In a speech titled "Why I want to restore Democracy in my homeland," Crown Prince Soulivong Savang of Laos explained the history of the now-communist country and his aspirations for its future.
Approximately 50 Dartmouth students and community members crowded 2 Rockefeller last night to hear Savang who is on a U.S. tour to "explain our problem to the American people."
Savang has been living in exile in France since he escaped in 1981, six years after the Lao Communist Party took control of the country and abolished the constitutional monarchy.
"The results of 25 years of communist rule have been disastrous," Savang said. He also expressed concern that national identity is "dying out."
Laos, a former French protectorate, had been ruled by the royal family from 729 to 1975 -- with the later years being a constitutional monarchy.
At the time of the communist takeover, the king, queen, and crown prince, Savang's father, were taken to an unknown destination. Several years later their deaths were announced.
Savang said that his vision for Laos in the 21st century included democracy and economic development. He spoke of a multi-party system and free elections, and expressed his desire to "raise the standards of living of the Lao people above the poverty line."
"The Lao royal family will carry on with determination," Savang said, "but we also need the help of freedom-loving people everywhere."
When asked what role he expected the royal family to play should democracy Laos be restored, Savang responded via a translator that, "It's up to the people. If the people like to have a kingdom, the royal family is at their disposal."
The main goal, he said, is to restore democracy, not the throne.
According to Savang, the recent fall of Communist countries around the world has had "no effect" on the communist government in Laos.
"Human rights must be respected in Laos. Political prisoners, including communist dissidents, must be freed." Savang said.
Savang cited several examples of what he called "totalitarianism" in Laos. He said that in January of 1998, 13 Christians were arrested for attending a Bible study meeting.
According to the U.S. Department of State's Laos Country Report on Human Rights Practices for 1998, "The Government stated in court and elsewhere that the group was using religion as a guise for its real purpose: Creating social turmoil."
In October of 1999, 100 students and teachers were arrested for organizing a peaceful demonstration, Savang said.
The economic situation has gone from bad to worse, he said, adding the inflation rate in 1996 was 8 percent but rose to 104 percent two years later.
When asked what the Lao people have done to express their desire for democracy as opposed to their discontent with communism, Savang responded through a translator that "The majority ... the common people, are afraid to express their opinion. They have no liberty to express their opinion."
Savang currently serves as president of the FA-NGUM Association which is aimed at preserving and promoting the cultural and traditional heritages of the Lao people.
The prince has studied Law and Public Administration in France.
