I believe the committee could have made stronger references to the absolute imperative for the United States to insist that the Laotian Government respect fundamental human rights of all Laotian people and continue making progress on democratization and market liberalization. It should be our policy objective not only to recognize and reward changes already made. but to ensure that Laos carries through to far greater reforms than currently embraced. Mr. President. many LaotianMinnesotans have expressed particular concerns regarding reports of forced repatriations of Laotian refugees in camps in Thailand or near the LaoThai border. I have shared these concerns with the State Department. and it is my hope that the Foreign Relations Committee will also address these matters in future hearings. Mr.
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