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C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 08 VIENTIANE 000083 
 
SIPDIS 
 
SIPDIS 
 
STATE FOR EAP DAS SCOT MARCIEL 
STATE FOR EAP/MLS (BESTIC) 
STATE FOR AIAG (PATTERSON, SUMMERS) 
COMMERCE FOR HP PHO 
DOD FOR OSD-POLICY (STERN, SHUBERT) 
DOD FOR DSCA (JUDKINS) 
PACOM FOR J52 (LACY) 
PACOM FOR J45 (NICHOLLS) 
PACOM FOR POLAD 
PACOM FOR PACAF/SGZ (CINCO, OH, PALMER) 
BANGKOK FOR ICE (HURST) 
BANGKOK FOR AID (KISSINGER) 
 
E.O. 12958: DECL: 02/05/2018 
TAGS: EAID ECON KHDP MARR MASS MOPS OTRA PGOV PHUM
PREF, PREL, SMIG, SNAR, TBIO, KFLU, KIRF, LA 
SUBJECT: SECOND U.S.-LAO COMPREHENSIVE BILATERAL DIALOGUE 
 
REF: A. 06 VIENTIANE 1117 
     ¶B. 07 VIENTIANE 840 
     ¶C. 07 VIENTIANE 761 
     ¶D. 07 VIENTIANE 295 
     ¶E. ARCHIBALD-BESTIC EMAIL 12/18/2007 
     ¶F. 07 VIENTIANE 790 
     ¶G. VIENTIANE 61 
 
VIENTIANE 00000083  001.2 OF 008 
 
 
Classified By: AMBASSADOR RAVIC R. HUSO.  REASON: 1.5 B AND D 
 
 ¶1.  (SBU) Summary:  The second U.S.-Lao Comprehensive 
Bilateral Dialogue (CBD), led by Department of State East 
Asia and Pacific Bureau (EAP) Deputy Assistant Secretary 
(DAS) Scot Marciel on January 25, highlighted the slowly 
maturing relationship between Laos and the United States. 
Unlike the previous dialogue (ref A), which included only 
Lao Foreign Ministry officials, representatives from the 
Ministries of National Defense, Industry and Commerce, 
Public Security, Planning and Investment, and Foreign 
Affairs, as well as officials in the offices responsible 
for unexploded ordnance clearance and counternarcotics, 
attended the meeting.  DAS Marciel used the Dialogue as an 
opportunity both to impart our desire to see Laos as a 
strong, independent, and economically secure actor within 
ASEAN and to reinforce the need for open bilateral 
communication.  MFA Director General of the Europe and 
Americas Department Southam Sakonhninhom, in his swan song 
prior to departure to become Ambassador to the EU, focused 
on the positive aspects of the relationship, calling 
cooperation on MIA recovery the cornerstone of the 
relationship, reiterating the Lao government's intention to 
exchange defense attaches (ref B), promising to provide 
additional information on three missing Hmong-Americans 
(ref C), and appearing to leave the relationship on firm 
grounds for his successor.  END SUMMARY. 
 
-------- 
Overview 
-------- 
 
¶2.  (SBU) Unlike the previous dialogue (ref A), which 
included only Foreign Ministry officials on the Lao side, 
this year's Lao delegation included representatives from 
the Ministries of National Defense, Industry and Commerce, 
Public Security, Planning and Investment, and Foreign 
Affairs, as well as the National Unexploded Ordnance 
Regulatory Authority and the Lao National Commission for 
Drug Control (LCDC).  Participants on the U.S. side 
included DAS Marciel, Ambassador Huso, the DCM, Pol/Econ 
Chief, Economic Officer, Public Affairs Officer, Consular 
Chief, Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command Detachment 3 
Detachment Commander, Narcotics Affairs Section head, 
Embassy Phnom Penh Defense Attache Col. Michael Norton, and 
Skip Kissinger, Director of the General Development Office 
within USAID's Regional Development Mission for Asia in 
Bangkok. 
 
