*EPF207 02/04/2003
Text: Hartwick Lauds Laos' Antiterrorism Efforts
(More work needed on human rights, Ambassador says) (4450)

The U.S. ambassador to Laos lauded that country's efforts in the international war against terrorism in speeches to Lao-Americans in Washington, D.C., San Francisco and Seattle January 25-26.

"As an ASEAN (Association of South East Asian Nations) member, Laos has helped that organization reduce the region's vulnerability to attack and worked to support efforts to tighten international financial flows that could aid terrorists," Ambassador Douglas A. Hartwick said.

Hartwick said he was pleased by the assistance the Lao government has given to U.S. government efforts to recover remains of Americans missing from the Indochina war 30 years ago. "Lao cooperation today directly serves U.S. interests and I very much appreciate it, as do the families of those still missing in action," he said.

He noted that the United States is entering the third year of modest economic assistance to aid the Lao people, particularly ethnic minorities. Programs to help with silk production, end trafficking in persons, and provide health care are administered through nongovernmental organizations rather than the Lao government. The ambassador noted that U.S. anti-narcotics work "is helping some of Laos' poorest regions and poorest ethnic groups gain market access to more developed parts of the country" and switch from opium poppies to alternative cash crops.

Hartwick observed that the Lao government "has treated many of its own people harshly, trampled on its citizens' individual human rights, denied many basic freedoms we Americans cherish."

Improving human rights in Laos is a U.S. priority, the ambassador said. He noted that in the area of religious freedom, the U.S. embassy "has led international efforts to promote religious freedom toward those who choose to practice minority religions.

"We have seen our work begin to bear fruit," Hartwick said. "Reports of persecution of Christians and other religious minorities have decreased. The Lao Prime Minister issued a decree this past summer to give protections to religious practice. Although that law has many flaws, local Lao religious leaders agree that it should help protect religious freedom."

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

(begin text)

Public Remarks
Washington, D.C.
San Francisco, California
Seattle, Washington
Ambassador Douglas A. Hartwick
January 25-26, 2003

It is a great privilege for me to be able to address you all today. I would like to begin with a few informal remarks about the current state of relations between the U.S. and Laos, and how I see the year 2003 shaping up for advancing American interests, your interests. I would then like to address the issue of normal trade relations (NTR) between the United States and Laos. Finally, I would like to conclude with two appeals to you as Americans interested in the bilateral relationship with Laos.

The Important Role of Lao-Americans in Building the Bilateral Relationship

Speaking to you, a group of fellow Americans, many of you formerly from Laos, reminds me of the strong bonds that connect the United States and Laos today. You represent the more than 500,000 people from Laos of many different ethnic groups -- Lao, Hmong, Khmu, Yao, Tai Daeng, Tai Dam and others -- who make up America's diverse Laotian-American community. As Ambassador, I have been amazed by how much you have accomplished. So many of you came to this country with little more than the clothes on your backs, and in a few decades you have built new lives here. You have come to represent the best of the drive, spirit, and determination that have made America the successful country that it is.

But I am certain that each of you has some strong attachment to Laos. Our Embassy in Vientiane sees a steady stream of Laotian-Americans returning to Laos to visit families, to sightsee and tour, to get married, and even to do business and invest. All of these things demonstrate that the bond between Laos and the U.S. reflects the lives of real people. I believe that you are the real bridge between the two countries -- no matter how our countries differ politically, there is no denying the fact that Laos and the U.S. are permanently linked. Although it is a small and poor country, Laos figures large in the hearts and minds of many Americans.

For almost all of you, or your parents, the journey from Laos to America has not been an easy one. Many of you suffered terribly, enduring years of hardship and bitterness living under communist rule, sometimes fighting against them, later facing further pain and uncertainty in refugee camps in Thailand. I am sure each of you has personal experiences that are beyond the understanding of most Americans because of the terrible things you lived through and witnessed. For those very personal reasons, many of you have deep suspicions and dislike of the current government in Laos.

