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[justinm at ucr.edu]

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justin

2008-0118 - KPL News

http://www.kpl.net.la/

Lao People’s Army is reality pillar for National Defense

(KPL) On the occasion of its 59th founding anniversary of the
Lao People’s Army (20/1/1949-20/1/2008), Mr. Choummaly
Sayasone, Secretary General of the Lao People’s Revolutionary
Party and State President and Chairman of National Defense and
Security Committee on 18 January visited and talked to leading
officials and core cadre of the Ministry of National Defense.
On this occasion, President Choummaly praised and high valued
the contribution of the LPA made in the past 59 years in the
social-economic development aspects as well as in the two
strategy tasks of national defense and construction.
He said that under the Party’s guidance, the rank-and –files
of the LPA have strengthened the valiant fighting tradition of
the army. At all times, and with great sacrifices, the LPA
strives to overcome hardship to serve the nation. At all time,
it responds to the demand of the party and people, and doing
that with loyalty. LPA was always follows the Party’s ideology
in serving the nation.
The LPA have contributed to a state of security at the
grassroots level. The LPA’s performances have earned the
people of all ethnic groups trust, and in turn the people have
taken part in timely foiling the enemies’ destructive plots of
undermining the revolutionary gains by various means,
including their perfidious “ peaceful” method as well as acts
creating instability, interference, annexation of the national
territory. Thus, the LPA can successful maintain political
stability and social orders. That is to say, it can safeguard
the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of the
mother land.
President Choummaly also stressed that all leading officials
of the Ministry of National Defense should learn more about
the projects of the government relating to the responsibility
of the armed forces.

Annual meeting on propaganda and training affairs opened

(KPL) A nationwide meeting on propaganda and training affairs
for 2007-2008 was held in Vientiane on 17 January under the
chairmanship of Mr. Samane Vignakhet, LPRP CC Politburo member
who is also in charge of ideological and cultural affairs of
the party.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Mr. Phandouagchit Vongsa,
Chairman of the Propaganda and Training Committee of the
Central Committee (PTCCC) said that the meeting concentrated
to review the activities made during 2007 of the PTCCC and to
discuss the future work of the PTCCC for 2008-2009.
Mr. Phandouangchit added that the participants has received an
advise from the Politburo member on the direction for the
ideology affairs in the present time and the delegation from
the sectors and provincial level has contributed their
comments on ideology and training affairs, especially the
building of official documents.
The participants of this meeting has also attended the
ceremony to present the first class of Issara medal to the PTCCC.

Rallies held to mark LPA’s 59th anniversary

(KPL) The Ministry of National Defence on 17 January held a
rally to commemorate the 59th founding anniversary of the Lao
People’s Army, on 20 January.
The rally was attended by over 350 military heroes, officers,
combatants, and representatives of units and organizations in
the ministry.
In his statement to the gathering, Major General Somphet
Thipmala, LPRP CC member and Deputy Minister of National
Defense hailed the great gains of the Lao People’s Army over
the past half century. He talked about the excellent deeds
written in the history of the army. The comprehensive
development and growth of the Lao People’s army, in its
political aspects, organization, and military hardware, is a
source of pride for the Lao people.
The great gains and victories of the army over the past 59
years stemmed from the able and brilliant leadership of the
Lao People’s Revolutionary Party, who have educated and
fostered the combatants of the army.
The Party has laid out flexible guidelines, compatible with
the changing times and situations, with a definite strategy
and multi-faceted tactics for the national struggle. Honesty
and loyalty to the party and the nation, and a spirit of
sacrifice are qualities found in the army.
He said that the Lao People’s Army grew up amidst the
multi-ethnic Lao people’s revolutionary process, which was a
result of an act of concretizing Marxism-Leninism and a result
of the formalation of the Party’s political and military
policy regarding the creation of the People’s Armed Force
(PAF) in accordance with the reality of Laos. Thus, since its
inception, the LPA, though it was initially not so numerous in
terms of number of fighting men, armed with outdated-weapons,
but it had a true revolutionary fighting spirit.
The force was born from the people and fought valiantly for
the motherland and the people. At all time, it believes in the
masses’ force and depends on the people. It is reared and
loved by the people of all ethnic groups. Therefore, it
fulfils all the tasks given to it by the people and the nation.
During the past 59 years of implementing the Party’s strategic
tasks of national defense and development, the PAF has become
a driving force in the implementation of the guidelines for
national defence and security. This task is closely linked to
the establishment of the political foundation and integrated
rural development efforts of the Party. It resolutely adheres
to the Party’s renovation policy, maintains and enhances the
revolutionary character and the fine tradition of the LPA. The
ranks and files of the National Defense Force (NDF) have
forged themselves to acquire revolutionary vision and ethic in
their belief and conducts. They have actively improved the
armed forces’ capacity in all domains. The armed forces know
how to utilize the masses’ combined forces, and have come into
close contact with the grassroots. The armed forces have taken
part in the improvement of the local administration, assisted
people in upgrading their living conditions.
Dealing with the new period of national defense and
development, LPA is resolutely strengthening its capacity in
all domains in which, first and foremost, LPA has actively
upgraded its ideological stand and its leading role at grassroots.
Over 59 difficult year of implementing the two strategies
tasks of national defense and construction full of honourable
sacrifices, enjoying the Party’s able and creative guidance,
the LPA along with the entire people have fulfilled their
historical obligations asked of them by the Party and the
motherland. They have worthily written a new page of the
nation’s history.

