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CONTENTS
- MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS ISSUES PRESS RELEASE ON UNLAWFUL GATHERING
- UNESCO CHIEF LAUNCHES APPEAL FOR THE PLAIN OF JARS
- UNESCO DELEGATION CALLS ON PRESIDENT
- NEW CENTER TO CREATE DESIGNS AND IMPROVE WORKMANSHIP FOR EXPORT
- SAYABOURY RURAL DEVELOPMENT PROJECT GRANTED US $ 10.24 MILLION
- UNFPA DONATES US $ 3.5 MILLION TO STRENGTHEN REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH SERVICES
- PALM LEAF MANUSCRIPTS PROJECT ON HALF WAY
- LAO WOMEN TODAY
- PHONGSALY SEEKING NEW MARKET FOR SUGAR
- MOU ON SURVEY OF NAM OU HYDROPOWER PROJECT SIGNED
- LAO-THAI BORDER DEMARCATION SUSPENDED DUE TO BUDGET SHORTAGE
MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS ISSUES PRESS RELEASE ON UNLAWFUL GATHERING
A group of 44 people comprised of 39 Lao, three Americans, one French and one Thai gathered at the private house of Mr. Si Nyilatchay, at Ban Phonkheng, Saysettha district, Vientiane municipality, on January 30, said a press release of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The release said the gathering received no official permission from the Lao authorities. At the meeting, the group of people made comments in a negative sense on the political regime in Laos to interfere in the internal affairs of Laos. They also insulted the reputation on Lao leaders, seriously violating the law of the Lao PDR, the release added.
In fact, this group of people used Christianity as a guise to create publicity against the Lao government and against other religions by citing that Christianity has a more important role than other religions. This divisive act contravenes the religious beliefs of the Lao people, for which the Constitution of the Lao PDR, Article 9, states that “… All acts to divide religions and the people are prohibited.”
The three Americans, whose mission is to work in Laos in the capacity of experts for Partners in Progress, have used a car with a license plate number of the Australian Embassy to Laos for personal purposes. This violates the international law of diplomatic relations as they are not diplomats.
To maintain order and to uphold the laws of Laos, the Lao authorities have therefore decided to detain this group of people. At present, the Lao authorities are conducting an investigation into the case, and appropriate measure will be taken against them according to the offenses committed by each of them, the release concluded.
UNESCO CHIEF LAUNCHES APPEAL FOR THE PLAIN OF JARS
Following is an appeal made by Mr. Federico Mayor on the Plain of Jars, Xieng Khouang, on February 2, 1998:
The plain of Jars, what a marvel, what a mystery. First jars were sown. Then bombs were sown. Part of these megalithic jars used for funeral purposes have been destroyed. This land has been prevented from being used for living, farming and animal breeding…
We must give life back to this whole plain where a pre-Christian civilization once lived. A site unique in all the world, due to its archaeological value, its cultural specificity, the unknowns that it hides within. Weighing from 600 kilos to one tone on average, they proclaim the force of history, the light of the living. They also proclaim the absurdity of war and violence…
Jars were sown here. Bombs were sown here, too. Let us now sow peace. Let us now invest in restoration, in rehabilitation, in bombs and mines clearance. UNESCO is entrusted by the world community to build peace in the mind of men. We work tirelessly to design a better future for us all. Looking jointly forwards of the past.
I appeal to the international community to help remove the scars of war from the Plain of Jars. I appeal for a united effort to return this site of outstanding value to a state where archaeological research can be pursued in safety, where visitors from all over the world can admire the vestiges of a remarkable civilization, where we can, all hand in hand, overcome memories of stormy days, where above all the local community can fully enjoy the fruits of their past.
As a first contribution for the cultural aspects of the rehabilitation of this site, I announce a UNESCO allocation of US$ 50,000: I hope to see this Plain of Laos’ ancient culture become a relevant part of Laos’ future.
