[WPRT 108-8]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]


108th Congress 
 1st Session                COMMITTEE PRINT                       WMCP:
                                                                  108-8
_______________________________________________________________________
 
                         SUBCOMMITTEE ON TRADE

                                 OF THE

                      COMMITTEE ON WAYS AND MEANS

                     U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                               __________

                            WRITTEN COMMENTS
                                   ON
   EXTENSION OF PERMANENT NORMAL TRADE RELATIONS STATUS TO ARMENIA, 
                           MOLDOVA, AND LAOS


                                     
[GRAPHIC NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]

                                     
                             APRIL 21, 2003

         Printed for the use of the Committee on Ways and Means




                       U.S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE
89-609                     WASHINGTON : 2003
_____________________________________________________________________________
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                      COMMITTEE ON WAYS AND MEANS

                   BILL THOMAS, California, Chairman

PHILIP M. CRANE, Illinois            CHARLES B. RANGEL, New York
E. CLAY SHAW, JR., Florida           FORTNEY PETE STARK, California
NANCY L. JOHNSON, Connecticut        ROBERT T. MATSUI, California
AMO HOUGHTON, New York               SANDER M. LEVIN, Michigan
WALLY HERGER, California             BENJAMIN L. CARDIN, Maryland
JIM MCCRERY, Louisiana               JIM MCDERMOTT, Washington
DAVE CAMP, Michigan                  GERALD D. KLECZKA, Wisconsin
JIM RAMSTAD, Minnesota               JOHN LEWIS, Georgia
JIM NUSSLE, Iowa                     RICHARD E. NEAL, Massachusetts
SAM JOHNSON, Texas                   MICHAEL R. MCNULTY, New York
JENNIFER DUNN, Washington            WILLIAM J. JEFFERSON, Louisiana
MAC COLLINS, Georgia                 JOHN S. TANNER, Tennessee
ROB PORTMAN, Ohio                    XAVIER BECERRA, California
PHIL ENGLISH, Pennsylvania           LLOYD DOGGETT, Texas
J.D. HAYWORTH, Arizona               EARL POMEROY, North Dakota
JERRY WELLER, Illinois                MAX SANDLIN, Texas
KENNY C. HULSHOF, Missouri           STEPHANIE TUBBS JONES, Ohio
SCOTT MCINNIS, Colorado
RON LEWIS, Kentucky
MARK FOLEY, Florida
KEVIN BRADY, Texas
PAUL RYAN, Wisconsin
ERIC CANTOR, Virginia
                    Allison H. Giles, Chief of Staff
                  Janice Mays, Minority Chief Counsel

                                 ------                                

                         SUBCOMMITTEE ON TRADE

                  PHILIP M. CRANE, Illinois, Chairman

E. CLAY SHAW, JR., Florida           SANDER M. LEVIN, Michigan
AMO HOUGHTON, New York               CHARLES B. RANGEL, New York
DAVE CAMP, Michigan                  RICHARD E. NEAL, Massachusetts
JIM RAMSTAD, Minnesota               WILLIAM J. JEFFERSON, Louisiana
JENNIFER DUNN, Washington            XAVIER BECERRA, California
WALLY HERGER, California             JOHN S. TANNER, Tennessee
PHIL ENGLISH, Pennsylvania
JIM NUSSLE, Iowa

Pursuant to clause 2(e)(4) of Rule XI of the Rules of the House, public 
hearing records of the Committee on Ways and Means are also published 
in electronic form. The printed hearing record remains the official 
version. Because electronic submissions are used to prepare both 
printed and electronic versions of the hearing record, the process of 
converting between various electronic formats may introduce 
unintentional errors or omissions. Such occurrences are inherent in the 
current publication process and should diminish as the process is 
further refined.

















                            C O N T E N T S

                              ----------                              
                                                                   Page
Advisory of Wednesday, March 5, 2003, announcing request for 
  written comments on the Extension of Permanent Normal Trade 
  Relations Status to Armenia, Moldova, and Laos.................     1
                                 ______
                                 
Aid to Artisans, Hartford, CT, Clare Brett Smith, letter.........     2
Agarwal, Sumit, Providence, RI, and Souphala Chomsisengphet, 
  Chevy Chase, MD, letter........................................    37
Akkhamountry, Kaykeo, Oslo, Norway; Bounlom Keobouahom, Bergen, 
  Norway; Sitthiroth Rasphone, Norwich, UK; Xayadeth Phouyavong, 
  Ange, Sweden; Silavanh Sawathvong, Umea, Sweden; Vilachith 
  Phommasack, Uppsala, Sweden; Phonephet Chounlamountry, Taby, 
  Sweden; Khambou Hagberg, Skarpnack, Sweden; Vanthong 
  Phengvichith, Uppsala, Sweden; Vanvilay Phalamixay, Vallingby, 
  Sweden; Amphone Souvannasy, Jokkmok, Sweden; and Viengphet 
  Vanthanouvong, Uppsala, Sweden, letter.........................     3
Aloun Farms, Kapolei, HI, Alec Sou, letter and attachment........     4
Alton, Charles, Vientiane, Lao PDR, letter.......................     7
American Chamber of Commerce in Singapore, Singapore, Kristin E. 
  Paulson, letter................................................     8
American Chamber of Commerce in Thailand, Bangkok, Thailand, 
  Ellen Devlin, letter...........................................     9
American Friends Service Committee, Philadelphia, PA, David 
  Elder, letter..................................................    10
Andersen, Phaeng Toommaly, United Laotian Community, Oakland, CA, 
  letter and attachment..........................................   184
Armenian Assembly of America, Hirair Hovnanian and Peter 
  Vosbikian, letter..............................................    10
Armenian National Committee of America, Glendale, CA, Aram S. 
  Hamparian, letter..............................................    12
Armstrong, Mark, Woodbridge, VA, letter (identical letter 
  received from 163 other individuals)...........................    14
Association Boun enfants des rizieres, Marseille, France, Boun 
  Siyavong, letter...............................................    14
Association Le Fragipanier, Mende, France, Khamsing Phothirath, 
  M.D., joint letter (See listing under Fraternite France-Laos, 
  Le Vigan, France)..............................................    52
Autor, Erik O., National Retail Federation, letter...............   141
Bassett, Elizabeth, Charlotte, VT, letter........................    14
Baynham, Kirsten, PhonTong Handicrafts Cooperative, Vientiane, 
  Lao PDR, letter................................................   154
Benson, Sally, letter............................................    14
Beri, Ti M., Falls Church, VA, letter............................    15
Berk, Marvin, Long Island City, NY, letter (identical letter 
  received from 11 other individuals)............................    16
Bledowski, Gary Lee, Belleville, MI, letter (identical letter 
  received from 113 other individuals)...........................    16
Bliatout, Sam, Fresno, CA, letter................................    17
Bliayang, et al., Moua Sao, Lanxang Democracy, Inc., Roseville, 
  MN, letter.....................................................    67
Boualouang, Sonelay, Saint Paul, MN, letter......................    17
Bounsouaysana, Prasith Sid, Dallas, TX, letter...................    18
Boutah, Anola, Arlington, VA, letter.............................    18
Bower, Ernest Z., US-ASEAN Business Council, letter and 
  attachment.....................................................   194
Braun, Caristan, South Riping, VA, letter (identical letters 
  received from 113 individuals).................................    19
California-Asia Business Council (Cal-Asia), Alameda, CA, Jeremy 
  W. Potash, letter..............................................    20
Cardin, Hon. Benjamin L., Commission on Security and Cooperation 
  in Europe, letters.............................................    38
Carroll, Mark and Janice Carroll, Big Lake, MN, letter...........    20
Caterpillar Asia, Singapore, Mark Schoeneman, letter.............    21
CFCO International, Tony R. Culley-Foster, letter and attachments    21
Chagnon, Jacquelyn, and Reverend Roger Rumpf, Warrensburg, MI, 
  letter and attachment..........................................    25
Chaleunrath, Vilay, Alexandria, VA, letter.......................    27
Chang, Charlie J., Laotian Multi-Ethnic Alliance for U.S.A.-Laos 
  Friendship, Washington State Representation, Seattle, WA, 
  letter and attachment..........................................   123
Chanthavong, Kommaly, PhonTong-CAMA Handicraft Cooperative, 
  Vientiane, Lao PDR, letter.....................................   155
Chanthyasack, ``Sirch'' Sourichanh, Jersey City, NJ, letter and 
  attachments....................................................    27
Childress, Richard T., Flat Rock, NC, letter.....................    36
Chomsisengphet, Souphala, Chevy Chase, MD and Sumit Agarwal, 
  Providence, RI, letter.........................................    37
Chounlamountry, Phonephet, et al., Taby, Sweden, letter..........     3
Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe, Hon. Benjamin 
  L. Cardin and Hon. Christopher H. Smith, letters...............    38
Concern Worldwide, Vientiane, Lao PDR, Stuart Highton, letter....    39
Congsa, Jack, San Diego, CA, letter (identical letters received 
  from 168 other individuals)....................................    40
Consortium of World Education and World Learning, Boston, MA, 
  Connie Woodberry, letter.......................................    40
Council of Lao Representatives Abroad--Oceanic Region, NSW 
  Australia, Kat Ditthavong, letter and attachment...............    41
Crapa, Joseph R., United States Commission on International 
  Religious Freedom, letter and attachment.......................   188
Culley-Foster, Tony R., CFCO International, letter and 
  attachments....................................................    21
Cyrille, M.D., Vongsouthi, Montpellier, France; Souk-Aloun 
  Jocelin, M.D., Rodez, France; Souk-Aloun Phou, M.D., Le Vigan, 
  France; Amphonesinh Sengphet, M.D., Montpellier, France; 
  Phothirath Khamsing, M.D., Mende, France, letter...............    48
Dacey, Kristin, Stamford, CT, letter.............................    48
Dalpino, Catharin E., letter.....................................    48
Dang, Bao N., Columbia, MD, letter...............................    49
Dao, Yang, Laotian Multi-Ethnic Alliance for U.S.A.-Laos 
  Friendship, Minnesota State Representation, Brooklyn Park, MN, 
  letter and attachment..........................................    98
Dao, Yang, Laotian Multi-Ethnic Alliance for U.S.A.-Laos 
  Friendship, Washington State Representation, Seattle, WA, 
  letter and attachment..........................................   123
Dao, Yang, Laotian Multi-Ethnic Alliance for U.S.A.-Laos 
  Friendship, Wisconsin State Representation, Wausau, WI, letter 
  and attachment.................................................   129
Darapheth, Chansamone, Fort Worth, TX, letter....................    50
DeBruin, Jerry, Toledo, OH, letter...............................    50
Devlin, Ellen, American Chamber of Commerce in Thiland, Bangkok, 
  Thailand, letter...............................................     9
Ditthavong, Kat, Council of Lao Representatives Abroad--Oceanic 
  Region, NSW 2177 Australia, letter and attachment..............    41
Doran, David, Mekong Law Group, Bangkok, Thailand, letter........   138
Duckles, Madeline, Women's International League for Peace and 
  Freedom, Philadelphia, PA, letter..............................   213
Durant, Andrew G., letter........................................    51
Edgar, Joanne, New York, NY, letter..............................    51
Elder, David, American Friends Service Committee, Philadelphia, 
  PA, letter.....................................................    10
Ferchak, John, Vientiane, Lao PDR, letter........................    52
Fraternite France-Laos, Le Vigan, France, Phoungeun Souk-Aloun, 
  M.D., and Association Le Fragipanier, Mende, France, Khamsing 
  Phothirath, M.D., joint letter.................................    52
Fund for Reconciliation and Development, New York, NY: John 
  McAuliff, letter and attachment, Susan Hammond, letter.........
General Assembly of Delegates of Laotians Abroad (GADLA), 
  Scottsdale, AZ, Sin Vilay, joint letter and attachments........   204
Global Advance Technology, Inc., Wichita, KS, Khamphoui Manyseng, 
  letter.........................................................    53
Green, Hon. Mark, a Representative in Congress from the State of 
  Wisconsin, and Hon. George Radanovich, a Representative in 
  Congress from the State of California, letter..................    53
Greenwell, Geoffrey, letter......................................    55
Griffin, Pamela, Bethesda, MD, letter............................    55
Griffiths, Ann Mills, Arlington, VA, letter......................    56
Hagberg, Khambou, et al., Skarpnack, Sweden, letter..............     3
Hamilton, Michael, RM Asia (HK) Limited, Vientiane, Lao PDR, 
  letter.........................................................   160
Hamparian, Aram S., Armenian National Committee of America, 
  Glendale, CA, letter...........................................    12
Hansel, Troy, Vientiane, Lao PDR, letter.........................    56
Health Frontiers, Kenyon, MN, Karen Olness and Hakon Torjesen, 
  letter.........................................................    57
Health Frontiers, Vientiane, Lao PDR, Leila Srour, MD and Bryan 
  Watt, letter...................................................    57
Highton, Stuart, Concern Worldwide, Vientiane, Lao PDR, letter...    39
Hmong American Planning and Development Center, Inc., Arlington, 
  TX, Thao Phia Xaykao, letter...................................    58
Hmong International Human Rights Watch, Omaha, NE, Laura Xiong, 
  letter.........................................................    59
Hodgdon, Benjamin D., New Haven, CT, letter......................    61
Hovnanian, Hirair, Armenian Assembly of America, letter..........    10
Hsieh, Willy, WILKRIS & CO AB, Stockholm, Sweden, letter.........   211
Ichord, J. William, Unocal Corp., letter.........................   193
Iizuka, Fumie, letter............................................    62
International Mass Retail Association, Arlington, VA, Sandy 
  Kennedy, letter................................................    62
Jacobs, B. Jake, Spyder Active Sports, Boulder, CO, letter.......   173
Jhai Foundation, San Francisco, CA, Lee Thorn, letter............    62
Jocelin, M.D., Souk-Aloun, et al., Rodez, France, letter.........    48
Johnson, Arlyne, Vientiane, Lao PDR, letter......................    63
Jones, Laura E., United States Association of Importers of 
  Textiles and Apparel, New York, NY, letter.....................   188
Jones, Robert L., letter.........................................    63
Kataviravong, Bounleuang, Movement for Democracy in Laos, 
  Burnsville, MN, letter.........................................   140
Kennedy, Sandy, International Mass Retail Association, Arlington, 
  VA, letter.....................................................    62
Kent, Mary Day, Women's International League for Peace and 
  Freedom, Philadelphia, PA, letter..............................   213
Keobouahom, Bounlom, et al., Bergen, Norway, letter..............     3
Ker, Ammone, Falls Church, VA, letter and attachment (identical 
  letter and attachment received from 8 other individuals).......    64
Khaligian, A. Zohrab, Racine, WI, letter.........................    65
Khamsing, M.D., Phothirath, et al., Mende, France, letter........    48
Kilty, Mary, New York, NY, letter................................    66
King, Jean and James D. King, Burton, MI, letter.................    66
Lanxang Democracy, Inc., Roseville, MN, Moua Sao Bliayang et al., 
  letter.........................................................    67
Lao American National Republican Party of U.S.A., Tennessee 
  Chapter, Antioch, TN, Noukane Souriyavongsa, letter and 
  attachment.....................................................    69
Lao American National Republican Party, State of Wisconsin, 
  Milwaukee, WI, Bounliane Rajphoumy, letter.....................    75
Lao Community in Victoria, Victoria, Australia, Saly Saygnabouth 
  and Pao Saykao, M.D., letter...................................    76
Lao Diaspora, Paris, France, letter and attachment...............    78
Lao Human Rights Council, Inc., U.S.A., Eau Claire, WI, Vang 
  Pobzeb, letter and attachment..................................    80
Lao Representative Abroad, Ontario, Canada, Samrith 
  Phromkharanourak, letter.......................................    89
Lao-American College, Vientiane, Lao PDR, Virginia Van Ostrand, 
  letters........................................................    90
Lao-American Community of the Northwest, Seattle, WA, Khamphay 
  Muangchanh and Khamsene Thaviseth, letter......................    92
Lao-Australian Institute for Co-operation and Development, 
  Campbelltown, NSW, Australia, Kevin Prakoonheang, letter.......    93
Laos Institute for Democracy, Khampoua Naovarangsy, letter.......    94
Laotian American Council, North Providence, RI, Thongsavanh 
  Phongsavan, statement..........................................    94
Laotian-American National Coalition, Richmond, CA, letter and 
  attachment.....................................................    95
Laotian Multi-Ethnic Alliance for U.S.A.-Laos Friendship, 
  Minnesota State Representation, Brooklyn Park, MN, San 
  Souvannasoth and Yang Dao, letter and attachment...............    98
Laotian Multi-Ethnic Alliance for U.S.A.-Laos Friendship, 
  Washington State Representation, Seattle, WA, Charlie J. Chang, 
  and Yang Dao, letter and attachment............................   123
Laotian Multi-Ethnic Alliance for U.S.A.-Laos Friendship, 
  Wisconsin State Representation, Wausau, WI, Sou Yang and Yang 
  Dao, letter and attachment.....................................   129
Lo, Pao, Morristown, NC, letter..................................   135
Louisiana Regional Lao Republicans, Baton Rouge, LA, Somdy Rasy, 
  letter.........................................................   136
Luangphinith, Kouy, Falls Church, VA, letter.....................   137
Manyseng, Khamphoui, Global Advance Technology, Inc., Wichita, 
  KS, letter.....................................................    53
McAuliff, Tara, New York, NY, letter.............................   137
McCrae, Betsy Headrick, Mennonite Central Committee, Akron, PA, 
  letter.........................................................   139
Mekong Law Group, Bangkok, Thailand, David Doran, letter.........   138
Mennonite Central Committee, Akron, PA, Betsy Headrick McCrae, 
  letter.........................................................   139
Meyers, Paul, Ten Thousand Villages, Akron, PA, letter...........   175
Movement for Democracy in Laos, Burnsville, MN, Bounleuang 
  Kataviravong, letter...........................................   140
Muangchanh, Khanphay, Lao-American Community of the Northwest, 
  Seattle, WA, letter............................................    92
Naovarangsy, Khampoua, Laos Institute for Democracy, letter......    94
National Retail Federation, Erik O. Autor, letter................   141
Nichols Properties Inc., Palm Springs, CA, Stephen C. Nichols, 
  letter.........................................................   142
NSCJ: Advocates on behalf of Jews in Russia, Ukraine, the Baltic 
  States and Eurasia, statement..................................   142
Numi, Carlie, Kensington, MD, letter.............................   145
Odlo U.S.A., Farmington, ME, Leonard J. Widen, letter............   146
Olness, M.D., Karen, Health Frontiers, Kenyon, MN, letter........    57
Organization of Lao Student for Independence and Democracy, 
  Katowice, Poland, Bounthanh Thammavong, letter.................   146
Ostrand, Virginia Van, Lao-American College, Vientiane, Lao PDR, 
  letters........................................................    90
Pacific Inter-Trading and Consulting Co., St. Paul, MN, Wayne 
  Saykao, letter.................................................   149
PacMar Inc., Honolulu, HI, Puongpun Sananikone, letter and 
  attachment.....................................................   150
Paulson, Kristin E., American Chamber of Commerce in Singapore, 
  Singapore, letter..............................................     8
Penrose, Nancy L., Redmond, WA, letter...........................   151
Phalamixay, Vanvilay, et al., Vallingby, Sweden, letter..........     3
Phengvichith, Vanthong, et al., Uppsala, Sweden, letter..........     3
Phimviengkham, Thiphasone, letter................................   152
Phommahaxay, His Excellency Phanthong, letter....................   152
Phommasack, Vilachith, et al., Uppsala, Sweden, letter...........     3
Phongsavan, Thongsavanh, Laotian American Council, North 
  Providence, RI, statement......................................    94
PhonTong Handicrafts Cooperative, Vientiane, Lao PDR, Kirsten 
  Baynham, letter................................................   154
PhonTong-CAMA Handicraft Cooperative, Vientiane, Lao PDR, Kommaly 
  Chanthavong, letter............................................   155
Photirath, M.D., Khamsing, Association Le Fragipanier, Mende, 
  France, joint letter (See listing under Fraternite France-Laos, 
  Le Vigan, France)..............................................    52
Phou, M.D., Souk-Aloun, et al., Le Vigan, France, letter.........    48
Phouyavong, Xayadeth, et al., Ange, Sweden, letter...............     3
Phraxayavong, Viliam, Hinchinbrook, NSW, Australia, letter.......   156
Phromkharanourak, Samrith, Lao Representative Abroad, Ontario, 
  Canada, letter.................................................    89
Pobzeb, Vang, Lao Human Rights Council, Inc., U.S.A., Eau Claire, 
  WI, letter and attachment......................................    80
Pong, Tom, Denver, CO, letter....................................   157
Potash, Jeremy W., California-Asia Business Council (Cal-Asia), 
  Alameda, CA, letter............................................    20
Potkin, Alan, DeKalb, IL, letter.................................   159
Prakoonheang, Kevin, Lao-Australian Institute for Co-operation 
  and Development, Campbelltown, NSW, Australia, letter..........    93
RM Asia (HK) Limited, Vientiane, Lao PDR, Michael Hamilton, 
  letter.........................................................   160
Rajphoumy, Bounliane, Lao American National Republican Party, 
  State of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, letter......................    75
Rasphone, Sitthiroth, et al., Norwich, UK, letter................     3
Rasy, Somdy, Louisiana Regional Lao Republicans, Baton Rouge, LA, 
  letter.........................................................   136
Rathigna, Bounthanh, United League for Democracy in Laos, Inc., 
  statement......................................................   186
Rattanasamay, Pathana, Aiea, HI, letter..........................   160
Rattanavong, Boune Ome, Potomac Falls, VA, letter................   161
Recker, Keith, New York, NY, letter..............................   162
Reece, Rick, Village Focus International, Portland, OR, letter...   209
Rizalvo, Jonathan R., Arlington, VA, letter......................   162
Robin Stevens Consulting, Ltd., New York, NY, Robin C. Stevens, 
  letter.........................................................   163
Rosacker, Harlan F., letter......................................   163
Rumpf, Reverend Roger, and Jacquelyn Chagnon, Warrensburg, MI, 
  letter and attachment..........................................    25
Sage, William W., Woodside, NY, letter...........................   164
Sananikone, Puongpun, PacMar Inc., Honolulu, HI, letter and 
  attachment.....................................................   150
Santivong, Kongphanh Esq., letter................................   165
Sattanak, Kwanchit, Glendale, AZ, letter.........................   165
Sawathvong, Silavanh, et al., Umea, Sweden, letter...............     3
Saygnabouth, Slay, Lao Community in Victoria, Victoria, 
  Australia, letter..............................................    76
Saykao, M.D., Pao, Lao Community in Victoria, Victoria, 
  Australia, letter..............................................    76
Saykao, Wayne, Pacific Inter-Trading and Consulting Co., St. 
  Paul, MN, letter...............................................   149
Schipani, Steven, Takoma Park, MD, letter........................   166
Schoeneman, Mark, Catepillar Asia, Singapore, letter.............    21
Scott, Sue, Troy, MI, letter.....................................   166
Scowcroft, Brent, letter.........................................   167
Seiple, Hon. Robert A., St. Davids, PA, letter and attachment....   168
Sengphet, M.D., Amphonesinh, et al., Montpelier, France, letter..    48
Sigaty, Todd, Village Focus International, Portland, OR, letter..   209
Sihavong, Narin, Brooklyn Park, MN, letter.......................   170
Sinantha, Sadachanh, Chicago, IL, letter.........................   171
Sisaket, Thomas, Rogers, MN, letter..............................   171
Sithammavanh, Bounlom, Stockholm, Sweden, letter.................   171
Siyavong, Boun, Association Boun enfants des rizieres, Marseille, 
  France, letter.................................................    14
Smith, Clare Brett, Aid to Artisans, Hartford, CT, letter........     2
Smith, Hon. Christopher H., Commission on Security and 
  Cooperation in Europe, letters.................................    38
Sou, Alec, Aloun Farms, Kapolei, HI, letter and atachment........     4
Souk-Aloun, M.D., Phoungeun, Fraternite France-Laos, Le Vigan, 
  France, joint letter (See listing under Fraternite France-Laos, 
  Le Vigan, France)..............................................    52
Soukhaseum, Anourack, Spring Valley, CA, letter..................   172
Souriyavongsa, Noukane, Lao American National Republican Party of 
  U.S.A., Tennessee Chapter, Antioch, TN, letter and attachment..    69
Souvannasoth, San, Laotian Multi-Ethnic Alliance for U.S.A.-Laos 
  Friendship, Minnesota State Representation, Brooklyn Park, MN, 
  letter and attachment..........................................    98
Souvannasy, Amphone, et al., Jokkmok, Sweden, letter.............     3
Spivak, Stacy, Ten Thousand Villages, Akron, PA, letter..........   175
Spyder Active Sports, Boulder, CO, B. Jake Jacobs, letter........   173
Srour, M.D., Health Frontiers, Vientiane, Lao PDR, letter........    57
Stevens, Robin C., Robin Stevens Consulting, Ltd., New York, NY, 
  letter.........................................................   163
Stevenson, John E., Glendale, CA, letter.........................   173
Tatpaporn, Gary, US-Lao Trading Corp., San Pablo, CA, letter.....   202
Tayanin, Damrong, Lund, Sweden, letter...........................   174
Ten Thousand Villages, Akron, PA, Paul Meyers and Stacy Spivak, 
  letter.........................................................   175
Thammavong, Bounthanh, Organization of Lao Student for 
  Independence and Democracy, Katowice, Poland, letter...........   146
Thao, Bo and KaYing Yang, letter.................................   176
Thao, Vang, United Hmong International, Inc., Fresno, CA, letter.   180
Thaviseth, Khamsene, Lao-American Community of the Northwest, 
  Seattle, WA, letter............................................    92
Thorn, Lee, Jhai Foundation, San Fransisco, CA, letter...........    62
Tomseth, Hon. Victor L., Vienna, VA, letter......................   179
Torjeson, Hakon, Health Frontiers, Kenyon, MN, letter............    57
U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Willard A. Workman, letter.............   180
United Hmong International, Inc., Fresno, CA, Vang Thao, letter..   180
United Lao Action Center (ULAC), Sterling, VA, Sin Vilay, joint 
  letter and attachments.........................................   204
United Lao/Hmong Congress for Democracy, Eau Claire, WI, Stephen 
  Vang, letter...................................................   182
United Laotian Americans, Brooklyn Center, MN, Laxa Yabandith, 
  letter.........................................................   183
United Laotian Community, Oakland, CA, Phaeng Toommaly Andersen, 
  letter and attachment..........................................   184
United League for Democracy in Laos, Inc., Bounthanh Rathigna, 
  statement......................................................   186
United States Association of Importers of Textiles and Apparel, 
  New York, NY, Laura E. Jones, letter...........................   188
United States Commission on International Religious Freedom, 
  Joseph R. Crapa, letter and attachment.........................   188
Unocal Corp., J. William Ichord, letter..........................   193
US-ASEAN Business Council, Ernest Z. Bower, letter and attachment   194
US-Lao Trading Corp., San Pablo, CA, Gary Tatpaporn, letter......   202
Utarasint, Daungyewa, Silver Spring, MD, letter..................   202
Vang, Pang Blia, Wisconsin Lao Veterans of America, Inc., 
  Monomonie, WI, letter..........................................   212
Vang, Stephen, United Lao/Hmong International, Inc., Fresno, CA, 
  letter.........................................................   182
Vang, Tsuchue P., North Saint Paul, MN, letter...................   203
Vanthanouvong, Viengphet, et al., Uppsala, Sweden, letter........     3
Vilay, Sin, General Assembly of Delegates of Laotians Abroad 
  (GADLA), Scottsdale, AZ, and United Lao Action Center (ULAC), 
  Sterling, VA, joint letter and attachments.....................   204
Village Focus International, Portland, OR, Todd Sigaty and Rick 
  Reece, letter..................................................   209
Vongnongvar, Sunthorn, Stockholm, Sweden, letter.................   210
Vosbikian, Peter, Armenian Assembly of America, letter...........    10
Watt, Bryan, Health Frontiers, Vientiane, Lao PDR, letter........    57
Weidman, Julia H., Hilton Head Island, SC, letter................   210
Widen, Leonard J., Odlo U.S.A., Farmington, ME, letter...........   146
WILKRIS & CO AB, Stockholm, Sweden, Willy Hsieh, letter..........   211
Wisconsin Lao Veterans of America, Inc., Monomonie, WI, Pang Blia 
  Vang, letter...................................................   212
Womens' International League for Peace and Freedom, Philadelphia, 
  PA, Madeline Duckles and Mary Day Kent, letter.................   213
Woodberry, Connie, Consortium of World Education and World 
  Learning, Boston MA, letter....................................    40
Workman, David R., Lancaster, PA, letter.........................   213
Workman, Willard A., U.S. Chamber of Commerce, letter............   180
Xaykao, Thao Phia, Hmong American Planning and Development 
  Center, Inc., Arlington, TX, letter............................    58
Xiong, Laura, Hmong International Human Rights Watch, Omaha, NE, 
  letter.........................................................    59
Yang, Ge, Brooklyn Center, MN, letter............................   213
Yang, KaYing, and Bo Thao, letter................................   176
Yang, Kou, Ed.D., Turlock, CA, letter............................   215
Yang, Sou, Laotian Multi-Ethnic Alliance for U.S.A.-Laos 
  Friendship, Wisconsin State Representation, Wausau, WI, letter 
  and attachment.................................................   129
Yangsao, Sayasith L., Brooklyn Park, MN, letter..................   216
Yabandith, Laxa, United Laotian Americans, Brooklyn Center, MN, 
  letter.........................................................   183
Yong, Ong Keng, Jakarta, Indonesia, letter.......................   217
Zwenig, Frances A., letter.......................................   218

















ADVISORY

FROM THE 
COMMITTEE
 ON WAYS 
AND 
MEANS

                         SUBCOMMITTEE ON TRADE

                                                CONTACT: (202) 225-6649
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 05, 2003
No. TR-1

              Crane Announces Request for Written Comments
               on the Extension of Permanent Normal Trade
             Relations Status to Armenia, Moldova, and Laos

    Congressman Philip M. Crane (R-IL), Chairman, Subcommittee on Trade 
of the Committee on Ways and Means, today announced that the 
Subcommittee is requesting written public comments for the record from 
all parties interested in the extension of permanent normal trade 
relations (PNTR) treatment to products from Armenia and Moldova and 
normal trade relations (NTR) status to the products of Laos.

BACKGROUND:

Armenia and Moldova

    Armenia and Moldova are subject to the Jackson-Vanik provisions in 
Title IV of the Trade Act of 1974 (P.L. 93-618), which govern the 
extension of NTR to non-market economy countries ineligible for such 
status as of the enactment of the Trade Act. Armenia and Moldova were 
first extended NTR in 1992 under a waiver from the freedom of 
emigration requirements in the statute. In 1997, the President found 
Armenia and Moldova to be in full compliance with the emigration 
criteria, and the trade status of both countries remains subject to 
semi-annual Jackson-Vanik compliance determinations by the President, 
which are vulnerable to a resolution of disapproval by Congress. To 
date, no Member has introduced such a resolution concerning Armenia or 
Moldova.

    Section 122 of the Uruguay Round Agreements Act (P.L. 103-465) 
requires Congressional consultation prior to any country's accession to 
the World Trade Organization (WTO). The United States Trade 
Representative transmitted detailed materials to the Committee on Ways 
and Means on the accessions of Moldova and Armenia to the WTO on March 
9, 2001 and December 4, 2002, respectively. Moldova acceded to the WTO 
on July 26, 2001, and Armenia joined the body on February 5, 2003. 
Because the United States has not extended PNTR status to Moldova or 
Armenia, due to the continued application of the Jackson-Vanik 
provisions to both countries, the United States has invoked the non-
application clause of the WTO (Article XIII). Until PNTR is extended to 
Armenia and Moldova, the WTO Agreements and the terms of their 
accessions will not be formally applied between each country and the 
United States, and U.S. trade relations with each country will continue 
to be governed by bilateral trade agreements.

    On February 4, 2003, Representatives Joe Knollenberg (R-MI) and 
Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ), co-Chairmen of the Congressional Caucus on 
Armenian Issues, introduced H.R. 528, a bill to authorize the extension 
of nondiscriminatory treatment (permanent normal trade relations) to 
the products of Armenia. Chairman Crane plans to introduce similar 
legislation for Moldova. If these bills become law, the United States 
would be able to extend PNTR to Armenia and Moldova, and all rights and 
obligations under the WTO agreed to by the two countries would apply to 
the United States.

Laos

    Laos does not currently receive NTR status because it is included 
in the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) of the United States in General 
Note 3(b) on the list of countries whose products are subject to column 
2 (non-NTR) tariff rates. Jackson-Vanik provisions in the Trade Act of 
1974 do not apply to Laos because the country was not a ``non-market 
economy'' when the Trade Act was passed on January 3, 1975.

    The Lao Government has been introducing economic reforms since 1986 
and is slowly becoming integrated with its neighbors in the Southeast 
Asian region. Laos joined the Association of Southeast Asian Nations in 
1997, and Laos is in the early stages of negotiations to become a 
member of the WTO. In 1997, the United States and the Lao People's 
Democratic Republic concluded a bilateral trade agreement which calls 
for a reciprocal extension of NTR. That agreement has not yet entered 
into force. The agreement will obligate Laos to open its markets to 
U.S. goods and services and to protect U.S. intellectual property 
rights. The agreement will represent an important step toward economic 
reform and openness, key U.S. priorities in Laos.

    The only action required to grant permanent NTR status to Laos and 
to enact the 1997 bilateral trade agreement is for Congress to enact 
legislation amending the HTS to strike Laos permanently from General 
Note 3(b). On February 24, 2003, Secretary of State Colin Powell and 
United States Trade Representative Robert Zoellick sent a joint letter 
to Congress expressing the Administration's support for extending NTR 
status to Laos and for bringing into force the 1997 agreement.

DETAILS FOR SUBMISSION OF WRITTEN COMMENTS:

    Please Note: Due to the change in House mail policy, any person or 
organization wishing to submit a written statement for the printed 
record of the hearing should send it electronically to 
[email protected], along with a fax copy to 
(202) 225-2610, by the close of business, Monday, April 21, 2003. The 
U.S. Capitol Police will refuse sealed-packaged deliveries to all House 
Office Buildings.

FORMATTING REQUIREMENTS:

    Each statement presented for printing to the Committee by a 
witness, any written statement or exhibit submitted for the printed 
record or any written comments in response to a request for written 
comments must conform to the guidelines listed below. Any statement or 
exhibit not in compliance with these guidelines will not be printed, 
but will be maintained in the Committee files for review and use by the 
Committee.

    1. Due to the change in House mail policy, all statements and any 
accompanying exhibits for printing must be submitted electronically to 
[email protected], along with a fax copy to 
(202) 225-2610, in WordPerfect or MS Word format and MUST NOT exceed a 
total of 10 pages including attachments. Witnesses are advised that the 
Committee will rely on electronic submissions for printing the official 
hearing record.

    2. Copies of whole documents submitted as exhibit material will not 
be accepted for printing. Instead, exhibit material should be 
referenced and quoted or paraphrased. All exhibit material not meeting 
these specifications will be maintained in the Committee files for 
review and use by the Committee.

    3. Any statements must include a list of all clients, persons, or 
organizations on whose behalf the witness appears. A supplemental sheet 
must accompany each statement listing the name, company, address, 
telephone and fax numbers of each witness.

    Note: All Committee advisories and news releases are available on 
the World Wide Web at http://waysandmeans.house.gov.

                                 

                                                    Aid to Artisans
                                        Hartford, Connecticut 06114
                                                      April 2, 2003
    To Whom It May Concern:
    We are writing to voice our support for Normal Trade Relations 
(NTR) with Laos, one of the world's least developed countries. We ask 
that the legislature pass the necessary legislation to extend NTR to 
Laos and bring into force the bilateral trade agreements concluded in 
1997. NTR will benefit both the US and Laos. Increased trade between 
our two countries will lead to greater economic opportunities and 
swifter economic development in Laos. The lifting of the tariffs will 
directly improve the living standards of hundreds of weavers, 
silversmiths, and basket-makers whose way of life, which is such an 
important part of the economy and so undemanding of the environment, is 
severely penalized by the current tariffs. We feel it would be wise in 
this time of war to be able to make a simple peaceable improvement in 
the lives of hard-working people, such as these artisans. Laos is a 
member of ASEAN, an organization with which the US is working to 
strengthen regional stability. As such, Laos deserves the same benefit 
of NTR as its fellow ASEAN members.
            Thank you for your consideration,
                                                  Clare Brett Smith
                                                          President

                                 

                    [BY PERMISSION OF THE CHAIRMAN:]

       From: A group of Lao community in Nordic countries and UK

     To: Honorable Members of Subcommittee of Trade, USA House of 
                            Representatives

Granting NTR to LaoPDR is a right way that American Congressmen choose 
          and make two countries close partners in the trade.

                                 ______
                                 
             Honorable Members of House of Representatives
    We, undersigned, believe that a currently emerging support from 
American people and Congressmen to approve the NTR agreement for the 
LaoPDR is a supremacy of foreign policy of the USA towards the 
developing countries. This tendency paves the way for opening the 
prospects of ASEAN-American free trade area and to promote the 
investment. The ASEAN-American free trade area will be a good model for 
the other regions.
    In realising this goal, the NTR must be given to the LaoPDR. Laos 
is the only remaining country in southeast Asia without NTR. Laos is 
rated one of the poorest developing countries in the world but due to 
the discriminatory tariffs barriers with the United States they are 
subject to the highest average tariffs.
    Looking at the Lao-American relations,our two countries have always 
maintained the unbroken diplomatic relations since its 1955 year 
establishment. Both countries have cooperated each other in different 
fields, such as POW/MIA, drug programmes and counter-terrorism. These 
activities have been implemented successfully in the LaoPDR. The 
American delegations at different level while visiting Laos appreciate 
the POW/MIA programmes and the Opening Market Economic Policy in the 
country. They are also satisfied with the changes in the political and 
economic fields in Laos,where the first constitution in 1991 and from 
that the number of laws have been adopted by the National Assembly.
    The Lao government has attached great importance to improving the 
living standard of the people in the whole country. In the National 
Assembly and the government there are more women taking the high 
positions. There is not a big gap between men and women in the 
political,economic and social administration. The equality gender has 
been improved. The ethnic minorities or tribes enjoy their full rights 
to carry out their engagement to work for the prosperity of the 
country.
    Unfortunately, the financial and economic crisis in the Asia in the 
1997 has affected LAoPDR so far,the Lao government seeks the ways to 
integrate the country into the World Economies and to create the 
conditions for becoming a member of WTO in the future. But,Laos lacks 
the NTR from the USA which is a fundamental instrument in order to 
attract more investors from the USA.
    The sound and safe economies of LaoPDR rests with the NTR 
granting,as the US market is big and reliable partner for ASEAN 
countries. Lao and American business people need to cooperate each 
other in the field of trade and investment.
    We are convinced that granting NTR to Laos can bring only mutual 
benefit to our both countries. It will also contribute to improving the 
living standard of the Laos people and to reduce the poverty and create 
the conditions for WTO membership in the future.
    Finally, the LaoPDR will be left out underdevelopment in 2020. 
Granting the NTR will also develop the small and medium business 
sectors in the LaoPDR and pave the ways for investors from the USA to 
Laos.
    We would like honorable members to consider the normalization of 
trading relations between the USA and LaoPDR and urge the Congressmen 
to adopt the NTR agreement. The adoption of the NTR for LaoPDR will 
strengthen the bilateral trade and economic cooperation.
                        Stockholm, 16 April 2003
            Respecfully yours,
    Kaykeo Akkhamountry, Oslo, Norway, Bounlom Keobouahom, Bergen, 
  Norway, Sitthiroth Rasphone, Norwich, U.K., Xayadeth Phouyavong, 
        Ange, Sweden, Silavanh Sawathvong, Umea, Sweden, Vilachith 
      Phommasack, Uppsala, Sweden, Phonephet Chounlamountry, Taby, 
Sweden, Khambou Hagberg, Skarpnack, Sweden, Vanthong Phengvichith, 
  Uppsala, Sweden, Vanvilay Phalamixay, Vallingby, Sweden, Amphone 
    Souvannasy, Jokkmok, Sweden, Viengphet Vanthanouvong, Uppsala, 
                                                             Sweden

                                 

                                                        Aloun Farms
                                              Kapolei, Hawaii 96709
Honorable Philip M Crane,
Chairman Subcommittee on Trade,
Committee on Ways and Means
House of Representatives,
United States Congress

Honorable Edward Case,
Congressman (Hawaii)
House of Representatives,
United States Congress

    Dear Congressmen Crane and Case:

    My family and I are Hawaii-based Laotian American and owned and 
operate Aloun Farm, Inc. one of Hawaii State larger grower of 
vegetables, melons, and corn that operates 3,200 acres and employs over 
200 workers in Central Oahu. I am writing in support of the Bush 
Administration's recommendation to grant permanent NTR to Laos (Lao 
People's Democratic Republic). In accord with my fellow colleague of 
Laotian-American community leaders/professionals in Hawaii and those 
across the U.S. Mainland, I respectfully urge your full review of our 
joint statements, and take favorable action by your esteemed Committee. 
The said statement outlines the socio-political, and humanitarian 
reasons for granting the NTR to Laos.
    Laos is geo-politically located in a critical place and holds a 
tremendous social and economic potential value not only to its ASEAN 
neighboring countries, but can be a rich agriculture trading region 
with the U.S. in the years ahead. In recent years, I had the privilege 
to travel throughout Asia and have started a few businesses in Thailand 
and Southern China in the agriculture trade. I see Laos to have the 
idea resources and climate to grow fruits and vegetables during the 
winter months that the greater north Asia cannot. Allowing US-NTR 
status to Laos will pave the way with such agricultural and economic 
growth that will pave the foundation for a stability region.
            Sincerely,
                                                           Alec Sou
                                              General Manager/Owner
                                 ______
                                 
    Dear Friends and Relatives: Pleases write a few lines (copy the 
Statement attached to my later) and send it out. Ask as many of your 
friends who are U.S. citizens to write to both Crane and their own 
congressan (for Hawaii residence copy Congressman Neil Abercrombie, 
email as shown below; or Ed Case [email protected]). you can also 
fax or both fax and email. Your letter counts. Deadline is 21 April. 
Rush! PP

From: Puongpun
To: [email protected]
Cc: [email protected]
Sent: Saturday, April 12, 2003 08:14
Subject: Support for Granting U.S Normal Trade Relation (NTR) to Laos

April 11, 2003, Honolulu, Hawaii

Honorable Philip M Crane, Chairman,
Subcommittee on Trade,
Committee on Ways and Means'
House of Representatives,
United States Congress.

Honorable Neil Abercrombie,
Congressman (Hawaii)
House of Representatives,
United States Congress

    Dear Congressmen Crane and Abercrombie:

    I am a Hawaii-based Laotian American and President and CEO of 
Pacific Management Resources (PacMar Inc.), a well-established 
international consulting company that has been providing professional 
and business advisory services throughout the Asia Pacific region for 
the past two decades.
    I am writing in support of the Bush Administration's recommendation 
to grant permanent NTR to Laos (Lao People's Democratic Republic).
    For this purpose, I have attached a statement which was jointly 
drafted and adopted by key Laotian-American community leaders/
professionals in Hawaii and those across the U.S. Mainland. The said 
statement, in my view, reflects very accurately the opinions of the 
vast majority of the 4,000 Laotian-Americans in Hawaii, and over half 
million other Laotian-Americans across the United States, on this 
issue. I respectfully urge your full review of this statement, and 
favorable action by your esteemed Committee. The said statement 
outlines the socio-political, and humanitarian reasons for granting the 
NTR to Laos. I would like to add the following additional economic and 
strategic reasons for granting the NTR to Laos:
    We support granting the NTR for Laos not only because it reflects 
the collective sentiments of the vast majority of the Laotian-American 
communities in Hawaii and across the U.S.; but, more importantly, 
granting the NTR to Laos will serve the best long-term economic and 
strategic interests of the United States of America in the greater 
ASEAN region.
    Laos is a member of ASEAN. The country is strategically located 
right in the heart of the Greater Mekong Sub-Region (GMS), which is 
home to over 250 million ethnically diverse populace with some of the 
fastest-growing markets and most dynamic economies, including those of 
China, Vietnam, Thailand, as well as the newly emerging but fast-
changing economies of Cambodia, and Burma.
    Major multi-lateral funding agencies (e.g. the ADB, Worldbank), 
bilateral donors, and leading private U.S. and other multi-national 
companies are committing massive aid and investment resources into the 
GMS. They view the GMS as one large, and increasingly integrated 
market, and highly promising new investment ``frontiers,'' of which 
Laos is an inseparable part.
    Major multi-modal infrastructural networks (new trans-national road 
networks, railroads, civil aviation and telecommunication systems) are 
being planned and developed at rapid pace for this GMS region, most of 
them connecting to and/or traversing various parts of Laos (which 
shares common boarders with all other five GMS nations).
    Laos--being richly endowed with diverse forestry/mineral resources, 
and vast exportable hydro-power potential--is poised to be one of the 
key ``hubs'' for cross-boarder trade, and economic exchanges, and 
lucrative market links among the six GMS nations. The U.S. is currently 
among the leading economic ``stakeholders'' in the GMS. Continued 
refusal to grant NTR to Laos is detrimental to the current and long-
term U.S. national interest in this dynamic and fast-growing region.
    The significance of Laos to the U.S. regional economic and security 
interests must be viewed in this broader ASEAN and GMS context. It is 
in the light of these broader U.S.-ASEAN regional economic and security 
interests that I urge your esteemed Committee to recommend the granting 
of the much overdue US-NTR to Laos.
            Sincerely yours,
                                                Puongpun Sananikone
                                    President and CEO, PacMar Inc..
 (address: 3615 Harding Avenue, Suites 408-409, Honolulu, HI 96816.
                                                  Tel: 808-7328731)
    Attachment:
                                 ______
                                 

         Statement of Support From Laotian-Americans in Hawaii

                                  For

               The Bush Administration's Trade Initiative

                To extend Normal Trade Relations to Laos

    We, Laotian-Americans in Hawaii, believe that:
    Widespread and rapidly growing unemployment among youth in Laos has 
driven tens of thousands of them to flee to Thailand and other 
neighboring countries where they fall prey to exploitative and inhumane 
treatment by their employers and criminals; while the land-locked 
Laotian economy continues to weaken due to decline in foreign 
investment and its weak capability to compete with its neighbors in the 
export markets. The situation is further aggravated by the continued 
denial of US NTR to Laos while such privilege is enjoyed by its 
stronger immediate neighbors, including Vietnam and Cambodia.
    US NTR for Laos is not a panacea for its social economic problems, 
but it will put Laos on a level playing field with its neighboring 
countries on which to compete for a share of the U.S. markets. This in 
turn will stimulate domestic and foreign investment in Laos and give 
the country a fair chance to provide decent jobs for its youth and 
thereby help reverse the current ill treatment and suffering they have 
had to endure, both in Laos and in neighboring countries.
    We realize that Laotian communities across the U.S. are not 
unanimous in their views about the current Laotian Government and its 
policies, and that the majority of Laotian Americans still wish to see 
more political reforms and changes. But we believe that a stronger 
Laotian economy will improve living conditions of the Laotian people 
who, in turn, will then become real stakeholders and, eventually 
catalysts for change. Experience in Asia has amply demonstrated that 
the democratization process has been economically driven.
    While understanding and respecting the views of those opposing the 
granting of US NTR for Laos, we ask that they also understand and 
respect our views and positions on this important matter. As American 
citizens, we have the obligation to respect each other's rights and 
freedom to express our views in accordance with our belief and 
conscience.
    The majority of Laotian Americans have reconnected with their 
homeland. Most of them have returned to Laos for visits and have 
relatives who are still there and wish to see that they be given a fair 
chance for a better living. Most Laotian Americans believe that 
promoting economic development is the best way to promote peaceful and 
sustainable change in Laos.
    We wholeheartedly applaud and share the position taken by the Bush 
Administration on the issue of US NTR for Laos. Ambassador Hartwick is 
trying to encourage discussion and favorable consideration of this 
initiative.
    Laotian Americans and friends of the Laotians who share our views 
should exercise their right of freedom of speech by voicing their views 
to their respective Congressional representatives, especially members 
of the House Ways and Means Committee.
    The opposition to the US NTR to date seeks to isolate and 
impoverish Laos for their own ambiguous political agenda. They have 
organized and financed aggressive lobby efforts to prevent hearings on 
this matter. Some of them continue to believe that poverty will force 
change in Laos. Recent history in Asia shows otherwise. People in 
isolated and poor North Korea have no means to ask for change, they 
starve in silence; while in relatively rich South Korea and other parts 
of Asia (Thailand, Taiwan, Malaysia, Philippines etc.) growing 
affluence of the peoples have created economically strong and well 
educated middle class who in turn have proven to be the real incubators 
and guardians of the growing democratization process.
    A constructive engagement approach is a better alternative for the 
U.S. to promote change in Laos; and that promoting change through 
peaceful socio-economic development is far more effective and humane 
than deliberate impoverishment of our fellow Laotians in Laos. The 
granting of NTR to Laos will open up U.S. market to tens of thousands 
of Laotian entrepreneurs and workers. This will ultimately lead to 
greater economic empowerment of Laotians, making them stakeholders in 
their own society and, thereby, creating genuine impetus towards 
democratization and the rule of law.
    For more information and assistance, please contact: The US-Lao NTR 
Coalition; 120 Broadway, Suite 4; Richmond, CA 94804; (510) 235-5005, 
(510) 235-5065; Website: Laotianlink.com; Email: [email protected]
    Hawaii Contact: Email: [email protected]; telephone: 808-735-
2602, 732-8731; fax: 808-734-2315; Mail: 3615 Harding Avenue, Suites 
408-409, Honolulu, HI 96816

                                 

                    [BY PERMISSION OF THE CHAIRMAN:]

                                                 Vientiane, Lao PDR
                                                     April 21, 2003
    I have been working professionally in agricultural and rural 
development and living in the Lao PDR for over 13 years now. As a 
fluent speaker of the Lao language and having worked in 13 of the 
nation's 17 provinces, I feel that I have some knowledge concerning the 
country and its current situation.
    I am quite concerned about the debates within the US about NTR for 
the Lao PDR. I feel that information given to the Congress in the past 
has sometimes been skewed by the narrow interests presented by a small 
group of Lao-Americans, especially a minority group of ethnically 
Hmong. Thus, this statement is to present another side, which I feel is 
more realistic, even for the ethnically Hmong living in the Lao PDR.
    As you know, the Lao PDR has been progressively more integrated 
into markets since the establishment of the New Economic Mechanism 
(NEM) in 1986. As with many changes here this NEM really never started 
to have an impact until about 1990. While market institutions and 
mechanisms are still in their fledgling stages they are beginning to 
work with the assistance of various donors. So the country is not only 
no longer considered as a non-market economy as when the Trade Act was 
passed in January 1975, but it's well on it's way into entering into 
the community of nations as a partner. It joined Association of South 
East Asian Nations (ASEAN) in 1997 and is working on meeting the ASEAN 
Free Trade Agreement (AFTA) requirements by 2008. This should be a 
great boost to the nation's economic development.
    As a less developed country in still in its early stages of 
development, the nascent markets for agriculture, forestry and small- 
and medium scale industry are important dimension of the economic 
development of the country. However, it is also important and urgent 
that Laos also have trade good trade relations with larger countries 
such as the US and the EU countries. Of course, it helps tremendously 
to have access to markets at favorable tariffs.
    The country has a number of products already which could benefit 
from NTR with the US. There is a burgeoning garment industry; 
considerable non-timber forest products (NTFPs) for the health foods 
and products niche markets; timber products, e.g., furniture, sawn 
wood, etc.; and coffee. There is yet an unreached potential for 
numerous agricultural products, such as, fruits and vegetables, various 
meat products, domesticated NTFPs, e.g., cardamon, eaglewood oil, etc. 
The Lao have tremendous skills in intricate silk and cotton weaving, 
which could be readily transferred to various types of complicated 
assembly work in the electronics and communications industries.
    Of course, there is still much to be accomplished in the 
commercialization of agriculture and in the appropriate 
industrialization of the country. But a necessary condition for 
economic development will be the opening of markets for its products. 
NTR with the US should provide a substantial boost to the nation's 
growth and development. Both the Government of the Lao PDR (GOL) and 
the general population are ready for such an improvement in US-Lao 
relations.
    Actually the GOL's relationship with the Hmong community has 
steadily improved in the past decade. This can be attested by the 
recent visit of Dr. Vang Dao of the University of Minnesota, a 
prominent Hmong leader within the US. I have personally worked with 
many fine Hmong people in villages and in the GOL, and there is very 
little tension between them and the Government for which there is some 
misinformation in the US by only a few of the more vocal members of the 
Hmong community.
                                              Charles Alton, Ph. D.

                                 

                    [BY PERMISSION OF THE CHAIRMAN:]

                          American Chamber of Commerce in Singapore
                                                   Singapore 228208
                                                     April 16, 2003
The Honorable Philip M. Crane
Chairman
Subcommittee on Trade
Committee on Ways and Means
US House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20515

    Dear Chairman Crane:

    The American Chamber of Commerce of Singapore (AmCham) and its 1400 
members actively expand US business throughout Asia and the Pacific, 
and therefore wish to support your and the Administration's initiative 
to normalise US trade relations with Laos. The submission of the 1997 
US-Laos Bilateral Trade Agreement to the 108th Congress we 
hope will result in the final ratification of this BTA, the extension 
of Normal Trade Relations (NTR) status to Laos, and thus the opening of 
new windows of opportunity for the surge in trade and investment that 
has benefited all parties after the passage of such BTAs with Cambodia 
and with Vietnam.
    Constructive engagement is a US policy that has proven to deliver 
positive results with Laos' neighbours in Indochina. Laos is unique in 
that region to have enjoyed continuous diplomatic relations with the 
US. It is also unique among the six countries of the Greater Mekong 
Subregion and all lesser developed countries world-wide to remain 
without NTR status. The Enterprise for ASEAN Initiative, announced at 
APEC in 2002, will engage and assist countries such as Laos to make the 
reforms necessary for WTO accession in the long term. In the short 
term, however, the extension of NTR status now would enable the US 
business community to play a positive role by constructively engaging 
in trade and investment in Laos to facilitate its economy opening to 
the mutual benefits of US trade and services and business norms.
    The granting of NTR status would create positive change for Laos on 
domestic, bilateral, regional and global levels. For the six million 
people of Laos who are among the most impoverished in the world, the 
opportunity to access the world's largest market at a tariff rate on 
par with their neighbours' level of access to the US (rather than the 
current 45.3% as found by Ed Gresser of the Progressive Policy 
Institute) such as the average 3% tariff on Vietnamese goods following 
the ratification of their BTA with the US, is essential. By allowing 
Laotian exports to be more competitive, this should encourage Laotians 
to diversify their agricultural base such as to produce more silk, 
increase their sales of handicrafts, textiles and hydroelectricity, and 
expand their manufacturing sector.
    On a bilateral level, the US business community in the Asia Pacific 
region will be at the forefront of exploring business opportunities in 
Laos as soon as one of the costs of doing business in Laos is removed 
by implementing the BTA and by granting NTR status. With the prospect 
of change, our members have renewed interest in pursuing business in 
Laos and in the GMS, and therefore have recently established an Amcham 
Sub Committee on the GMS.
    On a regional level, NTR status will help Laos be a more productive 
member of the Greater Mekong Subregion and of ASEAN which it joined in 
1997. American companies can strengthen regional economic integration 
in the GMS--a strategy of the ADB and the World Bank of which the US is 
a member--by more fully engaging in the multilateral donor funded 
projects that are knitting together the region's infrastructure. This 
utilisation of US technology and know-how will benefit Laos and will 
increase sales of American goods and services. On a global level, the 
commercialisation of the Laotian economy and increase of business in 
Laos will foster the growth of the private sector and policy reforms 
across all sectors of the economy which will enable Laos to meet its 
goal of joining the WTO and profiting from the global economy.
    We commend the work of you and your Committee on this issue, and 
hope that it is the final step to create the foundation for the 
normalisation of US-Laos bilateral relations. We look forward to 
working with you in this and in fostering the long term growth of US-
Laos economic relations.
            Sincerely yours,
                                                 Kristin E. Paulson
                                                              Chair
                          American Chamber of Commerce in Singapore
                                 

                    [BY PERMISSION OF THE CHAIRMAN:]

                           American Chamber of Commerce in Thailand
                                           Bangkok, Thailand, 10330
                                                     April 10, 2003
The Honorable Philip M. Crane
Chairman, Subcommittee on Trade
Committee on Ways and Means
U.S. House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20515

    Dear Chairman Crane:

    On behalf of the American Chamber of Commerce in Thailand (AMCHAM) 
and its 550 member companies doing business in Thailand, we would like 
to express our support for the extension of Normal Trade Relations to 
Laos. AMCHAM supports free trade and the benefits it provides to our 
trading partners, particularly developing nations.
    We support the slow but significant steps that the Lao Government 
has been undertaking since 1986 in introducing economic reforms in 
Laos. Laos has joined the Association of Southeast Asian Nations 
(1997), and is in the early stages of negotiations to become a member 
of the WTO. We agree with the Committee Advisory's March 5, 2003 
statement soliciting comments that ratification of the agreement ``will 
represent an important step toward economic reform and openness, which 
are key U.S. priorities in Laos.''
    The United States and the Lao People's Democratic Republic 
concluded a bilateral trade agreement in 1997 which calls for a 
reciprocal extension of NTR, although that agreement has not yet 
entered into force. This agreement will obligate Laos to open its 
markets to U.S. goods and services and to protect U.S. intellectual 
property rights. We support granting permanent NTR status to Laos and 
to enact the 1997 bilateral trade agreement by Congress enacting 
legislation amending the HTS to strike Laos permanently from General 
Note 3(b). We understand that on February 24, 2003, Secretary of State 
Colin Powell and United States Trade Representative Robert Zoellick 
sent a joint letter to Congress expressing the Administration's support 
for extending NTR status to Laos and for bringing into force the 1997 
agreement.
    Granting NTR to Laos would also be a step forward in achieving the 
goals set out by President George Bush during the October 2002 APEC 
meeting in Los Cabos, Mexico where he announced the Enterprise for 
ASEAN Initiative (EAI). President Bush also pledged to work with 
countries like Laos in their quest to meet the requirements for WTO 
accession.
    As American companies doing business in Thailand and in the 
IndoChina region, the security and politically stability of the region 
is often reflected in the economic conditions. With Laos being one of 
the poorest countries in the world, the ability to participate in 
normal trade relations with the U.S. will hopefully provide economic 
benefit to its people. For American companies in Thailand and abroad 
this would provide an opportunity to pursue successful trade and 
investment.
    We commend you and the Committee for considering taking this 
important step to normalize economic relations between the United 
States and Laos. We look forward to working with you to achieve this. 
Thank you for your consideration.
            Sincerely yours,
                                                       Ellen Devlin
                                                   AMCHAM President
                                                    Country Manager
                                                         Nike, Inc.

cc
    The Hon. Robert Zoellick, Office of the US Trade Representative
    The Hon. Douglas Hartwick, US Embassy--Vientianne

                                 

                                 American Friends Service Committee
                                   Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19102
                                                     April 21, 2003
The Honorable Philip M. Crane, Chairman
Subcommittee on Trade
Committee on Ways and Means
U.S. House of Representatives/Washington, DC 20515

    Dear Chairman Crane:

    I am writing to voice my strong support for the extension of Normal 
Trade Relations (NTR) to Laos. It is rather astounding that Laos, a 
country which is poor and extremely weak militarily should be one of 
only seven countries in the world without normal trade relations with 
the US.
    I have visited Laos on behalf of the American Friends Service 
Committee (AFSC) once or twice a year, almost every year since 1973. 
The AFSC and the Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) were the only two 
international non governmental organizations that were able to stay in 
Laos during the 1975 transition to the Lao People's Democratic Republic 
(Lao PDR) and both remain active in Laos today. We watched the massive 
exodus of Laotians to Thailand, especially from 1976 to 1978, as a 
result of harsh and inept policies of the new government. The status of 
the AFSC in Laos was initially uncertain but it improved gradually over 
the years. The government preferred to test out a working relationship 
with the AFSC in practice for some years before confirming it in 
writing in memoranda of understanding.
    AFSC staff have traveled over much of the country. Currently they 
carry out rural development projects in four provinces, in close 
collaboration with local officials and major participation by the 
villager-beneficiaries. AFSC staff are well aware of the many problems 
of Lao society. They are equally aware that the only course to 
improvement is through the practical experience of Lao and external aid 
personnel working together cooperatively as partners. Taking an 
accusatory or critical approach to local failings has been demonstrably 
counterproductive.
    Many of the Lao who fled the country in the 1970s and now live in 
the US are locked into a bitter memory of their harsh experiences of 
that time. Some are pushing actively for formal recognition and 
approval of their actions thirty years ago on behalf of the United 
States. Until that happens they may fear that normal relations may 
cause people to forget their sacrifice, which was very real. The voices 
of the old leaders of Lao-Americans in opposition to better US-Lao 
relations are often very loud in Congress but their arguments are 
counter productive to the goal of a better life for people in Laos that 
they claim to be seeking.
    Many Lao-Americans now make regular trips back to Laos. A number of 
them report that they would seriously like to invest in their former 
homeland on behalf of themselves, their relatives still in Laos and a 
more promising future for everyone. The passage of NTR would be a 
critical element in making such a future possible.
    The AFSC experience, which encompasses the entire history of the 
Lao PDR, is very clear. Productive cooperation between Americans and 
Laotians has advanced US-Lao relations and improved daily living 
conditions for people in Laos. The exchange of mutual recriminations 
has made life for people in Laos only worse. The lack of NTR may appeal 
to the anger of those looking back to the past, but it will only retard 
real improvement in the future quality of life of people in Laos.
    It is long past time that the anachronism of the lack of normal 
trade relations with Laos be removed. On behalf of the welfare of 
people in Laos it is urgent that NTR be extended to Laos as soon as 
possible.
            Sincerely yours,
                                                        David Elder
                                         Regional Director for Asia

                                 

                                       Armenian Assembly of America
                                             Washington, D.C. 20001
                                                     April 21, 2003
The Honorable Philip M. Crane
Chairman,
Subcommittee on Trade of the Committee on Ways and Means
1104 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515

    Dear Chairman Crane:

    The Armenian Assembly of America strongly supports the extension of 
permanent normal trade relations (PNTR) treatment to products of 
Armenia.
    Armenia's strategic location at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, 
democratic stability, entrepreneurial spirit and western value system 
make Armenia an increasingly important partner for the United States in 
the Caucasus region. Armenia is poised to play a pivotal role as a 
commercial hub and has established a positive legal, regulatory and tax 
climate for foreign investment, reflecting the country's commitment to 
open and free trade.
    Since its independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, Armenia has 
vigorously pursued free-market reforms within a democratic framework. 
The overwhelming majority of state enterprises have been privatized or 
are in the privatization process. To further promote and facilitate 
direct foreign investment, Armenia's Ministry of Trade and Industry 
created the Investment and Export Policy Directorate. In addition, the 
Armenian government established the Armenian Development Agency (ADA) 
to provide ``one stop shopping'' services for potential investors.
    As a result, a number of multinational corporations have undertaken 
projects in Armenia, including: Coca-Cola, Phillip Morris, Huntsman 
Armenia Concrete Corporation, Federal Express, Northwest Airlines/KLM, 
International Legal Consulting and Sexess Petroleum Corporation, to 
name a few. Last year, U.S. Ambassador to Armenia, John Ordway, took 
note of Armenia's economic reforms and financial incentives, stating 
that ``One of the best indices of economic development of the 
Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) member-countries belongs to 
Armenia.''
    Armenia views the United States as a strategic partner and friend. 
It has demonstrated a strong desire to build a friendly and cooperative 
relationship with the United States, and has concluded many bilateral 
treaties and agreements with our nation.
    As you are aware, Armenia is still subject to the Jackson-Vanik 
provisions in Title IV of the Trade Act of 1974, which govern the 
extension of normal trade relations (NTR) to non-market economy nations 
ineligible for such status as of the enactment of the Trade Act. 
Armenia was first granted NTR in 1992 under a waiver from the freedom 
of emigration requirements of the statute. The President has 
consistently found Armenia to be in full compliance, as President Bush 
recently certified to Congress on January 29, 2003.
    Furthermore, on February 5, 2003, Armenia was acceded to the WTO. 
The Director-General of the WTO, Dr. Supachai Panitchpakdi said about 
Armenia's accession, ``Since achieving independence, Armenia embarked 
on a comprehensive process of liberalization and market reform in which 
membership of the WTO is a decisive milestone.''
    Armenia's recent accession to the WTO further supports its noted 
progress. However, neither Armenia nor the United States will be able 
to avail itself of full WTO benefits until permanent normal trading 
relations are granted. Representative Joseph Knollenberg has introduced 
H.R. 528, which would extend PNTR with Armenia. This important 
bipartisan measure will help strengthen U.S.-Armenia relations and 
allow for greater trade benefits between the United States and Armenia.
    Increased U.S.-Armenia trade and investment not only advances U.S. 
foreign policy by further strengthening Armenia's free-market economic 
development and integration into the world economy, but also helps to 
offset the damaging impact of Turkey's and Azerbaijan's blockades, 
estimated by the World Bank at up to $720 million a year. These 
blockades have cut off the transport of food, fuel, medicine and all 
other commodities via traditional transport to and from the states of 
the Former Soviet Union. They also precipitated a humanitarian crisis 
requiring the United States to send emergency assistance to Armenia. By 
obstructing the delivery of gas, the blockades created unbearable 
conditions during winters when the Armenian population was forced to 
live without heat, Armenian children went without schooling, and 
hospitals were unable to care for the sick. In addition, a 
disproportionate share of U.S. assistance was required for humanitarian 
needs as opposed to short-and medium-term economic development 
projects. According to the World Bank, lifting the blockades could 
reduce Armenia's transportation costs by 30 to 50 percent, increase the 
Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by over 30 percent and double exports.
    In spite of the dual blockades, Armenia's economic reform measures 
are progressing. Armenia earned a high rating in the Wall Street 
Journal and Heritage Foundation's ``2003 Index of Economic Freedom.'' 
The index, which measured how 161 countries scored on a list 50 
independent variables divided into ten broad economic factors, 
including: trade and monetary policy, government intervention in the 
economy, banking and property rights, rated Armenia 44th. 
According to the study, Armenia remains the most economically free 
nation in the region, including all nations in the CIS.
    In addition, Armenia's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) increased 12.9 
percent last year--the highest among the former Soviet republics. The 
growth remains strong this year, as Armenia's GDP reached 7.5 percent 
on the first two months of this year. The International Monetary Fund 
representative in Yerevan, James McHugh, qualifies Armenia's 
macroeconomic situation as ``very favorable.'' Last year, Armenia's 
exports increased by over 48 percent with Belgium, Israel, Russia, the 
United Kingdom and the United States registering as the top trading 
partners. In 2002, total U.S.-Armenia bilateral trade amounted to more 
than $134 million.
    The United States can and should continue to heighten its 
activities in promoting and facilitating U.S. direct foreign 
investment, trade and economic development in Armenia. Extending 
permanent normal trade relations to Armenia will not only enhance trade 
and investment between the United States and Armenia, but will also 
strengthen a strong relationship between our two nations.
    For these reasons, the Armenian Assembly strongly supports the 
extension of PNTR treatment to the products of Armenia. We offer these 
comments solely on behalf of the Armenian Assembly of America and no 
other client, person, or organization.
            Sincerely,
                                                   Hirair Hovnanian
                                        Chairman, Board of Trustees

                                                    Peter Vosbikian
                                       Chairman, Board of Directors

                                 

                             Armenian National Committee of America
                                         Glendale, California 91206
                                                     March 18, 2003
The Honorable Phil Crane
Chairman, Subcommittee on Trade of the
Committee on Ways and Means
U.S. House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20515

    Dear Rep. Crane,

    On behalf of our nation's one and a half million citizens of 
Armenian heritage, the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) 
appreciates this opportunity to share with the members of the Trade 
Subcommittee of the U.S. House Ways and Means Committee our support for 
granting Permanent Normal Trade Relations (PNTR) status to Armenia. Our 
organization and community have expressed support for legislation on 
this matter, H.R. 528, introduced by Congressmen Joseph Knollenberg and 
Frank Pallone and cosponsored by over thirty of their U.S. House 
colleagues.
    As members of this esteemed panel are aware, Armenia formally 
joined the World Trade Organization (WTO) this February. The specific 
circumstances of Armenia's accession were outlined in the ``2003 Trade 
Policy Agenda and 2002 Annual Report of the President of the United 
States on the Trade Agreements Program,'' prepared by the Office of the 
U.S. Trade Representative and submitted to the Congress pursuant to 
Section 163 of the Trade Act of 1974, as amended (19 U.S.C. 2213). In 
this report, the USTR explained that:
    Armenia, the fourth of the Republics of the former Soviet Union and 
the twelfth transforming economy to complete accession negotiations 
under Article XII of the WTO Agreement, was also able to complete 
legislative work in 2002. At the time its accession package was 
approved by the General Council in December 2002, Armenia affirmed that 
it would not take any direct or indirect action that would impede or 
slow down the accession process of Azerbaijan to the WTO, nor block the 
decision-making process concerning the accession of Azerbaijan to the 
WTO. Prior to General Council approval of the accession package, the 
United States invoked the non-application provisions of the WTO 
Agreement contained in Article XIII with respect to Armenia. This was 
necessary because the United States must retain the right to withdraw 
``normal trade relations'' (NTR) (called ``most-favored-nation'' 
treatment in the WTO) for WTO Members that receive NTR with the United 
States subject to the provisions of the ``Jackson-Vanik'' clause and 
the other requirements of Title IV of the Trade Act of 1974. In such 
cases, the United States and the other country do not have ``WTO 
relations'' which, among other things, prevents the United States from 
bringing a WTO dispute based on a violation by the other country of the 
WTO or the commitments in its accession package. This brings to six the 
number of times since the establishment of the WTO in 1995 that the 
United States as invoked non-application.
    As noted in this report, in its accession package, Armenia agreed 
to comply with all WTO rules and agreements and made tariff concessions 
on a most-favored nation (MFN) basis. Armenia's accession represents 
its commitment to market-oriented economic reform, trade 
liberalization, and foreign investment. However, as a former member of 
the Soviet Union, Armenia is subject to the Jackson-Vanik provisions of 
the 1974 Trade Act and receives MFN treatment from the United States on 
a conditional basis. As a result, the U.S. invoked its right of non-
application at the WTO prior to Armenia's accession, with the result 
that the WTO agreements do not apply between the U.S. and Armenia until 
the U.S. grants Armenia PNTR and revokes non-application. Because of 
this, American businesses cannot take advantage of any of Armenia's WTO 
concessions or initiate a WTO dispute on any potential violation by 
Armenia of the WTO rules or its accession commitments.
    In order for Armenia's economic growth to continue and for its 
benefits to reach more people, Armenia needs to increase investment and 
trade. Armenia is dedicated to expanding its economic relationship with 
the United States, but, without PNTR, Armenia loses its ability to 
attract viable export markets in and investment from the United States. 
At the same time, without PNTR, American entrepreneurs who see Armenia 
as an emerging economy with potential for investment and trade hesitate 
to establish ventures that cannot be protected by WTO rules or to 
import Armenian goods at higher, non-MFN tariff rates.
    We believe that it is important that the United States establish 
PNTR and formalize their WTO relationship with Armenia, a strong friend 
and ally of the American people. Despite long-standing economic 
blockades by its neighbors, Armenia has managed to sustain strong 
levels of economic growth and a commitment to open markets and free 
trade. Examples of this include the United States--Armenia Agreement on 
Bilateral Trade Relations in 1992 and Bilateral Investment Treaty in 
1996. Last year bilateral trade between the United States and Armenia 
amounted to more than $134,200,000. It is our hope in the coming months 
to build upon the progress we have already made by encouraging even 
greater economic cooperation through the negotiation of a Trade and 
Investment Framework Agreement, a Bilateral Tax Treaty, and a Social 
Security Agreement, among others.
    In closing, we want to share with you the importance we attach to 
the role the United States has played as the driving force and champion 
of the rules-based trading system of the WTO. It is our hope that the 
United States will continue in this proud tradition by extending PNTR 
to Armenia, and, accordingly, we respectfully encourage the Congress to 
approve PNTR for Armenia at the earliest opportunity.
    Thank you for your kind consideration of our concerns.
            Sincerely,
                                                  Aram S. Hamparian
                                                 Executive Director

                                 

                                         Woodbridge, Virginia 22193
                                                     March 20, 2003
To: LHonorable Charles Grassley, Chairman, Committee on Finance, United 
States Senate. 
Honorable William M. Thomas, Chairman, Committee on Ways and Means, 
House of Representatives.

E-mail: [email protected]
Fax: (202) 225-2610
Date: March 20, 2003


    Honorable:

    As American citizen, I am asking for your support for granting 
normal trade relations status (NTR) to the Lao People's Democratic 
Republic.
    This small, landlocked country of Laos was never at war with the 
United States, but was heavily bombed because it was next to Vietnam. 
Diplomatic relations between the United States and Laos were never 
severed, unlike other nations in the region. Truly, Laos is a bit 
player in this South East Asian economic show, but why make it even 
more difficult for them to develop market economy.
    I'm not the type of person who believes that we owe Laos something. 
Granting of the NTR costs us nothing. This isn't a monetary gift; it's 
a chance for them to attract US business and investment. NTR will help 
improving standard of living for one of the poorest countries in the 
world.
    I therefore, support the joint proposal of Honorable Colin Powell, 
Secretary of State and Honorable Robert Zoellick of the USTR, for 
granting NTR to Laos.
    It is my sincere hope that you will support the said proposal and 
help granting NTR to Laos.
            Sincerely,
                                                     Mark Armstrong

                                 

                    [BY PERMISSION OF THE CHAIRMAN:]

                              Association Boun enfants des rizieres
                                            13012 Marseille, France
To: LHonourable Philip M. Crane, Chairman, Subcommittee on Trade of the 
Committee on Ways and Means, House of representatives

    Honourable Philip M. Crane,

    The members of our association formed by lao expatriats from 
France, ``Boun enfant des rizieres'', a humatarian non governmental 
organisation, we would like to support the approval of of the bilateral 
agreement between the Lao's people democratic republic and the United 
states of America on trade relations with NTR.
                                                  Mme Boun Siyavong
                                                         presidente

                                 

                                           Charlotte, Vermont 05445
    Dear Congressman Crane,

    I am writing to support normal trade relations (NTR) with the Lao 
Democratic People's Republic, Laos.
    I am just completing a two-week stay in northern and central Laos, 
a country to which I was attracted by it rich cultures and its 
remoteness. But there is not romance in stark poverty. We spent the 
night in a Khmu village, a half day's walk from the nearest town. A few 
solar lights and a gas-powered rice thresher are its only concessions 
to the modern world. A health care worker visits monthly. Villages grow 
vegetables and rice and raise cows, pigs, and chicken. The rise at dawn 
to fetch water, bathe and do laundry in the river--where they also 
fish. There is no sanitation of any kind in the village of 135. In 
Laos, one in five children dies before age five.
    Land-locked and surrounded by fast-growing economies in China, 
Vietnam, Thailand, and even the weaker Cambodia and Myanmar--all of 
which enjoy NTR, Laos has virtually no serious economy. With no 
revenue, the government cannot provide even the most basic services: 
education, healthcare, roads, electricity, safe drinking water.
    The Lao government is cooperating with the United States on its 
POW/MIA accounting even as tons of unexploded ordinanace dropped by 
American bombers continue to injure scores of Lao each year. Laos is 
one of only two countries in the world--joined only by Cuba and North 
Korea, without NTR, a situation impossible to justify. In February, 
2003, Us Trade Representative Robert Zoellick and Secretary of State 
Colin Powell summarized, ``The Administration believes that extending 
NTR to Laos will create a more cooperative atmosphere and opportunities 
that will help open the society and leverage our efforts to improve 
human rights, religious freedom and rule of law in Laos.
    I strongly encourage you to approve NTR for Laos.
            Sincerely yours,
                                                  Elizabeth Bassett

                                 

                                             Washington, D.C. 20009
The Honorable Philip Roth, Chair of Sub-Committee on Trade
The House Committee on Ways and Means

    Dear Chairman Roth:

    It is important for the United States and Laos to enjoy normal 
trade relations. It is the wish of the Administration and would fulfill 
the 1997 bi-lateral trade agreement between our two nations.
    My family and I have enjoyed traveling in Laos. We know many 
people, including Lao-American friends, who wish the U.S. to have a 
stronger relationship with Laos. It is a beautiful country with 
gracious people. Normal trade relations would allow opportunities for 
business and greater cultural exchange with Laos.
    Diplomatic ties have never been broken between the United States 
and Laos. Laos is a member of ASEAN. Lack of normal trade relations now 
seems an oversight that must be remedied.
    Thank you for your attention to our interest in NTR status for 
Laos.
            Yours sincerely,
                                                       Sally Benson

                                 

                                                         Ti M. Beri
                                       Falls Church, Virginia 22043
                                                      April 6, 2003
Congressman Philip M. Crane

Re: Extension of Normal Trading Relations Status to Laos


    Dear Congressman Crane:

    I write to you to express my support for the extension of Normal 
Trading Relations (``NTR'') with the Lao People's Democratic Republic 
(``Laos''). I was dismayed to learn recently that Laos remains one of 
only three countries subject to column 2 (non-NTR) tariff rates in the 
Harmonized Tariff Schedule. Laos suffered heavily during the difficult 
years of the Vietnam War, having earned the dubious distinction of 
being one of the most heavily bombed nations in the world. The United 
States government was not blameless for the difficulties that Laos 
faced both during that conflict and following American withdrawal from 
the region.
    While Laos remains one of the world's poorest countries, the 
Laotian government has taken halting steps to both repair its image and 
integrate the country into the world's trading networks. In 1997 Laos 
joined the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (``ASEAN'') and has 
already begun negotiations to join the World Trade Organization 
(``WTO''). Extending NTR status to Laos would encourage these efforts 
by providing an olive branch in support of the government's reform 
efforts, providing incentives to further shift the country from the 
command economy it has known in the past. In addition this modest 
extension on the part of the United States would fulfill the promise of 
the 1997 bilateral trading agreement negotiated between the United 
States and Laos.
    Extending NTR status would be in the interests of both the United 
States and Laos. By opening much needed trade between the two 
countries, the United States would be closing the book on a difficult 
chapter in American history, in particular the tumultuous period of the 
1960s-1970s in which Laos became a battleground for forces larger than 
itself. Increased trade would stimulate the Laotian economy that has 
already seen tremendous growth since the country joined ASEAN. Laos 
would quickly become a more attractive place for U.S. investment, a 
development that could help tap much of the nation's potential 
resources. In addition, increased trade would provide legitimate 
sources of income to a population that all too often must turn to the 
illicit trade in both human trafficking and narcotics to make a living.
    In the past some commentators have argued that the extension of NTR 
status would exacerbate the human rights situation in Laos. In reality, 
the extension of NTR status, coupled with American support for Laos's 
further integration into multilateral organizations such as the WTO and 
ASEAN will provide incentives to the Laotian government to improve its 
human rights record as it faces greater scrutiny under the lens of its 
trading partners. In addition, lest this government forget, the United 
States is hardly blameless for the treatment received by the Hmong 
following American withdrawal from Southeast Asia in the late 1970s 
(one of the largest outstanding human rights issues facing Laos). By 
extending NTR status, the United States will be providing a much needed 
signal that the U.S. is willing to work with the government of Laos to 
address concerns and build a bridge underpinned with mutual respect and 
understanding. By promoting trade between the two nations, increased 
cultural exchange will inevitably take place. It is this exchange that 
will help the Hmong-American community reconnect and advocate directly 
with the Laotian government. In addition, as one of the hundreds of 
thousands of Laotian-Americans living in the United States, I know 
personally that there exists a large desire among the Laotian-American 
community to see increased ties between the U.S. and Laos in order to 
promote and enhance significant reform within Laos. I am hopeful that 
increased economic ties will bring increased understanding that will 
help address human rights issues, poverty, and the attendant social 
problems that stem from Laos's economic situation.
    Should this Congress see fit to extend NTR status, it will see a 
number of individuals, particularly among the Laotian-American 
community willing to go about the work of ensuring that the new 
economic ties benefit both countries. Products of Laos would soon find 
their place alongside products of Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore on 
American store shelves. In addition, the large infrastructure needs of 
Laos would become attractive investments for American enterprise that 
could benefit from the ability to export products to Laos and re-export 
products manufactured in Laos to the U.S.
    For these reasons, I urge this Congress to approve NTR status for 
Laos, an endeavor that is long overdue. Both nations will benefit by 
increasing their economic ties, and extending American trading 
relations into the Southeast Asian region.
            Respectfully submitted,
                                                         Ti M. Beri

                                 

                                   Long Island City, New York 11109

    I am writing to voice my support for Normal Trade Relations (NTR) 
with Laos, one of the world's least developed countries. I ask that the 
legislature pass the necessary legislation to extend NTR to Laos and 
bring into force the bilateral trade agreements concluded in 1997.
    NTR will benefit both the US and Laos. Increased trade between our 
two countries will lead to greater economic opportunities and swifter 
economic development in Laos, directly improving people's lives and 
living standards and also reinforcing the alternative economic 
development opportunities in anti-narcotics efforts. Greater cultural 
and human cooperation will encourage more openness, which I believe 
will accelerate the positive changes achieved over the past few years.
    Laos is a member of ASEAN, an organization with which the US is 
working to strengthen regional stability as part of the ASEAN 
Initiative. As such, Laos should have the benefit of NTR as does its 
neighbors and fellow ASEAN members. And normalized trade relations with 
the US will be a big first step to further integrate Laos into the 
world trade system.
            Thank you.
                                                        Marvin Berk

                                 

                                         Belleville, Michigan 48111
                                                      April 8, 2003
To: LHonorable Charles Grassley, Chairman, Committee on Finance, United 
States Senate.
Honorable William M. Thomas, Chairman, Committee on Ways and Means. 
Honorable Philip M. Crane, Chairman, Subcommittee on Trade of Ways and 
Means Committee

E-mail: [email protected]
Fax: (202) 225-2610

    Honorable,

    As an American Citizen, I wholeheartedly support the joint proposal 
of Honorable Colin L. Powell, Secretary of State and Honorable Robert 
B. Zoellick, US Trade Representative, for granting the Permanent Normal 
Trade Relations to the Lao People's Democratic Republic.
    The Lao PDR is the only country in the area that hasn't got such 
facility yet although its Politico-Social situations are far better 
than others.
    I should appreciate if you could take the said proposal and my 
noble wish in consideration and render to Laos the fairness and real 
touch of the US generosity.
    Once again I thank you for your kind cooperation
            Sincerely yours,
                                                 Gary Lee Bledowski

                                 

                                           Fresno, California 93727
                                                    3April 16, 2003
The Honorable Chairman Williams Thomas
And Congressional members of the Ways and Means Committee
2208 Rayburn HOB
Washington, D.C. 20515-0522
Re: Granting of Normalize Trade Relations to Laos

    Dear Chairman Thomas,

    My name is Sam Thowsao Bliatout, a private US citizen who came to 
this country from Laos via refugee camp of Thailand in 1976. Graduated 
with Ph. D. in business administration in 1987, and currently owned a 
shopping center in Fresno, California, taking initiative and serve as 
chairman for economic development project on Southeast Fresno/Southeast 
Asian, funded by the city of Fresno, Vice-President of API Republican 
Coalition for the State of California. Also, in collaboration with the 
international business team I had made frequent flying to Southeast 
Asia for the last 12 years to do business consulting, specifically for 
Thailand and Laos and therefore I am writing this letter to request 
that NTR be granted to Laos for future sake of the poor Laotian 
citizens. Please co not allow this matter be interfered by conditions 
set by few small group of Laotian overseas political organizations as 
will cripple millions of their own citizen back home rather than do any 
good.
    We realize that problems such as human rights and democracy are 
existed, but not only Laos. As such, we should not take a small claim 
made by few small factions into consideration and panelize Laos for 
what they have been working hard to improve it. Within the Laotian's 
educational background and management capacities they have tried their 
best to adapt to the world by adjusting much of their rules and 
regulations for economic revitalization while improving human rights 
activities on the other hand. As an economic consultant in the region 
for over ten years I am confident enough that human rights and 
democracy will definitely follow when sufficient education and health 
care are properly provided, and by granting NTR to Laos I believe will 
be a major step toward achieving it.
    Despite the many negative issues voiced out by some political 
factions I have seen that Laos had been improving tremendously for the 
last ten years such as new construction can be seen almost every corner 
of the country, pave road and other communication systems are well 
connected, banking and business development gradually spread throughout 
the nation. With NTR in place, economic development in Laos will 
undoubtedly catching up with its neighboring countries, such as 
Vietnam, China and Thailand. Lastly, I believe that it is part of this 
country's responsibility as the superpower nation to ensure equal 
access and services offer to our friends who are trying hard toward 
reaching our goals of promoting democracy and equality. I pledge that 
you vote ``YES'' to NTR for Laos at the United States Congress. If I 
can be of assistance to this matter, please do not hesitate to let me 
know.
            Sincerely,
                                             Sam T. Bliatout, Ph.D.

                                 

                                        Saint Paul, Minnesota 55104

   Granting Normal Trade Relation to Lao P.D.R. is a Moral Obligation

The Honorable
Charles B. Rangel
Committee on Ways and Means,
House of Representatives

    Dear Congresman Rangel:

    On April 21, 2003, the Lao-American community seeks your support 
for extending normal trade relations (NTR) status to Laos. This will 
bring into force the comprehensive bilateral trade agreement that the 
United States concluded with Laos in 1997.
    Laos has been unfairly denied NTR status in the past due to the 
legacy of the Indochina War. Those who oppose NTR for Laos are mostly 
former military officials who oppose anything that would strengthen the 
tie between Laos and the US. They are claiming genocide and ethnic 
cleansing in the country. On the contrary, according to Ambassador 
Wartwick, there is no evidence to support these claim. Their accusation 
is motivated by their bitterness that they can't let go due to the 
legacy of the Indochina War. Most of Lao-Americans, especially the 
younger generation, would rather to move on and see that the two 
countries strengthen their ties.
    I have traveled to Laos five times in the last five years and 
visited extensively thorough out the country. Laos has suffered 
tremendously because of the Indochina War. Hundreds and thousand of 
men, women and children still die each year due to the unexploded 
cluster bombs that the US dropped between 1964 and 1973. Lao people 
have suffered enough, however, they are every humble, generous and 
willing to move on. They deserve US economic involvement. The US has a 
moral obligation to improve tie with Laos and provide assistance to its 
development.
    Unlike Vietnam and Cambodia, Laos is the only Indochina country 
that has maintained unbroken ties with the US through the Indochina War 
and its aftermath. Laos has been providing a tremendous support to the 
US on the issues of POW search and narcotic control. Laos has also 
become a great support on counter-terrorism after the September 11, 
2001 incident. And yet, Laos is the only Indochina country that US has 
not granted NTR. This is morally wrong. Please vote for NTR for Laos. 
It is the only right thing to do.
                                                 Sonelay Boualouang
                                             Lao-American Community

                                 

                                                Dallas, Texas 75206
                                                     April 21, 2003
To: LHonorable Philip M. Crane, Chairman, Subcommittee on Trade of Ways 
    and Means Committee,
E-mail: [email protected]
Fax: (202) 225-2610

    Honorable Crane:

    This letter is in strong support of granting normal traderelation 
status (NTR) to the Lao People's Democratic Republic (Laos). After more 
than twenty years in their new country, many Laotian-Americans still 
have a need for goods and services that used to be part of their daily 
lives back in their motherland. These goods, which include arts and 
crafts, agricultural products and canned food items, are unavailable to 
Laotian-Americans here in the United States. Many Laotian-American 
entrepreneurs see this as a promising job and business opportunity. 
Granting NTR status to Laos will allow these entrepreneurs to pursue 
their ideas.
    American businesses will also benefit from granting of NTR. 
Currently, US have a very small business establishment in Laos, 
compares to China, Thailand, and Japan. NTR will encourage and allow a 
greater presence of US companies in this country. Laos has established 
itself to become an important market for US goods and services when it 
joined the Association of Southeast Asia Nations (ASEAN) in 1997. The 
United States Government should help American companies grab a bigger 
share of this market by granting NTR status.
    NTR status will help strengthen good understanding between the 
governments and peoples of the United States and Laos. Cooperation on 
POW/MIA, narcotics control and terrorist issues indicate that Laos is 
committed to building a better relationship with the United States. 
Granting NTR status will demonstrate that the United States is also 
committed.
    I appreciate very much a joint proposal of Honorable Colin Powell, 
Secretary of State and Honorable Robert Zoellick of the USTR, for 
granting NTR to Laos.
    I should appreciate if you could kindly support the proposal in 
granting NTR to Laos.
            Sincerely,
                                          Prasith Sid Bounsouaysana

                                 

                                                Arlington, VA 22204
Congressman Philip M. Crane
U.S. House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20515
Fax: 202-225-2610

Re: Granting Laos NTR

    Dear Congressman Crane:

    As a concerned Lao-American, I am compelled to help my country 
build a competitive economy and I believe granting Laos normalized 
trade relations (NTR) is one of them. Laos had suffered tremendously 
and it will get worse without the immediate lending hands of the U.S. 
Currently, almost half of the population live under poverty while the 
rest of the world is developing at a great rate. We cannot blindly turn 
our backs against them and let them die because I truly believe we can 
save them, however big or small. The US is the most compassionate and 
generous nation on this earth and by giving Laos a chance, it will be 
able to stand up on its own one day. Without NTR, Laos will not only 
collapse economically, but socially and politically as well.
    If you don't believe me, please go to Laos and see the reality of 
life with your own eyes. You'll see how sick and starving the people 
have become. They desperately need to be rescue and feed. By granting 
Laos NTR, the US will help the country and the people build better 
lives. It's indispensable that this action be taken now before it's too 
late.
    Thank you immensely for your attention and I look forward to seeing 
you granting Laos NTR in the near future.
            Regards,
                                                       Anola Boutah
                                                  Personnel Analyst

                                 

                                       South Riping, Virginia 20152
                                                      April 5, 2003
To: LHonorable Charles Grassley, Chairman, Committee on Finance, United 
    States Senate. 
    Honorable William M. Thomas, Chairman, Committee on Ways and Means. 

