The World : U.S., Laos Back MIA Effort

The United States and Laos have agreed to a year-round effort of research and joint excavations to resolve the fate of 547 Americans still listed as missing in action in Laos from the Vietnam War era. A statement issued in Thailand also included a pledge by Laos to cooperate with the United States in cracking down on opium produced in Laos and a U.S. government promise to provide food to drought-stricken Laos. The statement was issued by a U.S. delegation led by Richard K. Childress, director of Asian affairs of the National Security Council, after talks with senior Laotian officials.