UNESCO DELEGATION CALLS ON PRESIDENT
President Nouhak Phoumsavanh received a United Nations Education, Science and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) delegation at Hor Kham, the Presidential Palace on February 1. The delegation headed by its Director-General Federico Mayor was in Laos to attend the official proclamation of Luang Phrabang as a World Heritage city.
Informing the Lao President of the aims of the visit as well as the outcome of the cooperation and assistance between UNESCO and the Lao PDR over previous years, the UNESCO Director-General highly valued and expressed satisfaction with the bilateral cooperation in education, science, technology and environment, social science, culture, communication and information. The Lao President expressed thanks for the valuable assistance provided by UNESCO which was very important to development in the Lao PDR. In particular, the UNESCO aided development of human resources has boosted growth in the economic, cultural, social, educational and other areas, and improved the living conditions of the Lao people.
President Nouhak said these achievements reflected the gains achieved through the contribution of UNESCO as well as of other organizations and friendly countries to Laos. He also voiced hope for further aid from UNESCO. At the end of the discussion, President Nouhak hailed the visit to Laos by Mr. Mayor Federico and his delegation and expressed profound thanks for the acceptance of Luang Phrabang as a World Heritage city which is an honour and source of pride for the people of Luang Phrabang and Lao people throughout the country.
Mr. Mayor Federico and his delegation arrived in Vientiane on February 1 for a three-day visit at the invitation of the government of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic.
The UNESCO delegation attended the ceremony to declare Luang Phrabang as a World Heritage city on February 2, after visiting the Plain of Jars in Xieng Khouang province. The Plain of Jars is another national heritage site the Lao government has planned to propose for its inclusion in the UNESCO list of World Heritage.
The official ceremony involved the presentation of the World Heritage certificate, which was followed by a procession of the world heritage certificate. The procession from the provincial hall to Vat Xiengthong, the most beautiful ceremonial temple in this town, featured the dance of Pou Gneu and Gna Gneu . Joining in the procession were Party and state officials, Buddhist monks, the senior officials of the provincial administration, respected community figures and a group of traditional dancers and musicians. Luang Phrabang was accepted by UNESCO as a World Heritage site in December 1995.
NEW CENTER TO CREATE DESIGNS AND IMPROVE WORKMANSHIP FOR EXPORT
The design Center was officially opened last week when the director of Handwerkskammer of Germany handed over an over-sized key to the Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LNCCI). This partnership project between the LNCCI and the German Chamber of Craft has been set up in three old buildings contributed by the Lao government and renovated with funding from the German government. The Center focuses on upgrading designs and workmanship of Lao crafts and the training offered should enable the products made by small and medium Lao businesses to compete on international markets.
The Lao director of the project, Mr. Virachit Philaphandeth said: “One of the project’s objectives is to produce new products from sketch ideas and upgrade the workmanship of Lao crafts to international standards; small and medium size businesses can send their craftsmen to train here.” The center also gives craftsmen from various sectors the opportunity to exchange experiences on designing and find ways to create goods based on customers’ demands. They are learning how to supply the domestic markets reduce imports and produce more for export in the future.
In April 1997, the Center sent Lao handicrafts to show at the trade fair in Koblenz, Germany. The products sold quite successfully at the fair and some foreign companies signed contracts with Lao companies to order goods from them. At the fair, the craftsmen learned that although foreign customers like Lao products, the designs need to be improved and new styles designed that correspond more to the European taste.
“Last October we organized a workshop on silversmithing, to train the Lao silversmiths. Through this workshop the participants learned some new styles of silver products that mix foreign and Lao design,” added Mr. Virachit. He explained that in the past Lao people only produced silver for domestic use, but the workshop run by a German expert taught them to alter the traditional Lao forms by incorporating new modern designs into many different everyday products to attract foreign customers.