¶3.  DAS Marciel opened with a statement on the U.S. 
national interest in Laos: we want strong, independent, and 
prosperous nations in South East Asia; we have a specific 
interest in having friendly relations with Laos and helping 
to build prosperity and wealth for its citizens through 
improved economic ties and more U.S. investment; we would 
like to develop stronger military ties; we remain committed 
to continuing cooperation in the "traditional" areas of 
cooperation (unexploded ordnance (UXO) abatement, POW/MIA 
accounting, and counternarcotics); and we would like to 
expand our assistance in health and other areas.  Noting 
that the 2008 U.S. presidential candidates are all using 
the word "change," Director General (DG) of the Europe and 
Americas Department Southam Sakonhninhom, who provided most 
of the comment for the Lao side, responded that he hoped 
future changes would lead to a broader and better 
 
VIENTIANE 00000083  002 OF 008 
 
 
relationship.  He said the U.S. and Laos have maintained an 
unbroken diplomatic relationship for 53 years, even through 
"difficult periods."  While cooperation on MIA issues, 
which started in the early 1980's, continues to be the 
"cornerstone8 of the relationship, our ties have expanded 
to other areas, including counternarcotics, 
counterterrorism, and trade.  The mil-mil area is a new 
chapter, and the exchange of defense attaches in 2008 is a 
significant step forward. 
 
¶4.  (SBU) Southam noted five points from President Bush,s 
introductory meeting with the Lao Ambassador to the U.S.: 
The President 1) valued the relationship, 2) looked forward 
to strengthening ties, 3) appreciated the GOL's cooperation 
in accounting for missing American soldiers, 4) saluted the 
GOL's success in eradicating opium, and 5) supported Lao 
accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO).  Southam 
emphasized that the relationship must be on an equitable 
basis of mutual respect.  He said the USG must avoid a 
carrot and stick policy and that there should be no 
"diplomacy through the Internet," meaning that the Embassy 
should check information with the Government of Laos (GOL) 
rather than believing Internet reports.  In addition, 
Southam said the MFA should be the point of contact for 
contacts between the Embassy and other ministries.  He 
good-humoredly admonished his colleagues from other 
ministries not to ignore meeting and information requests 
once the MFA passed them on.  Ambassador Huso replied that 
the Embassy maintained contact with a broad range of GOL 
ministries and offices and recognized the MFA's 
coordinating role.  Both the Ambassador and DAS Marciel 
emphasized that the timely exchange of accurate information 
was critical to maintaining an open and transparent 
relationship. 
 
---------------------------- 
Fullest Possible Accounting 
---------------------------- 
 
¶5.  (SBU) DAS Marciel expressed appreciation for the GOL's 
excellent cooperation with the USG and JPAC Detachment 
Three on POW/MIA recovery and accounting.  The recent 
decision to allow JPAC to work in Houaphan province was a 
positive step, he said.  Ambassador Huso and Det 3 
commander Lt. Colonel Brandt Deck requested that DG Southam 
pass their thanks to the provincial and local officials 
without whom the work could not go forward.  Southam 
thanked the USG for the humanitarian assistance (HA) it 
provides and requested additional help for local people. 
DAS Marciel said the USG would continue to look for 
promising HA opportunities.  Southam said that such help 
answers those who inevitably ask why the GOL is devoting 
personnel and resources to assist the USG with MIA recovery 
when the GOL does not have resources to recover remains of 
Lao lost during the war.  Southam suggested more U.S. and 
Lao media coverage of the JPAC mission and urged that the 
Embassy organize a 25th anniversary celebration of MIA 
recovery activities, which began in December 
¶1983. 
 
-------------------- 
Transnational Crime 
-------------------- 
 
¶6.  (SBU)  DAS Marciel congratulated the Lao on their 
successful efforts against opium production and urged the 
GOL to expand cooperation with the USG to better address 
transnational law enforcement issues, including working 
more closely with the Drug Enforcement Administration 
office in Vientiane.  DAS Marciel noted that trafficking in 
persons (TIP) is a problem everywhere, and expressed 
appreciation for the efforts Laos had made to raise its 
capacity to fight TIP by, for example, beginning 
 
VIENTIANE 00000083  003 OF 008 
 
 
cooperation on the issue with the International 
Organization for Migration (IOM) in 2007.  DAS Marciel 
reiterated the utility of good information exchanges so 
that the Embassy could report on the positive work being 
done by the Lao.  Noting that the United States and Vietnam 
had recently signed a repatriation agreement, he said he 
hoped to discuss the status of Lao citizens facing 
deportation from the U.S. with the GOL in the future. 
 
