Le 1 Janvier 2001

. Millennium Scholar: Selfless spirit rewarded with Gates grant [to a native of Laos] <<< Modesto Bee--Soulinhakhath Steve Arounsack could have selected almost any university to earn his master's degree. He's a straight-A student, active in school and community activities and the only student to earn two prestigious awards at the California State University, Stanislaus, graduation in 1999. Pic: Courtesy of LaoVision.net

.Laos confirms arrest of Australian couple <<< Australian BC News Online--Laos today confirmed that Australian couple, Jonathan and Kay Danes, had been arrested and were awaiting trial on charges of illegal activities in connection with Gem Mining Company. Jonathan Danes was the general manager
. Embassy rejects call to cut Laos ties <<< The Australian--AUSTRALIAN embassy officials will today again visit the Australian couple jailed in Laos, after rejecting calls from their family to cut off ties with the small landlocked communist nation. Ambassador said cutting ties would serve no useful purpose
. Consular officials to meet again with couple held in Laos <<< Australian BC News Online--Consular officials are hoping to meet tomorrow with an Australian couple that are being held in a Laotian jail. Authorities met with Kerry and Kay Danes on Saturday, confirming they were in good health and were not being mistreated
. Government sure to help Danes - Wallace <<< The Age--Mr Wallace says it's encouraging that Laotian authorities have allowed the couple to be visited by Australian officials. Australian consular officials met with the jailed couple on Saturday and are due to meet with them again tomorrow
. Aust Govt urged to impose sanctions on Laos <<< Australian BC News Online<<<  See video, click here
The Australian Government is being urged to introduce sanctions against Laos, as a Brisbane family fights to have a daughter released from a Laotian jail. Kay and Kerry Danes have been held in a Laotian jail

Le 2 Janvier 2001

. Laos in a quandary: Open up or move at snail's pace << Straits Times--The big question facing Laos now is whether reform-minded, outward-looking leaders will move up the ladder and into the politburo or whether those with close links to the military and the ageing revolutionary heroes of the past will retain their influence or even grow in power

. Somsavat tipped to be next premier [of Laos] <<< Straits Times--Government sources regard Foreign Minister Somsavat Lengsavad as the hot favourite to become the next president or, more likely, prime minister of Laos, replacing respectively Khamtay Siphandone or Sisavath Keobounphanh
. Aussie pair await charges in Laos <<< CNN--The Australian Govt is pressing Laos to release details of the charges against arrested Australian couple, Kerry and Kay Danes. The Australian ambassador in Laos, Jonathan Thwaites, says the embassy is yet to receive any statements
. Australian couple arrested in Laos are victims of corruption: employer <<< AFP/Yahoo! Asia--An Australian couple held without charge in a Lao jail are victims of corrupt local officials, the employer of one of the pair said Tuesday. Australian security firm operator Kerry Danes and his wife Kay are being held
. Family of couple being held in Laos appeal for legal help <<< Australian BC News Online--The Brisbane family of a woman who is being held in a Laos jail along with her husband are appealing for legal help to free the couple. Kay and Kerry Danes have been in prison for more than a week, and are being questioned
. Family of arrested Australians claims they were set up <<< AP/Yahoo! Asia--The family of two Australians being held in a Laos prison charged with trying to smuggle money out of the communist state claimed Tuesday the couple were set up by Laotian officials. Laos authorities confirmed Monday
. Consular officials to meet imprisoned Australians <<< AAP/The Age--Australian consular officials are today expected to meet with an Australian couple imprisoned in Laos. Yesterday Laos authorities confirmed that Kerry and Kay Danes were arrested a few days before Christmas and were awaiting trial

. Hmong show celebration to world <<< Fresno Bee--Watching a group of dancers in traditional garb, Yang Vang, 27, and Meng Moua, 29, said that they were born in Laos but live in Fresno. Their clothing featured lots of green trim. The clothing, they said, identified them as "green" Hmong. That's their family and area identification.