    Honorable Philip M. Crane, Chairman, Subcommittee on Trade of Ways 
    and Means Committee,
E-mail: [email protected]
Fax: (202) 225-2610

    Honorable:

    This letter is in strong support of granting normal trade relation 
status (NTR) to the Lao People's Democratic Republic (Laos).
    After more than twenty years in their new country, many Laotian-
Americans still have a need for goods and services that used to be part 
of their daily lives back in their motherland. These goods, which 
include arts and crafts, agricultural products and canned food items, 
are unavailable to Laotian-Americans here in the United States. Many 
Laotian-American entrepreneurs see this as a promising job and business 
opportunity. Granting NTR status to Laos will allow these entrepreneurs 
to pursue their ideas.
    American businesses will also benefit from granting of NTR. 
Currently, US have a very small business establishment in Laos, 
compares to China, Thailand, and Japan. NTR will encourage and allow a 
greater presence of US companies in this country. Laos has established 
itself to become an important market for US goods and services when it 
joined the Association of Southeast Asia Nations (ASEAN) in 1997. The 
United States Government should help American companies grab a bigger 
share of this market by granting NTR status.
    NTR status will help strengthen good understanding between the 
governments and peoples of the United States and Laos. Cooperation on 
POW/MIA, narcotics control and terrorist issues indicate that Laos is 
committed to building a better relationship with the United States. 
Granting NTR status will demonstrate that the United States is also 
committed.
    I appreciate very much a joint proposal of Honorable Colin Powell, 
Secretary of State and Honorable Robert Zoellick of the USTR, for 
granting NTR to Laos.
    I should appreciate if you could kindly support the proposal in 
granting NTR to Laos.
            Sincerely,
                                                     Caristan Braun

                                 

                        California-Asia Business Council (Cal-Asia)
                                          Alameda, California 94501
                                                     April 17, 2003
Letter in support of Normal Trade Relations with Laos:
To the Chairman
House Ways and Means Committee
U.S. House of Representatives
Washington DC
Electronically to: [email protected]
By fax to: (202) 225-2610

    Sir:

    The California-Asia Business Council has steadfastly supported 
commerce between California and Asian nations throughout its 32-year 
history.
    At this time, we ask the House of Representatives to favorably 
consider granting Normal Trade Relations to the People's Democratic 
Republic of Laos. We understand that US Trade Representative Zoellick 
and Secretary of State Powell have written to the House Ways and Means 
Committee in support of Lao NTR.
    Normal trade relations with Laos will positively affect economic 
development in Laos and thus benefit the people of Laos. The relative 
size of the two economies means that the reduction of tariffs implicit 
in NTR will hardly be felt by the U.S. However, the message NTR sends 
to the world could not be more relevant. Namely, trade brings peoples 
of the world together and we wish our relationships with every 
legitimate nation to be one of mutual respect.
    Our continuing liberalization of trade relations with Vietnam 
serves to illustrate the importance of such action.
                                                  Jeremy W. Potash,
                                                Executive Director,
                                   California-Asia Business Council

                                 

                                          Big Lake, Minnesota 55309
                                                     April 20, 2003
To:
United States Congress
House of Representatives
Ways and Means Committee
Subject: Establishment of Normal Trade Relations with the Lao People's 
    Democratic Republic (LPDR)

    Dear Sirs:

    We are writing in support of the legislation the will acted upon 
shortly concerning the establishment of Normal Trade Relations (NTR) 
with the LPDR. We support this action.
    As stated recently by the United States ambassador to Laos, this 
country is one of only four that do not benefit by NTR status. Based on 
statements by our ambassador we see no reason to continue to exclude 
LPDR from trade with the United States.
    The United States has many people from Laos living within its 
boarders. Better trade relations would allow them to buy items from 
their homeland at an affordable rate. Many of these people once 
assisted our government during its conflict in Southeast Asia. For 
various reasons they had to leave their homeland and it only seems fair 
that they be able to have contact with their culture by having 
realistic access to products from Laos.
    Laos is a poor country. Yearly income for many of its people is 
measured in hundreds of dollars. Establishing better trade relations 
would improve the economic future of the people of Laos.
    Critics of the NTR point to human rights violations by the LPDR. 
While this should be a concern, it should not be a reason to deny NTR 
status to the LPDR. The United States has trade relations with many 
counties that have abysmal human rights records. One needs only to look 
at the Middle East for these examples of abuse.
    Critics want to deny NTR because the government of Laos is 
communist. During the cold war we engaged in trade with many communist 
governments, including our great nemesis the Soviet Union. We currently 
trade with many communist countries, including China, Vietnam and 
Cambodia. The cold war is over, its time to treat Laos as we would any 
other country.
    Good trade relations can go a long way towards improving the lives 
of the people of Laos. To this end we urge you to support the 
establishment of Normal Trade Relations with the LPDR.
    Thank you for your consideration of our concerns.
            Sincerely,
                                            Mark and Janice Carroll

                                 

                                                   Caterpillar Asia
                                                   Singapore 627968
The Honorable Phillip Crane
Chairman, Subcommittee on Trade
House Ways & Means Committee

    Dear Chairman Crane:

    On behalf of Caterpillar Asia, I would like to urge you to move 
forward to pass Normal Trade Relations (NTR) with Laos.
    We are well aware that NTR with Laos has been strongly endorsed by 
Secretary of State Powell and U.S. Trade Representative Zoellick. Laos 
NTR is important to our company for the following reasons:
    -Laos is a member of the ten country Association of Southeast Asian 
Nations (ASEAN) group--ASEAN is America's third largest overseas 
market; our trade with ASEAN contributes nearly 800,000 high paying 
U.S. export jobs; and, American companies have tremendous equity in the 
region as its top investor.
    -Passing NTR for Laos is a key step to building the foundation for 
moving forward with the Enterprise for ASEAN Initiative (EAI) which was 
announced by President Bush on October 26, 2003 at APEC in Los Cabos, 
Mexico. Engaging ASEAN through the EAI is an important step for U.S. 
competitiveness in this key market. As you know, China is moving 
forward with negotiations for a China-ASEAN Free Trade Agreement (FTA), 
and Japan and Europe are also beginning to implement similar frameworks 
with ASEAN.
    -The Administration and U.S. Embassy in Vientiane report that Laos 
is showing signs of moving forward on key areas of past concern as we 
enhance engagement with the country. These areas, including religious 
freedom, human rights and economic reform are highlighted in the 
Administration's letter to you recommending moving forward on Laos NTR.
    -This legislation will allow U.S. companies to have enhanced 
protection for trademarks and investment in Laos and ASEAN.
    For all these reasons, I hope that the House Subcommittee on Trade 
will move forward with NTR for Laos as soon as possible. This would be 
considered a positive step forward for U.S. leadership on trade in 
Asia, and particularly in the ASEAN region.
    Thank you for your consideration and support.
            Sincerely,
                                                    Mark Schoeneman
                                           General Manager/Director
                                                   Caterpillar Asia

                                 

                                                 CFCO International
                                             Washington, D.C. 20006
                                                     April 21, 2003
The Hon Phil Crane
Chairman
US House of Representatives
Subcommittee on Trade
Washington DC 20515

    Dear Congressman Crane:

    Congressional authorization of Normal Trade Relations for Laos is 
doing the right thing, because it is the right thing to do!
    The official US conflict in Indo-China is long over, as is the 
American Secret War in Laos.
    Vietnam, China, Burma and Cambodia, each have secured NTR 
agreements with the United States; while for many years Laos has been 
systematically used as a political football by a few US Representatives 
and Senators, and right wing factions in our country.
    In brief, the American legacy in Laos is shameful and indefensible. 
Its recurring negative impact on some of the world's most impoverished 
people is still relatively unknown, e.g. thousands of children and 
adults have been killed or maimed through UXO contact in over 40% of 
the landmass of Laos; Agent Orange and other killer herbicides/
pesticides have contaminated huge areas of the country; until September 
11, 2001, there were systematic terrorist activities, encouraged by 
Lao-American extremists, directed at destabilizing civil society and 
replacing the sovereign Lao PDR government.
    Your Congressional colleagues and you have a real opportunity to 
help right an American geopolitical wrong, through prompt legislative 
action on the amendment of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) to 
strike Laos from General Note 3(B) and grant NTR status to this ASEAN 
nation.
    In doing so, you will be striking a blow for freedom for 5.5 
million Laotians whose lives will be enriched through a strengthening 
of the US-Lao bilateral relationship and promotion of a US foreign 
policy of constructive engagement that builds bridges, not walls, and 
encourages long term democratic, humanitarian and economic reforms.
    President Bush, Secretary Powell, Ambassador Zoellick and the 
Administration are on record as supporting NTR, and also World Trade 
Organization membership, for Laos. It will send a powerful positive 
signal to Americans, and the international community, to have decisive 
Congressional action on the granting of NTR status for Lao PDR.
    CFCO is the American representative for the Nam Theun 2 Electricity 
Consortium that is developing the $1.1 billion NT2 hydroelectric 
project in Laos. The US partner on this international private public 
partnership project is MWH Global Inc., whose Chicago subsidiary is 
Harza Engineering. The US contract and fees component of NT2 is 
approximately $250 million and has job ramifications for the company's 
operations in Illinois. The project is contingent upon a World Bank 
partial risk guarantee and financing and will have a major impact on 
poverty alleviation, environmental/social safeguards, civil society, 
fiscal transparency and long term democratic reforms in Laos. For 
further information, please access the NT2 website at www.namtheun2.com
    CFCO has a good working relationship with the Lao PDR and Thai 
Ambassadors to the US, Ambassador Doug Hartwick, US Ambassador to Laos, 
Bush Administration, Congressional, NGO, public policy and Laotian 
American sources supportive of NTR for Laos. We have helped mobilize a 
private, public and voluntary sector lobby to encourage Congressional 
passage of NTR for Laos and many of our contacts have submitted written 
statements for the record.
    Attached is a May 23, 2002 speech given in the US House of 
Representatives on, ``The relationship of sustainable economic 
development to poverty alleviation, social/civil reforms, 
reconciliation and environmental protection, in Laos'' at a National 
Laotian-American Symposium on United States-Laos relations. It 
underscores the importance of the potential that NTR has to positively 
impact the lives of many Laotians, encourage free enterprise and 
expanded two way trade between the US and Lao PDR.
    Thank you for your leadership on this important legislative action.
    With every good wish for continued success.
            Sincerely,
                                              Tony R. Culley-Foster
                                                          President
                                 ______
                                 
Tony R. Culley-Foster, BA, ACP, TD, MA
President, CFCO International
Washington, DC
    International business consultant and lobbyist on behalf of 
European-American multinational companies with investment, trade, 
manufacturing, or service industry interests in the United States.
    Involved with EU-US senior executives in business management, 
government relations and corporate communications strategic matters 
related to international commercial priorities in North America.
    Management advice and support services on business development, 
regulatory, legislative, lobby, contract bid, sales, economic 
development, public relations and communications priorities in 
national, State and municipal markets.
    Development and implementation of EU-US strategic and tactical 
business plans, involving representatives of the White House, Cabinet 
agencies, Congress of the United States, States, municipalities, World 
Bank, Overseas Private Investment Corporation, trade associations, 
European-American corporations and US media.
    Utilization of extensive business, government and voluntary sector 
contacts throughout Europe and North America to advance joint venture, 
strategic alliances, technology transfer, economic development, trade 
and investment priorities.
    Former Founding Director and Chief Executive of the Congressional 
Award, Washington DC; the American counterpart of the Duke of 
Edinburgh's Award. Reported to the leadership of the Congress of the 
United States and a 33 person Board of Directors composed of 
distinguished American corporate, labor, government, education and 
civic leaders.
    Former Personal Assistant to W. Clement Stone, Chairman and Founder 
of Combined Insurance Company of America (now AON Corporation, a $10 
Billion Chicago-based, multinational financial services company).
    Founding Chairman, Northern Ireland Partnership--USA and the 
Northern Ireland--United States Chamber of Commerce Inc. Involved with 
US-EU private, public and voluntary sector leaders on peace, economic 
development, trade, investment, education and cultural projects 
involving Northern Ireland and Ireland.
    Professional profiles in Who's Who in: The World; America; Leaders 
in Finance & Industry; and Emerging Leaders in the United States.
    Numerous commendations from government, business and civic leaders 
in the United States, Ireland and the United Kingdom for voluntary 
service, private sector initiatives and corporate social responsibility 
leadership.
    Born in Londonderry, Northern Ireland.
    Educated in the United Kingdom, Ireland and the United States.
                                 ______
                                 
                  NATIONAL LAOTIAN-AMERICAN SYMPOSIUM
                                   on
                      UNITED STATES-LAOS RELATIONS
                         Panel presentation on
   ``The relationship of sustainable economic development to poverty
  alleviation, social/civil reforms, reconciliation and environmental
                         protection, in Laos.''
              The Gold Room, Rayburn House Office Building
                 United States House of Representatives
                         Thursday May 23, 2002
                            12:00 pm-1:00 pm
                              Comments by:
                         Tony R. Culley-Foster
                    President, CFCO International &
                   Nam Theun 2 Electricity Consortium
                           US Representative
    Thanks for the opportunity to share some perspectives on the 
relationship of sustainable economic development to poverty 
alleviation, social/civil reforms, reconciliation and environmental 
protection in Laos.
    During the past 13 months, CFCO International has been privileged 
to be the United States representative for the Nam Theun 2 Electricity 
Consortium (NT2).
    The proposed $1.1 billion infrastructure investment in Laos is 
being developed by a French-American-Thai-Laotian international private 
public partnership, whose goal is to build, own, operate and transfer 
(to Government of Lao ownership) an international best practice 
hydroelectric dam (see NT2 power project attachment). The project has 
the support of the President of Lao PDR, the Prime Minister of Thailand 
and the President of France.
Sustainable Economic Development
    Laos is one of the world's poorest developing nations and the only 
member of ASEAN that does not have Normal Trade Relations with the 
United States. As a landlinked nation, it has focused on strengthening 
its bilateral relationships with Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, China, 
and others in the international community; plus development of its two 
principal natural resources, timber and hydropower. Controlled 
exploitation of these commercial resources is the only viable economic 
development alternative for Lao PDR and a means to earn much-needed 
foreign currency. The GOL has wisely chosen sustainable long-term 
hydroelectric export production, over massive unsustainable logging of 
some of the most pristine and biodiversity-rich rainforest in SE Asia.
Poverty Alleviation
    During 2001, the GOL, IMF and World Bank developed a comprehensive 
Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility program that was originally 
linked to NT2. It was deemed so important to the nation, and its 
overall development program, that the PRGF will be implemented 
regardless of the NT2 outcome. However, in conjunction with NT2, the 
poverty fund impact will be much more significant, pervasive and long-
term for the people of Laos.
    Unless Laos has a stronger, self-sustaining economy, it will be 
unable to fund, support or maintain long-term poverty alleviation and 
improved social/civil society reform programs. The substantial 
hydroelectric export revenues that will result from NT2, over the next 
30 years, constitute a sizeable percentage of Lao's GDP and will be 
efficiently managed; due to the stringent provision of the GOL 
Financial Management conditionality. The enforcement mechanism ensures 
that funds can ONLY be allocated to specific sustainable development 
priorities.
Social/Civil Reforms
    A 25/30 year project of the magnitude of NT2 is recognized by the 
Lao PDR, international community, and multilateral agencies, as 
providing economic growth and national stability that will be the 
foundation for long-term social and civil reforms in Lao PDR. NT2 can 
be the financial catalyst for a progressive reform movement as the 
project development process and GOL negotiations with the World Bank, 
IMF and NTEC have resulted in increased fiscal conditionality, 
governmental oversight and societal transparency provisions.
Reconciliation
    Laos has 67 ethnic groups represented in its national population of 
5.2 million, of whom 500,000, or approximately 10%, are Hmong.
    The Cold War and Indo-China conflict are long over. Lao PDR is a 
sovereign nation with full recognition and representation in ASEAN and 
the United Nations. Vietnam, Cambodia and China have reconciled past 
differences with the US; Laos needs the politics of inclusion, not 
exclusion; foreign policy bridges not walls, and dams not damnation, to 
assist its transition to a more representative democratic nation.
    Since September 11, that ethos has become even more compelling, 
with the movement toward stronger bilateral relations between the 
United States and its allies in the international war on terrorism. 
Laos is one of those allies and since September 13 has had a new 
American Ambassador to facilitate `bridge building' between the two 
countries. Reconciliation between the leaders of the American-Hmong 
community and the Lao PDR government will be facilitated by economic 
stability, related social/civil reforms, poverty alleviation and 
environmental protection from sustainable development projects like 
NT2. It will happen when each of the groups takes `real risks for 
reconciliation' and there is a stronger US-Lao PDR bilateral 
relationship.
Environmental Protection
    NT2 meets or exceeds the social safeguards and environmental 
protection standards advocated by the World Commission on Dams. It has 
established an international best practice benchmark of excellence for 
a hydroelectric project that other development groups will attempt to 
emulate, globally. The net social and environmental offsets of NT2 
substantially outweigh the inevitable impact of siting a major dam 
anywhere in the world.
    (Please note the attached March 2002 ``Interim Report of the 
International Environmental and Social Panel of Experts'' for further 
details on the NT2 social and environmental priorities).
Summary
    In April 2002, the Inaugural Session of the Vth 
Legislature of the Lao PDR National Assembly noted in Resolution #6 
that:
    ``The session deliberated and endorsed the Theun II Hydropower 
Project Plan proposed by the Government. The session concluded the 
shared view that the project plan is the Government's priority program 
and is of high socio-economic efficiency meeting the national strategic 
plan to poverty reduction of pluri-ethnic people, providing solid 
foundation in turning the country to industrialization and 
modernization, responding to actual needs of people inhabited in the 
project area.''
    During this past year, I have had the privilege of meeting Lao PDR 
leadership representatives and many Laotians in Laos and the United 
States. I have also spent time in Vientiane and on the Nakai Plateau, 
especially with the people whose lives and land would be most impacted 
by the development of NT2. It has been a profoundly moving experience 
and has deepened my desire to increase international private, public 
and voluntary (NGO) support for NT2 as a sustainable economic 
development project to benefit all the people of Laos and strengthen 
the US-Laos bilateral relationship.
    I appreciate the opportunity to be part of this inaugural Symposium 
and will be pleased to answer any questions on the Nam Theun 2 
Electricity Consortium advocacy for establishment of the NT2 
hydroelectric dam in Laos.

                                 

                                        Warrensburg, Missouri 64093
                                                     April 21, 2003
Honorable Philip M. Crane
Chairman
Subcommittee on Trade
Ways and Means Committee
House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20515
Fax: 202-225-2610

    Dear Chairman Crane,

    We support Normal Trade Relations (NTR) between the U.S. and the 
Lao PDR and urge your subcommittee and the 108th Congress to 
approve and bring into force the Bilateral Trade Agreements concluded 
in 1997.
    Each of us base the following comments on over 25 years of 
professional experience in socio-economic development and democratic 
governance in the Lao PDR. In particularly, since 1978, we have lived 
and worked in the Lao PDR, either full time or part time, working with 
numerous international, bilateral and NGO assistance organizations. We 
have followed Lao-U.S. relations closely. On one occasion, we provided 
expert testimony on the MIA-POW situation in the Lao PDR at the request 
of the Senate MIA-POW Sub-committee. We have worked on development 
projects or done research in all provinces of the country. Much of our 
work has focused on remote districts, which continue to face the post-
war consequences of unexploded weapons and chemical and biological 
weapons and socio-economic disruptions. We have performed research and 
have written extensively on the issues of rural socio-economic 
development, minority rights, ethnic sensitivity, gender equity, the 
status of children and families, democratic rights, good governance and 
participatory development.
    From our extensive work, we maintain that the Lao PDR has made 
significant progress since 1990 in the following areas:
    1) The Lao Government has steadily improved bilateral cooperation 
with the U.S. government, especially on POW-MIA investigations and the 
drug eradication. Therefore, we agree with the recent positive 
assessments of our Defense and State Departments on these points.
    2) The Lao Government has joined ASEAN in 1997 and is now preparing 
to integrate its economy into the world trade system. The regional and 
international experience is positively exposing Lao officials to 
practical lessons on establishing democratic governance and open trade 
processes.
    3) The Lao Government is gradually improving its policies and 
practices on several critical human rights issues including religious 
rights, gender equity issues, and intensifying assistance to the 
poorest segments of society. We would agree with the State Department's 
assessment that, at this time, there is no evidence of genocide or 
ethnic cleansing of any non Tai-Lao ethnic people. Many of the current 
inadequacies on human rights (low education levels, poor enforcement 
and incarceration processes, for example), can be attributed to the 
general under-development of the nation as whole, rather than to 
purposeful negative policies. Therefore, the Lao PDR's low levels of 
institutional and human resource development would benefit greatly from 
exposure to international experiences, training and support from 
country such as the United States.
    4) The Lao Government, according to international development 
reports, is making progress on many socio-economic development issues. 
The Asian Development Bank, for example, contends that over the past 
ten years, the Lao PDR has progressed well on its targets for reaching 
the United Nations' Millennium Development Goals (MDG) by 2015.

     LThe country has a favorable chance of reducing by half of 
its 1990 level the proportion of people whose income is less than one 
dollar a day. The poverty incidence has dropped from 45% in 1992/92 to 
39% in 1997/98.
     LNet primary enrollment is gradually increasing (62% in 
1990 to 78% in 2001). ``Full primary enrollment should be possible by 
2011. Less certain is the MDG that all girls and boys will complete a 
full course of primary schooling by 2015. Girls make up 45% of primary 
school enrollment, making it possible to reach gender equality by 2015.
     LThe infant mortality goal of a two-thirds reduction can 
be achieved as the rate has already dropped from 110 per 1,000 in 1990 
to 75 per 1,000 in 2000.
     LLikewise, child mortality has decreased by more than 
half, 170 per 1,000 in 1990 to 97 in 2000.
     LReducing by one-half the number of people without safe 
drinking water can be met as access to clean water has gone from 39% in 
1990 to 58% in 2000.

    5) The Lao Government is making step-by-step progress in addressing 
issues related to Good Governance and Participatory Development. On 
these subjects, we have recently conducted research, commissioned by 
Sida, the Swedish government's foreign assistance cooperation agency. 
As the 90-page study on Good Governance and Participatory Development 
has just been finalized in mid-April 2003, we submit the conclusion for 
your consideration. (See next page.)
            Submitted by
                                                  Jacquelyn Chagnon
                                 Independent Development Consultant

                                               Reverend Roger Rumpf
                    Consultant on Peace and Post-War Reconstruction
                                 ______
                                 
Excerpt from:
Back to See Forward; Consultations about Good Governance and 
Participatory Development in the Lao PDR (Sida, Vientiane, April 2003) 
by Jacquelyn Chagnon, Dirk Van Gansberghe, Roger Rumpf, and Binh 
Vongphasouk.
    (Each member of the study team (three internationals, including 
ourselves, and one Lao) has between 12 and 25 years of experience on 
development in the Lao PDR. The study team investigated these topics 
through participatory small group consultations and interviews with 
over 250 citizens and officials in five provinces. The team also 
reviewed and summarized dozens of reports of the United Nations, World 
Bank, Asian Development Bank and NGOs.)
In Conclusion
    During the last decade, the Lao PDR has established and developed 
rudimentary institutions for Good Governance and Participatory 
Development: the Constitution, legal codes, the National Assembly, the 
judicial branch, research institutes, the national auditing system, tax 
collection, and enforcement bodies. Citizens are being exposed to 
participatory development projects, increased media, IT access, and 
some elements of civil society. The one-party centralized government 
system clearly has shown its political will on starting the long-term 
process of Decentralization. Overall, the Study Team determined that 
the Lao PDR has taken significant steps forward in establishing new 
institutions for Good Governance and Participatory Development.
    However, citizen awareness about how these new institutions of 
governance and development function remains far too low. Few understand 
how these institutions interlink and interact with each other. Terms 
such as Decentralization, democratic elections, the separation of 
powers, government, accountability, civil service reforms and public 
information access, and civil society are rather new to the country's 
limited number of educated professionals and not well understood yet. 
For the vast majority of rural people, such concepts have scant meaning 
yet. To learn about these concepts of Good Governance and put them into 
systematic practice within the Lao context will be the challenge of the 
next few decades.
    Here, the growth of Participatory Development practices, which 
blend naturally into the general socio-cultural framework, appears to 
be fostering aspects of Good Governance. Within many development 
projects at all levels, participatory approaches are exposing a growing 
number of Lao citizens to forms of public consultations and dialogues 
on planning and implementation, group decision-making, aspects of 
informed choice, models of good management, and accountability and 
transparency measures.
    There is no question that the government and people face many 
serious growth challenges during the next decade. Some key issues 
reviewed in this Study were civil service reforms, enforcement of laws 
and regulations, equitable service outreach, equitable revenue 
collection, realistic planning, budgeting and expenditure 
implementation, improvement to district and village administrations, 
and enlargement of the civil society framework. As national human and 
financial resources are limitedfor addressing many of these 
issues,international support and opportunities for further learning 
remain critical.
    In the opinion of the Study Team, if the government and people can 
continue to address these challenges, the Lao PDR has a reasonable 
chance of strengthening its legs of Good Governance and Participatory 
Development and moving forward on the path of Democratic Governance.

                                 

                                         Alexandria, Virginia 22312
                                                     April 15, 2003
To: LHonorable Charles Grassley, Chairman, Committee on Finance, United 
    States Senate. 
    Honorable William M. Thomas, Chairman, Committee on Ways and Means. 

    Honorable Philip M. Crane, Chairman, Subcommittee on Trade of Ways 
    and Means Committee,
E-mail: [email protected]
Fax: (202) 225-2610

    Honorable:

    As American citizen, I am asking for your support for granting 
normal trade relations status (NTR) to the Lao People's Democratic 
Republic.
    This small landlocked country of Laos was never at war with the 
United States, but was heavily bombed because it was next to Vietnam. 
Diplomatic relations between the United States and Laos were never 
severed, unlike other nations in the region. Truly, Laos is a big 
player in this South East Asian economic show, but why make it even 
more difficult for them to develop market economy.
    I'm not the type of person who believes that we owe Laos something. 
Granting of the NTR costs us nothing. This isn't a monetary gift; it's 
a chance for them to attract US business and investment. NTR will help 
improving standard of living for one of the poorest countries in the 
world.
    I therefore, support the joint proposal of Honorable Colin Powell, 
Secretary of State and Honorable Robert Zoellick of the USTR, for 
granting NTR to Laos.
    It is my sincere hope that you will support the said proposal and 
help granting NTR to Laos.
            Sincerely,
                                                  Vilay Chaleunrath

                                 

                                      Jersey City, New Jersey 07302
                                                      April 3, 2003

    Dear Members of Congress:

    I am an American of Laotian descent writing to you from Jersey City 
of Hudson County, New Jersey 07302.
    I am writing to you today in support of this basic humanitarian 
effort to grant Laos Normal Trade Relations, which similar nations in 
the region such as Vietnam and Cambodia currently enjoys with the U.S. 
Laos as you know is the only country in Southeast Asia and member of 
ASEAN that currently does not have NTR.
    The U.S. has afforded my family and I the opportunity to enjoy the 
freedom and abundant resources of this great nation since our arrival 
in 1980 as refugees from the Vietnam War and the U.S. Secret War in 
Laos.
    I have learned from history, since my father does not talk about 
the ``WAR'', nor have I ever confronted him much about this topic, that 
my father and Laos fought with the support of the U.S. military in the 
war against communism waged in Laos and Vietnam.
    I ask that you and members of Congress exercise understanding to 
grant Laos Normal Trade Relations (NTR) with the U.S. giving Laos the 
same opportunities, privileges, and access to the U.S. markets just 
like it's neighbors, Vietnam and Cambodia. Without NTR, tariff as high 
as 80% on Laos goods and services would make it impossible and 
unprofitable for Laotians entrepreneur and businesses in Laos to export 
to the U.S.
    Laos' current population of 6 million faces many challenges and is 
one of the poorest countries in the world. The U.S. bombardment of Laos 
has earned Laos the title of the Most Bombed Nation on Earth. Till this 
day, some 30 years since the Vietnam War, unexploded ordinance lie 
infested in the soil across Laos, and innocent children and civilians 
face death or injuries in the double digits each month. These Bombies 
(UXO) lying dormant until accidentally triggered presents danger, but 
also detering development, investments, and impedes growth in a country 
that desparately needs it the most.
    U.S. Ambassador to Laos, Douglas Hartwick has clearly expressed his 
public support for NTR for Laos, which would aid Laos to adopt and 
conform to world standards and rules of engagements in the 
international market place. Also Laos has expressed their interest in 
the Market Economy much like how China has embrace the very same idea.
    For over 50 years Laos has maintained diplomatic relations with the 
U.S., however it's neighboring countries such as Vietnam and Cambodia 
cannot say the same, yet they enjoy normal trade relations with the 
U.S.
    I urge you and members of Congress to grant Laos NTR, the same 
basic privileges that over 95% of countries in the world presently 
shares with the U.S.
    President Bush has included NTR for Laos as one of his 2003 
Initiatives. Congress will have the opportunity to finally ratify the 
1997 U.S.-Lao NTR Proposal into law this coming year.
    What NTR will mean to the Laotian people are jobs, food, shelter, 
and improvements in the standard of living. This will create new-found 
opportunities, potential, and less dependency on neighboring countries.
    NTR for Laos would benefit both the U.S. and Laos short and long-
term. History supports and indicates that the road towards democracy is 
enhanced with economic developments.
    I believe I speak for the hearts of many of the six hundred 
thousand or so Laotian-Americans, whose voices may have not yet reached 
your ears. Please focus on the importance of NTR and it's benefits to 
the PEOPLE of LAOS, Laotian-Americans, and the U.S.
    Again, please bless the people of Laos with your generosity and 
understanding of this very crucial matter they may not all fully 
understand but would all benefit from the decisions you make here in 
the U.S. Congress. Thank so much for your time and understanding.
            Sincerely,
                                  ``Sirch'' Sourichanh Chanthyasack
                                 ______
                                 

                     Fact Sheet on US-Lao Relations

                               March 2002

     LThe US has had diplomatic relations with the Lao People's 
Democratic Republic (Lao PDR) since its founding in 1975. These 
relations were not interrupted as in the cases of Vietnam and Cambodia. 
The current US Ambassador, Douglas Hartwick, arrived in Vientiane in 
September 2001.
     LAccording to the State Department, international donors 
and NGOs, the Lao government is cooperating fully on the search for MIA 
remains from the Vietnam War and a campaign to eradicate narcotics 
production and trade in northern Laos. Since September 11, Laos has 
also aided the US in counterterrorism efforts.
     LThe US currently funds approximately $10 million per year 
in MIA recovery, clearance of and education about unexploded ordnance 
(UXO), and counter-narcotics programs in Laos. The Lao government has 
also expressed willingness to cooperate on HIV-AIDS and trafficking of 
women and children from Laos to neighboring countries. In FY 2002 
Congress appropriated $2 million for health and economic assistance to 
Laos, including a silk-production project.
     LA US-Lao bilateral trade agreement was initialed in 1998 
but never signed by the Administration nor ratified by Congress. 
President Bush has not yet submitted the agreement to Congress for 
ratification, although it is included in the President's 2001 trade 
agenda. Unlike its neighbors China and Vietnam, Laos is not subject to 
Jackson-Vanik waiver requirements.
     LLaos is the only country in Southeast Asia without normal 
trade relations (NTR) with the US. The only other countries in the 
world without NTR are Afghanistan, Cuba, North Korea, and Yugoslavia, 
none of which has normal diplomatic relations with the US.
     LAnalysis by Ed Gresser of the Progressive Policy 
Institute has found that Lao exports to the US face the highest average 
tariff rates in the world: 45.3% in 2001, compared with a global 
average of 2.4%. Lao exports to the US have declined from $16.4 million 
in 1996 to $3.7 million last year, while Cambodian exports have risen 
from $4 million to nearly $1 billion over the same period due to NTR 
and a textile agreement.
     LThe Lao PDR is a multiethnic state with a bare majority 
of ethnic Lao and more than 40 minority groups, the largest being Kam 
Mou (11%), Phou Thay (10%) and Hmong (7%). Although income and 
education gaps among regions and ethnic groups can be great, there is 
no legal discrimination against specific minority groups. Ethnic 
minorities are represented at all levels of government. More than 80 
international development organizations in Laos, including 11 American 
NGOs, are encouraged to work with all ethnic groups and have access to 
all parts of the country.
     LThe US fought a secret war in Laos from 1964-1973, the 
extent of which is still relatively unknown. The legacy of the war 
includes ``bombies'' and other UXO as well as herbicides such as Agent 
Orange. These effects are concentrated in the poorest and most remote 
areas of the country.
     LApproximately 500,000 people of Lao and Hmong descent 
live in the US (compared with a total Lao population of 5 million). The 
Laotian-American community includes a range of views on trade and 
engagement with Laos. An increasing number of Laotian-Americans are 
interested in visiting their country of origin and can potentially play 
a major role in trade, development and reconciliation between the US 
and Laos.
     LLaos continues to have human rights problems, like many 
of its Asian neighbors. International human rights groups do not have 
access inside Laos. However, some progress has been made in the area of 
religious freedom through quiet diplomacy. A delegation from the US 
Commission on International Religious Freedom visited Laos in February, 
and Ambassador Hartwick has also raised the issue with the Lao 
government.
     LIn April 1999, two Hmong-Americans, Michael Vang and Houa 
Ly, disappeared along the northwestern Thai-Lao border. They may have 
been attempting to enter Laos illegally and were reportedly carrying 
large amounts of cash, in excess of $80,000, and connected with 
insurgency activities. Two FBI delegations have visited Laos to 
investigate the case; the Lao government claims to have no record of 
the two men entering the country.
We recommend that US policy towards Laos include the following points:
    1. The US-Lao Bilateral Trade Agreement should be submitted to 
Congress and approved as soon as feasible.
    2. Americans of Lao and Hmong descent should be able to travel and 
do business freely with their country of origin.
    3. The US should continue dialogue and cooperation with Laos on 
human rights, including war legacy issues, religious freedom and labor 
conditions. The US can contribute to solutions through greater 
engagement, not isolation. Improvements will come with a focus on 
specific issues and cases, rather than by linking human rights to 
trade.
    4. US-Lao relations should not be held hostage to the unresolved 
1999 disappearances case. Resolution of this case is a consular matter 
with no bearing on trade status. Regardless of what activities Ly and 
Vang were involved in when they disappeared, however, the US and Laos 
should continue to investigate the case.
                                 ______
                                 

                         Arguments for Lao NTR

                             February 2002

    1. Fairness. All of Laos's neighbors, including Vietnam, China, 
Cambodia and Burma, have NTR. There is no reason to single Laos out. 
Only 6 countries do not have NTR (Afghanistan, Cuba, Libya, Laos, Iraq 
and North Korea). The other 5 are all on the State Department's list of 
countries involved in international terrorism. Laos is not.
    2. Historical responsibility. The US fought a secret war in Laos 
from 1964-1973, the extent of which is still relatively unknown. The 
legacy of the war includes ``bombies'' and other UXO as well as Agent 
Orange and other herbicides. Laos deserves at least normal treatment 
from the US on this basis.
    3. Economics. Laos is a poor developing country that needs more 
contact with the outside world to stay afloat. A more prosperous Laos 
is in the US interest.
    4. Counternarcotics. Passage of the trade agreement is the most 
cost-effective way to fight opium poppy production, by enabling Lao 
farmers to produce silk and other products for the US market.
    5. Lao-American cultural and business contacts. Americans of Lao 
descent should be able to travel and do business freely with their 
country of origin. American veterans are also interested in these 
opportunities.
    Responses to opposing arguments
    1. Human rights and religious freedom. Laos does have problems in 
these areas, as do many of its neighbors. These are legitimate issues 
for discussion and dialogue with the Lao government. The US can 
contribute to solutions through greater engagement, not isolation. 
Improvements will come with cooperation on specific issues and cases, 
rather than linking human rights to trade.
    2. Ly-Vang disappearance case (April 1999). Resolution of this case 
is a consular matter that should have no bearing on trade status. 
American citizens go missing all over the world for many reasons. 
Regardless of what activities Ly and Vang were involved in when they 
disappeared, the US and Laos should continue to investigate the case.
    3. Alleged discrimination towards the Hmong and other ethnic 
groups. While income and education gaps among regions and ethnicities 
in Laos can be great, there is no legal discrimination against specific 
minority groups. The so-called ``Hmong lobby'' in the US includes 
remnants of the CIA-backed Hmong insurgency during the war who seek to 
overthrow the current Lao government or create a separate Hmong state. 
They do not speak for all Lao and Hmong in the US and routinely 
intimidate and harass their opponents. Some members may be involved in 
funding terrorist activities inside Laos.
                                 ______
                                 
    The fact sheet and argument list were prepared by Andrew Wells-
Dang, Washington Representative of the Fund for Reconciliation and 
Development. Andrew can be reached at [email protected].
                                 ______
                                 
                             Americans from
                      Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam
                               Statistics
                            Produced by the
                 Southeast Asia Resource Action Center
                                (SEARAC)
                             www.searac.org
                            January 27, 2003

                                      Southeast Asian American Populations
                         Individuals Who Reported One or More Ethnic/Racial Designation
                                               (2000 Census Data)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                     State                        Cambodian      Hmong       Laotian     Vietnamese     Total
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Alabama                                                  593           11        1,023        5,242        6,869
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Alaska                                                   178          321        1,515        1,050        3,064
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Arizona                                                1,406           36        1,243       14,533       17,218
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Arkansas                                                  36           33        3,256        4,392        7,717
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
California                                            84,559       71,741       65,058      484,023      705,381
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Colorado                                               1,839        3,351        2,543       17,108       24,841
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Connecticut                                            2,790          163        3,267        8,271       14,491
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Delaware                                                  36            1          130          893        1,060
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DC                                                        47            6           62        2,035        2,150
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Florida                                                3,040          163        4,126       37,086       44,415
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Georgia                                                3,405        1,615        5,220       31,092       41,332
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hawaii                                                   330           22        2,437       10,040       12,829
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Idaho                                                     86           45          597        1,511        2,239
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Illinois                                               3,516          604        5,973       21,212       31,305
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Indiana                                                  695          172        1,138        5,540        7,545
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Iowa                                                     803          303        4,778        7,803       13,687
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kansas                                                   896        1,118        3,926       12,616       18,556
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kentucky                                                 369           17          378        4,019        4,783
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Louisiana                                                450           23        1,511       25,601       27,585
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Maine                                                  1,298            3          109        1,571        2,981
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Maryland                                               2,239           15          772       18,086       21,112
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Massachusetts                                         22,886        1,303        4,449       36,685       65,323
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Michigan                                               1,602        5,998        3,846       15,232       26,678
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Minnesota                                              6,533       45,443       11,516       20,570       84,062
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mississippi                                               78            9          111        5,729        5,927
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Missouri                                                 880           26          840       11,654       13,400
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Montana                                                   12          229           85          293          619
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Nebraska                                                 142          108        1,078        6,755        8,083
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Nevada                                                   631          117        1,421        5,428        7,597
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
New Hampshire                                            375           21          513        1,900        2,809
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
New Jersey                                               868           27          629       16,707       18,231
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
New Mexico                                                71           15          457        3,637        4,180
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
New York                                               3,740          281        3,715       27,105       34,841
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
North Carolina                                         2,681        7,982        6,282       17,142       34,087
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
North Dakota                                              50            4           27          560          641
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ohio                                                   3,161          407        3,277       11,219       18,064
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Oklahoma                                                 330          579        1,216       13,673       15,798
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Oregon                                                 3,173        2,298        5,176       20,709       31,356
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pennsylvania                                          10,207          844        2,536       33,204       46,791
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rhode Island                                           5,290        1,112        3,507        1,134       11,043
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
South Carolina                                           644          570        1,040        4,758        7,012
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
South Dakota                                              84           42          295          708        1,129
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tennessee                                              1,304          164        4,761        7,739       13,968
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Texas                                                  8,225          422       11,626      143,352      163,625
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Utah                                                   1,663          190        2,715        6,742       11,310
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Vermont                                                  107            5           99        1,080        1,291
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Virginia                                               5,180           55        3,076       40,500       48,811
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Washington                                            16,630        1,485        9,382       50,697       78,194
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
West Virginia                                             15            2           40          467          524
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wisconsin                                                856       36,809        5,405        4,505       47,575
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wyoming                                                   23            0           21          128          172
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Totals                                               206,052      186,310      198,203    1,223,736    1,814,301
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


               Immigrants (Excluding Refugees and Asylees)
                Admitted to the U.S. from Southeast Asia,
                     Fiscal Years 1952 through 2001
------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Fiscal Years        Cambodia       Laos       Vietnam       Total
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1951-1970                      96          227        4,675        4,998
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1971                           21           24        2,038        2,083
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1972                           39           35        3,412        3,486
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1973                           66           46        4,569        4,681
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1974                           40           61        3,192        3,293
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1975                           98           96        3,039        3,233
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1976                          126          163        4,230        4,519
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1977                          126          237        4,629        4,992
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1978                            *            *        2,892        2,892
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1979                            *            *        2,065        2,065
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1980                          148          179        4,510        4,837
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1981                          113           78        2,238        2,429
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1982                          129          130        3,030        3,289
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1983                          163          159        3,275        3,597
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1984                          193          185        5,203        5,581
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1985                          198          212        5,120        5,530
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1986                        9,013        4,239       15,256       28,508
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1987                        8,494        3,557       11,489       23,540
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1988                        7,098        6,037       14,231       27,366
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1989                        4,425        6,973       25,957       37,355
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1990                        3,577        6,364       37,773       47,714
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1991                        2,564        5,792       43,939       52,295
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1992                          878          670       45,580       47,128
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1993                          831          738       29,365       30,934
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1994                          847          607       14,027       15,481
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1995                        1,224          572       13,157       14,953
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1996                        1,358          692       12,367       14,417
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1997                        1,475          572       16,222       18,269
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1998                        1,377          502       12,728       14,607
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1999                        1,361          471       15,890       17,722
------------------------------------------------------------------------
2000                        2,106          672       21,171       23,949
------------------------------------------------------------------------
2001                        2,398          896       25,180       28,474
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Totals                     50,582       41,186      412,449      504,217
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    NOTE: All figures in this table are from the Statistical Yearbook 
of the Immigration and Naturalization Service, fiscal years 1980 
through 2000, except the following: (1) figures for fiscal year 2001 
are from the INS website (www.ins.gov); (2) figures for 1978 and 1979 
are from Rumbaut (2000: 182). Reliable figures for Cambodia and Vietnam 
for 1978 and 1979 are unavailable. These figures include Amerasians. 
Figures for fiscal years 1980 through 2001 have been adjusted to 
reflect the fact that ``immigrant arrival'' statistics record the 
number of people granted ``immigrant'' (or ``permanent resident 
alien'') status for the given year, and do not represent only new 
arrivals to the U.S. Figures in this table for the years 1980 through 
2001 were derived by subtracting INS ``refugee and asylee adjustment'' 
numbers from the ``immigrant'' numbers.
Sources:
    Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS). 1981-2001. 
Statistical Yearbook of the Immigration and Naturalization Service 
(fiscal years 1980-2000). Washington, DC: Immigration and 
Naturalization Service, U.S. Department of Justice.
    Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) website: www.ins.gov.
    Rumbaut, Ruben G. 2000. Vietnamese, Laotian, and Cambodian 
Americans. In Contemporary Asian America: A Multidisciplinary Reader. 
Edited by Min Zhou and James V. Gatewood. New York, NY: New York 
University Press. Pp. 175-206.

            Refugee Arrivals to the U.S. From Southeast Asia,
                         Fiscal Years 1975-2000
------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Fiscal Year        Cambodia       Laos       Vietnam       Total
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1975                        4,600          800      125,000      130,400
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1976                        1,100       10,200        3,200       14,500
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1977                          300          400        1,900        2,600
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1978                        1,300        8,000       11,100       20,400
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1979                        6,000       30,200       44,500       80,700
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1980                       16,000       55,500       95,200      166,700
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1981                       38,194       19,777       65,279      123,250
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1982                        6,246        3,616       27,396       37,258
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1983                       13,041        2,907       22,819       38,767
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1984                       19,727        7,218       24,856       51,801
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1985                       19,175        5,195       25,222       49,592
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1986                        9,845       12,313       21,700       43,858
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1987                        1,786       13,394       19,656       34,836
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1988                        2,897       14,597       17,571       35,065
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1989                        2,162       12,560       21,924       36,646
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1990                        2,329        8,715       27,797       38,841
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1991                          179        9,232       28,396       37,807
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1992                          163        7,285       26,795       34,243
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1993                           63        6,944       31,401       38,408
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1994                           15        6,211       34,110       40,336
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1995                            6        3,682       32,250       35,938
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1996                            5        2,203       16,107       18,315
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1997                            9          915        6,612        7,536
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1998                            7            9       10,266       10,282
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1999                            0           19        9,622        9,641
------------------------------------------------------------------------
2000                            0           64        2,839        2,903
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Totals                    145,149      241,956      753,518    1,140,623
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sources:
    Office of Refugee Resettlement. 1982-2001. Annual Reports to 
Congress (fiscal years 1981-2000). Washington, DC: Office of Refugee 
Resettlement, Administration for Children and Families, U.S. Department 
of Health and Human Services.
    Refugee arrival statistics for FY 1975-1980 are from Rumbaut (2000: 
182).

                 People from Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam
          Naturalized as U.S. Citizens, Fiscal Years 1987-2001
------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Fiscal Year        Cambodia       Laos       Vietnam       Total
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1987                        2,816        3,159       25,469       31,444
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1988                        3,132        3,480       21,636       28,248
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1989                        3,234        3,463       19,357       26,054
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1990                        3,525        3,329       22,027       28,881
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1991                        4,851        3,887       30,078       38,816
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1992                        2,713        3,080       18,422       24,215
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1993                        3,102        3,994       22,520       29,616
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1994                        4,132        5,630       29,555       39,317
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1995                        3,319        4,315       31,728       39,362
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1996                        5,202       10,621       51,910       67,733
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1997                        5,180        8,630       36,178       49,988
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1998                        5,348        7,734       30,185       43,267
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1999                        7,140        9,188       53,316       69,644
------------------------------------------------------------------------
2000                        5,292        7,163       55,934       68,389
------------------------------------------------------------------------
2001                        3,489        6,507       41,596       51,592
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Totals                     62,475       84,180      489,911      636,566
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Source:
    Statistical Yearbook of the Immigration and Naturalization Service 
(fiscal years 1986-2001) and www.ins.gov.

                                 

                                    Flat Rock, North Carolina 28731
                                                     April 14, 2003
Representative Philip M. Crane
Chairman, Subcommittee on Trade
Committee on Ways and Means
Via fax: 202-225-2610

    Mr. Chairman:

    This letter is in response to a request for comments concerning 
normal trade relations (NTR) with Laos.
    I served as President Reagan's Director of Political/Military, then 
Asian Affairs on the National Security Council staff from 1981-89. In 
that capacity, I led or participated in all policy-level negotiations 
with Laos in New York, Washington and Vientiane, many at the politburo 
and ministerial level. Subsequent to leaving government, I established 
a U.S. consulting firm aiding U.S. businesses interested in the ASEAN 
region and remained deeply involved in Lao-related issues.
    I have seen Laos respond positively and in a significant way over 
the years to our institutional concerns on POW/MIA accounting and 
narcotics. In addition, they have increased their responsiveness to 
U.S. Government concerns on human rights and religious persecution, as 
well as to NGO's focusing on these issues. In my opinion, it is clearly 
time for the U.S. to grant NTR to Laos.
    Landlocked and buffeted by economic forces beyond their control, 
and surrounded by the dominant economies and populations of the PRC, 
Thailand and Vietnam, NTR can help Laos develop some economic autonomy. 
NTR will greatly benefit the people of Laos, many of whom remain mired 
in rural poverty. The reduction of poverty and concurrent economic 
development will strengthen and increase the Lao position in ASEAN and 
other multilateral bodies. This will, in turn, reduce the vulnerability 
of the Lao Government to internal and external threats to stability, 
reduce their dependence on others for security and increase official 
exposure to positive models of economic and political development.
    I returned from another visit to Laos in late February as the 
policy adviser to the delegation of the National League of POW/MIA 
Families. During our visit, I had discussions on this subject with Lao 
officials, our representatives on the ground and other foreign 
officials. All felt strongly that this is the time to move forward 
despite the likelihood, as in the past, that some elements opposed may 
attempt another dramatic accusation to derail the effort. I believe 
those now disaffected have some legitimate grievances, but their 
extreme and often inaccurate charges discredit their cause. 
Importantly, I believe there is a greater chance to resolve these 
concerns through granting of NTR.
    Thank you for your consideration.
            Sincerely,
                                               Richard T. Childress

                                 

                                        Chevy Chase, Maryland 20815
                                     Providence, Rhode Island 02818
                                                     April 21, 2003
Honorable Philip M. Crane
Chairman
Subcommittee on Trade
Ways and Means Committee
House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20515
Fax: 202-225-2610

RE: US-Laos Trade

    Dear Chairman Crane,

    Please submit the US-Laos Bilateral Trade Agreement to the 
108th Congress for prompt consideration and passage. Both 
the United States and Laos will substantially benefit from the normal 
trade relations (NTR) establishment.
    At the moment, there is no rational justification why the current 
high trade barriers between Laos and US should subsist. Laos is the 
only country in Southeast Asia without normal trade relations (NTR) 
with the US. Other countries in the world without NTR are Afghanistan, 
Cuba, North Korea, and Yugoslavia, none of which has normal diplomatic 
relations with the US. And despite interruptions of disengaged 
relations in the past, Cambodia and Vietnam have been granted NTR. On 
the other hand, the US and Laos has continued diplomatic relationship 
since 1975 with no interruptions.
    Furthermore, the Lao government is cooperating fully on the search 
for MIA remains from the Vietnam War and a campaign to eradicate 
narcotics production and trade in northern Laos. Moreover, the US 
currently funds about $10 million per year in MIA recovery, clearance 
of and education about unexploded ordnance (UXO), and counter-narcotics 
programs in Laos. The Lao government has extended efforts to help the 
international community to control HIV-AIDS and trafficking of women 
and children from Laos to neighboring countries. Meanwhile, Congress 
has appropriated funds to assist Laos with its healthcare and economic 
development, including a silk-production project.
    Without NTR for Laos, there are also some welfare loss for American 
consumers: Lao products are simply not competitive enough to enter the 
US market, and/or American consumers end up paying much higher for Lao 
imports. As American consumers, we would like to purchase Lao products 
(e.g., silk, wood, and food products) and to purchase them at the lower 
internationally competitive price. So please grant NTR to Laos.
    Equally important, most economic development and international 
trade economists have published papers citing evidence of how increase 
in trade promotes economic growth, especially for an under-developed 
country such as Laos (see, e.g., Frankel J.A. and D. Romer, 1999. 
``Does Trade Cause Growth?'' American Economic Review 89:3, 379-399). 
Economic growth increases income for the Lao people (one of the poorest 
group of people in the world), enabling them to increase their standard 
of living, to pursue higher education, and to work towards a democratic 
society. The US-Laos NTR will give the people of Laos a means to not 
only improve their economic status, but it will give them a voice to 
endeavor for their rights. Hence, the US-Laos NTR is essential for the 
economic, social, and political development and stability of Laos and 
her people.
    Laos cannot simply be left isolated; NTR will integrate her into 
the international community with respect to not only trade/economic 
relations but with respect to social, political, and human rights 
improvement. Restructuring Laos' economy to fit the international 
standards by granting her NTR will inadvertently put more pressure on 
Laos to further open up economically, socially, and politically.
    Thus, we ask that you please submit the US-Laos Bilateral Trade 
Agreement to the 108th Congress for prompt consideration and 
passage. Thank you very much.
            With hope for the passage of US-Laos NTR,
                                    Souphala Chomsisengphet, Ph.D.,
                                                          Economist

                                              Sumit Agarwal, Ph.D.,
                                                Financial Economist

                                 

                  Commisssion on Security and Cooperation in Europe
                                             Washington, D.C. 20515
                                                     April 21, 2003
The Honorable Philip M. Crane
Chairman, Subcommittee on Trade
Committee on Ways and Means
1104 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515

    Dear Mr. Chairman:

    Thank you for offering us the opportunity to submit comments to the 
subcommittee regarding the extension of normal trade relations to the 
Republic of Armenia. In our view, Armenia is in compliance with the 
freedom of emigration requirements under the Jackson-Vanik Amendment of 
the Trade Act of 1974, as it applies to the successor states of the 
Soviet Union.
    However, the underlying intent of the Jackson-Vanik language is to 
foster democratization and protect human rights. As NTR is being 
deliberated, there must be a clear message that further political 
reforms are expected in Armenia, which committed itself to specific 
democratic principles when it joined OSCE over a decade ago. As members 
of the U.S. Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe, we wish 
to raise some specific concerns.
    The conduct of the February-March presidential election was quite 
disappointing, perpetuating a pattern we hoped had ended. 
Unfortunately, as in previous elections, domestic opposition parties 
have rejected the official tallies and the OSCE characterized the 
election as not having met international standards. Particularly 
disturbing was the statement by Defense Minister [and President 
Kocharian's campaign manager] Serzh Sarkissian: ``People who have grown 
up and lived in Europe cannot understand our mentality. They have their 
rules and views on democracy, and we have ours.'' It is essential for 
Armenia's democratic prospects and the overcoming of polarization in 
society that the upcoming May 25 parliamentary election demonstrate 
significant improvements.
    In addition, Jehovah's Witnesses continue to be imprisoned as 
conscientious objectors, despite the government's pledge to the Council 
of Europe to adopt within three years a law allowing for alternative 
service and, in the meantime, to free all conscientious objectors from 
prison. Since the beginning of this year, seven Jehovah's Witnesses 
have received long prison sentences for refusing to perform compulsory 
military service, bringing the total number of Witnesses currently 
imprisoned to eighteen.
    We raise these concerns in the spirit of constructive engagement 
with Armenia.
            Sincerely,
                                                 Benjamin L. Cardin
                                                  Commission Member

                                               Christopher H. Smith
                                                        Co-Chairman
                                 ______
                                 
                   Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe
                                             Washington, D.C. 20515
                                                     April 21, 2003
The Honorable Philip M. Crane
Chairman, Subcommittee on Trade
Committee on Ways and Means
1104 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515

    Dear Mr. Chairman:

    Thank you for offering us the opportunity to submit comments to the 
subcommittee regarding the extension of normal trade relations to the 
Republic of Moldova. As members of the U.S. Commission on Security and 
Cooperation in Europe, we wish to raise some specific areas of concern.
    In keeping with the spirit of the Jackson-Vanik Amendment of the 
Trade Act of 1974 which is meant to protect and promote human rights, 
we believe the United States must continue to make human rights a key 
component of the bilateral relationship with Moldova. With respect to 
the freedom of emigration requirements under Jackson-Vanik, Moldova has 
adopted statutory and administrative procedures that generally accord 
its citizens the right to depart and return to the country freely. 
However, the Moldovan Government should be encouraged to amend their 
law which maintains certain restrictions for potential emigrants upon 
whom close relatives are materially dependent.
    Moldova continues to be a major source country for trafficked women 
to Europe. The Moldovan Government, concerned NGOs and international 
organizations are working to eradicate this plague, but such efforts 
must be vigorously pursued and be given a very high priority. In 
addition, a proposed draft law on ``freedom of speech and religious 
organizations'' would limit religious freedom for minority faith 
communities in Moldova by denying registration unless a burdensome 
threshold concerning the length of time in existence and the number of 
participants in the religious group is met.
    Finally, we note recent reports prepared by the European Roma 
Rights Center concerning discriminatory policies and practices by 
Moldovan authorities toward the Romani minority. The Moldovan 
Government should be encouraged to ensure that all its citizens are 
treated equally before the law.
    Mr. Chairman, we appreciate the opportunity to raise these issues 
with you and request that these comments be taken into consideration, 
as well as additional progress by Moldova on these issues, as you 
consider the extension of normal trade relations to the Republic of 
Moldova.
            With best wishes, we remain
            Sincerely,
                                                 Benjamin L. Cardin
                                                  Commission Member

                                               Christopher H. Smith
                                                        Co-Chairman

                                 

                                                  Concern Worldwide
                                                 Vientiane, Lao PDR
                                                      21 April 2003
Ways and Means Committee
House of Representatives

    To whom it may concern,
 Personal Statement on the extension of NTR to the Lao PDR from Stuart 
                Highton, Country Director, Concern Laos
    I have been living and working in the Lao PDR over the past 4 years 
in the capacity of Country Director of Concern Worldwide, an Irish Non 
Governmental Organisation (NGO). I would like to add my voice to those 
calling for the extension of permanent Normal Trade Relations status to 
the Lao PDR.
    Concern's mandate throughout the world is to work with and for the 
benefit of the poorest--and in Laos that often means with ethnic 
minorities. Over the last ten years Concern has worked freely and 
unhindered (in partnership with local authorities) carrying out 
community development work with ethnic minority communities including 
H'mong, Mien, Khmou, Lamet and Katang peoples in five different 
provinces. Although we have some concerns regarding certain government 
strategies affecting ethnic minorities--for example those associated 
with efforts to stabilise slash and burn cultivation or to eliminate 
opium production--because of the impact these strategies may have on 
fragile livelihoods, in my experience there is certainly no systematic 
repression of ethnic minorities. Indeed ethnic minorities are 
represented in all levels of government, and I would contend that 
compared to some other countries in the region, which do have NTR 
status, minorities in the Lao PDR are treated well.
    My personal experience is that the Lao government has opened up 
considerably in its relations with the development community during the 
last four years and now welcomes representatives of civil society from 
other countries (such as Concern) to work with all the multi-ethnic 
peoples of Laos, and contribute to the genuine poverty alleviation 
efforts of the government. As a result of the increasing economic 
openness of the government, the country's economy is gradually becoming 
more dynamic and market oriented. Small producers, particularly of 
ethnic minority handicrafts, are improving the quality of their work; 
some of them with the assistance of international NGOs such as Concern. 
What these poor people need and deserve is a level playing field to 
compete with their neighbours in marketing their produce. It is my 
personal sincere belief that by opening up trade between the USA and 
the Lao PDR through granting NTR to Laos, Congress would be removing an 
anachronistic impediment to the development of the Lao people of all 
ethnicity, and would be contributing significantly to the poverty 
reduction efforts of the Lao government and their development partners 
here in the country. I would urge you to do so.
            Yours sincerely,
                                                     Stuart Highton

                                 

                                        San Diego, California 92105
                                                      April 6, 2003
To: LHonorable Charles Grassley, Chairman, Committee on Finance, United 
    States Senate. 
    Honorable William M. Thomas, Chairman, Committee on Ways and Means. 

    Honorable Philip M. Crane, Chairman, Subcommittee on Trade of Ways 
    and Means Committee,
E-mail: [email protected]
Fax: (202) 225-2610

    Honorable:

    This letter is to strongly support of granting normal trade 
relations status (NTR) to Laos. Laos is the only country in Southeast 
Asia that has not got NTR. Currently, US have a very small business 
establishment in Laos, comparing to China, Thailand, and Japan. Laos 
has established itself to become an important market for US goods and 
services when it joined the Association of Southeast Asia Nations 
(ASEAN) in 1997. The United States Government should help American 
companies grab a bigger share of this market by granting NTR status.
    The Lao government is sincerely cooperate with the United States in 
the fields of POW/MIA, narcotics control and supports the United States 
and the World community to fight against the international terrorism. 
Therefore, granting NTR status will demonstrate that the United States 
is also committed.
    I appreciate very much a joint proposal of Honorable Colin Powell, 
Secretary of State and Honorable Robert Zoellick of the USTR, for 
granting NTR to Laos.
    Your Honorable kind support the proposal and help granting NTR to 
Laos will be highly appreciated.
            Sincerely,
                                                        Jack Congsa

                                 

                   Consortium of World Education and World Learning
                                        Boston, Massachusetts 02210
                                                     April 21, 2003
Rep. Philip M. Crane
Chairman
Subcommittee on Trade,
House Ways and Means Committee
Washington, DC 20515

    Dear Rep. Crane:

    On behalf of the Consortium of World Education and World Learning, 
I commend you and the members of the Ways and Means Committee for your 
decision to move ahead with legislation establishing normal trade 
relations with the Lao People's Democratic Republic (Lao PDR). This is 
a process that we wholeheartedly support.
    World Education is a not-for-profit organization based in Boston. 
World Learning is a not-for-profit organization based in Washington. 
The Consortium has worked in Laos since 1992, first assisting Lao 
refugees returning to Laos from refugee camps in Thailand and now 
assisting in the areas of health, vocational training, education, 
agriculture, and economic development. The Consortium implements these 
programs in seven different provinces, Huaphan, Xieng Khouang, 
Vientiane, Sayabouli, Luang Prabang, Savannakhet, and Salavane. The 
Consortium staff works and lives in both the provincial capitals and in 
the rural areas.
    The Consortium strongly supports the decision to establish normal 
trade relations with the Lao PDR. It is long overdue. Laos is one of 
the poorest countries in Asia. The people who would benefit from the US 
funded programs that the Consortium implements would also benefit from 
the establishment of normal trade relations. One program in particular, 
the USAID-funded Lao Economic Acceleration Program in the Silk Sector 
(LEAPSS), requires the availability of an open international market in 
order to succeed. The farmers, weavers, and merchants involved in this 
program need the normal trade relations in order to export their 
handicrafts.
    Other direct beneficiaries of normal trade will be Laotians in the 
private sector and American investors, who will be able to export not 
only Laotian handicrafts, foodstuffs and other products directly to the 
United States without going through a third country or paying 
prohibitive duty. Laotian-Americans, who know Laotian cultures and 
languages and have family and friends in the country, will have 
particularly strong opportunities. Normal trade relations with the Lao 
PDR will not cost American taxpayers a cent, since the decline in 
tariff rates will be more than offset by an increase in the volume of 
trade.
    Legitimate human rights concerns, including access to health care 
and education, and protection from risk of unexploded wartime bombs, as 
well as civil and political liberties should and do form a part of US 
policy towards the Lao PDR, as with other countries. However, ongoing 
human rights issues do not prevent the United States from engaging in 
normal trade with other countries in ASEAN or elsewhere in the world 
that pose no threat to US interests. There is no logical basis for 
arguing that denying freedom to trade improves human rights. What will 
lead to improvements is a policy of engagement and respect towards the 
Lao PDR that enables the US to play a positive role. Some of the 
possibilities in this approach have already been demonstrated in the 
areas of development cooperation and religious freedom.
    Since his arrival in Vientiane in 2001, Ambassador Douglas Hartwick 
has sought, fairly and honestly, to resolve problems and increase 
communication in US-Lao PDR relations. His broad-minded diplomacy in US 
national interests deserves your encouragement. By approving NTR, the 
Congress will send a signal that the United States supports reformers 
and internationalists in the Lao PDR government, and that it is 
committed to ensuring the continuity and success of the domestic reform 
process.
    If you have any questions regarding the Consortium programs in Laos 
or would like a further comment on any of the above please do not 
hesitate to contact me at 802-254-8611.
            Sincerely yours,
                                                   Connie Woodberry
                          Senior Program Officer of World Education
                                         Director of the Consortium

                                 

                    [BY PERMISSION OF THE CHAIRMAN:]

              Council of Lao Representatives Abroad--Oceanic Region
                                                 NSW 2177 Australia
                                                     April 21, 2003
The Council of Lao Representatives Abroad (Oceanic)--Laos Reforms 2003 
                                 Report
                  Submission to US Congressional Forum
                            Washington D.C.
    The Council of Lao Representatives Abroad (Oceanic) hereby formally 
submits this report to be tabled at the US Congressional Forum in 
Washington DC on the 21st of April 2003. Concurrently, we 
submit this report to other international bodies that have an expressed 
interest in the ongoing development of issues relevant not only to Laos 
but to the region as a whole. The issues include, but are not limited 
to; foreign investment, legal governance, foreign aid, human rights and 
religious freedoms.
    The first important statement that the Council of Lao 
Representatives Abroad wishes to make clear is its desire to promote 
open dialogue between itself, the Lao Government and the international 
community in an effort to bring forth constructive debate with an aim 
of identifying positive solutions to current issues of concern.
    The second important statement that the Council of Lao 
Representatives Abroad wishes to make clear is its desire to see the 
proper implementation of the articles of the Laos constitution as 
adopted by the 6th Session of the People's Supreme Assembly 
(2nd Legislature) Vientiane, 13--15 August 1991. The constitution sets 
out clear guidelines by which the country should be governed in order 
to fulfil the objective of building Laos into a country of peace, 
independence, democracy, unity and prosperity.
    The Laos constitution reiterates the fundamental principles of the 
freedom and democratic rights of the people, which the Lao Government 
states openly, ``cannot be violated by anyone''. Clearly, there are 
still shortfalls within the system that prevent the effectiveness of 
the Laos constitution. We hope the Lao government will make itself more 
accessible to respected organisations like the Council of Lao 
Representatives Abroad, the United Nations, Amnesty International, 
foreign governments and alike, who remain committed to promoting 
positive solutions to support the development of Laos, in all respects.
    The third important statement that the Council of Lao 
Representatives Abroad wishes to make clear is its support of the 
United Nations Declaration of Human Rights as Laos so joined the United 
Nations in 1955. This agreement remains the basis on which our 
freedoms, dignity and rights are clearly defined. They are endowed with 
reason and conscience in teaching humans how they should act towards 
one another in a spirit of brotherhood. It is important for Laos to 
secure its universal and effective recognition and observance, both 
among the peoples of world and among the peoples of its jurisdiction.
    We would like to see the Lao Government begin to seriously commit 
to the promotion of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights of the 
United Nations as they agreed to promote when becoming a member of the 
United Nations in 1955. Particularly, we would like to see the Laos 
Government enforce article 5 of the agreement whereby ``No one shall be 
subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or 
punishment.''
    According to various eye-witness reports submitted as recent at 
2003 to Amnesty International, which include; reports from the US State 
Department, the US Commission for International Religious Freedoms and 
other Independent Human Rights organisations, the reports strongly 
indicate that some departments within the Lao Government have clearly 
violated not only article 5 of the Universal Declaration of Human 
Rights of the United Nations but subsequently, a number of articles 
contained therein.
    In this decade, world opinion has branded the Laos Government as a 
one-party authoritarian state that suppresses the human rights and 
political rights of its citizens and foreigners alike. Unfortunately, 
the Laos Government has been unable to change that opinion and so, 
finds itself in the company of rogue states, such as Cuba, Burma and 
Vietnam. The Lao Government fails to rule most effectively, mainly 
because of its inability to follow the international agreements it 
commits to in principle, to upholding. This has contributed to the 
serious underdevelopment of the country, which sees Laos as one of the 
poorest countries in the world. Access to even very basic health and 
education services is limited.
    Calls for reform are paramount to the successful development of 
Laos in all respects. But clearly, the Government continues to show an 
unwillingness to even debates the issues in the world arena.
Isolated examples of breeches to Domestic and International agreements;
    1. LViolations of articles 2, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 29, 30, 31, 37, & 38 
of the Laos constitution adopted by the 6th Session of the 
People's Supreme Assembly (2nd Legislature) Vientiane, 13--15 August 
1991 (see more detailed information as attached).
    2. LInternational Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), 
in accordance with the UN Declaration of Human Rights describes the 
fundament right that; those deprived of their liberty shall have the 
right to a fair and public hearing within a reasonable time, the right 
to prepare a defence and to be assisted by a lawyer, and the right not 
to be ill-treated or tortured in detention. The Laos Government signed 
on 7 December 2000, in agreement to the ICCPR that the Laos Government 
would uphold the agreement in accordance with International law and not 
to do anything, which would defeat the object and purpose of the ICCPR.
    3. LThe Lao Law concerning Criminal Case proceedings (1989) detail 
the procedures which should be followed in arrest, detention, and 
criminal prosecutions, but it is clearly and currently evident that 
there are many major breeches in this law, which further shows a lack 
of willingness or capability of the Laos Government to implement and 
follow their own laws.
    4. LUN Standard of minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners, 
Rule 33. Clearly evidence submitted to various International 
authorities (Amnesty International July 2002 Report) shows that the 
Laos Government does not uphold the principles of this article.
    5. LThe Basic Principles for Treatment of Prisoners (1990) refers 
to medical care and that provides the basis on which prisoners are to 
be provided with medical aid. Clearly the Laos Government does not 
uphold the principles of this article as widespread reports continue to 
show violations of this principle. The International Committee for Red 
Cross has made numerous attempts to provide support to the prisons in 
Laos, but these have consistently been rejected by the Lao Government.
    6. LUnited Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights article 9 
``No one shall be subjected to arbitrary arrest, detention or exile.'' 
Article 10 states ``Everyone is entitled in full equality to a fair and 
public hearing by an independent tribunal, in the determination of his 
rights and obligations and any criminal charge against him''.
    7. LIn 1976 the International Covenant on Civil and Political 
Rights 1966 (ICCPR) entered into force. Relevantly, Article 9 of the 
ICCPR states ``Everyone has the right to liberty and security of 
person. No one shall be subjected to arbitrary arrest or detention. No 
one shall be deprived of his liberty except on such grounds and in 
accordance with such procedure as are established by law.'' Anyone who 
is arrested shall be informed, at the time of the arrest, of the reason 
for his arrest and shall be promptly informed of any charges against 
him.
    8. LVarious foreign investment laws have been documented as being 
subject to extreme prejudice and government interference.

    Many examples clearly expose the ineffectiveness of the Laos 
Government that fail to uphold and honour the many international 
agreements they have signed.
    On 7 December 2000, the Laos Government signed the ICCPR. In doing 
so, it embraced the principles espoused in the agreement and signalled 
to the international community its willingness and intention to 
implement the philosophy articulated in the ICCPR. In addition, it is 
submitted in Articles 9 and 10 of the Universal Declaration of human 
rights and Article 9 of the ICCPR form part of international customary 
law. The rights prescribed in those articles are fundamental human 
rights. Their recognition is a matter of settled international 
practice. States recognise those rights as obligatory by reason of 
their fundamental nature: see Federal Republic of Germany v Denmark; 
FRG v The Netherlands ICJ Rep 1969 3 at paragraph 77 and per Judge 
Lachs.
    Despite these serious breeches of international agreements, foreign 
governments, aid agencies and the United Nations themselves, do very 
little to make accountable the Laos Government.
Reinforcement by US Government of violations
    Ambassador Hartwick of the US Embassy in Vientiane Laos recently 
stated that the Laos Government ``has treated many of its own people 
harshly, trampled on its citizens' individual human rights, and denied 
many basic freedoms we Americans cherish.''
    This statement further reinforces the view shared by many 
throughout the world that the Laos Government does not uphold the 
sanctity of human dignity. Many also believe that the Government cannot 
be relied upon to abide by agreements that are designed to protect the 
interests of both the national and international community. Ambassador 
Hartwick acknowledges that many Laotians living abroad, particularly 
America, have suffered as a result of the current Laos Government, he 
states ``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.''
    Is it reasonable for the US Government to expect Laotians to 
respect the Lao Government when clearly the government does not respect 
the people or the laws that are constituted to protect the people?
    The US Embassy in Vientiane Laos has recently made known their 
intention to push for Normalized Trade Relations between Laos and the 
United States. The Council of Lao Representatives Abroad (CLRA) does 
not feel confident that the implementation of NTR will have a positive 
effect on Laos whilst the Laos government consistently refuses to 
uphold and abide by current policies, UN agreements and international 
laws. How can the present government be relied upon to honour any such 
new agreements? We feel that the Bush Administration would be more 
responsible in its approach in proposing NTR to Laos, if they were able 
to gain sufficient assurances from the Laos Government that current 
policies, UN agreements and international laws would be upheld, and 
better promoted in the future. Subsequently; in failing to make notable 
progress, the Laos Government should be made accountable by agreeing to 
forfeit support from the International Community until such time that 
it complied with the principles of the said agreements.
Recommendations
    The Council of Lao Representatives Abroad strongly recommends that 
governments engaging in violations of international agreements, should 
not gain easy access to further trade agreements unless, there is 
positive reassurance and accountability to protect the principles of 
such agreements. The Lao Government continues to be the subject of 
reports that show recent abuses of foreign investors who have been 
unlawfully and arbitrary arrested, prolonged in detention. 
Subsequently, there have been reports on extreme violations of 
religious freedoms, expropriation of foreign investment assets and 
serious violations of trade agreements for businesses and joint venture 
memorandums.
    Since the Lao Government perceives Western governments influential 
in the provision of international aid contributions for the development 
of Laos, there is an immediate opportunity by them to engage the 
government in a process of reform that would end the oppression and 
wide scale violations of human rights. Therefore, the Council of Lao 
Representatives Abroad makes the following key recommendations to 
Western governments who support NTR for Laos; that they;

    1. LDesignate that Laos is ``a country of particular concern'' to 
make clear that severe violations of human rights exist in Laos;
    2. LTo seek from the Laos Government to enforce appropriate legal 
processes that promote transparency of foreign investment practices, 
policies, monitoring and management;
    3. LTo ensure the practical application of International law when 
dealing specifically with foreign investment;
    4. LTo establish an independent board of enquiry or board of 
arbitration where foreign investors can raise urgent concerns that 
might have a long term effect on their investment; and that might 
suitably advise and implement international law when there has been a 
clear breech of their investment agreement; harassment or other 
violation that would jeopardize their foreign investment;
    5. LTo establish practical solutions to protect the human rights of 
all persons in Laos and prevent arbitrary arrest and prolonged 
detainment;
    6. LTo urge the Laos Government to take specific steps to rectify 
concerns raised by international human rights organisations with regard 
to human rights violations; and including, the establishment of an 
independent monitoring body to conduct random inspections to the 
foreigners prison `Phonthong Prison' Vientiane, Laos.
    7. LTo urge the Laos Government to uphold the United Nations 
Declaration for Human Rights.
Further considerations
    When we consider the introduction of new policy, it is the 
responsibility of the international community, foreign aid donors and 
governments to investigate fully whether or not, current policies are 
being adhered too. This establishes the integrity of the applicant. The 
Laos Government continues to reveal their inability to function 
appropriately and more importantly, to function lawfully when dealing 
with foreign investors. For example: there are numerous reported abuses 
by Laos authorities to the various Laos Banking resolutions and foreign 
investment laws which are designed to protect investors and foreigners 
alike. For Laos to prove their integrity, and thus gain the confidence 
of the international community they must address their current 
commitment to current policies and make accountable those authorities 
that violate current laws and legislation.
    The Australian government acknowledges that Human rights are an 
important element in any foreign policy because the dignity and freedom 
of individuals must be preserved and that all Governments should take 
effective steps to ensure the promotion of human rights, including 
through representations to promote those rights in its dealings with 
other countries.
    Our nations were dubbed the `Coalition of the willing' in the Iraq 
conflict, and yet it seems that in our willingness to engage NTR for 
Laos, we fail to make accountable a Regime that publicly and openly 
opposes the very principles of democracy that we represent. The 
promotion and protection of human rights is important to Lao's National 
interests just as the promotion and protection of foreign investor 
rights underpin the country's broader economic interests. The Laos 
Government unfortunately lacks the ability to embrace such important 
aspects of being part of a civilized global society. Likewise, western 
governments could do more to address the Laos Government's 
inappropriateness but instead, seem to be shackled by diplomacy.
    Until the present Laos government shows substantial willingness to 
adopt more closely those practices which make us all `civilized' 
towards each other, then the Council of Lao Representatives Abroad 
cannot support the implementation of NTR in Laos, nor can it endorse 
the encouragement for greater foreign investment to Laos. Our 
organisation does not dispute that economic development is critical for 
improving the quality of life for people in developing countries. The 
stability of free and democratic societies can enrich and accelerate 
human development by providing standards and direction for social and 
economic growth. But let us not be confused about the society we are 
discussing. It is not one which is based on democracy that respects the 
human rights of citizens and foreigners alike, nor is it one that 
respects the rights of foreign investors who are continually subjected 
to harassment and illegal expropriation of their valued assets. 
Clearly, the Laos Government holds firmly to its communist, 
totalitarian regime practices.
    The Western World must be realistic about the `non-democratic' 
nature of the Laos Government. Similarly, Laos must be realistic in its 
current shortcomings if it is to realise its acceptance within the 
global community and in particular, the foreign investment community.
    As we repeatedly mention in this document, it is vital for 
effective foreign policy of any sort to uphold current agreements. It 
creates confidence in investors and governments, and thus lends to the 
greater opportunity for investment and trade. The Laos Government has 
readily agreed to uphold the use of UN mandates as guided by the UN 
Commission on Human Rights, foreign investment agreements, as 
appropriated by legal entities through Joint Venture agreements but 
sadly, the Laos Government continues to fail to uphold the principles 
of these agreements.
    In the year 2000, a number of foreign investments were illegally 
expropriated, unlawfully administered, inappropriately cancelled or 
found in breech, as a direct result of Laos Government and ministerial 
corruption. The international community namely, the World Bank, IMF and 
ADB, failed to rally any support to ensure these investors were granted 
their rights for protection through proper international processes 
which could effectively determine a lawful resolution to their problem. 
Similarly, US Ambassador Hartwick states ``we believe that foreign 
investors, who demand fair treatment and decent courts to enforce 
contracts, have a real impact in advancing rule of law.''
    To the contrary, a number of former foreign investors have made 
statements to Amnesty International, the United Nations, US Congress, 
the World Court, and like minded organisations that; those investors 
who `demanded fair treatment' were either thrown in jail or run out of 
town through a series of death threats. The Laos courts do not enforce 
contracts or agreements. On some occasions, they have been found to 
simply change their own laws to suit themselves. In one such court 
proceeding of the year 2001, involving a foreign investor, an Embassy 
official witnessed a senior Laos official of the Laos Taxation 
Department commit perjury to the court in order to bring about a 
conviction against the foreign investor.
    There is no system in place to protect the agreements that are 
signed between foreign investors and the Laos government. It would be 
useful if such world organisations and foreign government 
representatives became more pro-active in addressing foreign investor 
concerns and indeed concerns from foreigners who have fallen victim to 
the corruption of government officials. The need for transparency is 
obvious but the World Bank, IMF and ADB seem either unwilling or unable 
to support foreign investment in Laos, thus stating that they are only 
interested in `those projects that they administer'. How then, can 
these institutions hope to receive a positive return on the money `on 
loan' to the Laos Government when clearly, foreign investment 
protection is vital to economic growth. What can foreign Governments 
and International aid agencies do to support foreign investment in 
Laos? They can demand transparency and accountability and to ensure 
foreign investors have access to a lawful authority, to redress 
complaints or make known any harassment they are subjected to, which if 
detected early, might prevent the unacceptable loss of their 
investment?
    In principle, foreign investment is good for Laos but many foreign 
companies suffer a range of problems when investment laws are not 
enforced, labour laws are not enforced and anti-corruption decrees are 
not enforced. The practicalities of doing business in Laos are 
undermined daily.
    Foreign Embassy's promote Bilateral Trade Agreements as a form of 
protection for investors but in reality, such agreements do not provide 
such protection. A clear example of this is the case of Kerry and Kay 
Danes of Australia. The Security Manager and his wife were unlawfully 
detained in prison for nearly one year. The Australian Government 
declared them `unofficial hostages' in a major foreign investment 
expropriation wrought by the Lao Government. The bi-lateral trade 
agreement between the two countries did not deter the Lao Government 
from ill-treating the Australian couple, nor did it prevent their 
unlawful detainment for almost a year in sub-humane conditions, nor did 
it enable the couple to a fair hearing in a court, or the right to 
defend themselves through a proper legal process, or to seek redress in 
an International court following their departure from the country which 
would have resulted in the restoration of their name and reputation. As 
with the Danes case, there have been many other reports that suggest a 
serious problem with foreign investment in Laos. There is clearly an 
inability of foreign government agencies and donor organisations to 
provide any significant protection.
    There is no denying that NTR would be a wonderful opportunity for 
Laos as would greater foreign investment be. Both would enable the 
local private sector businesses, entrepreneurs, and workers to benefit 
in the world market place, and consequently raise their standard of 
living. But the Laos Government has proved itself unreliable as has the 
international community in providing appropriate support to foreign 
investors. The issues that are of concern are not limited to foreign 
investment or human rights. Recently, the US Government promoted ideas 
that they have made `uneven progress' in promoting democracy and human 
rights in Laos, and in particular, to religious freedoms. The report 
February 2003 released by the US Commission on International Religious 
Freedoms, however, calls for the US Government to designate Laos as a 
`country of particular concern', and to make clear US Concerns over 
particularly severe violations of religious freedoms in Laos. All 
throughout the report, there is significant suggestion by the US 
Commission that Laos is no closer than they were twenty-eight years 
ago, to observing religious freedoms as defined in the International 
Religious Freedom Act of 1998 (IRFA).
    As with many agreements signed by the Laos Government, and those 
ending in dispute, the excuse is consistent. The Laos Government claims 
in most all cases, to have misinterpreted the English language and 
translation. Likewise, the analysis of the decree of the Administration 
and Protection of Religious Activities in Lao PDR, in its English 
translation reveals several troublesome aspects that may in fact lead 
to further violations of religious freedoms. This is one important 
example that also leads to concern for NTR and foreign investment in 
Laos. Many investment documents that are written in both languages, 
decree's and laws as set out by the Laos Government, the effective 
implementation of such unravels with the interpretation as set in the 
English language.
    There are those like Ambassador Hartwick who speak eloquently about 
the US government's willingness to promote Human rights in Laos through 
the implementation of NTR. But the practical aspects of introducing NTR 
are still not clearly explained. Considering NTR is possible, what 
steps does the US Government propose to alleviate the increased 
departmental corruption which will result in the introduction of NTR? 
It is clear that with the proposed introduction of any new policy there 
must be strong consideration to accountability of that policy and the 
effectiveness of the government to properly administer the policy. All 
such trade agreements and human rights agreements must have protective 
provisions attached as a necessity to ensure the integrity, 
transparency and adherence to rule of law.
    The Council of Lao Representatives Abroad do not feel that the Lao 
Government has the appropriate level of knowledge, experience, 
motivation or integrity to uphold yet another `serious' agreement. As 
such, we recommend:

    1. Lthat this issue of NTR be further debated;
    2. Lthe issues of human rights be seriously enforced according to 
the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights;
    3. Lthe US Government and like-minded governments and organisations 
provide clear recommendations and workable solutions to ensure the 
reliability of the applicants, in this case, the Laos government;
    4. Lthat the international community focus more on and strongly 
encourage such regimes to uphold the principles of the international 
agreements they sign, in accordance to International law;
    5. Lthat the international community call for reforms in all 
respects and that the Laos Government agree to establish an independent 
board of arbitration, as mentioned in this document, to protect the 
broader interests of all future foreign investors to Laos;
    6. LThat the United Nations encourages greater reforms and 
accountability amongst countries that sign in agreement to their 
mandates.
                                                     Kat Ditthavong
                                           Deputy Secretary General
          The Council of Lao Representatives Abroad--Oceanic Region
                                 ______
                                 
Attached;
Annex A
Violations of articles of the Laos constitution.
Annex A
    The following are only limited examples of the violations of 
articles 2, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 29, 30, 31, 37, & 38 of the Laos 
constitution adopted by the 6th Session of the People's 
Supreme Assembly (2nd Legislature) Vientiane, 13-15 August 1991
    Article 2. The state of the Lao People's Democratic Republic is a 
People's Democratic State. All powers are of the people, by the people 
and for the interests of the multi-ethnic people of all strata in 
society with the workers, farmers and intellectuals as key components.
    Article 4. The National Assembly is the organisation of the 
people's representatives. The election of members of the National 
Assembly shall be carried out through the principles of universal, 
equal and direct suffrage, and secret balloting. Voters have the right 
to propose the dismissal of their own representatives if they are found 
to behave unfit to their honour and to lose the people's confidence.
    Article 5. The National Assembly and all other state organisations 
are established and function in accordance with the principle of 
democratic centralism.
    Article 6. The state protects the freedom and democratic rights of 
the people which cannot be violated by anyone. All state organisations 
and functionaries must popularise and propagate all policies, 
regulations and laws among the people and, together with the people, 
organise their implementations in order to guarantee the legitimate 
rights and interests of the people. All acts of bureaucratism and 
harassment that can be physically harmful to the people and detrimental 
to their honour, lives, consciences and property are prohibited.
    Article 8. The state pursues the policy of promoting unity and 
equality among all ethnic groups. All ethnic groups have the rights to 
protect, preserve, and promote the fine customs and cultures of their 
own tribes and of the nation. All acts of creating division and 
discrimination among ethnic groups are prohibited. The state implements 
every measure to gradually develop and upgrade the levels of socio-
economy of all ethnic groups.
    Article 9. The state respects and protects all lawful activities of 
the Buddhists and of other religious followers mobilises and encourages 
the Buddhist monks and novices as well as the priests of other 
religions to participate in the activities which are beneficial to the 
country and people. All acts of creating division of religions and 
classes of people are prohibited.
    Article 29. The right of Lao citizens in their bodies and houses 
are inviolable. Lao citizens cannot be arrested or searched without 
warrant or approval of the authorized organisations, except in the 
cases as prescribed by law.
    Article 30. Lao citizens have the right and freedom to believe or 
not to believe in religions.
    Article 31. Lao citizens have the right and freedom of speech, 
press and assembly; and have the right to set up associations and to 
stage demonstrations which are not contrary to the law.
    Article 37. The aliens and persons having no nationality have the 
right to enjoy their rights and freedom protected by the provisions of 
laws of the Lao People's Democratic Republic. They have the right to 
lodge petitions with courts and other organisations concerned of the 
Lao People's Democratic Republic and the obligations to respect the 
Constitution and laws of the Lao People's Democratic Republic.
    Article 38. The Lao People's Democratic Republic grants asylum to 
foreigners who are persecuted for their struggle for freedom, justice, 
peace and scientific causes.

