Lao, Thai foreign ministers discuss returning migrants
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr Thongloun Sisoulith met yesterday with Thailand ‘s Minister of Foreign Affairs Kasit Piromya to discuss the return of Lao citizens who entered Thailand illegally several years ago.
The group was tricked into thinking they would continue on to the United States, according to the ministry.
The two foreign ministers discussed the matter on the sidelines during their participation in the two-day Asean Foreign Ministers Meeting which ended yesterday in Danang, Vietnam.
During the talks, they exchanged observations regarding the return of more than 4,000 illegal migrants to Laos at the end of last month.
Mr Kasit said although there was criticism from some foreign countries, it was the humanitarian policy of the Thai government to have those Lao people who entered the country illegally return to their hometowns to earn their livehoods as Lao citizens.
Dr Thongloun took this opportunity to express his sincere thanks for the fruitful cooperation of Thailand, especially the Royal Thai Armed Forces, in assisting to return the detainees to Laos.
He said the Lao government reiterates its unswerving humanitarian policy towards all citizens, including the Lao multiethnic people. The rights and interests of the Lao people are protected under the constitution and laws of Laos.
More than 4,500 illegal migrants have returned to their hometowns or gone to specially created development villages since December 2, with yesterday’s being the last group before the accommodation centre in Pakxan district closed yesterday.
The Lao government has installed basic infrastructure and other facilities in the development villages to help the returnees resume a normal life.
The government has also provided land so newcomers to the development villages can grow crops.
Dr Thongloun also reported on the visit by three congressmen from the US House of Representatives to Phalak village, Kasy district, in Vientiane province.
The US congressmen said they found no evidence of mistreatment of the Hmong who had returned to Laos, as claimed by some groups.
Mr Kasit told Dr Thongloun the Thai government is ready to cooperate with the Lao government to help improve the living conditions of the returnees.
At a reception dinner after the first day’s meeting, the ministers reported on the situation of the newly returned migrants to other Asean foreign ministers and the Asean Secretary General.
The two parties not only talked about the Hmong issue, but also discussed further cooperation on construction of a railway in the south, hydropower dams, tourist facilities, building warehouses, and the upgrade of Savannakhet airport into an international airport.
The talks also focused on development of the east–west economic corridor link between Laos, Thailand and Vietnam from Mukdahan province in Thailand through Savannakhet province in Laos to access Danang in Vietnam, which includes Road No. 9 in Laos.
Mr Kasit also praised the success of Laos in hosting the 25th Southeast Asian Games last month.
Source: Vientiane Times
January 15, 2010