Le 3 Janvier 2001

. Laos urged to allow regular visits to jailed Australians <<< AP/Yahoo! Asia--Australia Wednesday demanded that its diplomats be allowed regular access to an Australian couple being held in Laos in a murky dispute involving a gem company. Kerry and Kay Danes were arrested Dec. 23 in Vientiane
.  Australian govt moves to help couple jailed in Laos <<< Australian BC News Online--Australian embassy officials have made high level diplomatic moves in the case of an Australian couple being held in a Laos jail. Charges have still not been laid, despite Kay and Kerry Danes being jailed for more than a week.
.  Govt in talks with Lao ambassador over couple << AAP/NineMSN--Laos Ambassador to Australia Sutsakhone Pathammavong was today called to the Department of Foreign Affairs after representations to Lao authorities over two detained Australians.
.  Australia calls in Laotian envoy over jailed couple <<< Reuters/AltaVista--The Australian government called in Laos' ambassador to Canberra on Wednesday to reiterate concerns about the detention of an Australian couple held in Vientiane over the alleged disappearance of gems.
.  'Australians held over Laos gems' <<< BBC News--According to Laos national radio, Kerry Danes and his wife Kay are being investigated over the disappearance of 129kg of gems and over $52,000 from the mining company. Mr Danes was in charge of security
.  Goodwill in Laos to help jailed Australian couple: ambassador <<< The Age--An Australian couple jailed in Laos had been helped by a "reservoir of official goodwill" between the two countries, Australia's ambassador to the land-locked nation Jonathan Thwaites said today.
.  Australia denied visit to couple in jail in Laos <<< Reuters/MSNBC--Australia's ambassador to Laos said on Wednesday a visit to an Australian couple held in Vientiane over the alleged disappearance of gems had been cancelled and he did not know when he would see them again. 
.  Laos refuses visits to imprisoned couple <<< The Age--Laotian authorities refused Australian officials access to Kerry and Kay Danes, the Australian couple imprisoned in the capital, Vientiane, over alleged fraud. But a Foreign Affairs Dept spokeswoman said the govt was not yet concerned
.  Australia requests access to Laos Gaol <<< Australian BC<<<Listen to audio clip<<<--The Australian Embassy in Laos will today make a formal approach to the Laos Govt to request regular access to an Australian couple being held in a local gaol. Kay and Kerry Danes* were arrested just before Christmas
.  Laos victim family plead for lawyer <<< The Australian--THE family of an Australian couple imprisoned in the communist nation of Laos has sent out an SOS for a criminal lawyer to join their battle to have the couple released. Ernie Stewart yesterday made "a desperate plea"
.  Former employer cries set-up over Australians jailed in Laos <<< Australian BC News Online--The Australian couple being held without charge in a Laotian jail are victims of corrupt local officials, according to the employer of one of the pair. The Australian couple were victims of an "obvious set-up," GML's founder
.  Embassy chasing regular contact with couple detained in Laos <<< Australian BC News Online<<< See video, click here<<<--The Australian embassy in Laos will today seek regular access to an Australian couple being held in a local jail. Kay and Kerry Danes were arrested just before Christmas in relation to their involvement with a Laotian sapphire mine

Le 4 Janvier 2001

. A Laos-y double-cross <<< World Net Daily--The communist government of Laos, after "nationalizing" a large Western mining company operating within its borders, has imprisoned a former member of Australia's elite military forces - who was involved in providing security
. Reporters on the job...[in Laos] <<< Christian Science Monitor 2nd story from the top of that page
Simon Ingram decided a perfect souvenir from the most bombed country on earth was a little bomb of his own. So when de-mining technicians in Laos offered him a cluster-bomb paperweight, he didn't say no.
. Trek through tragedy to hope <<< Michigan Live
It hurt to leave his parents, but a Laotian overcame tragedy to carve out a new life in the Saginaw Valley. He made a harrowing two-week trek through the jungle toward the Mekong River - and Thailand.
. Parolee is focus in 1986 killings -- Man held in Texas now possible suspect <<< Sacramento Bee--The murders of Saechao and Salee on April 22, 1986, shocked the Laotian community and puzzled investigators. The couple were driving home from Merced after visiting their son in the hospital and purchasing
. Alaska mountaineering instructors to seek human remains in Laos <<< AP/Anchorage Daily News 3rd story from top of that page Two Northern Warfare Training Center mountaineering instructors from Fort Wainwright will be facing a big challenge on a distant mountain. Instructors Chris Hereford and Staff Sgt. Kirk Dennison left Tuesday for the jungles of Laos
. Laos under pressure on detainees <<< The Age--The Federal Govt yesterday stepped up the pressure on Laos to allow Australian officials access to imprisoned couple Kerry and Kay Danes. A senior Foreign Affairs Dept official called in Laotian ambassador Soutsakhone
. The fat lady prepares to sing her last tune <<< The Nation--Remember this was the lass who refused to leave a plane in Cambodia for fear of her life. This was also the same Albright who said Laos has no problems and is on the road to democratic reforms. (What does this lady ingest?)

