Lao and Thai authorities have agreed to proceed with plans to repatriate Hmong refugees in Ban Huay Nam Khao, regardless of their claimed CIA links and without monitoring by third parties.
The agreement was reached at the just-concluded meeting in Thailand's Phitsanulok province between representatives of the two countries' Sub-Committees on Border Security. However, no deadline has been set, although Lao officials say they have started making preparations to receive the returning refugees whom both sides considered illegal immigrants.
While in Phitsanulok, the Lao representatives toured the camp where the almost 8,000 Hmong refugees are temporarily being held.
Listen to our Laos Today report for more details in Lao.
