. This is also hoped to help reduce the number of opium addicts in the Lao PDR, and help more Lao citizens to comply with Article 135, which forbids opium production for trafficking purposes. 

The US Government has provided this money to support Lao Government's efforts to eventually eliminate opium production, and to reduce drug addiction and drug trafficking in the Lao PDR, for the benefit of the Lao people and the people of the world. 

  
NORDIC FUND CONTINUES COOPERATION WITH LAOS 
The Nordic Fund for Development has agreed on further cooperation in economic development with the government of the Lao PDR in accordance with the laws of the Lao PDR and its charter. 

The agreement was reached in Vientiane on 26 October during the visit to Laos by a delegation of the Executive Council of the fund. 

The bilateral-cooperation started in 1991 when Laos signed the first loan agreement with the fund and since then Laos has become a big borrower of the fund. 

In the previous years, the Nordic Fund for Development has released loans to Laos for infrastructure construction projects. The first project was the national highway renovation project, which US$ 45 million worth of loans were granted to Laos by the Nordic Fund for Development and the World Bank. 

The Nordic Fund has granted US$ 260 million for the Theun-Hinboune power project, which is the first power project in Laos to get loans from the Fund. 

Among the ongoing projects in Laos to receive loans from the Fund are the Vientiane civil airport rehabilitation project, the rehabilitation of three large domestic airports and nine small domestic airports, the category-three renovation project of national highways, the transmission line project for 50 villages in Xiengkhouang, Sayaboury provinces, the Special Zone of Saysomboune, and Sanakhame district of Vientiane province, among others. 

On August 25, 1998, the Fund granted US$ 2.2 million for the Labor Skill Training Center, the first project in the social sector in the Lao PDR. 

Operating since February 1989, the Nordic Fund for Development is a multi-national organization of the Nordic countries in northern Europe, comprising of five countries: Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden. The Fund has granted long-term loans to developing countries. 

  
JICA STUDY TEAM SHEDS LIGHT ON DETAILS FOR THIRD MEKONG RIVER BRIDGE 
An expert study team from the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (IICA) visited Laos to inform officials on progress made so far in the project to build a third bridge across the Mekong River. 

The group called the Preparatory Study Team of the Detailed Design Study of the Second  International Bridge (the Study), held discussions with officials of the Ministry of Communication, Transport, Post and Construction (MCTPC); and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the details of the Study including the scope of the work, schedule and organizational arrangements. 

As a result, a Minute was signed in Vientiane. The Preparatory Study Team also visited Thailand to discuss details of the Study with officials of the Thai Government. Further coordination will take place among the governments of the Lao PDR, Thailand and Japan, following the expected signing of final agreements. 

This second Mekong International Bridge (the bridge being built at Pakse is entirely within Laos) will connect Savannakhet in the Lao PDR and Mukdahan, Thailand. It will form an important part of the East-West Transport Corridor, contributing to the enhanced international movement of goods and people of the Lao PDR, Thailand and Vietnam. 

The Detailed Design Study expected to commence in March 1999. The Japanese Government is currently considering financing the construction of the Second Mekong International Bridge. 

  
US EQUIPS LABORATORY FOR SEPON DISTRICT HOSPITAL 
Deputy Director of Savannakhet Public Health Department, representatives from the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Foreign Affairs, members of the Civil Affairs Liaison Team (CALT) of the US Embassy, and members of Mobile Training Team (MTT) from Hickham Air Force Base in Hawaii, led by Colonel Lee Hattrup. 

The MTT set up the laboratory equipment, and conducted a training course for hospital personnel on the use of the equipment 

Last year, Sepon hospital was renovated with support from the US Government humanitarian assistance fund, as part of a long term effort to help that this laboratory to enhance the capability of Sepon hospital in providing better care for people in this district, who would otherwise have to travel to the provincial hospital for treatment. 
 
This humanitarian assistance is a part of US continuing response to the needs of the Lao people who have assisted the United States in the on-going efforts to obtain the fullest possible accounting of Americans still missing in Laos. 

  
EU EXPERTS COLLECT DATA FOR DEVELOPMENT PLANNING IN MEUANG HOM 
A group of experts from the European Union recently paid a working visit to Meuang Hom, the Special Zone of Saysomboune, for a data collection for development planning. In Meuang Hom, the team was reported about the necessary requirements for the socioeconomic development and improvement of the local people. 

In his report, the chief of Hom district said that the main requirements included the rehabilitation of a 40-km long road to agricultural (production) area; the construction of four irrigation facilities for the water supply to 220 ha of arable land, water supply facilities for five villages, six schools and five hospitals. 

AID FROM LAO DOCTORS’ ASSOCIATION IN FRANCE TO MAHOSOT HOSPITAL 
The Lao Doctors' Association in France presented medicine and medical equipment valued at US$ 32,820 to Mahosot Hospital, one of the major hospitals in Vientiane municipality. 

Dr Anin Sackpraseuth, President of the Lao Doctors’ Association in France, and Dr Chanpheng Thammavong, Director of Mahosot Hospital performed the hand-over ceremony of the aid, the seventh consignment offered by the association. 

In addition, French experts coming along with the group of donors, also held seminars on surgery on children, nursing, acupuncture, dermatology and care for psychological health. 