Laos Is a Country in Transition

I understand and sympathize deeply with these sentiments. As I have said many times before, I am no apologist for the Lao government. It is a government that has treated many of its own people harshly, trampled on its citizens' individual human rights, denied many basic freedoms we Americans cherish. Lacking clear direction or sound management, its economy continues to fall behind those of its ASEAN neighbors. Its young people -- Laos's future - have depressingly few education opportunities and are poorly equipped to compete economically in Asia, let alone around the world. Many of you remember vividly that after the Pathet Lao came to power in 1975, still actively assisted by Vietnam, they waged an intensive effort against Hmong, Khmu and other insurgents who were associated with the previous royal government, leading to the tragic deaths of thousands. Many of us are concerned today that remnants of those same insurgents still in the forests continue to face violent retribution.

Laos and the U.S. Cooperate in Areas of Mutual Benefit

Looking at the past year, 2002, let me cite some of the developments that I see as significant with respect to U.S. interests in Laos. I have been pleased by the assistance the Lao government has given to USG efforts to recover remains of Americans missing from the Indochina war 30 years ago. We have made steady progress these past several years. Lao cooperation today directly serves U.S. interests and I very much appreciate it, as do the families of those still missing in action. The Lao people suffered from this same war so many years ago, so this cooperation is particularly important. We have also been working with the Lao government successfully to reduce opium production and strengthen anti-narcotics law enforcement. I am certain that U.S. and Lao interests are being served as we pursue this cooperation.

In the aftermath of September 11, the Lao government has supported the war against international terrorism. As an ASEAN member, Laos has helped that organization reduce the region's vulnerability to attack and worked to support efforts to tighten international financial flows that could aid terrorists. Lao authorities and we have also been working together with NGOs and international organizations to reduce unexploded ordinance accidents. I am hopeful that the year 2003 will see a new energy devoted to this effort to clear more land and reduce the number of accidents that affect so terribly the Lao rural areas where poor people live.

The U.S. is entering the third year of modest economic assistance to aid the Lao people, and particularly, Lao ethnic minorities. We are introducing silk production to scores of villages in the north. We are providing assistance to border areas troubled by trafficking in persons, and plan to introduce some modest targeted health assistance. This assistance is administered through NGOs, not the Lao government, and I monitor the progress on a regular basis. Our anti-narcotics work is helping some of Laos' poorest regions and poorest ethnic groups gain market access to more developed parts of the country and should help them stop growing opium and switch to alternative cash crops.

Promoting Democracy and Human Rights in Laos: Uneven Progress

Now, let me turn to a top priority of my embassy: improving human rights. Since I arrived as Ambassador in 2001, we have encouraged the Lao government to improve its record in the area of human rights. In the area of religious freedom, our embassy has led international efforts to promote religious freedom toward those who choose to practice minority religions. We have seen our work begin to bear fruit. Reports of persecution of Christians and other religious minorities have decreased. The Lao Prime Minister issued a decree this past summer to give protections to religious practice. Although that law has many flaws, local Lao religious leaders agree that it should help protect religious freedom.

On the democracy front, I regrettably cannot point to much change. The national elections held early last year did offer some modest choice among candidates of which the Lao voters took advantage, but the elections were highly controlled by the only legal political party. New political parties were not allowed. Public demonstrations continue to be viewed by the government as threats to public order and are not permitted. Political prisoners remain incarcerated with little or not information about their situation. Lao prisons are harsh and in desperate need of improvement to bring them to humane standards, including medical care. As you can see, we still have much work to do to encourage the Lao government to take positive steps to address these ongoing concerns.

US Promotes Better Treatment of Minorities

Let me turn to treatment of Laos' minorities. This past year, my officers have traveled to many, many parts of Laos to visit Hmong and other minority ethnic groups to check out their conditions. This has helped remind the Lao government that the United States is concerned and paying attention to their situation. We also set out to understand what was going on in Xaisomboun Special Zone and Xieng Khouang with respect to general economic development as well as reports of continued insurgency, remnants from the terrible war so many years ago. I led the first- ever visit by an American ambassador to the Zone. We learned a lot and made it clear to local officials our concerns about the safety of people still hiding in the forest. Irrefutable proof of the state of security and living conditions of minorities in remote parts of Xaisomboun will require more visits and we secured the provincial government's authoritization to return. Overall, however, my sense is that living conditions are improving for the vast bulk of the Zone's inhabitants.