Namngum 3 hydropower development project meeting held

(KPL) Environment Department, the Environment and Water
Resource Administration and Lao GMS company limited organised
a national meeting for discussing and sharing views into a
report of society and environment of Namngum 3 hydropower
development project, on 16 January, in Vientiane Capital.
The meeting was chaired by Mr Nouline Sinbundith, Deputy
Minister to Prime Minister’s Office where was attended by
local authorities of Vientiane and Xiengkhouang provinces,
various sectors and effected people.
The participants have heard the evaluation impact of society
and environment, management plan and inspection of
environment, migration plan of people who living in the
construction area and the implementation of gender role plan.
After the meeting, the delegation visited Xiengdath area where
is a new resettlement of locals.

Laos and Japan boost co-operation on education

(KPL) Education Minister Dr Somkot Mangnormek has spoke highly
of cooperation in education between Laos and Japan,
emphasising Japan’s assistance in the national education reform.
Mr. Somkot made the remark at a recent meeting with Japanese
Ambassador to Laos Masaaki Miyashita. Thanks to official
development assistance from the Japanese Government through
the Japanese International Cooperation Centre (JICE), about
130 Lao students have graduated from Japan.
Since 2004, the Japanese Government has sent Japanese
education experts to Laos . More than 228 Lao teachers of the
Pedagogical College and Pedagogical School have been trained
with the Japanese Government’s assistance during the past two
years.
Besides, representatives from the Lao Government and the
Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) have recently
signed a memorandum of understanding on the provision of
financial support to build primary schools in the southern
provinces of Sekong, Attopeu and Saravane till 2011.

Laos-China agree to further cooperation

(KPL) Laos and China have agreed to further the existing
cooperation and relation between two countries.
According to a bilateral meeting held on 16 January in
Vientiane Capital between two delegations of Laos-China
Friendship.
The Lao-Chhinese Friendship Association’s delegation was led
by Mr Leetou Bouayao, Deputy Minister of Education who is also
Deputy President of Lao-Chinese Friendship Association and
Chinese-Lao Friendship Association delegation was led by its
Deputy President of the association.
Two sides talked about future bilateral cooperation and
relation, particularly bilateral cooperation of associations.
They have informed each other the conditions of socio-economic
development and the association’s activities over the past years.
The delegation of Chinese-Lao Friendship Association paid a
working visit to Laos from 15 to 20 January in the response of
the invitation of Dr Bosengkham Vongdara, Minister of Energy
and Mining

Japan provides US$ 7.5 million to support infrastructure
development of Laos

(KPL) The Japanese Government agreed on 16 January in Tokyo to
provide US$ 7.5 million for infrastructure development in Laos.
The Japanese supported projects are (1) Road# 1H Improvement
from That Teng district of Sekong province connecting to
Saravane province, 20km, with DBST Road surface 12 m width,
worth US$ 4,000,000; (2) Construction of Bridge cross the
Sekong River of Attapeu province, worth US$ 2,600,000; (3)
Agriculture Development project in Phoungvong district,
Attapeu province and Saravane district of Saravane province,
worth US$ 300,000; (4) primary school and construction 07
Units in Saravane, Sekong and Attapeu provinces, worth US$
300,000; and (5) Construction of district hospital in Samuay
and Lakhonepheng, Saravane province , worth US$ 300,000.
This was a part of co-operation on the Cambodia-Lao PDR and
Vietnam Development Triangle Using the Assistance by Japan
through the Japan-ASEAN Integration Fund.
The co-operation on the Cambodia-Laos-Vietnam Development
Triangle not only promotes multi-faceted relations and mutual
trust among the CLV countries but also contributions to peace,
stability and integration of the Mekong Region and ASEAN.
The co-operation was made during the first Japan-Mekong
foreign ministerial meeting hosted by the Japanese Foreign
Minister Masahiko Koumura and his counterparts from Cambodia,
Laos and Vietnam.
The project will be implemented as soon as the feasibility of
each projects is confirmed by the recipient country and Japan.

