*EPF305 06/27/01
Text: Douglas Hartwick Nominated as U.S. Ambassador to Laos
(Hartwick: Accounting for 417 MIAs top U.S. priority) (750)

President Bush has nominated Douglas Hartwick, a career diplomat, to be U.S. Ambassador to Laos.

In a statement before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee June 27, Hartwick said his top priority would be to work closely with the Lao government to achieve the fullest possible accounting for the 417 Americans still missing in that country from the Indochina war.

Improving human rights in the communist-ruled nation would be an integral part of the bilateral relationship with Laos, Hartwick said.

The United States would also seek to strengthen bilateral cooperation in the fight against narcotics trafficking, according to Hartwick.

Following is the text of Hartwick's testimony, as prepared for delivery:

(begin text)

STATEMENT OF DOUGLAS A. HARTWICK
AMBASSADOR-DESIGNATE TO
THE LAO PEOPLE'S DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC
June 27, 2001

Mr. Chairman and members of the Committee, it is a high honor to appear before you today as President Bush's nominee to be the U.S. Ambassador to the Lao People's Democratic Republic. I am deeply grateful to the President and to Secretary Powell for demonstrating confidence in me with this nomination. If confirmed, I look forward to working with the Committee, interested members of Congress, and other Americans to represent the United States in Laos.

The United States has sustained interests in Laos that I intend to advance if confirmed. First, I will make it a top priority to work closely with the Lao government to achieve the fullest possible accounting of the 417 Americans still missing in Laos from the Indochina war.

Second, the United States and the Lao government can work to strengthen bilateral cooperation to stem narcotics trafficking that threatens the well-being of both our countries. In particular, I will seek to build on our ongoing programs with the Lao government to expand crop control and substitution projects, as well as to enhance counter-narcotics efforts.

Third, improving human rights and human rights awareness are integral aspects of our bilateral relationship with Laos. America's steadfast commitment to advance the protection of human rights around the world is a beacon of hope for many who seek positive change in Laos. If confirmed, I will work tirelessly to urge the Lao government to promote democratic values and religious freedom.

Finally, Laos remains one of the poorest countries in the world. It is in America's interest to encourage sustainable economic development and free market growth. If confirmed, I will work with the Government of Laos to create a framework and conditions to facilitate bilateral trade and investment to benefit both our countries. A prosperous Laos will be a force for stability in the region, less dependent on its neighbors for their largess, and less susceptible to their influence. Prosperity and economic freedom go hand-in-hand with good governance, rule of law and respect for human rights. In such an environment, the natural aspirations of the Lao people for peace and freedom can flourish.

An enduring bilateral issue remains the welfare and whereabouts of American citizens. Over the last two years, we have endeavored to work with the Lao government to find two Americans missing inside Laos. Lao government cooperation has been disappointing and the early leads in the search for those missing are growing cold. The families of these American citizens have a right to learn what has happened to them. We have an unswerving obligation to assist them. I want to reassure you that, if confirmed as Ambassador, I will redouble our efforts to resolve this case.

I am proud to be a second generation Foreign Service officer. I have brought to my 24 years of service the same deep sense of honor and commitment associated with representing the United States overseas that my parents felt during their Foreign Service careers. Having served in such diverse regions as Africa, South Asia and Southeast Asia, I have experienced first-hand the challenges --political, economic, security -- America faces daily to advance her interests abroad. If confirmed, I will devote myself to persuading the Lao people and their government that the pursuit of peace, individual freedom and economic prosperity is central to our common future.

Mr. Chairman and members of the Committee, thank you for this opportunity to address you. I am prepared to respond to any questions you may have.

(end text)

(Distributed by the Office of International Information Programs, U.S. Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)
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