Besides the workshop on silversmithing in 1997, the project also organized various workshops for Lao business people to improve their knowledge of various international business principles and exhibiting Lao handicraft products. Seminars were organized on legal issues in international trade, tradition and design, and quality control for construction works. Last month, the Center ran workshops on the construction of a ceramic kiln, ceramics production and the maintenance of ceramics production equipment. These workshops helped trainees learn how to make their pottery suitable for export to European markets. This month, there will be a workshop on furniture and home accessories made in rattan and bamboo as well as seminar on ecological product development.
Attending the opening ceremony at the Center were Mr. Liane Thikeo Deputy Minister of commerce, Mr. Ulrich Dressen, German ambassador to Lao, Ms. Chanthao Pathammavong, vice president of LNCCI and Mr. Karl Jurgen Wilbert, director of Handwerskammer.
SAYABOURY RURAL DEVELOPMENT PROJECT GRANTED US $ 10.24 MILLION
The united Nations Development Program (UNDP) and the province of Sayaboury on January 30 signed an agreement to provide a US $ 1.2 million grant up to the year 2000 for technical assistance in support of a rural development project. The six-year project will improve income generation and alleviate poverty in four districts of Sayaboury province: Hongsa, Ngeun, Xieng Hone and Khorb districts. This agreement is the final piece of an innovative developmental partnership between the Lao government, UNDP and the International Fund for Agricultural Development.
The targeted four districts now lack physical and social infrastructures. The existing roads are poorly constructed, lack bridges and are closed during the rainy season and irrigation facilities are insufficient. They lack funds to tackle the problems of drinking water, health services and primary schools. The project is therefore essential for a balanced development of the province, said the governor of Sayaboury province, at the signing ceremony.
The US $ 10.24 million project fund is to be inclusive of the US $ 1.2 million grant from UNDP, a loan of US $ 7.28 million made by IFAD (International Fund for Agricultural Development), and a US $ 1.46 million input by the government of Lao PDR and the beneficiaries.
The Deputy Minister of the Prime Minister’s Office and Secretary General of the Committee for Investment and Cooperation for Investment and Cooperation, Dr. Bountiem Phissamay, heralded the project as “a significant achievement in terms of government/ donor partnership due to the unprecedented level of collaboration resulting from a government/UNDP memorandum of Understanding for project management assistance through the UNDP cost-share modality.”
UNDP Resident Representative a.i., Mr. Jeffrey
Avina, added, “This IFAD/UNDP project is part of a US $ 24 million package of new initiatives signed between the province of Sayaboury and UNDP in the context of the UNDP’s commitment to the development of the province.”
All 13,000 households from the project area will benefit from the proposed road improvements. Transport will be available throughout the wet season providing year round access to markets for trade. New initiatives implemented to help isolated small businesses expand their trade into the wider market.
Agricultural initiatives will increase rice production in both the wet and dry seasons, improve upland cropping activities and enhance livestock production. Other activities will improve water supplies, schools and health services at various locations around the four districts.
UNFPA DONATES US $ 3.5 MILLION TO STRENGTHEN REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH SERVICES
An agreement to strengthen reproductive health services through the primary health network was signed at the Ministry of Health on February 4, 1998. The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has donated US $ 3,440,473 for the project and it will be implemented by the Ministry of Health and IMCH to improve the quality and availability of a wide range of reproductive health services.
PALM LEAF MANUSCRIPTS PROJECT ON HALF WAY
“Preservation of palm leaf manuscripts is as important as the preservation of antiques. That is why the Ministry of Information and Culture and the National Library have worked out a long term project for the preservation of the manuscripts,” said Mrs. Doungdeuane Director of the National Library, at a recent meeting to review work on palm leaf manuscript preservation over the past year.
With the financial support of the Federal Republic of Germany, the project has conducted surveys to collect information for preserving ancient documents manuscripts throughout the country. The project will last eight to ten years, and has now entered its fifth year of operations.