As for active insurgent groups under attack from the Lao military, there are remnants in remote mountains and forests and these are small in numbers. Their situation is vulnerable and their continued presence a provocation for security forces intent on maintaining security in the provinces. The United States is concerned about the treatment of these persons, as well as innocent villager victims caught in the cross-fire when even small armed conflicts erupt. There is a compelling need to address the problem of these groups in a humane and peaceful manner. I plan to explore with the Lao government in 2003 different ways to play a constructive role to resolve these problems.

Looking to 2003: Outlining American Priorities

-- Promote human rights

As we look to 2003, what I have described above will help set my embassy's and the United States' priorities for improving bilateral relations. Human rights improvements will remain a top goal. In 2003, we will continue to use every opportunity to encourage the government in Laos that it is in its own interest to demonstrate greater respect for human and civil rights if it desires the good will of the international community and in particular, the American people. The Lao government insists that it does, but the international community would like to see specific steps to address longstanding concerns. Specifically, as I stated earlier, I plan to explore ways we might play a role to resolve the problem of insurgents still in the forests, and reduce the suffering of all innocents that are being affected.

-- Promote religious freedom

In 2003, I intend to continue our constructive dialogue with the Lao authorities on religious freedom, and to lend our efforts to continue the progress we have seen in 2002. Many Americans remained rightly concerned about reports of religious persecution in Laos. A significant gap remains between what the Lao leadership tells me is their policy of religious tolerance and the reality on the ground in certain provinces. In 2003, I plan to work closely with Lao authorities and prominent Americans who will visit Laos to help reduce problems that continue to worry us all. Our overall goal will be to maintain positive human rights momentum in Laos.

-- Find Americans missing from the war

In 2003, I will continue to work hard to find remaining Americans still unaccounted for since the days of the Indochina War. We have received strong humanitarian cooperation from the Lao government and the Lao people, but it could be even better. At current recovery rates, it could take a decade or longer to investigate those still missing. That is too slow. There are several hundred still unaccounted for and thus there is much work to do. With greater Lao flexibility and trust in America's purpose, we can make faster progress.

-- Help tackle the narcotics problem

In 2003, I would like to see greater progress in Laos in tackling its narcotics problems. Lao narcotic problems threaten American interests. Opium cultivation is still a real problem and it has to be solved in a humane, but determined fashion. The Lao government shares our concern. But law enforcement against drug traffickers is still woefully ineffective. Lao authorities will have to make a greater effort, including improving cooperation with the U.S. law enforcement professionals eager to help, if they are going to win the war against drugs.

New Tools: NTR Will Help Change Things in Laos

In 2003, I would like to take other steps to promote constructive change in our relations. I believe, though, that the best way for us to promote change in Laos is not by bullying or lecturing Laos. The Lao government values its relationship with the US, and we have no big stick with which to force change on the Lao government. Being more involved is the key. I strongly believe that Laos can, and is, changing. The change is slow, but it is happening.

I want new tools to promote and accelerate that change. I believe one of the most important tools for change is supporting President Bush's intention to establish a normalized trade relationship with Laos: NTR for short. This year should offer us that opportunity. In addition to promoting trade, it will help the US promote other changes that we desire, including improving the living conditions for the poorest people in Laos. Almost every country in the world has NTR with the US , including Laos's neighbors Thailand, China, Vietnam and Cambodia. Laos remains the only least developed nation with which the United States does not yet have NTR.