                                 

                    [BY PERMISSION OF THE CHAIRMAN:]

                                               Montpellier, France,
                                                     Rodez, France,
                                                  Le Vigan, France,
                                               Montpellier, France,
                                                      Mende, France
to: Honourable E. Grassley, Honourable Charles B. Rangel, Honourable 
    Max Baucus, Honourable Philip M. Crane, Honourable John McCain, 
    Honourable William M. Thomas,

    Honourables,

    We are a group of physicians of lao origine residing in France 
having learned with great satisfaction that Mr Collin Powell and Mr 
Robert Zoellict conjointly had send a letter to the Comittee of Finance 
of the United states senate to request the approval of an agreement 
between the Lao's people democratic republic and the United states of 
America on trade relations with NTR. We would like to express our 
support to the approval of the bilateral agreement on trade relations.
                                             Vongsouthi Cyrille, MD
                                             Souk-Aloun Jocelin, MD
                                                Souk-Aloun Phou, MD
                                           Amphonesinh Sengphet, MD
                                            Phothirath Khamsing, MD

                                 

                                        Stamford, Connecticut 06902
    Dear Congressman Philip M Crane, Chairman, Subcommittee on Trade of 
the Committee on Ways and Means:

    I wholeheartedly support the initiative for the US NTR to Laos.
    Copy faxed to (202) 225-2610
                                                      Kristin Dacey

                                 

                                             Washington, D.C. 20036
                                                     April 11, 2003
The Honorable Philip M. Crane
Chairman,
Subcommittee on Trade
Committee on Ways and Means
U.S. House of Representatives
Washington, D.C. 20515

    Dear Chairman Crane,

    I am writing to express my strong support for extension of Normal 
Trade Relations (NTR) for Laos. My views are informed by my research on 
Laos as a Fellow at the Brookings Institution; my experience as The 
Asia Foundation Representative for Laos (1988-90); and my experience as 
a Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Human Rights (1993-97). I 
believe that extending NTR will benefit the people of Laos, US-Laotian 
relations, and broader US policy in Southeast Asia.
    Laos is subject to unfortunate extremes. Half the population lives 
below the government's own defined poverty line. Laos has the lowest 
life expectancy in Southeast Asia, and the highest fertility rate. It 
has the highest adult illiteracy rate in the region, particularly among 
women. Laos holds another dubious record, of having more ordnance 
dropped on it by the United States during the ``Secret War'' of the 
1960's and 1970's than were used on Germany and Japan combined in World 
War II. These woeful distinctions make it all the more inexplicable 
that the United States withholds NTR from Laos, as it does for only 
four countries. Worse, analysis released by the Progressive Policy 
Institute indicates that Laos faces the highest average tariffs in the 
world, at 45.3%, exceeding those of North Korea (35%). This makes no 
political, economic or geostrategic sense.
    Under these circumstances, it is self-evident that extending NTR to 
Laos will increase two-way trade between the two countries and 
stimulate economic growth in Laos. However, I believe there are other 
benefits as well. First, NTR will be a significant factor in improving 
relations between the people of Laos and the Laotian-American 
community. In contrast to Vietnam and Cambodia, both of which benefit 
from technical expertise and funds from their overseas communities, 
Laos has been less able to call upon its diaspora for crucial 
assistance in economic development and market reform. Second, NTR for 
Laos will help the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) move 
toward its longstanding goal of regional economic integration, an 
objective that has been made more difficult with the incorporation of 
the four new states (Laos, Burma, Vietnam and Cambodia) in the late 
1990's. If ASEAN is able to harmonize its economies, it is less likely 
to suffer a dramatic downturn, such as the one it experienced in the 
1997-98 Asian economic crisis.
    Lastly, extending NTR to Laos will further the US goal of 
developing a ``hub-and-spokes'' system of free trade agreements with 
Southeast Asian nations, articulated in the President's announcement of 
the Enterprise for ASEAN Initiative last October. In this laddered 
process, granting NTR for Laos will enable that country to step onto 
the first rung. Every Asian and Pacific power--including China, Japan 
and India--has offered ASEAN a free trade agreement of some kind. China 
has in fact included an ``early harvest'' clause in its agreement, to 
provide funds to the poorer ASEAN countries in the early years of 
implementation. NTR for Laos could provide an ``early harvest'' from 
the United States, helping to sustain Laos while it reforms its 
economic system to benefit from international trade regimes.
    As a former USG human rights official, I am mindful that Laos' 
human rights record does not meet the standards of a liberal democracy 
at this time. In my estimation, however, human rights improvement in 
Laos is quite possible, but it is likely to follow the incremental path 
and pace of several other Asian countries. I have observed a cautious 
liberalization process over the past decade in Laos, with greater 
personal freedoms in comparison to the 1970's and early 1980's. The 
State Department's human rights report for Laos notes improvements in 
religious freedom, as did Assistant Secretary Craner in his March 31 
press conference on the reports. While there is no established, iron-
clad link between economic growth and political liberalization, there 
is growing evidence that progress on the economic side creates greater 
demand for openness in both societies and governments. I believe that 
will be the case in Laos as well. However, I can state with absolute 
certainty that withholding NTR from Laos will do nothing to improve 
human rights in the country.
    Lastly, I would like to commend Secretary Powell and USTR Zoellick 
for their leadership in requesting that Congress grant NTR to Laos, and 
the Subcommittee for its call for public comment. In every sense, 
extension of Normal Trade Relations to Laos is long overdue. I hope 
that the Subcommittee and Congress will make every effort to correct 
this situation at the earliest opportunity.
            Sincerely,
                                                Catharin E. Dalpino
                                                            Fellow,
                                             Foreign Policy Studies
                                          The Brookings Institution

                                 

                                           Columbia, Maryland 21045
                                                     April 21, 2003
To: LHonorable Charles Grassley, Chairman, Committee on Finance, United 
    States Senate. 
    Honorable William M. Thomas, Chairman, Committee on Ways and Means. 

    Honorable Philip M. Crane, Chairman, Subcommittee on Trade of Ways 
    and Means Committee,
E-mail: [email protected]
Fax: (202) 225-2610

    Honorable:

    This letter is in strong support of granting normal trade relation 
status (NTR) to the Lao People's Democratic Republic (Laos).
    After more than twenty years in their new country, many Laotian-
Americans still have a need for goods and services that used to be part 
of their daily lives back in their motherland. These goods, which 
include arts and crafts, agricultural products and canned food items, 
are unavailable to Laotian-Americans here in the United States. Many 
Laotian-American entrepreneurs see this as a promising job and business 
opportunity. Granting NTR status to Laos will allow these entrepreneurs 
to pursue their ideas.
    American businesses will also benefit from granting of NTR. 
Currently, US have a very small business establishment in Laos, 
compares to China, Thailand, and Japan. NTR will encourage and allow a 
greater presence of US companies in this country. Laos has established 
itself to become an important market for US goods and services when it 
joined the Association of Southeast Asia Nations (ASEAN) in 1997. The 
United States Government should help American companies grab a bigger 
share of this market by granting NTR status.
    NTR status will help strengthen good understanding between the 
governments and peoples of the United States and Laos. Cooperation on 
POW/MIA, narcotics control and terrorist issues indicate that Laos is 
committed to building a better relationship with the United States. 
Granting NTR status will demonstrate that the United States is also 
committed.
    I appreciate very much a joint proposal of Honorable Colin Powell, 
Secretary of State and Honorable Robert Zoellick of the USTR, for 
granting NTR to Laos.
    I should appreciate if you could kindly support the proposal in 
granting NTR to Laos.
            Sincerely,
                                                           Bao Dang

                                 

                                            Fort Worth, Texas 76179
                                                     March 24, 2003
To: LHonorable Charles Grassley, Chairman, Committee on Finance, United 
    States Senate. 
    Honorable William M. Thomas, Chairman, Committee on Ways and Means. 

    Honorable Philip M. Crane, Chairman, Subcommittee on Trade of Ways 
    and Means Committee,
E-mail: [email protected]
Fax: (202) 225-2610

    Honorable:

    This letter is in strong support of granting normal trade relation 
status (NTR) to the Lao People's Democratic Republic (Laos).
    After more than twenty years in their new country, many Laotian-
Americans still have a need for goods and services that used to be part 
of their daily lives back in their motherland. These goods, which 
include arts and crafts, agricultural products and canned food items, 
are unavailable to Laotian-Americans here in the United States. Many 
Laotian-American entrepreneurs see this as a promising job and business 
opportunity. Granting NTR status to Laos will allow these entrepreneurs 
to pursue their ideas.
    American businesses will also benefit from granting of NTR. 
Currently, US have a very small business establishment in Laos, 
compares to China, Thailand, and Japan. NTR will encourage and allow a 
greater presence of US companies in this country. Laos has established 
itself to become an important market for US goods and services when it 
joined the Association of Southeast Asia Nations (ASEAN) in 1997. The 
United States Government should help American companies grab a bigger 
share of this market by granting NTR status.
    NTR status will help strengthen good understanding between the 
governments and peoples of the United States and Laos. Cooperation on 
POW/MIA, narcotics control and terrorist issues indicate that Laos is 
committed to building a better relationship with the United States. 
Granting NTR status will demonstrate that the United States is also 
committed.
    I appreciate very much a joint proposal of Honorable Colin Powell, 
Secretary of State and Honorable Robert Zoellick of the USTR, for 
granting NTR to Laos.
    I should appreciate if you could kindly support the proposal in 
granting NTR to Laos.
            Sincerely,
                                               Chansamone Darapheth

                                 

                                                 Toledo, Ohio 43635

    Dear Senator Grassley,

    As the brother of America's longest held acknowledged(photographed 
in a Pathet Lao prison) civilian prisoner in Laos since 5 September 
1963, I support the granting of Normal Trade Relations(NTR) to Laos 
provided the following conditions are met: 1. The immediate release of 
my brother or a verifiable accounting of his current fate and 
whereabouts including the written dossier concerning my brother that 
the Lao have in their possession, 2.continued improvement of relations 
concerning the finding and identification of ALL POWs/MIAs, 3. halting 
of human rights violations especially concerning the Hmong in their 
country, and 4. Continued improvement in narcotics control and fighting 
international terrorism. Laos, a very poor country, is a member of 
ASEAN. NTR would assist them in playing a larger role in worldwide 
affairs but the above issues still remain outstanding.
            Thank you.
                                               Jerry DeBruin, Ph.D.

                                 

                                             Washington, D.C. 20036
The Honorable Phillip Crane
Chairman
Subcommittee on Trade of the Committee on Ways and Means
US House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20515

    Dear Mr. Chairman,

    My name is Andrew Durant. I am the Managing Director of Samuels 
International, a Washington, DC-based consultancy. I have been active 
in trade and political matters related to Southeast Asia for more than 
15 years.
    In this capacity, I am writing to express my support for the 
passage of legislation to provide products from the Lao People's 
Democratic Republic with normal trade relations.
    In light of the progress that has taken place, we believe that the 
provision of normal trade relations will enhance the economic and civil 
development of the country.
            Sincerely yours,
                                                   Andrew G. Durant

                                 

                                           New York, New York 10024
To:
      LRepresentative Charles Crane, Chairman subcommittee on trade of 
the Committee on Ways and Means
TO: [email protected]
CC: [email protected]
FAX: 202 225-2610

    Congresspeople:

    I am writing to voice my support for Normal Trade Relations (NTR) 
with Laos, one of the world's least developed countries. I urge you to 
pass the necessary legislation to extend NTR to Laos and bring into 
force the bilateral trade agreements concluded in 1997.
    NTR will benefit both the US and Laos. Increased trade between our 
two countries will lead to greater economic opportunities and swifter 
economic development in Laos, directly improving people's lives and 
living standards and also reinforcing the alternative economic 
development opportunities in anti-narcotics efforts. Greater cultural 
and human cooperation will encourage more openness, which I believe 
will accelerate the positive changes achieved over the past few years.
    Laos is a member of ASEAN, an organization with which the US is 
working to strengthen regional stability as part of the ASEAN 
Initiative. As such, Laos should have the benefit of NTR as does its 
neighbors and fellow ASEAN members. And normalized trade relations with 
the US will be a big first step to further integrate Laos into the 
world trade system.
            Thank you.
                                                       Joanne Edgar

                                 

                    [BY PERMISSION OF THE CHAIRMAN:]

                                                 Vientiane, Lao PDR
                                                      17 April 2003
fax: 202-225-2610
The Honorable Philip M. Crane, Chairman
Subcommittee on Trade
Committee on Ways and Means
U.S. House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20515

    Dear Chairman Crane,

    I am writing to add my support for the House bill which will 
establish NTR with Laos. This is in concurrence with the 
recommendations of the State Department and Sec. Colin Powell, as well 
as that of Ambassador to Laos Mr. Douglas Hartwick.
    I am an American citizen, and have worked in Laos for almost 3 
years, as Country Director of the oldest continuously serving INGO in 
the country, Quaker Service in Laos, which is a project of American 
Friends Service Committee. Laos, as you know, is a small, land-locked 
country of some 5 million people, and is one of the poorest countries 
in Asia, with a per capita income estimated at $290 per year.
    It maintains friendly relations with the U.S., as well as its 
neighbors in the region, and is a member of ASEAN. It has maintained 
continuous diplomatic ties with the U.S., in spite of the fact that it 
is reported to have been the most heavily bombed country in the world, 
by U.S. airpower, in a 'secret war' up to 1973. That war left enormous 
quantities of UXO, which to this day still kill and maim people in 
remote villages, as well as remnants of Agent Orange. It has cooperated 
with U.S. requests to find the remains of MIAs from the Indochina War, 
and continues to assist U.S. efforts to eliminate opium production.
    I have traveled to remote parts of the country where our work is 
done, and have seen the needs of the country first hand. Medical care, 
educational facilities, and jobs are greatly wanting. This is not a 
technologically sophisticated country; to improve its standard of 
living, trade in basic materials, such as garments, furniture, 
handicrafts, etc. must be encouraged. Yet, the U.S. imposes an average 
tariff of 45.3%, compared to a global average of 2.4%; silk dresses, 
one of the principal commodities produced in Laos, are taxed at 65%, 
compared to 7% for Vietnam, Cambodia and China. This fact is a clear 
hindrance to the development of the economy.
    I have gotten to know many Lao nationals, and I find that they have 
a strong liking and deep regard for the American people. I have also 
gotten to know many diplomats, American Embassy staff, expatriate staff 
in other INGOs, and expatriate business people, and I have not found 
any who would not take the same position as myself in encouraging the 
establishment of Normal Trade Relations with the U.S.
    Thank you for your consideration.
            Sincerely,
                                               John Ferchak, Ph.D.,
                                                   Country Director
                                             Quaker Service in Laos

                                 

                    [BY PERMISSION OF THE CHAIRMAN:]

                                             Fraternite France-Laos
                                            330120 Le Vigan, France

                                        Association Le Frangipanier
                                 48000 Mende, France March 26, 2003
To:
      LHonourable Philip M. Crane, Chairman, Subcommittee on Trade of 
the Committee on Ways and Means, House of representatives
Fax: 202 225 2610

    Honourable Philippe M. Crane,

    We are two humanitarian non governmental organizations of Laotians 
in France (Fraternite France-Laos, Association Le Frangipanier; we have 
learned with great satisfaction that a letter jointly signed by Mr 
Collin Power and Mr Robert Zoellict has been sent to the Committee on 
Finance, United states senate, and to the Committee on ways and means, 
House of representatives, to request the approval of an agreement 
between the Lao people's democratic republic and the United states of 
America on trade relations with a disposition on NTR. We are for that 
reason would like to express our great appreciation and sincere 
congratulation to the US government for its appropriate decision to 
support the approval of the bilateral Agreement on trade relations. We 
are convinced that the bilateral Agreement on trade relations will 
contribute to the enhancement of relations between our two countries 
and the deepening of the mutual understanding of our peoples. We 
therefore would like to call upon your very kind support and request 
that the Agreement between the Lao people's democratic republic and the 
United states of America on trade relations be approved by the Senate.
                                          Phoungeun Souk-Aloun, MD,
                                    chairman Fraternite France-Laos

                                            Khamsing Phothirath,MD,
                               chairman Association Le Frangipanier

                                 

                                    Global Advance Technology, Inc.
                                              Wichita, Kansas 67210

    I want to take this opportunity to introduce my self and my company 
and the Lao Buddhist Association of Kansas.
    My name is Khamphoui Manyseng. I am U.S. citizen and businees owner 
and Board of Director of Wichita Chamber of Commerce base in Wichita, 
Kansas, I am writing this letter on behalf of my employees, my fellows 
Laotian American in Wichita and Cities around and my family. I 
wholeheartedly support the joint proposal of Honorable Colin L. Powell, 
State Secretary and Honorable Robert B. Zoellick, U.S. Trade Rep. in 
granting teh permanent NTR to the Lao PDR.
    The Lao PDR is only country in the area that haven't got such 
Agreement yet although its politico-Social situation are far better 
than others.
    I would like to thank you very much for your kind and cooperation.
            Sincerely yours,
                                                 Khamphoui Manyseng
                                                  President & Owner
                                    Global Advance Technology, Inc.

                                 

                                             Washington, D.C. 20515
                                                     April 11, 2003
The Honorable Phil Crane
Chairman, Subcommittee on Trade
Committee on Ways and Means
U.S. House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20515

    Dear Chairman Crane:

    We write today to implore you to take no further steps toward 
granting Normal Trade Relations (NTR) status to the Lao People's 
Democratic Republic (LPDR). We respectfully assert that granting NTR to 
Laos at this time would in fact represent an ill-conceived reward for 
the consistently dreadful behavior the LPDR regime has exhibited in 
recent years at home, abroad, and in its bilateral relations with the 
United States. We offer the following seven facts as evidence the LPDR 
has not yet earned such an upgrade in its trade status.
    1. Two U.S. citizens remain missing after disappearing at the 
Laotian border in 1999. The LPDR government has been uncooperative in 
its dealings
 with U.S. authorities working to investigate their case, and the LPDR
 government may have been involved in the disappearance itself. 
According to American eyewitnesses, U.S. citizens Houa Ly and Michael 
Vang went missing on April 19, 1999 after having last been seen with 
Lao government authorities near the Laos-Thailand border. U.S. 
investigators have since pursued the case, but the State Department has 
acknowledged a lack of cooperation by the LPDR in the investigation, 
stating in November 1999 that the Lao government ``has been slow to 
respond to our requests for access to the area and has tried to place 
restrictions on our investigators.'' In July of 1999, staff members of 
the Senate Foreign Relations Committee traveled to Laos and received 
information on the case from what they characterized as a ``very 
credible source.'' The staff report filed after the trip states that, 
``with a great degree of detail, the tip we received corroborated 
Hmong-American suspicions that the men in fact crossed into Laos and 
that the government of Laos captured and killed Messrs. Vang and Ly.''
    2. As documented in this year's State Department Report on Human
Rights Practices, the LPDR continues to be one of the world's most 
reprehensible abusers of human rights--with a repertoire that includes 
torture, harsh restrictions on the press and free speech, and 
imprisonment of
people for their religious beliefs. The report speaks for itself, 
stating that last year: ``The (Lao) Government's human rights record 
remained poor, and it continued to commit serious abuses. Citizens do 
not have the right to change their government. Members of the security 
forces abused detainees, especially those suspected of insurgent or 
antigovernment activity. Prisoners were abused and tortured, and prison 
conditions generally are extremely harsh and life threatening--The 
judiciary was subject to executive, legislative, and LPRP influence, 
was corrupt, and did not ensure citizens due process. The Government 
infringed on citizens' privacy rights. The Government restricted 
freedom of speech, the press, assembly, and association. The Government 
continued to restrict freedom of religion, and police and provincial 
authorities arrested and detained more than 60 members of Christian 
churches, with 4 members of religious communities in custody or 
incarcerated for their religious beliefs at year's end.'' These 
appalling human rights abuses are of particular concern in the so-
called ``Saysamboun Special Zone'' in Laos, where reports of LPDR 
military offenses against ethnic minorities are common and disturbing. 
Finally, it is important to note that independent human rights 
monitoring organizations such as Amnesty International continue to be 
barred from entering Laos by the LPDR government.
    3. The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom this year
 called Laos one of the world's worst violators of religious freedom, 
stating
 that forced renunciations of faith and imprisonment of people for 
their religious beliefs are tragically frequent. In its 2003 report to 
the president and Congress, the commission urged the Bush 
administration to name Laos a ``Country of Particular Concern,'' which 
would place it in the company of such terrifying regimes as Iraq, 
Sudan, Burma and North Korea. According to the commission's report, 
``for at least the last several years, the government of Laos has 
engaged in particularly severe violations of religious freedom--these 
include the arrest and prolonged detention and imprisonment of members 
of religious minorities on account of their religious activities, as 
well as instances where Lao officials have forced Christians to 
renounce their faith. Between 100 and 200 individuals have been 
arrested since 1999. At the same time, dozens of churches have been 
closed. These violations have continued to be committed in the past 
year . . .''
    4. Shockingly, the LPDR continues to foster close ties with Kim 
Jong-Il's
 Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK)--stating less than two
 years ago that relations ``of friendship and cooperation'' between 
Laos and
 the North Korean pariah state ``are steadily growing stronger,'' and 
congratulating the North Korean people ``on the shining successes made 
in
 their efforts to build a powerful nation . . . under the wise 
leadership of
 Kim Jong-Il.'' In a joint communique issued July 17, 2001 by the 
leadership of the LPDR and DPRK, the North Korean government also 
commended the Lao government for the ``great successes made in their 
efforts to consolidate and develop the people's democratic system and 
estimated the daily rising role and position of the LPDR.''
    5. The LPDR recently held state-sanctioned rallies speaking out 
against
 U.S. military action in Iraq in the most inflammatory of terms--
stating that
 ``the war will bring disaster to the whole of humanity,'' and 
``demand(ing)
 the U.S. respect the peace and sovereignty of Iraq.'' These and other 
similarly belligerent comments were transmitted throughout Laos on 
state-run radio and around the globe through various media services.
    6. A substantial majority of Laotian-Americans--many of whom know,
 first-hand, the brutality meted out by the LPDR regime--are strongly 
opposed to offering NTR to Laos. These people, many of whom are Hmong-
Americans who assisted the United States military during the Vietnam 
War, view the offer of NTR to the government of Laos as a fundamental 
betrayal of not only them personally, but of our American principles. 
According to the most recent census, there are approximately 170,000 
Hmong living in the United States. An almost equal number of Lao live 
in the United States as well.
    7. Although some argue that Laos presents a potentially lucrative 
market
 for U.S. companies, the facts show otherwise. While proponents of 
improved trade relations with Laos claim that the potential economic 
benefits outweigh the significant moral questions about Laos as a 
trading partner, the truth is that the LPDR's Gross Domestic Product in 
2001 was estimated to be $9.2 billion. For comparison, the Gross 
Municipal Product of Fort Wayne, Indiana in 2001 was more than double 
that amount: $18.8 billion. Laos' authoritarian internal economic 
policies, not a lack of trade with the United States, has created this 
dismal reality. Without substantial change in those policies, neither 
the people of Laos nor the United States will ever benefit economically 
from NTR.
    This letter should not be interpreted as a statement that we 
believe the door to NTR for Laos should be shut forever. In our 
opinion, however, Laos has failed miserably to demonstrate that it is 
ready for or deserves NTR at this time. In fact, in the six years since 
the negotiation of the U.S.-LPDR bilateral trade agreement, the Lao 
regime's record on basic issues like those mentioned above has actually 
become worse, not better.
    We believe that if, over the next few years, the LPDR government is 
able to successfully demonstrate concrete improvements in these areas 
of concern, consideration of NTR for Laos may be appropriate. Until 
then, however, we should send a strong message to the LPDR regime that 
economic rewards from the United States will not be forthcoming unless 
it can improve its abysmal record.
            Sincerely,
                                           The Honorable Mark Green
                                                 Member of Congress

                                    The Honorable George Radanovich
                                                 Member of Congress

                                 

                                             Washington, D.C. 20002
To:
      Congressman Philip M Crane, Chairman,
      Subcommittee on Trade of the Committee on Ways and Means

    Dear Congressman:

    I would like to strongly urge you to support the initiative for the 
U.S. NTR to Laos. Normalizing trade relations with Laos would be an 
important further step in supporting the region and their economic 
growth as a whole.
    I have traveled much in developing countries and the one item which 
strikes me is how most people in these countries have relatives in the 
U.S. From cab drivers in Addis Ababa to Korean flower vendors.
    Strengthening these ties between our immigrant community and their 
country of origin not only serves as a means of providing economic 
benefit to the country, but likewise reflects in establishing respect 
for the United States in these countries. I urge you to support the 
efforts and therefore strenghten our links to Laos. It makes economic 
sense and it makes diplomatic sense.
            Thank you for considering this expression of my support.
                                                 Geoffrey Greenwell

                                 

                                           Bethesda, Maryland 20816
To: House Ways and Means Committee
From: Pamela Griffin

    I am writing in order to support Normal Trade Relations between the 
United States and Laos. Economic stability in this region is vital, and 
any minor objections by a few vocal opponents are far outweighed by the 
need to finally put into effect the 1997 agreement to normalize be-
lateral relations. In my view, there is no significant reason why Laos 
should not join Vietnam and Cambodia in receiving this status.
    Thank you for making possible the Normalization of Trade Relations 
between the United States and Laos immediately.
            Sincerely,
                                                     Pamela Griffin

                                 

                                          Arlington, Virginia 22201
                                                     April 16, 2003
The Honorable Phil Crane
Chairman, Subcommittee on Trade
Ways and Means Committee
U.S. House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20515
FAX 202-225-2610

    Dear Mr. Chairman:

    On behalf of the Vietnam War POW/MIA families, I am writing in 
strong support of NTR for Laos. Acting on a favorable position 
established earlier by our voting members, the League's elected Board 
of Directors has consistently supported this long-overdue step between 
the United States and Laos.
    Since first visiting Laos in 1982, I have worked closely with 
senior Lao and U.S. officials, both in Vientiane and in Washington. I 
last visited Laos in February of this year, as head of a small 
delegation that included League Chairman of the Board Jo Anne Shirley 
and Policy Advisor Richard T. Childress, a Vietnam War veteran who 
served for eight years as Director of Asian Affairs, National Security 
Council, during both Reagan Administrations. As expected, we found 
serious cooperation and support by the Lao. Our consistent testimony 
before your Subcommittee, last given in 1999, was also in support of 
NTR for Laos.
    A Bilateral Trade Agreement was initialed in 1998, yet favorable 
action by Congress to on that agreement and NTR for Laos still lags. 
Ironically, now that Vietnam, Cambodia and even Burma (Myanmar) have 
been approved, Laos is the only ASEAN country that does not have normal 
trade relations with the United States. Even more illogical is that 
Laos is joined by only two countries in the world without NTR, Cuba and 
North Korea. It is difficult to justify to Lao officials why this 
situation has not been rectified.
    The Lao Government and people have continuously improved their 
already significant cooperation on POW/MIA accounting, and though much 
remains to be done, we have confidence that further requests by the 
U.S. will also meet with positive responses. Laos has also cooperated 
well in bilateral and multinational efforts to stem narcotics 
production and trafficking. The Lao leadership has made difficult 
decisions required to address human rights, religious freedom and to 
develop their country's economy for the betterment of the Lao people. 
Failure to reinforce such positive steps can seriously undercut the 
prospect of further progress in achieving Lao and U.S. objectives. Now 
is not the time to cause nations to turn away from the United States, 
particularly those that demonstrated early and, to the extent of their 
capacity, full support for our fight against international terrorism.
    It is our sincere hope that you will vote to approve NTR to 
reinforce the positive steps Laos has taken to address bilateral 
issues, especially POW/MIA accounting. Other U.S. priority concerns are 
also more likely to continue improving with favorable action by 
Congress on NTR.
            Respectfully,
                                                Ann Mills Griffiths
                                                 Executive Director

cc: Deputy Secretary of State
Deputy Secretary of Defense

                                 

                    [BY PERMISSION OF THE CHAIRMAN:]

                                                 Vientiane, Lao PDR
                                                     April 19, 2003
Congressman Philip M. Crane, Chairman
Subcommittee on Trade of the Committee on Ways and Means
[email protected]
Fax: (202) 225-2610

    Dear Sir:

    I am writing in response to your request for written public 
comments regarding the extension of normal trade relations (NTR) status 
to the products of Laos.
    I am an American citizen who has lived and worked in Lao PDR since 
1996 with a U.S.-based international non-government organization. I 
encourage you to grant permanent NTR status to Laos and to enact the 
1997 bilateral trade agreement for Congress to enact legislation 
amending the HTS to strike Laos permanently from General Note 3(b). I 
believe this agreement will represent an important step toward economic 
reform and openness, which are key U.S. priorities in Laos. A more 
prosperous Laos is in the U.S. interest
    The opinions I have expressed here are personal and do not intend 
to represent an official position by my employer.
            Sincerely,
                                                        Troy Hansel
                                          Associate Conservationist
                                           WCS--Lao Country Program

                                 

                                                   Health Frontiers
                                            Kenyon, Minnesota 55946
                                                     April 11, 2003
Congressman Philip Crane
Chairman, Subcommittee on Trade
Ways and Means Committee
US House of Representatives
Washington, DC

    Dear Congressman Crane:

    We are writing to express the support of Health Frontiers for the 
proposal to grant permanent Normal Trade Relations (NTR) status to 
Laos, and to enact the 1997 bilateral trade agreement between Laos and 
the United States.
    Health Frontiers is an all-volunteer non-profit organization, which 
has enabled hundreds of volunteer faculty physicians from many US 
institutions to be helpful to the destitute Medical School in Laos over 
the past dozen years. They have helped the Lao faculty to launch an 
intensive three-year residency training program in pediatrics and 
internal medicine. These are the first full-time postgraduate medical 
education programs in the history of the country, and they have already 
graduated fourteen new Lao pediatricians.
    Throughout these twelve years, we have been able to confirm that 
Laos, though still a communist country, no longer fits its earlier 
reputation as the cruel dictatorship that terrorized and killed so many 
of its own people. Laos is now one of the more peaceful places on 
earth, daily welcoming planeloads of visiting Lao-Americans and 
international tourists. It is also one of the least developed countries 
in Asia, with enormous potential for NTR to spur productive trade. The 
positive changes in Laos have coincided with its efforts since 1989 to 
open up to the rest of the world. There can be little doubt that NTR 
would accelerate these positive changes, both economically and 
politically.
    We wish you and your colleagues much wisdom as you consider this 
matter, and we trust the Congress will be able to grant NTR status for 
Laos at this time.
            Sincerely yours,
                                                   Karen Olness, MD
                                                   Medical Director

                                                     Hakon Torjesen
                                                          President

                                 

                    [BY PERMISSION OF THE CHAIRMAN:]

                                                   Health Frontiers
                        Vientiane, Lao Peoples' Democratic Republic
                                                     April 16, 2003
                    Normal Trade Relations with Laos
 Public Comment Submitted to the Subcommittee of Trade of the Committee
                           on Ways and Means
    We urge that the U.S. Government grant normal trade relations 
status to the products of Laos. Our comments are based upon the 
understanding we have gained from our experiences and what we have 
witnessed in Laos over the previous five years.
    I came here to photograph the people.
    Looking at the state of the people in the photographs has brought 
both of us back to Laos; wanting to do everything we could to help the 
people. We now work with the Faculty of Medical Sciences National 
University of Laos, the teaching hospitals, and the Ministry of Health. 
We travel to the provinces with medical residents and to deliver 
medical supplies. Everywhere we go, we see the effects of poverty and 
malnutrition.
    We also see the devastation from unexploded ordinance dropped from 
bombers during the Vietnam War and how it continues to haunt the people 
of Laos. Here in Laos, they call it the American War. We recently saw 
an unconscious person in the hospital with a piece of shrapnel in her 
brain. Her family explained to us that her brother was killed from the 
explosion as they were working together in their rice field. There was 
nothing that we could do, except to say, ``I'm sorry.'' Meanwhile the 
Lao Government cooperates with the USA helping to recover the remains 
of American MIAs.
    In a letter to Charles Rangel, Committee on Ways and Means, House 
of Representatives, dated February 24 2003, signed by Robert Zoellick, 
U.S. Trade Representative and Colin Powell, Secretary of State; 
concerns about the Lao Government's human rights record are discussed 
and summarized by stating ``The Administration believes that extending 
NTR to Laos will create a more cooperative atmosphere and opportunities 
that will help open the society and leverage our efforts to improve 
human rights, religious freedom and rule of law in Laos.''
    Everyday we see disease caused by malnutrition, a direct result of 
poverty. In the hospitals, many children, already in a pathetic state 
of health, die from diarrhea. In the countryside, many children walk 
around with distended abdomens, common with malnutrition and intestinal 
parasites. Many have white spots or ulcers on their eyes from vitamin 
deficiency. When their eye gets bad and bothers them, and if they can 
afford it, they have their eye removed. It only costs $20 U.S. dollars. 
We have seen two cases of NOMA, cancrum oris, a secondary infection 
that afflicts malnourished children after a course of measles or other 
illness. This infection begins in the mouth and eats away at the lips 
and cheek. If the children survive the disease, and even more severe 
malnutrition from not being able to move their jaw and chew their food; 
they grow up horribly disfigured. It takes eight hours in an American 
operating room to give them their face back. I told one girl that I 
would try to help her. We hope that through the influence of these 
words, and the words in other public comments, others can be prevented 
from loosing their face as she has.
    This poverty and poor state of health affects minority people far 
more significantly than any other segment of the population. 
Ironically, these are the people mentioned in the letter to Charles 
Rangel regarding human rights or ``protection of minority rights.''
    We cannot provide the solutions to reduce poverty and thus improve 
health. We see ourselves and other volunteers working so hard to make 
even the slightest difference for a few people; sometimes with success, 
and sometimes with failure. We need to believe that ``good enough'' is 
acceptable and sometimes even too much to hope for. The situation in 
some of the villages is so bad, that we rejoice in even the slightest 
hint of being able to make a difference. We do not know who would 
benefit the most from NTR; but we expect that even the poorest people 
will gain some benefit, directly in the marketplace. These people will 
also benefit from export taxes that will help the Lao Government 
develop transportation, communication, education, and health 
facilities; all necessary to help reduce poverty. Anything that can 
provide hope to eradicate poverty pertains to individual human rights. 
The human right for parents to feed their children, should be a far 
greater and more immediate concern than the government's human rights 
record. Religious freedom is about offering people choices. Granting 
the Lao Government ``normal'' trade relations, should offer to Lao 
families the ``normal'' opportunities and choices that our families 
take for granted in the USA.
                                                    Leila Srour, MD

                                                         Bryan Watt

                                 

               Hmong American Planning and Development Center, Inc.
                                             Arlington, Texas 76013

    The Honorable Congressman Martin Frost and Congressional members of 
the Ways and Means Committee,

    On behalf of the Hmong American Planning and Development Center, 
Inc., a non-profit community-based organization of Texas, I write this 
letter in support for the granting of NTR to Laos.
    Once granted, both the American and Lao people will greately 
benefit the NTR. During the past several years, many Lao American 
Entrepreneurs had tried to do business with the Lao people but they 
faced the international trade barriers. As consequence, many business 
leaders lost their investment.
    The NTR would benefit the current Lao government leadership in the 
short-term but in the long run, the Lao population will enjoy its good 
results. Also, the NTR may be one of the instruments for political 
changes in the future and hopefully democracy will prevail.
    Thank your support as well as the United States congress.
            Respectfully Yours,
                                                   Thao Phia Xaykao
                                                           Director

                                 

                             Hmong International Human Rights Watch
                                              Omaha, Nebraska 68104
                                                     April 21, 2003
The Honorable Phil Crane
Chairman of the House Subcommittee on Trade
233 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Fax: (202) 225-2610
[email protected]
LHearing on Extension of Normal Trade Relations to the Lao People's 
        Democratice Republic

    Dear Congressman Crane:

    Our organization is strongly opposed to the granting of Normalized 
Trade Relations to Laos before some concrete measures have been taken 
by the current Lao PDR regime to improve its human rights record and 
open up the country to international human rights monitors to all areas 
of the country, most particularly remote areas of Saysomboun Special 
Zone.
    I would like to begin by stating that the Hmong people have been 
targeted for human rights abuse by the current regime because of their 
loyal support of the United States during the Vietnam War. It was 
because of this loyalty that the Hmong continue to be the never ending 
target of persecution by the Lao PDR up till the present day.
    After 1975, the Hmong were singled out for extermination. On 
September 13, 1981, then-U.S. Secretary of State Alexander Haig accused 
the Soviet Union of supplying chemical weapons (trichothecene 
mycotoxins) to the Lao and Vietnamese governments to use against the 
Hmong. To this date, the State Department has still not retracted its 
statement. Today, these weapons would be threateningly referred to as 
``Weapons of Mass Destruction''. It is important to note that these 
alleged chemical attacks took place in an area now referred to as 
Saysomboun Special Zone. This is an administrative area operated by Lao 
military forces. Travel is tightly restricted. U.N. and U.S. Embassy 
staff cannot travel freely to this remote area. This is a major concern 
because some of the worst human rights atrocities occur here on a 
regular basis.
    Hmong returnees and their leaders have been the target of human 
rights abuse. Vue Mai, the leader of a large group of returnees was 
secretly arrested and never heard from again. Kou Yang, the former 
leader of Ban Phan Thao repatriation site had to get political asylum 
in the U.S. after Lao PDR officials made threats on his life. This was 
all because he spoke out against the lowland Lao taking away many of 
the Hmong returnees farmland.
    Hmong returnees have to carry government-issued identification 
cards with distinctive markings, which mark them as potential trouble 
makers. This year's State Department's Human Rights Report on Laos 
states that such cards tended to reinforce a pattern of societal 
discrimination against the returnees. This is troubling as the Hmong 
returnees are often singled out as scapegoats for any societal problems 
that arise. Since the Hmong returnees living in Ban Phan Thao are not 
allowed to own guns, unlike the lowland Lao who have AK-47s, they are 
constantly in a precarious position.
    To add insult to injury, the UNHCR closed its office in Laos over a 
year ago. Lionel Rosenblatt, former State Department official and 
currently President Emeritus of Refugees International, stated in a RI 
report released early last year that the U.S. government had promised 
to fully fund UNHCR's continued operation in Vientiane.
    The two Hmong-speaking UNHCR monitors are no longer available to 
resolve the problems of returnees. Ever since the February 6, 2003 
attack on a bus just outside Vang Vieng the Hmong returnees have lived 
in constant fear of government reprisals. They are afraid because they 
are often the scapegoat for such violent occurrences. The newspapers 
reported that instead of trying to preserve the crime scene authorities 
quickly cleaned up the area, thereby destroying any evidence which 
could later be used in court.
    We have received information that the government arrested a Hmong 
man from a nearby town in connection with this incident. We fear for 
his safety, as the recently released State Department's Human Rights 
Report on Laos states that detainees suspected of insurgency are 
treated very roughly.
    In June 2002, a Hmong-American was an eye-witness when 105 Hmong 
peacefully surrendered to government authorities in Ban Phan Thao 
village. He wanted to take photos of the group but authorities denied 
his request. Shortly thereafter, the Lao government ordered several 
trucks to take these Hmong away, supposedly heading for the Phukhin 
Jail in Vientiane. We have presented this information to the U.S. 
Ambassador in Laos but have not been able to find out where these Hmong 
were taken or how they are doing right now.
    That same month, there was also the case we reported of six Hmong 
who were arrested in Meung Feung. The U.S. Ambassador has confirmed the 
arrest but has still not found out where they have been taken to and if 
they will have a fair trial.
    Earlier this month Voice of America reported that the Lao 
government arrested 3 Hmong leaders from Muang Mok and took them to a 
jail in Savanakhet. Last month we received news that 150 Hmong living 
in this area were assaulted by the Lao military, 5 killed, others 
wounded, with the rest fleeing into the jungle. We are very concerned 
about what will happen to these Hmong.
    There are still over 30,000 Hmong refugees living in Thailand, most 
of who live at Wat Thamkrabok. These Hmong possess neither Lao nor Thai 
citizenship. They are without nationality. We know of a case of 5 Hmong 
who acquired Thai citizenship then legally traveled back to Laos to 
visit relatives during the new year celebration. These Hmong were 
wrongfully accused of being Hmong insurgents and put in jail. They have 
been held for over three years now without receiving a fair trial. 
Currently, they are in Phongtong jail, Vientiane (more information 
available upon request).
    Lastly, we know of many cases of Hmong working at high levels of 
the government who are singled out and imprisoned or executed. We have 
received word that Boua Chong Lee, who was a high level military 
officer arrested in 1995 has been killed. Then there is the recent case 
we received of Savangsai Lo (aka: Xaiv Ker Lo), who held a high 
position in the Trade Department. He was the son-in-law of Xai Ker 
Yang, former President of the Lao PDR National Assembly. On August 10, 
2002, Savangsai Lo was murdered by the Lao PDR, after he refused to 
take part in government sponsored corruption (more information 
available upon request).
Conclusion
    We would like the U.S. government to establish an Orderly Departure 
Program (ODP) for those Hmong trapped inside Saysomboun Special Zone 
and the surrounding remote jungle area.
    We would like the U.S. to put pressure on the Lao government to 
open up Saysomboun Special Zone and other areas of the country so that 
international human rights monitors can be allowed uninhibited access 
to all areas of the country.
    Prisoners must have the right to fair trials and be allowed visits 
by family members and ICRC.
    Without the granting of such basic freedoms as these we feel that 
granting Normalized Trade Status to the Lao PDR will have a negative 
impact on the local population.
            Respectfully,
                                                        Laura Xiong
                                                 Executive Director
CC:
Congressman Xavier Becerra, CA
Congressman Dave Camp, MI
Congresswoman Jennifer Dunn, WA
Congressman Phil English, PA
Congressman Ramstad, CA
Congressman Charles B. Rangel, NY
Congressman E. Clay Shaw Jr. FL
Congressman Jonh S. Tanner, TN
Congressman Wally Herger, CA
Congressman Amo Houghton, NY
Congressman William J. Jefferson, LA
Congressman Sander M. Levin, MI
Congressman Richard E. Neal, MA
Congressman Jim Nussle, IA

                                 

                                       New Haven, Connecticut 06511
Honorable Philip M. Crane
Chairman
Subcommittee on Trade
Ways and Means Committee
House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20515
Fax: 202-225-2610

    Dear Chairman Crane,

    I urge you to submit the BTA to the 108th Congress for 
prompt consideration and passage. I believe that the United States and 
Laos will benefit greatly from the normal trade relations (NTR) that 
will follow Congressional passage.
    As you know, Laos is one of only seven countries under non-NTR or 
embargo-type policies in U.S. foreign policy. The denial of NTR to Laos 
in light of normal trade relations granted to Vietnam and Cambodia 
makes little sense. The United States and Laos signed the BTA in 1997, 
and its ratification forms part of President Bush's trade agenda. 
President Bush recently cited Laos as one of the countries included in 
the Enterprise for ASEAN Initiative, with the aim of helping that 
country, Cambodia and Vietnam integrate into the international economy. 
Moreover, bilateral efforts to address POW/MIA issues and stem the flow 
of narcotics continue to be productive.
    I am mindful that trade agreements negotiated by the Executive 
Branch and approved by Congress are only the first stage of stronger 
and more mutually beneficial ties. It is incumbent upon the government 
of Laos to provide American companies and their own state and private 
enterprises with the legal framework and operational authority they 
need to pursue successful trade and investments.
    After 1975, the United States and Laos maintained official ties 
when relations with Vietnam and Cambodia had been completely severed. 
It is time to remove discriminatory tariff barriers and to take this 
last major step toward the normalization of relations. I look forward 
to working with you to achieve this. Thank you for your consideration.
            Sincerely yours,
                                                Benjamin D. Hodgdon

                                 

                                             Washington, D.C. 20001
Congressman Philip M. Crane
U.S. House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20515
Fax (202) 225-2610

    Congressman Philip M. Crane:

    I am an anthropology specialist who has worked on anthropological 
research of Vat Phu Province of Laos and through my knowledge on Lao 
society, is hoping for a smooth carry out of the Bilateral Trade 
Agreement between Laos and the United States.
    The province in Laos that I was working was planned to be 
designated as a World Heritage by UNESCO. To avoid the cultural 
destruction by impact of tourists on residents at the site (who have 
traditional life style,) anthropologists decided to limit the number of 
tourists coming into the site at a time. I was against these 
anthropologists. The residents at the archaeological site are on 
absolute poverty. If the residents are able to sell their intricate 
handcrafts to as many tourists as possible, and if that process leads 
to international trade, their economic situation would improve.
     Since the United States has the largest power on international 
market, the normalized trade between Laos and the United States would 
impact the most and exponentially help these large number of people in 
Laos who are suffering under poverty. I am confident that execution of 
the Bilateral Trade Agreement would better the life of the people of 
Laos. The people would appreciate the United States, as the country of 
human rights.
            Very sincerely,
                                                       Fumie Iizuka

                                 

                              International Mass Retail Association
                                          Arlington, Virginia 22209
                                                     April 21, 2003
The Honorable Phillip Crane
Chairman
House Ways & Means
Subcommittee on Trade
1104 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515

    Dear Chairman Crane:

    On behalf of the International Mass Retail Association (IMRA), I 
urge you to support Congressional approval for Normal Trade Relations 
(NTR) for Laos this year.
    The International Mass Retail Association is the world's leading 
alliance of retailers and their product and service suppliers. IMRA 
members represent over $1 trillion in sales annually and operate over 
100,000 stores, manufacturing facilities, and distribution centers 
nationwide. Our member retailers and suppliers have facilities in all 
50 states, as well as internationally, and employ millions of 
Americans. As a full-service trade association, IMRA provides industry 
research and education, government advocacy, and a unique forum for its 
members to establish relationships, solve problems, and work together 
for the benefit of the consumer and the mass retail industry.
    The U.S. and Laos concluded a bilateral trade agreement in August 
1997, however the U.S. has never implemented the agreement, which means 
Laos has yet to receive NTR trade status. As you are well aware, non-
NTR tariffs are significantly higher than higher than those granted 
under normal trade status.
    NTR for Laos would lead to increased two-way trade between our 
countries, giving IMRA's members another option for sourcing and 
providing U.S. consumers with high quality products at competitive 
prices, especially wearing apparel. Last year U.S. importers paid close 
to $5 million in duties on cotton sweaters, sweatshirts and vests (HTS 
611020). Current non-NTR duty rates on these items are 45%, while the 
NTR rate is only 5%. NTR for Laos would lead to huge savings for 
American consumers on these and other products.
    We urge you to move forward with granting NTR status to Laos this 
year. If you have any questions, please contact Jonathan Gold, 
Director, International Trade Policy ([email protected]) in the IMRA 
office.
            Sincerely,
                                                      Sandy Kennedy
                                                    President, IMRA

                                 

                                                    Jhai Foundation
                                    San Francicso, California 94112
                                                       May 21, 2003
To: members, Ways and Means Committee
From: Lee Thorn, Chair, Jhai Foundation
Re: Normalization of trade with Laos
    Thank you for this opportunity to comment on this bill.
    I am a veteran of the air war in Laos. I was a bombloader on the 
USS Ranger (CVA-61) in 1966. Most of the bombs I loaded fell on Laos.
    For the last five years I and my co-founder, Bounthanh 
Phommasathit, of Etna, Ohio, and formerly of the Plain of Jars in Laos, 
have worked on behalf of poor Lao people to build the Jhai Foundation's 
activities in Laos. We are a reconciliation non-governmental 
organization and an American non-profit organization under IRS 
corporate status 501c3.
    I wish to add my name to those who support normalization of trade 
with Laos. I believe it is very important that after all these years 
Lao people have the opportunity to trade with the United States. It 
will help not only Lao people, especially women weavers who face a 90% 
tariff to entry into the U.S. market, send goods. It also will help the 
most successful Lao-Americans do something good for their homeland 
through trade and business.
    Jhai Foundation helps the rural poor develop information technology 
for communications and business, helps farmers increase their yields, 
and helps coffee farmers get a Fair Trade price for their wonderful 
coffee. We hope also to help Lao weavers sell their goods. All this 
economic development activity would be greatly helped
    Normalization is long overdue. Laos presents no threat to us. It is 
time to reconcile.
            Yours, in Peace,
                                                          Lee Thorn
                                                          Chairman,
                                                    Jhai Foundation

                                 

                    [BY PERMISSION OF THE CHAIRMAN:]

                                                 Vientiane, Lao PDR
                                                      June 16, 2003
Congressman Philip M. Crane, Chairman
Subcommittee on Trade of the Committee on Ways and Means
[email protected]
Fax: (202) 225-2610

    Dear Sir:

    I am writing in response to your request for written public 
comments regarding the extension of normal trade relations (NTR) status 
to the products of Laos.
    I am an American citizen who has lived and worked in Lao PDR since 
1998 as the director of a U.S.-based international non-government 
organization. I encourage you to grant permanent NTR status to Laos and 
to enact the 1997 bilateral trade agreement for Congress to enact 
legislation amending the HTS to strike Laos permanently from General 
Note 3(b). I believe this agreement will represent an important step 
toward economic reform and openness, which are key U.S. priorities in 
Laos. Laos is a poor developing country that needs more contact with 
the outside world to stay afloat. A more prosperous Laos is in the U.S. 
interest
    The opinions I have expressed here are personal and do not intend 
to represent an official position by my employer.
            Sincerely,
                                              Arlyne Johnson, Ph.D.
                              Co-director, WCS--Lao Country Program

                                 

                                             Washington, D.C. 20002
                                                     April 11, 2003
Congressman Philip M. Crane
Room 233
Cannon House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515-1308

    Dear Congressman Crane;

    By way of introduction, I am Mr. Robert L. Jones, Former Deputy 
Assistant Secretary Of Defense for POW/Missing Personnel Affairs (DASD 
POW/MPA). I served in this capacity during the former administration 
from May 1998 to March 2001. Prior to assuming office I participated in 
several presidential delegations to Southeast Asia concerning POW/MIA 
affairs and normalization of relations with Vietnam. In various 
capacities I had the opportunity to visit Laos and to participate in 
numerous negotiations concerning the POW/MIA issue.
    I am pleased to note that you are soliciting comments concerning 
the United States extending Normal Trade Relations to Laos. I am aware 
that the Secretary of State and the U.S. Trade Representative have 
endorsed this endeavor.
    During my tenure as DASD POW/MPA the Lao government was extremely 
cooperative, within their capability, in assisting our endeavors to 
determine the fate of missing Americans from the Vietnam War and to 
recover them with honor. I maintained an open dialogue with officials 
from the Lao government in Vientiane and their Ambassador in 
Washington, DC. Through our mutual efforts the U.S. Joint Task Force 
For Full Accounting was given greater latitude in conducting operations 
in Laos. Our operations format was given greater flexibility; we were 
allowed to increase the number of Americans on recovery operations and 
allowed when appropriate to extend the length of operations. The Lao 
gave us expanded access to government archives, museums and libraries. 
We were provided access to the Lao film library. In addition, the Lao 
expanded their personnel committed to our joint efforts. Granted the 
process has been slow and activists have criticized it, however it is a 
process that has produced favorable results. The remains of missing 
Americans continue to be returned with dignity and honor to their loved 
ones. This could not be achieved without the full cooperation of the 
Lao people.
    Though the search for missing Americans from the war in Vietnam 
continues. I believe that the Lao have demonstrated in good faith a 
willingness to fully cooperate with us in this noble endeavor. I 
strongly support extending Normal Trade Relations to Laos.
            Sincerely,
                                                    Robert L. Jones

                                 

                                       Falls Church, Virginia 22043
    Dear Honorable Philip M. Crane

    My name is Ammone Ker.
    I wholeheartedly support the initiative for the US NTR to Laos and 
ask that you support this initiative as well. If you have any questions 
regarding why you should support this initiative, please contact the 
US-Lao NTR Coalition.
            Respectfully Yours,
                                 ______
                                 
          The Voice of the Laotian American National Movement
                             In support of
               The Bush Administration's Trade Initiative
                To extend Normal Trade Relations to Laos
    We believe that:
    Widespread and rapidly growing unemployment among youth in Laos has 
driven tens of thousands of them to flee to Thailand and other 
neighboring countries where they fall prey to exploitative and inhumane 
treatment by their employers and criminals; while the land-locked 
Laotian economy continues to weaken due to decline in foreign 
investment and its weak capability to compete with its neighbors in the 
export markets. The situation is further aggravated by the continued 
denial of US NTR while such privilege is enjoyed by its stronger 
immediate neighbors, including Vietnam and Cambodia.
    US NTR for Laos is not a panacea for its social economic problems, 
but it will put Laos on a level playing field with its neighboring 
countries on which to compete for a share of the U.S. markets. This in 
turn will stimulate domestic and foreign investment in Laos and give 
the country a fair chance to provide decent jobs for its youth and 
thereby help reverse the current ill treatment and suffering they have 
had to endure, both in Laos and in neighboring countries.
    We realize that Laotian communities across the U.S. are not 
unanimous in their views about the current Laotian Government and its 
policies, and that the majority of Laotian Americans still wish to see 
more political reforms and changes. But we believe that a stronger 
Laotian economy will improve living conditions of the Laotian people 
who, in turn, will then become real stakeholders and, eventually 
catalysts for change. Experience in Asia has amply demonstrated that 
the democratization process has been economically driven.
    While understanding and respecting the views of those opposing the 
granting of US NTR for Laos, we ask that they also understand and 
respect our views and positions on this important matter. As American 
citizens, we have the obligation to respect each other's rights and 
freedom to express our views in accordance with our belief and 
conscience.
    The majority of Laotian Americans have reconnected with their 
homeland. Most of them have returned to Laos for visits and have 
relatives who are still there and wish to see that they be given a fair 
chance for a better living. Most Laotian Americans believe that 
promoting economic development is the best way to promote peaceful and 
sustainable change in Laos.
    We wholeheartedly applaud and share the position taken by the Bush 
Administration on the issue of US NTR for Laos. Ambassador Hartwick is 
trying to encourage discussion and favorable consideration of this 
initiative.
    Laotian Americans and friends of the Laotians who share our views 
should exercise their right of freedom of speech by voicing their views 
to their respective Congressional representatives, especially members 
of the House Ways and Means Committee.
    The opposition to the US NTR to date seeks to isolate and 
impoverish Laos for their own ambiguous political agenda. They have 
organized and financed aggressive lobby efforts to prevent hearings on 
this matter. Some of them continue to believe that poverty will force 
change in Laos. Recent history in Asia shows otherwise. People in 
isolated and poor North Korea have no means to ask for change, they 
starve in silence; while in relatively rich South Korea and other parts 
of Asia (Thailand, Taiwan, Malaysia, Philippines etc.) growing 
affluence of the peoples have created economically strong and well 
educated middle class who in turn have proven to be the real incubators 
and guardians of the growing democratization process.
    A constructive engagement approach is a better alternative for the 
U.S. to promote change in Laos; and that promoting change through 
peaceful socioeconomic development is far more effective and humane 
than deliberate impoverishment of our fellow Laotians in Laos. Laos 
needs to adopt international standards and strengthen the rule of law. 
We should voice our collective efforts to urge the U.S. Congress to 
grant Laos the US NTR.
    Now is the time for us to make our voice heard. Please sign on as 
members
and supporters of this national movement, and call, write or email your
Senators and Congressmen toda-Y. Reminding them that, granting NTR to 
Vietnam and Cambodia, and withholding similar rights for Laos does not 
make sense.
    Laotian American National Movement will try to coordinate and in 
some cases help to campaign for US NTR for Laos. Our American friends 
can certainly help to do the same. Let's not leave out any body that 
can help.
    For more information and assistance, please contact:
The US-Lao NTR Coalition
120 Broadway, Suite 4
Richmond, CA 94804
(510) 235-5005, (510) 235-5065
Website: Laotianlink.com
Email: [email protected]
    (Please attach this document to emails to your friends and 
colleagues and ask them to do like wise. It also can be found in 
www.laotianlink.com--Thank you.)
                                                         Ammone Ker

                                 

                                            Racine, Wisconsin 53406
                                                     April 17, 2003
The Honorable Philip Crane
Chairman, Subcommittee on
Trade of the Committee of Ways and Means
U.S. House of Representatives
Washington, D.C. 20515

    Dear Representative Crane:

    On behalf of the Armenian-American community of Wisconsin, I would 
like to thank you for the opportunity to comment on and support 
extending Permanent Normal Trade Relations (PNTR) status to Armenia.
    Extending PNTR status to Armenia will be one more positive step to 
removing the former Soviet Union's cruel grip on Armenia. It is 
important to note that in 1920 Armenia faced invasion from both 
Kemalist Turkey and Bolshevik Russia and was forced to surrender to the 
lesser of two evils. The result was 70 years of political, economic and 
social oppression and alienation from the Western world, instead of 
what would have assuredly been the completion of Turkey's genocidal 
campaign started in 1915.
    In 1991, Armenia took its first step to removing the Soviet Union's 
grip by announcing its independence. Since then, Armenia has taken 
additional steps in this direction and, in the process, is creating a 
democracy and market economy. Most recently, the World Trade 
Organization approved Armenia's membership and President Bush certified 
to Congress that Armenia continues to comply with international 
standards for freedom of emigration. PNTR is the next logical step in 
this process.
    Extending PNTR status to Armenia will have the added benefit of 
increasing trade between the United States and Armenia at a time when 
Turkey and Azerbaijan have imposed an illegal economic blockade. The 
World Bank has estimated that Armenia has suffered a loss of $720 
million per year due to this blockade. Increased trade with the United 
States will help to offset these losses.
    I once again thank you for the opportunity to comment on PNTR 
status to Armenia and trust you will make every effort to see it 
approved.
            Sincerely,
                                                A. Zohrab Khaligian
                           Armenian National Committee of Wisconsin

                                 

                                           New York, New York 10019

    Congressmen:

    Please pass legislation giving NTR status to Laos.
    I have done business with Laotian businesses and have visited this 
wonderful country. I believe that both of our countries would benefit 
greatly from NTR.
            Thank you for your consideration.
                                                         Mary Kilty

                                 

                                             Burton, Michigan 48509
                                                     April 10, 2003
Congressman Phil Crane
Chairman, Subcommittee on Trade
Committee on Ways and Means
United States House of Representatives

    Dear Mr. Chairman:

    We strongly support normal trade relations (NTR) for Laos. NTR is 
long overdue, particularly when you consider that the only two other 
countries in the entire world that do not have NTR are North Korea and 
Cuba!
    Laos has consistently worked with the US on POW/MIA accounting, 
improving each year, under the most difficult conditions of any in 
Southeast Asia.
    They have also cooperated well to counter international narcotics 
production and trafficking.
    The Lao people who will most benefit, need this support to improve 
their livelihood, and the US can best demonstrate reciprocity for their 
humanitarian POW/MIA and broader cooperation by taking this long 
overdue step.
            Respectfully,
                                                          Jean King

                                                      James D. King

                                 

                                            Lanxang Democracy, Inc.
                                         Roseville, Minnesota 55113
                                                     March 20, 2003
Honorable US. Congressman Philip M. Crane
Chairman of the Subcommittee on Trade of the Committee on Ways and 
    Means
US. House of Representatives
Washington D.C

Ref: The granting of a Normalized Trade Relations to Laos.

    It is a very important step made by the United States of America in 
granting a Normalized Trade Relations status to underdeveloped 
countries which are in need for economic development. It is also a 
precondition for foreign investors to make direct investments in such 
poor and risky country as Laos that their finished products would be 
exported back to rich countries.
    On behalf of Lanxang Democracy Party and the free people of Laos, 
we embrace the US Foreign Policy of `` Engagement'' and are concerned 
about the granting of a normalized trade relations status to Laos 
without evolving an effective mechanism of check and balance. 
Nevertheless, to maintain a real political stability, social and 
economic development, and to promote national reconciliation through 
peaceful means, we highly recommend the US. Congress to make a broader 
and comprehensive decision based on the following facts:
    Socioeconomic conditions: Despite massive international financial 
aids and low interest loans over the past 27 years, Laos still remains 
one of the poorest countries on Earth and, according to a recent report 
of Asian Development Bank (ADB), will default the reimbursement of its 
foreign debts when becoming due. With more than $3.6 billions USD of 
debts on their shoulders, the people of Laos will continue suffering of 
malnutrition and starvation for several decades. Because of hardship, 
rural people are pouring into big cities looking for work. For those 
who live in big cities have then found their ways to clandestinely 
cross the border to work in other countries. Thousands of them have 
been exploited and are obligated to becoming prostitutes or performing 
other illegal activities.
    Lao education system is, at worse, the lowest level as compared to 
its neighboring countries. Coupled with its poor education standard, 
schools and qualified instructors are fewer everywhere. In June 2002, 
for example, only about 1700 of the 25,000 high school graduates were 
admitted to Higher education because of lack of schools. There was no 
hope for the rest of them and nobody really knows about their status at 
the present time. Unfortunately, this perilous situation will drag on 
endlessly if a real reform is not implemented now.
    Without work on the horizon, people tend to grab everything they 
can for cash. Because of its cash-crop status, thousands of Lao people 
still continue the plantation of opium. Therefore, the narcotic 
trafficking business of amphetamine or Yaba is soaring and, with Lao 
officials' complice, it is very difficult to eradicate opium plantation 
in Laos. Many high ranking Lao officials are directly involved in the 
business, but each seizure of drug traffickers involves only ordinary 
people and low ranking Lao officials.
    Political and Human Rights conditions: Since the Lao PDR's takeover 
of the Kingdom of Laos in 1975, thousands of Lao Royal government's 
high ranking officials, employees, military and police officers were 
sent to the concentration camps and died there. In these days, hundreds 
or thousands of Lao citizens still have been arrested and jailed 
without a due process.
    The Lao PDR's 1991 Constitution seems guaranteeing the basic rights 
for its citizens, but it continues to persecute its own people for the 
sake of its political ambition and purposes. In 1999, for example, a 
lot of students who peacefully manifested in the capital of Vientiane 
were apprehended and jailed without judgement until these days.
    Security Concerns: The incident on February 6, 2003 in VangVieng 
province areas that took 12 civilians' lives, including 3 foreigners, 
and subsequent attacks are our deep concerns and fear of the security 
of innocent people. We totally condemn these barbarians acts and feel 
their severe losses very deeply. We believed that those inhuman acts 
were committed by members of the poor people and those who are unhappy 
with the Lao PDR's handle of the nation's affairs.
    In assuring lasting peace and security, political stability, and 
national reconciliation in Laos, we want the US. Congress to make sure 
that Lao PDR is well aware and fulfills the following preconditions in 
order to receive our full support for NTR:

    1. Lao PDR must open up the free and equal access, without 
restriction, into every geographical areas to Lao-Hmong overseas; no 
discriminatory screening of entry visas to Lao-Hmong overseas; and 
either donations or private aids to specific localities must be 
permitted without central government officials' involvement.
    2. Business opportunities must be opened to all investors, 
including Lao overseas and foreigners based on the framework of the 
United Nations and a fair standard of international competition as 
defined by the World Trade Organization (WTO). Lao PDR must enact a new 
business law and regulations that fit into the internationally 
acceptable economic practices.
    3. Lao PDR must provide a written guarantee of non-confiscation of 
future business entities merely based on the country's economic 
conditions. If any expropriation should occur, the business owner must 
be fairly compensated according to the new business law. And Lao PDR 
must also avoid any domestication, which is the profound effects on the 
business operations. If conflict should occur, the Lao PDR should be 
willing to accept the remedy of international legal institutions for 
avoiding arbitrary remedy.
    4. All international assistance or aids and loans must be monitored 
by credible international agencies and the United States in order to 
minimize corruption and mismanagement of funds. In this manner, all 
funds will be certainly applied to the related projects. Those 
monitoring agencies must include members of Lao-Hmong overseas.
    5. If desired, any Lao-Hmong overseas should have the same 
opportunity to work or be assigned to all levels of Lao PDR's 
government for economic and social development, national 
reconciliation, and a lasting stability in Laos.
    6. For instant, regime change will only bring further chaos to Laos 
than ameliorating the life standard of the entire country. Therefore 
and under the supervision of the United Nations and the United States, 
political reform should be undertaken through peaceful and progressive 
means.
    7. Lao PDR must facilitate constructive dialogues with Lao overseas 
oppositions under leadership of Prince Soulivong SAVANG and Prince 
Sauryavong SAVANG for political settlement once and for all. These 
dialogues must be orchestrated by the Ambassador of the United States 
in Vientiane, or ASEAN, or the United Nations.
    8. Lao PDR must provide some safety zones for the insurgents or 
resistance forces for their gradual integration into the society. Those 
zones must be directly managed by the United Nations and the Ambassador 
of the United States for a reasonable duration. And no a single 
returnee should be prosecuted for his or her past political aspiration.
    9. Finally, dual citizenship must be offered to all Lao-Hmong 
overseas.
    Before granting a normalized trade relation status to Lao PDR, we 
want the US. Administration and the US. Congress to ascertain that Lao 
PDR complies with the above preconditions. NTR's ultimate purpose is to 
help impoverished countries and its people in lifting off the ground of 
poverty by allowing its goods to be sold overseas with the least import 
taxes imposed by host countries to earn hard currency, in this case the 
United States. If its primary goal was to sway, the NTR will not 
benefit the deprived Lao people and its granting will be meaningless 
and counterproductive.
    Therefore, we, Lao overseas, are about to participate in any US. 
Congressional Hearing on the issue for a better and frank discussion 
with all political and social organizations to resolve this 
controversial issue.
            Respectfully Yours,
                                                  Moua Sao Bliayang
                                                       Tswv Xa Moua
                                                        Gymbay Moua
                                                         Moua Xiong
                                                            Yia Lee
                                                             Joe M.
                                                         Seng Xiong
                                                     Wang Teng Yang
                                                    Chong Xue Chang
                                                          Chai Moua
                                                         Chuck Moua
                                                           Bee Moua
                                                       Ia Moua Yang
                                                       Mai Vang Lee
                                                      Song Bliayang
                                                      Bertrand Moua
                                                         Brian Moua
                                                         Henry Yang
                                                            Shannon
                                                              Cindy
                                                             Sydney
                                                            Saykham
                                                       Pao Lee Moua
                                                       Che Bliayang
                                                            Charles
                                                          Chao Moua
                                                          Wang Moua

                                 

                   Lao American National Republican Party of U.S.A.
                                                  Tennessee Chapter
                                           Antioch, Tennessee 37013
Dear Congressman Philip M. Crane:
Chairman, Subcommitte on Trade
Committee on Ways and Means
United States Congress
    As Laotian-Americans with many family members still living under 
the oppressive communist regime in Laos, we urge you to oppose Normal 
Trade Relations (NTR) for Laos until such time as Laos achieves 
democratic reforms, respect for human rights and the rule of law.
    We believe such opposition is merited by the tremendous record of 
human rights abuse accumulated over twenty-eight years of oppressive 
rule by the Lao people's Revolutionary Party (LPRP). These abuses 
include the lack of free elections, the prohibition on the right of 
assembly and redress of grievances, the arrest and disappearance of 
protesters without the right of habeus corpus, and the aggressive 
repression of the exercise of religion. The United States Commission on 
International Religious Freedom concluded in its February 2003 Report 
on Laos that: ``. . .the U.S. government should make clear to the 
government of Laos that any such dialogue or other improvement in U.S.-
Laos relations must be based on the immediate cessation of proactices 
that abuse religious freedom, including arbitrary arrest and detention, 
forced renunciations and church closing.
    Please, do not reward the oligarches who control the Laotian 
Communist Party. Do not reward the Party bosses and generals who abuse 
every tradition of democracy and human rights as they abuse the poor 
people of Laos. Now is the time for members of the United States 
Congress to take a stand against political and religious persecution. 
Oppose unconditional NTR for Laos. Pass NTR for Laos only after Laos 
makes real and sincere reform and progress towards democracy, rule of 
law and respect for basic human rights.
            Sincerely,
                                              Noukane Souriyavongsa
                                            Regional Vice President
                                              Lao American National
                                            Republican Party Of USA
                                         Chapter Of Tennessee State
                                 ______
                                 
               Lao American Repulibcan Party of Tennessee
                         5101 Countryside Drive
                           Antioch, TN 37013

 ------------------------------------------------------------------------
 NO.               FULL NAME                         ADDRESSES
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  001  Noukane Souriyavongsa              4631 Dowdy Dr. Antioch, TN
                                           37013
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  002  Joe Lasrithammavan                 4512 Xavier Dr. Antioch, TN
                                           37013
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  003  Khambong Phomthisene               104 Dowdy Dr. Antioch, TN
                                           37013
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  004  Bounmy Janetvilay                  5101 Countryside Dr. Antioch,
                                           TN 37013
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  005  Bounngeune Janetvilay              5101 Countryside Dr. Antioch,
                                           TN 37013
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  006  Lin Surivongchai                   5101 Countryside Dr. Antioch,
                                           TN 37013
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  007  Bouavanh Janetvilay                5101 Countryside Dr. Antioch,
                                           TN 37013
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  008  Amanda Souriyavongsa               4631 Dowdy Dr. Antioch, TN
                                           37013
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  009  Vanhdy Souriyavongsa               4631 Dowdy Dr. Antioch, TN
                                           37013
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  010  Aivilay Phetchamphone              4631 Dowdy Dr. Antioch, TN
                                           37013
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  011  Ann Lasrithammavan                 4512 Xavier Dr. Antioch, TN
                                           37013
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  012  Anousack Souvannasane              456 Owendale Dr. Antioch, TN
                                           37013
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  013  Somsanouk Souvannasane             456 Owendale Dr. Antioch, TN
                                           37013
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  014  Boualphanh Inthyvong               1224 Bell Rd. Antioch, TN
                                           37013
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  015  Leo Inthyvong                      1224 Bell Rd. Antioch, TN
                                           37013
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  016  Bouapha Praseuth                   109 Panamint Dr. Antioch, TN
                                           37013
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  017  Vanthong Saenboutarath             2712 Dickerson Rd. Lot #87
                                           Nashville,TN 37207
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  018  Bousy Sirivong                     4700 Apollo Dr. Antioch, TN
                                           37013
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  019  Kenekham Sirivong                  4700 Apollo Dr. Antioch, TN
                                           37013
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  020  Bounsouay Inthavong                4613 Dowdy Dr. Antioch, TN
                                           37013
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  021  Kongthong Inthavong                4613 Dowdy Dr. Antioch, TN
                                           37013
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  022  Saysaming Souriyavongsa            4612 Dowdy Dr. Antioch, TN
                                           37013
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  023  Bounleua Souriyavongsa             4612 Dowdy Dr. Antioch, TN
                                           37013
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  024  Pismai Phomthisene                 104 Dowdy Dr. Antioch, TN
                                           37013
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  025  David Sayarath                     3115 Bishop Street
                                           Murfreesboro, TN 37129
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  026  Allison Sayarath                   3115 Bishop Street
                                           Murfreesboro, TN 37129
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  027  Indrew Mouiphachanh                2712 Dickerson Rd. Lot # 5
                                           Nashville, TN 37207
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  028  Inpaeng Sabchareun                 5172b Singing Hill Antioch, TN
                                           37013
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  029  Khammanh Thansamai                 2315 Willow Dr. Antioch, TN
                                           37127
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  030  Phongsy Thansamai                  2315 Willow Dr. Antioch, TN
                                           37127
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  031  Monee Nhotsavang                   5004 Major Dr. Murfreesboro,
                                           TN 37129
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  032  Naly Nhotsavang                    5004 Major Dr. Murfreesboro,
                                           TN 37129
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  033  Noukham Saenboutarath              4713 Richards Dr. Antioch, TN
                                           37012
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  034  Somsy Saenboutarath                4713 Richards Dr. Antioch, TN
                                           37013
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  035  Somnuk Sayaxoumphou                430 Cedar Cliff Rd. Antioch,
                                           TN 37013
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  036  Nomkeo Sayaxoumphou                430 Cedar Cliff Rd. Antioch,
                                           TN 37013
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  037  Vanh Ngo                           2312 Foster Ave Nashville, TN
                                           37210
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  038  Bounma Ngo                         2312 Foster Ave Nashville, TN
                                           37210
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  039  Khamnouan Keomanychanh             144 Benzing Rd. Antioch, TN
                                           37013
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  040  Bounmy Keomanychanh                144 Benzing Rd. Antioch, TN
                                           37013
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  041  Khamphoui Chanthaphanh             3932 Atkins Dr. Nashville, TN
                                           37211
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  042  Bounliam Chanthphanh               3932 Atkins Dr. Nashville, TN
                                           37211
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  043  Khampheng Phommachanh              220 Bakertown Rd. Antioch, TN
                                           37013
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  044  Ladda Khounviengxay                4729 Miners Cove Antioch, TN
                                           37013
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  045  Methy Khounviengxay                4729 Miners Cove Antioch, TN
                                           37013
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  046  Aun Sada                           1210 N. Academy St.
                                           Murfreesboro, TN 37130
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  047  Champa Sinpraseuth                 525 Womacck Rd. Bethpage, TN
                                           37022
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  048  Khaiseng Xayasane                  31 Jay St. Nashville, TN 37210
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  049  Nithone Ratanaphone                4621 Cynthia Ln. Murfreesboro,
                                           TN 37129
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  050  Vanpheng Khampakasy                6583 Cabot Rd. Nashville, TN
                                           37209
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  051  Phosy Vongsaphay                   1302 Rutherford St.
                                           Murfreesboro, TN 37130
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  052  kham Ouane Khammysing              4716 McBride Rd. Antioch, TN
                                           37013
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  053  Pe Sayaseng                        2712 Dickerson Rd. Lot #37
                                           Nashville, TN
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  054  Keo Manyvanh                       2714 Murfreesboro Rd. Lot #59
                                           Antioch, TN
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  055  Khammeng Phommachanh               1506 Sherrill Blvd.
                                           Murfreesboro, TN 37130
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  056  Seuy Xaiyasombath                  609 Jay St. Nashville, TN
                                           47210
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  057  Vanny Senepraseuth                 1510 Sherrill Blvd,
                                           Murfreesboro, TN 37130
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  058  Nary Phonhasackd                   1407 Eagle St. Murfreesboro,
                                           TN 37130
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  059  Khamsaen Naomalaysy                5017 Chadfield Way Antioch, TN
                                           37013
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  060  Novanpheth Soundara                88 Tusculum Rd. Antioch, TN
                                           37013
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  061  Savath Vongprachanh                1201 Orchard MTNCT Antioch, TN
                                           37013
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  062  Bounpheng Phimvong                 813 Gladeview CT Lavergne, TN
                                           37086
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  063  Manichanh Vongxay                  205 South Bilbro Murfreesboro,
                                           TN 37130
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  064  Dom Sayvone                        117 Blade CT Murfreesboro, TN
                                           37127
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  065  Kham Sayvorn                       117 Blade CT Murfreesboro, TN
                                           37127
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  066  Chaleunsak Soth                    4820 Sunlight Drive Nashville,
                                           TN 37211
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  067  Sisavath Southichak                2025 Rice Avenue Nashville, TN
                                           37217
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  068  Somphong Vongkhamchanh             633 Mt. Hood Dr. Antioch, TN
                                           37013
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  069  Thong Chanthavong                  1940 Meadow Cliff Dr.
                                           Nashville, TN 37210
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  070  Somchay Phadore                    5109 Vickory Wood Antioch, TN
                                           37013
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  071  Sangvan Phanthourath               1000 Carolyn Ave Nashville, TN
                                           37216
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  072  Khamfong Vongsamphanh              3836 Valley Ridge Dr.
                                           Nashville, TN 37211
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  073  Samouth Panyavong                  4990 Barella Drive Antioch, TN
                                           37013
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  074  One Phanthalangsy                  4116 Pine Ordchand Place
                                           Antioch, TN 37013
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  075  David Sengmany                     4214 October Woodsor Antioch,
                                           TN 37013
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  076  Phaeng Vankham                     4019 Sunlight Dr. Antioch, TN
                                           37013
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  077  Keo Panyavong                      536 Spann Court Antioch, TN
                                           37013
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  078  Amphone Khamhoungvilavong          2482 Saddle Wood CT
                                           Murfreesboro, TN 37219
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  079  Nid Keopanya                       321 South 17th St. Nashville,
                                           TN 37206
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  080  Khamdy Chindavanh                  4701 Apollo Dr, Antioch, TN
                                           37013
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  081  Phouang Rathsomrath                394 Saint Francis Ave Smyrna,
                                           TN 37167
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  082  Thin Ngo                           8500 Maudina Apt. B7
                                           Nashville, TN 37209
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  083  Kong Amphonephone                  5124 Singing Hills Drive
                                           Antioch, TN 37013
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  084  Khampane Panyavong                 1015 Betty Lou LN Lavergne, TN
                                           37086
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  085  Khammouane Souvannakhiry           6341 Mt. View Rd. Antioch, TN
                                           37013
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  086  Thongma Inta                       2714 Mlboro Rd. Lot 118
                                           Antioch, TN 37013
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  087  Daliene Panyavong                  2714 Murfreesboro Rd. Lot 122
                                           Antioch, TN 37013
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  088  Thongbay Sayavongthong             422 Lake Forest Dr. Lavergne,
                                           TN 37086
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  089  Kham Phay Sayasack                 641 Wood Burn Drive Smyrna, TN
                                           37167
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  090  Basay Khammouanvichit              515 Rose Bank Ave Nashville,
                                           TN 37206
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  091  Bounmee Sirithai                   37A Lutie Street Nashville, TN
                                           37210
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  092  Khamdy Mathavong                   4312 Lytle Creek Dr.
                                           Murfressboro, TN 37127
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  093  Somsak Phouymanivong               2200 Mt. Herman Mlboro, TN
                                           37129
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  094  Supranee Senmounnarath             2225 Roseeran Circle Lavergne,
                                           TN 37086
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  095  Sisamai Manosinh                   2403 Obrien Mlboro, TN 37130
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  096  Simone Khounsanthone               2714 Mlboro Rd. Lot 118
                                           Antioch, TN 37013
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  097  Bouavanh Phengsavanh               2437 Red Mile Rd.
                                           Murfreesboro, TN 37127
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  098  Panh Daranikone                    406 Britt Lane Lavergne, TN
                                           37086
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  099  Somsack Phongpraseut               2714 Murfreesboro Rd. Lot 113
                                           Antioch, TN 37013
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  100  Montho Keomuangtai                 140 Beuging Rd. Antioch, TN
                                           37013
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  101  Chanthavong Vinavongso             5128 Singing Hills Drive
                                           Antioch, TN 37013
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  102  Soybanh Sengsouk                   2122 Madison Sgyrae Blvd
                                           Lavergne, TN 37086
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  103  Bonnmy Songvilay                   639 Wood Burn Drive Smyrna, TN
                                           37167
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  104  Khampoun Thepsary                  3354 Black Oak Circle
                                           Chattanooga, TN 37415
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  105  Phimpha Charernnam                 4601 Artelia Dr. Antioch, TN
                                           37013
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  106  Khamsy Phommalath                  2809 Live Oak Rd. Nashville,
                                           TN 37210
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  107  Khamphang Vongsyarath              405 Johnmartin Ave Smyrna, TN
                                           37167
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  108  Bouleun Sangmany                   4124 October Wood Antioch, TN
                                           37013
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  109  Bangthong Chindavanh               4701 Apollo Dr. Antioch, TN
                                           37013
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  110  Khamdy Chindavanh                  4701 Apollo Dr. Antioch, TN
                                           37013
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  111  Srivichat Keopanya                 321 South 17th Street
                                           Nashville, TN 37206
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  112  Daraphene Keopanya                 321 South 17th street
                                           Nashville, TN 37206
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  113  Saysamone Sabchareun               708 Pepper Wood Crecent
                                           Antioch, TN 37013
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  114  Thisady Sabchareum                 5172 Singing Hill Drive
                                           Antioch, TN 37013
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  115  Tay Sengbouttarath                 2712 Dickerson Road Lot 87
                                           Nashville, TN 37207
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  116  Sritan Keopanya                    321 South 17th Street
                                           Nashville, TN 37206
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  117  Nid Keopanya                       321 South 17th Street
                                           Nashville, TN 37206
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  118  Vanna Panyavong                    536 Spann CT Antioch, TN 37013
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  119  Keo Panyavong                      536 Spann CT Antioch, TN 37013
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  120  Boeumee Sirithai                   37A Lutie Street Nashville, TN
                                           37210
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  121  Phaiborn Sirithai                  37A Lutie Street Nashville, TN
                                           37210
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  122  Vichiene Vongkingkeo               4606 Fannin Dr. Antioch, TN
                                           37013
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  123  Thongbay Savayvongthong            422 Lake Forest Dr. Lavergne,
                                           TN 37086
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  124  Voy Savayvongthong                 422 Lake Forest Dr. Lavergne,
                                           Tn 37086
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  125  Khampane Panyavong                 1015 Betty Lou Lane Lavergne,
                                           TN 37086
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  126  Khanmouene Souvannekhiry           6341 Mt. View Rd. Antioch, TN
                                           37013
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  127  Daliene Panyavong                  2714 Mlbro Rd. Lot 122
                                           Antioch, TN 37013
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  128  Basay Khammouanvichit              515 Rose Bank Ave Nashville,
                                           TN 37206
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  129  Onh Kounlavong                     641 Waywood Cr. Antioch, TN
                                           37013
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  130  Tham Xaiyasombath                  609 Jay Ct. Nashville, TN
                                           37210
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  131  Khamphet Phommochanh               1506 Sherrill Blvd
                                           Murfressboro, TN 37130
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  132  Hae Phommachanh                    1506 Sherrill Blvd
                                           Murfreesboro, TN 37130
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  133  Lathsamai Saenphansiri             1506 Sherrill Blvd
                                           Murfreesboro, TN 37130
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  134  Mone Khounviengxay                 212 Oaker Town Rd. Antioch, TN
                                           37013
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  135  Khiem Bangphexay                   446 Tampa Dr. Nashville, TN
                                           37013
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  136  Saysmone Thansamai                 2315 Willow Dr. Murfreesboro,
                                           TN 37127
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  137  Pathoumphong Soumpholphakdy        793 Summer Hill Atame Dr.
                                           Lavergne, TN 37086
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  138  Nhouk Sada                         1210 N Acndemy St.
                                           Murfreesboro, TN 37130
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  139  Phonprachith Sirinong              4700 Apollo Dr. Antioch, TN
                                           37013
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  140  Som Sabchaheun                     5172 Singing Hill Drive
                                           Antioch, TN 37013
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  141  Naly Phimvong                      813 Gladeview Court Lavergne,
                                           TN 37086
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  142  Somchith Sirivong                  4700 Apollo Drive Antioch, TN
                                           37013
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  143  Saengaloun Soumpholphakdy          793 Summer hill Drive
                                           Lavergne, TN 37086
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  144  Orady Syurlayvong                  819 Corner CT Murfreesboro, TN
                                           37129
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  145  Thongma Ihta                       2714 Murfreesboro Road Lot 118
                                           Antioch, TN 37013
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  146  Phanthalangsy One                  4116 Pine Orchand Pl. Antioch,
                                           TN 37013
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  147  Khamsaveuy Mathabong               4312 Lytle Creek Rd.
                                           Murfreesboro, TN 37130
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  148  Champa Prasenerak                  412 Asby Place Antioch, TN
                                           37013
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  149  Phetdavone Vongsaphay              4621 Cynthia Lane
                                           Murfressboro, TN 37128
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  150  Bounmy Sacthiechak                 2025 Rice Avenuu Nashville, TN
                                           37217
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  151  Sisavat southichuk                 2025 Rice Avenue Nashville, TN
                                           37217
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  152  Thok Chaleunsak                    4820 Sunlight Drive Nashville,
                                           TN 37211
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  153  Chaleunsak Soth                    4829 Sunlight Drive Nashville,
                                           TN 37211
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  154  Homxay Sirapradith                 4610 Fanning Drive Antioch, TN
                                           37013
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  155  Khamma Panyavong                   4990 Barella Drive Antioch,m
                                           TN 37013
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  156  Vilay Khittaphong                  2714 Murfreesboro Rd. Antioch,
                                           TN 37013
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  157  Thong Chanthavong                  1940 Meadow Cliff Nashville,
                                           TN 37210
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  158  Soukannha Chanthavong              1940 Meadow Cliff OR
                                           Nashville, TN 37210
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  159  Khamphong Vongkhamcharch           633 MT Hood Dr. Antioch, TN
                                           37013
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  160  Somphong Vongkhamchagh             633 Mt Hood Dr. Antioch, TN
                                           37013
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  161  Phim Vankham                       4819 Sunlight Nashville, TN
                                           37211
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  162  Phaeng Vantham                     4815 Sunlight Nashville, TN
                                           37211
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  163  Keooudone Souriyavongsa            1688 Chesapeake Drive Athens,
                                           TN 37303
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  164  Bounheaun Souriyavongsa            1688 Chesapeake Drive Athens,
                                           TN 37303
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  165  Wang Khouanesaknarath              3601 Peerless Dr. Cleveland,
                                           TN 37312
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  166  Khamphoua Khouanesaknarath         3601 Peerless Dr. Cleveland,
                                           TN 37312
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  167  Phetlamphanh Sayasith              919 Boaz St. Athes, TN 37303
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  168  Bounkhoum Sayasith                 919 Boaz St. Athen, TN 37303
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  169  Bounlom Khouanesaknarath           235 Rose Dr. Athnes, TN 37303
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  170  Nhommala Khouanesaknarath          235 Rose Dr. Athens, TN 37303
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  171  Desa Sayasak                       4574 Artelia Dr. Antioch, TN
                                           37013
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  172  Pheneg Sayasak                     4574 Artelia Dr. Antioch, TN
                                           37013
------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                 

                             Lao American National Republican Party
                                                 State of Wisconsin
                                         Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53215
The Honorable Philip M. Crane
Chairman, Subcommittee on Trade
Committee on Ways and Means
United States Congress

Via e-mail: [email protected]
Via fax: 202-225-2610

    Dear Congressman Crane:

    As a Laotian-American with many family members still living under 
the oppressive communist regime in Laos, I urge you to oppose Normal 
Trade Relations for Laos until such time as Laos achieves democratic 
reforms, respect for human rights and the rule of law.
    I believe such opposition is merited by the tremendous record of 
human right abuse accumulated over twenty-eight years of oppressive 
rule by the Lao People's Revolutionary Party (LPRP). These abuses 
include the lack of free elections, the prohibition on the right of 
assembly and redress of grievances, the arrest and disappearance of 
protesters without the right of habeus corpus, and the aggressive 
repression of the exercise of religion. The United States Commission on 
International Religious Freedom concluded in its February 2003 Report 
on Laos that: ``. . . the U.S. government should make clear to the 
government of Laos that any such dialogue or other improvement in U.S.-
Laos relations must be based on the immediate cessation of practices 
that abuse religious freedom, including arbitrary arrest and detention, 
forced renunciations and church closings.''
    Perhaps you are familiar with the writings of the late Vietnamese 
communist General Tranh Do. Tranh Do was known as the closest confidant 
of Ho Chi Minh. Unlike most communist leaders in Southeast Asia, Tranh 
Do spoke openly about the inadvisability of extending economic benefits 
to an unreformed communist regime. According to Tranh Do, `` 
Democratization is a must and the first condition to ensure expression, 
freedom of the press, freedom to associate and other fundamental 
freedom of a democracy, all talks about national development and 
modernization is useless.''
    Please, do not reward the oligarchs who control the Laotian 
Communist Party. Do not reward the Party bosses and generals who abuse 
every tradition of democracy and human rights as they abuse the poor 
people of Laos. Now is the time for members of the United States 
Congress to take a stand against political and religious persecution. 
Oppose unconditional NTR for Laos. Pass NTR for Laos only after Laos 
makes real and sincere reform and progress towards democracy, rule of 
law and respect for basic human rights.
            Sincerely,
                                                Bounliane Rajphoumy
                                            Regional Vice President
                             Lao American National Republican Party
                                                 State of Wisconsin

                                 

                    [BY PERMISSION OF THE CHAIRMAN:]

                                          Lao Community in Victoria
                                           Victoria, 3031 Australia
                                                      18 April 2003
Honourable US. Congressman Philip M. Crane,
Chairman of the Subcommittee on Trade of the Committee on Ways and 
    Means,
US. House of Representatives, Washington D.C

    Dear Honorable Philip M.Crane,

Re: NTR to Laos
    Thank you for the opportunity to voice our concern about the US 
wanting to grant NTR to Laos.
    We are private Australian citizen who were born in Laos and had 
lived through the war in Laos before becoming refugees and now as 
naturalized Australians. We are writing this letter to you and your 
Committee that we share the aspiration of the American people's good 
intention to improve the living standard of the Lao people by wanting 
to grant NTR to Laos.
    We also see that in the long-term, the people of Laos will need 
NTR, as they are part of this global community, but we have very strong 
reservation about what NTR can do for Laos at this point in time 
without conditions.
    NTR, as a new tool, is expected to bring changes in Laos, 
especially economic and political changes and at the same time to 
promote trade between the US and Laos. As outlined byAmbassador Douglas 
A. Hartwick's Public Remark on January 25, 2003, the US Government 
hopes that NTR will help ``the US promote other changes'', including 
``stronger rule of law: commercial, environmental, treatment of 
workers, even human rights.'' Ultimately, from the US point of view, 
NTR will bring about ``real changes'' in Laos, leading to ``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.''
    While in theory, the US intention is noble and good and we all want 
to want to see the fruit ripened for the Lao people.
    But Laos, as a country and as a nation is not poor or lacking in 
resources but the real problem in Laos is directly related to two 
fundamental issues: (1) the non-conducive ideological policies of the 
current Phak Pasason Lao (Lao People's Revolutionary Party) that the 
Party is the ``central nucleus'' of Laos, having the ultimate power 
above the law; (2) the Vietnamese domination of Laos.
    This is the reason behind our strong view that the current format 
of NTR, as in its generic format or as similar to the Cambodian 
version, will NOT be able to deliver the intended US ideal, as per 
Hartwick's Public Remark, for Laos.
    We like to suggest that serious consideration is required and the 
following issues need to be taken while deliberating the granting of 
NTR for Laos:
1. The current Lao Government System is not conducive for NTR.
    The current Lao Government has been in power since 1975, as one 
Party, authoritarian system that has the ultimate power above the law 
of the land as outlined clearly in Article 3 of the 1991 Lao 
Constitution which states that ``The rights of the multi-ethnic people 
to be the masters of the country are exercised and ensured through the 
functioning of the political system with the Lao People's Revolutionary 
Party as its leading nucleus''.
    The real problem in Laos is the direct result of the divisive, non-
reconciliatory, and non-conducive ideological policies of the current 
Phak Pasason Lao (Lao People's Revolutionary Party), being the 
``central nucleus'' of Laos--the seat of power. The resultant effect of 
these policies is the continuation of economic mismanagement, lack of 
business and legal accountability, political instability, Human Right 
violation, religious persecutions, racial disharmony and narcotic and 
opium trafficking among many other things.
    More importantly, the Laos legal system and business practices in 
Laos remain far from being able to operate or being compatible within 
the WTO rules and laws, or acceptable to the IRS, the Dept of Commerce, 
the Treasury Department and other trading nations. The bottom line is 
that Laos, with its current system of governing, is not ready for NTR.
    Hence, to have any ``real changes'' in Laos, as the US intended, 
the NTR needs to be granted only as a ``Package'' to contain PRE-EMPTED 
MEASURES and
CONDITIONS that are workable, measurable and effective for a drastic 
ideological and fundamental changes in Laos to pave the way for a truly 
democratic government that will provide the political stability for 
economic freedom to the people of Laos.
2. Laos has been a puppet government of Vietnam_this need to change:
    This Committee need no reminder that the current Lao Governmenthas 
been a puppet government of Vietnam since 1975 and that the political 
instability in Laos, including the past bombings, the recent bus 
killing at Vang Vieng--Kasi region and other resistance activities are 
the direct opposition to the Vietnamisation of Laos. As long as Vietnam 
continues to have a firm grip in Laos, and the current regime remains 
unchanged, there will be NO improvement in human rights, oppression, 
corruption and internal rebellion. Hence, the NTR Package needs to 
contain mechanism to free Laos from the grip of Vietnam, to ensure 
political stability in Laos.
3. National Reconciliation is required.
    The Committee also needs no reminder that in 1961, the US 
Government decided to arm the people of Laos to fight the US war 
against the communist North Vietnam. Subsequent, the US loyal allies, 
including the Hmong, are left to the mercy of Vietnam when the US 
withdraw from Indochina--many of these people--loyal US allied such as 
the Hmong, are still suffering inhumanly in the jungle of Laos. More 
than 300,000 freedom-loving Lao have left the country since 1975, 
causing a brain drain for Laos, and these people now settled around the 
world. For Laos to have a real future, reconciliation among the Lao 
people, inside and outside Laos, in town or in the jungle, is a 
pressing issue. Without this national reconciliation, and participation 
by all the Lao people, there will be little prospect for a lasting and 
meaningful political freedom to the people of Laos.
    Hence, for Laos to have any ``real changes'' and for the US to be 
able to deliver the US promise to the people of Laos, fundamental 
changes in Laos
are required_no more, no less as it is required in the case of 
Afghanistan and Iraq. Without these fundamental changes in Laos, NTR 
will be no more than a cosmetic solution to the Lao problem as 
experienced by past US administrations that prescribed a long list of 
band-aids solution to Laos.
Conclusion:
    If the US wanting any ``real changes'' in Laos, and to help the 
``common people of Laos'', NTR needs to be a ``Total Package'' with 
pre-empted measures and conditions to pave the way for Laos to become a 
truly democratic and independent nation. Without these fundamental 
changes, it will be another mistake of the United States of America, 
being the most powerful country on Earth, but continuing to add a long 
list of failures in Laos.
    Laos may not be a ``key stone'' country in Asia any more but the 
Lao people have sacrifice so much for the US during the Vietnam War, 
and they were doing so without any formal commitment or signed document 
from the US people. Now, the people of America as champions of peace 
and democracy, can help the people of Laos to have the similar 
opportunity as the Iraqi people to create their future by their own 
free-willing spirit. Once and for all, reality dictates that 
fundamental changes are required in Laos_not just band-aid solution_and 
it is high noon that the US, with its coalition, can_if willing as in 
Afghanistan and Iraq_take up the leadership and deliver a comprehensive 
package to Laos, with or without NTR to pave the way for true 
``economic and political freedom'' for the common people of Laos.
            You're most faithfully,
                                                   Saly Saygnabouth
     President of Lao people National Liberation Front of Australia
                For and on behalf of the Lao Community of Victoria.