Cuba to organize general election

(KPL) The Embassy of Cuba to Laos organised on 17 January a
press conference to announce the seventh general election
which is expected to take place on 20 January.
Speaking at the conference, Ms. Yvonne Suarez Roche, the
ambassador of the Republic of Cuba said that elections in Cuba
are really an example of democracy, of the power exercised by
the people. It is the population who proposes and designates
to the Municipal Assembly of the People's Power. The first one
was held in 1976 and since then, they have been celebrated
every 5 years.
The registration of the voters is public and free. It is
published in the open, easy access places of the district, as
well as the list of the candidates and their biographies and
photographs. The vote is not compulsory. In the last municipal
elections in October 2007 over 8 million votes that was the
96.49 percent from a total of 8 millions. Of this has 7
millions 603 thousand 145 ballots were valid, for a total of
92.99 percent. The rest were blank or annulled ballots.
The ballots boxes are guarded by the Pioneers, who are
children under 1 years old. It is to be remarked that any
violent incident has happened in any part of the country,
during the elections process.
There is not any kind of propaganda, mass rallies or public
demonstration in favor of any candidate. They cannot ask for a
vote or pay any money for the election purpose. All the
expenses of the process are paid by the state.
Those elected, can be revoked at any time if their performance
is not satisfaction or their behavior is not according to the
principles, valued and ethics of socialism. They have report
periodically to their voters, about the fulfillment of their
duties, the population can be present during the counting of
the votes.
Up to 50 percent of the members and delegates of the National
and the Provincial Assembly may come from district level, from
the Municipal Assemblies. The rest were proposed candidates by
the social organizations, such as Trade Union, Women
Federation, etc.
The composition of the National, Provincial and Municipal
Assemblies represent all the sectors of society, because they
are integrated by workers, peasants, students, military men,
intellectuals, artist, sportsmen, medical doctors, scientists,
religious leaders, pensioners, housewives, independent
workers, etc.
99 percent of the candidates are graduated from higher
education or University studies.
The member of the National Assembly (parliamentarians) with
the only exception of the Presidents and Vice presidents and
the heads of the Provincial and municipal Assemblies and of
some works commissions, do not receive a salary for the
fulfillment of their duties in representing the people. It is
a good will public service. They continue to work in their
usual professions and jobs. That is why in Cuba does not exist
the political career.
To be elected a member of the National Assembly. It is
required to have more than 50 percent of the valid votes.
The National Assembly of the People's Power is the higher body
of the state power, while the Municipal and provincial
Assemblies of the people's Power are the highest local bodies
of the state power. They govern in their respective territories.

NUoL students upgrade on dangerous human trafficking

(KPL) National University of Laos (NUoL) organised a seminar
on migrant labour and human trafficking on last Wednesday,
Vientiane Capital.
The seminar was aimed at providing useful information and
comprehension dangerous migrant labour and human trafficking
to students.
In the training course, a lecture on migrant labour and human
trafficking was raised by Dr. Soukiet Panyanouvong, an expert
of United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) who is
responsible for a unit of combating human trafficking in Laos
an Sub-Mekong region countries.
Ms. Kalfmanyvanh Phouxay, a teacher of the Faculty of Social
Science of National University of Laos proposed a research on
Lao workers who experienced working illegal in Thailand.
Ms. Thoummaly Vongphachanh from the Women and Children
Consulting Centre expressed her point of views about the
victims’ experiences of human trafficking movement.
At the same occasion, a performance was displayed by
Development and Training Centre reflected being of victims’
human trafficking.
The seminar was backed by UNDP’s combating human trafficking
project and the National University of Laos.

