EUROPEAN UNION

Brussels, 21 December 2012

A 586/12

Statement by the spokesperson of High Representative Catherine Ashton on the disappearance of Sombath Somphone in Laos

The spokesperson of Catherine Ashton, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice President of the Commission, issued the following statement today:

"The High Representative would like to express her deep concern over the disappearance of Sombath Somphone in Vientiane on 15 December. Sombath Somphone is a well-respected member of Lao civil society, a recipient of the Magsaysay prize and the successful co-organiser of the Asia- Europe People-to-People Forum that took place in Vientiane ahead of the ASEM9 Summit last month.

The EU supports and encourages the Lao authorities in their efforts to investigate this case with the aim of ensuring the return of Sombath Somphone to his family."