                                                     Pao Saykao, MD
                                     Director of P&N Saykao Pty Ltd
                For and on behalf of the Lao Community of Victoria.

                                 

                    [BY PERMISSION OF THE CHAIRMAN:]

                                                       Lao Diaspora
                                                      Paris, France
                                                      10 April 2003
The Honorable Philip M. Crane
Chairman, Subcommittee on Trade
Committees on Ways and Means
United States Congress

    Mr. President,

    Honorable Members of the `Ways and Means' Commission,

    The representatives of the Lao Diaspora, co-signatories of the 
present letter, would first of all like to greet the quality of the 
report published on the 20th of March 2003 in Washington by 
the US Commission on International Religious Freedom, as well as the 
report on Human Rights published on the 31st of March by the 
State Department. These documents recount with objectivity and accuracy 
the very concerning situation of the civil liberties and fundamental 
rights in the Lao Popular Democratic Republic, country led by an 
authoritarian regime since the taking of power by the Communist Party 
in 1975.
    Relying on the conclusions of the USCIRF, which denounce the 
serious violations of civil liberties in Laos and recommend to the 
American Administration to ``increase the pressure''* upon the Lao 
communist regime and to send it a ``clear''* signal by letting it know 
that the improvement of the relations between Washington and Vientiane 
depended upon the improvement of the situation of human rights in Laos, 
we were shocked and even hurt by the recent campaign led by Douglas 
HARTWICK, US Ambassador to Laos, in favor of the granting of the 
`Normal Trade Relations' (NTR) to the LPDR. To us, such as step is both 
counter-productive and inappropriate.
    Our lack of understanding of the steps taken by Mr. HARTWICK is 
even greater when looking at the contents of the report of the State 
Department for the year 2002, which stresses that the LPDR government 
``continues to commit serious abuses'' of human rights, and that the 
Lao ``citizens do not have the right to change their government''.**
    Like the majority of Lao-Americans, we insist in letting known 
publicly that we are firmly opposed to the granting of the NTR status 
to the LPDR as long as the communist leaders will not show tangible, 
significant and real evidence of the efforts they have made in terms of 
democracy and respect of human rights.
    Too many `gifts' have been made to this regime, and to no avail: 
loans of hundreds of millions of dollars, aids of hundreds of millions 
of dollars, remission of debts, donations in kind . . . Offering this 
time the NTR status without asking for anything in return will appear 
to the Lao people as a `reward' for dictatorship, for repression, for 
torture, for violations of human rights, for social injustice, for 
abuses of power, and for corruption, area in which the leaders of the 
communist party have now become experts.
    In its report, the USCIRF rightfully stressed that the present time 
was a ``pivotal moment in the history of Laos and US-Laos relations. 
The United States has a unique opportunity to engage the government and 
people of Laos in a process of reform that would end the suppression of 
religious freedom and other related human rights''.*
    Among the measures to be taken, the Commission recommended the 
opening by the US government of a ``bilateral human rights dialogue'' 
with the government of Laos, and stressed that ``this dialogue should 
also address the broader range of human rights concerns in Laos, many 
of which are related to religious freedom violations, such as torture 
and other forms of ill-treatment, unlawful arrest or detention, absence 
of due process, and violations of the rights of freedom of expression, 
association and peaceful assembly''.*
    Like the USCIRF, we are believe that Laos is at a `turning point' 
in its history and that the United States of America, well-known for 
their actions in favor of liberty, democracy and justice around the 
world, can influence in a positive way the future evolution of the 
country by maintaining and reinforcing pressure upon the regime when it 
comes to civil liberties and human rights.
    For these reasons, and relying upon the conclusions drawn by the 
report of the USCIRF and the report of the State Department, we ask 
that the American Administration reconsiders its decision to grant the 
NTR status to the Lao PDR.
    We also ask that the Honorable Members of Congress of the United 
States of America be opposed to the granting of the NTR status as long 
as the recommendations of the US Commission on International Religious 
Freedom have not been followed with honestly and efficiently by the Lao 
communist regime.
    To us, the significant `gestures' deserving the NTR status include 
the immediate and unconditional release of prisoners of conscience 
whose only `wrongdoing' was to denounce peacefully the drifts of the 
regime, to ask for the respect of fundamental rights, of social 
justice, and to call for an evolution towards multipartism.
    Among these prisoners are the two leaders of the `Social Democratic 
Party', Mr. Latsamy KHAMPHOUI and Mr. Feng SACKCHITTAPHONG who have now 
been detained for 12 years in inhuman conditions, as well as the five 
leaders of the students movement of the 26th of October 1999 
who were arrested and then disappeared since that peaceful march in 
Vientiane: Mr. Thongpaseuth KEUAKOUN, Mr. Khamphouvieng SISA-AT, Mr. 
Seng-Aloun PHENGPHANH, Mr. Bouavanh CHANMANIVONG and Mr. KEOCHAY, 
symbols of the peaceful struggle for the Lao youth and Lao democrats.
    Concerning the five leaders of the `26th of October 
Movement', the report of the State Department sadly announced their 
sentence to ``20 years of imprisonment''** in ``a closed trial''**, a 
sanction that appears to us as another evidence of the dictatorial 
nature of the regime and of the will of the communist leaders not only 
to continue to repress civil liberties and democracy, but also of 
scoffing at the international community as to human rights. Such a 
behavior should be enough justification for the refusal of the

NTR status to this ruthless regime.
    Another `gesture' showing a contribution to the national 
reconciliation would be the cessation of all acts of violence against 
ethnic or religious minorities in the country, and to honor the memory 
of the millions of victims of the communist repression.
    Mr. President,
    Honorable Members of the Commission,
    Against the leaders of the Unique Party, whose bad faith and 
cynicism are now legendary, the NTR status is, as well stressed by the 
USCIRF, one of the last measures of peaceful pressure for those who 
aspire to liberty, democracy and justice.
    It is in the name if these values dear to the great people of 
America that we ask that you fully take into account our request before 
granting the LPDR the `National Trade Relations' status, the prime 
objective of which is to favor liberty, democracy, and development in 
the world.
    Without liberty, without democracy, without a reconciliation 
between the Laotians, Laos will not be able to achieve a degree of 
development such that will change its status of one of the poorest 
country of the planet after 27 years of communist management and in 
spite of billions of dollars of loans and aids granted to the regime.
                                 ______
                                 
Co-signatories:
- Association Fa Ngum--Paris, France
- Fondation Savang Vatthana--Paris, France
- Assemblee des Representants des Lao a l'Etranger--Paris, France
- Lao Houam Phao (Unity of the Lao People)--Paris, France
- Party of the Royal Government of Laos (PGVT)--Paris, France
- Mouvement pour la Democratie au Laos (MDL)--Paris, France
- Solidarite des Jeunes Lao--Paris, France
- Association des Rescapes des Camps de la Mort--Paris, France
- Association Sithandone Samphan--Paris, France
- Amicale des Militaires Lao (Mittaphab Thahane Lao)--Paris, France
- Association Samphan Lao Lane Xang--Paris, France
- Le Laos Vivant--Nimes, France
- Association Lao Phatthine en Alsace--Strasbourg, France
- Parti Nation Lao--Paris, France
- Association Ami Hmong--Paris, France
- Association Lao Marne la Vallee--Paris, France
- Association Phinong Champassak--Paris, France
- Association Sananikone--Paris, France
- Association Mittaphab Houaphanh--Paris, France
- Organisation Pacifique Lao pour le Developpement Communautaire--
Paris, France
- Association Lao Houam Samphanh--Paris, France
- Association Hom Dham--Roubaix, France
- Association Ex Institut Royal de Droit et d'Administration au Laos--
Paris, France
- Association Arts et Cultures Lao--Bois, France
- Lao American National Republican Party--USA
- Lao Students Movement for Democracy--Seattle, USA
- Lao Human Rights Council, Inc.--Wisconsin, USA
- United League for Democracy in Laos--Virginia, USA
- United Lao Movement for Democracy of Minnesota--USA
- Lao Veterans of America--California, USA
- Association des Anciens Combattants Lao--Montreal, Canada
- Ligue Laotienne pour les Droits de l'Homme au Laos--Montreal, Canada
- Council of Lao Representative Abroad for Oceanic Region--Australia
- Association Phoutha Seri Praxathipatay--Bruxelles, Belgique
- Organisation Lao Students for Freedom, Independance and Democracy--
Poland
- Lao Movement for Human Rights (LMHR)--France

    Coordination ensured by: The Lao Movement for Human Rights (LMHR); 
9, rue Bazard, 77200 Torcy, France; Phone-Fax: 33 (0) 1 60 06 57 06; e-
mail: [email protected]

    * United States Commission on International Religious Freedom, 
USCIRF; Report on Laos, February 2003; 800 North Capitol Street, NW 
Suite 790, Washington, DC 2002; Phone: 202 523 3240; Fax: 202 253 5020; 
www.uscirf.gov
    ** US Department State--Country Report on Human Rights Practices 
2002, March 2003--Chapter on Laos; Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, 
and Labor; 2201 C Street NW, Washington, DC 20520; www.state.gov.

                                 

                             Lao Human Rights Council, Inc., U.S.A.
                                        Eau Claire, Wisconsin 54702
                                                      April 9, 2003
The Honorable Philip M. Crane,
Chairman, Subcommittee on Trade
and the Honorable Sander M. Levin,
Ranking Member of the Subcommittee
and all Members of the Committee on Ways and Means
and all Members of the U.S. House of Representatives

    Dear Chairman Crane and Ranking Member Levin, and all Members of 
the U.S. House of Representatives:

    The purpose of this letter is to request the U.S. Congress, the 
White House, and the U.S. Department of State to oppose and to reject 
the proposal of Normal Trade Relations (NTR) to the dictatorship and 
Communist Lao government of the Lao People's Democratic Republic (LPDR) 
because (1) this Communist Lao government is committing genocide in 
Laos; (2) the LPDR is a terrorist government; (3) the Communist 
government of the LPDR is violating human rights; (4) the LPDR is 
violating freedom of religion; (5) there are Vietnamese domination and 
biological and chemical warfare in Laos; (6) war crimes have occurred 
in Laos; (7) the Communist Lao government of the LPDR is the ``king'' 
of opium production and trade in Laos; (8) of the report from the Fact-
Finding Commission on Laos; and (9) the LPDR arrested, imprisoned and 
tortured political prisoners in Laos.
    Therefore, the Lao Human Rights Council, Inc., and its members and 
the majority of Hmong and Lao American people in the United States are 
requesting you and other members of the U.S. Congress and U.S. Senators 
to oppose and reject NTR to the LPDR because of the following reasons:

1. Genocide in Laos
    In January 2003, U.S. Ambassador to the LPDR Douglas A. Hartwick 
stated in a report to many Hmong and Lao American people in the United 
States, ``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, Khmer and other insurgents who were 
associated with the previous royal government, leading to the tragic 
deaths of thousands.'' (Speech and public remarks by the U.S. 
Ambassador to the LPDR, Douglas A. Hartwick, January 25 and 26, 2003)
2. The LPDR is a Terrorist Government
    On March 25, 2003, Radio Free Asia-Lao Service and the Voice of 
America (VOA)-Lao Service reported that there were more than 10,000 
Laotian people demonstrated in Vientiane, Laos on March 23, 2003. The 
purposes of the demonstration were to condemn and to oppose the U.S. 
policy toward the current government of Iraq under President Saddam 
Hussein. The former Ambassador of the LPDR to Washington, D.C., and the 
current Ambassador of the LPDR to Thailand, Hiem Phommachanh, also 
stated on the VOA that the Lao government of the LPDR opposed and 
condemned the war against Iraq because the U.S. government violated the 
Charter of the United Nations and international law. Iraq and the LPDR 
established full diplomatic relations, economic, educational, cultural, 
trade, political and military relations.
    In Laos, the Communist Lao government of the LPDR did not allow 
people to demonstrate inside Laos. In the past, many people who 
demonstrated against genocide, ethnic cleansing war, and human rights 
violations against people in Laos were arrested, imprisoned, tortured 
and killed. Why did the Communist Lao government of the LPDR allow more 
than 10,000 people to demonstrate in Vientiane, Laos, on March 23, 
2003? The answer is that the Communist Lao government of the LPDR fully 
supports the Saddam Hussein government and international terrorism and 
the production and use of biological and chemical weapons.
    On September 20, 2001, President George W. Bush addressed the U.S. 
Congress and the American people:
    ``Our war on terror begins with Al Qaeda, but it does not end 
there. It will not end until every terrorist group of global reach has 
been found, stopped and defeated.
    ``And we will pursue nations that provide aid or safe haven to 
terrorism. Every nation, in every region, now has a decision to make. 
Either you are with us, or you are with the terrorists. From this day 
forward, any nation that continues to harbor or support terrorism will 
be regarded by the United States as a hostile regime.''
    (The White House, address to a Joint Session of Congress and the 
American people, September 20, 2001.)
    Consequently, the Communist Lao government of the LPDR is a 
terrorist government and regime because the Communist Lao government of 
the LPDR supports the Iraqi government under President Saddam Hussein. 
If the Iraqi government under Saddam Hussein is a terrorist government 
and terrorist regime., then the Communist Lao government is also a 
terrorist government because this Communist Lao government of the LPDR 
is a supporter of the current Iraqi government. If the current Iraqi 
government is a ``threat'' to American people and the United States, 
then the Communist Lao government of the LPDR is also a ``threat'' to 
the United States. If the current Iraqi government is an ``enemy'' of 
the United States, then the Communist Lao government of the LPDR is 
also an ``enemy'' of the United States. If the production, possession 
and uses of ``biological and chemical weapons'' by the Iraqi government 
are a ``threat'' to the United States, then the Communist Lao 
government of the LPDR is also a ``threat'' to the United States, 
because this Communist Lao government has used ``biological and 
chemical weapons'' to kill many thousands of Hmong and Lao people and 
former CIA soldiers in Laos from 1975 to 2003.
3. The Communist Lao Government of the LPDR Violates Human Rights
    The Country Reports on Human Rights Practices on Laos of 2002 
reported:

    ``The Lao People's Democratic Republic is an authoritarian, 
Communist, one-party state ruled by the Lao People's Revolutionary 
Party (LPDR).
    ``Members of the security forces abused detainees, especially those 
suspected of insurgent or anti-government activity. Prisoners were 
abused and tortured, and prison conditions generally are extremely 
harsh and life-threatening.
    ``The government restricted freedom of speech, the press, assembly, 
and association.
    ``There are no domestic, non-governmental human rights 
organizations, and the government does not have a formal procedure for 
registration. Any organization wishing to investigate and publically 
criticize the government's human rights policies would face serious 
obstacles if it were permitted to operate at all.
    ``In 1999 and 2000, a number of Hmong returnees were forced to 
renounce their Christian faith, and the authorities closed one church 
in a returnee village.
    ``The government continued to restrict freedom of religion'' in 
Laos.''
    (Country Reports on Human Rights Practices of 2002, U.S. Department 
of State, released on March 31, 2003)
    The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom 
released a report on Laos in February 2003 which contained:

    ``Since the Lao People's Revolutionary Party (LPDR) assumed power 
in 1975, there has been extensive government interference with and 
restrictions on all religious communities. In more recent years, the 
government has focused its repression on religions that are relatively 
new to Laos, including Protestant Christianity. During this time 
period, the government of Laos has engaged in particularly severe 
violations of religious freedom as defined in the International 
Religious Freedom Act of 1998 (IRFA). These include the arrest, 
prolonged detention, and imprisonment of members of religious 
minorities on account of their religious activities. In addition, Lao 
officials have forced Christians to renounce their faith. At the same 
time, dozens of churches have been closed.''
4. The LPDR Violated Freedom of Religion
    The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom 
``makes the following recommendations to the U.S. government'':

    ``The President should designate Laos as a Country of Particular 
Concern (CPC) to make clear U.S. concerns over particularly severe 
violations of religious freedom in Laos, thus engaging the U.S. 
government in a process to promote changes that would advance legal as 
well as practical protections of freedom of religion and related human 
rights in that country.''
    (``Report on Laos,'' U.S. Commission on International Religious 
Freedom,'' February 2003)
    Anthony C. Lobaido reported that, ``persecution of Christians 
inside Laos, including forcing them to drink blood, imprisonment and 
even murder, has been well-documented by World Net Daily.''
    (Anthony C. Lobaido, ``Christian Persecution,'' 2001 
WorldNetDaily.com)
    Anthony C. Lobaido reported that, ``Everyone knows that the 
government of Laos used biochemical weapons sent by the Russians for 
use against the Hmong'' people in Laos.
    Witnesses and leaders of religion in Laos have reported that the 
Communist Lao government of the LPDR arrested and imprisoned more than 
600 Hmong and Lao Christians and believers and closed down more than 65 
Christian churches and religious institutions and organizations in 
Luang Prabang, Phongsali; Savannakhet; Louang Nantha; Oudomxai; 
Xaignabouri; Champasak; Vientiane; Xieng Khouang; Houapham; and 
Borikhamxai provinces as well as other provinces in Laos between 2002 
and 2003.
5. Vietnamese Domination and Chemical Warfare in Laos
    Tim Laard of BBC News Agency reported that ``Vietnam also has 
thousands of advisers in Laos--political as well as military. 
Officially, the relationship is described by Vietnam as closer than 
lips and teeth--and by Laos as deeper than the waters of the Mekong'' 
River. (BBC News, 27 August 2001.)
    Mr. Yang Toua Thao, Moua Toua Ter, Herr Chai, Vang Chue Chi and 
Vang Nhia, along with many other witnesses and people in Laos, reported 
in 2003 that many thousands of Vietnamese soldiers, troops and advisers 
have been supporting the Communist Lao government of the LPDR to 
conduct an ethnic cleansing war, genocide and biological and chemical 
warfare against many Hmong and Lao people and former CIA soldiers in 
Laos from 1975 to 2003, because of the legacy of U.S.-Hmong relations 
and cooperation during the Vietnam War.
6. War Crimes in Laos
    Mr. Yang Toua Thao, Moua Toua Ter, and many other witnesses and 
victims in the Xaisomboun Special Region and other provinces in Laos 
reported that the Communist Lao government of the LPDR and the 
Communist Vietnamese government of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam 
killed over ``300,000 people'' in Laos from 1975 to 2003. Consequently, 
this is ``war crimes, crimes against peace and crimes against 
humanity.'' This is a violation of the Charter of the United Nations, 
the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and other international 
human rights conventions, laws and treaties.
7. The Communist Lao Government of the LPDR is the ``King'' of Opium 
        Production and Trade
    In 2003, the U.S. Department of State released a report which 
included Laos as one of 23 countries in the world which produced 
``opium'' and other types of ``illegal narcotics'' or ``illegal drugs'' 
and ``heroin.''
    ``Lao government employees, and the growing evidence of significant 
trafficking inside Laos, it must be assumed that some officials and 
military personnel receive bribes from illicit drug trafficking. Drug 
traffickers in Laos reportedly are receiving protection from senior 
level officials who themselves may be involved.'' (U.S. Department of 
State, released on January 31, 2003 and White House Press Release, 
January 31, 2003.)
    As a result, the Communist Lao government of the LPDR is a King or 
Lord of Opium production and trade in Laos.
8. Report from the Fact-Finding Commission on Laos
    On January 18, 2002, and February 5, 2002, the Fact-Finding 
Commission on Laos released its report on the current conditions in 
Laos. This report contains the following:
American Veteran Groups
    There are 20 veteran groups consisting of 17,177 people still 
living in the jungles defending themselves from the Communist Lao 
government. They have 3,334 soldiers. While the veterans have not given 
up the hope for a democratic government in Laos, or the ideals they 
fought for in the Secret War, their military actions are not offensive, 
but are to protect themselves and their families in the jungles from 
the Pathet Lao and North Vietnamese troops.
    These 20 veteran groups currently live in the mountains and jungles 
all over the country of Laos.
North Vietnamese Troops
    The Fact-Finding Commission found that Vietnamese troops, in 
violation of treaties signed at the end of the war, are stationed in 
Laos. In conjunction with the Pathet Lao forces, they use helicopters, 
MI 6, MI 8, and MI 17, to bomb the veterans and their families living 
in the jungles. Chemical weapons manufactured in Vietnam are being used 
against the people in the jungles.
    Since December 1, 1999, the Communist government of Laos has 
ordered more forces from North Vietnam. Seventeen military bases, with 
several battalions of North Vietnamese Army troops, were identified. 
They are strategically located in regions near the mountain locations 
where the veterans and their families are located.

               Military Bases with North Vietnamese Troops
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                        Estimated Troop
                                                           Strength
            Location                   Province         (combined North
                                                        Vietnamese and
                                                          Pathet Lao)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Baben........................  Louang Namtha.....  15,000 (Regiment
                                                       #442)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
2. Muang Na.....................  Louang Phrabang...  15,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------
3. Muang Soie...................  Xieng Khouang.....  7,500
------------------------------------------------------------------------
4. Ban Ban......................  Xieng Khouang.....  7,500
------------------------------------------------------------------------
5. Muang Xay Som Boun...........  Xieng Khouang.....  15,000 (Regiment
Special Zone....................                       #335)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
6. Na Mouang/Vangviang..........  Vientiane.........  7,500
------------------------------------------------------------------------
7. Pakha/Mouang Fouang..........  Vientiane.........  7,500 (Battalion
                                                       #614)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
8. Vientiane....................  Vientiane.........  15,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------
9. Muang Paksan.................  Borikhan..........  7,500
------------------------------------------------------------------------
10. Ban Nam.....................  Borikhan..........  2,500
------------------------------------------------------------------------
11. Ban Lakxao..................  Borikhan..........  2,500
------------------------------------------------------------------------
12. Cong Thong..................  Borikhan..........  2,500
------------------------------------------------------------------------
13. Saravanh....................  Saravanh..........  5,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------
14. Xekong......................  Xekong............  10,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------
15. Pakse.......................  Champasak.........  8,000 (Regiment
                                                       #5)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
16. Muang Moon..................  Champasak.........  3,000 (Battalion
                                                       #11)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
17. Attapu......................  Attapu............  4,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

``An American Nail''
    The genocide of these people is based on their allegiance to the 
United States. The Communists refer to ``the American nail in their 
head'' of those who fought for the United States and their descendants. 
This American mentality is the enemy of the Communist philosophy. 
America is their greatest enemy. In their thinking, this ``American 
Nail'' is in the genes, so all men, women, and children must be 
exterminated.
Chemical Warfare
    The majority of those in the mountains who have died have done so 
because of chemical poisons. In violation of international law the 
Communists are using chemical weapons against the people in the 
mountains. Bombs described as having white, black, yellow, or green 
smoke cause vomiting of blood, severe diarrhea with blood, and death 
within twenty-four hours. Many die from chemicals sprayed on plants and 
into streams. Chemicals have nearly destroyed the Cassava, which is so 
important to the survival of those in the mountains. The latest use of 
chemical bombing was on December 5, 2001.
Bombing
    The Communist Pathet Lao government uses helicopters, MI 6, MI8, 
and MI 17 to bomb the veterans and their families living in the 
jungles. (Evidence of this is documented in the twelve-minute video, 
``The Secret War in Laos Continues (1975-Present Time).''
Land Mines
    Land mines are a serious problem for the people in the mountains. 
The mines are placed along trails and around sources of food. Women and 
children looking for food are the most frequent casualties.
Capture and Torture
    Men who are captured are dismembered. Their penises are cut off and 
placed in their mouths signifying their inability to pass on their 
``American mentality'' to future generations.
    Women when captured are raped, then killed. Some are tied to stakes 
and left to die from exposure. Others have a sharp bamboo stick shoved 
through their vagina up into their chest cavity, the stick is rolled, 
and they are left to bleed to death. This is a sign they can no longer 
produce those who would become enemies of the Communists.
    Children who are captured because they are unable to keep up with 
the fleeing adults have their throats cut or are killed by being swung 
around and having their heads bashed against trees. There was one 
report of three children being skewered together on a bamboo pole. 
(Source: February 5, 2002 Report on Current Conditions in Laos for the 
Veterans of the U.S. Secret War. Prepared by: The Fact-Finding 
Commission on Laos.)
    According to the evidence and report of the Fact-Finding Commission 
on Laos of February 5, 2002, there are more than 122,500 Communist 
Pathet Lao and Communist Vietnamese soldiers who are stationed in 
seventeen locations in Laos. The Commission also reported that the 
objectives of the Communist Vietnamese government and soldiers in Laos 
are to direct, support and assist the Communist Lao government of the 
Lao People's Democratic Republic (LPDR) to conduct the war and genocide 
against Hmong and Lao people in Laos. Consequently, the war in Laos 
from 1975 to the present time is an international war. This is because 
foreign soldiers and foreign governments have engaged in and supported 
the war and genocide against former Hmong and Lao veterans, former CIA 
soldiers, and Hmong and Lao people who are civilians, including men, 
women and children, being conducted by the Communist Lao government of 
the LPDR and the government of Vietnam during the past 27 years.
    On March 10, 2003, the Fact-Finding Commission o n Laos reported on 
February 19, 2003, that ``the government of the Lao People's Democratic 
Republic (LPDR) used two MI-8 helicopters to drop bombs and launch 
rockets on their (Tong Chia Vue and Wameng Yang) village at Nyuen Nam 
Xieng, Borikhamxay Province. The Communists led three sorties that day 
and killed 55 people. A total of five hundred people were exposed to 
chemical gas and wounded by bomb explosions and gunfire.'' (News 
Release of the Fact-Finding Commission on Laos, March 10, 2003.)
9. Political Prisoners in Laos
    Former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger admitted in his book 
Years of Upheaval of 1982 that:

    ``At this writing, Laos is under Communist rule. Over 40,000 
Vietnamese troops remain as an occupation force. Souvanna is under 
house arrest. Between 10,000 and 30,000 political prisoners are in 
labor camps in the name of re-education. The Hmong (Meo) tribesmen who 
fought the North Vietnamese without help are being systematically 
exterminated, some by poison gas. Hundreds of thousands of Laotians 
have fled in terror to Thailand.''
    Information from reliable source in Vientiane, Laos, reported and 
confirmed that Mr. Thongsouk Saysangkhi, a Lao political prisoner of 
conscience, died at the end of February 1998 inside a concentration 
camp in Northern Province, Laos.
    In October 1990, Thongsouk, Latsami Khamphoui and Feng 
Sakchittaphong were arrested and imprisoned by the Communist Lao 
government because of their peaceful call for economic, social and 
political reforms and change from Communism to Capitalism in the Lao 
People's Democratic Republic (LPDR). All three men were brought to 
trial in November 1992. The Communist Court and the Communist Lao 
government sentenced them to 14 years in prison.
    In 1992, the U.S. government and the United High Commissioner for 
Refugees (UNHCR) repatriated Mr. Vue Mai, a leader of Hmong refugees in 
Thailand to Communist Laos in order to repatriate all Hmong and Lao 
refugees in Thailand to Communist Laos. Witnesses in Laos reported that 
the Communist Lao government arrested, imprisoned, tortured and killed 
Mr. Vue Mai, a leader of Hmong returnees in Laos in 1993.
    On April 19, 1999, Communist Lao agents and authorities arrested 
and imprisoned Mr. Houa Ly and Mr. Michael Vang in Ban Houa Xay, Bokeo 
Province, Laos. Witnesses in Laos reported that Communist Lao 
authorities tortured and killed Houa Ly and Michael Vang in Laos. They 
were Hmong-American citizens from the United States. As a result, we 
know that the legacies of Hmong-American relations and cooperation 
during the Cold War are direct factors for the Communist Lao and 
Vietnamese governments to commit ethnic cleansing warfare and genocide 
against many thousands of people in Laos and the two Hmong-American 
citizens.
    Witnesses in Vientiane, Laos, provided reliable sources and 
information to the Lao Human Rights Council, Inc. in the United States, 
that Mr. Chue Ma Vang, a Hmong returnee and political prisoner, died in 
Vientiane, Laos, on December 4, 2002. Mr. Chue Ma Vang was one of the 
thirteen Hmong returnees and political prisoners in a maximum security 
cell at Sam Khe political prison, Vientiane, Laos. In 1995, Mr. Chue Ma 
Vang and twelve other Hmong returnees were forced to return from 
Thailand to Laos. Mr. Chue Ma Vang died because the Communist Lao 
government of the Lao People's Democratic Republic (LPDR) did not 
provide enough food and other basic human needs to him and many other 
political prisoners in the Sam Khe political prison. The other Hmong 
political prisoners who were returnees are: Mr. Wang Chue Yang, Tong 
Toua Vang, Xai Xang Chang, Pang Toua Lee, Lee Vang, Xai Toua Vang, Xang 
Her, Cher Tong Lee, Chang Teng Thao, Yong Xao Her, Shoua Thao, and Xia 
Dang Thao. They and many hundreds of other Hmong and Lao returnees and 
other Hmong and Lao people are currently locked in the Sam Khe 
political prison in Vientiane, Laos.
    On October 26, 1999, the Communist Lao government of the LPDR 
arrested, imprisoned, and tortured Mr. Thongpaseuth Kauakhoun, Seng-
Sloun Phengphanh, Khamphouvieng Sisa-at, Bouavanh Chammanivong, 
Keochay, and many other people who organized a demonstration in 
Vientiane Laos. Witnesses in Laos reported in 2003 that the Communist 
Lao government of the LPDR arrested and imprisoned approximately 25,000 
Hmong and Lao people in Laos from 1990 to 2003.
Peace Before NTR for Laos
    We support and endorse the reports, evidence, information and peace 
proposals from Mr. Moua Toua Ter, Yang Toua Thao, Vang Chue Chi, Her 
Chai and Vang Nhia, leaders of Hmong and Lao democratic and human 
rights movements in the Xaisomboun Special Region, Northern Laos, which 
are enclosed with this letter. On January 17, 2003, the delegates of 
the Lao Human Rights Council and the Fact-Finding Commission on Laos 
met with the U.S. Ambassador to the LPDR, Douglas A. Hartwick, at the 
U.S. Department of State. We submitted a videotape entitled The War and 
Genocide in Laos Since 1975, Part II and other accurate evidence on the 
ethnic cleansing war, genocide and biological and chemical warfare 
against former CIA soldiers, Hmong and Lao people in the Xaisomboun 
Special Region, Northern Laos, to Ambassador Hartwick and the Laos Desk 
Officer, Kim Karsian, U.S. Department of State. We requested the U.S. 
Department of State:

    1. Lto take all necessary action plans to investigate and stop the 
use of biological and chemical weapons against Hmong and Lao people and 
former CIA soldiers in Laos;
    2. Lto take all necessary action plans to stop the ethnic cleansing 
war, genocide and biological and chemical warfare in Laos;
    3. Lto plan and take all necessary actions to bring a true peace to 
Hmong and Lao people in Laos before the U.S. government considers NTR 
for the Communist Lao government of the LPDR.

    Members of the U.S. Congress, U.S. Senators, President of the 
United States, and Secretary of State, we have submitted many letters, 
documents and evidence on the true situations in Laos to many officials 
of the U.S. Department of State and U.S. Embassy in Laos. However, 
these officials have continued to ignore this true information and 
situations in Laos. These officials asked for NTR for the LPDR without 
considering the genocide, human rights violations, ethnic cleansing 
war, biological and chemical warfare and terrorism against Hmong and 
Lao people and former CIA soldiers in Laos. Therefore, we request that 
the U.S. Congress, the White House, the U.S. Department of State, and 
the U.S. Embassy in Laos should recognize the cries out for peace, 
freedom, democracy, human rights and survival of former CIA soldiers 
and many other Hmong and Lao people in Laos before the U.S. government 
considers NTR for the LPDR.
Problems of NTR for the LPDR
    If the U.S. Congress, the White House and the U.S. Department of 
State grant NTR to the LPDR, NTR will empower the Communist Lao 
government:

    1. Lto continue to maintain and develop Communism in Laos;
    2. Lto continue to conduct ethnic cleansing war, genocide and 
biological and chemical warfare against people in Laos;
    3. Lto receive revenue for international terrorism.

    Therefore, we would like to propose that the U.S. government must 
not grant NTR to the Communist Lao government of the LPDR until it 
completely stops the ethnic cleansing war, genocide, human rights 
violations and biological and chemical warfare against former CIA 
soldiers and other Hmong and Lao people in Laos. The U.S. government 
must not help the violators of peace--the LPDR. The U.S. government 
must help the victims and those people who have cried out for peace in 
Laos.
                               Conclusion
Terrorist Government of the LPDR is not qualified to receive NTR
    Consequently, the Lao Human Rights Council, Inc., its members and 
the majority of Hmong and Lao American people in the United States and 
Mr. Yang Toua Thao, Moua Toua Ter, Vang Chue Chi, Vang Nhia, Vang Chai, 
Herr Chai, and many other Hmong and Lao people inside Laos appreciate 
being able to request that the U.S. government must not grant NTR to 
the Communist Lao government of the LPDR. This is because the Communist 
Lao government of the LPDR has been committing terrorism, ethnic 
cleansing warfare, genocide, human rights violations, biological and 
chemical warfare and religious persecution against many Hmong and Lao 
people in Laos. This is because the Communist Lao government of the 
LPDR supports President Saddam Hussein of Iraq against the United 
States. This is because the Communist LPDR supports international 
terrorism.
    Just as Osama Bin Laden and Saddam Hussein are guilty of terrorism, 
the Communist Lao government and Communist Lao leaders in Laos are also 
guilty of terrorism. Just as the government of Iraq is guilty because 
it produced and used biological and chemical weapons against people in 
Iraq, the LPDR government and the government of the Socialist Republic 
of Vietnam are guilty, because these two Communist governments have 
been using biological and chemical weapons against Hmong and Lao people 
in Laos.
    We hope that the above reports, information, evidence and proposals 
are helpful sources for the U.S. Congress, the White House, U.S. 
Department of State, and U.S. Department of Commerce as the decision 
regarding NTR to the LPDR is made. Finally, we are glad to have the 
opportunity to advise the U.S. government that it will be a disaster 
and big mistake to award NTR to the terrorist dictatorship government 
in Laos. The Lao Human Rights Council, Inc. and many Hmong and Lao 
American people in the United States are opposed to the U.S. Congress 
approving NTR to the LPDR. Please do not award NTR to the terrorist 
dictatorship government of the LPDR in Laos.
    Thank you so much for your consideration of the above requests.
            Submitted by:
                                                 Vang Pobzeb, Ph.D.
                                                 Executive Director
                                     Lao Human Rights Council, Inc.
                                               in the United States
                                 ______
                                 

                               Appendix I

    The Governments of Laos and Vietnam Used Biological and Chemical
                  Weapons against Hmong People in Laos
  Appeal from Hmong People in the Xaisomboun Special Region, Northern 
                                 Laos,
                             March 14, 2003
Dear President George Bush:
Dear Members of the U.S. Congress and U.S. Senators:
Dear Secretary General of the United Nations:
Dear Members of the European Union:
Dear International Human Rights and Peace Organizations:
    We are Mr. Yang Toua Thao and Moua Toua Ter, Vang Chue Chi, Herr 
Chai, and Vang Nhia, leaders of the Hmong democracy and human rights 
organizations and survival movements in Laos. We are in the Xaisomboun 
Special Region, northern Laos. We appreciate the opportunity to report 
on the true situation inside Laos since 1975 and until today in 2003 to 
you as follows:

    1. LThe Communist Lao government of the Lao People's Democratic 
Republic (LPDR) did not allow officials of the U.S. Embassy and other 
officials of foreign embassies in Laos to travel to the Xaisomboun 
Special Region, northern Laos and many other locations inside Laos 
because the Communist Lao government of the LPDR and Vietnamese 
government of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam have been conducting 
extermination, genocide, ethnic cleansing warfare, and biological and 
chemical warfare against Hmong people in Laos for revenge because of 
Hmong-U.S. government relations and cooperation during the Vietnam War.
    2. LThere are more than 14 Vietnamese and Lao military regiments 
composed of many thousands of soldiers and troops who have surrounded 
and are conducting an ethnic cleansing war, genocide and biological and 
chemical warfare against Hmong people in Laos today.
    3. LThe Communist Lao government of the LPDR and Vietnamese 
government of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam have killed more than 
300,000 people in Laos in the past 27 years (1975-2003). Of this 
figure, about 46,000 victims were former CIA soldiers and their family 
members and associates. We Hmong people are victimized by genocide and 
biological and chemical warfare because of the legacies of Hmong-
American relations and cooperation during the Vietnam War. In 1975, the 
Vietnam War was over for the U.S. government, but the war is not over 
for Hmong people because the U.S. government pulled out of Laos and 
opened the door for the Communist Lao and Vietnamese governments and 
soldiers to kill Hmong people and former CIA soldiers in Laos.
    4. LIf the governments of Iraq and North Korea are guilty because 
they have produced and used biological and chemical weapons, weapons of 
mass destruction and nuclear weapons, then also the governments of the 
LPDR and Vietnam are guilty, because these two governments have been 
using biological and chemical weapons against Hmong people in Laos.
    5. LWe Hmong people in Laos do not want any more war. We need true 
peace, human rights,, freedom and democracy and survival. We do not 
want to die by genocide and biological and chemical weapons. Because we 
are human beings we need survival and human rights.
    6. LThe Communist governments of the LPDR and Vietnam are using 
land mines in the Xaisomboun Special Region and other provinces in 
Laos. To date, these land mines have killed many thousands of Hmong 
people in these areas of Laos.

    Therefore, we appeal to you and those governments who signed the 
Paris Peace Agreements of 1973 to end the Vietnam War and to restore 
peace for Laos and Indochina:

    1. LTo send international fact-finding commissioners and inspectors 
to inspect the problems of biological and chemical warfare, genocide 
and ethnic cleansing war against Hmong people in the Xaisomboun Special 
region and other provinces in Laos.
    2. LTo send news reporters and agencies to cover the problems of 
international war against Hmong people in Laos.
    3. LTo use the Paris Peace Agreements on Indochina and Laos of 1973 
and other necessary action plans to stop the war in Laos and to bring a 
true peace to the people in Laos.
    4. LTo send airplanes to take Hmong and Lao people and former CIA 
soldiers and their families in the Xaisomboun Special Region and other 
provinces in Laos to resettle in the United States, if the U.S. 
government does not consider our peace proposals and the U.S. and the 
U.N. do not stop the ethnic cleansing war against Hmong people in Laos.
    5. LTo consider our eight-point peace proposal from Hmong people in 
Laos of October 7, 2002.

    We authorized and requested Dr. Vang Pobzeb, the Director of the 
Lao Human Rights Council, to record our telephone communications, 
reports, statements and peace proposals on Laos and we requested him to 
submit and forward our reports, problems and peace proposals to you. We 
need you to take all necessary action plans to stop the war in Laos and 
to save our lives. Many of us are former CIA soldiers and family 
members. We appeal that you give the opportunity to Dr. Vang Pobzeb and 
his supporters and other human rights organizations to submit our 
reports and peace proposals to you on our behalf.
            Respectfully requested,
                                                  Mr. Moua Toua Ter
                                                 Mr. Yang Toua Thao
                          Mr. Vang Chue Chi, Her Chai and Vang Nhia
                           Xaisomboun Special Region, Northern Laos
Note and Sources:
    The above English version is a translation from the telephone 
communications and reports and requests from Mr. Moua Toua Ter, Mr. 
Yang Toua Thao, Vang Chue Chi, and Vang Chai from Laos to the office of 
the Lao Human Rights Council, Inc., in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, United 
States, from November 8, 9, and 10, and November 11 and 13, 2002, and 
March 14, 2003. The two-hour cassette tape recordings are kept at the 
office of the Lao Human Rights Council.
    For information on the above reports and problems, please contact: 
Dr. Vang Pobzeb, Executive Director; Lao Human Rights Council, Inc.; 
P.O. Box 1606; Eau Claire, WI 54702, USA; (715) 831-8355 (telephone); 
(715) 831-8563 (fax); E-mail address: [email protected]; 
Website: www.laohumrights.org

                                 

                    [BY PERMISSION OF THE CHAIRMAN:]

                                         Lao Representatives Abroad
                                   Assembly, Zone 3, Ontario Canada
                                                     April 21, 2003
Chairman Phil Crane, House Trade Subcommittee And Honorable Members of 
    Congress:
    Thank you very much for the opportunity to share our concerns about 
the possibility of the United States granting of Normalized Trade 
Relations (NTR) status to the Communist regime in Laos.
    As Laotians who want to see Laos become a true democratic country 
which can develop its own economy for the well being of its people. Our 
organization has many members and their relatives throughout the United 
States and we are staunchly opposed to America granting NTR trade 
status to the LPDR for the following reasons:

    1. LThe LPDR has never stopped persecuting religious groups in 
Laos;
    2. LThe LPDR constantly violates and denies human rights to the 
citizens of Laos;
    3. LLaos' economy is in shambles due to mismanagement and 
corruption in the government;
    4. LWhen the Lao economy went into deep recession and high 
inflation, Lao women as young as 14 years old were forced into 
prostitution and hard labor in Laos and in Thailand to try to earn 
enough money to feed their family;
    5. LThe LPDR has amassed huge quantities of chemical and biological 
weapons which they are ready to use against their own people;
    6. LThe LPDR is a communist state; a political system that is dying 
and unsuitable in the modern era;
    7. LThe LPDR is not a friendly country to the United States as was 
demonstrated by the government-organized demonstrations in Vientiane 
against the U.S. policy towards Iraq (when American men and women put 
their life on the line in ``Operation Iraqi Freedom'');
    8. LThe LPDR is still controlled by the Communist regime in 
Vietnam-and NTR will benefit Vietnam's hardline regime, not Laos.

    The Lao Representatives Abroad Assembly in Ontario, Canada, and its 
counterparts in America, believe that the U.S. should permit the 
economy of Laos to fall even deeper into the abyss without a bailout by 
the U.S. taxpayer. Without a strong economy, the communist government 
will likely not be able to exist for much longer, and will crumble like 
the former Soviet Union and the Berlin Wall.
            Thank you very much for your attention to this important 
            matter.
                                           Samrith Phromkharanourak
                                                          President

                                 

                    [BY PERMISSION OF THE CHAIRMAN:]

                                               Lao-American College
                                              Vientiane, Lao P.D.R.
The Honorable Philip Crane
Chairman, Subcommittee
House Ways and Means Committee
Washington, D.C.

    Dear Chairman Philip Crane,

    On behalf of the Lao-American College, I am writing to express our 
strong support for the establishment of NTR (Normal Trade Relations) 
between the US and the Lao PDR.
    The Lao PDR is the only ASEAN member nation, of the 10 members, to 
which this status has not been extended. Unfortunately, a strongly 
vocal minority, many of whom are not American citizens, and are no 
longer Lao citizen, appear to have the ear of the Congress. This 
minority left Laos long ago and is out of touch with the Laos of today. 
To continue to ``punish'' Laos, often for their own personal problems, 
is not justifiable of worthy of a country which prides itself as being 
a champion and be allowed to hurt a majority of people?
    The Lao PDR is not and never has been an aggressor nation. However, 
Laos has often been the victim of aggressors. The most recent such 
situation was the so-called ``Secret War'' during the Vietnam War 
years, and the aggressor then was the United States. The tonnage of 
bombs and bomblets dropped on this country continue to main and kill 
innocent people.
    If the war against terrorism is to be won, then friendship and 
trade need to be established. Brute force will not and has not won 
hearts and minds of people anywhere. Laos is the landlink of SE Asia, a 
position of strategic importance and the cross roads of trade in this 
area. Here the US Embassy was never forced to close, and this country 
was the first to allow Americans to search for the MIAs.
    Laos, like the US, fought for independence and the sovereign right 
to determine its own destiny. Instead of punishment, the US could 
assist the peaceful development of this country and the evolution of 
governance and an economy suitable for Lao needs and circumstances. 
Laos wants friendship and respect, peace and prosperity. The Lao want 
American friendship--why is this not given to Laos and why do you 
listen to people who don't know or understand Laos today and the 
poverty, needs, and hopes of the real Lao people?
            Sincerely yours,
                                              Virginia Van Ostrand,
                                                           Director
 (American citizen who has known the real Laos for almost 17 years)
  (Over 1,000 college age students + 35 faculty + 20 support staff)
                                 ______
                                 
                                               Lao-American College
                                                 Vientiane, Lao PDR

    Dear William M. Thomas,

    As a US citizen and the foremost American private investor in the 
Lao PDR, I earnestly plead for normalization of US-Laos normal trade 
relations. Please vote for the passage of US-Laos Normal Trade 
Relations bill that will benefit both sides.
    I urge you to ignore the former Secret War mercenaries that 
defeated the 1997 trade normalization bill. These people are not part 
or caring about the present day Laos. To combat the real causes of 
terrorism, there must be economic opportunity for this and all poor 
countries.
    As a 16 year long education for the Lao people. I welcome any and 
all inquiries about education needs in the Lao PDR.
            Sincerely yours,
                                               Virginia Van Ostrand
                                                           Director

                                 

                            Lao-American Community of the Northwest
                                          Seattle, Washington 98146
                                                     April 21, 2003
Honorable Congressman William M. Thomas
Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee
United States House of Representatives

    Honorable Chairman and Members of the Committee:

    On behalf of the Lao-American community of the Northwest, we would 
like to express our utmost appreciation for the opportunity to submit 
this testimony before the Ways and Means Committee of the United States 
House of Representatives to:

    1. LCall on the House Ways and Means Committee and the US Congress 
to urge the US Administration to intervene with Lao Communist 
Government for an immediate and unconditional release of all political 
and religious prisoners held in various prisons or ``re-education'' 
camps, or rather, prison camps, throughout Laos.
    2. LCall on the House Ways and Means Committee and the Congress to 
reject the granting of Normal Trade Relations (NTR) status to the Lao 
Communist Government.

    First, the Lao-American Community of the Northwest urges the Ways 
and Means Committee and the Congress as a whole to call on the US 
Administration to press the Lao Communist Government for the immediate 
and unconditional release of all prisoners of conscience, especially 
the release of the two former high ranking Lao Government officers, Mr. 
Khamphoui Ratsmy and Mr. Feng Sackchittaphong, who advocate for 
peaceful political reform and who have been imprisoned since 1991 when 
they petitioned the Lao People's Revolutionary Party to allow more 
freedom for the Lao people and to implement a multi-political parties 
system. We also urge for the immediate and unconditional release of the 
five student leaders--Mr. Thongpaseuth Keuakoun, Mr. Khamphouvieng 
Sisaath, Mr. Seng Aloun Phengphanh, Mr. Bouavanh Chanhmanivong and Mr. 
Keochay. These five student leaders were arrested in October 1999 for 
attempting to hold a peaceful demonstration in Vientiane (the capital 
of Laos) on October 26, 1999. The demonstration's main objectives were 
(1) the respect of human rights, (2) the release of political 
prisoners, (3) fair and open election and (4) the implementation of a 
multi-political parties system to achieve true democracy in Laos.
    These student leaders have been arrested for peacefully exercising 
their rights as guaranteed in Article 31 of the LPDR's own 
Constitution, promulgated in August 1991. Article 31 of the LPDR's 
Constitution stipulates: ``Lao citizens have the right and freedom of 
speech, press and assembly; and have the right to set up associations 
and to stage demonstrations which are not contrary to the law.''
    The arrest and the continued incarceration of the student leaders 
also violate the United Nations' Universal Declaration of Human Rights, 
particularly, Articles 2, 11, 19, and 20(1). Article 20(1) of the 
Declaration specifically stipulates: ``Everyone has the right to 
freedom of peaceful assembly and association.'' Laos is a signatory of 
the Declaration.
    True to its dictatorial principles and long tradition of deceptive 
and lying practices, the LPDR denied and deceived that there ever was a 
demonstration on October 26, 1999. According to Amnesty International's 
Public Statement of October 25, 2002 (AI Index: ASA 26/005/2002), a 
spokeman of the Lao Foreign Ministry was quoted, in November 1999, as 
saying: ``I have checked the report thoroughly and stand firm that 
there was no protest or arrest of anyone in the past two weeks. There 
might have been some drunken people scuffling or making noise that 
caused outsiders visiting Vientiane to think they were protesting.'' 
These official lies of the LPDR were unmasked when a group of six 
students, who participated in the demonstration, were able to escape 
Laos immediately after the failed attempt demonstration and were 
granted asylum in Seattle, Washington in October 2000.
    The Lao Communist Government would have continued its charade of 
deception if it were not for the strong pressure from the European 
Union parliamentarians to come clean regarding the arrest of the 
protesters. According to the same October 25, 2002 Amnesty 
International's Public Statement, Lao officials admitted in June 2002 
during their talk with European parliamentarians that the five student 
leaders had been sentenced in June 2001. How could there have been a 
sentence if there were no arrests? Once again, the Lao Communist 
Government was caught lying.
    Second, while applauding the US Government's policies of engagement 
with the Lao Communist Government, the Lao-American Community of the 
Northwest strongly believes that granting NTR to the Lao Communist 
Government at this point would be counterproductive and lead to further 
abuse of human rights. It would also send a wrong and conflicting 
message to the Lao people and the freedom-loving people around the 
world that the US would reward a murderous and dictatorial government 
that violates basic human rights as stipulated in the United Nations' 
Universal Declaration of Human Rights without requiring significant 
changes or improvements of human rights and the rule of laws or even a 
small token gesture of goodwill, such as the unconditional and 
immediate release of political prisoners, such as the five democracy 
student leaders and the two former LPDR's reform-minded officers. The 
release of these seven political prisoners would not pose any threat to 
the Lao Communist Government's stability. On the contrary, it would 
indicate the Lao Government's gradual commitment to the rule of laws 
and its international obligations and it would shine a ray of hopes to 
its own people--the Lao people--that a new dawn of freedom would not be 
too long a dream.
    Economically, Laos has very few products and virtually no services 
that would benefit from gaining NTR status and thus, free or low tariff 
access to the US market, except for the garment industry. The Lao 
people would not enjoy any benefits as a result of the NTR status. Only 
the ruling elites and the foreign garment tycoons would fully reap the 
benefits. As experiences in other developing countries have shown that 
there have been frequent abuse of women and children in the garment 
industry in countries where transparency is not the norm, but rampant 
corruption at the highest level of government is. Laos, under the 
Communist regime, is no different, if not worse. True, there have been 
numerous decrees issued to ``fight and eradicate'' corruption; as a 
matter of fact, every prime minister since Kaysone Phomvihane, the 
first prime minister of LPDR, through Boungnang Vorachit, the current 
prime minister, has issued at least one such decree. One has to wonder 
why corruption today is more rampant. The answer is because in a 
dictatorial regime the people cannot scrutinize and question their 
government. This answer may seem simplistic and obvious, but that's the 
true nature of dictatorship.
    It has been almost thirty years that the Lao people have suffered 
under the dictatorship of the Lao Communist Government. Although there 
appears to be some economic improvement after billion of dollars in 
direct foreign aids and loans and foreign investments, the vast 
majority of the Lao people still live in poverty today. Laos, as a 
country, has been driven further into one of the least developed 
countries. While the country and the people are in dire poverty, the 
ruling elites are enjoying all the luxuries that money can buy. Let's 
think for a moment: how can a person with a monthly salary of less than 
five hundred dollars (the official salary of a minister of the LPDR) 
afford to pay cash for luxury cars and mansions?
    Another economic reality is that Laos is a landlocked country where 
all its exporting products have to go through its neighboring countries 
such as Thailand and Vietnam. The labor cost must be low enough to 
offset the high costs of in-land transit transportation. This 
condition, adding to the rampant corruption at the highest level of 
government, will lead to a slavery of the Lao women and children 
working in the exporting industries. What guarantee will they have for 
reasonable wages and working conditions when the Lao Communist 
Government has repeatedly ignored its own constitution and its 
international obligations under the United Nations' Universal 
Declaration of Human Rights?
    Politically, by granting NTR status at this point, the US 
Government would inadvertently send the wrong message to the Lao people 
that it rewards a dictatorial government, which consistently ignores 
its own constitution and its international obligations to uphold and 
comply with the United Nations' Universal Declaration of Human Rights. 
It would dash any hopes and dreams the Lao people may still have and 
hold dear to their hearts that some day their country, through the 
international pressure, would enjoy true liberty and democracy that we, 
Americans, have been taking for granted for so long. Any economic 
benefits from the NTR status would only further enhance and perpetuate 
the oppressive and persecutorial regime of the Lao Communist Government 
and the vast majority of the Lao people would continue to live in 
poverty and fear.
    The Lao-American community of the Northwest believes that there 
will be a time when NTR status will benefit the vast majority of the 
Lao people. That time will come when the Lao people can freely and 
without fear, elect their own representative form of government that is 
not imposed upon them by a one dictatorial party-state government as 
they are currently forced to endure. Until then, NTR status would just 
enhance the bloody, oppressive hands of the Lao Communist Government.
    By advocating for the denial of the granting of NTR status to Lao 
PDR, the Lao-American Community of The Northwest does not advocate for 
the isolation of Lao PDR. On the contrary, we urge the US 
Administration to augment its engagement with the Lao Communist 
Government and we believe the current US support in narcotic control 
and the US assistance in the UXO program, to name a few, are more 
beneficial to the vast majority of the Lao people than the NTR status 
could provide.
    In conclusion, the Lao-American community of the Northwest, once 
again, urges the House Ways and Means Committee and the US Congress to 
reject the granting of the NTR Status to the Lao Communist Government, 
unless and until it indicates its strongest commitment to the 
improvement of human rights and its international obligations. The Lao 
Communist Government could signify such commitment by unconditionally 
and immediately release the two former reform-minded LPDR officers and 
the five student democracy leaders--a simple and small token gesture of 
goodwill.
            Thank you.
    For and on behalf of the Lao-American Community of The Northwest
                                                Khamphay Muangchanh
                                              Co-Chair of the Board

                                                 Khamsene Thaviseth
                                              Co-Executive Director

                                 

                    [BY PERMISSION OF THE CHAIRMAN:]

          Lao-Australian Institute for Co-operation and Development
                                   Campbelltown NSW 2560, Australia
                                                      19 April 2003
Mr William M. Thomas
Chairman, Committee Members on Ways and Means
House of Representatives and Committee Members on
Ways and Means
1102 Longwoth House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515 USA
    Sir,
    On behalf of the Lao-Australian Institute for Cooperation and 
Development, (LAICD) a non-government organisation based in Sydney, 
Australia, I am writing to express our unreserved support for the US 
move towards granting the ``Normal Trade Relations'' to Laos. We are a 
body of several thousand migrant Lao who are working with the present 
Lao government to achieve genuine and successful economic development 
in Laos.
    Mr Vichit Xindavong, the Lao Ambassador to Australia broke this 
promising news at the Lao New Year celebration in Canberra on April 5. 
Laos emerged as a contemporary State in 1953 and has been largely a 
subsistence economy to date. It is one of the twenty poorest countries 
in the world; about 80 per cent of Laos' revenue are dependent on 
loans, grants and foreign aid.
    Lao people are not familiar with international trade. In its 
contemporary history Laos has never had an opportunity to trade with 
overseas countries particularly with great Western powers such as USA 
and United Kingdom.
    The US Normal Trade Relationship is vital for the 5.2 million Lao 
population of which 85 per cent are still poor multi-ethnic rural 
people. We strongly believe that NTR will help to eventually expose the 
Lao people to a genuine Western democratic system, transparent 
governance and the poverty eradication that the Lao government aims to 
achieve by the year 2020. This will enable Laos to take a proper role 
within the community of nations.
    We would like to voice our appeal to you, to all the Congressmen 
and Senators to give humane consideration in granting the Normal Trade 
Relation Agreement to Laos at the coming US Congress meeting. Thank you 
in anticipation for your support and we look forward to a historic vote 
of the US Congress in favour of this small landlocked and least 
developed country. Laos has inherited its current political colour from 
cold war history. Thank you very much for your support.
            Yours faithfully,
            Signed
                                             Kevin Prakoonheang, JP
                                                 President, LAIFCAD

                                 

                                       Laos Institute for Democracy
                                                     April 21, 2003
    Dear Chairman Crane and Members of the Subcommittee:
    In this intense political climate, we have recently witnessed the 
fall of a totalitarian dictatorship in Iraq. However, there are still 
menacing dictatorships in the world which are not being addressed with 
the same urgency. I would like bring your attention to the violations 
of religious freedom and human rights in the Lao People's Democratic 
Republic (Lao PDR).
    In July 2002, the government of Lao PDR presented new legislation 
which provides a legal basis for control of and interference with 
religious activities by government officials. ``The decree provides 
that all persons in Lao PDR have the right to carry out religious 
activities and to participate in religious ceremonies at established 
places of worship. It also provides that every citizen of Lao PDR has 
equal rights before the law to believe or not to believe in a religion 
and that the Lao PDR government respects and protects legal religious 
activities in Lao PDR. In addition the decree recognizes that followers 
of all religions have the right to gather together for worship, receive 
religious teachings, and conduct religious celebrations at existing 
places of worship.'' However, the current situation in Lao PDR does not 
reflect changes in legislation. Some religious detainees were released 
following the July 2002 decree, but many remain in custody.
    Religious freedom seekers continue to suffer serious violations of 
their rights. People continue to be arrested and imprisoned, undergo 
prolonged detention, and are denied basic human rights. Lao PDR 
officials have forced Christians to renounce their faith while dozens 
of churches have been closed. Because of these direct violations of 
religious freedom and human rights it is very important that Lao PDR be 
designated as a county of particular concern (CPC). The government of 
Lao PDR needs to accept change in order to become representative of its 
people.
    Though the Lao PDR is a small country far removed from the U.S., 
the rights of its people need to be addressed with urgency. I am here 
representing the many voiceless Laotian people--petitioning you for 
help in the preservation of their basic human rights. And I am kindly 
requesting that the U.S. Congress reject--not to grant--Normalized 
Trade Relations (NTR) to the dictatorship and terrorist Lao PDR regime. 
I urge you to support the implementation of a democratic government in 
Lao PDR that is for the people, by the people and affords every citizen 
basic rights and freedoms--so that they can work together to improve 
their economy and enhance their own development.
    Thank you for giving me the opportunity to express the position of 
my organization which seeks to give voice to the freedom-loving Laotian 
people still suffering in the Lao PDR. We staunchly oppose granting NTR 
to the Lao Communist at the present time.
            Respectfully yours,
                                              Khampoua Naovarangsy,
                                       Policy and Political Analyst
                                   The Laos Institute for Democracy

                                 

        Statement of Thongsavanh Phongsavan, Executive Director

        Laotian American Council, North Providence, Rhode Island

    Chairman Phil Crane, Members of the Trade Subcommittee, Members of 
the U.S. Congress and American policymakers:
    As we weigh the facts and evidence presented here before us 
regarding the deplorable Communist regime in Laos, we must consider our 
own responsibility as a freedom-loving people of principal and faith. 
We can no longer ignore the silent cries of our Laotian neighbors, 
friends, and loved ones, who have endured unspeakable injustices at the 
hands of the oppressive Lao-PDR regime. However, by working together 
towards an effective resolution to the crisis in Laos, we will rise 
above the shameful intolerance of the Communist regime, as true 
leaders.
    We urge the Trade Subcommittee and the U.S. Congress to vigorously 
oppose the granting of Normalized Trade Relations (NTR) trade status 
with the Communist Lao regime at this time. It is entirely premature, 
especially given the Lao regime's support for Saddam Hussein's regime 
in Iraq and North Korea.
    Understanding the present Stalinist crisis in Laos will provide us 
effective tools for resolving key issues--including economic, trade, 
national security and counter-terrorism issues. As the 
interrelationships among the Lao People's Democratic Republic, the 
leadership of Communist North Korea, and those who support or sponsor 
terrorism become increasingly clear as a result of ``Operation Iraqi 
Freedom'' and the joint ``Lao PDR-North Korean Communique'', we must 
implement a decisive policy to counter this growing threat by the Lao 
regime to all civilized people. The Lao PDR supports Saddam Hussein's 
regime and North Korea's dictatorship, and works closely with them. 
Indeed, at this time, when defense spending, national security and war 
have become imbedded in the minds of most Americans, we must focus on 
resolving the crisis in Laos before that which is bad becomes far more 
unpredictable.
    While these human rights issue! s (including the arrest and 
detention of pro-democracy student activists and intellectuals, 
religious persecution, torture, genocide, and other, equally despicable 
crimes against humanity) have become major roadblocks to future 
cooperation between the United States and Laos, there are still some 
who--astonishingly--wish to grant the Lao-PDR government Normalized 
Trade Relation (NTR) status as an act of faith--without reasonable 
conditions in a post-Sept. 11th environment. Although many of the 
people who are closest to this debate agree that some form of 
diplomatic concession--including political and economic reforms--are 
required on the part of the Lao-PDR before economic restrictions can 
finally be lifted, those who are for approving NTR without a foundation 
for improvement and serious reforms by the Communist regime seem to 
forget the horrific reality of the situation in Laos.
    Amnesty International and all other independent hu! man rights 
organizations are still not allowed into Laos to monitor the situation 
after almost three decades of rule by the Stalinist regime.
    Over the years, the U.S. Congressional Forum on Laos has helped to 
raise awareness and understanding of the situation in Laos and give 
voice to many of the victims of the brutal Communist regime. I am 
especially grateful to Congressman Patrick Kennedy, Congressman George 
Radanovich and Congressman Mark Green as well as Philip S. Smith, 
Executive Director for the Center for Public Policy Analysis, for 
helping to cosponsor and coordinate today's special session held in the 
U.S. Congress where I also joined with many of my colleagues to present 
testimony--including the United League for Democracy in Laos, Inc., the 
Lao Nationalist Reform Party, Inc., Amnesty International, the U.S. 
Commission for International Religious Freedom, the Laos Institute for 
Democracy, the United Lao-Hmong Congress for Democracy, Inc. and many 
others.
    For the sake of humanity, we need to act together now to nip this 
great menace of Lao Marxism in the bud. With the Lao Communist regime's 
present alliance with North Korea and key terrorist organizations, the 
lifting of any restriction on Laos must be carefully weighed. As recent 
history has demonstrated, those who support tyranny and oppression must 
be dealt with accordingly if national rehabilitation is sought. We do 
not wish to embolden a lawless dictatorship with money or status, but 
to hold it accountable for the dire situation that the Lao people, as 
well as Laotian-Americans, must now confront.
    With our voices on this matter now being heard internationally, we 
must set an example that people of every culture will respect. We can 
no longer backtrack to a more innocent time, but we can and will 
address these injustices by the rule of law. As Laos' already poor 
record on human rights has hit a new low with its u! nlawful 
restriction of religious worship, according to the recently released 
report by the U.S. Commission for International Religious Freedom, we 
must make it clear that any work toward cooperation between this regime 
and the world community must begin with guarantees of social and 
religious freedoms. In the final analysis, peace with this brutal, 
dope-peddling dictatorship cannot be achieved by giving in, but by 
holding it to the standards of the free and civilized world.
    For these and other persuasive reasons, we urge every responsible 
person connected with these issues to reassess [their] strategic 
implications. We do not wish for war, though the relationship among 
Laos and her belligerent neighbors threatens not only that region, but 
also the stability of the world as we know it. There must be a 
crackdown on the illegal activities, state-sponsored terrorism, and 
institutional violence, that is currently being conducted! by the Lao 
communist regime, before any real healing can begin; and in this case 
the initiative lies with you. With deferment of NTR status, we believe 
the Lao-PDR will have little choice but to come to the bargaining 
table.
    We therefore, on behalf of the vast majority of the Laotian 
community in the United States, and in Laos, urge the Trade 
Subcommittee, and Members of the U.S. Congress to deny NTR trade status 
to the Communist regime in Laos.
    We urge Members of Congress, and Trade Subcommittee Members, to 
carefully read, support and cosign the U.S. Congressional letter to 
President Bush, Secretary Powell and Chairman Crane, in strong 
opposition to NTR trade status for Laos at this time. The letter is co-
authored by Rep. George Radanovich (R-CA) and Rep. Mark Green (R-WI), 
and cosigned by Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), Rep. Ron Kind (D-WI), Rep. 
Devin Nunes (R-CA) and many other Members of Congress. It also 
addresses the important issue of missing Hmong-American citizens.
    Thank you very much for your leadership and support. By continuing 
to work with you on a bipartisan level to oppose the granting of NTR 
trade status to the Communist regime in Laos, the concrete results 
desired by the majority of the Laotian people, in terms of reform and 
regime-change in Laos, including the restoration of basic human 
freedoms and democracy, will be attained in the near future.

                                 

                                Laotian-American National Coalition
                                         Richmond, California 94804
Honorable Congressman Philip M. Crane
Chairman, Subcommittee on Trade of the Committee on Ways and Means
Capital Hill
Washington DC
Fax (202) 225-2610

Subject: US NTR for Laos

    Dear Honorable Congressman Philip M. Crane
    We, the Americans of Laotian descent, hereby express our 
wholehearted support the Bush Administration's Trade Initiative in 
Southeast Asia to extend the US NTR to Laos and ask that you support 
this initiative as well.
            Respectfully Yours,
          The Voice of the Laotian American National Movement
                             In support of
               The Bush Administration's Trade Initiative
                To extend Normal Trade Relations to Laos
    We believe that:
    Widespread and rapidly growing unemployment among youth in Laos has 
driven tens of thousands of them to flee to Thailand and other 
neighboring countries where they fall prey to exploitative and inhumane 
treatment by their employers and criminals; while the land-locked 
Laotian economy continues to weaken due to decline in foreign 
investment and its weak capability to compete with its neighbors in the 
export markets. The situation is further aggravated by the continued 
denial of US NTR while such privilege is enjoyed by its stronger 
immediate neighbors, including Vietnam and Cambodia.
    US NTR for Laos is not a panacea for its social economic problems, 
but it will put Laos on a level playing field with its neighboring 
countries on which to compete for a share of the U.S. markets. This in 
turn will stimulate domestic and foreign investment in Laos and give 
the country a fair chance to provide decent jobs for its youth and 
thereby help reverse the current ill treatment and suffering they have 
had to endure, both in Laos and in neighboring countries.
    We realize that Laotian communities across the U.S. are not 
unanimous in their views about the current Laotian Government and its 
policies, and that the majority of Laotian Americans still wish to see 
more political reforms and changes. But we believe that a stronger 
Laotian economy will improve living conditions of the Laotian people 
who, in turn, will then become real stakeholders and, eventually 
catalysts for change. Experience in Asia has amply demonstrated that 
the democratization process has been economically driven.
    While understanding and respecting the views of those opposing the 
granting of US NTR for Laos, we ask that they also understand and 
respect our views and positions on this important matter. As American 
citizens, we have the obligation to respect each other's rights and 
freedom to express our views in accordance with our belief and 
conscience.
    The majority of Laotian Americans have reconnected with their 
homeland. Most of them have returned to Laos for visits and have 
relatives who are still there and wish to see that they be given a fair 
chance for a better living. Most Laotian Americans believe that 
promoting economic development is the best way to promote peaceful and 
sustainable change in Laos.
    We wholeheartedly applaud and share the position taken by the Bush 
Administration on the issue of US NTR for Laos. Ambassador Hartwick is 
trying to encourage discussion and favorable consideration of this 
initiative.
    Laotian Americans and friends of the Laotians who share our views 
should exercise their right of freedom of speech by voicing their views 
to their respective Congressional representatives, especially members 
of the House Ways and Means Committee.
    The opposition to the US NTR to date seeks to isolate and 
impoverish Laos for their own ambiguous political agenda. They have 
organized and financed aggressive lobby efforts to prevent hearings on 
this matter. Some of them continue to believe that poverty will force 
change in Laos. Recent history in Asia shows otherwise. People in 
isolated and poor North Korea have no means to ask for change, they 
starve in silence; while in relatively rich South Korea and other parts 
of Asia (Thailand, Taiwan, Malaysia, Philippines etc.) growing 
affluence of the peoples have created economically strong and well 
educated middle class who in turn have proven to be the real incubators 
and guardians of the growing democratization process.
    A constructive engagement approach is a better alternative for the 
U.S. to promote change in Laos; and that promoting change through 
peaceful socioeconomic development is far more effective and humane 
than deliberate impoverishment of our fellow Laotians in Laos. Laos 
needs to adopt international standards and strengthen the rule of law. 
We should voice our collective efforts to urge the U.S. Congress to 
grant Laos the US NTR.
    Laotian American National Movement will try to coordinate and in 
some cases help to campaign for US NTR for Laos. Our American friends 
can certainly help to do the same. Let's not leave out any body that 
can help.
    For more information, please contact:
    The US-Lao NTR Coalition
    C/o Laotian-American National Coalition
    120 Broadway, Suite 4
    Richmond, CA 94804
    (510) 235-5005, (510) 235-5065
    Website: Laotianlink.com
    Email: [email protected]
                                 ______
                                 

                                      The list of endorsers and supporters
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               Name                        Address                 City                  State          Zip Code
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Sary Tatpaporn                      1340 Bush Ave........  San Pablo...........  CA..................      94806
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Kanong Tatpaporn                    1340 Bush Ave........  San Pablo...........  CA..................      94806
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Ken Tatpaporn                       1340 Bush Ave........  San Pablo...........  CA..................      94806
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Nai Choy Pienh                      2810 Clinton Ave.....  Richmond............  CA..................      94804
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Frank Yenh Pienh                    2810 Clinton Ave.....  Richmond............  CA..................      94804
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
James Chao                          4820 Bradford Drive..  Sacramento..........  CA..................      95820
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Echiam Lee                          4415 Livingston Way..  Sacramento..........  CA..................      95823
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wanthoy Saechao                     3741 Blackfeather....  El Sobrante.........  CA..................      94803
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lauchoy Saechao                     7704 Darla Way.......  Sacramento..........  CA..................      95828
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Nai Seng Saechao                    4911 Brooklyn Ave....  Sacramento..........  CA..................      95824
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fou Seng Saelee                     2638 Garvin Ave......  Richmond............  CA..................      94804
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chan Fow Saelee                     3849--35th Street....  Sacramento..........  CA..................      95820
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Seng Loung Chao                     P.O. Box 247036......  Sacramento..........  CA..................      95828
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kristy Sisamouth                    3300 Regetta Blvd....  Richmond............  CA..................      94804
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Yangh Jiem-Seng                     3705--20th Ave.......  Sacramento..........  CA..................      95820
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Oneesiphone, Bountha                2607 Ohio Ave #A.....  Richmond............  CA..................      94801
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cansaengnang, La                    1822 Pensylvania Av..  Richmond............  CA..................      94802
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chanthavong, Synaow                 654--27th St.........  Richmond............  CA..................      94804
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chao, Kiam                          2140 Stanton Ave.....  San Pablo...........  CA..................      94806
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Charoeunsak, Thongsy                1963 Van Ness St.....  San Pablo...........  CA..................      94806
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Douangnaly, Inkham                  3001 Pullman Ave #137  Richmond............  CA..................      94804
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Douangprachan, Onekeo               2432--18th Street....  San Pablo...........  CA..................      94806
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Keomanychan, Viengkham              1318 Fillmore Ave. #D  San Pablo...........  CA..................      94806
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Keopraseuth, Phat                   1268 Parkway Dr......  Richmond............  CA..................      94803
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                 

       The Laotian Multi-Ethnic Alliance for U.S.A.-Laos Friendship
                                     Minnesota State Representation
                                     Brooklyn Park, Minnesota 55443
                                                     April 15, 2003
The Honorable Phillip Crane
Chairman, Subcommittee on Trade
House Ways & Means Committee
233 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515

    Dear Chairman Crane:

    We are a group of Laotian Americans from various ethnic backgrounds 
of Laos (Lao, Hmong, Khmu, U-Mien, Thaidam, Lue, etc.). We all came 
together to form the Laotian Multi-Ethnic Alliance for U.S.A.-Laos 
Friendship, whose ultimate purpose is to promote education, economic 
development, and social and political progress within the Laotian 
multi-ethnic communities both in the United States and Laos.
    On behalf of our Laotian Multi-Ethnic Alliance for U.S.A.-Laos 
Friendship, which has representation in various states of the United 
States, we have the honor of writing to urge you to move forward 
legislation to establish Normal Trade Relations (NTR) with Laos. We are 
well aware that NTR with Laos has been strongly endorsed by Secretary 
of State Powell and U.S. Trade Representative Zoellick. As new 
Americans having roots in Laos, we would like to express our strong 
support of the Bush Administration's Trade Initiative in Southeast Asia 
and, more particularly, its extension of Normal Trade Relations with 
Laos.
    Our Laotian Multi-Ethnic Alliance for U.S.A.-Laos Friendship is not 
unaware of human rights abuses, ethnic profiling, religious 
discrimination, etc. in Laos after the takeover by the communist Pathet 
Lao in 1975. Fearing for our life, along with our families, we fled the 
country--mostly by foot--across Laotian jungles to take the road of 
exile. Dr. Yang Dao,(1) a Hmong educator and scholar and the 
current National Chair of this alliance in support of the Bush 
Administration's Trade Initiative, wrote several 
articles,(2) published as early as 1980 in France and in the 
U.S., denouncing arbitrary arrests by the communist Pathet Lao 
authorities who had sent tens of thousand royal Lao cadres, technicians 
and intellectuals to the ``political reeducation camps'',(3) 
and condemning the communist Pathet Lao's violent repression against 
the Hmong population in Northeastern Laos. These efforts have 
contributed to the many but slow changes made by the current government 
of Laos.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    \(1)\ Yang Dao is a Hmong from Laos. He received his Ph.D. in 
social science at the Sorbonne, University of Paris, France, in 1972. 
From 1972 to 1974, he was a director in the Ministry of Planning of the 
Royal Lao Government. From April 1974 to May 1975, he was appointed by 
the King of Laos to the National Political Council of Coalition 
(Congress) of the Kingdom of Laos. He has authored and co-authored 
several books on Hmong history, culture and traditions. He is now a 
faculty member of the Asian Cultures and Literatures Department of the 
University of Minnesota.
    \(2)\ Gas Warfare: the Communist Solution to the Problems of the 
Minorities in Laos (in French) in Les Temps Modernes, Paris, France, 
1980; Why Did the Hmong Leave Laos? (in English) in Hmong in the West, 
University of Minnesota, U.S.A. in 1982; and Human Rights and Gas 
Warfare in Laos (in English) in Southeast Asia Review, Geneva, 
Switzerland, 1984.
    \(3)\ The ``political reeducation camps'', established along the 
Laos-Vietnam border after the takeover Laos by the communist Pathet Lao 
in 1975, reportedly looked like the Soviet gulags.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    However, twenty eight years have passed since the Vietnam War ended 
in 1975, and the world has profoundly changed. In 1991, democracy 
prevailed over Communism in the former U.S.S.R. In October 2002, China 
officially adopted a more liberal system leading toward capitalism. 
Under international political and economic pressures, Laos must follow 
this move. According to the Bush Administration and the U.S. Embassy in 
Vientiane, Laos is showing signs of moving toward religious freedom, 
human rights and economic reforms. After 27 years of exile, Dr. Yang 
Dao was invited by the government of the Lao People's Democratic 
Republic to visit Laos in November 2002. He observed that the current 
Lao Government has adopted a multi-ethnic policy to consolidate 
national unity in Laos, and as a result, Hmong, Khmu and other Laotian 
ethnic minorities are actively participating in the government, filling 
regional and national leadership positions ranging from city mayor to 
provincial governor to government minister. Thus, for the first time in 
Laotian history, a Laotheung (4) has become the Prime 
Minister of Laos and a Hmong woman acts as the Vice-President of the 
Laotian National Assembly.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    \(4)\ Laotheung is the largest ethnic minority which includes the 
Khmu group and represents 27 percent of the total population of Laos.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    In these new perspectives, our Laotian Multi-Ethnic Alliance for 
U.S.A.-Laos Friendship strongly believes that, if granted, the U.S. 
Normal Trade Relations (NTR) will have a catalytic effect on the rate 
of economic, social and political reforms in Laos.

    a.
      Economic Reform:
      LThe US NTR would contribute to creating crucial opportunities to 
increase employment in Laos by providing legal and institutional 
frameworks which would develop the private sector and encourage foreign 
investments to accelerate the economic reform in Laos. This will 
further strengthen anti-narcotic efforts by strengthening substitute 
crops and industries (coffee, tropical fruits, medicinal plants, etc.). 
The US NTR, indeed, would reduce duties to 2.4% and allow Laos to 
export agricultural products and other kinds of merchandise to U.S. 
markets. This transaction would benefit both the multi-ethnic 
population of Laos and the Laotian-American community.
    b.
      Social Reform:
      LBy establishing a constructive dialogue with Laotian 
authorities, the US NTR would contribute to promoting social welfare 
and to developing the education system in Laos. Standardizing education 
in Laos would create a strong foundation for social reform which 
respects human rights and defends social justice for all Laotian 
citizens of all ethnic backgrounds. The Lao, Hmong, Khmu, U-Mien, Thai-
Dam, Lue, and other Laotian peoples would live in the same community of 
destiny: national consciousness.
    c.
      Political Reform:
      LThrough a mutual understanding and trust with the Laotian 
government, the US NTR would contribute to accelerating political 
reform by promoting civil rights and democratic liberties. Such 
political reform would contribute to strengthening national solidarity, 
assuring political stability in Laos and maintaining peace in Southeast 
Asia and the world over.

    Our Laotian Multi-Ethnic Alliance for U.S.A.-Laos Friendship 
strongly supports the Bush Administration's Trade Initiative and its 
extension of Normal Trade Relations with Laos for these reasons above, 
as well as the following:
1. To Enhance U.S.A.-Laos Special Relations
    Since Laos became an independent country in 1954, its diplomatic 
relations with the U.S.A. have never been interrupted in spite of 
political difficulties and ideological changes. By irony of fate, today 
this tiny country is still denied NTR status which has been granted to 
Vietnam and Cambodia which, paradoxically, broke ties with the United 
States during the Vietnam War and its aftermath. Therefore, our Multi-
Laotian Ethnic Alliance for U.S.A.-Laos Friendship feels that it is 
only fair that NTR treatment be also extended to Laos, whose human 
rights record is not worse than that of Cambodia, Vietnam or China. NTR 
status indeed will contribute to heal the wounds of the past, to 
strengthen U.S.A.-Laos friendship and to help the Laotian people from 
all ethnic backgrounds who still have parents, brothers, sisters and 
relatives both in Laos and in the United States of America to work 
together for the future.
2. U.S. Economic Expansion in Southeast Asia:
    Laos is a landlocked and poor country with a population of 5.2 
millions. However it possesses a significant amount of arable land (50% 
of which is still covered with dense forests), a variety of natural 
resources (iron, zinc, silver, gold, sapphire, etc.) and a huge reserve 
of hydroelectric resources which draws the attention of a number of 
potential suitors. Since 1987, Laos has become a member of the 
Association of Southeast Asian Nations (A.S.E.A.N.), which includes 
Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, 
Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. A.S.E.A.N. countries constitute a 
market of 500 million people. Laos' main exports include electricity, 
garments, wood and wood products, coffee, small handicrafts, hand-made 
textiles, and some agricultural and forest products. Its trading 
partners are mainly countries in the SE Asian sub-region, particularly 
Thailand and Vietnam.
    In 1998, Laos's textile products were granted quota and duty free 
status by the European Union (EU). Since then, about 25% of its total 
garment exports are sold to EU countries, particularly France. China is 
moving forward with negotiations with Laos and other A.S.E.A.N. 
countries for a China-ASEAN Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and Japan and 
Europe are also beginning to implement similar arrangements with 
A.S.E.A.N.
    In this international trading context, it is in the interest of the 
United States to extend NTR status to Laos, which plays an increasing 
role in Southeast Asia and in the world, attested by its hosting in 
2002 the first A.S.E.A.N.-EU trade meeting, in Vientiane, capital of 
Laos. With U.S. NTR and with its low labor and energy costs and 
tremendous amounts of arable land, Laos would be able to export to the 
United States processed tropical food, instant coffee, and other labor-
intensive products such as shoes and leather items as well as some 
minerals. Furthermore, given its unique culture and ethnic diversity, 
Laos would sell its silk weavings, furniture and timber products, and 
Hmong traditional clothing to meet the needs of about 500,000 Laotian 
Americans of various ethnic backgrounds and more than one million Asian 
Americans from different cultures in the United States of America 
active in the U.S. market.
3. To Increase U.S. Political Presence in Southeast Asia:
    Right in the middle of the Mekong River region, Laos has always 
been a crossroad of migrations and trade from China to Cambodia and 
from Thailand to Vietnam. Thus, for centuries, its geographic situation 
made this tiny country an avenue for transit of goods and ideas. 
Contemporary history demonstrated Laos' strategic importance during the 
Vietnam conflict.
    In this context, Laos is called to play a more and more important 
role in Asia, due to its geographic situation and its various natural 
resources. ``At any time, officials from China, Vietnam and Thailand 
are courting their Lao counterparts in the hope that their efforts will 
be rewarded with mining, hydropower and logging contracts, and 
convenient access to each other's markets'' wrote Catherine McKinley, 
in a Dow Jones Newswire Column (February 4, 2003).
    Therefore, extending the NTR status to Laos would greatly 
contribute to reinforcing the U.S. presence in Southeast Asia. With the 
increasing threat of international terrorism, this presence is 
essential to maintaining peace and political stability in Asia.
    In conclusion, on behalf of our Laotian Multi-Ethnic Alliance for 
U.S.A.-Laos Friendship, we would like to express our gratitude to you 
and your Subcommittee for giving us the opportunity to explain the 
reasons for our support of extending U.S. NTR to Laos. We strongly urge 
you to move forward legislation to establish Normal Trade Relations 
with Laos, which will greatly benefit our two countries and our two 
populations. For your high consideration, we are enclosing petitions 
signed by members of the Laotian American communities in support of 
this letter and granting NTR to Laos.
            With great respect,
                                               Mr. San Souvannasoth
                                                           Co-Chair
                                      Laotian Multi-Ethnic Alliance

                                                    Yang Dao, Ph.D.
                                                              Chair
                                      Laotian Multi-Ethnic Alliance
                                 ______
                                 
               Petition of Laotian Multi-Ethnic Alliance
                        for USA-Laos Friendship
        In support of the Bush Administration's Trade Initiative
                To extend Normal Trade Relations to Laos
    We, the undersigned, are Americans of Laotian descents (Lao, Hmong, 
Khmu, U-Mien, Lue, Thai-Dam) hereby express our full support of the 
Bush Administration Trade Initiative in Southeast Asia and its 
extension of Normal Trade Relations to Laos.

