Statement by

H.E. Mr. Alounkeo Kittikhoun

Ambassador, Permanent Representative of the Lao PDR to the UN

Head of Delegation At the High-Level Political Conference for the Purpose of Signing the

UN Convention against Corruption

Merida, Mexico, 8 December 2003

Mr. Chairman,

It is an honor and pleasure for me to be here today in Merida in order to sign on behalf of the government of the Lao People's Democratic Republic the UN Convention against Corruption. This important Convention, just recently adopted by the UN General Assembly after a long and arduous effort, reflects the determination of the international community to put the struggle against corruption high on the global development agenda. In this connection, we would like to sincerely thank the Government of Mexico for hosting this High-Level Political Conference for the purpose of signing this important Convention.

Mr. Chairman,

Corruption threatens economic growth and social development. It reduces economic efficiency and leads to economic inequalities. Corruption also damages people's confidence and trusts in the public sector and in government in general, and has an adverse impact on development and poverty reduction. When corruption is rampant, it reflects negatively on society as a whole.

In the Lao PDR, in the fight against corruption, a Prime Ministerial Decree on combating Corruption has been issued in 1999, with the aim of preventing and eliminating corruption at all levels of government and society. The Decree reflects the seriousness on the part of our Government in combating this scourge and making sure that various government levels are strong, effective and transparent and our society could enjoy stability, order and justice. Furthermore, by setting up a Central Control Commission on combating corruption, the Decree has put in place an enforcing mechanism. The Central Control Commission directs the overall fight against corruption and works with relevant government organizations at the national and local levels in their prevention and elimination of corruption.

Mr. Chairman,

In the era of globalization, corruption transcends borders and is no longer a problem of any individual nations. As a problem of both developed countries and developing countries alike, it is in our common interest to fight corruption together. In this spirit, we express- the hope that this conference would reach a fruitful conclusion.