But what does NTR do? In the simplest terms, it allows goods from Laos to enter the US at a tariff rate equal to the lowest we grant most of other NTR trading partners. That means that a woven basket or silk shawl from a Lao village can compete facing the same tariff duty in the US market compared to similar baskets or shawls produced in other countries. That is impossible today. Consequently, in this competitive trade environment, the level of two way trade in 2002 between the US and Laos was less than the value of a handful of one-minute television Super Bowl commercials. Because of these punitive duties, Lao goods -silk scarves woven by Tai Daeng or Hmong in Huaphan, handicrafts made by Khmu villagers in Luang Prabang, or common baskets woven by Yao in Oudomsay-never even make it to the US market. With no NTR, American businessmen and women eager to sell in the Lao market, many of them of Laotian background, face an uncertain commercial climate to get fair treatment to sell American products in Laos. Granting NTR can change this.

Why is NTR help promote other changes, not just economic change? I thing this is basic. NTR will encourage people-based, private sector economic development in Laos. Lao people, Lao private sector firms will be able to do business with the US, exposing them to American ideas of all kinds. With NTR, American entrepreneurs will take advantage of a NTR-induced climate conducive to economic growth and explore opportunities, demanding higher quality of Lao companies, resisting corruption from Lao officials. Doing business with Americans will require much stronger rule of law: commercial, environmental, treatment of workers, even human rights. The Lao government will need to respond if it wishes take advantage of what America's market has to offer. This means real changes to its system. Ultimately, the result of NTR will be greater economic and political freedoms in Laos, stronger rule of law and a better life for those involved in trade destined for the U.S. market or doing business with Americans.

NTR Helps the Common People of Laos

What does a normal trade relationship with the US do to help the common people of Laos? Some of you may have gone back to visit relatives in Laos in recent years. Many of you send money back every year to help these same relatives. If you have visited, then you have seen how desperately poor the people in the provinces are, especially minority groups in the more remote areas. They are some of the poorest people in the world. The Government of Laos will have a hard time improving quickly the economic condition of these people. The Government of Laos doesn't have the resources, nor does it have the will to do it.

But, through NTR, you can help. We here in the United States have the largest economy in the world. The people of Laos today have modest skills right now, but, as I have said, there are encouraging developments in handicrafts and silk. I have seen villagers in Xieng Khouang, for example, learning to produce high-quality silk to supplement their family incomes. They want to sell their silk products to the US, but at present tariffs are so high that their silk isn't competitive. With NTR and lower tariffs, they will be able to sell their silk here and build a huge market for their goods. The same is true of thousands of small-scale craftspeople throughout Laos. If the Lao people are not permitted to sell their products to this economy at competitive prices, they are denied a critical opportunity to achieve a higher standard of living. As they earn, they will be able to buy, in turn, products from the United States. Investors from the US, energized with new confidence about the possibilities of this market and an improved understanding between the two governments, will create new opportunities with your American know-how.

The Lao-American Community Can Be a Tool for Changing Things in Laos

Another "tool" to promote change in Laos is you, the Lao- American community. I believe that those of you who came from Laos can and should be able to play a role in Laos' development. I often speak with Lao officials about the importance of overseas Lao, particularly the half a million ethnic Lao, Hmong, Khmu, Yao and others living in the US, who could be helping Laos with their knowledge, skills and capital if they were encouraged. The Lao government responds that it has an open door policy toward the overseas Lao, that they are welcome. But that is not enough. Much more can be done on both sides to build these human links. As Ambassador, I want to encourage more Lao-Americans in 2003 to return and see first-hand how Laos is changing, and if possible, to contribute to that change. Working with the Lao-American communities around the U.S. and with the cooperation of Lao government, I would like to see more done to facilitate safe, secure and enjoyable visits to Laos by Americans. We need to set up a regular dialogue with the Lao government to discuss issues - visa problems, customs, that Laotian Americans face when they visit or return. We need to create an environment that permits Americans to work temporarily in Laos, if they wish, to help impart American skills and creativity to the Lao people. I hope to work with many of you this year to make this happen.