 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
            First Name                    Last Name                City                  State          Zip Code
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jonny.............................  Moua.................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55106
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Vang..............................  Moua.................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55106
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shoua.............................  Moua.................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55101
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Andre.............................  Yang.................  ....................  ....................  .........
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Toua..............................  Yang.................  Minneapolis.........  Minnesota...........      55411
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Paul..............................  Yang.................  Minneapolis.........  Minnesota...........      55411
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tou Va............................  Yang.................  Minneapolis.........  Minnesota...........      55411
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kifi..............................  Yang.................  Minneapolis.........  Minnesota...........      55411
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Teng Sa...........................  Yang.................  Minneapolis.........  Minnesota...........      55411
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dia...............................  Yang.................  Minneapolis.........  Minnesota...........      55411
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Yang Heu..........................  Jong Pao.............  Brooklyn Center.....  Minnesota...........      55429
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Young.............................  Jong Pao.............  Brooklyn Center.....  Minnesota...........      55429
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Der Thao..........................  Jong Pao.............  Brooklyn Center.....  Minnesota...........      55429
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Zong Cheng........................  Moua.................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55102
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
May Houa..........................  Moua.................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55102
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jong..............................  Yang.................  Mounds View.........  Minnesota...........      55112
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Vu................................  Yang.................  Minneapolis.........  Minnesota...........  .........
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
May Sy............................  Yang.................  Minneapolis.........  Minnesota...........  .........
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Khamsy............................  Yang.................  Rogers..............  Minnesota...........      55374
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Yia...............................  Yang.................  ....................  Minnesota...........      55405
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Xue...............................  Yang.................  ....................  Minnesota...........      55445
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thai..............................  Yang.................  ....................  Minnesota...........      55444
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ja................................  Yang.................  ....................  Minnesota...........      55119
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ker...............................  Yang.................  Brooklyn Park.......  Minnesota...........      55444
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Nao Pao...........................  Yang.................  Rogers..............  Minnesota...........      55374
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thai..............................  Yang.................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55101
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kou...............................  Yang.................  Maplewood...........  Minnesota...........      55109
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thai..............................  Vang.................  Minneapolis.........  Minnesota...........      55411
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kao...............................  Yang.................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55119
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jimmy.............................  Xiong................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55106
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lor...............................  Yang.................  Brooklyn Park.......  Minnesota...........      55445
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kia...............................  Vang.................  Brooklyn Park.......  Minnesota...........      55445
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ze................................  Xiong................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55117
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Paj...............................  Yang.................  Ham Lake............  Minnesota...........      55304
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cziasarh N........................  Yang.................  Ham Lake............  Minnesota...........      55304
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Phouangsouvanh....................  Bouphasavanh.........  Brooklyn Park.......  Minnesota...........      55443
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Phim..............................  Thongrasmy...........  Brooklyn Park.......  Minnesota...........      55430
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Soonhwa...........................  Huang................  Brooklyn Park.......  Minnesota...........      55444
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bouachay..........................  Phetvorasack.........  Minneapolis.........  Minnesota...........      55430
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chom..............................  Soudaly..............  Minneapolis.........  Minnesota...........  .........
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Phoukhong.........................  Huang................  Brooklyn Park.......  Minnesota...........      55444
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Khong.............................  Phonvidone...........  Brooklyn Park.......  Minnesota...........      55445
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Oudom.............................  Inthirath............  Champlin............  Minnesota...........      55316
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sing..............................  Chaleunphone.........  ....................  ....................  .........
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Toy...............................  Sichanh..............  Maple Grove.........  Minnesota...........      55369
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sourisack.........................  Somsanith............  Brooklyn Park.......  Minnesota...........      55443
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Vongsavanh........................  Onsouvanh............  Champlin............  Minnesota...........      55316
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sisavath..........................  Phetvorasack.........  Andover.............  Minnesota...........      55304
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Keo...............................  Phetvorasack.........  Brooklyn Park.......  Minnesota...........      55443
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sonney............................  Sarichith............  Brooklyn Park.......  Minnesota...........      55443
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Savay.............................  Ekhasith.............  Brooklyn Park.......  Minnesota...........      55444
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Khamphone.........................  Bouphasavath.........  Brooklyn Park.......  Minnesota...........      55444
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sysay.............................  Fongthiane...........  Brooklyn Park.......  Minnesota...........      55444
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chitchay..........................  Inthapanya...........  Brooklyn Center.....  Minnesota...........      55430
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Keith.............................  Sari.................  Brooklyn Park.......  Minnesota...........      55444
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Peter.............................  Inthisone............  Brooklyn Center.....  Minnesota...........      55429
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Phosavath.........................  Inthisone............  Brooklyn Park.......  Minnesota...........      55429
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bounseuy..........................  Phongsavath..........  Brooklyn Center.....  Minnesota...........      55429
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Joy...............................  Vannavong............  Brooklyn Park.......  Minnesota...........      55444
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Josie.............................  Vannavong............  Brooklyn Park.......  Minnesota...........      55444
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Leune.............................  Phetsamone...........  Minneapolis.........  Minnesota...........      55411
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lammai............................  Phetsamone...........  Minneapolis.........  Minnesota...........      55411
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sai...............................  Phetchamphone........  Brooklyn Park.......  Minnesota...........      55444
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bountou...........................  Phetchamphone........  Minneapolis.........  Minnesota...........      55405
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kouang............................  Phetchamphone........  Minneapolis.........  Minnesota...........      55405
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Seuth.............................  Phetchamphone........  Minneapolis.........  Minnesota...........      55405
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Boupha............................  Singvongsa...........  Minneapolis.........  Minnesota...........      55412
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kham..............................  Singvongsa...........  Minneapolis.........  Minnesota...........      55412
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Leng..............................  Vongsoury............  Robbinsdale.........  Minnesota...........      55422
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Leth..............................  Saengosot............  ....................  Minnesota...........  .........
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Deth..............................  Saengosot............  ....................  Minnesota...........  .........
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Soulideth Dave....................  Vongdeuane...........  Minneapolis.........  Minnesota...........      55429
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jay...............................  Vongdeuane...........  Brooklyn Center.....  Minnesota...........      55429
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Khandy............................  Vongxay..............  Minneapolis.........  Minnesota...........      55429
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bounhou...........................  Piammalay............  Mounds..............  Minnesota...........      55364
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thongsouk.........................  Piammalay............  Mounds..............  Minnesota...........      55364
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sisomphane........................  Piammalay............  Mounds..............  Minnesota...........      55364
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Uthai.............................  Saengphachan.........  ....................  Minnesota...........      55429
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Vailaiphone.......................  Saengphachan.........  Minneapolis.........  Minnesota...........      55411
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Louane............................  Saengphachan.........  Minneapolis.........  Minnesota...........      55411
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Nikone............................  Saengphachan.........  Minneapolis.........  Minnesota...........      55411
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Somsanouk.........................  Vorarath.............  Inver Grove Heights.  Minnesota...........      55077
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Anh...............................  Vorarath.............  Inver Grove Heights.  Minnesota...........      55077
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Phanasouk.........................  Vorarath.............  Roseville...........  Minnesota...........      55113
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mark..............................  Carroll..............  Big Lake............  Minnesota...........      55309
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Janice............................  Carroll..............  Big Lake............  Minnesota...........      55309
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Laddavanh.........................  Chanthraphone........  Brooklyn Park.......  Minnesota...........      55433
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bounxou...........................  Chanthraphone........  Brooklyn Park.......  Minnesota...........      55433
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Leu...............................  Lugiu................  Brooklyn Park.......  Minnesota...........      55433
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thipphap Hone.....................  Lugiu................  Brooklyn Park.......  Minnesota...........      55433
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Khao..............................  Insixiengmay.........  Brooklyn Center.....  Minnesota...........      55429
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Khouthong.........................  Insixiengmay.........  Brooklyn Center.....  Minnesota...........      55429
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Phetsamone........................  Insixiengmay.........  Brooklyn Center.....  Minnesota...........      55429
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monemany..........................  Daoheuang............  Brooklyn Center.....  Minnesota...........      55429
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
King Walker.......................  Daoheuang............  Brooklyn Center.....  Minnesota...........      55429
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Phonesamth........................  Chantharat...........  ....................  ....................  .........
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kongsy............................  Chantharat...........  ....................  ....................  .........
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Songkane..........................  Choulamountry........  Minneapolis.........  Minnesota...........      55405
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Douane............................  Prommachai...........  Minneapolis.........  Minnesota...........      55405
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thongsai..........................  Prommachai...........  Minneapolis.........  Minnesota...........      55405
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Souane............................  Prommachai...........  Minneapolis.........  Minnesota...........      55405
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Penny.............................  Phouthavong..........  Minneapolis.........  Minnesota...........      55405
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sene..............................  Phouthavong..........  Minneapolis.........  Minnesota...........      55405
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sangvane..........................  Samchapae............  ....................  Minnesota...........  .........
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Phone.............................  Daoheuang............  ....................  Minnesota...........  .........
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Phouratsamy.......................  Sysouchanh...........  Richfield...........  Minnesota...........      55423
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Po................................  Chanthaline..........  Richfield...........  Minnesota...........      55423
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ketspnom..........................  Chanthaline..........  Richfield...........  Minnesota...........      55423
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Boualai...........................  SaengPhachan.........  Brooklyn Park.......  Minnesota...........      55429
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Soupheuy..........................  Kheosamphanh.........  Rosemount...........  Minnesota...........      55068
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Souk..............................  Greenson.............  Rosemount...........  Minnesota...........      55068
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Phourasmy.........................  Keochanhome..........  Minneapolis.........  Minnesota...........      55417
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tick..............................  Keochanhome..........  Minnepolis..........  Minnesota...........      55417
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Seng..............................  Phetsamone...........  Minneapolis.........  Minnesota...........      55411
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Phoukhio..........................  Khaochonethanh.......  Minneapolis.........  Minnesota...........      55430
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Khamphong.........................  Khaochonethanh.......  Minneapolis.........  Minnesota...........      55430
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jeff..............................  Greenson.............  ....................  Minnesota...........  .........
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chao..............................  Lee..................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55119
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thao..............................  Lor..................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55119
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Xia...............................  Yang.................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55106
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Neng Chou.........................  Lee..................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55119
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chong Sue.........................  Lee..................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55119
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ger...............................  Vang.................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55104
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mai Pa............................  Vang.................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55104
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Toulee............................  Ly...................  Vadnais Heights.....  Minnesota...........      55127
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Blia..............................  Yang.................  Vadnais Heights.....  Minnesota...........      55127
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Toutha............................  Ly...................  Vadnais Heights.....  Minnesota...........      55127
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MayPahou..........................  Ly...................  Vadnais Heights.....  Minnesota...........      55127
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dao...............................  Yang.................  Brooklyn Park.......  Minnesota...........      55428
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mo................................  Yang.................  Brooklyn Park.......  Minnesota...........      55428
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shila.............................  Yang.................  Brooklyn Park.......  Minnesota...........      55428
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Khou..............................  Yang.................  Brooklyn Park.......  Minnesota...........      55428
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shilu.............................  Yang.................  Brooklyn Park.......  Minnesota...........      55428
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dona..............................  Vue..................  Minneapolis.........  Minnesota...........  .........
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Anthony...........................  Vui..................  Minneapolis.........  Minnesota...........  .........
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Maijoua...........................  Vui..................  Minneapolis.........  Minnesota...........  .........
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mai...............................  Vang.................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55104
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tou...............................  Ly...................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55119
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shoua.............................  Ly...................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55119
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Toua..............................  Ly...................  Brooklyn Center.....  Minnesota...........      55429
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Phia..............................  Ly...................  Brooklyn Center.....  Minnesota...........      55429
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sao...............................  Vue..................  White Bear Lake.....  Minnesota...........      55110
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chai..............................  Lo...................  Cottage Grove.......  Minnesota...........      55016
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chong.............................  Xiong................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55117
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
May Yer...........................  Ly...................  Vadnais Heights.....  Minnesota...........      55127
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Joe...............................  Yang.................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55106
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Vangcha...........................  Lo...................  Vadnais Heights.....  Minnesota...........      55127
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mee...............................  Vang.................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55104
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Blia..............................  Yang.................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55119
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chong Wa..........................  Yang.................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55101
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sao...............................  Yang.................  Brooklyn Park.......  Minnesota...........      55429
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tia...............................  Vue..................  Brooklyn Park.......  Minnesota...........      55429
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sai...............................  Yang.................  Brooklyn Park.......  Minnesota...........      55429
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pa................................  Lee..................  Brooklyn Park.......  Minnesota...........      55429
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cher..............................  Yang.................  Brooklyn Park.......  Minnesota...........      55429
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pha...............................  Yang.................  Brooklyn Park.......  Minnesota...........      55428
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mee...............................  Xiong................  Brooklyn Park.......  Minnesota...........      55428
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kou...............................  Yang.................  Brooklyn Park.......  Minnesota...........      55428
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kia...............................  Moua.................  Brooklyn Park.......  Minnesota...........      55428
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ger...............................  Yang.................  Brooklyn Park.......  Minnesota...........      55428
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Eng...............................  Yang.................  Brooklyn Center.....  Minnesota...........      55430
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mai Nhia..........................  Thao.................  Brooklyn Center.....  Minnesota...........      55430
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chia..............................  Yang.................  Brooklyn Center.....  Minnesota...........      55430
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mai True..........................  Yang.................  Brooklyn Center.....  Minnesota...........      55430
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pao...............................  Yang.................  Minneapolis.........  Minnesota...........      55411
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cee...............................  Vang.................  Minneapolis.........  Minnesota...........      55411
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hue...............................  Yang.................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55109
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bao...............................  Xiong................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55109
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mai Lee...........................  Yang.................  Maplewood...........  Minnesota...........      55109
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cheng Chua........................  Yang.................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55101
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pang..............................  Yang.................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55101
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
True..............................  Yang.................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55101
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bee...............................  Yang.................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55101
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kao...............................  Yang.................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55101
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Der...............................  Yang.................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55101
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Yang..............................  Yang.................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55106
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lue...............................  Lee..................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55106
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pao...............................  Yang.................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55106
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Nhia Her..........................  Yang.................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55106
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sue...............................  Yang.................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55106
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cia...............................  Vang.................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55106
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tong Vang.........................  Yang.................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55106
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Meng..............................  Yang.................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55106
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jaa...............................  Yang.................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55119
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chong Moua........................  Yang.................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55101
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sue Blong.........................  Yang.................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55104
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Marvin............................  Lee..................  White Bear Lake.....  Minnesota...........      55110
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bao...............................  Lee..................  White Bear Lake.....  Minnesota...........      55110
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Yue Pheng.........................  Lee..................  White Bear Lake.....  Minnesota...........      55110
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Blia..............................  Lee..................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55117
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kia...............................  Lee..................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55106
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Nhia..............................  Lee..................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55103
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Nao Mai...........................  Lee..................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55106
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ong...............................  Lee..................  Brooklyn Park.......  Minnesota...........      55428
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thai..............................  Lee..................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55106
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chaxiom...........................  Lee..................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55106
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wacheng...........................  Lee..................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55101
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Xochia............................  Lee..................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55106
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Xiong.............................  Lee..................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55104
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wa Doua...........................  Xiong................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55117
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fue...............................  Lee..................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55106
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lor...............................  Lee..................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55101
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Nhia Her..........................  Lee..................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55101
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cha...............................  Lee..................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55107
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pang..............................  Vongphengsy..........  Brooklyn Park.......  Minnesota...........      55443
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Heuang............................  Intravong............  Brooklyn Park.......  Minnesota...........      55428
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Siriphanh.........................  Intravong............  Brooklyn Park.......  Minnesota...........      55428
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chanthone.........................  Sirivong.............  Brooklyn Park.......  Minnesota...........      55428
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saeng Keo.........................  Heuanphommavong......  Brooklyn Park.......  Minnesota...........      55428
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saengphaivanh.....................  Heuanphommavong......  Brooklyn Park.......  Minnesota...........      55428
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Phoungeun.........................  Chanthamountry.......  Brooklyn Park.......  Minnesota...........      55428
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Vinny.............................  Chanthamountry.......  Brooklyn Park.......  Minnesota...........      55428
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Don...............................  Chanthamountry.......  Plymouth............  Minnesota...........      55441
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Yvonne............................  Chanthakhoune........  Plymouth............  Minnesota...........      55441
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kongkham..........................  Thiravong............  Austin..............  Minnesota...........      55912
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Souphy............................  Thiravong............  Austin..............  Minnesota...........      55912
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bounthavy.........................  Phouisangiem.........  Austin..............  Minnesota...........      55912
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Keo...............................  Phouisangiem.........  Austin..............  Minnesota...........      55912
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Khamphay..........................  Keomalaythong........  Brooklyn Park.......  Minnesota...........      55428
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ming..............................  Keomalaythong........  Brooklyn Park.......  Minnesota...........      55428
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Onsa..............................  Thammavong...........  Richfield...........  Minnesota...........      55423
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Khampha...........................  Thammavong...........  Richfield...........  Minnesota...........      55423
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sam Champ.........................  Vongvan..............  Richfield...........  Minnesota...........      55423
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chomdy............................  Vongsouvanh..........  Richfield...........  Minnesota...........      55423
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Viraphonh.........................  Thammavong...........  Richfield...........  Minnesota...........      55423
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Phenkamon.........................  Thammavong...........  Richfield...........  Minnesota...........      55423
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thida.............................  Vongkaisone..........  Richfield...........  Minnesota...........      55423
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ninov.............................  Widjaja..............  Brooklyn Park.......  Minnesota...........      55443
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bounhom...........................  Phithaksounthone.....  Richfield...........  Minnesota...........      55423
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Vinith............................  Phithaksounthone.....  Richfield...........  Minnesota...........      55423
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Savath............................  Vongphengsy..........  Brooklyn Park.......  Minnesota...........      55443
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pangtang..........................  Lor..................  Woodbury............  Minnesota...........      55125
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Blong.............................  Lor..................  Woodbury............  Minnesota...........      55125
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Alun..............................  Lor..................  Woodbury............  Minnesota...........      55125
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Vue...............................  Lor..................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55104
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kao...............................  Lor..................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55104
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shua..............................  Thao.................  ....................  Minnesota...........  .........
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sia...............................  Lor..................  ....................  Minnesota...........  .........
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cha Tua...........................  Lor..................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........  .........
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
May...............................  Vang.................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55101
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gymbay............................  Moua.................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55101
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shua..............................  Vang.................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55127
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mang..............................  Vang.................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55127
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Katherine.........................  Lor..................  Woodbury............  Minnesota...........      55125
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
May...............................  Yang.................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55103
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dua...............................  Vang.................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55103
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Noy...............................  Phomphackmy..........  Brooklyn Center.....  Minnesota...........  .........
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chansone..........................  Littana..............  Brooklyn Park.......  Minnesota...........  .........
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lon...............................  Littana..............  Brooklyn Park.......  Minnesota...........  .........
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Oneta.............................  Chompathong..........  Minneapolis.........  Minnesota...........  .........
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Noumay............................  Outhaaphay...........  Minneapolis.........  Minnesota...........  .........
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Boualy............................  Phompheng............  Minneapolis.........  Minnesota...........  .........
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Vandala...........................  Kangla...............  Minneapolis.........  Minnesota...........  .........
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Syvalichanh.......................  Souvannachack........  Brooklyn Park.......  Minnesota...........  .........
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thone.............................  Champa...............  Minneapolis.........  Minnesota...........  .........
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Boualay...........................  Inthavong............  Minneapolis.........  Minnesota...........  .........
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Khamlay...........................  Thammasiv............  Minneapolis.........  Minnesota...........  .........
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Deth..............................  Manivang.............  Bloomington.........  Minnesota...........  .........
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Matt..............................  Souvannasith.........  Brooklyn Park.......  Minnesota...........  .........
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Vieny.............................  Rittirat.............  Brooklyn Park.......  Minnesota...........  .........
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Xayasack..........................  Ratsamy..............  Minneapolis.........  Minnesota...........      55408
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sam...............................  Limsithy.............  Minneapolis.........  Minnesota...........      55408
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pao...............................  Yang.................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55103
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Xe................................  Xiong................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55103
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Khue..............................  Xiong................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55106
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Koua..............................  Vang.................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55103
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mayky.............................  Lypalao..............  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55104
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Anouvong..........................  Ly...................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55101
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Maytioua..........................  Ly...................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55101
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ben...............................  Yang.................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55106
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Maysy.............................  Ly...................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55106
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tong..............................  Yang.................  Brooklyn Center.....  Minnesota...........      55430
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lykerpkery........................  Gasere...............  Brooklyn Park.......  Minnesota...........      55424
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Yee...............................  Khang................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55106
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rick..............................  Yang.................  Coon Rapid..........  Minnesota...........      55448
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Maysia............................  Vang.................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55103
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Yang..............................  Ly...................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55101
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mayshoua..........................  Ly...................  Oakdale.............  Minnesota...........      55128
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Maitria...........................  Ly...................  Lake Elmo...........  Minnesota...........      55042
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tommy.............................  Vang.................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55102
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chue..............................  Yang.................  Brooklyn Park.......  Minnesota...........      55444
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mai...............................  Yang.................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55106
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sally.............................  Xiong................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55106
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tang Xiong........................  Yang.................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55106
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Souk..............................  Savanh...............  ....................  ....................  .........
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chou..............................  Xiong................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........  .........
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chong Yee.........................  Yang.................  Brooklyn Park.......  Minnesota...........      55444
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Doua Lor..........................  Yang.................  Brooklyn Park.......  Minnesota...........      55444
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Steven............................  Yang.................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55103
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bao...............................  Yang.................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55103
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kao...............................  Yang.................  Minneapolis.........  Minnesota...........      55459
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chia T............................  Xiong................  Brooklyn Park.......  Minnesota...........      55430
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jesse.............................  Yang.................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55106
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Leng..............................  Yang.................  Brooklyn Park.......  Minnesota...........      55443
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pao...............................  Her..................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55106
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lee...............................  Yang.................  Brooklyn Park.......  Minnesota...........      55429
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Houa..............................  Lee..................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55103
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kia...............................  Vang.................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55106
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mai...............................  Yang.................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55106
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Va Lor............................  Yang.................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55106
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sue...............................  Xiong................  Brooklyn Park.......  Minnesota...........      55443
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mai...............................  Xiong................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55106
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dara..............................  Xiong................  Brooklyn Park.......  Minnesota...........      55445
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mai Thao..........................  Yang.................  Oakdale.............  Minnesota...........      55128
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lee L.............................  Yang.................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55117
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kaying............................  Yang.................  Inver Grove Heights.  Minnesota...........      55077
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Toua..............................  Xiong................  Oakdale.............  Minnesota...........      55118
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rob...............................  Carwright............  Osseo...............  Minnesota...........      55369
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ia................................  Ly...................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55103
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dzeu..............................  Ly...................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55101
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Guillaume.........................  Yang.................  Brooklyn Center.....  Minnesota...........      55429
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Nelly.............................  Lauj.................  Roseville...........  Minnesota...........      55113
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ka................................  Yang.................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55106
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chris.............................  Cha..................  Brooklyn Park.......  Minnesota...........      55445
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Paul..............................  Xiong................  Hilltop.............  Minnesota...........      55421
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Khue..............................  Yang.................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55106
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Nao Thai..........................  Yang.................  Oakdale.............  Minnesota...........      55128
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Khue..............................  Yang.................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55106
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cyndy.............................  Hang.................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55106
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Long..............................  Yang.................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55106
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Nao Yeng..........................  Yang.................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55106
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Andrew............................  Yang.................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55101
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Yang..............................  Ly...................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55101
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tina..............................  Xiong................  Minneapolis.........  Minnesota...........      55430
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sher..............................  Xiong................  Minneapolis.........  Minnesota...........      55408
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rook..............................  Xiong................  Minneapolis.........  Minnesota...........      55411
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Houa..............................  Vang.................  Brooklyn Center.....  Minnesota...........      55430
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kao...............................  Xiong................  Minneapolis.........  Minnesota...........  .........
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ma................................  Xiong................  Minneapolis.........  Minnesota...........  .........
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Yer...............................  Lee..................  Brooklyn Park.......  Minnesota...........      55429
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Khoo..............................  Xiong................  Brooklyn Park.......  Minnesota...........      55444
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Minne.............................  Yang.................  Minneapolis.........  Minnesota...........      55412
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Houa..............................  Yang.................  St. Cloud...........  Minnesota...........      56303
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kathy.............................  Vang.................  St. Cloud...........  Minnesota...........      56303
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wa Thai...........................  Yang.................  Coon Rapids.........  Minnesota...........      55433
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shoua.............................  Xiong................  Brooklyn Park.......  Minnesota...........      55443
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Maxwell...........................  Yang.................  Brooklyn Park.......  Minnesota...........      55443
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Xiong.............................  Yang.................  Brooklyn Center.....  Minnesota...........      55429
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lee...............................  Vang.................  Brooklyn Center.....  Minnesota...........      55429
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Toua..............................  Yang.................  Brooklyn Center.....  Minnesota...........      55429
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Youa..............................  Yang.................  Brooklyn Center.....  Minnesota...........      55429
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lee...............................  Yang.................  Brooklyn Center.....  Minnesota...........      55429
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bo................................  Yang.................  Brooklyn Center.....  Minnesota...........      55429
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Touma.............................  Yang.................  Brooklyn Center.....  Minnesota...........      55429
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dara..............................  Vang.................  Brooklyn Center.....  Minnesota...........      55429
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Zhua..............................  Yang.................  Brooklyn Center.....  Minnesota...........      55429
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thao Pao..........................  Yang.................  Brooklyn Center.....  Minnesota...........      55429
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jenny.............................  Yang.................  Brooklyn Center.....  Minnesota...........      55429
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pai...............................  Xiong................  Brooklyn Center.....  Minnesota...........      55429
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Phia..............................  Yang.................  Brooklyn Center.....  Minnesota...........      55429
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chianeng..........................  Yang.................  Brooklyn Center.....  Minnesota...........      55429
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fue...............................  Yang.................  Coon Rapids.........  Minnesota...........      55433
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Koua..............................  Yang.................  Coon Rapids.........  Minnesota...........      55433
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ker...............................  Yang.................  Coon Rapids.........  Minnesota...........      55433
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chawa.............................  Yang.................  Minneapolis.........  Minnesota...........      55411
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mai...............................  Xiong................  Minneapolis.........  Minnesota...........      55411
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chia Neng.........................  Yang.................  Minneapolis.........  Minnesota...........      55411
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chee..............................  Xiong................  Minneapolis.........  Minnesota...........      55411
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Se................................  Yang.................  Brooklyn Center.....  Minnesota...........      55429
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bee L.............................  Yang.................  Brooklyn Center.....  Minnesota...........      55429
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ka................................  Yang.................  Brooklyn Center.....  Minnesota...........      55429
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Christopher.......................  Yang.................  Brooklyn Park.......  Minnesota...........      55443
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Deng..............................  Yang.................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55106
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chong.............................  Yang.................  Walnut Grove........  Minnesota...........      55106
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Xiong.............................  Yang.................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55101
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Seng..............................  Yang.................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55103
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Peter.............................  Yang.................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55117
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shong.............................  Yang.................  Lonsdale............  Minnesota...........      55096
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chong.............................  Yang.................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55103
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Teng..............................  Yang.................  Inver Grove.........  Minnesota...........      55076
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kou...............................  Yang.................  Inver Grove.........  Minnesota...........      55076
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Phonh.............................  Yang.................  Minneapolis.........  Minnesota...........      55405
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Por...............................  Lee..................  Minneapolis.........  Minnesota...........      55411
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pheng.............................  Vang.................  Columbia Heights....  Minnesota...........      55421
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ya................................  Yang.................  Robbinsdale.........  Minnesota...........      55422
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Phoua.............................  Yang.................  Robbinsdale.........  Minnesota...........      55422
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Toby..............................  Yang.................  Columbia Heights....  Minnesota...........      55421
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tou...............................  Yang.................  Columbia Heights....  Minnesota...........      55421
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kong..............................  Yang.................  Columbia Heights....  Minnesota...........      55421
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Judy..............................  Hang.................  Columbia Heights....  Minnesota...........      55421
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kevin.............................  Yang.................  Minneapolis.........  Minnesota...........      55412
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Paul..............................  Thao.................  Minneapolis.........  Minnesota...........      55412
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Vang..............................  Yang.................  Milwaukee...........  Wisconsin...........      53215
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Xiong.............................  Lee..................  Milwaukee...........  Wisconsin...........      53215
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Xiong.............................  Houa.................  Minneapolis.........  Minnesota...........      55411
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sam...............................  Xiong................  Burnsville..........  Minnesota...........      55337
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Por...............................  Vang.................  Detroit.............  Michigan............      48205
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Xhonching.........................  Yang.................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55106
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Toua..............................  Yang.................  Brooklyn Center.....  Minnesota...........      55429
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Doua..............................  Yang.................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55106
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Paul..............................  Yang.................  Columbia Heights....  Minnesota...........      55421
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wesley............................  Vue..................  Minneapolis.........  Minnesota...........      55405
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chuseng...........................  Vue..................  Brooklyn Park.......  Minnesota...........      55445
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
David K...........................  Vue..................  Minneapolis.........  Minnesota...........      55412
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Her...............................  Vue..................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55101
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
David D...........................  Vue..................  Minneapolis.........  Minnesota...........      55411
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Vang X............................  Moua.................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55103
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Carrie............................  Yang.................  Minneapolis.........  Minnesota...........      55430
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bao...............................  Yang.................  Columbia Heights....  Minnesota...........      55421
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Yia...............................  LeePalao.............  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55104
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MayKa.............................  LeePalao.............  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55104
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ChongTong.........................  LeePalao.............  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55104
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chomchanh.........................  Soudaly..............  Brooklyn Center.....  Minnesota...........  .........
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kham Phal.........................  Soudaly..............  Brooklyn Center.....  Minnesota...........  .........
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Khamphouang.......................  Phetharath...........  Brooklyn Center.....  Minnesota...........  .........
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rick..............................  Vongkaysone..........  Plymouth............  Minnesota...........  .........
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Niphunh...........................  Vongkaysone..........  Elk River...........  Minnesota...........  .........
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Moun..............................  Vongkaysone..........  Plymouth............  Minnesota...........  .........
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Malay.............................  Muor.................  Elk River...........  Minnesota...........  .........
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Vienortham........................  Vongkaysone..........  Plymouth............  Minnesota...........  .........
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naly..............................  Vongkaysone..........  Plymouth............  Minnesota...........  .........
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Home..............................  Phonekongxa..........  Minneapolis.........  Minnesota...........  .........
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rithavong.........................  Phouthavongxay.......  Minneapolis.........  Minnesota...........  .........
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Vanna.............................  Sysenkhan............  Minneapolis.........  Minnesota...........  .........
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Leus..............................  Phetuore.............  Minneapolis.........  Minnesota...........  .........
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Khampheth.........................  Phothilath...........  Minneapolis.........  Minnesota...........  .........
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saeng.............................  Phetsamone...........  Minneapolis.........  Minnesota...........  .........
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Soukha............................  Jack.................  Minneapolis.........  Minnesota...........  .........
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Soumanna..........................  Keshamon.............  Minneapolis.........  Minnesota...........  .........
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Vilayvanh.........................  Chayananh............  Brooklyn Park.......  Minnesota...........  .........
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sboun.............................  Phangluamenaly.......  Minneapolis.........  Minnesota...........  .........
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chanthay..........................  Sysengchanh..........  Minneapolis.........  Minnesota...........  .........
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chomsy............................  Kouanchav............  Minneapolis.........  Minnesota...........  .........
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Daravanh..........................  Sihanathorath........  Minneapolis.........  Minnesota...........  .........
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tou...............................  Thongsi..............  Minneapolis.........  Minnesota...........  .........
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Yam...............................  Pommachan............  Minneapolis.........  Minnesota...........  .........
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kina..............................  Phomvongsa...........  Minneapolis.........  Minnesota...........  .........
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Xa................................  Phomvongsa...........  Minneapolis.........  Minnesota...........  .........
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kai...............................  Phonexiengsa.........  Minneapolis.........  Minnesota...........  .........
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lay...............................  Kounlabout...........  Minneapolis.........  Minnesota...........  .........
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sou...............................  Soukhampanx..........  Minneapolis.........  Minnesota...........  .........
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sy................................  Sysomvong............  Minneapolis.........  Minnesota...........  .........
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chanhom...........................  Sinouthasy...........  Brooklyn Center.....  Minnesota...........  .........
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
James K...........................  Photisanh............  Burnsville..........  Minnesota...........  .........
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Molly.............................  Photisanh............  Burnsville..........  Minnesota...........  .........
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sika..............................  Phomvongsa...........  Minneapolise........  Minnesota...........  .........
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pany..............................  Romanson.............  Apple Valley........  Minnesota...........      55124
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rich..............................  Vang.................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55106
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inpanh............................  Thammavongsa.........  Minneapolis.........  Minnesota...........      55413
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pao...............................  Yang.................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55101
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fong..............................  Lor..................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55106
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Daniel............................  Yang.................  Minneapolis.........  Minnesota...........      55412
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Michanh...........................  Suongxay.............  Savage..............  Minnesota...........      55378
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dany..............................  Xiong................  Minneapolis.........  Minnesota...........      55430
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ong...............................  Yang.................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55106
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chue..............................  Vang.................  ....................  Minnesota...........  .........
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Xeng..............................  Yang.................  ....................  Minnesota...........  .........
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jerry.............................  Xiong................  ....................  Minnesota...........  .........
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Paul..............................  Chang................  ....................  Minnesota...........  .........
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kong..............................  Yang.................  ....................  Minnesota...........  .........
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Molly.............................  Yang.................  ....................  ....................  .........
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Maikao............................  Yang.................  ....................  Minnesota...........  .........
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pakou.............................  Vang.................  ....................  ....................  .........
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tracy.............................  Pederson.............  ....................  ....................  .........
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jenny.............................  Chounlamontry........  ....................  ....................  .........
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lee...............................  Vue..................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55101
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wa Chee Meng......................  Yang.................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55103
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mao...............................  Thao.................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55103
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Nhia Xou..........................  Yang.................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55119
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lucy..............................  Yang.................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55119
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tong..............................  Yang.................  Brooklyn Park.......  Minnesota...........      55443
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ntsuab Pai........................  Kong.................  ....................  Minnesota...........  .........
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Vilky.............................  Soung................  ....................  Minnesota...........  .........
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Xeng..............................  Kong.................  ....................  Minnesota...........  .........
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Xao...............................  Lee..................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55103
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lor...............................  Yang.................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55106
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Teng..............................  Xiong................  Minneapolis.........  Minnesota...........      55412
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chao..............................  Lee..................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55103
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Adam..............................  Yang.................  Roseville...........  Minnesota...........      55113
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bouachao..........................  Yang.................  Hudson..............  Wisconsin...........      54016
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Nou...............................  Yang.................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55106
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Yia...............................  Yang.................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55103
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pao...............................  Yang.................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55103
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chanh Kevin.......................  Yang.................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55106
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tong Pao..........................  Yang.................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55103
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thao..............................  Yang.................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55103
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tong..............................  Yang.................  Brooklyn Park.......  Minnesota...........      55443
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Houston...........................  Lee..................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55075
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mai...............................  Yang.................  ....................  Minnesota...........  .........
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Nao Ko............................  Yang.................  ....................  Minnesota...........  .........
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chao..............................  Yang.................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55103
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Xee...............................  Xiong................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55103
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Choua.............................  Yang.................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55103
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Meng..............................  Vang.................  Brooklyn Park.......  Minnesota...........      55443
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jimmy.............................  Xiong................  Brooklyn Park.......  Minnesota...........      55429
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ker...............................  Thor.................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55103
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Koob..............................  Her..................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55103
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bao...............................  Vang.................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55119
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dao...............................  Her..................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55101
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Yeem..............................  Yang.................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55103
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tsueyee...........................  Her..................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55103
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sam...............................  Yang.................  Anoka...............  Minnesota...........      55303
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lee...............................  Chang................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55104
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Yer...............................  Moua.................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55103
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Diana.............................  Lor..................  Minneapolis.........  Minnesota...........      55407
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Long..............................  Xiong................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55104
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Linda.............................  Vang.................  North Branch........  Minnesota...........      55056
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ong...............................  Yang.................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55106
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dao...............................  Yang.................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55103
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CherTham..........................  Yang.................  Brooklyn Center.....  Minnesota...........      55429
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Moua..............................  Yang.................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55117
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Syher.............................  Yang.................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55106
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Va................................  Vang.................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55106
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chong.............................  Yang.................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55101
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Blia..............................  Lee..................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55101
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thomas............................  Yang.................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55101
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
June..............................  Yang.................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55101
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fong..............................  Yang.................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55106
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mai...............................  Lee..................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55106
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Choua.............................  Yang.................  Maplewood...........  Minnesota...........      55109
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bong..............................  Xiong................  Maplewood...........  Minnesota...........      55109
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chong.............................  Yang.................  Maplewood...........  Minnesota...........      55119
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cho...............................  Lee..................  Maplewood...........  Minnesota...........      55119
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kong..............................  Yang.................  Maplewood...........  Minnesota...........      55119
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Youa..............................  Vang.................  Maplewood...........  Minnesota...........      55119
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Xue...............................  Yang.................  Maplewood...........  Minnesota...........      55119
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Phoua.............................  Ly...................  Maplewood...........  Minnesota...........      55119
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Luke..............................  Yang.................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55108
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Houa..............................  Vue..................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55108
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pheng.............................  Yang.................  Roseville...........  Minnesota...........      55113
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kaoyingly.........................  Yang.................  Roseville...........  Minnesota...........      55113
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Theresa...........................  Thao-Yang............  Roseville...........  Minnesota...........      55113
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pa................................  Yang.................  Roseville...........  Minnesota...........      55113
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sua...............................  Lee..................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55106
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
William...........................  Yang.................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55106
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Joua..............................  Vang.................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55106
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kue...............................  Yang.................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55106
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
May...............................  Chang-Yang...........  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55106
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ai................................  Yang.................  Brooklyn Park.......  Minnesota...........      55429
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bee...............................  Yang.................  Brooklyn Park.......  Minnesota...........      55412
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Blia..............................  Yang.................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55101
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cha...............................  Yang.................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55104
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chai Neng.........................  Yang.................  Oakdale.............  Minnesota...........      55128
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cher..............................  Yang.................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55071
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cher Pao..........................  Yang.................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55106
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cher Thai.........................  Yang.................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55117
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chia..............................  Yang.................  Rosemound...........  Minnesota...........      55068
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chia Xa...........................  Yang.................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55106
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chong Cher........................  Yang.................  Blaine..............  Minnesota...........      55066
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chong Koua........................  Yang.................  Lake Elmo...........  Minnesota...........      55042
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Yong Seng.........................  Yang.................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55101
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chong Yee.........................  Yang.................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55106
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chue Kao..........................  Yang.................  Minneapolis.........  Minnesota...........      55429
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chue Vang.........................  Yang.................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55101
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Nao Kao...........................  Yang.................  Oakdale.............  Minnesota...........      55128
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ger...............................  Yang.................  Cottage Grove.......  Minnesota...........      55016
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ger...............................  Yang.................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55117
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hue...............................  Yang.................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55106
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thomas............................  Yang.................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55113
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jer...............................  Yang.................  Minneapolis.........  Minnesota...........      55407
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Nraj Lis..........................  Yang.................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55107
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kou...............................  Yang.................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55102
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lee...............................  Yang.................  Minneapolis.........  Minnesota...........      55408
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Neng Vang.........................  Yang.................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55106
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Neng Vang.........................  Yang.................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55101
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lor...............................  Yang.................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55106
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Moua..............................  Yang.................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55117
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Nhia Chong........................  Yang.................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55106
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Nhia Pao..........................  Yang.................  Minneapolis.........  Minnesota...........      55408
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Nhia Xou..........................  Yang.................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55119
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chong Yee.........................  Yang.................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55106
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ong...............................  Yang.................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55106
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pa Ge.............................  Yang.................  Taylors Fall........  Minnesota...........      55084
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pa Chao...........................  Yang.................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55103
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pao Ge............................  Yang.................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55101
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shong Leng........................  Yang.................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55118
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Nkias Suab........................  Yang.................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55106
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thao..............................  Yang.................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55103
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thao..............................  Yang.................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55106
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tong..............................  Yang.................  Brooklyn Park.......  Minnesota...........      55443
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tong..............................  Yang.................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55106
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tong Pao..........................  Yang.................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55103
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tong See..........................  Yang.................  Minneapolis.........  Minnesota...........      55407
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thaj Yeeb.........................  Yang.................  Brooklyn Center.....  Minnesota...........      55429
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tria..............................  Yang.................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55117
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Txam..............................  Yang.................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55106
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wa Khue...........................  Yang.................  Minneapolis.........  Minnesota...........      55407
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wa Lee............................  Yang.................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55103
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wa Tou............................  Yang.................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55103
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wa Chor...........................  Yang.................  Minneapolis.........  Minnesota...........      55412
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Xai Shoua.........................  Yang.................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55106
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Xia Shoua.........................  Yang.................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55104
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Xia Ying..........................  Yang.................  Minneapolis.........  Minnesota...........      55413
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Xia Ying..........................  Yang.................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55117
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Yee...............................  Yang.................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55104
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ying..............................  Yang.................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55117
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Youa Pao..........................  Yang.................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55103
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Za Dang...........................  Yang.................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55106
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chong Neng........................  Yang.................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55106
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Doua..............................  Yang.................  White Bear Lake.....  Minnesota...........      55110
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Niam Toj Pov......................  Yang.................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55106
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pao...............................  Yang.................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55106
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Niam Txhiaj Kaus..................  Yang.................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55104
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Niam Tooj Xeeb....................  Yang.................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55103
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Nraj Lis..........................  Yang.................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55107
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Thai..............................  Yang.................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55117
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mok...............................  Khounviseth..........  Eagan...............  Minnesota...........      55122
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mek...............................  Luangsaysana.........  Apple Valley........  Minnesota...........      55124
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Noi...............................  Phothisanh...........  St. Michael.........  Minnesota...........      55376
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Blacky............................  Phothisanh...........  Shakopee............  Minnesota...........      55379
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Jake..............................  Phothisanh...........  Shakopee............  Minnesota...........      55379
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rathaporn.........................  Manikong.............  Richfield...........  Minnesota...........      55423
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Somsack...........................  Chetana..............  Richfield...........  Minnesota...........      55423
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lair..............................  Sayarath.............  Shakopee............  Minnesota...........      55379
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jack..............................  Emphanavong..........  Eagan...............  Minnesota...........      55122
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Deek..............................  Saengsouvichanh......  Minneapolis.........  Minnesota...........      55412
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Judy..............................  Saengsouvichanh......  Minneapolis.........  Minnesota...........      55412
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pho...............................  Souvannasane.........  Lakeville...........  Minnesota...........      55044
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chanpheng.........................  Phongsavath..........  Minneapolis.........  Minnesota...........      55412
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kongme............................  Phongsavath..........  Minneapolis.........  Minnesota...........      55412
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
William...........................  Inthisone............  Brooklyn Park.......  Minnesota...........      55443
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Keo Oudone........................  Detvongsa............  Brooklyn Park.......  Minnesota...........      55443
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Phongsavath.......................  Dithyouvong..........  Brooklyn Park.......  Minnesota...........      55443
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sisathone.........................  Lithyouvong..........  Brooklyn Park.......  Minnesota...........      55443
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rathaporn.........................  Manikhong............  Richfield...........  Minnesota...........      55423
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Vatsana...........................  Inthisone............  Brooklyn Park.......  Minnesota...........      55443
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pnanomporn........................  Daoheuang............  Coon Rapids.........  Minnesota...........      55433
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Soubanh...........................  Daoheuang............  Coon Rapids.........  Minnesota...........      55433
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Khamseung.........................  Phauthavong..........  Eagan...............  Minnesota...........      55122
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chanhmaly.........................  Phauthavong..........  Eagan...............  Minnesota...........      55122
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Keopraseuth.......................  Phauthavong..........  Eagan...............  Minnesota...........      55122
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Keophoxay.........................  Phauthavong..........  Eagan...............  Minnesota...........      55122
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chaleunxay........................  Keomany..............  Eagan...............  Minnesota...........      55122
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Vikasouk..........................  Phanthavong..........  Eagan...............  Minnesota...........      55122
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sitto.............................  Phamthavong..........  Richfield...........  Minnesota...........      55123
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Keosavanh.........................  Phamthavong..........  Richfield...........  Minnesota...........      55123
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Keomanivong.......................  Phothirath...........  Brooklyn Center.....  Minnesota...........      55429
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sounthone.........................  Ratrisavath..........  Brooklyn Park.......  Minnesota...........      55443
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Taimany...........................  Supantavong..........  Farmington..........  Minnesota...........      55024
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Vanh..............................  Manikhong............  Richfield...........  Minnesota...........      55423
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Phetsamone........................  Bouphasavan..........  Brooklyn Park.......  Minnesota...........  .........
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Phio..............................  Sivongsa.............  Minneapolis.........  Minnesota...........  .........
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Damdy.............................  Keodonamgdy..........  Minneapolis.........  Minnesota...........  .........
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Thongmee..........................  Changouthory.........  Minneapolis.........  Minnesota...........  .........
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Noun..............................  Phangluangmaly.......  Minneapolis.........  Minnesota...........  .........
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Bounsonane........................  Inthisone............  Minneapolis.........  Minnesota...........      55427
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kim...............................  Inthisone............  Minneapolis.........  Minnesota...........      55427
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Nouphanh..........................  Rattanavong..........  Minneapolis.........  Minnesota...........      55427
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Boun Em...........................  Rattanavong..........  Minneapolis.........  Minnesota...........      55427
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kong..............................  Thanosack............  Apple Valley........  Minnesota...........      55124
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shong.............................  Yang.................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55103
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Zoua..............................  Yang.................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55118
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
May...............................  Yang.................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55104
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mee...............................  Yang.................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55106
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lee...............................  Xiong................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55117
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mai...............................  Xiong................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55103
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chao..............................  Thao.................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55103
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Yang..............................  Yang.................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55104
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Billy.............................  Vang.................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55104
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Paul..............................  Vang.................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55104
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thao..............................  Xiong................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55103
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lee...............................  Thao.................  New Brighton........  Minnesota...........      55112
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Nhiatou...........................  Vue..................  Minneapolis.........  Minnesota...........      55403
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mao...............................  Yang.................  Minneapolis.........  Minnesota...........      55403
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thong.............................  Moua.................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55104
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
See...............................  Thao.................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55106
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lee...............................  Vang.................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55104
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jer...............................  Yang.................  Minneapolis.........  Minnesota...........      55407
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lor...............................  Xiong................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55106
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wa................................  Khue.................  Minneapolis.........  Minnesota...........      55407
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wa Joe............................  Vu...................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55106
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gaosay............................  Vang.................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55106
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dicey.............................  Vu...................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55106
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Yang..............................  Her..................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55106
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
William...........................  Vue..................  Brooklyn Park.......  Minnesota...........      55443
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Xao Chia..........................  Vue..................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55104
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Neng W............................  Thao.................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55106
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bee...............................  Lee..................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55119
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ger...............................  Vue..................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55117
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Xia Vu............................  Moua.................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55106
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Neng..............................  Vue..................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55104
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Koua..............................  Vue..................  Champlin............  Minnesota...........      55316
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Xue...............................  Vue..................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55106
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chufue............................  Vu...................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55106
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Samson............................  Vu...................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55106
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Nou...............................  Vue..................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55104
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ka Ying...........................  Vang.................  ....................  Minnesota...........      55038
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ong...............................  Vang.................  ....................  Minnesota...........      55038
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gao Sy............................  Vu...................  ....................  Minnesota...........      55038
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ying..............................  Chu-Yang-Heu.........  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55106
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Blong.............................  Chu-Yang-Heu.........  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55106
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Yang..............................  Chu-Yang-Heu.........  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55106
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bay...............................  Chu-Yang-Heu.........  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55106
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Teng..............................  Heu..................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55106
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chukou-Chu-Yang...................  Heu..................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55016
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Yee...............................  Vang.................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55106
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shayipheng........................  Heu..................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55106
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Xay Chu Yang......................  Heu..................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55106
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CherPao...........................  Thao.................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55106
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Heu Lang ChuYang..................  Heu..................  Woodbury............  Minnesota...........      55125
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lou Chu Yang......................  Heu..................  Woodbury............  Minnesota...........      55125
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fua...............................  Vaam.................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55106
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mang..............................  Chu-Yang-Heu.........  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55106
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sab...............................  Chu-Yang-Heu.........  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55106
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pao...............................  Her..................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55106
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Youa..............................  Chu-Yang-Heu.........  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55106
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fisher............................  Moua.................  Brooklyn Park.......  Minnesota...........      55444
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Yer...............................  Moua.................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55106
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chou..............................  Xiong................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55106
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Linus-See.........................  Moua.................  Minneapolis.........  Minnesota...........      55411
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fuavaam ChuYang...................  Heu..................  Woodbury............  Minnesota...........      55125
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ling..............................  Chu-Yang-Heu.........  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55103
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chaky.............................  Xiong................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55106
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monia X...........................  Moua.................  Brooklyn Park.......  Minnesota...........      55444
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chia Chang........................  Chu-Yang-Heu.........  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55103
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mai...............................  Vang.................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55103
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kang..............................  Chu-Yang-Heu.........  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55103
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
By................................  Moua.................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55106
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Xing..............................  Chu-Yang-Heu.........  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55106
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Patrick...........................  Her..................  Maplewood...........  Minnesota...........      55117
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wayne X...........................  Her..................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55101
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
William...........................  Yang.................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55106
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chai..............................  Yang.................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55106
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Va................................  Yang.................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........  .........
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Boua Fue..........................  Thao.................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55101
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lucy Yang.........................  Thao.................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55101
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tong Sao..........................  Thao.................  ....................  Minnesota...........      55305
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Keota.............................  Thao.................  ....................  Minnesota...........      55305
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chay..............................  Lo...................  Maplewood...........  Minnesota...........      55119
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A.................................  Yang.................  Maplewood...........  Minnesota...........      55119
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Choi X Chao.......................  Yang.................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55103
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sy Lo.............................  Yang.................  St. Paul............  Minnesota...........      55103
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Joseph............................  Yang.................  Maplewood...........  Minnesota...........      55119
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Marie.............................  Yang.................  Maplewood...........  Minnesota...........      55119
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                 

       The Laotian Multi-Ethnic Alliance for U.S.A.-Laos Friendship
                                    Washington State Representation
                                          Seattle, Washington 98108
                                                     April 15, 2003
The Honorable Phillip Crane
Chairman, Subcommittee on Trade
House Ways & Means Committee
233 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515

    Dear Chairman Crane:

    We are a group of Laotian Americans from various ethnic backgrounds 
of Laos (Lao, Hmong, Khmu, U-Mien, Thaidam, Lue, etc.). We all came 
together to form the Laotian Multi-Ethnic Alliance for U.S.A.-Laos 
Friendship, whose ultimate purpose is to promote education, economic 
development, and social and political progress within the Laotian 
multi-ethnic communities both in the United States and Laos.
    On behalf of our Laotian Multi-Ethnic Alliance for U.S.A.-Laos 
Friendship, which has representation in various states of the United 
States, we have the honor of writing to urge you to move forward 
legislation to establish Normal Trade Relations (NTR) with Laos. We are 
well aware that NTR with Laos has been strongly endorsed by Secretary 
of State Powell and U.S. Trade Representative Zoellick. As new 
Americans having roots in Laos, we would like to express our strong 
support of the Bush Administration's Trade Initiative in Southeast Asia 
and, more particularly, its extension of Normal Trade Relations with 
Laos.
    Our Laotian Multi-Ethnic Alliance for U.S.A.-Laos Friendship is not 
unaware of human rights abuses, ethnic profiling, religious 
discrimination, etc. in Laos after the takeover by the communist Pathet 
Lao in 1975. Fearing for our life, along with our families, we fled the 
country--mostly by foot--across Laotian jungles to take the road of 
exile. Dr. Yang Dao,(1) a Hmong educator and scholar and the 
current National Chair of this alliance in support of the Bush 
Administration's Trade Initiative, wrote several 
articles,(2) published as early as 1980 in France and in the 
U.S., denouncing arbitrary arrests by the communist Pathet Lao 
authorities who had sent tens of thousand royal Lao cadres, technicians 
and intellectuals to the ``political reeducation camps'',(3) 
and condemning the communist Pathet Lao's violent repression against 
the Hmong population in Northeastern Laos. These efforts have 
contributed to the many but slow changes made by the current government 
of Laos.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    \(1)\ Yang Dao is a Hmong from Laos. He received his Ph.D. in 
social science at the Sorbonne, University of Paris, France, in 1972. 
From 1972 to 1974, he was a director in the Ministry of Planning of the 
Royal Lao Government. From April 1974 to May 1975, he was appointed by 
the King of Laos to the National Political Council of Coalition 
(Congress) of the Kingdom of Laos. He has authored and co-authored 
several books on Hmong history, culture and traditions. He is now a 
faculty member of the Asian Cultures and Literatures Department of the 
University of Minnesota.
    \(2)\ Gas Warfare: the Communist Solution to the Problems of the 
Minorities in Laos (in French) in Les Temps Modernes, Paris, France, 
1980; Why Did the Hmong Leave Laos? (in English) in Hmong in the West, 
University of Minnesota, U.S.A. in 1982; and Human Rights and Gas 
Warfare in Laos (in English) in Southeast Asia Review, Geneva, 
Switzerland, 1984.
    \(3)\ The ``political reeducation camps'', established along the 
Laos-Vietnam border after the takeover Laos by the communist Pathet Lao 
in 1975, reportedly looked like the Soviet gulags.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    However, twenty eight years have passed since the Vietnam War ended 
in 1975, and the world has profoundly changed. In 1991, democracy 
prevailed over Communism in the former U.S.S.R. In October 2002, China 
officially adopted a more liberal system leading toward capitalism. 
Under international political and economic pressures, Laos must follow 
this move. According to the Bush Administration and the U.S. Embassy in 
Vientiane, Laos is showing signs of moving toward religious freedom, 
human rights and economic reforms. After 27 years of exile, Dr. Yang 
Dao was invited by the government of the Lao People's Democratic 
Republic to visit Laos in November 2002. He observed that the current 
Lao Government has adopted a multi-ethnic policy to consolidate 
national unity in Laos, and as a result, Hmong, Khmu and other Laotian 
ethnic minorities are actively participating in the government, filling 
regional and national leadership positions ranging from city mayor to 
provincial governor to government minister. Thus, for the first time in 
Laotian history, a Laotheung (4) has become the Prime 
Minister of Laos and a Hmong woman acts as the Vice-President of the 
Laotian National Assembly.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    \(4)\ Laotheung is the largest ethnic minority which includes the 
Khmu group and represents 27 percent of the total population of Laos.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    In these new perspectives, our Laotian Multi-Ethnic Alliance for 
U.S.A.-Laos Friendship strongly believes that, if granted, the U.S. 
Normal Trade Relations (NTR) will have a catalytic effect on the rate 
of economic, social and political reforms in Laos.

    a.
      Economic Reform:
      LThe US NTR would contribute to creating crucial opportunities to 
increase employment in Laos by providing legal and institutional 
frameworks which would develop the private sector and encourage foreign 
investments to accelerate the economic reform in Laos. This will 
further strengthen anti-narcotic efforts by strengthening substitute 
crops and industries (coffee, tropical fruits, medicinal plants, etc.). 
The US NTR, indeed, would reduce duties to 2.4% and allow Laos to 
export agricultural products and other kinds of merchandise to U.S. 
markets. This transaction would benefit both the multi-ethnic 
population of Laos and the Laotian-American community.
    b.
      Social Reform:
      LBy establishing a constructive dialogue with Laotian 
authorities, the US NTR would contribute to promoting social welfare 
and to developing the education system in Laos. Standardizing education 
in Laos would create a strong foundation for social reform which 
respects human rights and defends social justice for all Laotian 
citizens of all ethnic backgrounds. The Lao, Hmong, Khmu, U-Mien, Thai-
Dam, Lue, and other Laotian peoples would live in the same community of 
destiny: national consciousness.
    c.
      Political Reform:
      LThrough a mutual understanding and trust with the Laotian 
government, the US NTR would contribute to accelerating political 
reform by promoting civil rights and democratic liberties. Such 
political reform would contribute to strengthening national solidarity, 
assuring political stability in Laos and maintaining peace in Southeast 
Asia and the world over.

    Our Laotian Multi-Ethnic Alliance for U.S.A.-Laos Friendship 
strongly supports the Bush Administration's Trade Initiative and its 
extension of Normal Trade Relations with Laos for these reasons above, 
as well as the following:
1. To Enhance U.S.A.-Laos Special Relations
    Since Laos became an independent country in 1954, its diplomatic 
relations with the U.S.A. have never been interrupted in spite of 
political difficulties and ideological changes. By irony of fate, today 
this tiny country is still denied NTR status which has been granted to 
Vietnam and Cambodia which, paradoxically, broke ties with the United 
States during the Vietnam War and its aftermath. Therefore, our Multi-
Laotian Ethnic Alliance for U.S.A.-Laos Friendship feels that it is 
only fair that NTR treatment be also extended to Laos, whose human 
rights record is not worse than that of Cambodia, Vietnam or China. NTR 
status indeed will contribute to heal the wounds of the past, to 
strengthen U.S.A.-Laos friendship and to help the Laotian people from 
all ethnic backgrounds who still have parents, brothers, sisters and 
relatives both in Laos and in the United States of America to work 
together for the future.
2. U.S. Economic Expansion in Southeast Asia:
    Laos is a landlocked and poor country with a population of 5.2 
millions. However it possesses a significant amount of arable land (50% 
of which is still covered with dense forests), a variety of natural 
resources (iron, zinc, silver, gold, sapphire, etc.) and a huge reserve 
of hydroelectric resources which draws the attention of a number of 
potential suitors. Since 1987, Laos has become a member of the 
Association of Southeast Asian Nations (A.S.E.A.N.), which includes 
Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, 
Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. A.S.E.A.N. countries constitute a 
market of 500 million people. Laos' main exports include electricity, 
garments, wood and wood products, coffee, small handicrafts, hand-made 
textiles, and some agricultural and forest products. Its trading 
partners are mainly countries in the SE Asian sub-region, particularly 
Thailand and Vietnam.
    In 1998, Laos's textile products were granted quota and duty free 
status by the European Union (EU). Since then, about 25% of its total 
garment exports are sold to EU countries, particularly France. China is 
moving forward with negotiations with Laos and other A.S.E.A.N. 
countries for a China-ASEAN Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and Japan and 
Europe are also beginning to implement similar arrangements with 
A.S.E.A.N.
    In this international trading context, it is in the interest of the 
United States to extend NTR status to Laos, which plays an increasing 
role in Southeast Asia and in the world, attested by its hosting in 
2002 the first A.S.E.A.N.-EU trade meeting, in Vientiane, capital of 
Laos. With U.S. NTR and with its low labor and energy costs and 
tremendous amounts of arable land, Laos would be able to export to the 
United States processed tropical food, instant coffee, and other labor-
intensive products such as shoes and leather items as well as some 
minerals. Furthermore, given its unique culture and ethnic diversity, 
Laos would sell its silk weavings, furniture and timber products, and 
Hmong traditional clothing to meet the needs of about 500,000 Laotian 
Americans of various ethnic backgrounds and more than one million Asian 
Americans from different cultures in the United States of America 
active in the U.S. market.
3. To Increase U.S. Political Presence in Southeast Asia:
    Right in the middle of the Mekong River region, Laos has always 
been a crossroad of migrations and trade from China to Cambodia and 
from Thailand to Vietnam. Thus, for centuries, its geographic situation 
made this tiny country an avenue for transit of goods and ideas. 
Contemporary history demonstrated Laos' strategic importance during the 
Vietnam conflict.
    In this context, Laos is called to play a more and more important 
role in Asia, due to its geographic situation and its various natural 
resources. ``At any time, officials from China, Vietnam and Thailand 
are courting their Lao counterparts in the hope that their efforts will 
be rewarded with mining, hydropower and logging contracts, and 
convenient access to each other's markets'' wrote Catherine McKinley, 
in a Dow Jones Newswire Column (February 4, 2003).
    Therefore, extending the NTR status to Laos would greatly 
contribute to reinforcing the U.S. presence in Southeast Asia. With the 
increasing threat of international terrorism, this presence is 
essential to maintaining peace and political stability in Asia.
    In conclusion, on behalf of our Laotian Multi-Ethnic Alliance for 
U.S.A.-Laos Friendship, we would like to express our gratitude to you 
and your Subcommittee for giving us the opportunity to explain the 
reasons for our support of extending U.S. NTR to Laos. We strongly urge 
you to move forward legislation to establish Normal Trade Relations 
with Laos, which will greatly benefit our two countries and our two 
populations. For your high consideration, we are enclosing petitions 
signed by members of the Laotian American communities in support of 
this letter and granting NTR to Laos.
            With great respect,
                                            Charlie J. Chang, Ph.D.
                                                           Co-Chair
                                      Laotian Multi-Ethnic Alliance

                                                    Yang Dao, Ph.D.
                                                              Chair
                                      Laotian Multi-Ethnic Alliance
                                 ______
                                 
               Petition of Laotian Multi-Ethnic Alliance
                        for USA-Laos Friendship
        In support of the Bush Administration's Trade Initiative
                To extend Normal Trade Relations to Laos
    We, the undersigned, are Americans of Laotian descents (Lao, Hmong, 
Khmu, U-Mien, Lue, Thai-Dam) hereby express our full support of the 
Bush Administration Trade Initiative in Southeast Asia and its 
extension of Normal Trade Relations to Laos.

 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
              First Name                      Last Name                   City                    State
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Charlie..............................  Chang..................  Seattle................  Washington
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
May Xee..............................  Ly.....................  Seattle................  Washington
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Blong................................  Ly.....................  Seattle................  Washington
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Neng.................................  Lee....................  Seattle................  Washington
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tong.................................  Thao...................  Seattle................  Washington
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bob..................................  Lientakune.............  Seattle................  Washington
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mee..................................  Inthoulay..............  Seattle................  Washington
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chann................................  Saenphimmachak.........  Seattle................  Washington
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pep..................................  Inthoulay..............  Seattle................  Washington
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Washer...............................  Moua...................  Demoine................  Washington
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Xai..................................  Cha....................  Woodinville............  Washington
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lucy.................................  Thao...................  Woodinville............  Washington
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Toulu................................  Cha....................  Snoqualmie.............  Washington
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jer..................................  Cha....................  Snoqualmie.............  Washington
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Laotheng.............................  Jasengnou..............  Carnation..............  Washington
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Carol................................  Cha....................  Carnation..............  Washington
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Blai/Prai............................  Xiong..................  Carnation..............  Washington
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Judy.................................  Cha....................  Carnation..............  Washington
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jason................................  Xiong..................  Kent...................  Washington
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Youa.................................  Moua...................  Kent...................  Washington
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tony.................................  Cha....................  Carnation..............  Washington
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
JoAnn................................  Lee....................  Carnation..............  Washington
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Baothai..............................  Cha-Thao...............  Redmond................  Washington
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Natalie..............................  Thao...................  Redmond................  Washington
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Manda................................  Thao...................  Seattle................  Washington
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Yee..................................  Cha....................  Redmond................  Washington
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Frances..............................  Primero................  Kent...................  Washington
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pa...................................  Cha....................  Carnation..............  Washington
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chue.................................  Chang..................  Renton.................  Washington
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mai..................................  Thao...................  Bellevue...............  Washington
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Leng.................................  Lee....................  Bellevue...............  Washington
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kaying...............................  Xiong..................  Snomomish..............  Washington
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tong.................................  Xiong..................  Carnation..............  Washington
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ma...................................  Thao...................  Carnation..............  Washington
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Nicole...............................  Cha....................  Carnation..............  Washington
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Blialee..............................  Lor....................  Bellevue...............  Washington
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Neng Xiong...........................  Thao...................  Bellevue...............  Washington
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Blong................................  Cha....................  Carnation..............  Washington
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Neng.................................  Yang...................  Snohomish..............  Washington
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chadoua..............................  Lor....................  Bellevue...............  Washington
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Nengva...............................  Cha....................  Bellevue...............  Washington
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Youa Her.............................  Lor....................  Bothel.................  Washington
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chue Meng............................  Cha....................  Bellevue...............  Washington
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mo...................................  Cha....................  Bellevue...............  Washington
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pa...................................  Yang...................  Bothel.................  Washington
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Yia..................................  Yang...................  Bellevue...............  Washington
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Neng.................................  Vang...................  Bellevue...............  Washington
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ia...................................  Lao....................  Lynnwood...............  Washington
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Soua.................................  Vue....................  Lynnwood...............  Washington
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Andy.................................  Khamboon...............  Seattle................  Washington
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
May..................................  Chang..................  Seattle................  Washington
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Vang.................................  Xiong..................  Carnation..............  Washington
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jaylie...............................  Xiong..................  Kirkland...............  Washington
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Xiong................................  Lee....................  Kirkland...............  Washington
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mansak...............................  Laotheng...............  Seattle................  Washington
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chien................................  Vongdara...............  Auburn.................  Washington
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sou..................................  Hang...................  Seattle................  Washington
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Vang.................................  Ying...................  Demoines...............  Washington
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Vangva...............................  Her....................  Desmoines..............  Washington
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Nou..................................  Xiong..................  Turkwla................  Washington
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Terry................................  Light..................  Seattle................  Washington
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Key..................................  Hang...................  Seattle................  Washington
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Khouseach............................  Sack...................  Seattle................  Washington
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Vanh.................................  Her....................  Seattle................  Washington
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Robert...............................  Hang...................  Renton.................  Washington
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tong X...............................  Hang...................  Renton.................  Washington
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chertoua.............................  Hang...................  Seatac.................  Washington
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inponp...............................  Rasabout...............  Seattle................  Washington
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kham.................................  Praseuth...............  Seattle................  Washington
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Laovu................................  Jasengnou..............  Carnation..............  Washington
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Laocheng.............................  Jasengnou..............  Carnation..............  Washington
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chay Ya..............................  Cha....................  Carnation..............  Washington
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tsu..................................  Zeb....................  Kirkland...............  Washington
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Eu...................................  Lee....................  Everett................  Washington
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dang.................................  Moua...................  Seattle................  Washington
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Maiker...............................  Thao...................  Everett................  Washington
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Leng.................................  Hang...................  Seattle................  Washington
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Der..................................  Xiong..................  Seattle................  Washington
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chue.................................  Hang...................  Seattle................  Washington
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bounhom..............................  Bounyarith.............  Seattle................  Washington
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Moune................................  Phoumiong..............  Kirkland...............  Washington
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thavone..............................  Saysanasy..............  Kirkland...............  Washington
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Xia..................................  Thao...................  Kirkland...............  Washington
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Boualai..............................  Khounuchi..............  Kirkland...............  Washington
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Anan.................................  Eaidrueng..............  Seattle................  Washington
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Orlando..............................  Dollente...............  Kirkland...............  Washington
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Quenyuen.............................  Tran...................  Seattle................  Washington
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bao Hang.............................  Chang..................  Seattle................  Washington
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Boun.................................  Hai....................  Seattle................  Washington
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thai.................................  Vang...................  Seattle................  Washington
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kao..................................  Vang...................  Seattle................  Washington
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thao.................................  Say Chang..............  Renton.................  Washington
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Yohang...............................  Xiong..................  Kirkland...............  Washington
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Neng.................................  Yang...................  Kirkland...............  Washington
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Peng.................................  Vang...................  Seattle................  Washington
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Teng.................................  Thao...................  Seattle................  Washington
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Moua.................................  Thao...................  Seattle................  Washington
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chai.................................  Thao...................  Seattle................  Washington
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Iab..................................  Yang...................  Seattle................  Washington
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cha..................................  Chasengnou.............  Bellevue...............  Washington
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Khampoun.............................  Vilayvanh..............  Bellevue...............  Washington
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                 

       The Laotian Multi-Ethnic Alliance for U.S.A.-Laos Friendship
                                     Wisconsin State Representation
                                            Wausau, Wisconsin 55443
                                                     April 15, 2003
The Honorable Phillip Crane
Chairman, Subcommittee on Trade
House Ways & Means Committee
233 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515

    Dear Chairman Crane:

    We are a group of Laotian Americans from various ethnic backgrounds 
of Laos (Lao, Hmong, Khmu, U-Mien, Thaidam, Lue, etc.). We all came 
together to form the Laotian Multi-Ethnic Alliance for U.S.A.-Laos 
Friendship, whose ultimate purpose is to promote education, economic 
development, and social and political progress within the Laotian 
multi-ethnic communities both in the United States and Laos.
    On behalf of our Laotian Multi-Ethnic Alliance for U.S.A.-Laos 
Friendship, which has representation in various states of the United 
States, we have the honor of writing to urge you to move forward 
legislation to establish Normal Trade Relations (NTR) with Laos. We are 
well aware that NTR with Laos has been strongly endorsed by Secretary 
of State Powell and U.S. Trade Representative Zoellick. As new 
Americans having roots in Laos, we would like to express our strong 
support of the Bush Administration's Trade Initiative in Southeast Asia 
and, more particularly, its extension of Normal Trade Relations with 
Laos.
    Our Laotian Multi-Ethnic Alliance for U.S.A.-Laos Friendship is not 
unaware of human rights abuses, ethnic profiling, religious 
discrimination, etc. in Laos after the takeover by the communist Pathet 
Lao in 1975. Fearing for our life, along with our families, we fled the 
country--mostly by foot--across Laotian jungles to take the road of 
exile. Dr. Yang Dao,(1) a Hmong educator and scholar and the 
current National Chair of this alliance in support of the Bush 
Administration's Trade Initiative, wrote several 
articles,(2) published as early as 1980 in France and in the 
U.S., denouncing arbitrary arrests by the communist Pathet Lao 
authorities who had sent tens of thousand royal Lao cadres, technicians 
and intellectuals to the ``political reeducation camps'',(3) 
and condemning the communist Pathet Lao's violent repression against 
the Hmong population in Northeastern Laos. These efforts have 
contributed to the many but slow changes made by the current government 
of Laos.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    \(1)\ Yang Dao is a Hmong from Laos. He received his Ph.D. in 
social science at the Sorbonne, University of Paris, France, in 1972. 
From 1972 to 1974, he was a director in the Ministry of Planning of the 
Royal Lao Government. From April 1974 to May 1975, he was appointed by 
the King of Laos to the National Political Council of Coalition 
(Congress) of the Kingdom of Laos. He has authored and co-authored 
several books on Hmong history, culture and traditions. He is now a 
faculty member of the Asian Cultures and Literatures Department of the 
University of Minnesota.
    \(2)\ Gas Warfare: the Communist Solution to the Problems of the 
Minorities in Laos (in French) in Les Temps Modernes, Paris, France, 
1980; Why Did the Hmong Leave Laos? (in English) in Hmong in the West, 
University of Minnesota, U.S.A. in 1982; and Human Rights and Gas 
Warfare in Laos (in English) in Southeast Asia Review, Geneva, 
Switzerland, 1984.
    \(3)\ The ``political reeducation camps'', established along the 
Laos-Vietnam border after the takeover Laos by the communist Pathet Lao 
in 1975, reportedly looked like the Soviet gulags.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    However, twenty eight years have passed since the Vietnam War ended 
in 1975, and the world has profoundly changed. In 1991, democracy 
prevailed over Communism in the former U.S.S.R. In October 2002, China 
officially adopted a more liberal system leading toward capitalism. 
Under international political and economic pressures, Laos must follow 
this move. According to the Bush Administration and the U.S. Embassy in 
Vientiane, Laos is showing signs of moving toward religious freedom, 
human rights and economic reforms. After 27 years of exile, Dr. Yang 
Dao was invited by the government of the Lao People's Democratic 
Republic to visit Laos in November 2002. He observed that the current 
Lao Government has adopted a multi-ethnic policy to consolidate 
national unity in Laos, and as a result, Hmong, Khmu and other Laotian 
ethnic minorities are actively participating in the government, filling 
regional and national leadership positions ranging from city mayor to 
provincial governor to government minister. Thus, for the first time in 
Laotian history, a Laotheung (4) has become the Prime 
Minister of Laos and a Hmong woman acts as the Vice-President of the 
Laotian National Assembly.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    \(4)\ Laotheung is the largest ethnic minority which includes the 
Khmu group and represents 27 percent of the total population of Laos.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    In these new perspectives, our Laotian Multi-Ethnic Alliance for 
U.S.A.-Laos Friendship strongly believes that, if granted, the U.S. 
Normal Trade Relations (NTR) will have a catalytic effect on the rate 
of economic, social and political reforms in Laos.

    a.
      Economic Reform:
      LThe US NTR would contribute to creating crucial opportunities to 
increase employment in Laos by providing legal and institutional 
frameworks which would develop the private sector and encourage foreign 
investments to accelerate the economic reform in Laos. This will 
further strengthen anti-narcotic efforts by strengthening substitute 
crops and industries (coffee, tropical fruits, medicinal plants, etc.). 
The US NTR, indeed, would reduce duties to 2.4% and allow Laos to 
export agricultural products and other kinds of merchandise to U.S. 
markets. This transaction would benefit both the multi-ethnic 
population of Laos and the Laotian-American community.
    b.
      Social Reform:
      LBy establishing a constructive dialogue with Laotian 
authorities, the US NTR would contribute to promoting social welfare 
and to developing the education system in Laos. Standardizing education 
in Laos would create a strong foundation for social reform which 
respects human rights and defends social justice for all Laotian 
citizens of all ethnic backgrounds. The Lao, Hmong, Khmu, U-Mien, Thai-
Dam, Lue, and other Laotian peoples would live in the same community of 
destiny: national consciousness.
    c.
      Political Reform:
      LThrough a mutual understanding and trust with the Laotian 
government, the US NTR would contribute to accelerating political 
reform by promoting civil rights and democratic liberties. Such 
political reform would contribute to strengthening national solidarity, 
assuring political stability in Laos and maintaining peace in Southeast 
Asia and the world over.

    Our Laotian Multi-Ethnic Alliance for U.S.A.-Laos Friendship 
strongly supports the Bush Administration's Trade Initiative and its 
extension of Normal Trade Relations with Laos for these reasons above, 
as well as the following:
1. To Enhance U.S.A.-Laos Special Relations
    Since Laos became an independent country in 1954, its diplomatic 
relations with the U.S.A. have never been interrupted in spite of 
political difficulties and ideological changes. By irony of fate, today 
this tiny country is still denied NTR status which has been granted to 
Vietnam and Cambodia which, paradoxically, broke ties with the United 
States during the Vietnam War and its aftermath. Therefore, our Multi-
Laotian Ethnic Alliance for U.S.A.-Laos Friendship feels that it is 
only fair that NTR treatment be also extended to Laos, whose human 
rights record is not worse than that of Cambodia, Vietnam or China. NTR 
status indeed will contribute to heal the wounds of the past, to 
strengthen U.S.A.-Laos friendship and to help the Laotian people from 
all ethnic backgrounds who still have parents, brothers, sisters and 
relatives both in Laos and in the United States of America to work 
together for the future.
2. U.S. Economic Expansion in Southeast Asia:
    Laos is a landlocked and poor country with a population of 5.2 
millions. However it possesses a significant amount of arable land (50% 
of which is still covered with dense forests), a variety of natural 
resources (iron, zinc, silver, gold, sapphire, etc.) and a huge reserve 
of hydroelectric resources which draws the attention of a number of 
potential suitors. Since 1987, Laos has become a member of the 
Association of Southeast Asian Nations (A.S.E.A.N.), which includes 
Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, 
Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. A.S.E.A.N. countries constitute a 
market of 500 million people. Laos' main exports include electricity, 
garments, wood and wood products, coffee, small handicrafts, hand-made 
textiles, and some agricultural and forest products. Its trading 
partners are mainly countries in the SE Asian sub-region, particularly 
Thailand and Vietnam.
    In 1998, Laos's textile products were granted quota and duty free 
status by the European Union (EU). Since then, about 25% of its total 
garment exports are sold to EU countries, particularly France. China is 
moving forward with negotiations with Laos and other A.S.E.A.N. 
countries for a China-ASEAN Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and Japan and 
Europe are also beginning to implement similar arrangements with 
A.S.E.A.N.
    In this international trading context, it is in the interest of the 
United States to extend NTR status to Laos, which plays an increasing 
role in Southeast Asia and in the world, attested by its hosting in 
2002 the first A.S.E.A.N.-EU trade meeting, in Vientiane, capital of 
Laos. With U.S. NTR and with its low labor and energy costs and 
tremendous amounts of arable land, Laos would be able to export to the 
United States processed tropical food, instant coffee, and other labor-
intensive products such as shoes and leather items as well as some 
minerals. Furthermore, given its unique culture and ethnic diversity, 
Laos would sell its silk weavings, furniture and timber products, and 
Hmong traditional clothing to meet the needs of about 500,000 Laotian 
Americans of various ethnic backgrounds and more than one million Asian 
Americans from different cultures in the United States of America 
active in the U.S. market.
3. To Increase U.S. Political Presence in Southeast Asia:
    Right in the middle of the Mekong River region, Laos has always 
been a crossroad of migrations and trade from China to Cambodia and 
from Thailand to Vietnam. Thus, for centuries, its geographic situation 
made this tiny country an avenue for transit of goods and ideas. 
Contemporary history demonstrated Laos' strategic importance during the 
Vietnam conflict.
    In this context, Laos is called to play a more and more important 
role in Asia, due to its geographic situation and its various natural 
resources. ``At any time, officials from China, Vietnam and Thailand 
are courting their Lao counterparts in the hope that their efforts will 
be rewarded with mining, hydropower and logging contracts, and 
convenient access to each other's markets'' wrote Catherine McKinley, 
in a Dow Jones Newswire Column (February 4, 2003).
    Therefore, extending the NTR status to Laos would greatly 
contribute to reinforcing the U.S. presence in Southeast Asia. With the 
increasing threat of international terrorism, this presence is 
essential to maintaining peace and political stability in Asia.
    In conclusion, on behalf of our Laotian Multi-Ethnic Alliance for 
U.S.A.-Laos Friendship, we would like to express our gratitude to you 
and your Subcommittee for giving us the opportunity to explain the 
reasons for our support of extending U.S. NTR to Laos. We strongly urge 
you to move forward legislation to establish Normal Trade Relations 
with Laos, which will greatly benefit our two countries and our two 
populations. For your high consideration, we are enclosing petitions 
signed by members of the Laotian American communities in support of 
this letter and granting NTR to Laos.
            With great respect,
                                               Mr. San Souvannasoth
                                                           Co-Chair
                                      Laotian Multi-Ethnic Alliance

                                                    Yang Dao, Ph.D.
                                                              Chair
                                      Laotian Multi-Ethnic Alliance
                                 ______
                                 
               Petition of Laotian Multi-Ethnic Alliance
                        for USA-Laos Friendship
        In support of the Bush Administration's Trade Initiative
                To extend Normal Trade Relations to Laos
    We, the undersigned, are Americans of Laotian descents (Lao, Hmong, 
Khmu, U-Mien, Lue, Thai-Dam) hereby express our full support of the 
Bush Administration Trade Initiative in Southeast Asia and its 
extension of Normal Trade Relations to Laos.

 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
              First Name                      Last Name                   City                    State
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sou..................................  Yang...................  Wausau.................  Wisconsin
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Soua.................................  Yang...................  Wausau.................  Wisconsin
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jer X................................  Yang...................  Wausau.................  Wisconsin
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wa Thao..............................  Yang...................  Wausau.................  Wisconsin
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wang Chou............................  Yang...................  Wausau.................  Wisconsin
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kou..................................  Yang...................  Wausau.................  Wisconsin
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pao..................................  Yang...................  Wausau.................  Wisconsin
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
David................................  Yang...................  Wausau.................  Wisconsin
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chang Say............................  Yang...................  Wausau.................  Wisconsin
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Xong.................................  Yang...................  Wausau.................  Wisconsin
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shoua................................  Yang...................  Wausau.................  Wisconsin
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Emily................................  Yang...................  Wausau.................  Wisconsin
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Youa V...............................  Yang...................  Wausau.................  Wisconsin
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Nou..................................  Xiong..................  Wausau.................  Wisconsin
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wang Sao.............................  Yang...................  Weston.................  Wisconsin
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Plia K...............................  Yang...................  Weston.................  Wisconsin
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Xay T................................  Yang...................  Germantown.............  Wisconsin
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cher.................................  Yang...................  Germantown.............  Wisconsin
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Francois.............................  Yang...................  Rockford...............  Wisconsin
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tracey...............................  Yang...................  Rockford...............  Wisconsin
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chu Lao..............................  Yang...................  Wausau.................  Wisconsin
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chi V................................  Yang...................  Wausau.................  Wisconsin
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Michel...............................  Yang...................  Wausau.................  Wisconsin
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jessica..............................  Yang...................  Wausau.................  Wisconsin
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Joshua...............................  Hes....................  Wausau.................  Wisconsin
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Leeann...............................  Hes....................  Wausau.................  Wisconsin
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ka Phout.............................  Yang...................  Wausau.................  Wisconsin
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
May..................................  Xiong..................  Wausau.................  Wisconsin
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Xiong................................  Chang..................  Wausau.................  Wisconsin
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ngee.................................  Xiong..................  Wausau.................  Wisconsin
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ka Ying..............................  Yang...................  Wausau.................  Wisconsin
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sua T................................  Yang...................  Wausau.................  Wisconsin
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Peter................................  Yang...................  Wausau.................  Wisconsin
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Zer..................................  Yang...................  Wausau.................  Wisconsin
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tong.................................  Yang...................  Weston.................  Wisconsin
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Youa.................................  Yang...................  Weston.................  Wisconsin
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Choua................................  Yang...................  Wausau.................  Wisconsin
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chao.................................  Yang...................  Wausau.................  Wisconsin
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Luke.................................  Yang...................  Wausau.................  Wisconsin
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chasing..............................  Yang...................  Wausau.................  Wisconsin
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Youa.................................  Yang...................  Wausau.................  Wisconsin
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Carl.................................  Yang...................  Wausau.................  Wisconsin
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Xao..................................  Yang...................  Wausau.................  Wisconsin
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Neng.................................  Xiong..................  Schofield..............  Wisconsin
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chue Lee.............................  Khang..................  Wausau.................  Wisconsin
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chia Yang............................  Khang..................  Wausau.................  Wisconsin
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tou Ya...............................  Khang..................  Wausau.................  Wisconsin
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wang Lue.............................  Lee....................  Wausau.................  Wisconsin
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chue.................................  Yang...................  Wausau.................  Wisconsin
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chou Y...............................  Lee....................  Wausau.................  Wisconsin
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Neng.................................  Yang...................  Schofield..............  Wisconsin
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Touhoua..............................  Yang...................  Schofield..............  Wisconsin
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Maikou...............................  Yang...................  Schofield..............  Wisconsin
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kia S................................  Yang...................  Wausau.................  Wisconsin
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ker L................................  Yang...................  Wausau.................  Wisconsin
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shoua................................  Thao...................  Wausau.................  Wisconsin
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Da Lee...............................  Lor....................  Wausau.................  Wisconsin
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tai..................................  Lor....................  Wausau.................  Wisconsin
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Yong Lee.............................  Lor....................  .......................  Wisconsin
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Doua.................................  Yang...................  Wausau.................  Wisconsin
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thong................................  Yang...................  Wausau.................  Wisconsin
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tong.................................  Yang...................  Wausau.................  Wisconsin
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cher Bee.............................  Yang...................  Wausau.................  Wisconsin
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chiasu...............................  Yang...................  Wausau.................  Wisconsin
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sue..................................  Yang...................  Wausau.................  Wisconsin
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wa Neng..............................  Yang...................  Schofield..............  Wisconsin
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ong..................................  Yang...................  Schofield..............  Wisconsin
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wa Thao..............................  Yang...................  Wausau.................  Wisconsin
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shoua................................  Lor....................  Wausau.................  Wisconsin
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Neng.................................  Yang...................  Wausau.................  Wisconsin
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tou..................................  Xiong..................  Wausau.................  Wisconsin
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fu...................................  Yang...................  Wausau.................  Wisconsin
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ya...................................  Yang...................  Wausau.................  Wisconsin
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chue.................................  Yang...................  Wausau.................  Wisconsin
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lue..................................  Lee....................  Wausau.................  Wisconsin
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mee..................................  Yang...................  Wausau.................  Wisconsin
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ber..................................  Yang...................  Wausau.................  Wisconsin
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jordan...............................  Lee....................  Wausau.................  Wisconsin
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Frank................................  Yang...................  Wausau.................  Wisconsin
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tracie...............................  Yang...................  Wausau.................  Wisconsin
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Blong................................  Yang...................  Rothschild.............  Wisconsin
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tong.................................  Yang...................  Rothschild.............  Wisconsin
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Beu..................................  Yang...................  Wausau.................  Wisconsin
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jordan...............................  Lee....................  Wausau.................  Wisconsin
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                 

                                  Morrisville, North Carolina 27560
The Honorable Chairman Williams Thomas
and Congressional members of the Ways and Means Committee
2208 Rayburn HOB
Washington, D.C. 20515-0522

    Dear Chairman Thomas,

    I am writing this letter to give my CONDITIONAL support for NTR to 
Laos.
    I am a Hmong-American who was born in the United States. This issue 
is an issue that hits home for many Hmong-Americans. As you well know, 
Hmong-Americans have a stake in regards to Normal Trade Relations (NTR) 
to Laos due to family ties in Laos. As young Hmong-American, I 
understand that NTR will provide an avenue for change both social and 
economic in Laos. Laos should not be left in isolation and we should 
engage to promote change.
    What concerns me is that currently, the majority of the population 
that resides in Laos lives in poverty. With NTR, the citizens of Laos 
will be open to exploitation such as sweat shops and child labor.
    We must critically and strategically analyze that Southeast Asia as 
a whole will help us (the United States) in the future as China grows 
into a trading superpower. We will need to have an influence in that 
region of the world. That is why, it is imperative that our agreement 
(NTR) be tailored to assist a developing Laos. We must also analyze the 
current social and economic infrastructure of Laos before we grant NTR. 
NTR should bring economic prosperity to Laos but it must also bring our 
ideologies such as freedom of religion, freedom of speech, and 
democracy.
    I understand that our government has good intention to improve the 
standard of living of the Lao people by wanting to grant NTR to Laos. 
With NTR, we expect that it will be a tool to help change things in 
Laos, especially as a catalyst for economic change within Laos and that 
it will promote trade with the US, and vice versa. At the same time, 
the we hope that NTR will help ``promote other changes'', including 
``stronger rule of law: commercial, environmental, treatment of 
workers, even human rights.'' Ultimately, from the our point of view, 
NTR should bring about ``changes'' in Laos, leading to ``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.''
    While in theory, our intention is noble and good but in reality, 
NTR alone will not be able to deliver the intended ideal for Laos. A 
couple of problems in Laos are the direct result of some fundamental 
issues: (1) the non-conducive ideological policies of the current Phak 
Pasason Lao (Lao People's Revolutionary Party). Phak Pasason Laos is 
the ``central nucleus'' of Laos, having the ultimate power; (2) the 
Vietnamese domination of Laos.
    Hence, to have an impact in Laos, as we expect, the NTR need to be 
granted as a ``Package'' contained measures and CONDITIONS that are 
workable, measurable and effective to: (1) lessen the grip of Vietnam 
on Laos and (2) with incentives for ideological fundamental changes in 
Laos to pave the way for a truly democratic government.
    Some of the measures and conditions include:
    1. Ideological Change is the first pre-requisite for real change in 
Laos.
      LThe current Lao Government, who has been in power since 1975, is 
a one Party, authoritarian system that has the ultimate power above the 
law of the land as outlined clearly in Article 3 of the 1991 Lao 
Constitution which states that ``The rights of the multi-ethnic people 
to be the masters of the country are exercised and ensured through the 
functioning of the political system with the Lao People's Revolutionary 
Party as its leading nucleus.'' A problem in Laos is the direct result 
of the divisive, non-reconciliatory, outdated and on-conducive 
ideological policies of the current Phak Pasason Lao (Lao People's 
Revolutionary Party), being the ``central nucleus'' of Laos--the seat 
of power. The resultant effect of the Phak Pasason Lao is the 
continuation of economic management, political instability, Human Right 
violation, and religious persecutions. So, how can we make NTR 
effective in order to change the current ideology of Laos?
    2. Vietnam has substantial influence on the current Lao Government:
      LAmbassador Hartwick can confirm that before any Lao Government 
Official or Citizen takes a post within the government. They are sent 
to Vietnam for training before accepting the position. I learned of 
this from Ambassador Hartwick on his last trip to Washington, D.C. 
where there was a briefing held in the Rayburn Building in the Gold 
Room. From history, we can understand why there is a relationship 
between the Lao and Vietnamese Governments. As an American, I value 
individualism as well as coalitions. I feel that Laos should be an 
individual unto its own versus being an understudy to another country. 
The Committee needs no reminder that the current Lao People's 
Revolutionary Party (PPRP) and many of its ruling elite are the 
offspring of the Indochinese Communist Party (ICP) with the aim to 
create an Indochinese Federation as propagated by the ICP. The PPRP had 
violated the 1962 Geneva Accord, and the 1973 Vientiane Agreement, and 
took over Laos in 1975. Since 1975, Laos has been a influenced by the 
Vietnamese government and that the economic and political instability 
in Laos are the direct result of the Lao Communist Government policies. 
As long as Vietnam continues to influence Laos and the current regime 
in Vientiane remains unchanged, there will be Human rights violation, 
oppression, corruption and tyranny by the ruling elite. I hope that the 
conditions in NTR will promote Laos to change? Otherwise, NTR will not 
be able to deliver our promise to the people of Laos without 
fundamental change in Laos and this fundamental change is no more or 
less as it required in the case of Afghanistan and Iraq.

