Laos: USA continues to aid crime reduction measures
The USA is continuing "modest" provision to assist the government of Laos to reduce drugs trafficking, people trafficking and other organised crime activities - but the aid is administered through non-governmental organisations rather than via the Laos government.
Speaking in Washington, US Abassador to Laos Douglas Hartwick said "U.S. anti-narcotics work is helping some of Laos' poorest regions and poorest ethnic groups gain market access to more developed parts of the country" and to switch from opium poppies to alternative cash crops.
He went on "Laos has helped ... reduce the region's vulnerability to attack and worked to support efforts to tighten international financial flows that could aid terrorists." The Ambassador drew attention to the significant drugs problem in Laos: "In 2003, I would like to see greater progress in Laos in tackling its narcotics problems. Lao narcotic problems threaten American interests. Opium cultivation is still a real problem and it has to be solved in a humane, but determined fashion. The Lao government shares our concern. But law enforcement against drug traffickers is still woefully ineffective. Lao authorities will have to make a greater effort, including improving cooperation with the U.S. law enforcement professionals eager to help, if they are going to win the war against drugs."
The clear issue for readers is the question of funds transfers into and out of, and of operations in, Laos and how to manage home regulator's compliance issues in a country where the regulatory regime is presently rudimentary.
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