PRESS RELEASE

Public Affairs Office
Embassy of the United States of America
Rue Bartholonie, P.O. Box. 114
Vientiane, Laos.

Tel:  (856-21) 267229
Fax: (856-21) 267160
Website: http://laos.usembassy.gov
January 17, 2008

U.S. Turns Over Medical Supplies to Laos

Ambassador Ravic Huso donates medical supplies to Ta Oy clinic staff

On January 17 U.S. Ambassador Ravic Huso turned over more than $10,000.00 worth of medical supplies to the Ta-Oy medical clinic, located within Salavan Province, on behalf of the people and government of the United States. Mr. Xiheng Hongsombat, Director of the Salavan governor's office, Ta Oy District Mayor Mr. Khammanh Bounlavong, and clinic director Dr. Vilaphan received the material on behalf of the clinic. A delegation of Lao officials, led by Ministry of Foreign Affairs Deputy Director General Europe/Americas Division Mr. Mai Sayavong and Ministry of National Defense Director Europe/Americas LTC Khamsing, joined the Ambassador on the trip.

The medical supplies were donated by the United States Pacific Command (USPACOM), based in Hawaii, in response to a request made by Vice Minister of National Defense Lt. General Ai Soulignaseng. The Vice Minister visited the clinic last July, and heard of the urgent need for additional supplies from the clinic staff.

At the ceremony for the turnover, Ambassador Huso said that the United States has had
a long and productive association with the people of Salavan province and Ta-Oy district.
This relationship, which began in the 1980’s, is built on shared humanitarian values
and has been carried out in a spirit  of mutual assistance. Over the years, many officials

and residents of Ta-Oy, and throughout Salavan province, have worked closely with joint US-Lao investigation and recovery teams in the search for the remains of American soldiers missing since the Indochina war. The United States funded the construction of the clinic in 2004. [Ambassador's Speech]