Le 5 Janvier 2001

. Traffic accidents up in 2000 <<< Vientiane Times--More than 108 people died in Vientiane municipality in 1,894 road accidents last year, though the number of deaths was down from the previous year. During the period of New Year celebrations, there were 2 road deaths in 39 vehicle accidents. A police spokesman said that in 1975 there were only 63 road accidents

. Danes to be visited next week <<< AAP/News Limited--Australian authorities in Laos will be permitted to visit two Australians being held in prison in the capital, Vientiane, the Dept of Foreign Affairs said today. Days of diplomatic representations in Vientiane and Canberra preceded
.  Laos to allow couple visitors <<< The Age--Australian officials in Laos will be allowed to visit imprisoned couple Kerry and Kay Danes early next week. After days of diplomatic representations, Laotian officials have given Australian consular staff permission
.  Detention of Lao Securecor MD and Spouse clarified <<< Vientiane Times--The reasons of the detention are as follows: After Mrs Julie Edith Bruns, President of Gem Mining Lao PDR, and her husband Mr Bjarne Jeppesen fled the Lao PDR on 28 May 2000, they wrote a letter appointing Mr Kerry Danes
.  Walking a Fine Line <<< Pioneer Planet--In Laos, women kept the fields. The men looked after the spiritual, and the hunting and fishing, and fighting the enemy. But this is America. As in most elementary schools, HOPE is a school led in large part by women, shaped by women

Le 6 Janvier 2001

Le 7 Janvier 2001

.Gem deal Shugg sees red over Green <<< The Australian--THE expatriate Australian businessman at the centre of the ruthless battle for a rich gem mine in Laos has detailed for the first time the extent of his involvement with murdered Melbourne lawyer and embezzler Max Green. In an exclusive interview with The Australian, Gary Shugg, 40, also told of his friendship with the colourful Bangkok identity Trevor John Doyle

.Laos gives consular access to jailed duo <<< The Australian--AUSTRALIANS Kerry and Kay Danes, who have been held in a Lao jail for 16 days, will receive twice-weekly consular visits, starting tomorrow, as they await the laying of formal criminal charges.
. Storms kept Arkansans 'busy staying alive' <<< Arkansas Democrat-Gazette--People who moved to motels or landed on friends or relatives became some of the ice storms' refugees. But Lienchi Vilayvanh, who came to the United States from Laos, has a different story. She fled Laos in 1975

Le 8 Janvier 2001

. Laotians riveted, Cambodians indifferent [about Thai election] <<< The Nation--Sleepy Vientiane was fully alert and had its eyes glued to political developments in Thailand yesterday, saying the show was too good to ignore. Though many Laotians often compare Thai politics to a soap opera, most acknowledge that the fate of their land-locked country's economy is largely tied to Thailand.

Le 9 Janvier 2001

. Australian family offered trip to Laos <<< AAP/The Age--A media company has offered the Brisbane family of a woman jailed in Laos a trip to the country's capital Vientiane to visit her in exchange for exclusive coverage. Mrs Dane's father Ernie Stewart confirmed by email this morning he had received "an offer from a prominent media source to go to Laos"

. Laos revokes visiting rights for jailed Australian couple <<< AFP/Yahoo! Asia--Lao officials have revoked permission for Australian officials to visit an Australian couple jailed in Vientiane twice a week, department of foreign affairs (DFAT) officials said Tuesday. Official notice was received at the Australian embassy
.  Embassy access to jailed couple cut <<< AAP/News Limited--LAOTIAN authorities have withdrawn permission for twice-weekly consular visits for two jailed Australians, the Foreign Affairs Department (DFAT) said today. Official notice was received at the Australian Embassy in Vientiane
.  Laos withdraws permission for twice-weekly visits to jailed couple <<< AAP/The Age--A Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) spokesman said today an official notice received at the Australian Embassy in the capital Vientiane yesterday said visits to Kerry and Kay Danes would be limited to twice a month.
.  Laotian company denies corruption claims <<< Australian BC News Online/Excite--The company at the centre of a Laotian gem mine dispute has hit back at criticisms of it by others involved in the ownership struggle which led to the jailing of two Australians. Asia Sapphires Ltd claims to be the legal owner of GML. 
.  Gem company states position on comments <<< The Nation--We are respectful of the Lao authorities' investigations into this whole affair and have no wish to pre-empt their findings. As these have now become a matter of public and highly inaccurate comment, we are bound to set
.  Continuing dispute involving Lao gem mine <<< Australian BC--A company at the centre of a Lao gem mine dispute, has hit back at criticism of it by others involved in an ownership struggle which has led to the jailing of two Australians. South East Asia correspondent Geoff Thompson reports