    Without the fundamental changes in Laos, the benefits of NTR will 
only be realized for the elite/upper-class, while NTR will be a dream 
for the impoverished. Such as the saying, ``4% of the worlds population 
owns 80% of the worlds wealth.'' This will be the case in Laos, if NTR 
is not coupled with conditions.
    In conclusion, if we want ``changes'' in Laos and to help the 
common people of Laos, NTR can only work if it contains a ``Total 
Package'' to pave the way for Laos to be a truly democratic and 
independent nation. Without these fundamental changes, it will be a 
band-aid solution. The Lao people, who have sacrifice so much for the 
US during the Vietnam War, deserve to have the same opportunity as the 
Iraqi people to create their future by their own free-willing spirit.
            Thank you for your time,
                                                             Pao Lo
                                                     Hmong-American

                                 

                                 Louisiana Regional Lao Republicans
                                       Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70810
Honorable Mr. Philip M. Crane
Chairman Subcommittee on Trade
Committee on Ways and Means
United States Congress

    Dear Congressman Crane

    On behalf of the Louisiana Regional Lao Republicans we praise you 
for your effort protecting DEMOCRACY throughout the world.
    Many of our familymembers are still living under the oppression of 
the communist government of LAOS. We urge you to OPPOSE any additional 
trade with the communist of LAOS. Allow trade to resume ONLY when the 
people of Lao achive DEMOCRACY, FREEDOM, RESPECT for human rights and 
the rule of law.
            Respectfully
                                                         Somdy Rasy

                                 

                                       Falls Church, Virginia 22041
To
Honorable E. Grassley, Chairman, Committee of Finance, United States 
    Senate
Honorable William M. Thomas, Chairman, Committee on Ways and Means, 
    House of Representatives
E-mail [email protected]
Fax (202) 225 2610

    Honorable,

    As an American Citizen, I wholeheartedly support the joint proposal 
of Honorable Colin L. Powell, State Secretary and Honorable Robert B. 
Zoellick, US Trade Representative in granting the Permanent Normal 
Trade Relations to the Lao People's Democratic Republic.
    The Lao PDR is the only country in the area that does not have such 
facility yet, even though its Politico-Social situations are far better 
than others.
    I should appreciate if you could take the said proposal and my 
noble wish in consideration and render to Laos the fairness and real 
touch of the US generosity toward a country that maintains good 
relations and cooperations with the United States.
    Once again I thank you very much for your kind cooperation
            Sincerely yours,
                                                  Kouy Luangphinith

                                 

                                           New York, New York 10012
                                                     April 21, 2003
Hearing Clerk
Ways and Means Committee
US House of Representatives

    Dear Congressional Representatives on the House Ways and Means 
Committee:

    I strongly urge you to pass NTR for Lao PDR. I worked in Vietnam 
for four years, two of them for the US Commercial Service in Hanoi 
(1997-1999), and saw first hand the mutual benefits normalized trade 
relations have for countries. I have also traveled in Laos and 
understand that while very different economies, the fundamental impact 
of a trade agreement with the United States would be similar.
    Benefits from NTR are more than just monetary for a country like 
Vietnam or Laos. The process of negotiation and restructuring to comply 
with any trade agreement with the U.S. entails tough choices on the 
part of the leaders of the country, and necessitates a strong 
commitment to open markets, accountability, and strengthening of the 
legal system. While Laos may not be an important trading partner for 
the U.S. financially, I firmly believe that NTR will bring stability 
and growth to the region, which on aggregate is vitally important to 
America's international trade with Asia and general security.
    Please take this opportunity to pass NTR for Laos.
            Sincerely,
                                                      Tara McAuliff

                                 

                    [BY PERMISSION OF THE CHAIRMAN:]

                                                   Mekong Law Group
                                            Bangkok 10110, Thailand
                                                     April 10, 2003
Congressman Philip M. Crane
Chairman, Subcommittee on Trade
Committee on Ways & Means
United States House of Representatives
   COMMENTS SUBMITTED IN RESPONSE TO REQUEST FOR WRITTEN COMMENTS ON 
                    NORMAL TRADE RELATIONS FOR LAOS
               STATEMENT IN SUPPORT OF NTR FOR LAO P.D.R.
    My name is David Doran. I have worked as a legal adviser in 
Cambodia, Laos and Thailand for over 10 years. I started out my career 
in this region with Baker & McKenzie's Bangkok office in 1992. From 
there, I joined Dirksen Flipse Doran & Le as a founding partner in 
1994. I started our Phnom Penh office in January 1995. I moved to 
Thailand two months ago to establish our Bangkok office.
    I received my Juris Doctor degree from the University of Washington 
School of Law, where I was on Law Review. I received a post graduate 
decree in law and economics from the Graduate Institute of 
International Studies in Geneva, with highest marks. While in Geneva, I 
also clerked at the GATT (now WTO). I am a member of the California and 
Washington State Bar Associations.
    I am writing to ask that the United States Congress grant Normal 
Trade Relations (NTR) to the Lao P.D.R (``Laos'').
Background to DFDL
    The core business of my firm is to provide commercial and corporate 
legal services to foreign investors and lenders operating in Laos and 
Cambodia. We are the leading firm in both countries. Most of our 
clients are international companies, some being major U.S. companies. 
We are well known and respected by the U.S. Embassy in Cambodia and 
Laos, and have represented the U.S. Government on a number of 
significant matters in Cambodia. We currently have 11 lawyers in the 
three countries.
    I do NOT provide my comments on behalf of the Lao Government, or 
any Lao government institution, or any clients. In fact, during the 
course of our representation of clients in Laos, we have occasionally 
been required to take positions on behalf of our clients against 
government action or policies in both countries.
Nonetheless, we strongly support NTR for Laos.
My Cambodia Experience
    My experience in Cambodia shows that NTR can have very significant 
and wide reaching benefits. Not only is NTR an important stimulus by 
itself, it also opens the door to many other significant benefits.
    Cambodia received NTR from the U.S. on September 25, 1996. NTR 
opened the door for the garment sector to create thousands of jobs for 
poor Cambodians, thereby earning the country important foreign exchange 
and stimulating economic growth in other sectors. It also opened the 
door for the grant of GSP and was the first step in Cambodia's rapid 
advance toward accession to the WTO.
    In short, NTR has been a key catalyst in propelling Cambodia into 
the community of trading nations. I believe it can also have this 
positive effect in Laos.
    The Committee is most certainly already aware of the direct 
benefits that NTR would have in Laos and I will not go into these in 
detail in these Comments.
    I would like to highlight for the Committee the importance of NTR 
for Laos in relation to GSP. GSP is very significant for countries like 
Laos and Cambodia because such countries can benefit substantially from 
the graduation of Thailand and other ASEAN countries from GSP. Cambodia 
and Thailand already have a well developed plan to relocate ``GSP'' 
factories from Thailand to Cambodia, further generating growth and jobs 
for Cambodia's poor. Laos shares a long, open border with Thailand, and 
would also benefit considerably from such GSP relocation factories. 
However, without NTR, there will be no GSP.
Why Does Laos Deserve NTR?
    To answer this key question, I would again like to draw on my 
experience in Cambodia. I supported NTR for Cambodia in 1996 and 
participated in a committee aimed at encouraging the Cambodian 
government to take the steps necessary to obtain NTR. We strongly 
believe that if Cambodia deserved NTR in 1996, (which it did), Laos 
certainly deserves NTR now.

    1. 
      LNTR is good for democracy. NTR has assisted to improve economic 
growth in Cambodia such that a small new middle class is being created. 
And as we have seen elsewhere in Asia, the creation of such a middle 
class is key to democracy. I note the strong showing of the opposition 
party in Cambodia's communal elections earlier this year.
      LI also would point out that while Cambodia held elections in 
1993, the government in charge at the time NTR was granted was not the 
elected government. NTR was, nonetheless granted.
    2.
      LThe Legal System in Laos is ahead of Cambodia. The Laos Legal 
system is more advanced in many ways than Cambodia's was at the time 
that NTR was granted. Even to this day, Cambodia lacks key laws for 
commercial and human rights. In Cambodia, there is still no law of 
civil procedure, no company law, no bankruptcy law, no mining law, no 
domestic arbitration law and no secured transaction law. A modern land 
law was only passed recently. All of these laws have existed in Laos 
for quite some time. Cambodia had not implemented the N.Y. Convention 
on the Enforcement of Arbitral Awards when it was granted NTR, while 
Laos has acceded to the Convention.

    In short, I believe there is no longer any reason that Laos should 
be subject to more stringent conditions for NTR than conditions imposed 
on Cambodia when it was granted NTR. It is time for the U.S. to assist 
the people of Laos by opening up its market equally to Lao goods.
For these reasons, we again ask that the U.S. Congress approve NTR for 
        Laos.
    I thank the Committee and Sub-Committee for considering my 
comments.
            Sincerely yours,
                                                        David Doran
                                            Director, Mekong Region

Copy provided to:
Mr. Douglas A. Hartwick, U.S. Ambassador to Lao P.D.R.
Honorable Jon Huntsman, Deputy Director, USTR
Ms. Francis Zwenig, US-ASEAN Business Counsel

LIST OF ORGANIZATIONS REPRESENTED BY WITNESS
I am writing as a witness on behalf of
(1) Dirksen Flipse Doran & Le (Laos) Co. Ltd
(2) Dirksen Flipse Doran & Le (Cambodia) Co. Ltd.
(3) Mekong Law Group--Cambodia & Thailand

                                 

                                        Mennonite Central Committee
                                          Akron, Pennsylvania 17501
                                                     April 16, 2003
Attn: Hearing Clerk
House Ways and Means
202-225-2610
Chairman Philip Crane
House Subcommittee on Trade
Attn: Hearing Clerk
U.S. House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20515

    Dear Chairman Crane,

    I am writing on behalf of Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) to 
state our strong support for granting Normal Trade Relations (NTR) to 
the Lao PDR.
    MCC is the relief, development and peace-building agency of 
Mennonite and Brethren in Christ churches and has maintained a presence 
in Laos since 1975. Now more than 25 years after the end of the Vietnam 
War, we believe that granting NTR status to Laos, a country with which 
the United States never broke diplomatic ties, is long overdue and an 
appropriate gesture of reconciliation.
    Moreover, normal trade relations have the potential to contribute 
positively to efforts to overcome poverty in the country. Private 
sector trade and investment have a clear impact on the population with 
which we work. Since the mid-1980's, we have worked with an artisans' 
cooperative to improve quality and marketability of their products. 
Some of these products are marketed in North America through an MCC-
related program, Ten Thousand Villages. However, our ability to market 
these products is severely limited by the high tariffs imposed by the 
United States.
    The U.S. government presently spends a sizeable amount of money in 
Laos to develop income alternatives to the production of opium. One 
component of the U.S. government's efforts in Laos is the promotion of 
silk production and weaving. The marketing of this craft is being 
restricted by lack of fair access to U.S. markets. Removing a major 
trade barrier would enhance that effort and give new income options to 
local craft producers at little or no added cost to the United States.
    The bilateral trade agreement between Laos and the United States 
was signed in 1997. We encourage you to move implementing legislation 
through the Congress without delay.
    Thank you for your attention to our views.
            Sincerely,
                                              Betsy Headrick McCrae
                                        Director, East Asia Program

                                 

                               Movement for Democracy in Laos (MDL)
                                        Burnsville, Minnesota 55337
The Honorable Congressman
Chaiman, Subcommittee on Trade
Committee on Ways and Means
United States Congress

    Dear Congressman:

The Movement for Democracy in Laos (MDL) calls on the United States of 
America Administration and the Congress to delay the granting of Normal 
Trade Relations (NTR) status to the Lao Communist Government.
    The Movement for Democracy in Laos is fighting for human rights, 
freedom, and democracy in Laos,

     Lapplauds the US government's policies of engagement with 
the Lao Communist Government and many approaches of humanitarian 
aspects with regards to the Lao people. However, many fundamental 
issues relating to the interest of both countries, Laos and the USA 
remain pending since the dictatorial communist rule in Laos, instead of 
seeing the burden decreased.
     Lappeals to the US Administration, the Congress, the 
American public and the humanitarian organizations to sift thoroughly 
any practical steps for the benefit of both American and Lao people 
concerning the granting of the NTR to the Lao Communist Government. 
For, we consider that this topical issue should not be barred from all 
comprehensive and original problems.
     Lconsiders that the NTR will not be beneficial at all to 
the American and Lao people and, on the contrary, will profit only 
communist leaders. The NTR will further abuse human rights while 
aggravating rampant corruption, especially among the ruling leaders, 
and, to crown it all, will reinforce the power of oppression of the 
Party's communist dictatorship and worsen the dire poverty of the vast 
majority of the Lao people.
     Lstates that, all things considered, our organization has 
at all times expressed our views. Our organization on various occasions 
has called on the Great Powers, different governments and parliaments 
involved in Laos affairs, and the United Nations representing the world 
community to put pressure on the Lao Government to respect its own 
constitution, and its international obligations and the United Nations' 
Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Unfortunately, however, in all 
aspects of the ruling authority of the Lao Administration of one-party 
dictatorship and the conditions of the Lao people's life, the situation 
of Laos is getting more and more deteriorated. The Lao people still 
live ever more impoverished, backward and ignorant, shut away and 
cloistered from the outside world due to the misinformation media 
system of the Lao Authority. Any economic benefits, if they ever 
existed, from the NTR status, would only further enhance and perpetuate 
the oppressive and prosecutorial regime of the Lao Communist 
totalitarian government.
     Lcharges the Lao People Democratic Republic has a long 
tradition and dictatorial principle of deceptive and untruthful 
practices and, further, ceaselessly denies all of its acts of 
brutality, and its arrest and continued incarceration of the student 
leaders. Witnessed by the European parliamentarian protesters and 
unmasked by the students participating in the demonstration of 1999 who 
were able to escape Laos after the failed attempt, as well as, by the 
Amnesty International public statement of October 25, 2002, proof to 
grievous humanitarian infractions are substantiated. The disappearance 
of Michael Vang and his companion Houa Ly in Laos four years ago is 
another proof of insecure working conditions in Laos.
     Lbelieves that granting the NTR status in this 
inappropriate moment conveys a flawed message. The Lao PDR continues 
its arrogant and hardened stance, as evidenced by its having never 
flinched an ounce to the appeals, advices, and warnings of most of the 
countries giving assistance to Laos with respect to human rights, 
religious freedom, decent treatment of political prisoners and their 
unconditional release. Thus, granting NTR status inadvertently 
constitutes the wrong message to the multi-ethnic Lao people as rewards 
to the dictatorial government.
     Lbelieves, as the Movement for Democracy in Laos 
representing the Lao overseas voice, that there will be a time when NTR 
status will benefit the vast majority of the multi-ethnic Lao people. 
That beneficial opportunity will come when the Lao people can freely 
elect, without fear and or threat, their own legitimate representative 
form of government not one imposed upon them by a one dictatorial 
party-state government as they are currently forced to endure. The MDL 
reiterates its call for delaying the granting of NTR status until human 
rights violations are ceased and all of our petitions and request for 
an immediate and unconditional release of all political and religious 
prisoners held in various prisons or ``re-education'' camps through 
Laos are met.

    The Movement for Democracy in Laos seizes this occasion to renew to 
the US government and Congress its highest consideration and its best 
wishes for their unshakable endeavors for their people's safety.
            For the President of the Movement for Democracy in Laos
                                            Bounleuang Kataviravong
                                              The Secretary General

                                 

                                         National Retail Federation
                                             Washington, D.C. 20004
                                                     April 21, 2003
Congressman Philip M. Crane
Chairman, Ways and Means Subcommittee on Trade
U.S. House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20515
VIA EMAIL: [email protected] and
FAX: (202) 225-2610

    Dear Chairman Crane:

    In response to the Subcommittee's request for comments on extending 
normal trade relations (NTR) to products from Laos, I would like to 
state for the record that the National Retail Federation fully supports 
such an extension.
    The National Retail Federation (NRF) is the world's largest retail 
trade association with membership that comprises all retail formats and 
channels of distribution including department, specialty, discount, 
catalog, Internet and independent stores. NRF members represent an 
industry that encompasses more than 1.4 million U.S. retail 
establishments, employs more than 23 million people--about 1 in 5 
American workers--and registered 2002 sales of $3.6 trillion. In its 
role as the retail industry's umbrella group, NRF also represents 32 
national and 50 state associations in the U.S. as well as 36 
international associations representing retailers abroad.
    While there is currently very little business conducted by NRF 
member companies in Laos, it is important to note that Laos is the only 
Southeast Asian country that is not afforded NTR status. Consequently, 
Laos faces the highest tariff rate of any country in the world. As a 
result, Laos' exports to the United States have decreased dramatically, 
and US investment that once was in Laos has fled for Vietnam, China and 
Cambodia because of these countries' NTR status with respect to the 
United States.
    The Laotian Government has increasingly recognized the importance 
of integrating itself into the global economy despite the challenges it 
still faces as a result of the Asian Financial crisis and its 
geographical disadvantage as a fully landlocked country. By continuing 
to subject Laos to the archaic Jackson-Vanik provisions of the Trade 
Act of 1974, the United States is inhibiting Laos from fully reaching 
its economic potential and effectively shutting out US companies that 
are willing to invest in this country. The potential impact on Laos 
once it has NTR status is evidenced by the explosive growth in trade 
with Cambodia and Vietnam once those countries obtained NTR status.
    As you know, Secretary of State Colin Powell and USTR Ambassador 
Robert Zoellick have expressed their support for extending NTR for 
Laos. I hope that the Subcommittee will act favorably upon this 
request.
            Sincerely,
                                                      Erik O. Autor
                                Vice President, Int'l Trade Counsel

                                 

                                            Nichols Properties Inc.
                                     Palm Springs, California 92262
                                                     April 19, 2003
The Honorable Philip M. Crane, Chairman
VIA FAX: 202-225-2610
House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Trade U.S. House of 
    Representatives
1104 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515

Re: NTR with Laos

    Dear Chairman Crane and Members of the Subcommittee:

    I write to support normal trade relations (NTR) with Laos, a long 
overdue step that will certainly improve trade and benefit businesses 
on both sides of the Pacific Ocean. I know that small businesses, 
including import-export firms, in our region will be positively 
affected by NTR with Laos, and that further delay in this matter can 
only have harmful economic effects.
    For all of the reasons underlying the joint letter to Congress on 
February 24, 2003, from Secretary of State Colin Powell and US Trade 
Representative Robert Zoellick, the 1997 trade agreement with Laos 
should be implemented. This agreement is beneficial to both Laos, in 
the form of increased investment by U.S. firms, and to the U.S., for 
example in the protection of property rights held by U.S. interests 
within Laos.
    Laos clearly seeks to be a responsible player in the international 
trade environment. In 1997 Laos joined ASEAN, and it is negotiating 
with respect to membership in the World Trade Organization. Moreover, 
Laos has a long record of cooperation with the United States in the 
search for MIAs.
    At this time, when a stronger international economy is of vital 
concern to our country, it is clearly in our national interest to take 
all reasonable steps, including NTR with Laos, that will promote and 
normalize international trade and investment. Continued trade 
discrimination against Laos can only be harmful to both of our 
countries.
            Sincerely,
                                                 Stephen C. Nichols

cc: Hon. Mary Bono (via e-mail)

                                 

Statement of NCSJ: Advocates on behalf of Jews in Russia, Ukraine, the 
                        Baltic States & Eurasia

    NCSJ: Advocates on behalf of Jews in Russia, Ukraine, the Baltic 
States & Eurasia welcomes the opportunity to submit written comments 
regarding the extension of Permanent Normal Trade Relations Status 
(``PNTR'') to Armenia and Moldova.
    NCSJ, representing nearly 50 national organizations and more than 
300 local community-based federations, community councils and 
committees on Jews in the successor states of the former Soviet Union 
(``FSU''), speaks for the organized American Jewish community on issues 
affecting the Jewish minority in the successor states. NCSJ evaluates 
graduation for each successor state based on a set of country-specific 
issues, achievements, and challenges. For over three decades, NCSJ has 
mobilized public opinion to oppose human rights violations in the FSU 
and the successor states, including such efforts as the 1987 March on 
Washington--``Freedom Sunday for Soviet Jews''--which drew an estimated 
250,000.
    Members of the Committee have earned a place of merit in the 
struggle to save the Jewish people in the Soviet Union from the 
concerted policy of the Communist Party to extinguish their religion, 
culture, and language. Those who met with refuseniks under the eyes of 
the KGB, delivered Hebrew texts when they were banned and stood for the 
linkage between human rights and trade policy gave courage to those who 
struggled for freedom. Jackson-Vanik is a bipartisan issue.
    Title IV of the Trade Act of 1974--the Jackson, Vanik, Archer, 
Mills Amendment (``Jackson-Vanik'')--was enacted to ``assure the 
continued dedication of the United States to fundamental human 
rights,'' and in so doing sought to eliminate barriers to emigration, 
an internationally recognized human right. Congress has recognized that 
Jackson-Vanik has become an instrument of U.S. policy for assessing 
certain countries' observance of basic human rights and the protection 
of minorities.
THE POSITION OF NCSJ ON GRADUATION
    NCSJ supports terminating the application of Title IV (i.e., 
``graduating'') for Soviet successor states, contingent upon resolution 
of outstanding concerns and inclusion of appropriate language in the 
legislation to graduate. It was on this basis that NCSJ, working 
together with this Committee, the United States Government and fellow 
American Jewish organizations was able to support the graduation of the 
Kyrgyz Republic and the Republic of Georgia in 2000.
    As NCSJ testified before the Committee on April 11, 2002, this 
organization and its member agencies support the graduation of Russia 
from Jackson-Vanik in principle, pending appropriate language in the 
graduating legislation. This support was the result of ongoing 
discussions with the Administration, interested Members and staff, 
community leadership, and others in the United States and Russia.
    It is not the position of NCSJ that the terms of Jackson-Vanik 
should apply in perpetuity to the successor states. However, graduation 
for any successor state must be conditioned upon the development of a 
legal structure that guarantees internationally recognized human rights 
for its Jewish citizens, and other religious and national/ethnic 
minorities. In the absence of such conditions, there is in our opinion 
no possibility of establishing democratic institutions applicable to 
all citizens.
    NCSJ believes that economic growth in the successor states is in 
the strategic interest of the United States. We devoted considerable 
resources to support enactment of the 1992 Freedom Support Act, and 
continue to support the current assistance package as we have advised 
every Member of Congress. NCSJ is an active participant in a broad-
based coalition of business, public interest and ethnic organizations 
that supports full funding for U.S. foreign assistance through the 
Function 150 account. As with freedom of emigration, building 
democratic societies in the wake of Soviet tyranny is hardly something 
we can afford to take for granted.
    Beginning in 1989, the NCSJ Board of Governors endorsed annual 
waivers of the Jackson-Vanik Amendment for the Soviet Union and its 
successor states. This support was contingent on (1) the President's 
affirmation that waivers would encourage emigration and progress on 
other humanitarian issues; and (2) assurances concerning a commitment 
of further progress in connection with these concerns. Since 1994, NCSJ 
has supported semi-annual findings by the President that Armenia and 
Moldova, and most of the successor states, are in compliance with 
Jackson-Vanik's emigration provisions and have demonstrated progress on 
protection of minority rights.
    The opening of the doors to emigration is not the exclusive factor 
that determines our support for graduation of a given country. NCSJ's 
position on graduation is based on substantial progress toward three 
factors:

        L  An unrestricted right of emigration, protection of minority 
        rights, including legislation to provide protection against 
        incitement to violence against persons or groups based on 
        various criteria, including religion (e.g., anti-Semitism), and 
        the exercise of freedom of religion;
        L  The incorporation of human rights standards (including 
        freedom of emigration and religion) into the country's 
        constitutional and legal structure, their protection by the 
        judiciary, and the implementation of administrative practices 
        that do not detract from such rights; and
        L  Participation in bilateral and multilateral mechanisms 
        related to the observance of religious freedom and basic human 
        rights, demonstrating a commitment to these freedoms and 
        rights.

    Although Armenia and Moldova have both gained accession to the 
World Trade Organization, the decision to graduate a country from the 
Jackson-Vanik Amendment should be based upon those issues which 
motivated the original enactment of this law: religious freedom and 
human rights.
    Representative Bill Archer, later to serve as Chairman of this 
Committee, declared his support for the eventual passage of Jackson-
Vanik: ``By taking this action we call upon the Government of the Union 
of Soviet Socialist Republics to cease persecution of these people on 
the basis of religious belief--. as a result of their attempt to 
exercise their religious beliefs and to study their religious heritage 
and culture.'' In conclusion, he affirmed, ``We do not need foreign 
trade enough to do business with countries that practice religious 
discrimination and this form of bondage.''
    The Report of the Committee on Finance for the Trade Reform Act of 
1974 (H.R. 10710) emphasized that Jackson-Vanik extended beyond 
emigration policy. The Report states a deeper motivation beyond that of 
emigration: ``The Committee believes that it is equally reasonable to 
establish conditions on all basic human rights, including the right to 
emigrate as well as basic property rights, before extending broad 
concessions to communist countries.'' Writing in 1980, the late Senator 
Henry M. ``Scoop'' Jackson reiterated that this law ``has long been the 
principal hope of thousands of Soviet Jews and others who have 
struggled to obtain visas so that they might emigrate to Israel, the 
United States, or other countries where they are free to live and 
worship according to their faith--a freedom denied them in the Soviet 
Union.''
    Especially in the post-Soviet landscape, emigration, the ability of 
Jews and other minorities to identify with their cultural heritage, 
restitution of communal property, governmental responses to anti-
Semitism and xenophobia as well as commitments on implementation of 
laws and practices ensuring minority protection have become part of the 
test for graduation. These are reasonable standards and, in effect, 
confirm the transition from the legacy of communism to the development 
of a civil society.
    The following two sections briefly review the status of Armenia and 
Moldova regarding substantive concerns of the Jewish community. 
Additional information and updates are available online at 
www.ncsj.org.
ARMENIA
    Armenia's small Jewish community is relatively well treated and 
maintains a good working relationship with the government. NCSJ views 
Armenia as having been in compliance with the freedom of emigration 
requirements of Jackson-Vanik. Although there are no significant 
restitution issues concerning Armenia, NCSJ hopes that an appropriate 
public space may be made available to the Jewish community as symbolic 
compensation for communal properties destroyed during the Soviet 
period.
    Armenia's participation in local and multilateral mechanisms to 
resolve regional disputes is an encouraging sign of future 
possibilities. One of Armenia's greatest resources is a sophisticated 
and well-educated diaspora community, notably in the United States, 
that continues to play a vital role in the continued development of 
Armenia's civil society. Currently, in its capacity as a Participating 
State of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe 
(OSCE), Armenia is participating in the working group to plan an 
unprecedented international Conference on Anti-Semitism in the OSCE 
Region, scheduled for June 19-20 in Vienna.
MOLDOVA
    Moldova is home to a rich variety of Jewish religious and cultural 
life, and the government has positive relations with Israel. Emigration 
is generally free. Only a fraction of communal property has been 
returned to the Jewish population of over 30,000, in contrast to the 
Orthodox Church which has resolved nearly all of its outstanding 
property claims. Even a handful of properties would make a vital 
difference to older double-survivors of the Holocaust and Soviet terror 
who now depend on community assistance, and for younger Jews seeking 
access to the spiritual and intellectual treasures once denied them. 
Lack of progress on communal restitution means more limited resources 
must be diverted to paying rent where the community's own buildings 
remain beyond reach.
    Anti-Semitism remains a feature of Moldovan society, but official 
discrimination is relegated to the past and anti-Semitic incidents are 
generally investigated and publicly denounced. It is notable that, 
earlier this month, the President of Moldova joined Jewish community 
leaders and others to mark the 100th anniversary of the 
infamous Kishinev (Chisinau) pogrom, which killed dozens of Jews and 
prompted a historic wave of westward emigration. Addressing the past is 
indispensable to assuring the future.Appropriate Language for 
Graduation
    NCSJ recommends strongly that the Ways and Means Committee consider 
legislation that clearly expresses the continued long-term commitment 
of the United States to free emigration, minority rights, and freedom 
of religion. This should proceed within the deliberate context of 
ensuring future adherence to international norms and obligations, 
thereby advancing the goals of Jackson-Vanik.
    In this regard, NCSJ will continue to be in contact both with 
Members of the Committee and the Committee staff to present its 
detailed views. H.R. 528, introduced by Representatives Joe Knollenberg 
and Frank Pallone on February 4, 2003, does not contain language 
reflecting any of the points concerning the primary purpose of Jackson-
Vanik--``to assure the continued dedication of the United States to 
fundamental human rights . . .''
    The longstanding commitment of the United States Congress, which 
motivated the passage of Jackson-Vanik as well, will be advanced and 
reaffirmed if the legislation to graduate a successor state includes 
reference to the following:

        L  The state has continued to return religious and communal 
        properties confiscated from national and religious minorities 
        during the Soviet period, facilitating the reemergence of these 
        communities in the national life of the country; and has 
        committed, including through an exchange of letters, to 
        continue its efforts toward the restitution of such properties 
        in accordance with existing laws.
        L  The state is committed to addressing issues related to its 
        national and religious minorities as a member of the 
        Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), and 
        to adopt measures for ensuring that persons belonging to 
        national minorities have full equality individually, as well as 
        in community with other members of their group.
        L  The state is committed to the 1990 Copenhagen Document of 
        the OSCE affirming the right of national minorities to 
        establish and maintain their own educational, cultural and 
        religious institutions, organizations or associations and to 
        establish and maintain unimpeded contacts among themselves 
        within their country as well as contacts across frontiers.
        L  The state has enacted statutory provisions to provide 
        protection against incitement to violence against persons or 
        groups based on national, racial, ethnic or religious 
        discrimination, hostility or hatred, including anti-Semitism.
        L  Recognition that the exchange of letters between the 
        Governments of Russia and the United States, and related 
        assurances, are viewed by Congress as binding obligations by 
        the Russian Federation.

    Since the graduation of the Republic of Georgia (Public Law 106-
476), the United States Government has exchanged letters with most or 
all of those successor states still subject to Jackson-Vanik. These 
letters contain assurances from the respective governments regarding 
freedom of emigration and other human rights. These important documents 
should be referenced within the legislation to graduate a given 
country, reflecting the shared commitment of the successor government 
and the United States Government.
    Graduation of a country from Jackson-Vanik does not mean anti-
Semitism has disappeared, or that the authorities are doing all they 
could to eradicate racism, xenophobia, and intolerance. Nor does it 
mean that the gains for Jewish life are irreversible; this progress 
remains vulnerable to the voices of darker days, voices that can be 
heard still in the successor states, among citizens, politicians, and 
the media. The referencing, in the graduating legislation, of relevant 
commitments and progress in this context is more than declaring a 
historical triumph of Congressional and U.S. policy. It is a reminder 
to those in America and in the successor states that these principles 
remain vigorous standards for U.S. policy, that new bilateral and 
multilateral mechanisms exist for ensuring them, and that it is on this 
basis a given country is removed from Jackson-Vanik.

                                 

                                         Kensington, Maryland 20895
    Dear Members of the House Ways and Means Committee,
    I am writing to urge you to take the lead in supporting Normal 
Trade Relations with Laos.
    U.S. and Lao diplomatic ties have withstood many difficulties over 
the years-never having been broken even during the years of the U.S.-
Indochina war. Laos cooperates with the U.S. in the search for MIAs in 
Laos and shares our interest in stopping narcotics traffic.
    Laos is a very poor, landlocked country of only a few million 
inhabitants. It has been introducing economic reforms since 1986. Laos 
became part of ASEAN in 1997 and is negotiating membership in the WTO. 
NTR will provide the legal authority for U.S. and Lao companies to 
pursue good trade investments and will obligate Laos to protect U.S. 
property rights.
    I have visited Laos several times. Visitors from the U.S. are 
warmly welcomed in this charming, off-the-beaten-track country. It is 
time for us to grant NTR to Laos. Secretary of State Powell and U.S. 
Trade Representative Zoelick have spoken to the Administration's 
support for NTR status for Laos to fulfill a 1997 bilateral trade 
agreement.
            Sincerely,
                                                        Carlie Numi

                                 

                                                        Odlo U.S.A.
                                            Farmington, Maine 04938
                                                     March 12, 2003
Chairman, House Ways & Means Sub-Committee
Honorable Philip Crane

Re NTR Laos

    Since 1997 we have purchased textile garments from Laos, and 
consequently paid 50-90% duty rates as unfavored nation status (column 
2). We now understand this situation may change, as there is a movement 
to consider granting NTR to Lao.
    I have written repeated letters dating back to 1997, to House Ways 
& Means, as well as Senate Finance members, additionally my own State 
of Maine Senators, Snowe & Collins, requesting such legislation. I am 
delighted to read of this movement and accordingly voice my support and 
encouragement to approve the vote.
    It has always struck me as very odd, that all of SoEast Asia has 
NTR except Lao, and these countries (Vietnam, Cambodia, China, etc) 
export to USA at 20-30% rates of duty, compared to the 50-90% which my 
company has been forced to pay for identical garments.
    Secondly, the factories which I engage, Lao Garment Co Ltd. and 
Trio Laos Export Co., are equal or superior in every aspect of quality, 
workers conditions, and general service to our needs, when compared to 
other SoEast Asian countries which we source. However, should this 
resolution be denied, I surely will be forced to cancel my Laos 
contracts, as the uncompetitive situation can not be continued any 
longer.
    Sadly, this would negatively effect both Lao, and my employees, as 
well as the 400 retail establishments which sell our Lao made products 
to the USA consumers. A no-win situation, but clearly there are no 
alternatives, any longer.
    I thank you for the opportunity to hear my views, and I urge your 
swift action, PRIOR to Jul 1, 2003, and further deliberations will 
produce nothing more nor new to this situation. 1997-2003 has been 
sufficiently long to pay these premium duty rates, as the political 
forces countered each other in this NTR debate, and now is time for 
action in the form of approval.
            Sincerely,
                                                   Leonard J. Widen
                                               V-President Odlo USA

                                 

                    [BY PERMISSION OF THE CHAIRMAN:]

         Organization of Lao Student for Independence and Democracy
                                            40-018 Katowice. Poland
Congressman Philip M. Crane (R-IL),
Chairman, Subcommittee on Trade of the
Committee on Ways and Means,

    Dear Sir,

    I feel that by granting Normalized Trade Relations (NTR) Status to 
Laos without making NTR subject to pre-conditions on human rights, and 
release of political prisoners, will only have the effect of 
legitimizing the continuation of the Lao PDR's oppressive powers and 
human rights abuses against its citizens. Granting NTR now, along with 
its attendant aid and loans, would preclude using this important tool 
of U.S. policy vis-a-vis a future government in Laos.
    Unfortunately there a number of elected officials who mistakenly 
believe that many Lao- and Hmong Americans support giving NTR to Laos 
with no [enforceable] pre-conditions on human rights. There are also 
native borne Americans and US veterans who oppose NTR. There are a 
number of common themes in the debate surrounding the recent surge of 
efforts to weaken U.S. policies toward the LPDR. It's said that 
granting NTR and disarming freedom fighters would alleviate economic 
hardships in Laos, fuel the U.S. economy by tapping into new markets 
and, in the end, cause the demise of the LPDR's totalitarian regime. 
These arguments don't consider the harsh realities of Laos under the 
communist leaders like Khamtay Siphandon and Somsavath Lengsavad. 
Giving into the Lao government and granting NTR now without any 
preconditions would only serve to strengthen the LPDR's grip on 
thelandlocked country and its people.
    Supporters of a granting NTR suggest the regime would allow 
tourists and investments from the United States to influence Lao 
society. That won't happen. The LPDR is not willing to trade total 
control of power for an improved economy. We have seen it with North 
Korea, Iraq, China, and Cuba. We see the example of China which even 
before and after receiving NTR and WTO membership continued its massive 
human rights abuses, with the US government fearful of doing anything 
to disturb the $40 billion plus trade relationship for business 
reasons. Granting NTR and disarming democratic movement groups inside 
Laos without meaningful democratic and free-market reforms in Laos 
would certainly guarantee the perpetuation of the institutions and 
groups that support the regime. The LPDR only wants U.S. credits and 
tourism because it desperately needs hard currency to fuel the regime.
    U.S. investors would quickly discover that they were operating on 
the LPDR's turf. Workers are not permitted to contract with companies. 
There is no infrastructure and no accountable banking system. If a 
foreign company needs local workers, it must go through the regime, 
which then assigns workers and collects their wages in dollars. The 
regime then pays its workers in worthless Kip. Translation: Foreign 
investment bankrolls the LPDR and leaves the workers destitute. Every 
other country in the world is free to trade with Laos and even donated 
millions and millions of dollars, which clearly has not helped the 
country's economic plight. If the U.S. were to provide credits to the 
LPDR regime to buy American goods, the U.S. taxpayer will eventually 
foot the bill. The regime does not pay its bills. The LPDR economic 
system is a miserable failure that stifles productivity. Yet it 
continues to spend recklessly on the military. Allowing the LPDR access 
to hard currency will not only strengthen its hold on the Lao people, 
but also allow it to build up its military and continue its oppressive 
human rights abuses. Repeatedly, Amnesty International has documented 
the human rights abuses in Laos. AI receives continual reports of 
extremely poor conditions of detention and the use of cruel, inhuman or 
degrading treatment. These included the prolonged use of stocks, 
deprivation of light, confinement in small cells, and inadequate 
provision of food, water and medication. Bear in mind, in Laos today, 
even if someone is arrested, the family must know someone in the 
outside world and have a way to make the name and details public-which 
the Lao PDR promptly denies, and frequently does not inform family or 
relatives of the arrest(s) and where they are held. SEE:

http://web.amnesty.org/ai.nsf/countries/
laos?OpenView&Start=1&Count=30&Expandall.

    There are 19 website links by AI documenting the Lao government's 
oppression and human rights abuses.
    No information was made public about protesters arrested in 1999 
and 2000, and their whereabouts and fate remained unknown today. These 
included five members of the ''Lao Students Movement for Democracy of 
26 October 1999'', arrested in October 1999. Thongpaseuth Keuakoun, 
Khamphouvieng Sisaath, Seng-Aloun Phengphanh, Bouavanh Chanhmanivong 
and Keochay were among a group of people who had attempted to publicly 
call for respect for human rights, the release of political prisoners, 
a multi-party political system and elections for a new National 
Assembly. Sinh Keotha, a woman arrested in connection with the same 
demonstration, was believed to have been released, while her brother, 
Sinh Sanay, remained in detention. At least 15 people arrested in 
November 2000 following a demonstration in Champasak province remained 
unaccounted for.
    Khamtanh Phousy, a prisoner of conscience detained since 1996, 
remained in Prison Camp 7, in a remote area of Houa Phanh province. A 
former army officer who converted to Christianity, he was sentenced to 
seven years' imprisonment on what were believed to be politically 
motivated charges. No information was available about the situation of 
two other political risoners believed to be still held in Prison Camp 
7. Sing Chanthakoumane and Pangtong Chokbengboun, detained for ''re-
education'' and held without charge or trial since 1975, had been 
sentenced to life imprisonment after an unfair trial in 1992.
    Prisoners of conscience Feng Sakchittaphong and Latsami Khamphoui, 
both aged 61, remained in Prison Camp 7. Both men are former government 
officials who were arrested in 1990 after advocating peaceful political 
and economic change. In 1992 they were sentenced to 14 years' 
imprisonment under national security legislation following an unfair 
trial. Conditions of detention were extremely harsh. They continued to 
be held in darkness, and to be denied adequate food and medical care. 
Visiting rights for their families were severely restricted.
    In late 2000, an Australian couple Kerry and Kay Danes, who had 
been working in Laos for a security company, were arrested and charged 
with theft. The couple were detained in Phonthong prison and since 
their release in 2001 have reported suffering torture and ill treatment 
at the prison, and of witnessing appalling treatment of other 
prisoners. Their case showed that the concern of a government which is 
an important aid donor to Laos in this case Australia did not prevent 
the torture and ill-treatment of nationals of that country in the Lao 
prison system, even with the support of determined consular officials. 
Foreign nationals arrested in Laos are vulnerable to serious human 
rights abuses. Lao nationals under arrest are even more helpless.
    In November 2001, five foreign nationals, including a member of the 
European Parliament, were arrested after staging a protest in Vientiane 
to commemorate the second anniversary of the attempted demonstration on 
26 October 1999. They were tried after two weeks, each given a two-year 
suspended sentence for anti-government propaganda, and deported.
    Religious persecution. Despite official denials, arrests and 
harassment of members of small unauthorized Christian churches 
continued. The majority of reported incidents took place in villages in 
the provinces. The authorities closed churches and people who refused 
to renounce their faith in writing were imprisoned. Although several 
Christians previously detained in the provinces of Savannakhet, Luang 
Prabang and Attapeu were released, at least 30 remained in prisons 
around the country. These included Seuat, Khamthorn and Dam, arrested 
in November 2000 and held in Savannakhet City Jail; and Thongchan, Nhot 
and See arrested in Oudomsay province in 1999 and sentenced to 15, 12 
and 12 years' imprisonment respectively. At least eight new arrests 
took place. In some cases people were held for short periods, while 
others were serving long sentences. It was reported that people 
released from prison were subjected to restrictions on movement by 
local authorities. Three Christian pastors were arrested in May in 
Bolikhamsai province after their church was closed down because they 
refused to sign a document renouncing their faith. Siaye Wang, aged 40 
with six children, Tongkhue Wue, aged 43 with five children, and 
Yiaprie Wue, aged 31 with six children, were believed to be in poor 
health since their arrest because they were held in stocks and not 
given adequate food.
    In January-February 1973, at the time of OPERATION HOMECOMING when 
some 591 American POWs were released by Hanoi, the United States, was 
still seeking almost 400 other POW's, MANY who were known to be alive 
on the ground in >Laos and in Vietnamese controlled areas of Laos at 
the time of their loss, some of whom had even been used by the Pathet 
Lao and North Vietnam in propaganda. As of January 2, 2003, the 
National League of Families lists 382 American still unaccounted for in 
Laos. Why grant Laos NTR, when as of now, some 350 MIA thought to have 
been alive in Laos at the time of their loss, and who were not returned 
to the U.S. at the time of the January 1973 Operation Homecoming: (1) 
might be alive and under the control of the Lao government, or (2) are 
dead because the Communist Lao forces killed them. Perhaps you can tell 
me which it is, (1) or (2)? Why doesn't the US demand that Laos explain 
what happened to those Americans who were alive on the ground at the 
time they were lost? Is the US too caught up in saying it gets 
excellent cooperation from the LPDR on POW-MIA instead of repeatedly 
demanding an accounting of those LKA?
    Until the LPDR respects human rights, releases political prisoners 
and holds free and internationally supervised elections, AND accounts 
for American POWs who were alive on the ground when lost, NTR should 
remain closed. To reward the LPDR now is to ensure that Laos' 5.4 
million citizens will continue to face the same horrors and hardships 
they suffer today--just under a regime bolstered by U.S.
            Sincerely yours,
                                               Bounthanh Thammavong
                                                        Chairperson

                                 

                           Pacific Inter-Trading and Consulting Co.
                                          St. Paul, Minnesota 55103
                                                     March 28, 2003
The Hornorable Chairman Williams Thomas
and Congressional members of the Ways and Means Committee
2208 Rayburn HOB
Washington, D.C. 20515-0522

    Dear Chairman Thomas,

    We are writing this letter to support NTR for Laos. A subsidiary of 
our company, Services 2000, has been doing business in Laos for a 
number of years now, and we feel it is most justified to grant NTR for 
Laos at this time.
    Laos seems to be the only country remaining in the South East Asian 
region that has not yet been granted this trade status, and we feel it 
will be imbalance in our justice system while granting NTR for everyone 
else except Laos. Furthermore, Laos have been working very hard with 
the U.S. and the world community in order to improve the concerned 
human rights issues in Laos and others of similarity. Like many 
countries around the world, Laos is also in struggle for economic 
reforms in order to survive this world crisis and economic depression. 
With NTR, Laos can change more and be able to compete better with the 
world market systems; thus improving its economy by creating more jobs 
and attracting more foreign investment in to Laos which will help 
secure a better future for the many generations to come.
    We realized that there are still some small groups of people who 
view Laos as a dangerous country with horrible human rights and 
religious freedom violation. But through our experience working with 
the Lao people and constant visits to that country, I must say this is 
no longer a true picture of Laos today. Gradually, Laos have changed, 
especially during the last few years. I am sure there is still rooms 
for improvement for every walks of life but only time can help Laos to 
become economic self-sufficient and be in full compliance with the 
United Nations standards. Therefore, we should not penalize Laos by 
holding back NTR which may be the only tool to help Laos succeed in 
those areas. NTR will also enable Laos to gain equal access to 
information and same advantage to economic opportunities like other 
countries. The United States, being a great country by reaching out to 
help small countries such as Laos, can only reflect the true liberty 
and justice for all of this great nation once again. Therefore, we 
pledge that you would vote ``YES'' to NTR for Laos at the United States 
congress. If I can be of further help, please do not hesitate to let me 
know.
    With the best regards, I remain.
            Respectfully yours,
                                                       Wayne Saykao
                                                          President

                                 

                                                        PacMar Inc.
                                             Honolulu, Hawaii 96816
                                                     April 11, 2003
Honorable Philip M Crane, Chairman,
Subcommittee on Trade,
Committee on Ways and Means'
House of Representatives,
United States Congress.

Honorable Neil Abercrombie,
Congressman (Hawaii)
House of Representatives,
United States Congress

    Dear Congressmen Crane and Abercrombie:

    I am a Hawaii-based Laotian American, President and CEO of Pacific 
Management Resources (PacMar Inc.), a well-established U.S. 
international consulting company providing professional expertise and a 
wide range of business development advisory services throughout the 
Asia Pacific region for the past two decades.
    I am writing in support of the Bush Administration's recommendation 
to grant permanent NTR to Laos (Lao People's Demcratic Republic).
    For this purpose, I have attached a statement which was jointly 
drafted and adopted by key Laotian-American community leaders/
professionals in Hawaii and those across the U.S. Mainland. The said 
statement, in my view, reflects very accurately the opinions of the 
vast majority of the 4,000 Laotian-Americans in Hawaii, and over half 
million other Laotian-Americans across the United States, on this 
issue. I respectfully urge your full review of this statement, and 
favorable action by your esteemed Committee. The said statement 
outlines the socio-political, and humanitarian reasons for granting the 
NTR to Laos. I would like to add the following additional economic and 
strategic reasons for granting the NTR to Laos:
    We support granting the NTR for Laos not only because it reflects 
the collective sentiments of the vast majority of the Laotian-American 
communities in Hawaii and across the U.S.; but, more importantly, 
granting the NTR to Laos will serve the best long-term economic and 
strategic interests of the United States of America in the greater 
ASEAN region.
    Laos is a member of ASEAN. The country is strategically located 
right in the heart of the Greater Mekong Sub-Region (GMS), which is 
home to over 250 million ethnically diverse populace with some of the 
fastest-growing markets and most dynamic economies, including those of 
China, Vietnam, Thailand, as well as the newly emerging but fast-
changing economies of Cambodia, and Burma.
    Major multi-lateral funding agencies (e.g. the ADB, Worldbank), 
bilateral donors, and leading private U.S. and other multi-national 
companies are committing massive aid and investment resources into the 
GMS. They view the GMS as one large, and increasingly integrated 
market, and highly promising new investment ``frontiers,'' of which 
Laos is an inseparable part.
    Major multi-modal infrastructural networks (new trans-national road 
networks, railroads, civil aviation and telecommunication systems) are 
being planned and developed at rapid pace for this GMS region, most of 
them connecting to and/or traversing various parts of Laos (which 
shares common boarders with all other five GMS nations).
    Laos--being richly endowed with diverse forestry/mineral resources, 
and vast exportable hydro-power potential--is poised to be one of the 
key ``hubs'' for cross-boarder trade, and economic exchanges, and 
lucrative market links among the six GMS nations. The U.S. is currently 
among the leading economic ``stakeholders'' in the GMS. Continued 
refusal to grant NTR to Laos is detrimental to the current and long-
term U.S. national interest in this dynamic and fast-growing region.
    The significance of Laos to the U.S. regional economic and security 
interests must be viewed in this broader ASEAN and GMS context. It is 
in the light of these broader U.S.-ASEAN regional economic and security 
interests that I urge your esteemed Committee to recommend the granting 
of the much overdue US-NTR to Laos.
            Sincerely yours,
                                                Puongpun Sananikone
                                     President and CEO, PacMar Inc.
                                 ______
                                 
Attachment:

         Statement of Support From Laotian-Americans in Hawaii

             For The Bush Administration's Trade Initiative

                To extend Normal Trade Relations to Laos

    We, Laotian-Americans in Hawaii, believe that:
    Widespread and rapidly growing unemployment among youth in Laos has 
driven tens of thousands of them to flee to Thailand and other 
neighboring countries where they fall prey to exploitative and inhumane 
treatment by their employers and criminals; while the land-locked 
Laotian economy continues to weaken due to decline in foreign 
investment and its weak capability to compete with its neighbors in the 
export markets. The situation is further aggravated by the continued 
denial of US NTR to Laos while such privilege is enjoyed by its 
stronger immediate neighbors, including Vietnam and Cambodia.
    US NTR for Laos is not a panacea for its social economic problems, 
but it will put Laos on a level playing field with its neighboring 
countries on which to compete for a share of the U.S. markets. This in 
turn will stimulate domestic and foreign investment in Laos and give 
the country a fair chance to provide decent jobs for its youth and 
thereby help reverse the current ill treatment and suffering they have 
had to endure, both in Laos and in neighboring countries.
    We realize that Laotian communities across the U.S. are not 
unanimous in their views about the current Laotian Government and its 
policies, and that the majority of Laotian Americans still wish to see 
more political reforms and changes. But we believe that a stronger 
Laotian economy will improve living conditions of the Laotian people 
who, in turn, will then become real stakeholders and, eventually 
catalysts for change. Experience in Asia has amply demonstrated that 
the democratization process has been economically driven.
    While understanding and respecting the views of those opposing the 
granting of US NTR for Laos, we ask that they also understand and 
respect our views and positions on this important matter. As American 
citizens, we have the obligation to respect each other's rights and 
freedom to express our views in accordance with our belief and 
conscience.
    The majority of Laotian Americans have reconnected with their 
homeland. Most of them have returned to Laos for visits and have 
relatives who are still there and wish to see that they be given a fair 
chance for a better living. Most Laotian Americans believe that 
promoting economic development is the best way to promote peaceful and 
sustainable change in Laos.
    We wholeheartedly applaud and share the position taken by the Bush 
Administration on the issue of US NTR for Laos. Ambassador Hartwick is 
trying to encourage discussion and favorable consideration of this 
initiative.
    Laotian Americans and friends of the Laotians who share our views 
should exercise their right of freedom of speech by voicing their views 
to their respective Congressional representatives, especially members 
of the House Ways and Means Committee.
    The opposition to the US NTR to date seeks to isolate and 
impoverish Laos for their own ambiguous political agenda. They have 
organized and financed aggressive lobby efforts to prevent hearings on 
this matter. Some of them continue to believe that poverty will force 
change in Laos. Recent history in Asia shows otherwise. People in 
isolated and poor North Korea have no means to ask for change, they 
starve in silence; while in relatively rich South Korea and other parts 
of Asia (Thailand, Taiwan, Malaysia, Philippines etc.) growing 
affluence of the peoples have created economically strong and well 
educated middle class who in turn have proven to be the real incubators 
and guardians of the growing democratization process.
    A constructive engagement approach is a better alternative for the 
U.S. to promote change in Laos; and that promoting change through 
peaceful socio-economic development is far more effective and humane 
than deliberate impoverishment of our fellow Laotians in Laos. The 
granting of NTR to Laos will open up U.S. market to tens of thousands 
of Laotian entrepreneurs and workers. This will ultimately lead to 
greater economic empowerment of Laotians, making them stakeholders in 
their own society and, thereby, creating genuine impetus towards 
democratization and the rule of law.
    For more information and assistance, please contact:
The US-Lao NTR Coalition
120 Broadway, Suite 4
Richmond, CA 94804
(510) 235-5005, (510) 235-5065
Website: Laotianlink.com
Email: [email protected]

Hawaii Contact:
Email: [email protected]
telephone: 808-7352602,7328731
fax: 808-7342315
Mail: 3615 Harding Avenue, Suites 408-409, Honolulu, Hi 96816

                                 

                                          Redmond, Washington 98052
                                                     April 20, 2003
Congressman Philip M. Crane
Chairman, Subcommittee on Trade
U.S. House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20515
Fax 202/225-2610

    Dear Congressman Crane:

    I lived in the country of Laos as a young American girl in 1962 at 
the age of 9 because of my father's job with USAID. I have made two 
return trips to Laos, in 1993 and 1996, and have re-established a 
strong and heartfelt bond with the land and the people of that country.
    I am writing to you today to ask that you and the U.S. Congress 
support the normalization of trade relations with the Lao PDR. I have a 
particular interest and passion for the handwoven textiles that are 
made by the weavers in Laos. I have visited workshops where these 
ancient skills are being passed on to poor, uneducated young girls from 
the countryside. Income from sales of these beautiful textiles offers a 
means of supporting a family, as well as preserving a venerable and 
valuable cultural heritage. The Lao weavers would benefit tremendously 
from improved and eased access to the highly important U.S. market. 
This is only one example from one small segment of the Lao economy.
    The Lao people have suffered enough. They have already paid heavily 
with the loss to war of so many in an older generation; the loss of so 
many educated people who fled as refugees; the loss of hands, feet, and 
limbs to the unexploded ordnance we left behind in the '60s and '70s. 
It is time to put the MIA issue behind us in favor fulfilling our 
obligation, rooted in history, of opening opportunities to a better 
life for today's people of Laos.
            Sincerely yours,
                                                   Nancy L. Penrose
                                                      Writer/editor

CC:
      Representative Jennifer Dunn
      Representative Jim McDermott

                                 

                                             Washington, D.C. 20001
                                                     April 12, 2003
Congressman Philip M. Crane
U.S. House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20515
Fax 202/225-2610

    Dear Congressman Crane:

    As a daughter of a Lao textile weaver, I know how valuable it is to 
have craft skills in Laos during hard times because I have experienced 
and seen first hand that such skills can help one feed one's family. 
Since 1995, I visited Laos numerous times and I saw many Laotians, 
especially weavers, who were eager to work and sell their products. 
However, the morning market was the only market where they can sell 
their products for a small price to sympathetic tourists. As an 
American, I cannot turn a blind eye and ignore that these people have 
not suffered enough. This is why I am writing you to ask that you and 
the Congress grant Laos normalized trade relations (NTR). By granting 
Laos NTR, we are giving the Laotians a chance to rebuild their country. 
With the crisis that is going on around the world, granting Laos NTR is 
one of the many ways that we Americans, which we take pride in, can 
give dignity and pride back to the people of Laos. In return, they will 
look upon the United States as friends. If Laos is granted NTR, we are 
giving its people an opportunity to become productive citizens.
            Sincerely yours,
                                           Thiphasone Phimviengkham
                                          Radio Production Engineer

                                 

                    [BY PERMISSION OF THE CHAIRMAN:]

                                               Washington, DC 20008
                                                      April 9, 2003
The Honorable Philip M. Crane,
Chairman, Subcommittee on Trade,
Ways and Means Committee
United States Representatives

    Honorable Crane,

    On behalf of the Government and the people of Laos, I would like to 
express my sincere thank and appreciation for being given the 
opportunity to submit comments to the US House Ways and Means 
Subcommittee on Trade regarding the extension of the Normal Trade 
Relations status to Laos. We applaud the efforts of the United States 
to actively engage the relationship with Laos on a political and trade 
related basis.
    Laos and the US had initialed the Bilateral Trade Agreement in 
1997, and the document has not been yet approved. In the past few years 
the Lao Government and its people in collaboration with the US 
Administration as well as the Lao-American living in the United States, 
have worked hard in order to push forward and bring into force the 
comprehensive bilateral trade agreement between the United States and 
Laos.
    We are gratified that our country was included in the President's 
International Trade Agenda. On February 24, 2003, Honorable Colin 
Powell, Secretary of State, and Honorable Robert Zoellick, United 
States Trade Representative, sent a joint letter to the Congress 
proposing the Congress to pass the bilateral trade agreement between 
our two countries. I very much appreciate and welcome the decision made 
by the United States Administration in support for granting the NTR 
status to Laos.
    Laos is one of the ASEAN members, and has struggled many years 
remaining one of the world poorest nations, but a nation that is proud 
of its accomplishments and its plans for further achievements in the 
near future.
    You may wish to take into consideration some points regarding the 
developments in Laos as well as the Lao-US relations.
1.
     Developments in Laos:
Reform:
    --Laos started the reform of its economic system since 1986 by 
adopting the New Economic Mechanism shifting from a centrally planned 
economy to a market-oriented economy.
Open-door:
    --It has carried out an open-door policy toward international 
cooperation by enacting law on foreign investments since 1988. Laos has 
been a member of the UN and all other affiliate organizations as well 
as the IMF and World Bank. Laos joined ASEAN in 1997 in order to go 
along with the group for the promotion of regional economic 
cooperation, and trade as well as for the preservation of peace, 
stability and security in the region of Southeast Asia.
Rule of Law:
    --It adopted the first Constitution in 1991 aiming at governing the 
country by the rule of law. Since then more than forty laws have been 
enacted for governing and regulating the economic, financial, 
administrative, social and cultural activities of the country.
2.
     Lao-US Relations:
Diplomatic relations:
    --Despite a political change in Laos in 1975, the Lao-US diplomatic 
relations established since 1952 has never been interrupted.
Cooperation on MIA:
    --In recent years, the United States and Laos have worked very hard 
to build a mutually beneficial relationship and understanding. The 
Government of the Lao PDR and its people have shown their goodwill and 
sincerity in humanitarian cooperation with the US Government, 
particularly, in the field of POW/MIA issues. As a result, to date 179 
remains of MIA have been identified and repatriated to the United 
States. The Defense Prisoner of War/Missing Personnel Office, 
Department of Defense, and the National League of POW/MIA Families can 
be witness on this matter.
    --The UXO clearing projects and the rural development in order to 
reduce the poverty going on very well.
Cooperation on narcotic drug control:
    --The Lao-US cooperation in the field of narcotic drug control, 
which is the common concern for both governments, is also gradually 
expanding, and making the production of opium reduce year by year. The 
aim is to finish off this kind of narcotic drug in 2006.
Cooperation on counter terrorism:
    --The Lao government condemned the terrorist attack on the United 
States on September 11, 2001. In his message sent to President George 
W. Bush, on September 12, 2001, President Khamtai Siphandone, of the 
Lao PDR, reaffirmed his support to the international communities, 
especially the United States to fight against international terrorism.
    --The Lao government has actively protected the American people, 
their interests and properties inside the Lao PDR.
Investment:
    --Currently, the US investments in the country have amounted to US$ 
1,5 billion, which ranks the United States as the second largest 
foreign investor in the Lao PDR after Thailand.
Trade:
    --At present, Laos faces a tariff rate over 45 percent. In actual 
dollar terms, Lao businesses paid US$ 1.8 million to the U.S Customs 
Services in order to sell US$ 3.9 million worth of goods in 2002. This 
tariff rate is the highest in the world.
    --Granting NTR status to Laos would enable the country to develop 
its economy in a better fashion and help to expand the trade and 
investment in the country and strengthen the process of reform and 
liberalization already taking place. Importantly, it will contribute to 
eradicate the poverty and to improve the living standard of the people 
in the country.
    --As mentioned earlier, Laos is one of the ASEAN members. Hence, 
granting of NTR to Laos would signal the United States' continuing 
interest in the ASEAN nations, and will fulfill the Trade policy of 
Enterprise for ASEAN Initiative (EAI), announced by President George W. 
Bush last year in Mexico.
    As the United States is the foremost advocate of free trade, I do 
hope that it should treat Laos with the same trading privileges it 
granted to most of other nations in the world, especially to most of 
ASEAN countries. I really hope that when the economy of the country 
becomes strong and more integrated with its regional neighbors, Laos 
then will provide a strong market for the US goods, and increase trade.
    Our economic reform and success will contribute to the 
strengthening of the economy in the region. The action of granting 
unconditional normal trade relations status to Laos will send a message 
to the people of Laos that the United States supports them in their 
endeavors to become a strong nation. It will put Laos on an even 
playing field with the rest of the world vis-`-vis trade with the 
United States. The active engagement of the Lao PDR will encourage the 
move toward a market-oriented economy.
    We believe that Laos is on the right path. We also believe that the 
United States should treat Laos with the same trading privileges it 
grants to most of other nations, especially the other ASEAN members.
    On behalf of the Lao government and its people, I would like to 
encourage the U.S Congress to expeditiously seek the granting of 
unconditional normal trade relations status to Laos.
            Sincerely yours,
                               His Excellency Phanthong Phommahaxay
                                                         Ambassador
                     Embassy of the LaoPeople's Democratic Republic

                                 

                    [BY PERMISSION OF THE CHAIRMAN:]

                                   PhonTong Handicrafts Cooperative
                                                    Vientiane, Laos
                                                      April 7, 2003
[email protected]
cc: [email protected] (please forward & FAX to appropriate offices!)

    Dear Committee,

    On behalf of PhonTong Handicrafts Cooperative in Vientiane, Laos, I 
am writing to ask you to approve the bilateral trade agreement signed 
by the United States and Laos in 1997. The agreement was submitted to 
Congress by President Bush as part of his trade agenda this year. I 
have been living & working in Laos for the past 20 months.
    The lack of normal trade relations with Laos hurts people in both 
countries, including the needy artisans from PhonTong Handicrafts and 
our buyer, a non-profit organization, Ten Thousand Villages, in USA. 
TTV has been buying products from our Lao artisans, such as wood-
carvings, baskets, and handwoven silk scarves and table runners, since 
the mid-80's.
    After the Vietnam War, the US government imposed sanctions, 
including heavy tariffs on Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos. In recent 
years, the sanctions on both Vietnam and Cambodia have been removed, 
and those countries now enjoy ``normal trade relations'' (NTR) with the 
United States.
    Laos, however, continues to face the highest effective tariff rates 
in the world--an average of 45 percent last year. Combined with Laos' 
landlocked status, the high tariff rates make it nearly impossible to 
turn a profit on goods imported from Laos. Ten Thousand Villages sells 
Lao products, but must subsidize them.
    A bilateral trade agreement, signed by the United States and Laos 
in 1997, would reduce these high tariff rates and grant Laos NTR 
status. More than a quarter century after the end of the Vietnam War, 
it is time to show a gesture of reconciliation to our brothers and 
sisters in Laos. The Lao people suffered greatly during the war, 
enduring more bombs than the US dropped on both Germany and Japan 
during WW II. Giving them an equal chance for economic development is 
the least we can do!
    There are 200 fair trade stores across the US that primarily sell 
Ten Thousand Villages products. Many of these stores have expressed 
their appreciation of Laotian handicrafts and would benefit from 
selling Lao products.
    Laos is one of a handful of countries which enjoy diplomatic 
relations with the United States, but still lack normal trade 
relations. Please work to grant normal trade relations and the 
implementation of the trade agreement as soon as possible!
    Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter!
            Sincerely,
                                                    Kirsten Baynham
        MCC LAOS Handicraft Designer for Ten Thousand Villages, USA

                                 

                    [BY PERMISSION OF THE CHAIRMAN:]

                               Phontong-CAMA Handicraft Cooperative
                                                 Vientiane, Lao PDR
                                                     April 21, 2003
To:  LThe Committee on Ways and Means, Subcommittee on Trade
Re:  LRequest for the reduction of taxes on crafts made in the Lao PDR 
    and exported to America.
    I, Mrs. Kommaly Chanthavong, am the director of CAMA Crafts--
Phontong Cooperative and Lao Sericulture Company. I, together with the 
company management teams of the Cooperative and Lao Sericulture 
Company, have worked closely with impoverished in the countryside, far 
from cities and civilization.
    The Main Work of we are assisting villagers with:

1. Growing mulberry trees, caring for silkworms, and spinnning high-
quality silk thread.
2. Growing plants from which natural dyes can be made.
3. Weaving silk cloth to be made into various articles.
4. Weaving baskets.
5. Making wood carvings.
6. Sewing and embroidering Hmong folk art.
7. Training 500 farming families throughout all 12 provinces to grow & 
care for silk works.
8. Train in weaving and natural dye techniques.

    Continuing objectives for working villagers:

1. Provide villagers with jobs and income for daily needs.
2. To encourage slash--and--burn farmers and opium farmers to 
manufacture silk and crafts instead.

     LCurrently manufacturers number 60 villagers in 5 
provinces, marking 500--1000 products per month. The project's duty is 
to encourage manufacturing and to find a market for the villagers' 
work, in order to continuously recover the capital funds.
     LSince 1990 until the present, the domestic and foreign 
markets have worked in cooperation with 10,000 villages The program of 
MCC in the USA.
     LThe difficulty in sending our crafts to the USA is the 
import duty, causing us to lose 70--80 % and to sell very few products.
     LThe usefulness of lessening the import tax for Laos would 
surely increase the profits to the Lao farmers. We would have the 
ability to sell more crafts than previously, to have greater income to 
cover daily needs, and reduce, the number of people selling narcotics, 
growing opium, of people selling narcotics, growing opium, and 
destroying the surrounding forests through slash--and--burn 
agriculture.

    For these reasons, we respectfully bring this request to the 
Committee on Ways and Means, asking that you lower the American import 
tax on various handicrafts. We hope that you will consider our problem 
and arrive at an appropriate and timely solution.
                                           Mrs. Kommaly Chanthavong
                      Director Phontong-CAMA Handicraft Cooperative

                                 

                    [BY PERMISSION OF THE CHAIRMAN:]

                                             Hinchinbrook, NSW 2168
                                                          Australia
The Honorable William M. Thomas
Chairman, Committee on Ways and Means, House of Representatives
1102 Longwoth House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515

    Dear Sir,

    As a Lao expatriate in Australia since 1986 and former Director of 
Economic Planning in Charge of Economic Cooperation in the Ministry of 
Planning and Cooperation of the Royal Lao Government, I would like to 
express my views regarding the NRT to the Lao PDR.
    Laos has been suffering painful domination from aggressive 
neighbours and foreign colonisation since the last two centuries. From 
1950, Laos has experienced the first and the second Indochina wars that 
have uprooted Laos' social and infrastructure development. The Unwanted 
wars or the Hidden war engaged by the US against the Pathet Lao and 
North Vietnam have left dreadful scars to be rehabilitated. The Lao PDR 
government has appealed to the international community, including the 
US to grant their precious supports for post war rehabilitation.
     After the war in 1975, Laos had no opportunity to unite the 
country as a whole, instead it was left to the winning faction, the 
Pathet Lao to be master of the country. For 10 years (1975-1985) Laos 
relied mostly on the Soviet Bloc for reconstruction but as the Soviet 
Union collapsed, Laos had to depend again on capitalist countries and 
the international financial institutions. Laos took time because it has 
never been able to develop itself economically during the 50s, 60s and 
earlier 70s with US assisatnce.
    Lao economy was affected by the Asian financial crisis in July 
1997. Since the last two years, it is partly recovered and foreign 
investment has increased substantially. In terms of physical 
communication, roads within the country have been extended to almost 
capital cities and trade relations with Vietnam, China, Thailand are 
easier than 10 years ago thanks to the loans of the World Bank, the 
IMF, the ADB and the assistance from some western countries.
    Landlocked Laos will play a regional role as land-link. Lao people 
would be able to enjoy the facilities of internal communication and 
access to neighboiuring countries for trade and tourism. Lao PDR 
government is embarking actively on post war reconstruction to 
alleviate poverty. The damages caused by the US bombings were enormous. 
Lao people have to excavate and detonate the unexploded bombs to turn 
the affected areas into the rice-fields. The US have contributed a 
certain amount of money to UXO (Unexploded Ordnance Agency) for 
training but in my opinion the US should do more for humanitarian 
purposes to support the project. Every year more than 200 children and 
women are perished from the unexploded bombs.
    The Lao people are cooperating with MIA research team to find 
remains of US soldiers missing during the war. They are gentle, helpful 
and generous people by nature. The generosity of the Congress to grant 
NRT to the Lao PDR would no more than benefit the majority of the poor 
and disadvantaged Lao people to enjoy trade exchange with the United 
States of America, the ASEAN countries and the rest of the world.
    Lao PDR is the stage of dressing the wounds of the long and 
unwanted wars. If the US Congress authorizes NTR between the USA and 
the Lao PDR, it will not strangle the ailing Lao economy and Laos would 
be less dependent on its aggressive neighbours.
    I sincerely hope that the US Congress would appose its stamp 
positively.
            Respectfully,
                                                Viliam Phraxayavong

                                 

                                             Denver, Colorado 80239
                                                     March 27, 2003
Ambassador Hartwick

Subject: Granting Laos Permanent Normal Trade Relations (PNTR)

    As a citizen of the United States of American through natural 
legalization and a register voter here in Colorado, I would like to 
express my gratitude and say thank you to you, and the committee on the 
ways and means subcommittee on trade for allowing us to voice our 
opinions and share our views freely on the issue of granting Laos 
Permanent Normal Trade Relations (PNTR).
    I have to admit and be totally honest with the fact that I am not 
very enthusiastic about granting Laos PNTR due to the concern of human 
right issues and other basic democratic rights, and the authoritarian 
regime currently established in Laos and the oppression it uses against 
it's own people. Having said that, on the contrary I feel that the U.S. 
relationship with the country of Laos has not been very effective nor 
beneficial to either Nations especially through such a critical time 
and climatic substances that's escalating in our world politics. 
Granted, the U.S. does not need Laos, but having another country as 
friend who one day might share the democratic political ideology and 
become an ally to the common threat of terrorism. Having a trust worthy 
ally to fight global terrorists and it's activities might not be such a 
bad idea, don't you think? Laos as you know has been oppressed and its 
people have been at a disadvantage for an extensive period of time. 
Internal instability, colonialism, and authoritarian regime pretty much 
has been the sad history of Laos, a very small land lock country 
compliable to the size of the state of Idaho with the population of 
less than 6 million people, which you probably already aware of and not 
need me to go into greater length and waste more of your valuable time.
    The Laos government, I believe have hit the wall and have been down 
on the wrong path for such a long time now has finally realized what it 
has to do in order to bring itself up to the standard of other 
developed Asian countries. I hope Laos now realizes that it has to be 
independent of other countries influences, and take control of it's 
national interest for the sake of it's own people and culture. 
Singapore for instance, should be used as an example for Laos to follow 
because it has proven itself and it is well known and recognized 
throughout the world for it's political stability and economic success. 
Three years ago, I have traveled to Laos and have seen the unlimited 
potential and possibility of Laos striving to become a successful 
countries like Singapore if given the NTR as a mean to jump start it's 
economic progress to prosperity. The untapped natural resources in Laos 
are still untouched and thus the possibility and competition of other 
country like Australia, China, Thailand and Vietnam investing in Laos 
has already started. If the U.S. does not form a relation with Laos, 
and approve the NTR relations then who knows what opportunities it 
might be missing out on. Potential Ally to combat terrorists treats to 
democracy, economic opportunities and investments, the fight over 
drugs, and over all promoting democracy to the people of Laos and Hmong 
who once helped the United States and CIA Special Forces fought against 
communism during the Vietnam War.
    Over all, I feel that by allowing Laos to have NTR relations with 
America it will be beneficial to both Laos and America in term of 
economic opportunity and promotion of democracy. The people and 
government of Laos wants changes and are tired of being treated by it's 
neighboring countries as a puppet, and above all looked down upon as a 
country with little hope of success in developing it's own Nation. The 
U.S. can not allow the continuation of isolating and blocking out Laos 
economic development because of a few bad apples, which doesn't 
necessarily mean the whole basket is just as bad. Through stronger 
economic relations, I strongly believe we can better promote the idea 
of democracy, and bring the ideology of communism and such 
authoritarian regime to an end in Laos, and allow the people of Laos to 
enjoy what I have enjoyed here in this great country of ours (the 
United States of America). Communism does not work and with the 
collapse of the Soviet Union clearly prove my case. China and Vietnam 
wants to change and Laos is slowly awakening and following it 
neighbors, and thus by joining the ASEAN organization, it looks like 
Laos is committed and wants change to develop, and thus the NTR is a 
good starting platform for Laos. I'm just one voice who asking for your 
approval to please grant Permanent Normal Trade Relations (PNTR) to 
Laos. I know your decision will help the people of Laos more then you 
will ever realized. If NTR has been granted to China and Vietnam then 
why not Laos? By far, China's human right issues are more complicated 
then Laos. I am writing on behalf of the innocent people of Laos and 
businesses, and not in supporting of the Lao government. Through 
economic success and growth, I believe changes in Laos' political 
regime will eventually become a reality for the millions of Lao people 
who have been oppressed and deprived from their freedom for such a long 
time now.
            Sincerely yours,
                                                           Tom Pong

                                 

                                            De Kalb, Illinois 60115
                                                      21 April 2003
Ways and Means Committee
United States House of Representatives
Washington, D.C.

Ref: NTR Status for Laos

    Dear Chair and Members:

    I would like to add my voice to that of Secretary of State Colin 
Powell and of United States Trade Representative Robert Zoellick in 
their letter of 23 February 2003 recommending that legislation be 
enacted to permanently strike Laos from General Note 3(b), thus 
extending NTR status to that country and thereby normalizing trade 
relations.
    For most of the period 1995-2002, I resided in Vientiane with my 
family, employed as a freelance environmental consultant and as Team 
Leader of the Digital Conservation Facility Laos: a graphics design and 
software development company. This is an ongoing activity and I was 
back again in Laos from December 2002 through March 2003 completing our 
most recent project, the installation of trilingual interpretive panels 
at the Vat Sisaket museum. This work was funded primarily by the 
embassies of the France and the U.S., and was executed in cooperation 
with the Lao PDR Ministries of Education and of Information and 
Culture.
    Over these years I have traveled widely throughout Laos as well as 
several neighboring countries, and before that I was an academic 
researcher in Viet Nam. I also am a decorated veteran of the VN war, 
and would hardly considerer myself naive about human rights issues in 
Southeast Asia.
    With all due respect for those outspoken opponents of trade 
normalization within the Lao-American community, I would point out that 
foreigners in Laos are essentially unrestricted in their movements and 
in their contacts with ordinary people. While onerous limitations on 
freedom of expression and assembly are certainly still in effect, it is 
outside my considerable experience there that the Lao PDR government is 
an oppressive Stalinist regime on the order of its severest critics 
claims. There can be no question but that political liberalization 
within the context of a general cultural opening has occurred in Laos 
within the last five years and with no obvious signs of slowing or 
reversal. The Internet is now widely and inexpensively available to Lao 
people, and there is little firewalling or user-monitoring comparable 
to the situations in Viet Nam and China.
    In our museological work in Laos, we perceive a recent radical 
lessening of the ideological constraints on the discussion of 
historical events and religion, and on the traditional role of the 
former Lao kingdoms as protectors and patrons of Buddhism. In outlying 
provinces there may be some restrictions on Christian proselytization, 
as claimed, but there's no sense of that in Vientiane where the 
churches are evidently full, vibrant and confident.
    The question of security, however, is certainly loaded when the 
lines between the legitimate demands for minority autonomy; the relicts 
of the defunct American-sponsored ``secret war''; the traditional 
cultivation and use of opium; international drug trafficking; and the 
rankest banditry are as shadowy and ill-defined as they are still in 
Laos. Just this morning I received an unconfirmed report that another 
ambush took place yesterday along Highway 13 North, at the cost of some 
thirty lives--no doubt unsuspecting, non-combatant travelers, as were 
the victims of the last such massacre not far from there only a few 
months ago. Where, if anywhere in Laos, has legitimate law-enforcement 
become excessive to the point of ``communist genocide''? I would second 
the U.S. Embassy's judgement that no evidence exists of chemical or 
biological attacks against uplands dissidents, or even of the Lao 
military's resort to disproportionate violence.
    Let me close with Robert Kaplan quoting Samuel Huntington, from 
Looking the World in the Eye, in The Atlantic Monthly, Dec 2001:
    ``The United States, Huntington said, has trouble understanding 
revolutionary ferment in the rest of the world because it never 
experienced a real revolution. Instead it went through a war of 
independence--and not even one ``of natives against alien conquerors,'' 
like that of the Algerians against the French, but one of settlers 
against the home country. Real revolutions are different--bad--
Huntington made clear. Fortunately, they are rare. Even as the 
proletariat in Third World slums continues to radicalize, the middle 
classes become increasingly conservative and more willing to fight for 
the existing order. Writing in the late 1960s, Huntington was 
describing the world of the early twenty-first century. When a 
revolution does occur, continued economic deprivation ``may well be 
essential to its success.'' The idea that food shortages and other 
hardships caused by economic sanctions will lead to the overthrow of a 
revolutionary regime like Saddam Hussein's or Fidel Castro's is 
nonsense, in Huntington's view. Material sacrifices, although 
intolerable in a normal situation, are proof of ideological commitment 
in a revolutionary one: ``Revolutionary governments may be undermined 
by affluence; but they are never overthrown by poverty.'' The Spanish 
and Canadian developers now building hotels in Havana may know better 
than the American government does how to undermine a revolutionary 
regime.''
    Thank you for all due consideration.
            Sincerely,
                                                Alan Potkin, Ph. D.

                                 

                    [BY PERMISSION OF THE CHAIRMAN:]

                                               RM Asia (HK) Limited
                                                 Vientiane, Lao PDR
                                                      18 April 2003
The Honorable Phillip Crane
Chairman, subcommittee on Trade
House Ways and Means Committee
House of Representatives
Washington, DC
USA

    Dear Chairman Crane:

    On behalf of RM Asia (HK) Limited, Lao Representative Office, I 
would like to urge you to move forward with vigor to pass Normal Trade 
Relations (NTR) with Laos. Please read on because this is not a boiler-
plate letter.
    I am an American citizen and manage the Lao Representative Office 
of RM Asia (HK) Ltd., which in spite of its incorporation outside of 
the United States, is an American-owned and operated trading company 
operating in Laos and other countries of the Greater Mekong region.
    We are well aware that NTR with Laos has been strongly endorsed by 
the Secretary of Stare Powell and US Trade Representative Zoellick. 
Laos NTR is important to our company for the following reasons:

     LAs a company representing Ford and Ingersoll-Rand, we 
believe we will receive tangible benefits and assistance from the Lao 
government regarding the supply of US-made Ford motor vehicles and 
Ingersoll-Rand heavy equipment into this market.
     LLaos is a member of the ten country Association of 
Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) group--ASEAN is America's third largest 
overseas market; our trade with ASEAN contributes nearly 800,000 high 
paying US export jobs; and, American companies have tremendous equity 
in the region as its top investor. As an American working for an 
American trading house representing American firms, I am much more 
prone to suggest US sources of equipment, supplies and materials.
     LPassing NTR for Laos is a key step to building the 
foundation for moving forward with the Enterprise for ASEAN Initiative 
(EAI) which was announced by President Bush on October 26, 2003 at 
AOPEC in Los Cabos, Mexico. Engaging ASEAN through the EAI is an 
important step for US Competitiveness in this key market. As you know, 
china is moving forward with negotiations for a China-ASEAN Free Trade 
Agreement (FTA), and Japan and Europe are also beginning to implement 
similar frameworks with ASEAN.
     LThe Administration and US Embassy in Vientiane report 
that Laos is showing signs of moving forward on key areas of past 
concern as we enhance engagement with the country. These areas, 
including religious freedom, human rights and economic reform are 
highlighted in the Administration's letter to you recommending moving 
forward on Laos NTR. I can say that I have seen with my own eyes a very 
large truck carrying into Laos at one of the official ports-of-entry 
hundreds of volumes of books clearly destined to bolster Mormon efforts 
in this country.
     LMy company employ's a senior Lao national whose father (a 
senior military official) perished in one of the camps established 
after the fall of the previous regime 25 years ago. In spite of this 
personal tragedy, he returned to his native land from overseas ten 
years ago and has ``turned the page'' and moved forward. He refuses to 
fill the role of victim and wants to contribute to making the country 
``better'' now rather than turning back the clock. He suffers no 
recrimination or discrimination due to his ``history.''
     LThe fact that this is still a ``Communist'' country plays 
into the hands of those urging the withholding of NTR status. However, 
on the ground, in the markets, at the business meetings and throughout 
the country, the move towards a market-oriented vibrant private sector 
is well and truly on the way. Passage of NTR will enhance this process 
and move it forward. The dynamics of private sector liberalism will 
soon quite naturally have an effect on the political systems in due 
course.
     LMy own personal analysis of American foreign policy over 
the past 35 years, suggests to me that the United States has had a far 
greater positive political and economic impact by engaging countries 
with different political and economic systems than by denying them 
access to markets or worse (Cuba is the best example).
     LThis legislation will allow US companies to have enhanced 
protection for trademarks and investment in Laos and ASEAN. This would 
be of major importance to the companies we represent.
     LPassing NTR will assist the 5 million inhabitants of this 
small and rugged little country to lift themselves out of poverty more 
easily, by permitting entrepreneurs' better access to American markets, 
and thereby becoming more competitive.

    For all these reasons, I hope that the House Subcommittee on Trade 
will move forward with NTR for Laos as soon as possible. This would be 
considered a positive step forward for US leadership on trade in Asia, 
and particularly in the ASEAN region.
    Thank you for your consideration and support. With best regards, I 
remain,
            Sincerely,
                                                   Michael Hamilton
                                                    Country Manager
                                               RM Asia (HK) Limited

                                 

                                                 Aiea, Hawaii 96701
                                                     April 17, 2003
Honorable Philip M. Crane, Chairman,
Subcommittee on Trade,
Committee on Ways and Means
House of Representatives,
United States Congress.

Honorable Neil Abercrombie,
Congressman (Hawaii)
House of Representatives,
United States Congress

    Dear Congressmen Crane and Abercrombie:

    My name is Pathana Rattanasamay, a Laotian-American community 
social worker in Hawaii where I have lived and worked for over two 
decades. I currently am the Executive Director of the non-profit 
community-based organization, Mutual Assistance Associations Center 
(MAAC), which assists immigrants and low-income families to become 
self-sufficient.
    I am writing in support of the Bush Administration's recommendation 
to grant permanent Normal Trade Relations (NTR) to Laos (Lao People's 
Democratic Republic).
    As a community social worker, I truly believe that NTR will not 
only promote socio-economic well-being for the Laotian population in 
Laos, but also build a strong and healthy relationship between Laos and 
United States in both the short and long term. Moreover, NTR will 
provide decent employment, especially for Lao women and youth to 
strengthen their family ties and pride.
    The current economic situation in Laos forces many women and 
children into dangerous and illegal money-making activities, such as 
prostitution.
    For the above reasons, I urge your esteemed Committee to recommend 
the granting NTR to Laos.
            Sincerely,
                                          Pathana Rattanasamay, MSW
                                           Executive Director, MAAC

                                 

                                      Potomac Falls, Virginia 20165
                                                     April 17, 2003
--Honorable Charles Grassley, Chairman, Committee on Finance, United 
    States Senate.
--Honorable William M. Thomas, Chairman, Committee on Ways and Means.
--Honorable Philip M. Crane, Chairman, Subcommittee on Trade of Ways 
    and Means committee,

Re: NTR for Laos

    Of importance is the U.S. policy applied to Normal Trade Relations. 
If it is not applied with justice and logic, then it is punitive rather 
than reasonable. Laos meets the criteria for NTR. The Lao Embassy never 
closed its doors in Washington, and the U.S. Embassy remained open in 
Vientiane. In addition, Laos has agreed to, and supported, U.S. policy 
and programs for MIA recovery and Drug Suppression.
    The U.S. granted NTR to both Vietnam (2002) and Cambodia (1996). 
Laos has not received NTR, and this must be viewed as an anomaly of 
U.S. policy. Withholding NTR from one of the world's poorest nations 
reflects badly on U.S. policy in the region--and the world.
    The argument against NTR for Laos is most often made by a small but 
loud group of political exiles from the former regime:

    a. Lhuman rights violations,
    b. Lpolitical /economic corruption,
    c. Llacks a multi-party political system (socialist system), and
    d. Llacks a stable monetary and economic infrastructure.

    If this same criteria were applied to others who currently enjoy 
NTR, the list of NTR nations would shrink considerably.
    The war is over. We are at peace. It is time to build for a better 
tomorrow. NTR will build better relations and stronger economic ties 
between the U.S. and the Lao PDR.
    The granting of NTR for Laos is important to the future of U.S. 
relations in the region. Laos is one of the ten poorest nations in the 
world. It is also a key nation in South East Asia. Laos has been 
granted ASEAN status. Laos maintains economic and political relations 
with Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Myanmar, and China. Politically, Laos 
does play a central role in U.S. relations in the area.
    More importantly, NTR opens up the future to the Lao people. 
Positive change has occurred over the last fifteen years. I was in Laos 
in 1989 and in the years following. I have just again returned from 
Laos (Nov 2002). The changes from 1989 to present are phenomenal.
    The question for the U.S. must be have the Lao made progress as a 
nation? The answer is a resounding yes. Further progress must now 
involve economic connection to the world. NTR for Laos will open a new 
era of political and economic relations.
    If Vietnam, Mongolia, Nepal, and Cambodia can be granted NTR--than 
the U.S. must also take that position with Laos. To do so speaks 
volumes about who we are as a nation, as a people. It says we have not 
rejected those who are under-developed, those who are poor, or those in 
need.

Cambodia Before NTR, 1996 = $ 3.7 million in exports to U.S.
After NTR, 1997 = $ 101.7 million in exports to U.S.

Exports to U.S. in 2001: Land-Locked Asian Countries
Laos = $ 3.9 million No NTR
Mongolia = $ 143.4 million NTR
Nepal = $ 200 Million NTR
Conclusion: NTR is critical for land-locked countries.
NTR is a valuable tool in assisting the poorest nations
NTR makes a broad statement on U.S. policy.

    In this new era of geo-economic politics, we need to make a clear 
declaration to the poorest of the poor. NTR for Laos makes the right 
statement about who we are as a nation--who we are as a people.
    Thank you for your time and consideration in this matter.
            Sincerest regards;
                                              Boune Ome Rattanavong

                                 

                                           New York, New York 10013
To: Representative Charles Crane, Chairman subcommittee on trade of the 
    Committee on Ways and Means
Email: TO: [email protected]
CC: [email protected]
FAX: 202 225-2610

    Congressmen:

    I am writing to voice my support for Normal Trade Relations (NTR) 
with Laos, one of the world's least developed countries. I ask that the 
legislature pass the necessary legislation to extend NTR to Laos and 
bring into force the bilateral trade agreements concluded in 1997.
    NTR will benefit both the US and Laos. Increased trade between our 
two countries will lead to greater economic opportunities and swifter 
economic development in Laos, directly improving people's lives and 
living standards and also reinforcing the alternative economic 
development opportunities in anti-narcotics efforts. Greater cultural 
and human cooperation will encourage more openness, which I believe 
will accelerate the positive changes achieved over the past few years.
    Laos is a member of ASEAN, an organization with which the US is 
working to strengthen regional stability as part of the ASEAN 
Initiative. As such, Laos should have the benefit of NTR as does its 
neighbors and fellow ASEAN members. And normalized trade relations with 
the US will be a big first step to further integrate Laos into the 
world trade system.
    On a more personal note, I would like to add that the Lao people 
truly deserve the chance to participate in the world economy with their 
exquisite talents and handcrafts. My visits to Laos as part of a non-
profit group called Aid to Artisans gave me a chance to see the 
wonderful traditions of a people who struggle patiently and steadfastly 
to achieve even the most basic steps forward. Bringing Laos into 
normalized trade relations would help entrepreneurs and craftspeople 
greatly as they seek to earn their livings and enhance and preserve 
their country's beautiful traditions.
            Thank you.
                                                       Keith Recker

                                 

                                           Arlington, Virgina 22209
                                                      April 6, 2003
Congressman Philip M. Crane

Re: Extension of Normal Trading Relations Status to Laos

    Dear Congressman Crane:

    I am writing to express my support for the United States extending 
normal trade relations with Laos. Doing so would be beneficial for both 
parties involved for a number of reasons. First of all, US businesses 
would have the benefit of offering their goods and services to a new 
consumer market that possess the money to buy these goods. Also, the 
people of Laos would have new job opportunities provided by US 
companies seeking to find cheaper sources of labor for their products. 
Providing these stable jobs would also help in giving people a viable 
alternative to the country's illicit drug market.
    Finally, the issue of human rights abuse of the Hmong people is an 
important problem that should be address. However, this could be 
addressed separately and not affect the prospects of increasing the 
chances of creating a thriving economy in Laos. I am hoping that you 
will seriously consider supporting normal trade relations with this 
country that is in great need of such a policy.
            Sincerely,
                                                Jonathan R. Rizalvo

                                 

                                     Robin Stevens Consulting, Ltd.
                                           New York, New York 10025

    Dear Representative Crane:

    I am writing to voice my support for Normal Trade Relations (NTR) 
with Laos, one of the world's least developed countries. I ask that the 
Congress pass the necessary legislation to extend NTR to Laos and bring 
into force the bilateral trade agreements concluded in 1997.
    NTR will benefit both the US and Laos. Increased trade between our 
two countries will lead to greater economic opportunities and swifter 
economic development in Laos, directly improving people's lives and 
living standards and also reinforcing the alternative economic 
development opportunities in anti-narcotics efforts. Greater cultural 
and human cooperation will encourage more openness, which I believe 
will accelerate the positive changes achieved over the past few years. 
I visited Laos in 2001 and was warmly welcomed by many people who live 
in very poor conditions. I hope that the US will take this step to help 
them achieve a better standard of living.
    Laos is a member of ASEAN, an organization with which the US is 
working to strengthen regional stability as part of the ASEAN 
Initiative. As such, Laos should have the benefit of NTR as does its 
neighbors and fellow ASEAN members. Also, normalized trade relations 
with the US will be a big first step to further integrate Laos into the 
world trade system.
            Thank you.
                                                   Robin C. Stevens

                                 

                                               Washington, DC 20009
                                                     April 16, 2003
The Honorable Philip M. Crane
Chairman
Subcommittee on Trade
Committee on Ways and Means
U.S. House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20515

    Dear Chairman Crane:

    I would like to express my strong support for the extension of 
normal trade relations (NTR) to Laos.
    Like many Americans who lived and worked in Laos in the late 1960s, 
I have mixed feelings about the role that the United States played 
there. I continue to be proud of what we did to help the Lao develop 
their country but pained by the impact of a long war. I am also keenly 
aware of how much the Lao people have suffered since 1975--both those 
who fled and those who remained. We cannot undo that history, but we 
can and must move beyond it.
    I continue to maintain the same hopes that motivated my work as a 
Foreign Service officer in Laos--that Laos might rise from the ranks of 
least-developed nations; that the Lao people might enjoy a higher 
standard of living and greater freedom; and that there might be deeper 
understanding and broader cooperation between our two countries. I am 
convinced that extending NTR status would be a very important step 
toward achieving those objectives. The normalization of economic 
relationships is long overdue, particularly in light of the fact that 
neighboring Cambodia and Vietnam already benefit from NTR status.
    I urge you and the Committee to give these proposals serious and 
positive consideration.
            Sincerely,
                                                 Harlan F. Rosacker

    My letter to Chairman Crane dated April 16, 2003 is from me as a 
private citizen. I am a retired federal employee who served in Laos 
between 1967 and 1969.

                                 
                                           Woodside, New York 11377
                                                     April 20, 2003
Congressman Philip M. Crane
Chairman, subcommittee on Trade of the Committee on
Ways and Means

    Mr. Chairman,

    My name is William W. Sage. I am currently a resident of New York 
City. For 34 years, I have either worked in Laos or been an observer of 
developments in this Southeast Asian country of 5.5 million people. 
Since 1998, I have been Adjunct Professor in the Program for Southeast 
Asian Studies at Arizona State University. I give annual lectures on 
Laos for the Program and have worked with the Program to establish a 
greater interest and study of Laos as part of Southeast Asia Program. I 
am co-author of Laos: A Bibliography and contributor to the conference 
proceedings of New Laos, New Challenges held at Arizona State 
University in June 1996. I contribute occasional articles to 
``Suvannabhumi, the ASU Program for SEAS newsletter.

    I am writing this letter in support of the Admiistratios proposal 
to grant Normal Trade Relations with Laos. I believe the time has come 
to grant Laos NTR.

    My association with Laos began in 1969 when I served an a volunteer 
with the International Voluntary Services and then became an employee 
of the United States Agency for International Development until 1975 
when the country was taken over by the Communist Pathet Lao. I was 
among the last Americans to be evacuated from Laos.

    Following the Communist takeover of the country, there followed a 
massive flight of refugees from the country. I was the administrator of 
the US Refugee Program headquartered in Bangkok from 1977 to 1981. 
During my four years as director, over 100,000 refugees, the majority 
being refugees from Laos were processed by my office for resettlement 
to the US. Those refugees who were resettled in the US, fled the regime 
for well founded reasons of persecution as well as gross violations of 
human rights. It was during this period of time that thousands of 
Laotians were rounded up and forced into re-education camps around the 
country. Many of those who were kept in the camps were not released for 
years while others parished in the camps.

    From 1981 until 1983, I worked with Laotians in this country in 
their resettlement process. I have worked with many communities around 
the US and continue to maintain contact with most of these communities.

    In 1983 until 1985 I worked for a US non-profit organization which 
was implementing drought relief programs in western India. I returned 
to the US in 1985 to begin a 15 year period of assisting refugees 
around the world including Africa, Bosnia and Kosovo. In 2000 I retired 
from this US non-profit organization to take up an assignment with the 
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in New Delhi India where 
I worked for the resettlement of Afghan and Burmese refugees.

    On September 11, I was asked to administer a recovery program for 
the families of the victims of September 11 here in New York City. I 
continue to work in the capacity at present.

    Because of the Communist takeover in Laos in 1975 until 1994, I 
like many other Americans, was not able to visit Laos. I returned for 
my first visit in 1994 and have continued to visit Laos each year and 
in some years twice a year. My purpose, a personal mission, was to 
observe the changes, if any, that were taking place in Laos. I read 
everything I could find in reports about the human rights conditions in 
the country as well as economic reports published by international 
monetary lending institutions financing development projects in Laos. I 
also traveled to many parts of the country to personally observe 
developments and talked with personnel of the foreign embassies 
accredited to Laos, in Vientiane. I am a fluent speak of the Lao 
language. My last visit to Laos was March 2002 following the elections 
for representatives of the National Assembly.

    In my view, Laos has gone from some of the most deplorable human 
rights abuses in the late 70's to the end of the 80's to a current era 
of improved human rights record. The improved record does not reveal 
that the record is perfect but it does reflect considerable improvement 
in particularly the last few years. Still, there is some way to go 
before the record can be assessed as good. In my view, Laos is no where 
as abusive towards its people as the other countries which do not have 
NTR, North Korea and Cuba.

    A number of reasons have been put forward as to why NTR should be 
granted to Laos. I am aware of those reasons but in my view the most 
important reason for granting NTR is so that citizens of that country 
can market and export their goods, particularly handicrafts, to the US 
with out the excessively high import taxes faced by those goods. In my 
view, it would be better for citizens of that country to earn income 
from the goods they can sell abroad rather than relying upon the 
remittances sent by relatives and friends in this country. By some 
estimates, as much as 25% of the residents of the capital, Vientiane, 
receive remittances from relatives in the US as an annual income. The 
2000 census indicates that there are as many as 478,000 Laotians ( 
ethnic Lao, Hmong and other tribal groups) now in this country. Rather 
than remitting millions of dollars to relatives in Laos, it seems to me 
that the goods that relatives in Laos can sell abroad to earn an 
income, would be a primary reason for granting NTR and thereby reducing 
the high import tax.
    Laos a moved from a centrally planned economy to a free market 
economy. NTR will benefit not only citizens of Laos with their incomes 
but will also continue to move the ree market economy forward as we 
have seen with its neighbors Cambodia and Viet Nam.
    I support granting Laos Normal Trade Relations.
            Signed,
                                                    William W. Sage

                                 

                                             Washington, D.C. 20001
Congressman Philip M. Crane
U.S. House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20515
Fax (202) 225-2610

    Dear Congressman Crane:

    I am a Lao-American who is deeply concerned of the future relations 
between the United States and that of Laos. In response to the public 
comment period, I am writing you to urge you and the Congress to ratify 
the Bilateral Trade Agreement signed between Laos and the United 
States, and thus giving Laos normalized trade status along with 
Cambodia and Vietnam.
    I, like many Lao-Americans, still have family and friends in Laos 
who are struggling and would benefit greatly with the opening of trade 
between the two countries. Ratifying the Bilateral Trade Agreement will 
give our families in Laos a chance for a better life by opening new 
markets with little or no duties levied on Lao products and crafts to 
the U.S. Also, granting Laos normalized trade relations will only 
strengthen U.S.-Laos relations and encourage the rule of law and create 
situations conducive to political accountability and transparency. The 
benefits of open trade and engagement outweigh any perceived 
disadvantages. U.S.-Laos relations is at a crucial junction in history 
where you and the Congress are charged with the solemn duty to make the 
right choice for the American and the Lao people. I urge that the 
Congress make the right decision.
            Very truly yours,
                                     Kongphanh Santivong (KP), Esq.

                                 

                                                      Arizona 85302

    Honorable,

    As an American citizen, I wholeheartedly support the joint proposal 
of Honorable Colin L. Powell, State Secretary and Honorable Robert B. 
Zoellick, US Trade Representative in granting the Permanent Normal 
Trade Relations to the Lao People's Democratic Republic. The Lao PDR is 
the only country in the area that haven't got such facility yet 
although its politico-social situations are far better than others.
    I should appreciate if you could take the said proposal and my 
noble wish in consideration and render to Laos the fairness and real 
touch of the US generosity towards a country that maintaining good 
relations and cooperation's with the Unites States.
    Once again I thank you very much for your kind cooperation
            Sincerely yours,
                                                  Kwanchit Sattanak
                                 
                                        Takoma Park, Maryland 20912
                                                      27 March 2003
The Honorable
Philip M. Crane, Chairman,
Subcommittee on Trade,
Committee on Ways and Means
House of Representatives

    Dear Mr. Chairman:

    It is my pleasure and privilege to submit this document to the 
Subcommittee on Trade to express my full support for granting the Lao 
People's Democratic Republic (Lao PDR) Permanent Normal Trade Relation 
(NTR) Status.
    As you are aware, the only action required to grant permanent NTR 
status to Laos and to enact the previously negotiated US-Lao PDR 1997 
bilateral trade agreement is for Congress to enact legislation amending 
the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) to strike Laos permanently from 
General Note 3(b). On February 24, 2003, Secretary of State Colin 
Powell and United States Trade Representative Robert Zoellick sent a 
joint letter to Congress expressing the Administration's support for 
extending NTR status to Laos and for bringing into force the 1997 
agreement.
    Since 1999 I have lived and worked in the Lao PDR, advising the 
government on tourism development policy under the auspices of the 
United Nation's Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization 
(UNESCO). During this period, I have witnessed the country slowly but 
steadily open up and pursue a policy of cooperation and integration 
with regional and world institutions. There has also been a serious 
push towards alleviating poverty and raising the standard of living of 
the country's multi-ethnic society. As one of the world's least 
developed nations, economic hardship and limited human resources have 
seriously limited these efforts. Granting the Lao PDR NTR status will 
have far reaching implications for poverty alleviation and socio-
economic development, while accelerating the country's integration into 
the world economy. Granting NTR can also result in substantial 
financial benefits for US citizens, especially for the some 380,000 
Americans of Laotian descent. This pool of technical and 
entrepreneurial talent is well placed to initiate and sustain US-Lao 
trade and investment, supported by Lao government policy that 
encourages ``overseas Lao'' to invest in and trade with the country. 
Granted, the Lao PDR's market is small at around 5 million consumers, 
however, mutually beneficial investment opportunities exist across a 
range of sectors such as tourism, manufacturing, agro-forestry and 
infrastructure development.
    I expect that there will be arguments presented to the Subcommittee 
that do not support granting Lao PDR NTR based on the country's human 
rights record and form of governance. In my experience working closely 
with both the Government and people of the country, I have seen a trend 
towards increasing transparency in the political process and a policy 
of peaceful reconciliation with the Hmong and other ethnic groups that 
sided with the U.S. Government during the Indochina War. Granting NTR 
status will be followed by increased international engagement and 
liberalization of the Lao economy that is likely to expedite this 
process.
    In conclusion, I thank you for recognizing this document in support 
of granting the Lao People's Democratic Republic Permanent Normal Trade 
Relation Status. Doing so will both promote U.S. interests through 
engagement and assist the country to improve its economy and raise the 
standard of living for its citizens based on U.S.-Lao trade and 
investment which has thus far been suppressed by inaction by the 
Congress to amend the HTA and strike Lao PDR from General Note 3(b).
            Sincerely,
                                                    Steven Schipani

                                 

                                               Troy, Michigan 48084
                                                     April 21, 2003
The Honorable Phil Crane
Chairman, Subcommittee on Trade
House Committee on Ways and Means
[email protected]

    Dear Congressman Crane:

    I am writing to recommend to the Subcommittee on Trade that Normal 
Trade Relations be extended to Laos. Only three countries in the world 
do not have normal trade relations with the United States. Laos does 
not even fall near the same category in terms of human rights 
violations and political differences. It seems to me that extending NTR 
to Laos will assist in changing political and security differences in 
ways that are consistent with the interests of the United States.
    The common people of Laos will benefit from being able to produce 
competitive goods and services for the American market. ``For example, 
since Cambodia gained NTR Status in 1997, its private sector exports to 
the United States have grown from about $6 million worth of natural 
resource products to $1.1Billion worth of clothing, furniture and other 
products per year. These export sales now employ about 200,000 
Cambodians. The same benefits should be given to the people of Laos, 
which would raise their standard of living.''
    1/31/2003
    Http:??www.vientianetimes.com/Stories/w003/02012003^
public^remarks^hartwick.html
    Through NTR the people of Laos, who have modest skills today, would 
be able to develop skills, which produce high quality silk and other 
handicrafts. With lower tariffs they would be able to sell their silk 
and build a huge market for their goods. In turn they would be able to 
buy products from the United States.
    NTR would promote other changes as well. Doing business with 
Americans would promote a stronger rule of law: commercial, 
environmental, treatment of workers and even human rights. The Lao 
government would need to make changes to its system to take advantage 
of American markets, which will ultimately result in greater economic 
and political freedoms in Laos.
    All of these changes will provide an improved climate for the 
resolution of the fate of Americans still missing and unaccounted for 
in Laos. For example, in my brother's case, refno 1541, his crash site 
was identified for excavation in October, 1998. At that time I was told 
that it would be seven years before we could expect the excavation to 
take place. It is now 4 and = years later and it is still seven years 
before we can expect an excavation due to the inability of the Lao to 
field larger teams. Perhaps our recognition, through NTR, would 
encourage them to move more swiftly to accomplish what they have 
already agreed to. In comparison with Vietnam their willingness to work 
with the United States has been far greater than in Vietnam, who has 
repeatedly agreed to cooperation and still doesn't do what they could 
have. Laos has tried to work with us. They deserve the recognition that 
NTR brings as a country who is working to join the international arena.
    Opening Laos to world markets also opens their people to 
understanding differing political options as more businessmen from the 
United States travel to Laos. The positive spiral these opportunities 
would begin is unlimited in its scope and serves the interests of the 
United States.
    Thanks for this opportunity to make my ideas known as you consider 
Normal Trade Relations with Laos.
            Sincerely,
                                                          Sue Scott
                                                            Sister,
                                    Capt. Douglas D. Ferguson, USAF
                                                  Missing: 12/30/69

                                 

                                             Washington, D.C. 20006
                                                     April 21, 2003
The Honorable Philip M. Crane
Chairman, Subcommittee on Trade
Committee on Ways and Means
U.S. House of Representatives
Washington, D.C. 20515

    Dear Mr. Chairman:

    I am writing to express my support for granting normal trade 
relations (NTR) for Laos, the only country with which we have full 
diplomatic relations but not normal trade relations. This is an anomaly 
that should be corrected.
    Granting NTR will help promote the integration of Laos into the 
international economy, and will give the United States the means to 
promote a better business climate and develop business opportunities 
through the provisions of the bilateral trade agreement. It will help 
generate jobs in one of the world's poorest countries, promote 
transparency in business practices, and encourage achievement of 
international standards in quality. Moreover, it will facilitate 
strengthening economic relations with ASEAN as a whole, including 
advancing President Bush's innovative ASEAN Enterprise Initiative.
    We have had a difficult relationship with Laos for a number of 
years, principally on human rights and religious tolerance. However, I 
believe that extending NTR will encourage the Government of Laos to 
adopt policies consistent with internationally acceptable standards for 
human rights and religious tolerance. In addition, extending NTR to 
Laos will promote ever better cooperation between our two countries as 
we seek to achieve the fullest possible accounting of missing Americans 
from the Indochina war and continue our work together to combat 
narcotics. Laos has also been supportive of international and regional 
efforts to fight international terrorism in the wake of September 11.
    I note that both Secretary Powell and Ambassador Zoellick have 
expressed full support for the granting of NTR to Laos. I fully concur 
with their arguments and hope that the United States Congress will see 
fit to grant Laos normal trade relations this session.
            Sincerely,
                                                    Brent Scowcroft

                                 

                                     St. Davids, Pennsylvania 19087
                                                     March 26, 2003
Memorandum
To: Committee on Ways on Means, Subcommittee on Trade
Subject: Laos
    The following represents my submission to the House Ways and Means 
Committee, together with my strong recommendation that the country of 
Laos be given normal trade status with the United States.
I. Personal Credentials:
    I have just completed my eighth visit to the country of Laos. My 
first came as the head of World Vision, the largest international 
relief and development agency in the world. I also conducted a number 
of visits to this country as the first U.S. Ambassador-at-large for 
International Religious Freedom in the years 1998-2000. I am now the 
president of the Institute for Global Engagement, an NGO dedicated 
towards creating sustainable environments for religious freedom in some 
of the most difficult parts of the world. In the course of these visits 
I have relationships developed and nurtured at the grassroots, 
throughout the NGO community in Laos, and in the government itself. I 
have been on the ground in most of the provinces from north to south. I 
have met face-to-face with government officials at the state, province, 
district and village levels. I have talked extensively with members of 
the indigenous churches in a variety of faith expressions. I have met 
with people who have suffered because of their faith. In the summer of 
2002, the Institute for Global Engagement sponsored the first high-
level delegation of members of the Lao National Front to the United 
States. The invitation was extended through Congressman Joseph Pitts. 
This delegation of six individuals spent 15 days in the States, meeting 
with all of the relevant government agencies, different Lao-American 
groups from all parts of the political spectrum, and, in general, was 
exposed to a country that respects religious freedom, viewing this 
freedom as one of the core values of our country's history.
II. Updating the Snapshot:
    It is very important that you look at information emerging 
incrementally from 1999 to the present. In 1999 we were experiencing 
forced renunciations of faith, the closing of churches, and the jailing 
of a number of individuals. This was somewhat prevalent throughout Laos 
but especially true in Savannakhet Province. That situation has 
improved immeasurably. The issue of religious freedom has been 
intentionally promoted from the outside. Dialogue has taken place with 
key government officials, especially members of the Lao National Front. 
IGE has worked in tandem with the American Embassy in Vientiane, 
supporting one another in an effort to cement this human right in both 
governmental structures and personalities throughout Laos. Progress has 
been steady. Although that progress has been, and will continue to be, 
uneven, there have also been points of dramatic change. I have already 
referenced the visit of the Lao National Front to the United States in 
the summer of 2002. The following month we witnessed the release of 34 
of the 37 known Christians jailed because of their faith throughout 
Laos. The impact of this prisoner release cannot be overstated. It is 
not always easy to get cooperation from local officials for these 
releases. Communication is difficult in a country that suffers because 
of a limited infrastructure. The releases came about through a very 
intentional move on the part of the government to demonstrate good 
faith, to acknowledge the importance of good relationships with people 
of faith, and to demonstrate to the international community that this 
issue was becoming more important to the Lao government. Given the 
major endemic problems within Laos such as a 70% illiteracy rate, 40% 
of the population living below the poverty line, and so on, the 
attention given to this issue in the past couple of years has been 
truly remarkable.
    The most difficult province for religious freedom has been 
Savannakhet. I have visited this province twice in the last three 
years. In February 2003 we were there again, visiting with the governor 
as well as various other officials at the district and village level. 
Even in Savannakhet, with all of its history of repression, we have 
seen positive progress. We have worked hard to cement the notion that 
the international community is very much aware of what is happening in 
Savannakhet. For the first time I feel we have the attention of the key 
government officials there, with some assurance that positive progress 
will continue to be realized.
    I cannot stress enough the need to see beyond the past, look at the 
direction that the Lao government is going, and measure the progress 
that has been made in the last few years, all of which projects 
legitimate optimism for the future.
III. Visitors To The United States:
    During this trip in February 2003, for the first time, I felt that 
there was a clear indication that the government of Laos was looking 
with intentionality towards the West. Part of what is happening in Laos 
today is the increasing number of government officials visiting the 
United States. In February, there were four provincial governors in the 
States. As mentioned above, we had six members of the Lao National 
Front with us last summer. Key government officials have had time to 
reflect on the values in America, why we feel the issue of religious 
freedom is so important, and how religion, practiced at its best, poses 
no threat to any government. These visitors have also had the 
opportunity to talk to numerous Lao-American groups. In these 
discussions, invariably the knee-jerk hate-mongering that has 
characterized some of the stereotypes of the past quickly disappear and 
an honest exchange of views takes place. Every one of these 
conversations has resulted in a more positive understanding of what is 
taking place in Laos today. I think that this critical mass of opinion 
that is being generated through these visits has been extremely helpful 
to the human rights agenda. Certainly this issue is now more than 
politics, and our Lao counterparts increasingly realize that Americans 
are passionate about their beliefs, those beliefs are deeply held, 
indeed they are imbedded in our historic values.
IV. Major Obstacles Confronting The Lao:
    I have mentioned the huge problem with illiteracy in Laos. The 
educational system is desperately in need of help. The legal system is 
also operating at a rudimentary level. Rule of Law definitely has to be 
strengthened, but I found a number of personalities who understand this 
and are working hard to build an appropriate legal system. The point 
here is that if one were to rank the problems that Laos needs to solve, 
from a Laotian point of view, human rights would not be very high on 
the list. The fact that this issue is getting more and more attention 
today is a tribute to moderates in the government who see the value of 
a better human rights record in the context of governmental stability 
and international acceptance. In this context, Normal Trade Relations 
are absolutely essential. As Laos works on its endemic issue, we cannot 
allow the country to fall further behind the curve in a world that is 
changing at an exponential rate.
V. An American Response:
    We can prevent Laos from slipping further behind on the world 
stage. We should encourage the steps that they have already taken, 
specifically the very positive progress that we have seen in religious 
freedom issues these last few years. Laos very much needs to have a 
level playing field with respect to trade. This initiative on our part 
will provide them with one. It would also enhance their own initiatives 
to reduce poverty and illiteracy in the country. Laos has taken a big 
step forward. We have the ability to sustain that step by creating this 
economic enhancement for them. In my mind, we have absolutely nothing 
to gain by denying this trade status. Indeed, we would only play into 
the hands of the hardliners and the benefits that many of them receive 
by maintaining the status quo. For all of us working on the issues of 
human rights, Normal Trade Relations with the West would be a most 
encouraging sign. It is one that we can do. I recommend most strongly 
that Laos be granted this trade status.
                                        Ambassador Robert A. Seiple
                                 ______
                                 
    I feel a need to update the facts of my testimony for ntr and laos, 
NOT to change my recommendation. I used a situation in the village of 
Keng Kok in southern Laos as the basis for a positive testimony. That 
situation has now taken a turn for the worse. I can provide details if 
desired. The bad news is that the district official in Keng Kok created 
additional oppression on the Christians in that village; the good news 
is that we were able to get the attention of the central officials, 
from the Deputy Prime Minister on down, to intervene. As is often the 
case in countries like Laos, ``two steps forward, one step back.'' 
Again, this is simply to correct the facts. I have never thought that 
NTR should be used as either a reward or a punishment but rather as 
another arrow in our engagement quiver. For me, NTR is only a point of 
leverage ONCE it exists because of the additional access it provides in 
dealing with a situation like the one referenced above. I continue to 
strongly support NTR for the country of Laos. Please contact me if 
there are any questions.

                                 

                                     Brooklyn Park, Minnesota 55445
                                                     April 16, 2003
Honorable Philip M. Crane
Chairman
Subcommittee on Trade
Ways and Means Committee
House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20515
Fax: 202-225-2610

    Dear Chairman Crane:

    I am writing to voice my support for Normal Trade Relations (NTR) 
with Laos. As a Laotian-American I would like to recommend the approval 
of the bilateral trade agreement with Laos, which would normalize trade 
relations with a country that has been denied fair treatment as a 
trading partner due to the legacy of the Vietnam War. I feel strongly 
that the trade agreement would be a catalyst for economic development 
and social and educational progress in Laos.
    I came to the US in 1978 as a refugee. Unfortunately my father, who 
worked for the royal Lao government prior to 1975, became a political 
prisoner and spent five years in re-education camp. After his release 
from re-education camp in 1980, he chose to rebuild his life in Laos, 
rather than join us in the United States.
    Despite my experiences, I have held a desire to return to Laos for 
various reasons: one, the desire to rekindle a relationship with my 
father; second, to contribute my personal knowledge and experience to 
the development of Laos; and to rediscover and learn about my cultural 
and social heritage.
    From personal experience, there are many Laotian-Americans, who 
like myself who feel strongly about making positive changes and 
contributing to the development of Laos.
    A positive step in this direction would be for the US government to 
sign the Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA). The BTA is necessary to 
enable Laos to participate in the global economy.
    I first returned to Laos in 1989. Little has changed since 1975. 
Since 1989, Laos has developed at an extremely slow pace compared to 
its neighbors, such as Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam. Much of the 
country still lacks basic services such as potable water, electrical 
and telephone service, farming irrigation, and paved roads.
    The BTA between the United States and Laos is not a panacea to the 
economic development of Laos, but it will stimulate hope. Thus I 
strongly recommend that the United States establish normalized trade 
relations with Laos and begin by signing the BTA with Laos. The BTA 
will also promote cultural, social, and educational dialogue and 
exchanges between Laos and the US.
    Finally, the BTA will encourage Laotian-Americans to participate in 
the development of Laos through trade and commercial exchange and 
technical assistance.
            Thank you,
                                                     Narin Sihavong
                                 
                                            Chicago, Illinois 60601
Honorable Philip M. Crane
Chairman
Subcommittee on Trade
Ways and Means Committee
House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20515
Fax: 202-225-2610

    Dear Chairman Crane,

    I am writing to voice my support for Normal Trade Relations (NTR) 
with Laos. I ask that the legislature pass the necessary legislation to 
extend NTR to Laos and bring into force the bilateral trade agreements 
concluded in 1997. I believe that the citizens of the United States 
(especially Laotian-Americans like myself) and Laos will benefit 
greatly from the NTR.
    As you may already know, Laos is one of the world's least developed 
countries. However, increased trade between our two countries will lead 
to greater economic opportunities and swifter economic development in 
Laos, directly improving people's lives and living standards and also 
reinforcing the alternative economic development opportunities in anti-
narcotics efforts. Furthermore, greater cultural and human cooperation 
will encourage more openness, which I believe will accelerate the 
positive changes achieved over the past few years.
    I am mindful that trade agreements negotiated by the Executive 
Branch and approved by Congress are only the first stage of stronger 
and more mutually beneficial ties. And I am also well aware that it is 
incumbent upon the government of Laos to provide American companies and 
their own state and private enterprises with the legal framework and 
operational authority they need to pursue successful trade and 
investments.
    After 1975, the United States and Laos maintained official ties 
when relations with Vietnam and Cambodia had been completely severed. 
It is time to remove discriminatory tariff barriers and to take this 
last major step toward the normalization of relations. I look forward 
to working with you to achieve this. Thank you for your consideration.
            Sincerely yours,
                                                 Sadachanh Sinantha

                                 

                                            Rogers, Minnesota 55374
To: Honorable Philip M. Crane; Chairman; Subcommittee on Trade of Ways 
    and Means Committee.

    This letter is in strong support of granting normal relation status 
(NTR) to the Lao People's Democratic Republic (Laos).
    More than twenty years in the U.S, I and many Laotian-American 
still have a need for goods and services that used to be part of our 
daily lives back in our motherland. These goods, which include arts and 
craft, agricultural products and canned food items, are unavailable to 
us here in the United States. As a Laotian-American and a small 
Business owner, I see this as a promising job and business opportunity. 
Granting NTR status to Laos will allow me and others entrepreneurs to 
pursue our ideas. Thanks.
                                                     Thomas Sisaket

                                 

                    [BY PERMISSION OF THE CHAIRMAN:]

                                         SE-11264 Stockholm, Sweden
                                                      14 April 2003
To Honorable William Thomas, Chairman
Committee on Ways and Means,
House of Representatives
Washington DC. 20515

    Dear Honorable William Thomas,

    May I introduce myself. My name is Bounlom Sithammavanh,lao student 
in Sweden. I am very glad and honoured to have the opportunity to send 
my letter to you. I am aware that the American Congress will pass the 
hearings of the agreement on Trade Relations (NTR) between USA and Laos 
soon. I am sure that you and your American Congressmen will give this 
support to the Laos so that our Government and people could receive the 
NTR.
    Being back to Lao-American relations in the past time, our two 
countries have never cut the diplomatic relations before. Our relation 
of friendship and cooperation is normal. The Lao side has given the 
good cooperation to the USA,for example, the MIA and drug cooperation 
in Laos, but the American side has supported the numbers of projects on 
the rural development and human resource development, etc--However,our 
both countries must strengthen the bilateral cooperation in the 
interest of two countries.
    Of course, granting this NTR agreement to Laos will benefit not 
only lao people but also it can protect the interests of American 
business people working in Laos. Furthermore, the official adoption of 
this agreement at the Congress will improve and strengthen the 
relations of friendship and economic and trade cooperation between our 
two countries. The Lao business people will enjoy the rights to trade 
and investment with the Americans. The volum of trade and investment 
between our two countries will be increased after the Congress adopt 
this agreement.
    In addition to this, Lao and American markets will be expanded in 
both countries. At the same time the products of our two countries will 
be also increased for the interests of our two countries.
    Dear William Thomas, Chairman,
    I do hope that with the efforts of American Congressmen the Lao 
people will get the NTR soon. The positive decision by the Congress 
helps my country get rid of the poverty.It will also contribute to 
developing and promoting the reform,human rights and democracy.
            Faithfully,
                                               Bounlom Sithammavanh
                                              Lao student in Sweden

                                 

                                    Spring Valley, California 91977
                                                     April 21, 2003
Honorable Philip M. Crane,
Chairman, Subcommittee on Trade
of the Committee on Ways and Means,
House of Representatives. USA
E-mail: [email protected]

    Honorable Philip M. Crane,

    My name is Anourack Soukhaseum, a U.S. citizen living in 
California.
    I have learned with great satisfaction that a letter jointly signed 
by H.E. Mr. Colin Powell, State Secretary, together with H.E. Mr. 
Robert Zoellict, US Trade Representative, has been sent to the 
Committee on Finance, United States Senate, and to the Committee on 
Ways and Means, House of Representatives, to request the approval of an 
Agreement between the Lao People's Democratic Republic and the United 
States of America on Trade Relations containing a disposition on NTR.
    I therefore would like to express my great appreciation and sincere 
congratulation to the US Government for its appropriate decision to 
support the approval of the bilateral Agreement on Trade Relations.
    I understand very well that our countries, the USA and Laos, have 
enjoyed a diplomatic relation for more than half a century. Today, we 
can observe with pleasure that our bilateral relations are moving on 
the right direction, gradually developed and broadened in many fields 
including a trade and investment promotion.
    In this regard, we would like to point out one important issue 
relating directly to the memory and spirit of the Lao and American 
people such as the Missing In Action issue which remains a painful and 
unforgettable aftermath of the very long and destructive war in our 
country. At the present time, we are witnessing a very fruitful co-
operation on this sensitive issue. One Hundred Seventy Nine MIA's 
remains have already been returned to the US Government. The last hand 
over ceremony was held recently on February 19, 2003 in Vientiane.
    I am firmly convinced that the bilateral Agreement on Trade 
Relations will not only give advantage to Lao people in Laos and in 
USA, but also will contribute to the enhancement of bilateral relations 
and the deepening of the people understanding of our two countries.
    NTR will serve as a strong incentive for positive change for the 
people in Laos in gaining more independence economically from her 
neighbors. Vietnam, Thailand and Cambodia who are currently benefiting 
from NTR are moving forward economically in the right direction. I am 
confident that providing similar opportunities, Laos will have similar 
results.
    I therefore support and strongly request that an Agreement between 
the Lao People's Democratic Republic and the United States of America 
on Trade Relations be approved by the Senate in the near future.
            Sincerely yours,
                                                Anourack Soukhaseum

                                 

                                               Spyder Active Sports
                                                  Boulder, CO 80301
                                                     April 17, 2003
To: House Committee On Ways And Means
Subcommittee On Subcommittee On Trade

Re: Extension of Permanent Normal Trade relations Status to Laos


    To Whom It May Concern:

    Spyder Active Sports is one of the leading ski apparel companies in 
the world based in Boulder Colorado. We are the exclusive suppliers of 
ski racing apparel to the United States Ski Team. We have been doing 
business with factories in Laos, and would do considerably more 
business there if Laos were granted Normal Trade Relations status. We 
strongly support NTR for Laos and feel that it would increase business 
opportunities for US companies. We thank you for your consideration.
            Sincerely,
                                                     B. Jake Jacobs
                                    Vice President of Merchandising
                                               Spyder Active Sports

Cc: William Houston

                                 

                                         Glendale, California 91206
                                                      19 April 2003
Honorable Congressman Phillip M. Crane (R-IL)
Chairman, Subcommittee on Trade of the committee on Ways and Means

    Dear Mr. Crane:

    I just want you to know I protest our country giving any financial 
aid to the country of Armenia and/or to allow normal trade relations.
    Recently Mr. Adam Schiff (D) presented to you and the House and 
ways appropriations committee his arguments as to why our country 
should give more aid to Armenia.
    First of all; Armenia does not support our war on terror, does not 
support the war against Iraq, and they are against our relationship we 
have with Turkey and Israel.
    Mr. Adam schiff has also claimed that Armenia is a strategic 
country, a democracy surrounded by hostile neighbors, and that Armenia 
has gained their independence from the Soviet Union.
    In our city of Glendale, California we have the largest Armenian 
immigrant population anywhere in the United States. Everyone in our 
city and in any other Armenian community knows. Armenia just a few 
years after they obtained there independence from the Soviet Union, 
signed an Agreement with Russia to become a federation. Armenia is not 
in anyway shape or form an independent country.
    Mr. Adam Schiff also contends that Armenia is a democracy. I would 
have to say; this is also incorrect. Just recently, Armenian immigrants 
that live in the United States, were allowed to vote in the recent 
Armenian presidential election. What Armenian immigrants quickly 
learned to their dismay. How Armenia is anything but a democracy.
    What I believe you should do? Give this money to the families of 
our coalition forces. These men and women have actually done something 
for our nation, and are the kind of people that made America what it is 
today (The Greatest nation on earth).
    If that is not an option, give this money to the countries that 
formed the coalition. In spite of world opinion, these countries stood 
behind America. Whether or not they were able to fight along side 
Americans, or could afford to contribute financially etc., they were at 
least there for us. Armenia was not and is not, behind America.
    Any aid we give to any country should go to the countries that 
actually have proven they are our allies. Otherwise our country will 
continue to repeat history. Thank you.
            Sincerely,
                                                  John E. Stevenson

                                 

                    [BY PERMISSION OF THE CHAIRMAN:]

                                              S-223 62 Lund, Sweden
                                                      15 April 2003
Honorable Philip M. Crane,
Chairman, Subcommittee on Trade of the Committee
on Ways and Means, House of Representatives
Washington D.C. USA.

    I have heard that on the 27 February 2003 Mr. Colin Powell, a State 
Secretary of the United States of America and Mr. Robert Zoellick, Head 
of US Trade Representatives of White House sent a joint letter to the 
Financial Committee, Congress and Subcommittee on Ways and Means, House 
of Representatives in order to submit an agreement between the United 
States of America and the Lao People's Democratic Republic on trade 
Relations (NTR). I appreciate the decision by the US government to 
support the agreement.
    As you know, among the ASEAN countries the NTR with the USA has not 
been granted to the Lao PDR yet, because of misunderstanding the facts 
about Laos by individuals and small groups of people in America being 
against the NTR granting.
    In reality, Laos and USA have had the normal diplomatic relations 
for 53 years. The Lao PDR and the USA must make the NTR agreement 
materialised to meet the need of cooperation and promotion of trade and 
investment between our two countries.
    On the Lao-US cooperation, in the Lao PDR there is a very 
successful and close cooperation between our two countries on searching 
the remains of the American soldiers missing in the Indochina war. Up 
to now the Lao government has given 179 cases of the American soldiers 
back to the American Government and families. These activities are 
carried out successfully and highly appreciated by the number of 
Congress and delegations of the United States of America who have 
visited Laos. The Lao-US drug cooperation is also implemented 
successfully and the opium cultivation in Laos will get rid in the year 
of 2005. At the same time, the Lao PDR strongly condemn the attack by 
terrorists in America on the 11 September 2001. The Lao Government have 
supported their cooperation with the International Community 
particularly with the Government of the United States of America to 
fight against terrorism.
    Laos is a full member of ASEAN and the USA is also their dialogue 
partner. The ASEAN-US trade cooperation is increasing and leading to 
the opening of free trade market in the two regions. Recently, George 
W. Bush, President of the Unites States of America declared that the 
USA would support American enterprises for the ASEAN initiatives, 
promotion of the investment creating the capacity for American free 
trade area with the ASEAN countries.
    The Lao PDR who lacks the NTR with USA is an obstacle for ASEAN to 
open the ASEAN-US free trade in the future, it makes the USA also live 
behind their trade competitors in the region particularly the people's 
Republic of China, because China has already set up the China-ASEAN 
trade area. If the USA delays the granting of NTR to Laos the USA will 
miss the opportunity to cooperate with Laos in trade and investment.
    Granting the NTR to Lao Government will promote the number of trade 
and investment of the USA in the Lao PDR. The USA is a second largest 
foreign investor in Laos. This step will contribute to promoting the 
reform, market economic mechanism, particularly promoting 
administration of laws, human rights and democracy.
    The granting NTR will help Laos open the domestic market for the US 
products and services. It will also protect the intellectual property 
rights of the US.
    This step will help Laos reduce the poverty and the USA must give 
the priority to Lao PDR, because Laos is a peace-loving country who has 
no any conflict with its neighbouring countries. The Laos people are 
hospitable and friendly and Laos is an attractive place for tourism.
    So, Laos and their people must receive the NTR. It will bring the 
benefit not only to the Lao people in the country but also to a hundred 
thousand of those lao Americans who are expecting the promotion of 
trade and investment with their own country.
    Hopefully, the United States of America as a superpower country 
must be optimistic by taking positively the NTR issues into 
consideration.
            Faithfully,
                                                    Damrong Tayanin
                                                             Ph.D.,
                                                Research Assistant.

                                 

                                              Ten Thousand Villages
                                          Akron, Pennsylvania 17501
                                                     April 16, 2003
Fax to:
Hearing Clerk
House Ways and Means
202-225-2610

Chairman Philip Crane
House Subcommittee on Trade
U.S. House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20515

    Dear Chairman Crane,

    On behalf of Ten Thousand Villages, a fair-trade organization that 
sells handicrafts from Laos, I am writing to ask you to approve the 
bilateral trade agreement signed by the United States and Laos in 1998. 
The agreement was submitted to Congress by President Bush as part of 
his trade agenda this year.
    The lack of normal trade relations (NTR) with Laos hurts people in 
both countries, including Ten Thousand Villages and the artisans from 
Phontong Handicrafts, the cooperative we have been buying from for the 
past 20 years.
    Laos is at a serious disadvantage surrounded by Thailand, Vietnam, 
and Cambodia, all of whom have NTR. With tariffs up to 90 percent on 
some of the goods we import and an additional 60-80 percent in freight 
costs due to Laos being a landlocked country, we are limited in what we 
are able to purchase from Laos. If we were to take a direct mark-up 
according to costs as any normal for-profit business would do, these 
products would be overpriced for our markets and we would not be 
trading with Laos.
    As a non-profit organization, Ten Thousand Villages is a business 
with a mission, helping to create jobs in places like Laos, where there 
are many skilled artisans that desperately need income-making 
opportunities. By applying mark-ups based on average costs we are able 
to keep prices for Lao products competitive, and successfully market 
some of them.
    However, this is only possible because our purchases from Laos are 
currently such a small percentage of our total purchases, about.5 
percent (compared to 23 percent from India, our largest supplier). The 
approval of normal trade relations and subsequent reduction of our 
importing costs would allow us to increase our purchases from Laos.
    There are 200 fair trade stores across the United States that 
primarily sell Ten Thousand Villages products. Many of these stores 
have expressed their appreciation of Laotian handicrafts and would 
benefit from selling Lao products.
    Laos is one of only a handful of countries which enjoy diplomatic 
relations with the United States but still lack normal trade relations. 
Please work to grant normal trade relations and the implementation of 
the trade agreement as soon as possible.
    Thank you very much for your attention to this matter.
            Sincerely,
                                                        Paul Meyers
                                                 Executive Director

                                                       Stacy Spivak
                                              Buyer, SouthEast Asia

This statement made on behalf of:
Ten Thousand Villages
Akron, PA 17501
Contact Persons: Paul Myers, Executive Director and Stacy Spivak, Buyer 
for SouthEast Asia.

                                 

                                             Washington, D.C. 20011
                                                     April 21, 2003
Honorable Philip M. Crane, Chairman
Subcommittee on Trade
Committee on Ways and Means
House of Representatives
United States Congress

    Dear Mr. Chairman,

    We join others in the Hmong-, Khmu-, Lao-, Mien-American and other 
Laotian American communities (all referred to as Laotian Americans 
throughout this letter) to submit comments for the possible granting of 
Normalized Trade Relations (NTR) status to Laos. Under your leadership, 
we understand the Committee on Ways and Means will embark on a historic 
process that may shape the future of Laos and her people. We want to 
add our perspective to this most important act which we believe may 
have profound consequences beyond the decision itself. We know that 
Laos is the last of the three ``Indochinese'' countries under 
consideration for this critical inclusion in the U.S.'s international 
trade agenda. We thank you for not forgetting this small country which 
has played a pivotal role in U.S. history in that region. We understand 
that the granting of NTR can open doors, paving a road towards igniting 
formal cooperation on international trade engagement and discourse on 
other issues such as human rights and democracy. In our eyes, this 
symbolic step will set the necessary foundations, enabling both 
countries to build a promising structure for economic growth and 
prosperity.
    First, we want to make clear that our primary interests are to find 
ways for people within our communities to heal and find some closure as 
they mourn the losses they experienced after the Vietnam War. Granting 
NTR to Laos can be one step towards this healing process. The manner in 
which this discussion takes place will determine the level of 
challenges for future progress and U.S. engagement in Laos. For the 
U.S. it is a technical step. For members of our community and family, 
this is an incredibly emotional issue. As the children of that 
generation, our primary role is to seek diplomatic engagement with 
anyone who may share a similar vision of healing and moving towards a 
future which might free us from past conflicts. Our purpose is to help 
build trusting bridges with communities and the people of Laos through 
constructive and transparent engagement. Also, as Americans who value 
and believe in the humane treatment of all people, we also aim to 
ensure that U.S. policies protect the rights of ordinary people in 
developing countries such as Laos.
    It is a well known fact that Laotian Americans were close allies 
with the U.S. during the Vietnam conflict. To put it bluntly, Laotian 
Americans saved American GIs' lives and sacrificed their own lives so 
that Americans can come home to their families. Today, more than 
500,000 Laotian Americans have rebuilt their lives and made the U.S. 
their home. Based on the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) of the 
Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), more than 241,956 
Laotians entered the U.S. as refugees between 1975 and 2000 to seek 
safe haven for resettlement. Also as a result of the war, we must not 
forget that Laos was one of the countries most heavily bombed during 
the War by the American military.
    After more than 25 years, we believe Laos holds tremendous 
potentials for the U.S. market. At the same time, Laotian Americans 
have also built American neighborhoods and society with our hard work, 
ideas and rich cultures. For these reasons, we understand that people 
whose roots can be traced to Laos, on both sides of the ocean deserve 
ours and your attention and support now more than ever.
    This agreement is a major step in the process of healing, 
reconstruction and long over-due commitment by the U.S. It also signals 
the willingness of the Lao government to open its country to 
international engagement. Most importantly, it should serve as a signal 
by the U.S. to expand its economic ties and obligation for development 
aid to the people of Laos. What is most unique is that Laotian 
Americans can be a part of this process.
    Although NTR promises engagement and opening Laos for other 
developments, we fear that on the contrary, these kinds of agreements 
can also allow transnational corporations more freedom to exploit 
workers and to shape the national and global economy to suit their 
interests. Beyond the general boilerplate of what is included in a 
bilateral trade agreement, of which we are not permitted to review, my 
colleague and I recommend the following:

     Worker Rights and Environmental Protections: Labor rights 
and environmental protections should have the same status as the 
protection of investors. Working conditions must comply with 
international recognized core labor standards by the ILO and binding on 
all member countries, including the U.S. and Laos. These labor 
standards are the right to freedom of association, to organize and 
bargain collectively and to be free from child labor, prison, bounded 
or indentured labor and discrimination in employment. Any agreement 
with Laos should consider factors which will be conducive to equal 
distribution of wealth and therefore equitable development. Agreements 
similar to the U.S.--Cambodia Apparel Agreement should be instituted 
prior to enforcing the BTA and or integrated into steps towards NTR.
     Development and Human Rights: Trade can be a powerful tool 
for development. However, for trade to be a strategy for development, 
it must strengthen the democratic institutions that move developing 
societies toward the rule of law. Many Laotian Americans continue to 
battle with the question of human rights concerns in Laos. To help 
resolve and formalize constructive engagement on this matter, we 
propose establishing a commission on human rights similar to that of 
the U.S.--China agreement. This entity would serve as a monitoring 
mechanism to address specific incidents or to craft policies which may 
allow intervention and assistance.

    In addition to our specific concerns for realistic steps to ensure 
that investment will lead to full integration into a global free market 
economy, economic growth, the reduction of poverty, increased living 
standards and employment opportunities, we amplify our perspectives 
further by supporting the five principles of Unity on Trade and 
Investment proposed by the AFL-CIO to guide U.S. policy-making. They 
are attached below:
AFL-CIO: A Call for Global Fairness
    Millions of people across this country and around the world have 
lost jobs, been poisoned, watched their farms foreclosed and suffered 
other indignities from corporate globalization. Today, they are 
rallying around campaigns for global fairness, for reining in the 
excessive political and economic power of global corporations and for 
setting rules to ensure that trade and investment support sustainable 
human development, a clean environment and dignified work. As the 
nation debates proposals for ``Fast Track'' trade authority and the 
expansion of the North American Free Trade Agreement into a Free Trade 
Area of the Americas (FTAA), we unite behind the following five 
principles that should guide U.S. policy:

    1. LDemocracy, Transparency and Accountability: Broad-based citizen 
participation in trade negotiations must be ensured through genuinely 
democratic mechanisms of consultation and participation. The procedures 
under which Congress considers trade agreements must include 
opportunity for full debate and amendments. Negotiating texts, 
including the full negotiating position of the U.S. government, should 
be made public at regular and timely intervals (not less than every six 
months), and trade agreements under negotiation must be subject to 
thorough environmental and social reviews, including a review of their 
impact on women, people of color and indigenous communities. Trade 
dispute resolution must be open to the public. We will oppose any trade 
agreement that is not negotiated under such democratic mechanisms.
    2. LWorkers' and Human Rights: Workers worldwide are disadvantaged 
by a global economic system that encourages countries and corporations 
to compete by violating workers' fundamental human rights. U.S. workers 
have lost high-paying jobs and have seen their wages and working 
conditions eroded by trade policies that fail to address this problem. 
Workers in poorer countries have found it next to impossible to protect 
their rights and raise standards because corporations will shift their 
jobs to countries where rights and standards are lower. Agreements 
should recognize the primacy of the economic, environmental, social and 
political rights of all people, including women (who often bear a 
disproportionate burden from corporate-led globalization) and 
indigenous peoples. Trade agreements must ensure that all workers can 
freely exercise their basic rights as laid out by the 1998 ILO 
Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work: the right to 
organize and bargain collectively, to refuse forced labor, to reject 
child labor and to work free from discrimination. These rights must be 
included in trade agreements and covered by dispute resolution and 
enforcement mechanisms sited in the appropriate forums that are fair, 
reduce inequalities, encourage compliance and sanction violators 
directly.
    3. LThe Environment and the Public Interest: Trade agreements must 
not undermine environmental standards. In particular, trade rules must 
ensure that domestic environmental or other public interest laws and 
regulations cannot be challenged by private investors before 
international tribunals, and they must ensure the availability of 
strong and clear exceptions to trade and investment rules for laws and 
regulations that protect health, the environment and other public 
interests. Trade agreements should also encourage environmental 
progress by including initiatives to raise environmental performance, 
binding obligations to enforce environmental laws and not lower 
environmental standards, citizen review mechanisms and obligations for 
investors to disclose basic information on environmental practices. 
International trade and investment systems must safeguard the global 
and local commons and respect the rights of local communities to 
protect and sustainably develop their natural resources. Trade 
agreements must not undermine public services, nor encourage 
privatization or deregulation as a condition of market access. Finally, 
trade agreements must not obstruct developing countries' right to 
address HIV/AIDS and other health crises through public access to 
essential medicines.
    4. LAgriculture: Agricultural policies must support sustainable 
livelihoods for family farmers and ranchers, and reduce the power of 
agribusiness to manipulate global food supplies and farm prices. 
Governments must retain the ability to provide economic safety net 
programs and other economic assistance to producers as compensation for 
the negative impact of unfair trade practices by others. Consumers must 
be ensured the right to know and choose food produced in a sustainable 
manner. And countries must be ensured the right to protect family 
farmers and producers in rural communities and to produce a safe and 
affordable food supply to meet adequate nutrition levels domestically.
    5. LDebt and Development: Trade agreements have not focused on 
enabling countries to invest in the building blocks of sustainable 
development, and increased trade flows alone have not led to shared and 
stable growth or to significant poverty reduction in developing 
countries. The debts claimed by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) 
and the World Bank from impoverished countries must be canceled and the 
proceeds used to meet social and environmental needs; cancellation must 
be delinked from ``structural adjustment'' conditions such as user fees 
for health care and education that disadvantage people who are 
impoverished, women and working people. International trade and 
investment systems must respect the legitimate role of government, in 
collaboration with civil society, to set policies regarding the 
development and welfare of its people. Governments should also have the 
right to regulate capital flows to shield their economies and people 
from the destabilizing impact of speculative capital.

    History has shown that expanded trade leads to more prosperous U.S. 
businesses, more choices of goods and lower prices for consumers, and 
more opportunities for American farmers and workers leading to higher 
wages, more jobs and economic growth. We hope that through this 
process, the U.S. can take a lead by providing appropriate AID, 
technical support, and harnessing the leadership and expertise of the 
Laotian American community to support the people of Laos so that they 
will eventually enjoy the prosperity that some Americans have enjoyed.
    Finally, this historic step must include the voices of Laotian 
Americans. Together, we represent a generation that is the direct 
legacy of the Vietnam War and America's involvement in Indochina or the 
Southeast Asia region. We advocate for policies that respect the mutual 
interests of all parties, no matter how extreme the positions may be. 
This interest lies in the simple belief that we posses the right to 
shape our future and possibly the destinies of our families still 
living in Laos. Because of this grand responsibility, we urge you to 
seek sincere and thoughtful steps to finding solutions that might begin 
to help those still wounded by the ravages of war so that we can all 
heal together. We owe that much to the people of Laos as well as those 
who have sacrificed their lives for a taste of freedom.
    You may reach us at the contact information below. Thank you for 
your time.
            Sincerely,
                                                            Bo Thao

                                                        KaYing Yang

                                 

                                             Vienna, Virginia 22182
                                                     April 21, 2003
The Honorable
Philip Crane
Chairman, Subcommittee on Trade
Committee on Ways and Means
U.S. House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20515

    Dear Chairman Crane:

    I served as United States Ambassador to Laos from 1993 to 1996. 
Then, as now, our highest national priority in Laos was securing the 
cooperation of Lao authorities in accounting for missing American 
servicemen from the period of the Vietnam War, a conflict in which Laos 
figured prominently. During my tenure, we were able to make significant 
progress on this important humanitarian issue, thanks in no small 
measure to the cooperation of the Lao government. In general, that 
cooperation has continued to the present day, a fact that is reflected 
in the numbers of remains of servicemen who died in combat in Southeast 
Asian that continue to be identified and repatriated to their loved 
ones here at home.
    This was not our only interest in Laos, however. In the late 1980s, 
the Lao government initiated a program of reform designed to move Laos 
away from the failed Marxist economic policies the country had followed 
after 1975 and toward an economy based on market principles. By the 
early 1990s, a number of American companies had come to Laos to take 
advantage of the opportunities the government's reform program appeared 
to offer. Not surprisingly, their efforts were not always successful, 
in part because the government had little experience in operating a 
market economy and was only beginning to develop the legal structure 
necessary to support one.
    It was in this context that our embassy in Vientiane began 
discussing with the Lao government the conclusion of a bilateral trade 
agreement. We felt that such an agreement would be an important 
building block in the development of the legal framework needed in Laos 
for the creation of a viable market economy and the success of 
Americans seeking to participate in it. Progress came slowly, however, 
because Lao authorities had little experience with the world outside 
the socialist bloc in which they had operated for so many years. I left 
Laos in August of 1993 disappointed in my failure to persuade the 
government of the need for and the benefits to be derived from a trade 
agreement. It took another year of negotiation to secure the 
government's concurrence in a draft agreement.
    The conclusion of this agreement, and the extension of normal 
trading relations (NTR) to Laos, will produce a number of short term 
benefits, including to American companies doing business with and in 
Laos. However, I also believe strongly that there will be longer term 
consequences which should be welcomed both here and by the Lao people 
themselves. To endure, non-democratic regimes such as the current Lao 
government need to keep out the ideas, institutions and influences that 
have led to the development of liberal democracy elsewhere. Important 
among these is the rule of law. Being forced to play by a set of rules 
embodied in a bilateral trade agreement and required by NTR will, over 
time, have a corrosive effect on the power of the ruling party in Laos 
to govern by fiat and without regard to the popular will.
    No one should assume that NTR is a panacea or that a democratic 
millennium is at hand in Laos. For the time being, the group that has 
dominated Lao politics since 1975 remains in control and is without 
significant political opposition. But punitive actions, such as denying 
NTR to Laos, will not change the situation for the better. On the 
contrary, such an approach serves to strengthen the relative power of 
the regime vis-`-vis the Lao people. Obliging the authorities to play 
by a set of rules, even those as mundane as the rules governing 
international trade will, in due course, have the opposite effect. For 
those who hope for a better future for the Lao people--and I count 
myself among them--the proper response to the current situation in Laos 
is not isolation and ostracism. Rather, the most effective challenge 
that can be mounted to the unrepresentative, undemocratic current 
government will come from exposing Lao society to alternative 
possibilities, including those that come through international trade 
and business.
    Accordingly, I urge you and your Congressional colleagues to grant 
normal trading relations to Laos. Doing so will serve important 
national interests of the United States. And it will also serve the 
interests of the Lao people who deserve better than what they have 
known for nearly three decades.
            Sincerely,
                                    The Honorable Victor L. Tomseth
                                 
                                           U.S. Chamber of Commerce
                                             Washington, D.C. 20062
                                                     April 11, 2003
The Honorable Phillip Crane
Chairman, Subcommittee on Trade
House Ways and Means Committee
1102 Longworth House Office Building
Washington D.C. 20515

Re: Comments on the Normal Trade Relations with Laos

    Dear Chairman Crane:

    This letter is submitted in response to the advisory from the House 
Ways and Means Subcommittee on Trade of March 5, 2003 (TR-1) requesting 
written comments on extending Normal Trade Relations (NTR) status for 
Laos. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce strongly supports the extension of 
NTR with Laos, and urges the Subcommittee to introduce the appropriate 
legislation for this to occur as quickly as possible.
    Laos is the only Southeast Asian country without NTR status, 
despite its continuous diplomatic relations with the U.S. since its 
founding in 1975. Passing NTR for Laos is a critical step towards 
building a foundation for economic growth and openness in one of the 
poorest countries in the world. It would also bring into force the 
U.S.-Laos Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA), which was concluded in late 
1997 but was never signed by the Administration nor ratified by 
Congress. When implemented, the BTA will offer expanded trade and 
investment opportunities for U.S. companies and obligate Laos to 
enforce intellectual property protection for U.S. products in that 
market.
    Building trade relations with Laos will also help solidify U.S. 
competitiveness in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) 
region. ASEAN is America's third largest overseas market and has been 
identified as a strategic region for economic engagement by the Bush 
Administration under the Enterprise for ASEAN Initiative (EAI).
    For the above reasons, the U.S. Chamber strongly supports the 
extension of NTR for Laos and urges the Subcommittee to move forward 
promptly after completing this review. If you would like to discuss the 
issues contained herein, I can be reached at (202) 463-5455, or by 
email at [email protected].
            Best Regards,
                                                 Willard A. Workman
                       Senior Vice President, International Affairs

cc: Rolf Lundberg, U.S. Chamber of Commerce

                                 

                                   United Hmong International, Inc.
                                          (Non-Profit Organization)
                                                   Fresno, CA 93727
                                                      April 1, 2003
The Honorable Phillip M. Crane
Chairman, Subcommittee on Trade and
all Members of House Ways and Means Committee
U.S. House of Representatives
1104 Longworth House Building
Washington, D.C. 20515

    Dear The Honorable Chairman Phillip M. Crane and all Members of the 
Committee.

    We the Hmong representatives propose to the United States 
Government, the United States Department of State, the United States 
Congress and the United Nations to provide food, medications, clothing 
and other necessary supplies to support our Hmong people in the jungle 
of Laos, who are starving from food, medications, clothing, and other 
necessary supplies, because they suffered from the Lao communist 
government and Vietnamese troops who surrounded, chased and kill them 
with chemical attacked, artilleries, bombs, helicopters, missiles and 
etc., since September 2002 to the present time, many hundreds of Hmong 
people died.
    Many thousands of Hmong people are located at Phou Kong Qua, Phou 
Yai, Teng Bong, Vientiane Province. Nam Taung, Pha Si, Pha Ngu, Phou 
Bian, Special Zone Xaisomboun Province. Phou Nam Noua, Nam ma, 
Moungxang, Moung Mok, Borikhamxai Province. These Hmong people are 
allies of the United States of America and the free world countries, 
because during the Vietnam War, these Hmong people paid an enormous 
price to the United States of America and other free world countries. 
Today is time for the United States of America and other free world 
countries to consider your allies, the Hmong people as an enormous 
price to them.
    The communist Lao government of Lao People's Democratic Republic 
(LPDR) and Vietnamese government were committed of war crimes, crimes 
against peace and crimes against humanity in Laos. There are no peace, 
no freedom, no democracy, no freedom of religions and no human rights 
in Laos.
    The Radio Free Asia-Laos Service reported on February 25, 2003, 
that many hundreds of people demonstrated in Vientiane, Laos an on 
March 25, 2003, VOA Radio-Laos Service also reported that more than ten 
thousands people demonstrated in Vientiane, Laos, too. They opposed the 
policy of the United States government toward Iraq. Those demonstrators 
in Vientiane called to support the Iraqi government and they were anti-
foreign policy of the United States government toward Iraq. Therefore, 
the Iraqi government and communist Lao government and communist Lao 
government of LPDR are strong connections in the political, military 
and other fields.
    The Lao communist government and the North Vietnamese should have a 
connection with Al-Qaeda or Ossama Bin Laden and Saddam Hussein, 
because they used biological and chemical mass destruction to kill the 
Hmong people for twenty eight years in the jungle of Laos. The LPDR is 
supported Al-Qaeda and Saddam Hussein. Laos could be a possible place 
for Ossama Bin Laden to hide.
    We also propose to the United States government, the United States 
Department of State, the United States Trade Commission, the United 
States Congress and the United Nations to stop Normal Trade Relations 
and assistance to the Lao communist government of Lao People's 
Democratic Republic and Vietnamese, because the Normal Trade Relations 
and assistance from the world will become the cancers as biological and 
chemicals mass destructions to kill the Hmong people in the jungle of 
Laos forever. The more Normal Trade Relations and assistance to the Lao 
communist government of Lao People's Democratic Republic will cause 
danger to the Hmong people in Laos. In the past twenty eight years, the 
United States, Australia, Japan and government of Lao People's 
Democratic Republic with billion of dollars, but Laos is still un-
developed, because the LPDR used assistance supported from the world to 
buy artilleries, tanks, helicopters, bombs, ammunitions, biological and 
chemical weapons of mass destructions to kill the Hmong people in the 
jungle of Laos. We are pleading to the world to stop the Normal Trade 
Relations and assistance to these two dictatorship governments. Your 
support and trade with the Lao communist government of Lao People's 
Democratic Republic will never change Laos to free society and 
democratic systems.
    We would like to request the United States government, the United 
States of Department of State, the United States Congress and the 
United Nations to provide food, medications, clothing and other 
necessary supplies to help the Hmong people in the jungle of Laos. 
Hmong people in the jungle of Laos are no different from innocents 
Iraqi, Afghanistan and other people around the world.
    According to S. RES. 240, ``(1) respect international norms of 
human rights and democratic freedoms for the Lao people, and fully 
honor its commitments to those norms and freedoms and internationals 
agreements, and in the 1962 Declaration on the Neutrality of Laos and 
its protocol and 1973 Vientiane Agreement on Laos. (2) issue a public 
statement specifically reaffirming its commitment to protecting 
religious freedom and other basic human rights; [and] (3) fully 
institute a process of democracy, human rights, and openly-contested 
free and fair elections in Laos, and ensure specifically that the 
National assembly elections-currently scheduled for 2002-are openly 
contested [.]; and (4) allow access for International human rights 
monitors, including the International Committee of the Red Cross to Lao 
prisons, and to all regions of the country to investigate allegations 
of human rights abuses, including those against the Hmong people, when 
requested.''
    There was also a H.Con.Res. 406 to recognize the Hmong and other 
groups who were `Secret Army' for the United States of America during 
the Vietnam War. As this resolution is recognizing the importance, 
those Hmong people in the jungle of Laos are important, too, because 
they are a part of this resolution.
    The times is coming for the United States government to investigate 
and stop the ethnic cleansing war, biological and chemical warfare and 
genocide against the Hmong people in Laos as soon as possible. Mr. 
Chairman and all Members, we support the United States policy toward 
Iraq and we need you to stop the war in Laos as soon as possible.
    Considering the Laos issue as our proposal has address as soon as 
possible would bring peace, freedom, democracy, freedom of religions 
and human rights for the Lao people.
    Hopefully, you will make the considerations for this proposal to 
bring peace, freedom, freedom of religions and human rights to the 
Hmong people in Laos that who are allies of the United States of 
America.
            Respectfully Yours
                                                          Vang Thao
                  President of the United Hmong International, Inc.

                                 

                            United Lao/Hmong Congress for Democracy
                                        Eau Claire, Wisconsin 54702
                                                     April 17, 2003
Honorable Philip Crane
Chairman, Subcommittee on Trade of the Committee on Ways and Means
1104 Longworth House Office Building
House Representatives
Washington, DC 20515

    Dear Chairman Crane:

    As the United States-led coalition forces action, which includes my 
young son among the American troops, against the Iraqi's regime is 
winding down, we must keep in mind that the communist Lao regime is not 
much different from the Iraqi regime. With this in mind, I am 
submitting this letter of opposition to the Extension of Permanent 
Normal Trade Relations Status to Laos due to the grave concern of human 
rights abuses and atrocities committed by the Lao People's Democratic 
Republic (LPDR).
    On behalf of the suffering Laotian people including ethnic Hmong in 
Laos, we oppose the granting of NTR to Laos based on the following 
evidence.
Evidence
    1. LIn 1975, the communist Pathet Lao regime and the government of 
the Socialist Republic Vietnam (SRV) seized the Kingdom of Laos by 
armed force and established the Lao People's Democratic Republic (LPDR) 
in violation of the 1962 Geneva Declaration on Neutrality of Laos and 
its protocol, as well as the 1973 Vientiane and Paris Peace Agreements 
on Laos and Indochina.
    2. LSince 1975, the governments of Laos and Vietnam have waged a 
campaign of reprisal, repression, massive human rights violation, and 
ethnic cleansing war against the freedom-loving Laotian, particularly 
the ethnic Hmong who served the United States loyally during the 
Vietnam War.
    3. LSince the beginning of 2000, the Lao PDR, with the 
collaboration of Vietnamese forces, has stepped up their military 
campaign using all types of modern weapons including artillery and 
helicopters with chemical poison, as well as land mines directly 
against the Hmong in remote villages in the provinces of Xiengkhouang, 
Xaisomboun-Special Zone, northern Vientiane-Vangvieng, and Borikhamsai, 
causing the death and wounds in the thousands including women and 
children.
    4. LSince the signing of the anti-terrorism treaty on Aug. 1, 2002 
in Brunei, by ASEAN, which Laos and the U.S. led Secretary of State, 
Colin Powell, as co-signers, Lao PDR treated the treaty as an excuse 
for its government to clean up the Hmong. The Lao PDR called the Hmong 
terrorists, so they could exterminate the Hmong. Video footage of 
killing ethnic Hmong and some Laotians by the Lao PDR will be delivered 
to you on April 21 for your review. As you will see on the video, the 
Lao PDR regime is the real terrorist. They are real evildoers. Khamtai 
Siphandon, leader of the Lao regime, is not much different from Saddam. 
If what the Lao PDR did to our people in Laos is not evil, then evil 
and human value have no meaning as President George Bush stated in his 
State of The Union Address. In his State of The Union Address, on 
January 28, 2003 in regard to Saddam Hussein's human rights record, he 
stated, ``If this is not evil, then evil has no meaning.''
      LFurthermore, the Lao PDR is a strong supporter of Saddam 
Hussein's regime and other evil nations. Clear examples were the two 
state-sanctioned demonstrations held against the U.S.-led war with Iraq 
in Vientiane, the Capital of Laos, on February 25 and March 23, 2003, 
by thousands who were encouraged by the leaders of the Lao PDR. Such 
rallies had never happened by the commoners under the Lao regime in the 
last 28 years. How could the American government so willingly grant NTR 
and aid to such horrible repressive regime in this modern time?
    5. LThe disappearance of two Hmong-Americans-Houa Ly of Appleton 
and Michael Vang of Fresno in the summer of 1999 in Bokeo, Laos.
    6. LThe arrest of pro-democratic student leaders and teachers who 
peacefully rallied for freedom, democracy, and economic reform in Oct. 
26, 1999.
    7. LThe arrest of five European Members who staged a peaceful 
protest in front of the Presidential Palace calling for human rights, 
justice, and freedom in October 26, 2001.
    8. LIn a new report on March 19, 2003, the U.S. Commission on 
International Religious Freedom concludes, ``the government of Laos has 
engaged in particularly severe violations of freedom of religion, and 
merits designation by the (Bush) Administration as a ``country of 
particular concern'' under the International Religious Act of 1998''.
    9. LThe millions of dollars and other foreign aid and loans granted 
to Lao PDR by the United States and other countries as aid and 
assistance, have not benefited the Lao people or met the expectations 
of the donors. Today, Laos remains to be one of the poorest countries 
in the world. Indeed, these grants only make the leaders rich and 
reinforce the power of the Lao PDR by imposing harsher crackdowns on 
its citizens and the freedom-loving people.
 10. LOne would argue that granting NTR to Laos would bring it a step 
closer toward economic reform and openness, but in reality in the 
communist world, it does not. Have we seen improvement in Vietnam, 
Laos's biggest supporter? After the U.S. granted yearly NTR to Vietnam 
in 1988 and permanent NTR in 2000, Vietnam's human rights abuse has not 
changed. The NRT may ease some tension between the U.S. and Vietnam and 
at the same time benefit the Vietnamese elites and some U.S. business 
tycoons, but all aspects of Vietnamese lives are still controlled by 
the same communist party. Human rights violations of individuals and 
Christians in Vietnam are on the rise. Laos would not be much 
different.

    Therefore, we recommended three actions to be taken as follows:

    1. We call on the United States Congress to press the Lao PDR to 
immediately cease attacking the Hmong in the remote areas, and 
dramatically improve its human rights record in general by allowing 
international human rights organizations to monitor its human rights 
practices before NTR can be considered.
    2. The United States should take a leadership role to immediately 
coordinate a Fact-Finding Mission to Laos to investigate on-going 
massive human rights abuse and ethnic cleansing in Laos before NTR can 
be discussed.
    3. We humbly ask the Trade Committee to cease considering NTR to 
Lao at this time because we believe that NTR can only benefit the 
communist Lao elites and empower them to suppress the Lao/Hmong 
citizens. NTR and other financial aid and loans can only be considered 
when the Lao PDR is willing to deal with true human rights, the rule of 
laws, freedom and democracy before the eyes of the international 
community.
            Sincerely,
                                                       Stephen Vang
               President of United Lao/Hmong Congress for Democracy

                                 

                                     United Laotian Americans (ULA)
                                   Brooklyn Center, Minnesota 55429
                                                     April 17, 2003
Honorable Philip M. Crane Chairman
Subcommittee on Trade
Ways and Means Committee
House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20515
Fax: 202-225-2610

    Dear Congressman Crane:

    This is our letter of support for extending Normal Trade Relations 
(NTR) to Lao P.D.R. The United Laotian Americans (ULA), a non-profit 
organization of Minnesota has the honor of representing the Laotian 
American individuals, Associations and Organizations in Minnesota.
    On January 14, 2003, I had the opportunity to meet with Mr. One-sy 
Bouthsivongsakd, Chair of the Board of LNCCI, a Representative of 
Employer's Organization and the Deputy Chairman of Society Security for 
Enterprises. We discussed the Laos' Normal Trade Relation (NTR) and 
realized the essential of what it can do for the citizens of the Lao 
P.D.R. Mr. Bouthsivongsakd had pointed out labors force as follows:
    Lao P.D.R. has population of 5.7 millions. There are 80 factories 
in the country, which only 54 export their products. They have a total 
of over 22,000 work forces, in which 86% are women, 70% are from the 
rural areas, 50% had finished elementary school, 30% have some Junior 
High School education, and 5% have High School diplomas. They produce 
of over 40,000,000 of fabric products per year, which equals to revenue 
of $110,000,000 U.S. Dollar.
    35,000,000 of the items are sold to 52 countries around the world. 
Over 80% are supplied to Europe market, and less than 10% are supplied 
to the United States.
    From 1997 to 2000, Lao P.D.R. had trade with the United States with 
the revenue of $17,000,000 U.S. Dollar. Since then it has declined to 
$2,600,000 U.S. Dollar in the year of 2001. The decline was in many 
ways due to the lack of N.T.R. status. There were promising numbers of 
companies intended to built in Laos in 1997 due to an anticipation that 
NTR for Lao P.D.R. would not have encounter any obstacles as the 
comprehensive bilateral trade agreement that the United States was 
concluded. Since then, manyhad left the country due to the long waiting 
of the N.T.R. Many of the products that were intended for production in 
Lao P.D.R., are now being produced in Cambodia where NTR was granted in 
1999. This has increase export revenue for Cambodia from less than 
$17,000,000 in 1997 to $850,000,000 in 2002. It projects that export 
revenue will increase to $1.2 billions in 2003. This clearly indicates 
how NTR can help Lao P.D.R. with its economic development.
    The following organizations have also expressed their support for 
NTR for Lao PDR.
Lao PTA of Minnesota
Laotian American of Worthington Association
Lao Niyom of Minnesota Association
Lao Champhone Association
Indochina Children Organization
Lao Washington State Association
            Sincerely,
                                                     Laxa Yabandith
                                    Executive Vice President of ULA

                                 

                                           United Laotian Community
                                          Oakland, California 94601
                                                     April 15, 2003
Honorable Congressman Philip M. Crane
Chairman, Subcommittee on Trade of the Committee on Ways and Means
Capital Hill
Washington DC
Fax (202) 225-2610

Subject: US NTR for Laos


    Dear Honorable Congressman Philip M. Crane

    The United Laotian Community is a community base organization bases 
in the City of Oakland, California wishes to express our support to the 
statement of Laotian-American National Movement to support the Bush 
Administration's policy toward Laos.
            Sincerely,
                                           Phaeng Toommaly Andersen
                                                          President
                                 ______
                                 
Respectfully Yours,

          The Voice of the Laotian American National Movement

                             In support of

               The Bush Administration's Trade Initiative

                To extend Normal Trade Relations to Laos

We believe that:
    Widespread and rapidly growing unemployment among youth in Laos has 
driven tens of thousands of them to flee to Thailand and other 
neighboring countries where they fall prey to exploitative and inhumane 
treatment by their employers and criminals; while the land-locked 
Laotian economy continues to weaken due to decline in foreign 
investment and its weak capability to compete with its neighbors in the 
export markets. The situation is further aggravated by the continued 
denial of US NTR while such privilege is enjoyed by its stronger 
immediate neighbors, including Vietnam and Cambodia.
    US NTR for Laos is not a panacea for its social economic problems, 
but it will put Laos on a level playing field with its neighboring 
countries on which to compete for a share of the U.S. markets. This in 
turn will stimulate domestic and foreign investment in Laos and give 
the country a fair chance to provide decent jobs for its youth and 
thereby help reverse the current ill treatment and suffering they have 
had to endure, both in Laos and in neighboring countries.
    We realize that Laotian communities across the U.S. are not 
unanimous in their views about the current Laotian Government and its 
policies, and that the majority of Laotian Americans still wish to see 
more political reforms and changes. But we believe that a stronger 
Laotian economy will improve living conditions of the Laotian people 
who, in turn, will then become real stakeholders and, eventually 
catalysts for change. Experience in Asia has amply demonstrated that 
the democratization process has been economically driven.
    While understanding and respecting the views of those opposing the 
granting of US NTR for Laos, we ask that they also understand and 
respect our views and positions on this important matter. As American 
citizens, we have the obligation to respect each other's rights and 
freedom to express our views in accordance with our belief and 
conscience.
    The majority of Laotian Americans have reconnected with their 
homeland. Most of them have returned to Laos for visits and have 
relatives who are still there and wish to see that they be given a fair 
chance for a better living. Most Laotian Americans believe that 
promoting economic development is the best way to promote peaceful and 
sustainable change in Laos.
    We wholeheartedly applaud and share the position taken by the Bush 
Administration on the issue of US NTR for Laos. Ambassador Hartwick is 
trying to encourage discussion and favorable consideration of this 
initiative.
    Laotian Americans and friends of the Laotians who share our views 
should exercise their right of freedom of speech by voicing their views 
to their respective Congressional representatives, especially members 
of the House Ways and Means Committee.
    The opposition to the US NTR to date seeks to isolate and 
impoverish Laos for their own ambiguous political agenda. They have 
organized and financed aggressive lobby efforts to prevent hearings on 
this matter. Some of them continue to believe that poverty will force 
change in Laos. Recent history in Asia shows otherwise. People in 
isolated and poor North Korea have no means to ask for change, they 
starve in silence; while in relatively rich South Korea and other parts 
of Asia (Thailand, Taiwan, Malaysia, Philippines etc.) growing 
affluence of the peoples have created economically strong and well 
educated middle class who in turn have proven to be the real incubators 
and guardians of the growing democratization process.
    A constructive engagement approach is a better alternative for the 
U.S. to promote change in Laos; and that promoting change through 
peaceful socioeconomic development is far more effective and humane 
than deliberate impoverishment of our fellow Laotians in Laos. Laos 
needs to adopt international standards and strengthen the rule of law. 
We should voice our collective efforts to urge the U.S. Congress to 
grant Laos the US NTR.
    Laotian American National Movement will try to coordinate and in 
some cases help to campaign for US NTR for Laos. Our American friends 
can certainly help to do the same. Let's not leave out any body that 
can help.
    For more information, please contact:
The US-Lao NTR Coalition
C/o Laotian-American National Coalition
120 Broadway, Suite 4
Richmond, CA 94804
(510) 235-5005, (510) 235-5065
Website: Laotianlink.com
Email: [email protected]

                                 

               Statement of Bounthanh Rathigna, President
          United League for Democracy in Laos, Inc., Virginia
    First of all, we would like to express our appreciation to the 
Trade Subcommittee and Members of Congress for their concern about 
Laos--one of the smallest and poorest countries of the world. We 
appreciate opportunity to present our views-which are held by thhe vast 
majority of Laotian-Americans--in strong opposition to granting 
Normalized Trade Relations (NTR) status to the Communist Lao People's 
Democratic Republic (LPDR) at this time.
    At the outset, we are very concerned that Ambassador Douglas 
Hartwick, after his nomination had been rightly been frozen by the 
Senate for 18 months, solemnly made a statement before the Committee on 
Foreign Relations on June 29, 2001, that if confirmed he would set. . 
.(a number of) goals as a top priority: `` 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.'' However, Hartwick has clearly 
violated and broken his promises. In fact, by January 2003, Hartwick 
appears to have already proudly become a lobbyist for the Lao Communist 
Government by vigorously campaigning for NTR for Laos. In Ambassador 
Hartwick's shameful and unpopular speech to the Lao Community in 
Richmond, California, on January 25, 2003, and Seattle, WA on January 
26, 2003, had said that he: ``Needs another tool to promote change in 
Laos `` and he ``believes one of the most important tools for changing 
is establishing a normal trade relationship with LPDR.''
    In an open letter to the members of the Bush Administration and the 
U.S. Congress, the so-called
    ``The Lao American National Movement in support of . . . (the) 
trade initiative to extend NTR to Laos'', said ``US NTR will put Laos 
on a level playing field with its neighboring countries on which to 
compete for a share of US markets.'' We respect their views, but also 
would like them to hear ours and the voices of the vast majority of the 
Laotians who unfortunately had to leave their beloved homeland, which 
became a killing field after the communist takeover in 1975. Lao-
Americans, by an overwhelming majority, are strongly oppose granting 
NTR Status to the LPDR regime.
    In the petition to the U.S. Congress in January 2003, the United 
Lao Action Center wrote:

        L  ``ULAC believes that without internal political and economic 
        freedom, external free trade will not work, it will not promote 
        economic growth as intended. It will definitely, not benefit 
        the people of Laos. Without the necessary fundamental 
        preconditions--political as well as economic--NTR, if granted 
        as its stand now, will be counter-productive . . . and an 
        enormous cost to Ameriican taxpayers.''

    In a statement to Ambassador Hartwick in January 26, 2003, 
representatives of the Lao-American Community of the Northwest said:

    ``By granting NTR status, at this point, the US government would 
inadvertently send the wrong message to the Lao people--that it is 
willing to reward a dictatorial government (the LPDR), which 
consistently ignores its own constitution and its innternational 
obligations to uphold and comply with the United Nations' Universal 
Declaration of Human Rights. It would dash any hopes and dreams the Lao 
people still have, and hold so dear to their hearts, that one day, this 
country, through international pressure, would enjoy true liberty and 
democracy that we, Americans, have been taking for granted for so 
long.''
    In an open letter to Mrs. Paula Dobrinsky, Under Secretary of State 
for Global Affairs and Mr. Lome Craner, Assistant Under Secretary of 
State (Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor), the Lao Movement 
for Human Rights and Forum for Asia Democracy had expressed their 
solidarity with all those who oppose the awarding of NTR status to the 
Lao Communist Regime (while the leaders of state party of LPDR have not 
provided tangible, significant--and above all--verifiable proof of 
their efforts in field of democracy and respect for human rights and 
liberty).
    In addition to the hundreds of letters, petitions and 
announcements, there are also thousands of e-mails from Lao people 
around the world expressing opposition to granting NTR status to the 
Lao communist regime.
    Our point of view on Laos' situation, especially on the issue of 
the US-Laos relationship is very clear; we distinguish between the Lao 
people and the Communist authority, which is in reality a Vietnamese 
puppet regime in Laos. However, we do not believe that a policy of 
appeasement of the American government to entice political change in 
Laos--through economic concession or a blank check of financial 
assistance to the Communists--will work. To the contrary, it will only 
help the Lao Communist regime to continue its human rights abuses, 
religious persecution and other injustices. Free trade might help 
improve the living conditions of the majority of the people-but only in 
a country governed by the Rule of Law. It will not yield its benefits 
as intended as long as economic decisions are dictated by a small group 
of old guard ``elite'' of the communist regime. The basic economic 
problem of the LPDR rests not only with the natural constraint of being 
landlocked and high tariff on exporting goods to America, but from a 
political system that is obsolete and hinder growth because of a 
climate of lawlessness and arbitrary practices which further deter 
direct private investment, both domestic and foreign. The productivity 
of Laos is corroded by mismanagement and corruption--and further 
handicapped by a dire lack of competent, qualified and skilled-human 
resources. To place total focus on NTR as a singular solution is to 
oversimplify the Laos problems. It is not only misses the mark, but 
could backfire and prove costly for investors and donors.
    In the view of many Lao-Americans, NTR will not benefit the Lao 
people and will simply serve as a moneymaker for the communist 
leadership. The Lao Communist leadership places a high premium on it as 
a symbolic triumph, which will shore up their sagging credibility with 
the people. Once it is granted, they will ``show case'' it as an 
affirmation of their otherwise corrupt regime. For Laotian-Americans 
and other freedom loving-people, it is tantamount to rewarding a brutal 
dictatorship and its terrible oppression of the people. NTR should be 
an instrument for promoting political change in Laos. It should be 
granted only after the communist leadership in Laos makes a real change 
in attitude and behavior. It does not make sense to just give it to 
them and sit back and hope.
    For lack of a better analogy, the idea of dangling the carrot 
before the donkey--not put it in his mouth and then try to tell it to 
do what you want-applies to the NTR trade issue regarding Laos. 
Moreover,, with regard to the Communist regime in Laos, the carrot 
alone will not do the job. We also need the stick-in terms of economic 
sanctions and moratoria on bilateral and multilateral financial flow to 
the Lao communist regime. This would not make any difference to the Lao 
people, most of whom have subsisted in abject poverty for decades now, 
despite the billions of dollars that have been poured into the country. 
Sanctions, on the other hand, would pressure the communist regime, 
which as we know, is already strapped for cash, into thinking and 
making serious changes.
    In view of the annual report published by the Department of State 
on the situation of human rights in Laos (published March 31,2003), 
there is no need to remind one of the dictatorial nature of the Pathet 
Lao regime that has ruled the country since 1975, nor to list the 
numerous, serious and repeated violations of the political, economic, 
social and religious rights of the Lao people.
    Has the international community not already given too many 
``gifts'' to the communist, in terms of hundreds millions of dollars in 
loans, aid, debt relief, etc.? The award of NTR status to neighboring 
countries--in particular Myanmar, and Vietnam--has not brought real and 
verifiably beneficial effects in the field of human rights or 
democracy.
    This is why we believe that the Vientiane regime must first make a 
significant ``gesture'' to deserve NTR statUS-in particular by 
releasing, immediately and unconditionally, the prisoners of opinion 
whose only ``crime'' is to have denounceed, in peaceful manner, the 
iniquity or even simply the general drift of the regime, and to have 
called for the respect of fundamental rights, social justice as well as 
the introduction of a multi-party system.
    For these reasons, and the questions outline above, which remain a 
matter of grave concern to us, we respectfully urge the U.S. Congress 
to deny NTR to the Lao Communist regime until such time as it can be 
ascertained and verified that Lao government has taken specific, 
concrete and significant steps to redress the human rights situation, 
religious persecution--and to institute real change toward openness, 
transparency and democratization.
    A useful step in this direction, we believe, would be to hold an 
in-depth, and broad-based, Congressional hearing on this issue, 
involving all sides, at political, as well as, economic levels.
            Thank you for your consideration,
                                                 Bounthanh Rathigna
                President United League for Democracy in Laos, Inc.

                                 

     United States Association of Importers of Textiles and Apparel
                                           New York, New York 10003
                                                     April 21, 2003
        Comments In Support of Normal Trade Relations With Laos
    The United States Association of Importers of Textiles and Apparel, 
USA-ITA, whose members include textile and apparel manufacturers, 
distributors, retailers, importers and related service providers, such 
as shipping lines and customs brokers, and account for as much as $100 
billion in U.S. apparel sales annually, strongly support Normal Trade 
Relations (NTR) with Laos.
    The absence of NTR duty status has greatly limited the viability of 
Laos as a supplier of apparel to the U.S. market. The one U.S. quota on 
Laos, covering cotton and man-made fiber men's and boys' woven shirts, 
has not had a single charge against it this year, demonstrating that 
the imposition of Column Two duty rates renders Lao manufacturers 
uncompetitive. Unless Laos is given an opportunity to develop an 
apparel manufacturing and exporting business before December 31, 2004, 
it is unlikely to be able to establish a competitive industry in a 
post-quota era environment.
    Opening up trade with Laos will not have any negative impact on the 
U.S. domestic textile industry. Laos is a minor supplier to the U.S. 
market. It ranks 128th of all countries selling to the U.S. 
market, and sold only $2.6 million worth of textile and apparel 
products to the United States during the most recent twelve months.
    Approving NTR for Laos serves United States' trade policy and 
economic objectives, providing a means for Lao manufacturers to compete 
in the U.S. market. Moving forward with this aspect of the 
normalization of relations also would have a positive impact on other 
matters of concern, including the promotion of human rights and other 
freedoms. These are inevitable consequences of the presence of American 
firms, who bring with them American standards, including stringent 
Codes of Conduct, and American values when they place orders in 
overseas factories.
    USA-ITA member companies also see the establishment of NTR status 
for Laos as an appropriate and essential step toward achievement of the 
Enterprise for the ASEAN Initiative, announced by the Bush 
Administration last year. Laos is a member of the ten country 
Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), which provides an 
important forum for economic reforms and integration and global trade 
liberalization. Trade initiatives with the ASEAN, including Laos, also 
offer a means for promoting U.S. security interests, a particularly 
important issue in today's world. The ability of the United States to 
move forward with its goal of reciprocal trade liberation with the 
ASEAN nations also compels normalization of relations with Laos.
    USA-ITA member companies also look forward to the accession of Laos 
into the World Trade Organization. Establishment of NTR status for Laos 
would provide momentum for that achievement.
            Respectfully submitted,
                                                     Laura E. Jones
                                                 Executive Director

                                 

        United States Commission on International Religious Freedom
                                             Washington, D.C. 20002
                                                     April 17, 2003
Members of the Subcommittee on Trade
Ways and Means Committee
U.S. House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20515

    Dear Chairman Crane and Members of the Subcommittee,

    Please find attached the executive summary and recommendations from 
the 2003 report on Laos by the United States Commission on 
International Religious Freedom. As the subcommittee considers the 
extension of permanent normal trade relations treatment to products 
from Laos, the Commission asks that the attached materials be included 
in the record. (A complete copy of the Laos report can be found on the 
Commission's web site at www.uscirf.gov.)
    The Commission is charged with reviewing the facts and 
circumstances of violations of international religious freedom. By law, 
a key function of the Commission is to submit to the President, 
Secretary of State, and Congress its findings and recommendations for 
U.S. policies with respect to foreign governments engaging in or 
tolerating violations of religious freedom.
    In its report findings, the Commission has determined that the 
government of Laos has been engaged in particularly severe violations 
of religious freedom, as defined in the International Religious Freedom 
Act of 1998. These violations include the arrest, prolonged detention, 
and imprisonment of members of religious minorities on account of their 
religious activities.
    While the Commission has no position on whether permanent normal 
trade relations treatment should be extended to Laos, it does urge the 
United States government to make clear that the cessation of practices 
which abuse religious freedom is essential to an improvement in and an 
expansion of U.S.-Laos relations. The Commission is hopeful that the 
subcommittee will take the Commission's findings and recommendations 
into account as it considers increasing trade relations with Laos.
            Sincerely,
                                                    Joseph R. Crapa
                                                 Executive Director
                                 ______
                                 
Laos
                           Executive Summary
    Since the Lao People's Revolutionary Party (LPRP) assumed power in 
1975, there has been extensive government interference with and 
restrictions on all religious communities. In more recent years, the 
government has focused its repression on religions that are relatively 
new to Laos, including Protestant Christianity. During this time 
period, the government of Laos has engaged in particularly severe 
violations of religious freedom as defined in the International 
Religious Freedom Act of 1998 (IRFA). These include the arrest, 
prolonged detention, and imprisonment of members of religious 
minorities on account of their religious activities. In addition, Lao 
officials have forced Christians to renounce their faith. At the same 
time, dozens of churches have been closed. Given the seriousness of 
religious freedom violations in Laos, the U.S. Commission on 
International Religious Freedom (Commission), in both 2000 and 2001, 
recommended that Laos be designated as a ``country of particular 
concern'' (CPC), pursuant to IRFA. In February 2002, the Commission 
sent a delegation to Laos on a fact-finding mission.
    In July 2002, the Lao government promulgated a new decree on 
religious affairs that provides a legal basis for control of and 
interference with religious activities by government officials. 
Although some religious detainees have reportedly been released after 
July 2002, others remain in detention. In the light of these 
circumstances, in 2002, the Commission once again recommended that Laos 
be designated as a CPC.
    Laos is a one-party, authoritarian state, which has suppressed the 
human rights of its citizens and foreigners alike. The inability of the 
government of Laos to rule effectively, in combination with a culture 
that resists change, has contributed to serious underdevelopment, 
making Laos one of the poorest and least educated societies in the 
world. The ineffectiveness of the current government has also 
compounded the difficulty of assuring religious freedom and other 
related human rights in Laos. For example, central government officials 
have limited ability to investigate alleged human rights abuses in 
remote parts of Laos due to poor road conditions and limited 
transportation equipment. Moreover, there are virtually no legal 
protections for human rights, as Laos has an underdeveloped legal 
system with only 48 laws to govern all aspects of life and there are 
few lawyers in the country. Finally, another challenge to advancing the 
protection of religious freedom in Laos is the historically close 
linkage between Buddhism and the Lao state, which has contributed to 
the government's suspicion of non-Buddhist religions that are 
relatively new to that country.
    Since September 11, 2001, Southeast Asia has become an increasingly 
important arena in the U.S.-led campaign against terrorism. Laos' 
importance to U.S. interests has also increased by virtue of its status 
as a member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and its 
support for the international counter-terrorism effort. Meanwhile, the 
government of Laos has continued to engage in serious violations of 
religious freedom and related human rights. Yet, Laos has not received 
much attention from U.S. foreign policymakers, including the Congress. 
Laos is at an important crossroad, and U.S. attention to Laos at this 
time may advance protections for religious freedom and promote U.S. 
interests. Indeed, while some Lao officials have advocated Vietnam and 
China as models for Laos' future, others have expressed a desire to 
modernize the country by learning from the experiences of the United 
States and other developed nations in the West. In particular, Lao 
officials perceive the United States to be influential in the provision 
of international aid for Laos' development and some have thus 
demonstrated a willingness to address U.S. concerns, including human 
rights concerns raised by this Commission, the State Department, and 
non-governmental organizations. This suggests that the present is a 
pivotal moment in the history of Laos and U.S.-Laos relations. The 
United States has a unique opportunity to engage the government and 
people of Laos in a process of reform that would end the suppression of 
religious freedom and other related human rights, and relatively small 
measures of attention and assistance could accomplish a great deal. 
Therefore, the Commission makes the following recommendations to the 
U.S. government:

    1. The President should designate Laos as a CPC to make clear U.S. 
concerns over particularly severe violations of religious freedom in 
Laos, thus engaging the U.S. government in a process to promote changes 
that would advance legal as well as practical protections of freedom of 
religion and related human rights in that country.
    2. The U.S. government should urge the government of Laos to take 
specific steps to improve respect for religious freedom, including the 
possible establishment of a bilateral human rights dialogue that would 
also address the broader range of human rights concerns such as torture 
and other forms of ill-treatment. In addition, the U.S. government 
should make clear to the government of Laos that any such dialogue or 
other improvement in U.S.-Laos relations must be based on the immediate 
cessation of practices that abuse religious freedom, including 
arbitrary arrest and detention, forced renunciation, and church 
closings.
    3. The U.S. government should provide assistance to Laos to take 
genuine steps to reform its practices, policies, laws, and regulations 
that contribute to religious freedom violations. In this regard, the 
State Department should undertake an assessment of human rights needs 
in Laos in order to identify specific areas where the United States 
could provide support and assistance for establishing human rights 
protections. The assessment should address, among others, technical 
legal assistance, dissemination of information about human rights, 
human rights training programs, educational efforts targeting all Lao 
citizens, and exchange programs.
Commission Recommendations
    The Commission has found that the Lao government continues to 
engage in particularly severe religious freedom violations. At the same 
time, the Lao government has begun to take steps that, if continued, 
could lead to improved protection of religious freedom.
    If the Lao government is committed to taking further steps, the 
U.S. government has the opportunity to encourage and support reforms 
that could lead to the establishment of a legal basis for religious 
freedom, affirm the equal legal standing of all religious beliefs and 
communities, clarify the rights of religious groups and individuals, 
and end violations that have continued to occur. The revision and 
implementation of the new decree in a way that is consistent with 
international human rights law is critical to demonstrate the central 
government's commitment to improving the protection of religious 
freedom. Officials in the Lao central government assert that the new 
decree will put religious activities on a legal footing and help 
discipline abuses by local leaders, such as detention, forced 
renunciation, and church closing.
    During the Commission's visit to Laos, it was apparent that the Lao 
government has expressed a genuine interest in opening up to the 
outside world. Many observers have pointed out that Laos is now faced 
with the decision of either becoming more oriented toward the West or 
moving closer to China and Vietnam. Although a number of senior Lao 
officials may support the latter option, the Lao government is 
interested in international development assistance and perceives that 
the United States is an influential member of the international donor 
community. The Commission thus believes that the U.S. government should 
be prepared to exercise that influence, and to offer assistance to Laos 
if necessary, to advance the protection of religious freedom and other 
human rights in Laos, if the government of Laos is genuinely interested 
in undertaking the necessary reforms and ending abusive practices.

    1. The President should designate Laos as a country of particular 
concern, in accordance with provisions of the International Religious 
Freedom Act of 1998.
    Under the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998 (IRFA), the 
President or his designee, the Secretary of State, is required to 
designate as countries of particular concern (CPCs) those countries the 
government of which has engaged in or tolerated ``particularly severe 
violations of religious freedom,'' as defined in the law.[i]
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    \[i]\ See International Religious Freedom Act of 1998 (IRFA),  402 
(b)(1)(A), 22 U.S.C.  6442 (b)(1)(A). ``Particularly severe violations 
of religious freedom'' are defined in IRFA  3 (11), 22 U.S.C.  6402 
(11) as:
    ``systematic, ongoing, egregious violations of religious freedom, 
including violations such as--(A) torture or cruel, inhuman or 
degrading treatment or punishment; (B) prolonged detention without 
charges; (C) causing the disappearance of persons by the abduction or 
clandestine detention of those persons; or (D) other flagrant denial of 
the right to life, liberty, or the security of persons'' (emphasis 
added).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    As noted earlier, the Commission has found that in the past year 
the government of Laos continues to engage in particularly severe 
violations of religious freedom, thus meeting the statutory criteria 
for designation as a CPC. As discussed above, the Lao government has 
recently released religious prisoners. The release of imprisoned 
individuals, while welcome, does not represent the kind of systemic 
improvements that are necessary to strengthen the protection of 
religious freedom and bring Laos' laws and practices into conformity 
with international law. It therefore remains to be seen whether the Lao 
government will take additional steps that lead to sustained 
improvements in the protection of the right to freedom of religion and 
significantly reduce particularly severe religious freedom violations. 
Such additional steps include the actions specified in recommendation 2 
below. If that becomes the case, the Commission might during the year 
ahead review its recommendation on CPC designation.
    Designation of CPCs is an important aspect of IRFA, but it is only 
one aspect. IRFA requires policy responses, both for CPCs and for all 
other violators of religious freedom. IRFA does not, however, dictate 
what the precise response must be in every case. Sanctions are not the 
only option, as the statute provides an extensive list of policy tools 
of varying intensity from which to choose.
    2.  The U.S. government should make clear to the government of Laos 
that the cessation of practices which abuse religious freedom is 
essential to an improvement in and an expansion of U.S.-Laos relations. 
In this context, the U.S. government should urge Lao officials to:
        L  2.a. halt the arrest and detention of persons on account of 
        their manifestation of religion or belief;
        L  2.b. release from imprisonment or detention persons who are 
        so restricted on account of their manifestation of religion or 
        belief;
        L  2.c. end abusive practices such as the ill treatment in 
        prisons and other places of confinement against such persons;
        L  2.d. cease practices that coerce individuals to renounce any 
        religion or belief, including detention, imprisonment, or 
        forcible displacement from one's home for the failure to 
        renounce one's faith;
        L  2.e. cease the arbitrary closing of churches, schools, and 
        other religious facilities;
        L  2.f. refrain from implementing those elements of the recent 
        prime ministerial decree on religious activities that are 
        inconsistent with international human rights law and to revise 
        the decree to bring it into conformity with international 
        standards;
        L  2.g. respect and fully implement the freedom of individuals 
        and organizations to engage in religious activities in 
        accordance with their own beliefs or doctrines and free from 
        government interference;
        L  2.h. provide access to religious persons (including those 
        imprisoned or detained) in all parts of Laos by foreign 
        diplomats, humanitarian organizations, and international human 
        rights and religious organizations; and
        L  2.i. ratify the International Covenant on Civil and 
        Political Rights (ICCPR) and invite the UN Special Rapporteur 
        on Freedom of Religion or Belief and other relevant rapporteurs 
        to visit the country.[ii]
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    \[ii]\ Since the 1970s, the Lao government has either ratified, 
acceded to, or signed a number of international human rights treaties 
that contain obligations to protect freedom of religion and belief: the 
International Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Racial 
Discrimination (acceded to in 1974); the Convention on the Elimination 
of all Forms of Discrimination against Women (ratified in 1981); and 
the Convention on the Rights of the Child (acceded to in 1991). Laos 
signed the ICCPR in 2000, but has yet to ratify it.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    3. The U.S. government should initiate a bilateral human rights 
dialogue with the government of Laos that would establish measurable 
goals and practical steps, such as the actions listed in Recommendation 
2, to eliminate violations of the right to freedom of religion or 
belief. This dialogue should also address the broader range of human 
rights concerns in Laos, many of which are related to religious freedom 
violations, such as torture and other forms of ill-treatment, unlawful 
arrest or detention, absence of due process, and violations of the 
rights of freedom of expression, association, and peaceful assembly.
    To ensure a comprehensive approach to promoting religious freedom, 
the U.S. government should undertake to establish a bilateral human 
rights dialogue with the government of Laos. This would initiate an 
ongoing forum to identify benchmarks for improvement and specific steps 
to be implemented by the government of Laos to protect human rights, 
including religious freedom. During the process of establishing such 
benchmarks and steps, the U.S. and Lao governments should incorporate 
the specific actions recommended by the Commission. A binding agreement 
between the United States and Laos to cease practices that constitute 
particularly severe violations of religious freedom, as authorized 
under IRFA, could provide a framework for addressing these abuses as 
part of the official dialogue.
    If a human rights dialogue is established, the State Department 
should invite the Commission to participate in it as a demonstration of 
the U.S. government's concern for promoting religious freedom in Laos. 
Moreover, the State Department should consider ways within the context 
of the dialogue--in addition to its formal sessions--that religious 
freedom can be addressed and improved. For example, the State 
Department should, within the context of the dialogue, facilitate 
regular exchanges between Lao government officials and religious 
leaders and their U.S. counterparts, including U.S. congressional 
members. This type of informal exchange provides an opportunity to 
discuss religious freedom concerns, and should be encouraged by the 
U.S. government.
    4. The U.S. government should provide assistance to advance human 
rights in Laos if the Lao government demonstrates a genuine commitment 
to implement legal and other reforms to end violations of religious 
freedom and associated human rights in Laos. In this regard, the State 
Department should undertake an assessment of human rights needs in Laos 
in order to identify specific areas where the United States could 
provide support and assistance for establishing human rights 
protections, particularly through support for nongovernmental 
organizations and initiatives. A concrete plan based on this assessment 
should be developed and implemented. The areas that should be addressed 
in this assessment include, but are not limited to, technical 
assistance in the drafting and implementation of laws and regulations; 
provision of information on human rights to the people of Laos; 
exchange programs designed to encourage the creation of institutions of 
civil society that protect human rights; third-party human rights 
training programs for Lao officials; and education to combat 
intolerance.
    The difficulty of fully implementing human rights, particularly 
religious freedom, in Laos is compounded by the twin challenges of a 
traditional popular resistance to change and the communist government's 
suspicion of religious activities not under its control. The situation 
is exacerbated by the low level of education among the people of Laos, 
as well as underdeveloped and poor communication and transportation 
facilities that have resulted in limited access to many parts of the 
country where religious freedom abuses have occurred. Furthermore, the 
absence of a legal tradition is an additional obstacle to the types of 
reforms that are necessary to bring laws and practices into conformity 
with international standards.
    It is with these difficulties in mind that the Commission 
recommends that the State Department undertake an assessment of the 
human rights needs in Laos in order to identify the means by which the 
United States could support and assist the government of Laos in 
addressing those needs. In view of the poverty in the country and the 
lack of political or economic development, relatively small amounts of 
assistance could have a significant impact on the effort to improve 
respect for human rights and religious freedom in Laos. The assessment 
should take into account efforts by others in the international 
community, including governments as well as international and 
nongovernmental organizations, to support human rights protections in 
Laos. The assessment should address, among others, the following areas:

     LTechnical legal assistance: Some Lao officials told the 
Commission delegation visiting Laos that its government would welcome 
U.S. assistance in the formulation of legal codes. In this vein, the 
assessment should consider concrete actions that could be taken by the 
U.S. government to advance the establishment, in both law and practice, 
of institutional protections of individual human rights, including 
religious freedom. These institutions should include mechanisms for 
holding officials to account for any violation of human rights, 
preventing further abuses, and providing redress for victims of rights 
violations. Appropriate mechanisms to address this problem would have 
to be assessed in light of the current nature of the legal system, 
including the administration of justice, in Laos.
     LInformation on human rights: The assessment should 
examine means by which information on human rights could be provided to 
the people of Laos, including via international broadcasts, other forms 
of information dissemination in the Lao language, and appropriate 
educational efforts. Currently, both Radio Free Asia (RFA) and Voice of 
America provide daily broadcasts in the Lao language. The Lao service 
chief at RFA informed the Commission that the bulk of RFA programs are 
focused on issues related to human rights and democracy. The U.S. 
government should continue to support and, where appropriate, expand 
these efforts to disseminate information within Laos about the 
importance of human rights, including religious freedom.
     LHuman rights training programs: The combination of a 
culture that is resistant to change and a very poorly developed legal 
system have contributed to extensive underdevelopment in Laos, which 
has resulted in the existence of an uninformed local population whose 
knowledge of the outside world is limited. These factors must be 
addressed effectively in order to advance the protection of religious 
freedom and associated human rights in Laos. In the process of 
addressing those factors, however, an important step toward meeting the 
human rights objectives in Laos would be the creation of human rights 
training programs for specific leadership sectors, such as government 
officials, religious leaders, and others. Such programs could be 
conducted by representatives of international organizations and NGOs. 
Through these programs, trainees could be provided such information as 
the basic concepts of human rights, including religious freedom; 
international human rights conventions and standards as well as 
relevant foreign laws and regulations that protect religious freedom 
and associated rights; and the means by which laws and regulations 
could be formulated and implemented to ensure the protection of 
religious freedom and other human rights.
     LOther educational efforts: Human rights education should 
not be limited to government officials and other leaders. To establish 
a foundation for the protection of religious freedom and associated 
human rights throughout Lao society, the U.S. government should 
consider supporting efforts to combat intolerance, including religious 
intolerance, through the development and implementation of general 
education curricula that provides information on the importance of 
human rights, including religious freedom.
     LExchange programs: The U.S. government, through the U.S. 
Embassy in Laos, has sponsored cultural, legal, and educational 
exchanges. The continuation of these bilateral exchanges is important 
to the successful implementation of the aforementioned programs and 
efforts to protect religious freedom and associated human rights. 
Therefore, the U.S. government should continue to support these 
exchanges and ensure that future exchanges will include Lao religious 
affairs officials, religious leaders, and others.

                                 

                                                 Unocal Corporation
                                             Washington, D.C. 20036
                                                     March 31, 2003
The Honorable Phillip Crane
Chairman, Trade Subcommittee
Committee on Ways and Means
US House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20515
By facsimile: 202 225-2610

    Dear Mr. Chairman:

    On behalf of Unocal Corporation, I am writing to urge you to 
approve Normal Trade Relations with Laos.
    Although Unocal Corporation does not currently do business in Laos, 
we are long time investors throughout ASEAN and recognize that the 
ultimate economic prosperity of the region will be enhanced by moving 
the 4 newer, undeveloped members of ASEAN forward. Laos is the only 
member of ASEAN which does not currently enjoy NTR status. Granting NTR 
to Laos would remove one of the last remaining barriers to harmonized 
exports, and could help facilitate further integration in ASEAN.
    Granting NTR will also help reinforce economic reforms now underway 
and encourage the government to liberalize remaining parts of the 
economy. These are needed and important steps in helping the Lao 
economy grow.
    A strong and growing ASEAN market is good for U.S. companies, and 
particularly for energy companies like Unocal which have a strong and 
longstanding presence in the region. US energy companies have competed 
very well in ASEAN markets and will continue to do so as our 
governmental policies keep pace with those of Europe, China and Japan--
all of which are undertaking new initiatives to compete for this 
market.
    For all these reasons, I encourage you to move forward with 
legislation approving NTR for Laos.
            Sincerely yours,
                                                     William Ichord

                                 

                                          US-ASEAN Business Council
                                             Washington, D.C. 20036
                                                      April 3, 2003
The Honorable Philip M. Crane
Chairman, Subcommittee on Trade
Committee on Ways and Means
U.S. House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20515

    Dear Chairman Crane:

    On behalf of the US-ASEAN Business Council and its 150 member 
companies doing business in the ASEAN countries, I am writing to 
express our support for the extension of Normal Trade Relations (NTR) 
to Laos. The Council has been on record in support of NTR for Laos 
since the negotiation of a bilateral trade agreement between the United 
States and the Lao People's Democratic Republic in 1997. We agree with 
the Committee Advisory's March 5, 2003 statement soliciting comments 
that ratification of the agreement ``will represent an important step 
toward economic reform and openness, key U.S. priorities in Laos.''
    As we noted in our third annual submission of recommendations to 
the Executive and Legislative branches of the U.S. Government, the 
importance of the ASEAN region to American political, economic and 
security is increasing. US policy must continue to recognize our 
growing interests in the region, and do more to expand our engagement 
of ASEAN and its member nations. In our most recent paper of February, 
2003 we specifically listed the establishment of NTR with Laos as an 
achievable and important accomplishment for 2003.
    We note with appreciation that the Administration is fully 
supportive of NTR for Laos as the joint letter of February 24, 2003 
from Secretary of State Colin Powell and United States Trade 
Representative Robert Zoellick attests. Granting NTR to Laos would also 
be a step forward to achieving the laudable goals set out by President 
George Bush during the October 2002 APEC meeting in Los Cabos, Mexico. 
At that meeting, President Bush announced the Enterprise for ASEAN 
Initiative (EAI) and pledged to work with countries like Laos in their 
quest to meet the requirements for WTO accession.
    Laos is one of the poorest countries in the world, but thanks to 
its lack of normal trading relations with the US is subject to the 
highest average tariffs. According to an analysis by the Progressive 
Policy Institute, Laos faces the highest average tariffs in the world 
(45.3%), higher even than North Korea's (35 percent) and Yugoslavia's 
(27.7 percent). Typical rates are 8-10 percent. Laos now exports 
garments, gems and jewelry, agricultural products, hydro-electricity, 
timber, labor and narcotics (illegally). As a matter of US national 
interest, if we would like Laos to export less in the last three 
categories, we have to help them export more in the first four. 
Extending NTR is a key to achieving that goal.
    The Lao Government is taking steps toward free market reforms. 
Agreeing to the bilateral trade agreement with the United States in 
1997 is certainly an important indication of a willingness to open the 
country up to the outside world. We at the Council are fully aware that 
trade agreements negotiated by the Executive Branch and approved, 
hopefully, by the Congress are only the first stage of stronger and 
mutually beneficial economic ties. It is imperative that the Government 
of Laos provide American companies and their own state and private 
enterprises with the legal framework and operational authority they 
need to pursue successful trade and investments. Additionally, the Lao 
Government needs to continue its commendable work on addressing POW/MIA 
issues and stemming the flow of narcotics.
    We commend you and the Committee for considering taking this long 
overdue step to normalize economic relations between the United States 
and Laos. We look forward to working with you to achieve this. Thank 
you for your consideration.
            Sincerely yours,
                                                    Ernest Z. Bower
                                                          President

cc The Hon. Colin Powell, US Department of State
The Hon. Robert Zoellick, Office of the US Trade Representative
The Hon. Douglas Hartwick, US Embassy--Vientiane

Attachment: Recommendations to the Bush Administration & 108th Congress 
from the US ASEAN Business Council (Feb. 2003)
                                 ______
                                 
                        The ASEAN Region and its
                Growing Importance to the United States
                                                1101 17th Street NW
                                     Suite 411 Washington, DC 20036
                                            http://www.us-asean.org

                                    US-ASEAN Business Council, Inc.
                                                     February, 2003
                                 ______
                                 
            ASEAN's Growing Importance to the United States
                             February, 2003
OVERVIEW
    Over the past two years, the United States Government has 
significantly increased its engagement of ASEAN and its member nations 
in Southeast Asia. But the importance of the region to American 
political, economic and security interests is increasing--and there is 
more to be done.
    This paper identifies five major objectives that we believe are the 
keys to advancing US interests in the region.

     LImplementation of US initiatives taken in 2002 to 
strengthen its relations with the ASEAN region to include the 
``Enterprise for ASEAN Initiative'' and the ``ASEAN Cooperation Plan''.
     LEstablishment of a regional security environment that 
supports trade and investment flows and US access to ASEAN markets.
     LStrengthening of ASEAN economic growth through enhanced 
regional integration.
     LEncouragement of economic, financial, regulatory and 
judicial reforms in ASEAN.
     LIncreased Congressional awareness and engagement in the 
region.

    These major objectives are discussed in detail below and each is 
supported by a set of specific recommendations.
    While all of these objectives are not achievable in one year, we 
believe that the following specific objectives can be accomplished in 
2003.
    A visit by President Bush to selected countries in the ASEAN region 
and participation in APEC 2003 in Thailand that includes a separate 
meeting with US companies active in the region.

     LCongressional passage of the US-Singapore Free Trade 
Agreement.
     LThe start of negotiations of a US-Thailand Free Trade 
Agreement.
     LCompletion of a US-Malaysia Trade and Investment 
Facilitation Agreement (TIFA).
     LEstablishment of Normal Trading Relations with Laos.
     LCambodia accession to the World Trade Organization and 
substantial progress on Vietnam's accession in 2004.
The Growing Importance of Southeast Asia:
    ASEAN's importance to the United States reached historic levels 
after the terrorist attacks of 2001. The region, which includes leading 
moderate Islamic countries, was quick to join the worldwide war against 
international terrorism and will continue to play an extremely 
important role in the effort. Its leaders understand the need to fight 
terrorism to achieve stability and economic growth, but will come under 
increasing pressure in the coming year, particularly if there is more 
terrorist related violence in the region. ASEAN will also be critical 
to the achievement of secure trade--between ASEAN and the US and also 
worldwide.



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                  Projections based on 11 months data
                  Source: U.S. Department of Commerce
    The region will also play a critical role in helping strengthen the 
US economy in 2003. Two-way trade between the US and ASEAN last year 
totaled $120 billion, with US exports to the ASEAN region reaching $44 
billion. US exports to ASEAN are more than twice as large as our 
exports to China and ASEAN is America's fifth largest export market 
(behind only Canada, the European Union, Mexico and Japan). Last year, 
US direct investment in the five major ASEAN markets reached more than 
$50 billion. This is five times US direct investment in China; larger 
than our investment in markets such as Mexico and Brazil; and 
comparable to our investments in Japan. American access to and 
participation in ASEAN markets is therefore important to the economic 
futures of both the US and Southeast Asia.



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                  Source: U.S. Department of Commerce
    The political landscape in ASEAN has changed dramatically since the 
late 1990s and national elections will soon be held in the Philippines, 
Indonesia, Malaysia and possibly Singapore. In the run up to these 
elections, we should expect increasingly nationalistic, protectionist 
and perhaps even anti-American rhetoric. The challenge will be to keep 
these developments in perspective and build strong relationships with 
any new leaders that may emerge. It will also be important for the US 
Government and private sector to reach out to the newly emerging 
legislative branches in the region.
    Finally, China's increased involvement in the region--and that of 
Japan, Korea and Taiwan--has important implications for the US. Today, 
ASEAN conducts annual Leaders Summits with China, Japan and Korea 
(ASEAN +3) and has engaged in the third round of negotiations of a Free 
Trade Agreement with China. American companies should benefit from 
Asian economic integration, linking ASEAN's 550 million citizens with 
1.3 billion Chinese. Adding Japan and Korea will create a market of 
well over 2 billion people and an economy whose value would approach $5 
trillion. It will be increasingly important for the US Government and 
private sector to monitor these developments to ensure these efforts 
are WTO consistent and include US and other foreign investors who will 
provide the capital, technology and talent to fuel future growth.
Progress to Date:
    The Bush Administration began to strengthen its engagement with 
ASEAN prior to September 11, 2001. This point is critical, because it 
represents early recognition of the importance of the region to US 
national security on the merits of its economic partnership and its 
role in the security and political balance in Asia. In the wake of 9/11 
the importance of ASEAN to the US has grown, as has the 
Administration's outreach to the region.
    In October 2002, President Bush announced the ``Enterprise for 
ASEAN Initiative'' (EAI), a far-reaching program of economic 
cooperation under which the United States will open the door to 
prospective free trade agreements with any interested ASEAN country. It 
also provides for US support of Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam in meeting 
the requirements for accession to the WTO.
    Earlier in the year, Secretary of State Colin Powell proposed a 
very proactive ``ASEAN Cooperation Plan'' (ACP) that involves a 
comprehensive partnership between the US and ASEAN and its members in a 
number of critical areas to include capacity building; human resource 
development; and, the transfer of skills and technology.
    The Administration has also proposed changes to the FY 2004 
International Affairs Budget. Security Assistance is targeted for 
countries supporting the United States war on terrorism. In addition, 
it launches the Millennium Challenge Account which ties increased 
development assistance to performance in areas to include improving 
rule-of-law and implementing market reforms as well as fighting hunger 
and aids and supporting social and economic development.
    ASEAN has responded positively to the US on counter-terrorism 
issues. On a regional basis, the ASEAN Leaders, at their annual meeting 
in November 2002, renewed their earlier pledge to take cooperative 
action against terrorism. This followed individual actions by several 
ASEAN states that resulted in the arrest of several suspected 
terrorists.
    There have also been other US actions supporting increased 
engagement with the region. For the past two years, Secretary of State 
Powell has participated in the ASEAN Post Ministerial Conferences and 
the ASEAN Regional Forum. US Trade Representative Zoellick has played a 
leading and proactive role in promoting trade liberalization in the 
region and in support of the US-Singapore Free Trade Agreement. He also 
met twice with the ASEAN Economic Ministers, something that had not 
been done for more than a decade. Finally, the US-ASEAN Dialogue was 
conducted in Washington, DC in November 2001, the first time it had 
been held in the US in several years.
    ASEAN has also taken steps towards greater integration. With some 
exceptions, the timetable for establishing an ASEAN Free Trade Area 
(AFTA) has been observed. Tariffs have been reduced and customs 
modernization is in progress. However, it is critical that progress on 
implementing AFTA continues and that special attention be paid to 
services and the need for food and agricultural regulatory 
harmonization and consistency in the region.
    An ASEAN Industrial Cooperation scheme is being implemented and the 
framework for an ASEAN Investment Area (AIA) has been established. 
However, ASEAN is losing the battle for new Foreign Direct Investment 
(FDI) to China.



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    To assist in countering this trend, ASEAN has commissioned a study 
on ASEAN competitiveness. The study recommended the acceleration and 
deepening of ASEAN economic integration. It also encouraged the ASEAN 
countries to develop a stronger, more independent set of institutions 
to drive integration.
    Finally, economic growth in ASEAN has begun to rebound, despite the 
continued downturn in the US economy, its principal market and trading 
partner. Concurrently, there has been a slow down in the implementation 
of the economic, fiscal, regulatory and other reforms promised during 
the height of the Asian economic crisis.
Shared Goals--The US Government and Private Sector:
    Enhanced US-ASEAN relations and continued American access to ASEAN 
markets is a common goal of the US Government and the US private 
sector. We believe that this goal is also shared by the members of 
ASEAN, who see extensive benefits in US engagement in the region and 
the presence of US companies.
    The US government and private sector also share the goal of 
maintaining a security environment in the region that supports the 
global war on terrorism without impeding trade and investment flows. 
This is not an issue of balance. Security and trade are mutually 
reinforcing objectives and both are requisites for economic growth. 
Given this interrelationship and the extensive two way trade between 
the US and ASEAN, the goal of a secure regional environment that 
facilitates the expansion of trade and investment is also shared by the 
nations of Southeast Asia.
    Finally, we believe that ASEAN economic growth, political stability 
and social progress toward stable, free market democracies are also 
goals shared by the US government and the US private sector. Economic 
growth needs to be based on internal development at the national and 
regional levels as well as through trade and foreign investment to 
ensure that this growth continues over time.
Overarching Objectives and Supporting Recommendations:
    While recognizing the progress that has been made in the past two 
years, we believe that there is much more that the US Government and 
the US private sector can do in partnership to achieve these shared 
goals. Specific objectives and supporting recommendations are discussed 
below.
LObjective #1: Implementation of the ``Enterprise for ASEAN 
        Initiative'' (EAI) and the ``ASEAN Cooperation Plan'' (ACP).
    American credibility will be gauged by ASEAN in part by the 
implementation of the U.S. initiatives that were announced last year. 
Without clearly identified deliverables, America's recent gains in the 
region may be challenged by the increased involvement of China, Japan 
and other nations in the region. The converse is also true--
implementation and follow-through will enhance US engagement in the 
region, strengthen US-ASEAN relations, and ensure closer cooperation by 
the members of ASEAN.
    Recommendation: Congress should approve the US-Singapore Free Trade 
Agreement at the earliest possible date and on a bipartisan basis in 
order to signal that the US wants liberalized trade regimes in Asia.
    Recommendation: The USTR should begin negotiations of a US-Thailand 
Free Trade Agreement (FTA). In support of this effort, the US and Thai 
private sectors should work together to support and fund a joint study 
on the benefits of a US-Thailand FTA. The US Government should also 
support efforts in capacity building to help Thailand achieve the 
resources necessary to negotiate and implement a comprehensive FTA. 
Finally, in preparation for these discussions, the Thai Government 
should be encouraged to implement promised improvements in intellectual 
property right protection to include early passage of effective optical 
media legislation.
    Recommendation: Congress should approve Normal Trading Relations 
(NTR) for Laos.
    Recommendation: A US-Malaysia Trade and Investment Facilitation 
Agreement (TIFA) should be concluded in accordance with the 
``Enterprise for ASEAN Initiative''.
    Recommendation: The US government should support Cambodian, 
Vietnamese and Lao preparations for accession to the World Trade 
Organization (WTO) through the use of US Technical Assistance Programs.
    Recommendation: Indonesia and the Philippines should be added to 
the list of countries eligible for participation in the Millennium 
Challenge Account (MCA). The US Government should preserve its 
flexibility in the use of MCA funds to ensure that they provide the 
greatest advantage to the targeted countries as well as the US private 
sector. The US private sector should assist in developing MCA programs 
focused on rule-of-law and market reforms to be implemented in these 
countries.
    Recommendation: The US Government, World Bank, Asia Development 
Bank and the US private sector should support and participate in 
capacity building programs as provided for under the ``ASEAN 
Cooperation Plan'' to include trade capacity building.
    Recommendation: The US Secretary of State should again participate 
in the ASEAN Post Ministerial Forum and ASEAN Regional Forum. He should 
use this opportunity to announce specific deliverables supporting the 
ASEAN Cooperation Plan.
    Recommendation: The US-ASEAN Dialogue should be continued with US 
participation at the Under Secretary level.
    Recommendation: The US Trade Representative should again meet with 
the ASEAN Economic Ministers with the objective of advancing progress 
under the ``Enterprise for ASEAN Initiative''.
    Recommendation: Humanitarian assistance and Peace Corps activities 
in the region should be increased.
LObjective #2: Establish a Secure Regional Environment That Supports 
        Trade and Investment Flows.
    Security, trade and economic growth are inextricably linked. The US 
Government has recognized this linkage in announcing its ``Secure Trade 
in the APEC Region (STAR)'' initiative. Since US-ASEAN two-way trade 
totaled $120 billion last year, we believe that the importance of 
``secure trade'' is especially important in the US-ASEAN context.
    Recommendation: Cooperative action against terrorism is key to 
achieving a secure regional environment and the US and ASEAN 
governments should work together in achieving the dual objectives of 
security and trade.
    Recommendation: In promoting its STAR initiative, the US Government 
should focus on gaining the support and involvement of the ASEAN 
countries.
    Recommendation: The US Government should increase its outreach to 
the ASEAN countries on transportation security issues. This includes 
increased dialogue and explanation of the US initiatives; i.e. the 
Container Security Initiative (CSI), Port Security programs, C-TPAT, 
etc.
    Recommendation: US assistance to the ASEAN countries will also be 
required in the areas of skill transfers, capacity building and 
technology transfer as the ASEAN governments seek to address their 
transportation security needs.
    Recommendation: The US Government should encourage the ASEAN 
governments to continue to work with industry to streamline customs 
clearance procedures for cargo. New security measures should be 
implemented in a way that does not impede the flow of goods.
    Recommendation: Ensure that US visa and immigration policies are 
implemented in a transparent manner and that clearance processes are 
efficient and timely so as to not adversely affect tourism and the 
movement of business persons. Congress should provide supplemental 
funding for additional resources as necessary.
    Recommendation: The Administration should ensure that State 
Department Travel Advisories are not overly broad in their application 
and unnecessarily impede business travel and US investment in the 
region. Specifically, distinctions should be made between casual 
travelers and business travelers. In addition, ASEAN governments should 
be given clear guidelines and objectives to be met in order to have 
these advisories lifted.
    Recommendation: US technology licensing requirements and export 
controls should be reviewed to ensure that they do not unnecessarily 
impact US trade and investment.
    Recommendation: Expansion of US Government engagement with ASEAN 
security agencies and police forces to include the provision of 
training and equipment as necessary.
    Recommendation: Strengthen US-ASEAN military-to-military ties in 
the region, to include increasing International Military Education and 
Training (IMET) programs, as a means of addressing terrorism, piracy 
and other security issues.
LObjective #3: Strengthen ASEAN Economic Growth Through Enhanced 
        Regional Integration.
    ASEAN economic growth leading to stable, free market democracies is 
a goal shared by the US Government and the US private sector. ASEAN has 
also recognized the need for increasing regionalization if they are to 
improve their economic growth rates, remain competitive in world 
markets and be successful in attracting additional foreign investment.
    Recommendation: The US Government should encourage ASEAN to 
complete the establishment of the ASEAN Free Trade Area on schedule and 
without derogation.
    Recommendation: The US Government should support and encourage 
ASEAN's customs modernization programs to include clarification and 
standardization of rules of origin consistent with international 
practices. Both the US Government and the US private sector should 
support conferences and seminars on ``international best practices''.
    Recommendation: ASEAN should also be encouraged to address non-
tariff barriers that impede regional integration and international 
trade in areas such as food and agriculture policies and standards.
    Recommendation: Appropriate US Government agencies should provide 
technical support and training to ASEAN programs involving standards 
and mutual recognition agreements as a means of speeding integration 
and trade.
    Recommendation: ASEAN and its member states should be encouraged to 
provide a high standard of intellectual property right protection and 
effective enforcement measures in order to alter the perception that 
ASEAN countries are centers of piracy and counterfeiting and to advance 
internal development as well as attract foreign direct investment.
    Recommendation: The US Government should establish a good working 
relationship with the ASEAN Secretary-General, strengthen its support 
of the ASEAN Secretariat and recognize, encourage and support ASEAN 
Ministerial initiatives.
LObjective #4: Encourage Economic, Financial and Other Reforms in 
        ASEAN.
    In recent years, the members of ASEAN have committed to a series of 
structural, economic, financial and regulatory reforms in response to 
the Asian economic crisis and as a means of attracting foreign direct 
investment. However, progress has been uneven and has fallen short of 
expectations in several areas to include regulatory reform where the 
lack of harmonized standards consistent with international standards 
impede trade and investment in areas such as food and agriculture. 
Finally, in some areas reforms have actually been reversed. It is 
critically important for ASEAN to regain the momentum in this area if 
it is to successfully face the challenges ahead.
    Recommendation: The US Government should encourage the ASEAN 
governments to follow through on promised structural, economic, 
financial and regulatory reforms. In addition, they should be urged to 
undertake judicial reforms as a means enhancing the rule of law and 
eliminating corruption. US support should include visits by US 
officials from appropriate US government agencies to discuss the 
importance of such changes and to offer suggestions and assistance. The 
US private sector can play a key role in support of such visits by 
providing specific background information and recommendations to 
advance such reforms to include regulatory regimes and standards.
    Recommendation: Review US assistance programs with the objective of 
increasing US support for these reforms through capacity building. 
Specifically, US government support should include training as well as 
technical and financial support.
    Recommendation: The US Government should pursue bilateral ``open 
sky agreements'' with those ASEAN governments interested in such 
agreements for cargo and/or passenger traffic. In addition, US and 
ASEAN leaders should study the feasibility and benefits of a ``regional 
open sky arrangement'' that would greatly facilitate trade and 
communications among ASEAN members.
    Recommendation: The ASEAN governments should be encouraged to 
return to private ownership those assets acquired by them during the 
Asian economic crisis. This should be done expeditiously and in a fair 
and transparent manner. In addition, they should be urged to avoid the 
adoption of national policies that would restrict the ability of US 
companies to invest in their countries. Specifically the ASEAN 
Governments should be encouraged to liberalize their investment 
policies to include eliminating or reducing limits on foreign 
participation.
    Recommendation: Intellectual property right legislation has been 
pending in several ASEAN states to include Indonesia, the Philippines 
and Thailand. These governments should be urged to expedite passage of 
updated legislation that will afford a high level of intellectual 
property protection.
    Recommendation: The US Secretary of Energy should re-engage 
Indonesia in a bilateral energy dialogue. Suspended during the economic 
crises, these talks have provided a useful exchange between US and 
Indonesian energy officials and the private sectors of the two 
countries.
    Recommendation: The US private sector, through the US-ASEAN 
Business Council's Center for Technology Cooperation, should conduct 
private sector seminars and training on customs reform, international 
accounting standards, commodity trade rules, corporate governance, 
biotechnology to include food and agriculture applications, 
intellectual property right protection, regulatory reform, etc. US 
government speakers should participate in these programs as appropriate 
or they could be done in partnership under the auspices of the EAI or 
ACP.
LObjective #5: Support the Expansion of Congressional Engagement in 
        ASEAN.
    Congress has always had a key role in US security, trade and 
economic policy. With the growing importance of the ASEAN region, 
Congress can be expected to increase its involvement in the region. The 
US private sector is supportive of that effort.
    Recommendation: The US private sector supports the formation of 
Congressional Caucuses for selected ASEAN countries and stands ready to 
provide information and briefings as well as support hearings as 
requested.
    Recommendation: The members and staff of both the Senate and the 
House of Representatives should increase their visits to the region 
with the support of the US private sector.
    Recommendation: APEC 2003 will be conducted in Thailand and members 
of Congress and their staffs are encouraged to participate in this 
important event.
    Recommendation: Encourage, plan and implement visits to the US by 
Legislative/ Parliamentary groups from ASEAN in recognition of the 
growing importance of the legislative branches of government in 
countries like the Philippines, Indonesia and Thailand.
Summary and Conclusions:
    The Administration and Congress have made significant progress in 
improving US engagement in Southeast Asia. This includes the passage of 
Trade Promotion Authority, as well as the announcement of the 
Enterprise for ASEAN Initiative and the ASEAN Cooperation Plan. This 
foundation of US engagement with ASEAN provides an excellent basis to 
address the growing challenges and opportunities ahead as American 
security, political and economic interests in the region increase.
    In this paper, the US-ASEAN Business Council has identified five 
specific objectives and supporting recommendations on what the 
Administration, Congress and the US private sector can do together.
    We look forward to working with you on these issues in the coming 
months.

                                 

                                         US-Lao Trading Corporation
                                        San Pablo, California 94806
                                                      April 7, 2003
The Honorable Congressman Phillip M. Crane
Chairman of Subcommittee on Trade
Committee on Ways and Means
US House of Represenatives
Washington, DC

    Dear Honorable Chairman

    As a Laotian-American businessman, I am writing to support the US 
NTR for Laos. I am interested in the business opportunities between the 
two countries.
    I am currently engaging in the retail businesses that import many 
commodities from the Souhteast Asian countries. The extension of NTR to 
Laos will provide more business opportunities to many American 
businesses and to create more jobs.
            Best Regards,
                                                     Gary Tatpaporn
                               President US-Lao Trading Corporation

                                 

                                      Silver Spring, Maryland 20906

    Dear Honorable:

    I am Daungyewa Utarasint, a U.S. citizen who live on 2301 Glenallan 
Ave, Apt 611, Silver Spring, MD 20906. I wholeheartedly support the 
position taken by the Bush Administration on the issue of US Normal 
Trade Relation (NTR) for Laos because I believe that NTR would not only 
bring the well-being to people in both countries, but also promote more 
democratic governance in Laos.
    US NTR will bring about prosperity to both Laotian and the American 
peoples. For Laotians, it will open up many new economic opportunities 
to tens of thousands of Laotian workers who are hard working and 
deserving of a better life but lack employment opportunities. NTR will 
provide Laotians exposure to the world, higher living standards as 
villages are more able to sell food and traditional products, probably 
some international investment, some more ability for the Hmong and Lao 
community in the United States to see families and to bring their 
experience in business.
    For Americans, NTR would bring benefits to American consumers. As 
NTR allows Laos to export more products into the United States, 
American consumers would be able to buy unique Laos?products such as 
hand-made textile, coffee, silk and handicraft at affordable prices; 
therefore NTR for Laos could also contribute in improving American 
people's life too. Moreover, since NTR provide the basis for trade and 
investment, it would contribute to developing emerging private sector 
and investment in Laos, the American companies would be able to sell 
more goods and services in Laos once the buying power of people and 
investors has been raised to a certain level. Particularly, if 
investment in mining and hydropower sectors has increase it will! 
provide export opportunity to American companies, which manufacture 
heavy equipment or if tourism sector in Laos has increase, the window 
of opportunity of exporting aircrafts of U.S. aircraft manufactures 
will be open wider.
    As an American citizen, I believe that it is morally wrong for the 
U.S. to single out poor little Laos (the poorest and least known, and 
most often forgotten victim of the Vietnam War) for harsher treatment/
judgment on NTR issue while the U.S. continues to cater to Laos' much 
larger neighbors such as Vietnam and China whose political system is no 
more ``perfect,'' by U.S. standards, than that of Laos. Yes, Laos needs 
more reform on all fronts (but so do China and Vietnam).
    Therefore, I request that the U.S. Congress ratify a trade 
agreement that has been waiting for five years and grant NTR to Laos.
    If you have any questions, I can be contaced by e-mail at 
[email protected]. My Work phone: (301) 926-9199
            Sincerrly,
                                                Daungyewa Utarasint

                                 

                                  North Saint Paul, Minnesota 66109
                                                     April 15, 2003
To:
Honorable Charles Grassley, Chairman, Committee on Finance, United 
    State Senate.
Honorable William M. Thomas, Chairman, committee on Ways and Means.
Honorable Philip M. Crane, Chairman, Subcommittee on Trade of Ways and 
    Means Committee.
    Honorable,
    As an American Citizen, I am asking for your support for granting 
normal trade relation status to the Lao People's Democratic Republic, 
Laos is landlocked country, unlike other nations in Southeast Asian, 
that has access to the sea to better economic.
    Therefore, I totally support the joint proposal of Honorable Colin 
L. Powell, Secretary of State and Honorable Robert B. Zoellick, US 
Trade Representative, for granting the Permanent Normal Trade Relations 
to the Lao People's Democratic Republic.
    The Lao People's Democratic Republic is the only country in 
Southeast Asian that has not got such facility yet although its 
Politico-Social situations are far better than others.
    I would appreciate if you could take the said proposal and my noble 
with in consideration and render to Laos the fairness and real touch of 
the United States generosity.
    It is my sincere hope that you will support the said proposal and 
help granting Normal Trade Relation to Laos.
            Sincerely yours,
                                                    Tsuchue P. Vang

                                 

                    General Assembly of Delegates of Lations Abroad
                                          Scottsdale, Arizona 85258

                                           United Lao Action Center
                                           Sterling, Virginia 20164
                                                     April 15, 2003
The Honorable Philip M. Crane
Chairman, Subcommittee on Trade
U.S. House of Representatives
233 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
                       Lao-American Opposition to
                NTR for Lao People's Democratic Republic

    Dear Congressman Crane:

    It has come to our knowledge that our government is once again 
seeking Congressional legislation to grant favored status of normal 
trade relations (NTR) to the Lao People's Democratic Republic (LPDR), 
one of a few remaining communist regimes in the world. As Lao 
Americans, we are disturbed by this prospect.
    As taxpayers and constituents, we are deeply concerned about any 
haste to approve it without an adequate debate involving the Lao 
American community as a whole. We are worried that it might end up 
taxing Americans to reward a brutal Stalinist state.
    In its Country Reports on Human Rights Practices, the State 
Department itself chronicles the LPDR government's perennial poor 
record on human rights. They continue to restrict freedom of speech, 
the press, assembly and association. Citizens do not have the right to 
change their government. Police uses arbitrary arrest, lengthy 
detention without charge, and surveillance. Prisoners are abused and 
tortured, and prison conditions generally are extremely harsh and life 
threatening.
    In addition, the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom 
Report of the Department has noted that while the Constitution of the 
LPDR provides for freedom of religion the government restricts this 
right in practice. In February 2002, a fact-finding delegation of the 
Commission found that the LPDR government 'continues to engage in 
particularly severe religious freedom violations' including arrest, 
prolonged detention, and imprisonment. In addition, Lao officials have 
forced Christians to renounce their faith. Churches have been closed 
and remains closed. In its latest report issued in February 2003, the 
Commission recommends that the LPDR be designated as a `country of 
particular concern' (CPC).
    Sir, Lao Americans do not object to free trade and NTR per se. On 
the contrary, as people who sought and found freedom in America and 
have seen how it has miraculously transformed and elevated our very own 
economic condition, we would be the first to promote and defend free 
trade. But NTR is not a key that fits every lock. It has to be geared 
to the specific needs and conditions of a country, particularly where 
political dictates do not allow the full free flow of economic forces.
    We believe in fact that NTR could play a key role in generating 
economic growth for Laos. But we also believe that to hand it over to 
the LPDR at this point without a more methodical study and thorough 
broad-based discussion would be premature, ineffective and 
counterproductive. Fundamental questions raise doubts in the minds of a 
great many Lao Americans about the benefits of NTR. These are:
What's in the deal?
    The Lao American community, at the grass-root as well as leadership 
levels, has not been given any real opportunity to contribute our views 
on the particular NTR package that is being earmarked for the LPDR. We 
don't have the text of the protocol and we don't know the details of 
its content. How can we be expected to address it properly?
LWhat are we, American taxpayers, being asked to give away to the 
        communist regime in Laos?
    We understand that NTR will mean reduced U.S. duties on imports 
from LPDR, in other words foregone revenues, which will need to be 
redeemed by increased internal taxation. Are we also to make financial 
concessions as part of the NTR package? Lao American taxpayers are 
anxious and prepared to help our families and friends in Laos escape 
the scourge of mass poverty. But we need to know up front the magnitude 
of our tax dollars to be given up and the extent to which the people of 
Laos will actually benefit from NTR under the current political system.
What are the expected reciprocal benefits of NTR to the U.S.?
    Not much economically or financially. Laos is not China or even 
Vietnam. Given its small population and limited purchasing power, the 
opening up of the Lao market will have negligible impact on either U.S. 
export income or employment. Similarly, opportunities for U.S. firms to 
invest in the LPDR are limited by a basic lack of physical and human 
infrastructure in all sectors: production, distribution, banking, 
marketing, legal and others. Have we secured the LPDR's enforceable 
commitments to protect U.S. commercial and investment interests? Have 
they promulgated any specific laws covering these areas?
What is the likelihood of NTR attaining its political objectives?
    As we understand it, the Administration believes that NTR, as an 
`engagement' policy instrument, will facilitate the resolution of the 
MIA issue. Lao Americans couldn't agree more with this noble cause. 
Thousands of our fellow Laotians, police and military officers, civil 
servants, and ordinary citizens, are also among the MIA's and 
unaccounted for. To this day, the Vientiane government still has not 
returned the remains of the King, the Queen and the Crown Prince to the 
Lao Royal Family for a proper burial in accordance with our tradition.
    But, we don't believe NTR by itself will do a complete job in a 
timely manner. What is to guarantee that any cooperation by the LPDR 
government on the issue of MIA's will not cease after the passing of 
NTR? Are there specific written agreements linking the granting or 
extending of NTR to their performance on MIA's? Is a monitoring process 
of this performance is place? Can we immediately and unconditionally 
withdraw NTR in the event of unsatisfactory MIA performance?
    In the long run, the Administration believes that NTR will promote 
political reform and change towards democracy in the LPDR. What is the 
basis for this belief? How does the process work? Do we have an actual 
blueprint to ensure that it will work? It is hard for us to envisage 
that an economic tool can bring about a change of the political system. 
Historically, as the recent experience of East Europe has shown, 
democratization brings economic progress, not the other way around, and 
quicker too.
LAre there specific written agreements linking the granting of NTR to 
        the grave problem of human rights violations and religious 
        persecution of Christians and other minority religions in the 
        LPDR?
    The Lao American community is deeply concerned about the situation 
in the Lao PDR relating to the abuses of human rights and religious 
freedom. We firmly believe that NTR should be used as a leverage to 
help redress those issues. At the very least, we must obtain concrete 
commitments up front by the LPDR government to initiate and institute 
reforms in these areas prior to granting NTR. Again, a monitoring 
system should be established to verify compliance with those 
commitments after NTR has been granted.
Why the haste to grant NTR?
    Sir, the questions outlined above weigh heavily in the minds of Lao 
Americans. We believe they are legitimate questions of real concern to 
all sides including Laotians in Laos, Lao Americans, the 
Administration, and the U.S. Congress, who value democracy and share a 
common vision of Laos as a free and prosperous nation. It is precisely 
because we recognize the potential contribution of free trade to the 
realization of this vision that we believe we should take the time 
necessary to consider the complex issue of NTR in greater depth and 
within a broader participatory framework in order to find ways and 
means to enhance and ensure its effectiveness in achieving its 
objectives.
    To this end, we are appealing to you, your good offices and your 
Subcommittee on Trade to consider deferring any legislative action on 
the issue of NTR for the Lao PDR. This will give us an opportunity for 
discussing it on a multi-sided inter-disciplinary basis which will lead 
to an NTR package that is mutually satisfactory to all concerned. For 
your reference, I am enclosing a document containing our views in 
greater detail plus the profiles of the two organizations I represent.
    Please accept our deepest appreciation for your attention and 
consideration.
            Respectfully:
                                                          Sin Vilay
                                                    Under-Secretary
                   General Assembly of Delegates of Laotians Abroad

                                                 Executive Director
                                           United Lao Action Center
                                 ______
                                 
                       THE CASE AGAINST GRANTING
                    NORMALIZED TRADE RELATIONS (NTR)
             TO THE LAO PEOPLE'S DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC (LPDR)
    Many Lao-Americans, individuals and organizations who are working 
to promote human rights, freedom and democracy for Laos, firmly believe 
that unless all the necessary economic and political preconditions are 
met the granting of favored trade status to the LPDR will not 
effectively foster economic growth for Laos. Certainly, in the context 
of the current political regime and of the mindset and practices of 
those in control, it will not benefit the people of Laos. On the 
contrary, it is very likely to prove counter-productive.
    We are given to understand by the policy of 'engagement' that if 
the communist oligarchs in Vientiane are treated reasonably they will 
behave reasonably. Hence, as the policy assumption goes, if we grant 
them NTR they will think about changing their political system towards 
a more democratic one. This idea is regarded as unrealistic at best by 
Lao-Americans. The experience of granting NTR to a number of countries 
in Asia has not shown any major change in the oppressive political 
system in those countries. Nor is there any evidence that their peoples 
have benefited from NTR. The government and those who run it may 
benefit. But not the people.
    We are deeply concerned that, because of the lack of decision-
making power of the people, any monetary gains in increased export 
earnings due to the opening up of the U.S. market and financial 
concessions as a result of NTR will go to reinforce the hands of the 
Lao communist party in repressing any opposition and keeping the 
population in check.
    A number of fundamental questions relating to the issue of NTR for 
the LPDR remain unanswered in the minds of Lao-Americans, namely but 
not exhaustively:

    1. LReducing or eliminating import tariffs in favor of the LPDR is 
not without a cost. It means a reduction in revenue to our Government 
which in turn entails cuts in our public services and/or increases in 
our personal and other taxes. Either way, Lao-Americans as citizens and 
taxpayers are affected. For this reason and the fact that we have a 
direct interest in the well-being of our families and friends in Laos, 
we are concerned that we have had no significant part in the official 
discussion of this important issue. In particular, we feel that there 
is a need to determine that the return is worth the cost. We need to 
ensure that we can enforce mechanisms which will guarantee that the 
benefits of external free trade will go to the people.
    2. LWe have learned of our Government's policy of 'engagement' to 
entice political change in LPDR through economic concessions. But it is 
not clear exactly as to how this would work. If we are to support such 
a policy, it is only rational that we should know what its goals and 
objectives are. At the end of the road, what do we stand to gain? The 
end of human rights abuses, of religious persecution, and other 
injustices? Beginning of the rule of law, free elections and democracy? 
By when? What if engagement does not work or takes too long to work?
    3. LExternal free trade works on the basis of free market forces 
that are unfettered by tariffs and other barriers. By the same token, 
it will not work without a free domestic economy. NTR will not yield 
its benefits as intended as long as economic decisions are dictated by 
political motivations whereby producers are not free to choose what, 
how, when and where to produce. The most overlooked and yet critical 
problem is the government's restriction of the flow of information 
including economic information, a necessary condition for market forces 
to work.
    4. LThe fundamental problem of the Lao economy does not lie on the 
demand side. It is not so much a question of restricted foreign markets 
for Lao exports. It is a question of producing and exporting the 
products in which Laos has comparative advantage and which meet with 
the quality and standards required by world markets.
    5. LThe basic economic problem of the LPDR rests with the supply 
side. Other than the natural constraint of being landlocked, the 
economy suffers from lack of physical, institutional and human 
infrastructure in all sectors (transport, distribution, banking, 
marketing, legal). It is shackled by a political system that is 
obsolete and a drag on growth, by a climate of lawlessness and 
arbitrary practices which further deter direct private investment, 
domestic and foreign. The productive process is corroded by 
mismanagement and corruption and handicapped by a dire lack of 
competent, qualified and skilled human resources.
    6. LThere are potential dangers of granting NTR without safeguards 
and guarantees that are unconditionally and immediately enforceable. 
What mechanisms can be built in to ensure that the LPDR government will 
not `tax' any increased export earnings and use it for such political 
purposes as paying the salaries of government workers and soldiers and 
financing other control apparatus? How to prevent other leakages 
through the abuse and violation of the rules of origin? Given that Laos 
is landlocked and exports have to pass through neighbors and given the 
proclivity for corruption, what is there to guarantee that foreign 
products will not be labeled as exports from Laos destined for free US 
markets?
    7. LTo place total focus on NTR as the singular solution is to 
oversimplify the Laos problem. It not only misses the mark but could 
backfire and prove costly. In the considered view of many Lao-
Americans, besides NTR's role as a money maker the LPDR leadership 
places a high premium on it as a symbolic triumph which will prop up 
their sagging credibility with the people. Once it is granted, they 
will showcase it as an affirmation of their regime. For Laotians in the 
free world and other freedom-loving people, it is tantamount to 
rewarding dictatorship and oppression. If it is misapplied, it could 
end up, as Congressman Dana Rohrabacher has succinctly put it, ``taxing 
Americans to pay a communist regime''. NTR carries with it a 
substantial opportunity cost. Once squandered, it not only loses its 
own leverage but will also limit other policy tools. Nor is it a 
tenable argument to say that NTR can always be taken back if the LPDR 
does not `behave'. Such an option is a non-starter from the PR point of 
view. The US will be portrayed as the heartless rich walking out on the 
poverty-stricken people of Laos. Besides, by the time we decide to 
withdraw it, the LPDR will already have made political and monetary 
mileage out of it.

    Lao-Americans see NTR as a key policy instrument in promoting 
political change in the LPDR. The communist leadership will have to 
earn it, by making a real change in attitude, behavior and practice, 
not just paper policy and lip service to donors. It does not make sense 
to just give it to them and sit back and hope. For lack of a better 
analogy, the idea is to dangle the carrot before the donkey, not to put 
it in its mouth and then expect it to do what we want. Moreover, the 
carrot alone will not do the job. We would also need the stick, like 
sanctions, reduction, suspension or cessation of bilateral and 
multilateral financial flows into the LPDR. This would pressure the 
communist leadership which, as we know, is already politically strapped 
for cash, into thinking and making change.
    In sum, relying solely NTR as an agent of change will at best yield 
trickle-down economics, and, worse, trickle-down democracy. It is 
simply too little and too long to help millions of our fellow Laotians 
who have endured dire economic and political deprivations for almost 
three decades now. NTR cannot be viewed in isolation by ignoring the 
political conditions in the LPDR. And if it is to be applied under the 
current system, it has every chance to fail.
    NTR must be considered within the framework of an overall economic 
and political development which is conducive to the free play of market 
forces. The collapse of the Soviet system and the experience of the 
countries in East Europe after that collapse shows that democratization 
leads to the maximization of benefits from free trade, not the other 
way around.
    Until it is recognized that the existing political system in the 
LPDR has not just failed to develop the Lao economy but is one of the 
root causes, throwing NTR at the problem will be a costly waste. There 
is a real need to recognize this and to start working towards real 
change. Engagement could be useful if it works both ways. There is an 
opportunity here for the State Department to use its influence to get 
the LPDR to engage overseas Laotians under State's own auspices or 
under joint sponsorship of the relevant international agencies.
    It will of course involve a long and complex process. But it can 
start from a few simplified pragmatic steps. If the objective of 
engagement is to change their perception and attitude, why not, as a 
starter, consider a program of forums, seminars, or workshops sponsored 
and organized by the U. S. and other governments in the free world in 
which all sides will participate to exchange ideas and discuss 
development issues of Laos. These will take place in the United States 
and other parts of the world which will give LPDR leaders and 
administrators an opportunity to see for themselves how political and 
economic freedoms have lifted overseas Laotians to the highest 
standards of living in the world. At the same time, they will see that 
most of the half-million Laotians overseas have no desire for political 
power in Laos and that their collective intention is to be able to lend 
their substantial multi-faceted knowledge and skills to systematically 
rebuild Laos and help their fellow Laotians escape the ravages of 
poverty.
    For these reasons, we the under-signed Lao-Americans respectfully 
urge the Administration and the Congress to put a freeze on the 
approval of NTR for the Lao People's Democratic Republic until such 
time as it can be ascertained and verified that its government as a 
sign of good faith has taken specific, concrete and significant steps 
to redress the human rights situation and religious persecution and to 
institute real change towards openness, transparency, marketization and 
democratization.
            Respectfully at your disposal:
                                           United Lao Action Center
                                                           U.L.A.C.
                               E-Mail: [email protected] [email protected]
                                     Fax: 509-753-6680 630-839-3312
                                 ______
                                 
           GENERAL ASSEMBLY DELEGATES OF LAOTIANS ABROAD, USA
     Phone: 602-499-5285 Fax: 630-839-3312 Email: [email protected]
                                PROFILE
    This Organization was established to support and assist the Royal 
Institution of Million Elephants and White Parasol (Rasavong Lanxang 
Homkhao) in its quest to restore freedom and democracy to Laos.
    The Assembly which operates in the United States, Europe, Australia 
and Oceania and Canada serves as a forum for Laotians worldwide, 
individuals and associated groups alike, to discuss issues and exchange 
ideas relating to the Laos problem. It meets periodically in different 
countries to raise awareness about the political and economic plight of 
the people of Laos and to forge a unified approach to policies which 
could find wide support among the world community, including in 
particular the United Nations, the European Parliament and the US 
Government.
    While we are concerned about the long-standing issues of human 
rights, justice, the rule of law, freedom of expression, freedom of 
religion and other basic freedoms and civic rights, we do not believe 
in recriminations. Our focus is positive, constructive and forward-
looking. We firmly believe, however, that there can be no prosperity 
without freedom, as demonstrated by the demise of the communist system 
worldwide. The stagnation of the economy in Laos over the last quarter-
century which ended up placing it on the World Bank's list of least 
developed countries was due in large part to the lack of a free market 
system based on a democratic foundation.
    With mutual understanding and recognition of the root causes of the 
country's current problems, we believe that all the Laotian people, 
together, can bring about political and economic change which will 
return Laos to a free and open system. Billions of dollars in 
development aid have been futile without the necessary qualified human 
resources to implement programs and projects. Half a million Laotians 
abroad who have acquired more than a quarter-century of precious 
knowledge, skill, experience, and technical know-how in all sectors of 
the economy can fill this gap. In this framework, we can hope to 
rebuild and develop the Lao nation, to deliver it from mass poverty, 
and to lay the foundation for a secure and prosperous future to the 
benefit of all Laotians.
                                 ______
                                 
                        UNITED LAO ACTION CENTER
                                U.L.A.C.
                                PROFILE
    In October, 2003, some twenty Lao Organizations from different 
countries in the free world came together at the ``International Policy 
Conference on Democracy and Development for Laos", in Washington, DC. 
Their main aim was to join hands and co-ordinate their efforts to 
restore freedom and democracy to Laos.
    They achieved a complete unity at the Conference and unanimously 
adopted a collective Plan of Action relating to the Laos problem 
focusing on three sectors: human rights and free elections; economic 
development; and political development. Three corresponding Action 
Groups, consisting of representatives from the participant 
Organizations, were established to implement the Plan.
    In order to co-ordinate the activities of the Action Groups, an 
operational center was set up to be located in Washington, DC. It is 
called the ``United Lao Action Center'' or ULAC.
    ULAC's principal mission is to help promote overall unity among all 
the Lao Organizations in the free world. Its functions are:

     Lto strengthen and expand the basis of unity already 
achieved by the Conference;
     Lto facilitate the efforts of all Lao Organizations in 
conducting work in the United States, particularly in the Washington, 
DC area;
     Lto establish contacts and working relationships with US 
government agencies, international agencies, NGO's, and other allied 
democracy organizations;
     Lto raise, maintain and enhance world awareness about the 
issues of Laos through research and analysis for radio/TV broadcasts 
and outlets, press/news releases, bulletins, communiques, official 
correspondences, position papers and others;
     Lto provide logistical, operational and organizational 
services as well as substantive support and assistance to all Lao 
Organizations as appropriate e.g. scheduling appointments, arranging 
meetings, conferences and other events, maintaining a data base, 
enabling use of office facilities and others.

    It is hoped that those of us, Laotians overseas, who value freedom 
and democracy and who feel the misery of millions of our brothers and 
sisters who are suffering in abject poverty under tyranny in the Lao 
PDR, will join ULAC to do our part in finding constructive and peaceful 
ways and means to lift them from that dark abyss.
   Contact: E-Mail: [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]
                     Fax: 509-753-6680 630-839-3312

                                 

                                        Village Focus International
                                             Portland, Oregon 97204
                                                      20 April 2003
[email protected]
Fax 001-202-225-2610

The Honorable
Congressman Philip M. Crane, Chairman,
Committee on Ways and Means,
House of Representatives.

    Dear Mr. Chairman:

    We, the Lao and American staff of Village Focus International, an 
American based non-governmental organization working in Lao PDR, seek 
your support for extension of normal trade relations (NTR) to Lao PDR 
and to bring into force the comprehensive Bilateral Trade Agreement 
(BTA) agreed to between the United States (US) and Lao PDR in 1997. 
Representing hundreds of households in the communities where we work 
and supporters and donors in the US, we urge you to submit the BTA to 
Congress for prompt consideration and passage to enable the US 
Administration to bring the Agreement into force to enable individuals 
and businesses in both countries to benefit greatly from the NTR.
    As you know, Laos is one of only seven countries under non-NTR or 
embargo-type policies in US foreign policy, along with Iraq, Libya and 
others. Moreover, the denial of NTR to Laos in light of normal trade 
relations recently granted to Vietnam and Cambodia makes little sense, 
especially since the US Government has kept continuous diplomatic 
relations with Lao PDR when such relations were severed with Vietnam 
and Cambodia after 1975. Ratification of the BTA forms part of 
President George Bush's trade agenda. President Bush recently cited Lao 
PDR as one of the countries included in the Enterprise for ASEAN 
Initiative, with the aim of helping Lao PDR, Cambodia and Vietnam 
integrate into the international economy. Lao PDR began economic reform 
in 1986 under the ``new economic mechanism,'' and has become more 
integrated with its neighbors since joining ASEAN in 1997 and 
negotiating membership into WTO. Under recent ASEAN agreements, Lao PDR 
will reduce all tariffs to a minimum of 5% by 2005 and eliminate them 
by 2010. Moreover, bilateral efforts between the US and Lao PDR to 
address POW/MIA issues and stem the flow of narcotics continue to be 
productive.
    We are mindful that trade agreements negotiated by the Executive 
Branch and approved by Congress are only the first stage of stronger 
and mutually beneficial economic ties. It is incumbent upon the 
government of Laos to provide American companies and their own state 
and private enterprises with the legal framework and operational 
authority they need to pursue successful trade and investments. It is 
time to remove discriminatory tariff barriers and to take this last 
major step for the normalization of the relations. We look forward to 
working with you to achieve this. Thank you for your consideration.
            Regards,
                                                        Todd Sigaty
     Co-Founder and Executive Director, Village Focus International

                                                         Rick Reece
           Co-Founder and SE Asian Program Director, Village Focus 
                                                      International

                                 

                    [BY PERMISSION OF THE CHAIRMAN:]

                                                  Stockholm, Sweden
                                                      16 April 2003
U.S House of Representative
Washington D.C. 20515.U.S.A.

    Dear Sirs,

    With reference to the letter of State Secretary,Colin L. Powell and 
Robert B. Zoellick, US Trade Representative to the Chairman, Committee 
on the Finance, E. Grassley and William M. Thomas, Chairman, Committee 
on Ways and Means on the 24th Febuary, 2003, concerning the agreement 
on Permanent Normal Trade Relations Status to the Lao Peoples 
Democratic Republic (LPDR). This significant agreement is giving the 
way to the free trade exchange between the two countries. It means that 
the American bussiness men can go to Laos for investment or doing 
bussiness in Laos and the Laos people can sell their products to 
America without tariff barrier on trade. After 27 years of National 
liberation, Laos is developing towards democray and political 
stability. The human rigths situation is improving and economy is 
growing the people living standard is much better now than 20 years 
ago. In 1986, the Lao Peoples Democratic Republic has introduced the 
Open Market Economy's policy. Since then, foreign investment has been 
increased and Laos economy is expanding. It is of a great responsility 
for a big nation such as U.S.A. to grant Nomalized Trade Relations to 
the Lao Peoples Democratic Republic in according to the agreement of 
the Government in both countries.
                                               Sunthorn Vongnongvar

                                 

                           Hilton Head Island, South Carolina 29928
Honorable Philip M. Crane
Chairman
Subcommittee on Trade
Ways and Means Committee
House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20515
Fax: 202-225-2610

    Dear Chairman Crane,

    This is to encourage your committee to extend Normal Trade 
Relations status to Laos.
    I do not know much about trade relation agreements, but I am 
interested in any attempt to better the lives of people in that 
country. The Laotians have certainly suffered at our hands during the 
long Vietnam War. The people are industrious and if normalizing trade 
relations is needed to make their goods competitive with those of their 
neighbors Cambodia, Thailand and Vietnam, I urge you to extend those 
relations.
            Thank you,
                                                   Julia H. Weidman
                                        Just an interested citizen.

                                 

                    [BY PERMISSION OF THE CHAIRMAN:]

                                                    WILKRIS & CO AB
                                                  Stockholm, Sweden
                                                     April 16, 2003
The Honorable Philip M. Crane
Chairman
Subcommittee on Trade
Committee on Ways and Means
U.S. House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20515
U.S.A

    Dear Chairman Crane,

    On behalf of WILKRIS & CO AB, a company doing business in the ASEAN 
countries and China, I am writing to express my support for the 
extension of normal trade relations (NTR) to Laos.
    A Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) was negociated in 1997 between 
the United States and the Lao People's Democratic Republic but was 
never ratified by the Congress nor signed by the Administration.
    The ratification of the Agreement forms part of President Bush's 
trade agenda and represents an important step in bringing Laos' 
integration into the international world economy and new market 
economic reform.
    Laos is the only remaining country in Southeast Asia without NTR. 
The fact that NTR have been granted to Vietnam and Cambodia can only 
give more support toward the normalization of trade relations with Lao 
PDR.
    On February 24, 2003 US Trade Representative Robert Zoellick and 
Secretary of State Colin Powell were very supportive towards the 
normalisation of trading relations between the United States and Lao 
PDR by sending an official request to the Congress to grant NTR to 
Laos.
    Laos has maintained unbroken diplomatic relations with the United 
States since 1955.Laos has always cooperated in issues such as counter-
narcotics, counter-terrorism, POW/MIA accounting.
    Laos is rated as one of the poorest developping countries in the 
world but due to the discriminatory tariff barriers with the United 
States they are subject to the highest average tariffs.
    Granting NTR to Laos can only bring fairness and mutual benefits to 
the United States and Lao PDR. Furthermore it will even help to achieve 
other key priorities beyond the trade and investment relations: 
commercial and environmental law, tourism, anti-narcotics cooperation, 
POW/MIA recovery, economic assistance to small and medium business, 
human rights, etc.
    As you know, Lao PDR has joined ASEAN since 1997 and is working 
very hard to meet the requirement for WTO in the near future. It is in 
the interest of the United States to assist Laos to be part of the 
network of free bilateral trade agreements.
    Myself I have led and coordinated last month a high level swedish 
trade and investment delegation visit to Laos and we can assure you 
they are open to business and the outside world. The granting of NTR to 
Laos is the natural step.

Dear Chairman,
    It is high time for this Committee to consider the normalisation of 
trading relations between the United States and Laos and we urge you to 
submit this BTA to the Congress for prompt consideration and passage. I 
am aware that this is the first step to new opportunities and promising 
bilateral relationship.
    Thank you for your consideration.
            Truly yours,
                                                        Willy Hsieh
                                                  Managing Director
                                                    WILKRIS & CO AB

                                 

                            Wisconsin Lao Veterans of America, Inc.
                                                 Menomonie WI 54751
                                                     April 11, 2003
The Honorable Philip M. Crane
Chairman, Subcommittee on Trade
and the Honorable Sander M. Levin
Ranking Member of the Subcommittee
All Members of the Committee on Ways and Means
and all Members of the U.S. Congress
Washington, D.C. 20515
    Dear Chairman Crane and Ranking Member Levin, and all Members of 
the U.S. Congress:
    We would like to request that you include the following statement 
in the printed record of the written comments on NTR to the LPDR.
    The Wisconsin Lao Veterans of America, Inc., has more than 2,000 
members who are former CIA soldiers during the Vietnam War. We would 
like to request you and other Members of the U.S. Congress to oppose 
and to reject the proposal on Normal Trade Relations (NTR) for the 
communist Lao government of the Lao People's Democratic Republic (LPDR) 
because of the following reasons:

     LThe communist Lao government of the LPDR and communist 
Vietnamese government have killed ``over 300,000 people in Laos'' from 
1975 to 2003 because of the legacy of Hmong-U.S. government connections 
and relations during the Vietnam War. Of this figure, about 46,000 
victims were former CIA soldiers and their family members, officials 
under the Royal Lao government and their associates (Sources: Reports 
from Mr. Yang Toua Thao and Moua Toua Ter in Laos on March 14, 2003).
     LThe communist Lao government of the LPDR and communist 
Vietnamese government of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam have used 
``biological and chemical weapons'' to kill many thousands of Hmong and 
Lao people and former CIA soldiers in Laos since 1975 until today in 
2003.
     LThe communist Lao government of the LPDR has committed 
``war crimes, crimes against peace and crimes against humanity'' in 
Laos.
     LThe Voice of America (VOA) and Radio Free Asia reported 
on March 25, 2003 that more than 10,000 people demonstrated in 
Vientiane, Laos, on March 23, 2003 against the United States because 
the U.S. government sent troops to attack the Saddam Hussein government 
in Iraq. The Ambassador of the LPDR to Thailand, Hiem Phommachanh, also 
stated that the U.S. policy toward Iraq is a violation of the Charter 
of the United Nations and international law. As a result, the communist 
Lao government of the LPDR supported the Saddam Hussein government and 
international terrorism against the United States and other nations in 
the world.

    As a result, the U.S. Congress, the White House and the U.S. 
Department of State must not reward NTR to the communist Lao government 
of the LPDR because this communist government is the ``enemy'' of the 
United States and the enemy of peace, freedom, democracy, justice, 
liberty, and human rights.
    Therefore, we the members of Wisconsin Lao Veterans of America, 
Inc., urge and request the U.S. Congress to oppose and reject the 
proposal of NTR to the communist Lao government of LPDR.
    Therefore, we the members of Wisconsin Lao Veterans of America, 
Inc. would like to request the U.S. government:

     Lto send international inspectors to investigate and to 
stop the use of biological and chemical weapons against Hmong and Lao 
people and former CIA soldiers in the Xaisomboun Special Region and 
many other provinces in Laos.
     Lto urge the communist Lao government and communist 
Vietnamese government to stop the ``ethnic cleansing war, genocide and 
biological and chemical warfare'' against former CIA soldiers and other 
Hmong and Lao people in Laos.
     Lto bring a true peace, freedom, democracy and human 
rights to people in Laos.
     Lto bring food, medicine and other basic human needs to 
save the lives of former CIA soldiers and other Hmong and Lao people in 
the Xaisomboun Special Region and other provinces in Laos.
     Lto call upon the governments which signed the Paris Peace 
Agreements on Indochina on March 2, 1973, to stop the war in Laos and 
to bring a true peace to Laos as soon as possible.
    This is not the right time for the U.S. government to reward NTR to 
the terrorist communist Lao government of the LPDR. This is the time 
for the U.S. government to take action to demand that the communist Lao 
government of the LPDR must immediately stop the biological and 
chemical warfare and ethnic cleansing war and genocide against former 
CIA soldiers and other Hmong and Lao people in Laos.
    Thank you very much for your consideration of the above peace 
proposals for Laos.
            Sincerely,
                                          Former LT. Pang Blia Vang
                                                          President
                            Wisconsin Lao Veterans of America, Inc.

                                 

                 Womens' International League for Peace and Freedom
                                   Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19170
    Herewith is a statement in support of Normal Trade Relations with 
Laos submitted by the Womens' International League for Peace and 
Freedom.
    Our organization is an international organization with branches in 
37 countries. In the United States our Asia Pacific Commission has 
worked with the women of Southeast Asia. including the women of Laos. 
We have visited the Womens' Union and not only have we had lengthy 
discussions at their offices in Vientiane, but we have seen their work 
in Luang Prabang and in villages in the mountains beyond. Their goal is 
to improve the working conditions of women, their health and welfare, 
concern for their education and that of the children, and general 
economic betterment. In spite of very limited support from the 
government, progress is being made. An improvement in the overall 
economy would greatly advance their work; and while the ``filter down'' 
process is often slow, it can be accelerated.
    In discussions of such topics as making permanent the trade 
relations with Laos, the manner of presentation if often technical and 
abstract, ignoring the women are the base of the economic pyramid. It 
is the women who work to support families, to care for children and 
provide unity and stability in the community. While there are 
compelling arguments, historiccal, political and diplomatic for 
permanent normalization of trade relations with Laos, it is with 
particular concern for the women of Laos, the foundation of the 
society, that we strongly support this measure.
                                                   Madeline Duckles
                                            Asia Pacific Commission

                                                      Mary Day Kent
                                                 Executive Director
                 Womens' International League for Peace and Freedom

                                 

                                      Lancaster, Pennsylvania 17603

    Dear Committee Member,

    I am writing to you urge the passage of permanent normal trade 
relations with Laos. I am encouraged by news of human rights progress 
in Laos and believe passage will benefit both the US and Laos. Thank 
you
                                             David R. Workman, Esq.

                                 

                                   Brooklyn Center, Minnesota 55429
                                                     April 20, 2003
Honorable Philip M Crane, Chairman,
Subcommittee on Trade,
Committee on Ways and Means
House of Representatives,
United States Congress

Congressman Jim Ramstad
103 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515

    Dear Chairman Crane and Congressman Ramstad:

    My name is Ge Yang, a Hmong with roots in Laos. I am an American 
citizen, resident of Brooklyn Center in Minnesota. I currently own Su 
Express Alteration in downtown Minneapolis, State of Minnesota.
    I am writing in support of Normal Trade Relations (NTR) for Laos 
following the official request to Congress signed on February 24, 2003 
by Secretary of Sate Colin Powell and US Trade Representative Robert 
Zoellick on behalf of the Bush Administration.
    I have been back to the Lao PDR for several return visits and 
recently I had the opportunity to accompany Dr, Yang Dao in his 
official visit to Laos. I would able to testify that changes for social 
and economic reforms are taking take in my former country for the best 
interests of all the Lao multi-ethnic people.
    My support of granting Normalized Trade Relations for the Lao 
People Democratic Republic is based on the statement regarding the 
benefits of NTR for both the US and Laos by my cousin Sayasith Yangsao, 
such as follows.
QUOTE
Peace and stability in the Lao PDR
    Currently Laos is enjoying peace, stability and harmony, which are 
crucial to building a new society for the social betterment and 
economic benefits of the Lao multi-ethnic people. It is a society based 
on representation from all ethnic minorities at all levels of the Lao 
PDR administration. Laos has built and continues to develop roads and 
bridges, which will adequately permit the transport of goods and people 
nationwide, thus enabling easy access to markets and services greatly 
needed by Laotian rural communities. Communication is key to the Lao 
multi-ethnic people's active participation in all aspects of the 
country; already they are feeling the sense of belonging to a nation, 
in which their basic needs are being met.
    The past sadly felt by both the United States and Laos is history 
and today is the best time ever to move together into the future by 
using NTR for economic and social development. Political reform would 
emerge once the Laotian people have enough to eat on a daily basis and 
the majority of Lao will have an acceptable level of education which 
will allow them to understand and partake in politics democratically 
for the interest of all.
    There is no tangible evidence of acts of aggression by the LPDR on 
a specific group of ethnic minorities. On the contrary, there are 
continuous acts of sabotage and banditry against an internationally 
recognized government and its peaceful citizens. Some ongoing 
destabilizing activities in Laos by internal or external elements, 
which were translated into violence and anti-social actions, have 
forced the LPDR to take actions against those who may propagate such 
acts of internal terror, in order to protect their citizens, employees, 
government institutions, tourists and general peace in the region. 
Through Normal Trade Relations with Laos, Lao-Americans, whose majority 
desire to make Laos a developed and prosperous nation, will turn to 
focus their efforts and positive actions towards their former nation 
and motherland, instead of collecting money to fill the pockets of the 
so-called numerous movements of resistance.
Welfare of the Laotian people
    Today the current conditions in the Lao PDR appear to meet the 
aspirations of the majority of the Lao people. The Lao government has 
been taking all steps and measures required to implement a long-term 
economic growth policy aimed at moving the country out of the 
underdevelopment in order to reduce the current number of poor 
families. With an increasing per capita income and a new tax system 
improved and implemented, Laos will be able to provide more schools, 
more school supplies, more hospitals and medicines, more food for the 
Lao children; more farm equipment and advanced farming technologies for 
the Lao farmers; and more roads to connect between the underdeveloped 
rural areas. For decades, Laos has desired training and higher 
education opportunities to form a skilled work force to produce goods 
and provide services in a variety of industries. Currently in Lao PDR 
all ethnic groups and social strata throughout the country actively 
participate in rebuilding a peaceful and developed nation.
Economic interests
    In my humble opinion, an NTR status granted to Lao PDR will benefit 
both the US and Laos. Many opium growers in the Hmong and Iu-Mien 
villages will gradually change their traditional ways of making a 
living if NTR is granted by the US to Laos. NTR will assist them in 
their integration into a new world of light industry with the 
production of goods, handcrafts, mining, garment factories, tourism, 
and services. Heavy machinery and equipment are in great need by 
foreign contractors dealing with infrastructure development and mining 
business of Laos. In the United States small American business owners 
will find NTR to their advantage due to the low tariff for the import 
of Lao goods. The absence of NTR between the US and Laos has not 
forbidden Laotian-Americans to send money back to their motherland. An 
estimated 90 million dollars was brought freely to the economy of Laos 
by 30,000 Lao and Hmong Americans visiting Laos in 2001.
UNQUOTE
Conclusion
    I sincerely believe that granting an NTR status for Laos will 
greatly improve the bilateral relations between the U.S. and Laos and 
will strengthen the cooperation and friendship between the two nations. 
The people of both nations must not turn back to the past history that 
divided the worlds of communism and capitalism, which had only caused 
the climate of the cold war. I strongly urge you to establish 
legislation for Normalized trade relations with my former country of 
Laos.
    Thank you for your attention and please feel free to contact me for 
further information.
            Sincerely,
                                                            Ge Yang

                                 

                                          Turlock, California 95382
                                                     April 21, 2003
The Honorable Phillip Crane Chairman,
Subcommittee on Trade
House Ways & Means Committee

    Dear Chairman Crane:

    I am writing this letter in support of granting NTR to Laos with 
the following conditions:

    1. LNTR must benefit all people and ethnic groups of Laos, not just 
the elites in Laos,
    2. LVisiting students and officials (related to NTR) from Laos to 
the USA must be representative of the ethnic make up of the population 
of Laos (for example, 60% of ethnic Lao and 40% of ethnic groups),
    3. LThe implementation phase of NTR to Laos must include inputs 
from experts from the community of former citizens of Laos, who have 
first hand knowledge of the situation of Laos,
    4. LThe government of Laos must address issues related to human 
rights, religious freedom, corruption, socio-economic and political 
situation in Laos, and
    5. LThe government of Laos must immediately stop the practice of 
Hmong American Ethnic Profiling (The US Embassy in Vientiane has 
information and list of these cases. See also in Bandits or Rebels, 
available form:)

    I am a naturalized American citizen, born in Laos. I left Laos in 
1975 as part of the post war refugee exodus of Laos. I spent a year in 
the refugee camp in Thailand and then resettled in the US in 1976 at 
the age of 21. I started my life in America with dishwashing, and went 
on to become one of a few refugee resettlement workers in the late 
1970s, and Social Worker in the 1980s and 1990s. Currently I am an 
Associate Professor of Asian American Studies at California State 
University, Stanislaus. I came to America without language, cultural 
and vocational skills and knew only a few words of English, but I am a 
believer of hard work, self-improvement, adaptability and flexibility. 
Moreover, I, like, other people in Laos highly value education. To 
reach my own goals and American dream, I have always worked and 
attended school whenever opportunity allowed. My own perseverance, in 
addition to America's opportunity and value of freedom, liberty and the 
pursue of happiness, have empowered me to go from learning English as a 
Second Language to earning a doctoral degree, and from being dishwasher 
to university professor. I am a living proof and proponent that with 
proper social, economic and political environment, anyone can achieve 
their own fullest potential and give their very best to humanity.
            Sincerely,
                                                    Kou Yang, Ed.D.

                                 

                                     Brooklyn Park, Minnesota 55443
                                                     April 20, 2003
Honorable Philip M Crane, Chairman,
Subcommittee on Trade,
Committee on Ways and Means
House of Representatives,
United States Congress

    Dear Chairman Crane:

    My name is Sayasith L. Yangsao, a Lao of Hmong origin. I am an 
American citizen, trained in Canada as an Engineer and Electronics 
Technology instructor. I presently work as a freelance computer network 
consultant in the Twin Cities area in the state of Minnesota.
    I am writing in support of Normal Trade Relations (NTR) for Laos 
such as requested to Congress and signed on February 24, 2003 by US 
Trade Representative Robert Zoellick and Secretary of Sate Colin Powell 
on behalf of the Bush Administration.
    Since 1993, I have been back to the Lao PDR for several personal 
visits and a one-year assignment as a UN-ITU curriculum specialist at 
the Post and Telecommunications Training Center in the Lao capital of 
Vientiane. I consider myself a close observer of Lao politics, with a 
special interest in the Lao PDR economic, social, and educational 
development.
    My support of granting Normalized Trade Relations for the Lao 
People Democratic Republic is based on the following reasons.
Peace and stability in the Lao PDR
    Currently Laos is enjoying peace, stability and harmony, which are 
crucial to building a new society for the social betterment and 
economic benefits of the Lao multi-ethnic people. It is a society based 
on representation from all ethnic minorities at all levels of the Lao 
PDR administration. Laos has built and continues to develop roads and 
bridges, which will adequately permit the transport of goods and people 
nationwide, thus enabling easy access to markets and services greatly 
needed by Laotian rural communities. Communication is key to the Lao 
multi-ethnic people's active participation in all aspects of the 
country; already they are feeling the sense of belonging to a nation, 
in which their basic needs are being met.
    The past sadly felt by both the United States and Laos is history 
and today is the best time ever to move together into the future by 
using NTR for economic and social development. Political reform would 
emerge once the Laotian people have enough to eat on a daily basis and 
the majority of Lao will have an acceptable level of education which 
will allow them to understand and partake in politics democratically 
for the interest of all.
    There is no tangible evidence of acts of aggression by the LPDR on 
a specific group of ethnic minorities. On the contrary, there are 
continuous acts of sabotage and banditry against an internationally 
recognized government and its peaceful citizens. Some ongoing 
destabilizing activities in Laos by internal or external elements, 
which were translated into violence and anti-social actions, have 
forced the LPDR to take actions against those who may propagate such 
acts of internal terror, in order to protect their citizens, employees, 
government institutions, tourists and general peace in the region. 
Through Normal Trade Relations with Laos, Lao-Americans, whose majority 
desire to make Laos a developed and prosperous nation, will turn to 
focus their efforts and positive actions towards their former nation 
and motherland, instead of collecting money to fill the pockets of the 
so-called numerous movements of resistance.
Welfare of the Laotian people
    Today the current conditions in the Lao PDR appear to meet the 
aspirations of the majority of the Lao people. The Lao government has 
been taking all steps and measures required to implement a long-term 
economic growth policy aimed at moving the country out of the 
underdevelopment in order to reduce the current number of poor 
families. With an increasing per capita income and a new tax system 
improved and implemented, Laos will be able to provide more schools, 
more school supplies, more hospitals and medicines, more food for the 
Lao children; more farm equipment and advanced farming technologies for 
the Lao farmers; and more roads to connect between the underdeveloped 
rural areas. For decades, Laos has desired training and higher 
education opportunities to form a skilled work force to produce goods 
and provide services in a variety of industries. Currently in Lao PDR 
all ethnic groups and social strata throughout the country actively 
participate in rebuilding a peaceful and developed nation.
Economic interests
    In my humble opinion, an NTR status granted to Lao PDR will benefit 
both the US and Laos. Many opium growers in the Hmong and Iu-Mien 
villages will gradually change their traditional ways of making a 
living if NTR is granted by the US to Laos. NTR will assist them in 
their integration into a new world of light industry with the 
production of goods, handcrafts, mining, garment factories, tourism, 
and services. Heavy machinery and equipment are in great need by 
foreign contractors dealing with infrastructure development and mining 
business of Laos. In the United States small American business owners 
will find NTR to their advantage due to the low tariff for the import 
of Lao goods. The absence of NTR between the US and Laos has not 
forbidden Laotian-Americans to send money back to their motherland. An 
estimated 90 million dollars was brought freely to the economy of Laos 
by 30,000 Lao and Hmong Americans visiting Laos in 2001.
Conclusion
    More two-way trade as offered by NTR will have additional long-term 
beneficial effects in the US-Lao Relations. At present, the Lao PDR can 
use the ASEAN markets to export its products to the US, but at much 
higher prices, which are not in the interest of both sides. Offering 
these remarks in support of the NTR for Laos, it is great hope that the 
bilateral relations between the U.S. and Laos will be further improved 
between the two nations. The lack of normal trade relations will delay 
other cooperative agreements that will serve to establish a trusting 
relationship between the two governments. The people of both nations 
must not have to suffer at the hands of some biased vindictive groups 
that have strongly lobbied their government representatives to oppose 
ratification of the bilateral Lao-U.S. Trade Agreement. I strongly urge 
you to establish legislation for Normalized trade relations with the 
country of Laos.
    Thank you for your attention and please feel free to contact me for 
further testimony.
            Sincerely yours,
                                                Sayasith L. Yangsao

                                 

                    [BY PERMISSION OF THE CHAIRMAN:]

                                            Jakarta 12110 Indonesia
                                                      21 April 2003
The Honorable Philip Crane
Chairman, Subcommittee on Trade
House Ways & Means Committee
Fax. No. (202) 225 2610

    Dear Chairman Crane,

    I write to support Normal Trade Relations (NTR) for Lao People's 
Democratic Republic (PDR) which is a Member Country of the Association 
of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
    ASEAN's ten Member Countries covering the whole of the Southeast 
Asian region is America's third largest overseas market; our trade with 
America contributes nearly 800,000 high paying US export jobs; and, 
American companies have tremendous equity in the region as its top 
investor.
    Passing NTR for Lao PDR is a key step to building the foundation 
for moving forward with the Enterprise for ASEAN Initiative (EAI) which 
was announced by President George Bush on October 26, 2002 at APEC in 
Los Cabos, Mexico. Engaging ASEAN through the EAI is an important step 
for US competitiveness in the ASEAN market. As you know, China is 
moving forward with negotiations for an ASEAN-China Free Trade 
Agreement (FTA), and India, Japan and Europe are also beginning to 
negotiate similar framework with ASEAN.
    I am aware that NTR with Lao PDR has been strongly endorsed by 
Secretary of State Colin Powell and US Trade Representative Robert 
Zoellick. The US Administration and US Embassy in Vientiane report that 
Lao PDR is moving forward on key areas of past concern to America. 
These areas, including religious freedom, human rights and economic 
reform are highlighted in the Administration's letter to you 
recommending moving forward on Lao PDR NTR.
    For all these reasons, the passage of NTR status would be 
considered a positive step forward for the strong trade relationship 
between ASEAN and America which has brought mutual benefits for our 
peoples.
    Thank you for your kind attention.
            Sincerely,
                                                      Ong Keng Yong
                                         Secretary General of ASEAN

                                 

                                             Washington, D.C. 20036
                                                         April 2003
The Honorable Philip Crane
Chairman Subcommittee on Trade
Committee on Ways and Means
U.S. House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20515

    Dear Mr. Chairman:

    I am writing in support of Congressional ratification of extending 
normal trade relations to Laos, as requested of the Congress by 
Secretary of State Colin Powell and United States Trade Representative 
Robert Zoellick in late February. As you know, the bilateral trade 
agreement between the United States and Laos was negotiated in 1997, 
even before the trade agreement between the United States and Vietnam. 
It is heartening to see that your subcommittee is working to complete 
the normalization of economic relations between Laos and the U.S.
    I have been involved in efforts to improve the relationship between 
the United States and Laos over the last 12 years, beginning in 1991 
when I worked for the Senate Select Committee on POW/MIA Affairs. The 
Committee made several trips to Laos to investigate reports of 
Americans held as prisoners of war or missing in action during the 
Vietnam War days. Most recently, two years ago, I led a delegation of 
Congressional staff there for discussions on how to move forward on 
issues of human rights, freedom of religion, trade and economics. Ten 
years had passed between my first trip and my latest, but light years 
had passed on the Laotian side. Most impressive was our discussion with 
the government officials in the Ministry of Commerce, the people 
responsible for negotiating the trade agreement with USTR. The 
delegation found them to be as sophisticated, open and hard-working as 
any of their counterparts in other countries in Southeast Asia.
    Laos is a small country and lowering trade barriers to their goods 
here in the United States will not make much of an impression here, but 
it will make an enormous difference for the Laotians. Those reformers 
who worked so hard to move their country to embrace a fuller trade 
relationship with the United States in 1997 took a chance for their 
country's betterment; and their work should be encouraged and 
supported.
    Thank you very much for soliciting comments on the matter of 
extending normal trade relations to Laos. Please let me know if I can 
be of any assistance in this matter.
            Sincerely yours,
                                                  Frances A. Zwenig
                                            Senior Country Director
                                          US-ASEAN Business Council

                                
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