Lao coalition report

Press, Volume CXIV, Issue 33498, 1 April 1974, Page 13

Lao coalition report

(N.Z. P.A. -Reuter—Copyright) VIENTIANE, March 30.

The neutralist Laotian Government and the proCommunist Pathet Lao have reached agreement on the composition of a peace-time coalition Government, according to informed sources in Vientiane. who say that there will be a Cabinet of 10 members — five from each side.

The Cabinet will include two Deputy Prime Ministers: Prince Soiiphanouvong, for the Pathet Lao, and Mr Leuam Insisiengmay, now Minister of Education in the neutralist Administration. However, there is no word

on the Prime Ministership, or on the future of Prince Souvanna Phouma, the Prime Minister of the Vientiane Government, who, it had been widely thought, wanted to lead the coalition. The sources say that the agreement was reached in two-day talks in Vientiane between the Prince and the Pathet Lao’s special enovy, Mr Ph.iumi Vongvichit.

The formation of a coalition was the main provision of the cease-fire agreement last year, which aimed at ending a decade of warfare in the Indo-China kingdom. Pathet Lao officials say that their leader. Prince Souphanouvong, will go to the Royal capital of Luang Prabahg soon to seek the formal approval of King Savang Vatthant for the coalition.

Both sides recognise the King’s authority. The sources say that the talks now have to settle

only the technical details <. the Royal decree that won" bring the coalition inti power. The Pathet Lao envoy arrived in Vientiane only last Wednesday, armed with wide negotiating powers, after an eight-month absence. His return coincided with the hand-over of Vientiane to military and police commands manned jointly by Government and Pathet [Lao forces, effectively neutralising the city, as demanded under the cease-fire agreement.

A similar arrangement has yet to be worked out for the north-western city of Luang Prabang.

The Pathet Lao leaders will be returning to the Vientiane Government for the first time in 12 years: they were given Cabinet seats under the 1962 Geneva i Peace Agreement, but never took up their posts.