Vietnam denies visa to U.S. Congresswoman, says visit would hurt countries' relations
HANOI - Vietnam has prohibited an outspoken U.S. Congresswoman from visiting the communist country, saying a trip "would not serve Vietnam-U.S. relations," officials said Friday. Rep. Loretta Sanchez from Santa Ana, California, was told in a letter sent via the U.S. Embassy in Hanoi that her visa application was rejected because she "altogether lacks objectivity and goodwill toward Vietnam," according to a statement from her office.
"The Vietnamese National Assembly and Vietnamese public opinion share the view that a visit to Vietnam by Ms. Loretta Sanchez would not serve Vietnam-U.S. relations," according to a reprinted version of the letter accompanying the statement. Sanchez, who represents the largest Vietnamese community in the United States, has been a vocal critic of Vietnam's human rights record and has backed House legislation calling on Vietnam to grant more political and religious freedom.
"I'm obviously disappointed with the decision, but I suppose I shouldn't be surprised," Sanchez said in the statement. "The socialist government of Vietnam has proved its intolerance in dealing with people who do not share its point of view. I think it's unfortunate that the government is unwilling to participate in a cooperative dialogue."
Vietnamese officials in Hanoi did not immediately comment. The U.S. Embassy in Hanoi did not release any details but said it was the first time they were aware a member of U.S. Congress had been denied an entry visa to Vietnam. This marks the second time Sanchez has been prohibited from visiting, the statement said. She has traveled to Vietnam before, however, and met with dissidents, including Thich Quang Do, deputy leader of a Buddhist church outlawed by the Vietnamese government.
International human rights groups and several countries have criticized Vietnam's human rights record. In September, the U.S. State Department listed Vietnam among the world's worst offenders of religious freedom, a designation that could result in economic sanctions. Hanoi maintains that no one is persecuted for their religion and only lawbreakers are punished.
The Associated Press - December 3, 2004
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