Le 10 Janvier 2001

. Australians held in Laos in reasonable spirits despite jail conditions <<< AFP/Yahoo! Asia--An Australian couple detained in Laos since before Christmas over an alleged gem racket are in reasonable spirits despite harsh prison conditions, embassy officials said Wednesday. "Prison conditions in this country are pretty harsh

Le 11 Janvier 2001

. War of words erupts over jailed Laos couple <<< NineMSN--A war of words has erupted over whether an Australian jailed in Laos was responsible for a supply of missing sapphires. A British businessman today said Australian Kerry Danes was responsible for sapphires missing from the offices of GML

. Man claims Kerry Danes responsible for gems <<< AAP/The Age or AAP/NineMSN<<< Listen to audio--A British businessman today claimed Australian Kerry Danes, arrested in Laos, was responsible for sapphires missing from the offices of Gem Mining Lao (GML) in Laos. But the claim was immediately contested by GML president Julie Bruns
. Danes responsible for missing gems: CEO <<< Australian BC News Online<<<  Listen to audio <<<The chief executive involved in an ownership dispute of a gem mine in Laos has alleged that the arrested Australian, Kerry Danes, is responsible for a quantity of missing gems. Amid the imbroglio of interests fighting over
. Vietnam-Laos border gate inaugurated <<< Vietnam NA--The border gate was jointly built by the two countries. It is expected to become a major busy trading centre as it helps create a commercial corridor by linking the Vung Ang sea port, the Ho Chi Minh City highway
. ASEAN commended for keeping region peaceful <<< Kyodo NS/AOL--Dispute handling among ASEAN members and neighboring countries has won praise from Adm. Dennis Blair, commander in chief of the U.S. Pacific Command, who said Thursday that inter-regional strife now seems a ''remote idea.'' 

Le 12 Janvier 2001

Le 13 Janvier 2001

Le 14 Janvier 2001

Le 15 Janvier 2001

. Vietnam, Laos open new international border gate <<< People's Daily--Vietnam and Laos have opened a new international border crossing in the central Vietnamese province of Quang Binh to promote tourism and trade. Two-way trade between Laos and Vietnam was worth $300 million in 1999.
.  Thai PM-apparent stressed links with neighboring countries <<< Xinhua NA/Northern Light--"There is high possibility of linking resources of the North and those of the neighboring countries such as China, Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar and Vietnam," said the leader of Thai Rak Thai party at a press conference in Chiang Mai
.  Travel Monitor: Visit ASEAN Year to be a joint effort <<< Bangkok Post--But because cash-strapped countries such as Laos, Burma and Cambodia lack the money for the campaign, it is hoped that the private sector will also get involved through sponsorship.
.  Southeast Asia turns on charm <<< AFP/International Herald Tribune--The ASEAN announced an international campaign over the weekend to market the 10-nation region as a tourism destination. Tourism ministers from the politically and economically diverse ASEAN group said at a meeting in Brunei
.  ASEAN, China, Japan, South Korea meet in Malaysia to discuss WTO agenda <<< Inside China Today--Officials from the ASEAN and its three dialogue partners - China, Japan and South Korea - began a two-day meeting Monday to discuss the agenda for a new round of global trade talks. The meeting was to gather input in a bid to shape

Le 16  Janvier 2001

Le 17 Janvier 2000

Le 18 Janvier 2000

Le 19 Janvier 2000

. Confiscated money may be returned to Kay Danes <<< Australian BC News Online--Authorities in Laos have said almost $100,000, taken from the detained Australian Kay Danes, may be returned to her. The money was found in Mrs Danes' luggage when she was arrested, attempting to cross the Thai border just before Christmas