¶7.  (SBU) Mr. Khamkheuang Bounteum, Director General of the 
MFA's Treaties and Legal Affairs Department, responded that 
the GOL was willing to work with the U.S. to fight illegal 
drugs and TIP.  He noted Laos had made progress over the 
previous year on TIP issues, enacting anti-TIP legislation 
and amending the penal code to include provisions for the 
prosecution and prevention of trafficking.  According to 
Khamkheuang, the GOL has recently set up a new hotline for 
young people that addresses, inter alia, TIP issues.  DG 
Khamkheuang suggested the Embassy contact his department, 
which oversees a TIP coordination unit, for information. 
He requested that the USG keep Laos on Tier 2 in 
recognition of this progress.  DG Southam noted the GOL had 
made major steps in fighting TIP but said that it had not 
always done a good job of communicating them to the USG. 
 
¶8.  (SBU)  Ambassador Huso discussed the regional 
implications of the growing trade in methamphetamines and 
noted the U.S. could assist with training in areas such as 
airport security and financial crimes.  DG Southam agreed 
there was scope for additional Lao-U.S. cooperation, noted 
Laos fully supported UN resolutions on terrorism, and 
observed that in order to continue the fight against opium 
and amphetamines, Laos would need continued resources.  He 
said that recent U.S. budget cuts to NAS assistance 
restrict the ability of Laos to continue its 
counternarcotics efforts.  Southam indicated the U.S. and 
Laos had previously discussed the possibility of 
negotiating a repatriation agreement, and accepted the 
topic as appropriate for renewed bilateral discussions. 
 
-------------------- 
Avian Influenza (AI) 
-------------------- 
 
¶9.  (SBU) DAS Marciel observed that the GOL's rapid and 
successful reaction to the March 2007 AI outbreak in 
Vientiane (ref D) had impressed officials in Washington, 
adding that he looked forward to continued cooperation in 
this important area.  Ambassador Huso described the broad 
range of U.S. AI assistance provided to Laos and noted that 
the USG had spent over $7 million towards fighting AI in 
Laos.  The Ambassador noted that the GOL had received 
assistance from a wide range of aid sources for AI 
prevention, including USAID, the Centers for Disease 
Control, and the U.S. Pacific Command (PACOM) and Pacific 
Air Forces (PACAF).  DG Southam thanked the U.S. for its 
aid, stated AI was a serious priority for the GOL, and 
indicated the GOL would continue its cooperation. 
 
--- 
UXO 
--- 
 
¶10.  (SBU) The U.S. and Lao sides discussed the possibility 
of providing military training assistance to Laos as a 
means to augment ongoing civilian UXO programs.  DG Southam 
expressed gratitude for the more than $25 million that the 
U.S. has provided to Laos since 1996 for UXO removal and 
stated his hope that this assistance would continue into 
the future.  He noted the terrible human toll that UXO 
extracts each year, observing that many children are killed 
or injured when they pick up air-dropped bomblets that 
litter the ground in contaminated areas.  He said that the 
 
VIENTIANE 00000083  004 OF 008 
 
 
GOL holds the USG primarily responsible for the presence of 
the munitions, and that the U.S. has a responsibility to 
assist with UXO clearance until it is completed.  Southam 
noted that current USG assistance to Lao UXO programs flows 
through a U.S. contractor, Armor Group, and that he hoped 
that, in the future, the U.S. would consider providing 
assistance directly from government to government by 
funding the Lao National UXO Trust. 
 
¶11.  (SBU) Somnuk Vorasarn, Deputy Director of the National 
Regulatory Authority, the Lao agency with oversight of the 
UXO sector in Laos, pointed out that the U.S. military had 
in the past provided assistance to the UXO Lao organization 
for the Lao UXO training center.  However, he expressed 
reservation over any shifting of U.S. assistance from 
civilian agencies to the Lao military - the primary 
responsibility for UXO removal, he stressed, remains with 
civilian agencies.  He noted that much of the clearance 
equipment provided by the U.S. is more than a decade old, 
and a great deal of it is no longer serviceable.  He and 
Southam both asked for assistance in replacing items that 
had worn out.  After expressing appreciation to the U.S. 
for providing previously classified bombing reports to 
Laos, Somnuk said that the GOL had heard that there is 
additional data available from classified sources in 
Washington.  He expressed the hope that this data might be 
made available in the future. 
 