  
150 KG OF MARIJUANA SEIZED IN HINBOUNE 
Officers of Hinboune district, Khammouane province detected and seized 150 kg of compacted marijuana in Khounkham area and detained two men accused of drug trafficking and possession. 

The marijuana was transported by a tuk-tuk and two motorcycles on the way to the border for export. Police detected the drug before it reached the destination. 

  
SEMINAR ON DRUG ENFORCEMENT WAS HELD 
A seminar on Regional Drug Enforcement was organized in Vientiane. The seminar was organized by the United States Embassy in cooperation with the National Commission for Drug Control and Supervision. It was presided over by the Minister to the President's Office, Mr. Soubanh Srithirath, who is also the Chairman of the Lao National Commission for Drug Control and Supervision, and US Embassy Charge d'Affaires, Ms Margaret McMillion. 

The participants attending the seminar were law enforcement officials from Thailand, the People's Republic of China, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Brunei, Singapore, Vietnam, Japan and the Lao PDR. 

The seminar was conducted by instructors from the US Drug Enforcement Administration's Office of training. The training seminar was provided in traditional and specialized investigative techniques focusing on drug trafficking issues in the region. 

The emphasis of the course was placed on initiating; developing and successfully conducting the full range of drug related investigations.  This seminar also emphasized the increasingly important role played by the Lao PDR in the regional fight against narcotics trafficking. 

  
LAOS' LADY ROWERS TAKE THIRD IN BANGKOK 
Laos’s female entry placed an impressive third at the recently held 11th International Boat Races on the Chao Pha Ya River in Bangkok, Thailand. 

The women rowers representing Laos, who hailed from Ban Tha Pha, earned the trip to Thailand when they were declared champions at this year's Vientiane Boat Races in October. Upon their return to Vientiane, the Lao women's team was received by the National Tourism Authority of the Lao PDR and the local administration authority of Hadsayfong district in a welcoming ceremony held at the National Ethnic Culture Park. 

Ten countries from around the region participated in the competition, they were: Thailand, Laos, Singapore, Brunei, Malaysia, Philippines, Australia, Italy, Hong Kong, and Taipei.  The Lao ladies also took home the sportsmanship title for the good spirit they displayed throughout the duration of the competition. 

  
CHAMPASSAK PLANS THE FESTIVALS IN ANTICIPATION OF VISIT LAOS YEAR 1999  
Champassak province plans nine major festivals in anticipation of the "Visit Laos Year 1999." These festivals include: 
1. The celebration of National Day, the 2nd of December, 1998, which will 
    be held between November 30 and December 4, 1998; 
2. The boat race festival in Khong district in December 1998; 
3. The Lao People's Army Day (on January 20) which will be held between 
    January 6 and 30, 1999; 
4. The festival of the Khmer-styled temple of Vat Phu Champassak 
    between February 8 and 15, 1999, where horse racing, buffalo fighting, 
    and other  performances will be held; 
 5. The traditional festival of the Khieng ethnic group at Km-ll village, 
     Bachieng Chaleunsouk district, in April, 1999; 
 6. The traditional festival of Lao New Year in April 1999; 
 7. The Fruit and Vegetable Festival at Km21, Bachieng Chaleunsouk 
     district, in May 1999; 
 8. The religious festival of the start of the three-month Buddhist Lent at 
     Pakse in July 1999; and 
 9. The end of the three-month Buddhist Lent and the Boat Race festival of 
      Pakse in October 1999. 

Exhibitions and fairs featuring traditional handicraft goods and agricultural produce will accompany the festivals. 

  
TRAVEL PERMITS FACILITATE ENTRY TO LAOS 
Tourist, from neighboring countries intending to visit Laos in 1999-2000 will be able to pass through international checkpoints by using their existing travel permits stated the Vice Minister of Commerce and Tourism and President of the Lao Tourism Authority (LTA), Mr. Cheng Saygnavong on November 13 at the LTA. 

The provinces which have international checkpoints are Sayabouly, Luang Prabang, Vientiane, Khammouane, Savannakhet, Pakse and Attapeu. Chinese, Burmese, Thai, Cambodian and Vietnamese nationals will be able to enter and exit from the international checkpoint they find most convenient. 

Mr. Cheng continued to say that tourists who have a permit could travel around the following provinces: Luang Prabang, Bokeo, Savannakhet, Champassak, Khammouane, Borikhamsay, Xieng Khouang and Samneua. "Tourists can stay in Laos for a period of 15 days and the permit can be extended if necessary. The cost for the travel permit will be 20 dollars." 

Visitors using these permits have to travel in a group and enter through the service of any tourism company in Laos. The various tourism companies will be directly responsible for the tourists from the first day until the last day. Visitors arriving through the checkpoints at Wattay international airport or the checkpoint at the Friendship Bridge are able to get permits on entry. 

The number of tourists from neighboring countries and other countries in 1999-2000 is expected to reach up to one million. 

For this expected increase in tourists, cooperation with the various organizations concerned, including the press to disseminate information in order for Laos to be recognized worldwide, must be tight. In addition, all enterprises involved in the event should improve their service to satisfy the visitors.