The United States Congratulates the National Regulatory Agency

U.S. Ambassador to Laos Patricia M. Haslach

The United States joins in observing April 4th as the International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action, and the U.S. Embassy, Vientiane congratulates the National Regulatory Agency (NRA) on its official opening.

“We look forward to working closely with the NRA,” remarked U.S. Ambassador Patricia Haslach. “An effective, independent NRA is crucial to continuing the progress in reducing and removing the UXO problem in Laos.”

The U.S. has contributed well over $25 million to UXO removal, public awareness and victims' assistance programs in Laos since 1998, including $3.5 million in 2005. The U.S. Humanitarian Mine Action Program supports mine action worldwide through bilateral and multilateral assistance and through more than 50 public-private partnerships with non-governmental organizations and civic groups.

As the world leader in helping to reduce the impact of persistent landmines and unexploded ordnance left from past conflicts, the United States is honored to participate in commemorative activities to help publicize this important issue.