FM spokesman on Vietnam - US ties
In Vietnam, no one is detained for their political opinions or for religious beliefs. Only those who violate the laws will be punished in line with the rules and laws of Vietnam, Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Le Dung stated in Hanoi on March 31.
Responding to a query on Vietnam’s reaction to the news during the 29th March, 2006 hearing in the U.S Congress about Vietnam-US relations and the U.S request concerning some figures of their concern, Dung said: "In recent years, Vietnam has made remarkable achievements in promoting and ensuring human rights, which have been highly praised by the world community. Many U.S officials and congressmen have acknowledged positive developments in Vietnam."
"Although differences still exist in the bilateral relations", he went on, "the two sides have agreed to continue an open and candid dialogue on issues of common concern, including human rights and some issues of U.S concern, to narrow the differences and enhance mutual understanding".
"In the past years", he added, "Vietnam - US relations have undergone positive developments. The visit of Prime Minister Phan Van Khai to the U.S in June, 2005, has generated momentum to elevate the bilateral relations to a higher plane by the agreement on developing a friendly, constructive and multifaceted co-operative partnership on the basis of equality, mutual respect and mutual benefit. During the visit, President George W. Bush accepted the invitation to pay an official visit to Vietnam on the occasion of attending the 14th APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting in November 2006. At present, the two sides are actively realising achieved agreements, including preparation for the visit of President George W.Bush to Vietnam."
Vietnam News Agency - April 1st, 2006.
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