. Confession could free Australian couple from Lao jail <<< AFP/Yahoo! Asia--A Lao foreign investment official told ABC radio that a confession from the couple revealing where the missing gems were could earn them their freedom. "Yes, according to the law," the official told ABC Radio when a reporter
.  Family of detained Australian couple tell of ordeal <<< Australian BC News Online--The family of an Australian couple being held in a Laos jail over a gem mining row, says his grandchildren are traumatised by their parents' ordeal . . . The ABC has learned most of the missing jewellery is being kept in Bangkok
.  Danes speak from Laos for first time since arrest <<< Australian BC News Online<<<   Click here for audio--Looking annoyed and defiant, Kerry Danes arrived at the meeting, guarded by three policeman in a pick-up truck.Mr Danes said to tell his family he is well. The Government of Laos is seriously pursuing a case against Kerry Danes
.  Arrested Australians voice message to world from Laos <<< Australian BC--After three and a half weeks of detention in Laos, arrested Australians Kerry and Kay Danes have voiced a message to the world. South East Asia correspondent Geoff Thompson briefly spoke to the Danes as they were led to a meeting
.  Detention not to affect foreign investment, official says <<< Vientiane Times--The detention of Australian couple Kerry and Kay Danes does not affect foreign investment in Laos. They were detained because their actions violated the law of the Lao PDR.” Vice Chairman of the Ad hoc inspection committee
.  India, ASEAN to promote cooperation <<< Xinhua NA--"ASEAN members are keen that New Delhi shared its expertise as a leading power in information technology (IT) sector," Devare said after the meeting, participated by senior officials from the Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, Lao

Le 20 janvier 2000

. Reply to privately owned jewelry saga <<< Gem Mining Laos--This jewelry has nothing to do with Gem Mining Lao PDR whatsoever, gem was never on the company's asset list, and gem was paid for by the Jeppesens personally. The Jeppesens bought sapphires from GML, had same set in jewelry
. Calls the Australian Govt to win release of couple in Laos <<< Australian BC--There are calls for Australia's Prime Minister John Howard to step in and negotiate the release of an Australian couple being held in a Laos jail. Kay Danes father Ernie Stewart is conducting a media campaign in Australia

Le 21 Janvier 2001

Le 22 Janvier 2001

. Lignite power plant joint venture in Laos <<< Bangkok Post--Two Thai-Lao joint venture firms are to build a lignite-fired power plant in a Lao district opposite Nan province. The Hongsa lignite power plant is a joint investment by Thai-Lao Co and Thai-Lao Power Co. The two entered into a deal with the Lao govt to survey lignite deposits and build the 40-billion-baht power

Le 23 Janvier 2001

. Laos: Annual Report 2000 -- Reproductive Health <<< EC/UNFPA Initiative--Reproductive health (RH) is a relatively new concept to Lao PDR: a national RH policy was approved this year. Hence, the Adolescent RH (ARH) is in even greater need of support, in the face of the threat of an HIV/AIDS epidemic

Le 24 Janvier 2001

Le 25 Janvier 2001

->Laos: The annual survey of political rights & civil liberties <<< Freedom House--The financial crisis in Asia continues to hurt the Laotian economy. The Laotian kip has fallen more than any other Asian currency, depreciating by more than 500 percent since 1997. Several regional airlines stopped flights to Vientiane, the capital, because of lack of demand

->Thailand invites India to first ASEAN trade fair <<< AFP/Yahoo! Asia--Thailand has invited India to participate in the first ASEAN trade fair, to be held here next year, a report said Thursday. Foreign Ministry spokesman Rathakit Manathat told The Nation newspaper that the invitation was issued

Le 26 Janvier 2001

Le 27 Janvier 2001

->Recognizing a 'Superkid' <<< Pioneer Planet--We've opened doors for her, but we don't carry her -- she's earned everything she's gotten here," the chief said of Heu's part-time work in the homicide unit, which includes interpreting for witnesses and suspects who speak Hmong and Spanish. Englund said Heu is beyond her years when it comes to decision-making

Le 28 Janvier 2001

->Thai TV gets mixed reviews in Laos <<< The Nation/Yahoo! Asia--"100 per cent of Laotians who own TV sets are consumers of Thai TV programming. Whatever you air here, they all see it at precisely the same time," she said. Laos' socialist govt doesn't want its people exposed to TV and radio programmes from capitalist Thailand, but are powerless to control it, Vipa said.

Le 29 Janvier 2001

Le 30 Janvier 2001

->Free our Australian hostages -- captive for 40 days <<< Danes family website--We have written to the President of the United States, Mr George Bush Jr. requesting intervention in this matter relating to Foreign Aid, Human Rights, and Media coverage. It appears that the Australian Govt does not have the power to secure the release of innocent