Vietnam welcomes US State Department's decision to remove it from list of "Countries of Particular Concern"

VNGOVNet - On November 14, 2006 in response to reporters' question concerning the US Department of State's removing Vietnam from its list of "Countries of Particular Concern" in terms of religious freedom, the Spokesman of the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs Lê Dũng said: "Vietnam welcomes the US State Department's decision to remove it from the list of "Countries of Particular Concern" with regards to religious freedom. This is a right move, reflecting well the reality in Vietnam, conforming to the principles governing the Vietnam-US relations, and matching recent positive developments in the two countries' relations."

Lê Dũng, Spokesman of the VN Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Mr. Lê Dũng stated that over the past time, frank and open talks on matters of mutual concern, including religious affairs, have helped to deepen the two countries’ understanding. Vietnam's consistent policy is to give respect and patronage for its citizens’ rights to freely follow or not to follow beliefs and religions. Many important legal documents have been issued and enforced to further facilitate the practice of beliefs and religions.

On the same day, answering members of the press's question regarding the US House of Representatives yet to give Vietnam the Permanent Normal Trade Relation (PNTR) status, the Spokesman said "The fact that the US House of Representatives has yet to pass the PTNR for Vietnam is regrettable and against the interests and aspirations of the two countries, particularly the American business. We are hopeful that the House will soon put it through in contribution to boosting bilateral relations."

By Quang Vinh

(Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs)