[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 44 (Thursday, April 18, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E573]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       MICHAEL VANG INVESTIGATION

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. GEORGE RADANOVICH

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 18, 2002

  Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart to 
recognize a dark anniversary for one of my constituents. Three years 
ago, Suzie Vang lost her friend and husband to unknown circumstances in 
Laos.
  On April 19, 1999, Michael Vang and Mr. Houa Ly, a resident of 
Appleton, WI, both Americans, were traveling along the border between 
Laos and Thailand. According to eyewitnesses, the U.S. congressional 
research missions, nongovernmental organizations and other sources both 
Ly and Vang were seized by Lao Government authorities. Despite the 
building evidence, the Lao Government continues to deny knowledge of 
their whereabouts or the role of government security forces in their 
abduction.
  The State Department has been asked repeatedly by Members of Congress 
to vigorously investigate and resolve this case since it was first 
reported in early May 1999. It is certainly true that we have received 
some assistance from them. However, there continues to be a lack of 
results. This is not surprising considering that the State Department 
continues to pursue an investigation in cooperation with the regime in 
Laos--a regime involved with their disappearance. While the State 
Department continues their slow and seemingly never-ending 
investigation, the trail grows colder.
  We need a renewed effort. We need to initiate a new independent 
investigation free from coordination with the government of Laos. Three 
years is long enough. And, as long as this case goes unresolved, I will 
continue to oppose Normal Trade Relations (NTR) status for Laos.

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