Developmental Assistance Is Another Way to Target Change in Laos

Finally, I believe it is important that the US augment its development assistance in a targeted manner to Laos in 2003, not to its government, but to its people. Assistance for rural development, particularly for ethnic minorities, for mother and child care, for AIDS prevention and treatment, for education, are all things we are doing already and can do more. Our aid can help in other ways, as well. Today Laos is a country that is turning gradually toward the rule of law. We can give the Lao advice and assistance to create laws that will help protect the Lao people's rights, not leaving interpretation to fickle authorities.

In sum, it is absolutely in American interests to see Laos develop, change and prosper. It is also in our interest to promote the changes we know are in American as well as Lao interests, and to have some influence over the way these changes will take place. We want to see the Lao look to the US as a friend, to see our models of development and economic development as a way to a better life.

My First Appeal to Laotian-Americans in 2003: Come Together

Given, then, how much so many of you share in common, I would like to make an appeal to you as your Ambassador, the American Ambassador in Laos: Please, despite differences or viewpoints that may divide you, come together, work together, and work with me and my staff to foster productive bilateral relations to produce lasting benefits for all Americans and the people of Laos. For too long, Americans of Lao descent have let their differences about how to achieve much needed change in Laos divide your unique and very special community. As Ambassador, I need your help -- all of you -- to make sure that I am able to steer this relationship forward to advance America's interests, your interests, in the 21st century. We need to build a new future, not simply to dwell on the painful past. To build this new relationship, I will want to strengthen activities already underway and chart a new direction altogether in yet other areas of interest to bilateral relations. But whatever I do, I need your combined help. I need to proceed with the confidence that even when differences exist, that we are working together, that you are supporting one another to help our move relationship with Laos forward. We need to make it benefit America and to help the people who live there enjoy as productive, safe, and desirable as we can.

My Second Appeal: Resist the Unlawful Call for Armed Resistance

First, I wish to clarify what many in the Laotian-American community confuse: the official relationship between Laos and the United States. Simply put, the United States recognizes the government of Laos to be the sole and legitimate government. Sole and legitimate. I did not say we recognize it as a good government, I did not say as a gentle government, I did not say as a democratic government. But Laos has been accepted within the community of nations and the US Government respects that fact. Laos is a member of the UN and other international organizations. Since 1997, it has been a member in good standing of ASEAN, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations working together, and the United States, for peace and prosperity in the region.

Throughout the Indochina war and the changes that have since occurred, the United States and Laos have maintained unbroken diplomatic relations, unlike with Cambodia and Vietnam. To this day, we maintain an official, productive working relationship with the government, and recognize no rival government. Although our relations with Laos have often been cool over the past two and a half decades, we have always maintained a dialogue. In the last several years, as a result of our cooperation on key areas such as the search for American soldiers missing from the Vietnam War, our effort to stop the production of narcotics in Laos, that coolness has given way to a more productive relationship with the government there. We now cooperate on a number of fronts to advance America's interest in Laos.

Why do I take time here to day to emphasize this? Because I want everyone to know that the United States does not support efforts by any private citizen to overthrow or bring down the Lao government. If anyone comes to you and suggests that the USG or Congress support such an effort and asks for your support or your money, you tell them it is wrong and you heard it from me. It is against U.S. law to try to overthrow a foreign government with which we have relations, no matter how much you dislike it. Please work with me, and with your representatives in Congress to voice your concerns about the government and its policies, but don't give your money or support to groups that talk about armed resistance. I repeat, it is wrong and against American Law.

Conclusion: Working Toward a Better Relationship

In conclusion, I would like to reemphasize that my goal in Laos in 2003 is to work with the Lao government and the Lao people to improve our relations consistent American interests. Improving human rights standards, strengthening the rule of law, finding missing Americans, promoting private sector market development are all American interests. These objectives cannot be achieved if we ignore Laos, or treat it as an outcast state, a pariah. By engaging in Laos, we will be in a much better position to influence Laos' future. Working together, we can help foster the conditions to see Laos become a prosperous, stable, and democratic country, friendly with its neighbors, actively participating in international affairs and engaged in trade and commerce with the world.

(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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