Laos: Background and U.S. Relations
Abstract
The United States and the Lao People's Democratic Republic (LPDR) cooperate in important areas despite ideological differences and U.S. concerns about alleged human rights abuses against the ethnic Hmong minority. The U.S. Government has gradually upgraded its relations with the communist state, which has strong ties to Vietnam and growing economic linkages with China. Major areas of U.S. assistance and bilateral cooperation include demining and counternarcotics programs, strengthening the country's regulatory framework and trade capacity, HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment, the recovery of Americans missing in action during the Vietnam War, and military education and training. In 2008, the United States and Laos exchanged defense attaches for the first time in over 30 years. The U.S. Government has embarked upon a policy of economic engagement with the LPDR as a means of influencing the future direction of Lao policy. Major U.S. policy considerations include urging the Lao government to accept independent, international monitoring of the resettlement of former Lao-Hmong insurgents and Hmong returnees from Thailand; urging the Thai government not to forcibly repatriate Hmong determined to be political refugees; increasing assistance for demining activities in Laos; granting trade preferences or tariff relief for Lao products, particularly garments; and developing programs for sustainable management of the Mekong River.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 04, 2010
- Accession Number
- ADA513330
Entities
People
- Thomas Lum
Organizations
- Library of Congress