AirAsia launches Vientiane-Kuala Lumpur direct flight

(KPL) AirAsia launched an inauguration of new direct flight
from Vientiane-Kuala Lumpur and Kuala Lumpur-Vientiane last
Thursday in Vientiane.
The new flight was announced at a concert took place in
Vientiane, where was crowded by Vientiane residents saw a
recent popular singers from Indee Record.
The multi-award winning AirAsia has carried over 40 million
passengers to date, grown from a 2-aircraft fleet to 62 today
and now. The final ASEAN country has given the airline the
approval to enter the city as part of the airline’s extensive
route network-all within the grasp of six years in operation.
The airline is set to commence its inaugural flight into the
capital of Laos on 1 December 2007, which started with three
direct flights per week to Vientiane from low cost carrier
Terminal, Kuala Lumpur using its Airbus aircraft.
Situated on the Mekong River, Vientiane is an unassuming city
reachable within two hours and 35 minutes flight from Kuala
Lumpur. Laos has a tropical climate with temperatures from May
to October, Laos records higher raindrops than the rest of the
year while enjoy the cool season from November to February.
For travelers who has been there, one of the best things they
say to do once they have made their rounds around the temples
and shopping in the local markets for silk, and enjoy the
sunset over the Mekong river.
One of the famous landmarks of Vientiane is Pha That Luang, a
must-see all historical enthusiasts which was constructed in
1566. Aside from the trials of temples, Vientiane has much to
offer for the adventurous travelers. Within one to two hours
from the city, one can indulge in a range of thrill-seeking
activities such as kayaking, wild-water rafting, trekking
through nature parks and many others.
Other city to visit while in Vientiane is Luang Prabang, a
UNESCO World Heritage City situated in northern central of
Laos. There are many notable sites to explore in this city
including the Kuang Si waterfall, located south of Lung Prabang.
Setting aside a half-day or even one whole day for the
waterfall is recommended to soak into this nature’s cascading
wonder. One can also take a boat ride northwest of the city to
visit the Buddha caves and whisky village, where one can see
how a local Lao wine spirits are made.
AirAsia is the first low cost carrier established in Malaysia
that has rapidly established itself as the leading and largest
low cost carrier in Asia. The airline offers a simple “no
frills” service at fares that are on overage significantly
lower than those offered by tradition full-service airlines.
Modeled after the successful low fare airlines such as the
US-based Southwest Airlines and Dublin-based Ryanair.
The Regional Head of Commercial, AirAsia Kathleen Tan said,
“There is a talent demand for this route to be established
from the first day we started the airline, and now to see us
launching direct flights to Vientiane is like a missing jigsaw
puzzle to be fitted into the AirAsia chapter. We are now a
truly ASEAN airline, covering all the 10 countries serving
over 80 routes within the region.”
“We strongly believe that our amazing low fares will help
stimulate travel in Laos and its surrounding areas especially
tapping the backpacking travelers looking for an adventurous
trail through Indochina and Thailand. We are also very happy
to be able to serve the Malaysians working in Laos who have
been very excited with our announcement. We trust our entry
into Laos will further strengthen our position as the
preferred airline of the region in enabling more people to
fly,” added Kathlen.

88 people injured by UXO

(KPL) 88 people were injured by unexplored ordnance over the
past year, according to an annual meeting of National
Regulatory Authority (NRA) to resolve the unexplored ordnance
(UXO).
The meeting was held on 17 January at Lao Plaza hotel,
attended by Deputy Minister of Labour and Social Welfare Mr
Laoly Faiphengyoua, the NRA committee from line ministries and
other officials concerned.
NRA Director Mr Maligna Saignavongs said his teams have
already cleared over 38,317 bombs out of total land of 3,305
ha and most of them have been destroyed.
Laos is one of least developed countries, which majority of
agriculture produce areas has been covered by unexplored
ordnance, said Mr Maligna.
He said that the 13 provinces in Laos were affecting with
UXOs, including Vientiane, Savannakhet, Champassak, Khammuan,
Huaphan, Luang Prabang, Luang Namtha, Phongsaly, Saravan,
Xekong, Xiengkhuang, Attapue and Borikhamsay.

Saravane reviews Lao People’s Army traditions

(KPL) A propaganda and training office of Saravane province
held a lecture on 11 January, to mark the 59th anniversary of
the army.
Mr. Bouasy Kiemmanikhansay, Deputy Secretary of the Party
Committee of Saravane province spoke to officials, military
heroes, officers, combatants, and representatives of units and
organizations in the province.
In his statement to the lecture, Mr. Bouasy hailed the great
gains of the Lao People’s Army over the past half century. He
talked about the excellent deeds written in the history of the
army. The comprehensive development and growth of the Lao
People’s army, in its political aspects, organization, and
military hardware, is a source of pride for the Lao people,
Mr. Bouasy said.
The great gains and victories of the army over the past 59
years stemmed from the able and brilliant leadership of the
Lao People’s Revolutionary Party, who have educated and
fostered the combatants of the army.
The Party has laid out flexible guidelines, compatible with
the changing times and situations, with a definite strategy
and multi-faceted tactics for the national struggle.
Honesty and loyalty to the party and the nation, and a spirit
of sacrifice are qualities found in the army, added Mr. Bouasy .

______________
Dr. Justin McDaniel
Dept. of Religious Studies
2617 Humanities Building
University of California, Riverside
Riverside, CA 92521
951-827-4530
justinm at ucr.edu