According to the project’s plan of action, surveys are conducted in two provinces every year. However, the activity took two years, from 1995-97, in Luang Phrabang and Oudomsay provinces because there were lots of ancient documents to investigate.
The plan of action contains activities carried out during 1997-98. In the past, the project has organized seminars in Luang Namtha, Bokeo and Phongsaly provinces. Senior community figures and officials of the provincial service of information and culture have been called to attend the seminars to learn skills and methods of surveying palm leaf manuscripts. In addition, the seminars give them a chance to exchange ideas about the importance of the social and cultural affairs, in particular the preservation of the palm leaf manuscripts as well as antiques, which are the national heritage.
In the first half of 1998, in collaboration with the Luang Namtha provincial service of information and culture, the project will continue its survey in this province, starting with Sing district. The survey in this area was originally scheduled to be completed within one month in October, but it took two months. So work in Luang Namtha continued until January, 1998. In Bokeo province, the surveys would start in Houaysai district and then continue to the other districts.
After that, the survey team moved to Xieng Hone and Ngoy districts in Sayaboury province, where they found ample amounts of palm leaf manuscripts. However, it was reported that there are still three important temples to be surveyed in Nga district, Oudomsay province.
While the survey team is working in northern provinces, the project consultant and the project director will visit each province where the survey work is going on. For the southern provinces, in December of last year, the project consultant and project director collected data in the provinces of Champassak, Saravane, Attopeu and Sekong for two weeks, to identify temples to be surveyed. Seminars are expected to be held in Champassak and Attopeu in March.
After the survey work has been completed in the north, the survey team will move to the south in June to begin work in Attopeu and will then switch its efforts to Khong district, Champassak province. Surveys in Champassak might continue until the beginning of 1999. For Attopeu alone, two months are enough for the survey.
For the provinces of Houaphanh and Xieng Khouang, the provincial service also proposed the opening of a seminar similar to other provinces. So the project has decided to conduct the seminar in these two provinces in April. Every year, before a survey, the project has organized training session by gathering together officials concerned and community leader for discussions. Through the discussions, the project has been able to collect more information on the ancient documents existing in various temples, and to know how the local communities kept the ancient documents in the past.
LAO WOMEN TODAY
The January issue of the Lao women’s Union monthly magazine reported that Lao Women today are playing an increasingly important role. This is shown in many ways such as in political awareness in which Lao women are playing an important and creative part. Lao women throughout the country continue to improve their living conditions. In Borikhamsay, women have grant aid from Australia Save the Children project to boost women in animal husbandry.
In Xieng Khouang, Mrs. Khamla, a 44 years old woman, has improved her family’s living conditions by raising fish in 12 ponds, one hectare of rice field, an orchard and a nursery for seedlings.
In addition, in Borikhamsay province women are also taking care of health. For example, a 63-year old blind woman could not see for 30 years. When she was 39, she gave birth but unfortunately she could not see her son. Resently, the Eye Treatment Center under the Ministry of Health led by Dr. Vithoune Visonenavong treated her eyes and now she can see again. She said: “ It feels like I’ve been reborn in a new life after losing hope and living in darkness for 30 years.”
PHONGSALY SEEKING NEW MARKET FOR SUGAR
Almost the entire population in Phongsaly has changed from slash and burn farming to growing sugarcane, helped by a Chinese company, reported the daily Passason on February 10.
The soil in Phongsaly is suitable for growing sugar cane; one hectare can produce 60-80 tons, and most of the harvested sugarcane is sold to a Chinese company for 40,000 Kip a tone. There are currently 350 hectares planted with sugarcane and if they can locate enough markets, they will extend to 500 hectares or more. Many people believe that Phongsaly should set up its own sugar factory to make it easier to export the product.
