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Laaooss
Hohenlimburger Str.120, 58093 Hagen, Germany. Tel & Fax: 0049( 2334) 44 44 668, E-Mail: [email protected]
www.alliancelao.org
Strasburg speech from Alliance for Democracy in Laos
(of the International Conference on Global Support for Democratization in China and
Asia in Building of the Council of Europe Strasburg on may, 26-27th 2010 )
The oppression and the desire for independence and democracy in Laos
Ladies and Gentlemen,
In 1353, King Fa Ngum founded the Kingdom of Million Elephants, known as Lane Xang
Kingdom or more popularly, Laos. He established the throne in what is today's Luang
Prabang. In 1563, Vientianne became the capital of Laos.
Laos
Laos in the 16th century
Laos 2010
Multiple invasions were made by Burma, Siam and Annam until 1827 when Vientiane was
completely destroyed by Siamese troops and, along with other territories, became part of the
kingdom of Siam.
In 1893, Siam had to cede the territories east of the Mekong to France and Laos became a
French protectorate.
After the Second World War in 1945, Laos sought immediate independence, but the French
instead tried to retake Laos. In the course of 1946, the French succeeded in restoring the
government of Laos and Sisavang Vong was now made King over the whole of Laos.
Following long period of fierce guerrilla war, Laos became independent on July 21, 1954,
under the Geneva Convention between France and the then emerging independent countries
of Indochina. Several attempts at coalition between the rival groups failed and the fighting
continued. In the end, Laos fell in the Vietnam War.
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After the Treaty of Paris in 1973 it came to the ceasefire and withdrawal of all American
military advisers in place since 1975 were Soviet and Vietnamese, which ultimately came to
power by the communists, known as the Lao Revolutionary People's Party (LPRP) at 02
December 1975 resulted. This was a clear break with the communists in the Agreement of
1973. The LPRP has since become the only authorized party in Laos.
The 622 years old monarchy was abolished and the king, together with his wife and the crown
prince were sent to a so-called re-education camp in the north of the country. There, they
tried to convert the Communist dissidents. The king and his relatives were never seen again.
The queen’s death was only added years later by the Communists. After the takeover by the
Communists about 14% of the population which was 3.5 million people left the country. They
now live mainly in the U.S., France, Thailand, Australia, Canada, Belgium and Germany.
Several thousand people were put into the re-education camps where many were tortured or
murdered.
1975, after the takeover of
power by the Communists, about
14% of the population which was
3.5 million people left the Lao
country.
Under the control of Prime Minister Kaysone Phomivane the country fell increasingly into
economic difficulties. Because of these severe economic problems and strong Soviet pressure,
Laos in 1986 reformed policy towards openness, with the aim of a gradual transition from a
planned to a market economy to realize.
.
However, dissatisfaction, increased corruption, the complete dependence under Vietnam, the
lack of political freedoms, led Lao students who were sent by Laos to study in Eastern Europe
to take to the streets in the summer of 1990 to protest. These protests, the economic problems
and the growing international pressure caused the leadership of the Communists to adopt a
constitution in 1991. This constitution in reality did not bring the hoped-for changes. On the
contrary, the power of the LPRP was reinforced.
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Mr. Thongsouk Saysangkhi, senior party member and deputy education minister until 1990,
dared to challenge the total claim to power of the Party and to make criticisms in Parliament.
He even called for multiparty system and free elections. Mr. Thongsouk Saysangkhi and his
colleagues Mr. Latsami Khamphoi and Mr. Feng Sakchittapong were arrested without trial for
two years in prison, before being convicted in a dubious trial to 14 years in prison. In
February 1998 Thongsouk Saysangkhi died under torture after he had been denied medical
care in prison.
Mr. Thongsouk
Saysangkhi,
arrested in 1990,
died in prison 1998
The accession to the ASEAN in 1997 brought no political change.
As repeatedly denounced by the dissidents, the occupation of Laos by Vietnam and China
continue to expand:
- Ho Chi Minh had already called for all countries of Indochina, under the leadership of
the Vietnamese Communists, to unite. To this end, the Friendship Agreement secured
since July 18, 1977 between Laos and Vietnam has allowed Vietnam to send both
troops and military and political advisors to Laos. Party officials are sent to train to
Hanoi. This agreement was established for a period of 25 years and by contract is to be
renewed every 10 years. As a result, a large number of subsequent agreements have
continued on.
- In 2009, the Chinese built the sports facilities in Vientiane, the capital, for the SEA
Games. In return, as many as 50 thousand Chinese are to be relocated and settled in
Vientiane.
- In recent years, the influence of China in Laos has become increasingly larger. Almost
all major projects in Laos are funded by China. Currently China is the biggest investor
in Laos.
- Agreements with China and Vietnam facilitated immigration of Vietnamese and
Chinese into Laos. Corrupt Lao officials in Vientiane sell immigrant passes and other
papers. Holders of these passports are entitled to buy land in Laos.
- Large stocks of tropical forest are sold cheaply to China and Vietnam, similarly with
the other commodities.
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Special treaty between Laos and Vietnam on 18th July 1977
But Thailand also tries to win influence in Laos. A secret treaty of 2004 allowed the Lao
Secret Police to hunt down opponents of the regime in Laos who are on the Thai side of the
border. Shortly thereafter, the telecommunications company of ex-premier Thaksin got the
license to build a mobile network in Lao PDR. Even worse, contrary to international law,
asylum seekers are sent back to Laos.
