Vientiane, Laos (May 6, 2010) – United States Ambassador to Laos, Ravic R. Huso, signed an Amendment to the Letter of Agreement last week on behalf of the U.S. Government for bilateral cooperation with the Government of Laos in support of counter narcotics and law enforcement.
The May 6 ceremony took place at the Green Park Hotel. Signing on behalf of the Government of Laos was H.E. Minister Soubanh Srithirath, Minister to the Presidents’ Office and Chair of the Lao National Committee for Drug Control and Supervision.
The letter signed this week committed $650,000 from the United States Government for these efforts for 2010. These programs will be administered by the U.S. Embassy Law Enforcement and Narcotics Section.
The funds provided by the LOA will assist the GOL to reduce the demand for Amphetamine Type Stimulants and other illegal drugs, and provide for the treatment, rehabilitation, and after-care of ATS addicts. The LOA also provides support for the training and equipping of Lao law enforcement, customs, and criminal justice system officials.
In addition, the LOA provides some assistance to further reduce opium cultivation, provide alternative crops and income substitutes, and rehabilitate opium addicts. These activities will focus on Phong Saly and Houaphan provinces.
