VZCZCXYZ0002
RR RUEHWEB
DE RUEHVN #0116 0500029
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 190029Z FEB 08
FM AMEMBASSY VIENTIANE
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 1839
INFO RUEHBK/AMEMBASSY BANGKOK 7619
RUCNDT/USMISSION USUN NEW YORK 0188
UNCLAS VIENTIANE 000116
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: KOCI CASC PREL LA
SUBJECT: DEMARCHE TO LAOS: HAGUE ADOPTION CONVENTION
RATIFICATION
REF: STATE 10212
1. The DCM called on MFA's Acting Director General for
International Organizations Saleumxay Kommasith on February
14 regarding the Hague Adoption Convention. She informed Mr.
Saleumxay that the U.S. has become a party to the convention
and is encouraging the government of Laos (GOL) to consider
joining it as well. The DCM pointed out that one aim of the
convention is to prevent human trafficking, an area in which
the USG and the GOL have a cooperative working relationship.
She noted that there are not currently a large number of
international adoptions in Laos but said that this may well
change as other countries place increasing restrictions on
international adoptions and adoption organizations, both
reputable and otherwise, seek new places to operate. The DCM
provided written background information on the convention and
offered to provide further information based on the U.S.
experience. She told Mr. Saleumxay that the Embassy also
plans to discuss the Hague Convention with MFA's Department
of Consular Affairs.
2. Mr. Saleumxay said that, while Laos is not yet party to
the Hague Convention, this does not mean that the GOL
considers it unimportant. The issue of trafficking, he said,
is a major concern both in the region and throughout the
world. He noted that the GOL is reviewing the large number
of treaties and conventions to which it is not yet party in
order to set priorities for accession. He said that the GOL
would welcome the opportunity to learn from the USG's
experience in implementation; the Consular Affaors Department
would be the best point of contact for ongoing discussions.
He suggested that we discuss the convention with MFA's
Department of Treaties and Legal Affairs as well. We will
follow up with both departments.
Huso