The Commission first became aware of the arrest of Mr Dupuis MEP and his companions on Monday 29 October. On 30 October Commission officials contacted the Ambassador of Laos to the EU to express concern, request information about the circumstances of Mr Dupuis' detention, and to urge the release of him and his companions. The Head of the Commission's Delegation in Thailand made similar representations to the Lao authorities, and the Deputy Head of the Delegation travelled to Vientiane yesterday evening - together with the Belgian Ambassador - to pursue these contacts. The Commission will continue to make every effort to bring this matter to a speedy and satisfactory conclusion.
The President of the European Commission, Mr Romano Prodi, has instructed the Delegation of the European Commission in Bangkok to intervene immediately with the Laotian authorities in order to obtain the immediate release of M Dupuis, as well as those arrested with him.