Lao democracy- activities killed in
Thailand 2004- 2005
Worst example, people were hunted down in the Xaisomboun province, particularly the LaoHmong who were America's allies in the Vietnam War. Massacres were committed here.
Thousands fled to Thailand. Thailand has forcibly sent back these people to Laos despite
international protests and outcries. In December 2009, the forced deportation of more than
4,000 Lao-Hmong refugees to Laos was starkly and tragically carried out. These refugees had
lived since the end of the Vietnam War in refugee camps in Thailand.
Forced deportation from more than 4.000 Lao-Hmong from Thailand to Laos, 28.12.2009
Freedom of the press is trampled under their feet. Only the state-controlled media are allowed.
As in China, there is also an Internet censorship in Laos.
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Meanwhile, Laos is increasingly faced with serious problems like child prostitution, child
trafficking, drug addiction, unemployment, poverty and many more problems that the regime
either handles only half-heartedly or totally ignores and neglects. In order to feed their
families, some people send their children illegally into neighbouring countries to sustain
themselves with prostitution or child-labour. Unemployment in Laos, estimated at 30%, is
driving more and younger people into drug addiction; the result is an increase in crime.
Lao- child prostitution in Thailand
Time and again protests and riots against the Communist regime have taken place in the
country, here are some highlights:
- October 1999 witnessed a peaceful demonstration in Vientiane, the capital, against the oneparty system by pro-democracy students. The protesters and their leaders were arrested and
kept in brutal detention to this day. One of the leaders has died in custody in the meantime.
- During 2003 and 2004, there were several occasions of bomb attacks against public
buildings in several cities in Laos.
- In 2008, an armed rebellion in the north of the country arose but was crushed by the Lao and
Vietnamese military.
- On 2 November 2009, over 300 Laotians were arrested because they wanted to demonstrate
for democracy and free elections, human rights, and independence from Vietnam.
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Lao-studends- demonstration in east-europe 1989
Lao- demonstration for human- rights in Paris 2005
Imprisoned students arrested in Laos on october 1999
Mrs. Kingkeo imprisoned in Vientiane on November, 2nd 2009
The opposition against the regime in Laos keeps on working in the underground and in secret.
But outside of Laos, Laotians in opposition to the dictatorship have formed themselves.
Several opposition groups have been organized abroad by Laotians living in exile, fighting
against the regime in very different ways. Some, while stongly opposed to the regime, have a
very special interpretation of freedom and democracy.
However, the majority of the exiled activists seek a peaceful solution to the problems of Laos.
Those organizations are now joined in the alliance for democracy in Laos. The Alliance for
Democracy in Laos is a worldwide gathering of Laotian, political opposition organizations
and activists who have called for a peaceful transition to democracy in Laos. This alliance is a
non- profit organization, based in Germany. The ideas of a democratic Laos address
themselves more to the example of the so-called Western democracies.
Foundation of the Alliance for Democracy in Laos, Brussels, 28./29.05.2009
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Epilogue:
More and more countries pour into Laos billion dollars in aid, but it seeps and flows always
into the swamp of corruption. Transparency International corruption index classifies Laos in
2007 almos at the bottom of the heap, ranking 168th out of 179 countries. In spite of massive
development assistance and foreign investment, the country remains the poorest in the world.
Laos regularly supports other dictatorships in the world, friendly with both China, Vietnam,
Burma as well as Cuba. Laos has declared solidarity with North Korea and Iran. At the same
time, it regularly rails against the Western democracies.
The democratic countries should urgently reconsider its policy towards the dictators in this
world. On the one hand, they take the money from the EU, on the other hand they are
politically against it. Therefore, we appeal to the EU:
First, the EU, within the framework of the ASEM conference, urge the Asian governments to
continue their new doctrines to meet and talk about internal affairs of its members. We want
to move with a peaceful dialogue the Asian countries towards greater democracy and human
rights.
Second, further development aid should be linked to political reforms. These include the shift
towards multiparty democracy, free and fair elections under international supervision, human
rights (freedom of speech, assembly, press and of association), as well as effective fight
against corruption so that the poverty in Laos can be resolved successfully.
Third, the Lao Government is to recognize all opposition groups inside and outside of Laos, to
join us as part of a "round table" under the EU’s Leadership, sponsorship and supervision, in
order to start the democratization process.
Fourth, all political prisoners in Laos are to be immediately and unconditionally released.
We wish for the Asian countries to form a partnership, a democratic community of mutual
support so that we can grow together. The promotion of international relations is at the centre
of our efforts. We wish for peaceful coexistence, freedom and mutual respect for all peoples
of this world.
Thank you.
Mrs. Dr. Bounthone Chanthalavong- Wiese
President of the Alliance for Democracy in Laos
Office in USA: Dr.Sin Vilay,Vice President, 7233 E- Manzenita Dr., Scottsdale , AZ 85258 . Tel.:+1-480-483 8656.
E-mail: [email protected]
Canada: Dr.Khamlay Mounivongs, Vice –President & Chief- Secretary,8311 Chateauneuf, Anjou(Quebeck).
Tel:.+1-514-3525 780.E-mail:[email protected]
Australia: Mr. Kat Ditthavong, Vice-President, 16 Candlewood Street, Bossley Park, NSW 2176 . Tel.:+61-2-96 10 81 73
E-mail.:[email protected]
France:
Mr. Khampheo Lathamany, Vice- President, 1, rue Gallieni, 95 360 Montmagny, Tel. :+33-1-39 84 28 70
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