The head of Bounneua district in Phongsaly province said: “growing sugar is better than growing rice, but exporting to a Chinese company has some problems; we are not free to decide to do things on our own, such as when we want to cut the sugarcane. The Chinese company does not allow us to decide, so when they order us to cut it, we have to hurry. If we’re two hours late, they’ll fine us.” The company explains that the weight of the sugarcane drops if it has been cut for several hours.
MOU ON SURVEY OF NAM OU HYDROPOWER PROJECT SIGNED
The Pacific Rim Engineering Power Development Joint Venture Co. Ltd. and the Lao government signed a Memorandum of understanding on the feasibility study of the Nam Ou 8 Hydropower Project in Phongsaly province.
The signatories to the document were Dr. Bountiem Phissamay, Deputy Minister to the Prime Minister’s Office Secretary of the Committee for Investment and International Economic Cooperation (CIC), and Mr. David Maurice, President of the Pacific Rim Engineering Power Development Joint Venture Co. Ltd.
Under the memo, the feasibility study and the study on social and environment impact will take one year. The company is responsible for the expenses of the survey. If feasible, the company will sign an agreement for the development of the project which will give the Lao government 25 percent of the shares while the developer will hold the rest. The total fund for the project development is estimate at more than US $ 800 million. Upon completion, Laos will export electricity to Vietnam and Thailand.
LAO-THAI BORDER DEMARCATION SUSPENDED DUE TO BUDGET SHORTAGE
The Director of the Treaty and Laws Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and head of the Lao-Thai Boundary Joint Technical Committee, gave an interview to Lao media in connection with the suspension of the survey and land boundary demarcation between Laos and Thailand.
Mr. Ouan Phommachak was asked about the truth of the statement by the President of the Thai-Lao Boundary Joint Technical Committee (on the Thai side) published in an article by the daily Thai language Manager on January 27 that the survey and demarcation conducted by the two countries' technicians was to be suspended. The Thai official further said that the work could be resumed within one to two years.
The Lao-Thai joint survey and land demarcation, said Mr. Ouan, have been carried out by the two countries' technicians since November 1, 1997. On January 21-22, 1998 the chiefs of the technical teams of both sides held a meeting at Laos' Nam Ngeun checkpoint (opposite Houai Kronh checkpoint of Thailand). The two sides approved of the outcome of the survey and demarcation conducted between November 1, 1997 and January 22, 1998. they highly valued the joint, efficient, orderly operation filled with good understanding and compliance with the Franco-Siamese Treaty on the boundary demarcation between Laos and Thailand, explained the official.
During the course of work, the teams have surveyed 26 sites of boundary markers for a distance of 115 km. and have erected 18 markers. Meanwhile the field chief of the Thai side also informed the Lao side of the decision to suspend the operation by the Thai side as of February 1, 1998 due to a budget shortage. The suspension of the operation is not groundless and it was a request of unilateral suspension, pointed out Mr. Ouan.
Asked about the preparedness of the Lao side, Mr. Ouan said that Lao technicians and related units were ready in the border area on Lao territory to continue the work with Thai officials. The survey and demarcation is proceeding in the second phase, continued from the first phase carried out between May and July 1997, went on the Lao official.
According to the minutes of the second session of the Lao-Thai Joint Boundary Committee held in Pakse, Champassak province, on September 5, 1997, the joint survey and demarcation on the whole length of the Lao-Thai border on land will be completed within two years and the joint field operation will take place eight months a year.
Mr. Ouan said the unilateral suspension by the Thai side was unfortunate because it will prolong and delay the operation. And it does not comply with the agreement of the second session of the Lao-Thai and Thai-Lao Joint Boundary Commissions. On the other hand, it is not appropriate because technical officials are responsible for technical work according to the assignment from the commission. The suspension should be determined by the authority at the commission level.
Mr. Ouan further voiced hope that the Thai side would resume work with the Lao side in accordance with the minutes of the second session of the Lao-Thai and Thai-Lao Joint Boundary Commissions. He also expressed the Lao side's preparedness to work with the Thai side in the operation field.
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