¶12.  (SBU) The Ambassador clarified that the proposed 
exchange between U.S. military and Lao military UXO experts 
was an augmentation to our current UXO programs rather than 
a replacement for non-military UXO programs, which will 
continue.  He assured the Lao side that all military 
assistance would be coordinated with the Lao National 
Regulatory Authority.  DAS Marciel expressed appreciation 
for the GOL's willingness to consider U.S. proposals for 
expanded assistance to include U.S. military expertise and 
said that the U.S. would consider the possibility of both 
government-to-government direct assistance and the 
replacement of unserviceable UXO clearance equipment.  On 
the latter point, he urged the GOL officials to keep an 
open mind on potential sources for assistance, as the 
funding of U.S. programs changes over time. 
 
-------------------------------------------- 
USAID programs in Laos--help us help you 
-------------------------------------------- 
 
¶13.  (SBU) Skip Kissinger, Director of the General 
Development Office within USAID's Regional Development 
Mission for Asia in Bangkok, described current and future 
USAID programs in Laos.  After touching upon prior USAID 
assistance to Laos and current efforts to reduce wildlife 
trafficking and protect tropical forests, Mr. Kissinger 
focused his comments on economic technical assistance 
(TA).  Nathan Associates, a USAID contractor, recently 
delivered a workplan for comment and approval to the GOL. 
The TA project is designed to help Laos implement the 
Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA), accede to the WTO, and 
comply with ASEAN liberalization requirements.  Mr. 
Kissinger urged the GOL to rapidly approve the TA project 
in order to bolster the case to Washington that USAID 
should allocate additional economic TA funds to Laos in 
order to create a program for Laos similar to the STAR 
program in Vietnam.  (Note: The STAR program is a USAID 
project to implement the U.S.-Vietnam BTA, help Vietnam 
accede to the WTO, and comply with WTO obligations.  End 
note.) Mr. Kissinger stressed the importance of rapid, 
tangible results from the TA in order to secure additional 
funding.  DG Southam noted the importance of more TA for 
Laos on implementing the BTA and mentioned the U.S. should 
not discriminate when awarding Fulbright scholarships to 
ASEAN countries.  (Note: We believe Mr. Southam was 
 
VIENTIANE 00000083  005 OF 008 
 
 
referring to an ASEAN-specific Fulbright program.  Last 
year there was only one such scholarship given out 
ASEAN-wide.  End note.) 
 
--------------------------------------------- ----- 
Trade and Investment--How to attract more of both 
--------------------------------------------- ----- 
 
¶14.  (SBU) Ministry of Industry and Commerce (MIC) 
representative Ms. Latthana Douangboupha, Deputy Director 
of the Bilateral Policy Department, observed that bilateral 
trade was growing but remained small.  The BTA, she noted, 
was a very tough agreement, not understood by many Lao 
agencies.  She said that her Ministry appreciated the USAID 
proposal for TA on BTA implementation, and that MIC would 
respond with comments soon.  The comments were likely to 
focus on getting tangible results from the program, she 
said, in order to avoid the standard donor-sponsored 
training workshops that tend not to produce concrete 
results.  Specifically, the Ministry is looking for help 
with new regulations, enforcement, and establishing an 
information center to better inform businesses. 
 
¶15.   (SBU) Noting that investment is another important 
part of bilateral economic relations, DAS Marciel said 
attracting more U.S. investment to Laos will require some 
U.S.-focused success stories; the USG stands ready to 
help.  DG Southam said that all investors are welcome, 
asserting that the one American company, Friend of the 
Upland Farmer (ref E), has had problems because it was not 
in compliance with the law.  (Note: At the end of the 
session, Southam showed a letter to Amb. Huso and DAS 
Marciel that indicated the problems with provincial 
authorities faced by another American-owned company, 
Natural Products International (ref E), are being 
resolved.  End note.)  Southam said that, by continuing to 
exclude Laos from the countries where it operates, Eximbank 
appears to be treating Laos in a manner inconsistent with 
the current economic reality and state of relations.  DAS 
Marciel pointed out that the provision blocking Laos from 
Exim access is based on its designation as a 
"Marxist-Leninist" country.  The concerned agencies are 
reviewing the restrictions.  DAS Marciel noted that 
Eximbank loans are demand driven.  Exim access will not 
provide tangible benefits until American companies have 
specific financing proposals.  He reiterated that opaque 
licensing regulations and overly complicated approval 
mechanisms make it difficult to create investment success 
stories that will attract more U.S. investors. 
 
