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	The government has expressed its condolences to the families and friends of those who died.&nbsp;</div>
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	Government representatives held a press conference in Vientiane yesterday on the progress of recovery operations at the crash site in Phonthong district, Champassak province.&nbsp;</div>
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	It has also announced that all boat-racing-festival activities will be cancelled in a mark of respect for those who died in the accident.&nbsp;</div>
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	Authorities have confirmed that the remains of 14 of the victims have so far been recovered, and further identification efforts are under way.&nbsp;</div>

Authorities cancel river festivities

The Laotian government will organise a minute's silence nationwide in mourning for those who perished in the plane crash in Champasak province on Wednesday afternoon.