-------------------- 
Military to Military 
-------------------- 
 
¶16.  (SBU) LTC Khamsing So-seng-inh, the Ministry of 
National Defense,s Europe-Americas Director within the MND, 
s External Relations Department outlined current areas of 
military-military cooperation.  He highlighted the GOL 
decision to exchange defense attaches in 2008 and noted 
that the GOL has chosen two fields for training: English 
language and medical assistance.  LTC Khamsing noted the 
U.S. side had offered two positions for English language 
training at the Defense Language Institute in San Antonio, 
and said he expected the MND to be ready to send two 
candidates by the end of February or early March. 
According to Southam, the GOL's decision to establish 
defense attaches is a very important one; it should be 
realized within 2008.  He called this a "good message" the 
GOL is sending to the USG and said the next step is for the 
Embassy and the MND to work together to nominate officers 
to serve as defense attaches. 
 
¶17.  (SBU) DAS Marciel called the decision to exchange 
 
VIENTIANE 00000083  006 OF 008 
 
 
defense attaches "a very positive step" to improve 
relations and mutual understanding.  The USG looks forward 
to welcoming a Lao defense attach this year and also 
establishing our own office this year.  DG Southam reviewed 
other military-military steps which have been accomplished 
during the past year.  These include the PACOM-MND 
bilateral defense talks in January and October 2007 (ref 
F); the Distinguished Visitors Orientation Tour (DVOT) of 
MND Permanent Secretary General Sisophon Bangone-sengdet 
and LTC Khamsing to Washington, DC in June 2007; and 
sending a number of GOL officials to training at the 
Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies (APCSS).  Southam 
added that training in Avian Influenza (AI) preparations 
(ref G) and possibly UXO removal are part of the 
"military-military basket." 
 
------------------- 
Governance Issues 
------------------- 
 
¶18.  (SBU) DAS Marciel expressed appreciation for the GOL's 
willingness to discuss religious freedom and other 
governance issues with the USG.  He noted that Lao central 
government officials have been working with provincial and 
local officials to make sure that they understand Lao laws 
regarding religious freedom.  He encouraged the GOL to 
allow the importation of Bibles and urged the GOL to allow 
additional religious groups to register. Southam said that 
poor countries like Laos have a different vision on human 
rights from that of a "superpower."  Each country's ideas 
on human rights are shaped by its own situation.  The Lao 
government fought 30 years ago for its independence and 
sovereignty, which form the basis of human rights in Laos. 
The goal is to eradicate poverty and educate the 
population.  With regard to complaints about Christians 
being arrested, he said, it often turns out that they were 
arrested not for their religious beliefs but for committing 
illegal acts.  He said that the GOL is committed to good 
governance, noting that it had passed an anti-corruption 
law.  DAS Marciel agreed that each country's situation is 
different but emphasized that the Universal Declaration of 
Human Rights forms the basis of respect for human rights in 
all countries. 
 
¶19.  (SBU) With regard to the situation of the ethnic Hmong 
in remote areas, DAS Marciel expressed concern over reports 
from Hmong-Americans and other sources of human rights 
violations.  Access to accurate information is the key to 
resolving these reports and broadening U.S. and 
international understanding of the situation.  Southam said 
that the GOL has a hard time understanding the USG's 
preoccupation with the Hmong, who are only one of 49 ethnic 
groups in Laos.  Some members of Congress, he asserted, 
take at face value reports from Hmong-Americans who have 
never been back to Laos since leaving in the 1970s.  He 
noted that the Lao government has organized trips for 
diplomats to visit Hmong repatriated from Thailand. 
Southam said that it is not the policy of the Lao 
government to kill or harm the Hmong or any other Lao 
people, adding, "we have no ethnic cleansing."  DAS Marciel 
agreed that the presence of a large Hmong-American 
population is a factor in U.S. interest, and reiterated 
that information-sharing is the key to avoiding 
misunderstandings.  Southam noted that the U.S. government 
has clearly stated that hostile action against the Lao 
government by American citizens is a violation of U.S. 
law.  He asked DAS Marciel to continue sending this message 
to the Hmong community in the U.S. 
 
--------- 
Consular 
--------- 
 
 
VIENTIANE 00000083  007 OF 008 
 
 
¶20.  (SBU) DAS Marciel noted that the volume of consular 
interaction between the USG and GOL is increasing as the 
volume of travelers in both directions grows. 
Communication is key to problem-solving.  He said that GOL 
assistance in the case of Ryan Chicovsky, an American who 
disappeared in Laos in 2006, serves as an example of 
effective cooperation on a challenging consular issue.  DAS 
Marciel noted that notification of the arrest of American 
citizens in Laos often takes place late or not at all. 
When consular access has been granted, it has not always 
been in a timely manner.  Most disturbing are the recent 
disappearances of several American citizens, about whom 
little information has been provided by the GOL.  DAS 
Marciel said that information flow is critical, especially 
in difficult cases, where families in the U.S. are waiting 
for explanations of what has happened to their relatives. 
 
¶21.  (SBU) Southam responded that these are very important 
issues in the U.S.-Lao relationship and asked for U.S. 
understanding that not every country is perfect or able to 
provide complete information in a consistently timely 
manner.  Southam said that communications in Laos remain 
technically inferior compared to the U.S., delaying 
information flow.  He said that it is GOL policy to 
cooperate in every case and cited ongoing missing persons 
investigations and the granting of prison visits.  He 
promised to provide copies of border crossing cards for 
three missing Hmong-Americans (ref C).  (Note:  The three 
were arrested in Laos in late August and have not been seen 
since.  According to the Lao government, which has not 
acknowledged their arrest, they left Laos for Thailand via 
the Friendship Bridge in Vientiane at the end of August. 
The Thai provided copies of the entry documents associated 
with the individuals but, so far, the Lao have not provided 
the departure cards. End note.)  Southam pointed to the 
announcement made only that day that one of two convicted 
Americans would be released shortly as indicative of the 
GOL's desire to cooperate on consular issues, stating that 
the individual had been treated far more leniently than was 
likely elsewhere in Southeast Asia considering the 
seriousness of his crime.  (Note: On January 25, Mr. Houa 
Yang was deported after being convicted of possession of 
600 grams of opium.  End note.) 
 
--------------------------------------------- -------------- 
Dinner Conversations on Burma and Hmong in Thai refugee 
camps 
--------------------------------------------- -------------- 
 
¶22.  (C) At the beginning of the dialogue, DG Southam 
proposed moving regional issues to the end of the agenda, 
but closed the dialogue before this discussion took place, 
seemingly preferring a more private discussion.  This took 
place during the dinner following the dialogue, which the 
Ambassador hosted.  Emphasizing the U.S. interest in 
stability, DAS Marciel requested that the GOL inform the 
Burmese Government that regime change there is not U.S. 
policy and that the U.S. believes the Burmese regime's 
refusal to open a dialogue with representatives of the 
Burmese people such as Aung San Suu Kyi and the National 
League for Democracy (NLD), who had already won a fair 
election overseen by the military regime itself, would lead 
to increased instability.  DG Southam's response 
encapsulated Lao policy:  Laos does not believe in 
sanctions and avoids interference in other countries' 
internal affairs.  He did note that the GOL supports the 
Gambari mission and that Gambari had asked the GOL to 
convey a message to the Burmese government on the 
importance of cooperating with the United Nations, which 
the GOL had done.  In a separate part of the conversation, 
DG Southam told DAS Marciel that the GOL believes it is its 
responsibility to accept Lao Hmong in Thailand back into 
Laos, but that the GOL was not opposed to Thailand seeking 
 
VIENTIANE 00000083  008 OF 008 
 
 
third country resettlement for the Hmong currently in camps 
in Thailand's Nong Khai and Petchabun provinces. 
 
-------- 
Comment 
-------- 
 
¶23.  (C) The dialogue was a step forward in the improving 
U.S.-Lao relationship.  While not all of the non-MFA 
participants spoke, their presence (especially that of 
representatives of the Ministry of Public Security) was an 
encouraging development.  DG Southam had clearly looked 
for, and found, specific deliverables to bring to the 
dialogue.  These included the decision to offer visas for 
Lao-Americans valid for 3 months, rather than the standard 
30 day validity for other Americans, and an announcement 
that a land law revision is under consideration which would 
allow Lao-Americans to return and buy property.  He also 
urged Ambassador Huso to continue to speak to Hmong groups 
in the U.S. (as he has already done once) and offered to 
arrange for the Ambassador to visit Hmong resettlement 
villages.  Finally, the day prior to the dialogue, JPAC was 
given permission to work in Huaphan province, resolving a 
long impasse.  The permission appears to have been achieved 
by MFA and MND officials meeting the provincial 
administration and was brokered by Southam's direct 
intervention with the Governor. 
 
¶24.  (U) DAS Marciel cleared on this message. 
 
Huso