His Excellency Nguyen Tan Dung Prime Minister of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam Embassy of Vietnam 1233 20th Street, NW, Suite 400 Washington, DC 20036 Dear Prime Minister Dung: We have heard very concerning reports that Father Nguyen Van Ly suffered a second stroke on November 14, 2009. It is our understanding that Father Ly is receiving medical care in Hanoi and that his family has limited access to assist to his personal needs. In light of this crisis of health, we respectfully request that the government of Vietnam unconditionally release Father Ly, whom we believe to be a prisoner of conscience, on humanitarian grounds; that the government provides access for his immediate and long-term medical care; and that Father Ly's family is granted unencumbered admittance to lend moral, physical and spiritual support for Father Ly during this difficult time. On November 10, 2009, just a few days ago, representatives from the government of Vietnam met with officials from the US Department of State to continue the Human Rights Dialogue between our two countries. The case of Father Ly was raised during the discussions and remains of great concern to Members of Congress, US Senators, and other US government officials. Father Ly is one of many Vietnamese citizens who have been harassed for religious and democracy advocacy, placed on trial without defense, and imprisoned, more than once. On behalf of Father Ly, again, we ask that you unconditionally release him from prison. On behalf of the countless others who continue to face severe criticism, abuse, harsh prison sentences, and uncertainly due to religious, political, and/or personal convictions, we ask that the government of Vietnam honor its commitment to international human rights standards and respect the rights and freedoms of the people of Vietnam. Signed by Members of Congress Christopher H. Smith, Loretta Sanchez (authors), Anh (Joseph) Cao, Zoe Lofgren, Frank Wolf, Edward Royce ###################################################### His Excellency Nguyen Tan Dung Prime Minister of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam Embassy of Vietnam 1233 20th Street, NW, Suite 400 Washington, DC 20036 Sáu Dân Biểu Hoa Kỳ Yêu Cầu Nhà Cầm Quyền VN Trả Tự Do Lm Nguyễn Văn Lý Hoa Thịnh Đốn ngày 19 tháng 11, 2009 Ủy Ban Tự Do Tôn Giáo Cho Việt Nam (CRFV) Sáu dân cử hạ viện Hoa Kỳ gồm: DB Chris Smith, DB Loretta Sanchez, DB Joseph Cao Quang Anh, DB Zoe Lofgren, DB Frank Wolf và DB Ed Royce đồng ký trên lá thư chung gởi thủ tướng CSVN Nguyễn Tấn Dũng, đòi nhà cầm quyền VN phải trả tự do cho Lm Nguyễn Văn Lý ngay lập tức và vô điều kiện. Chúng tôi xin tạm dịch bức thư chung và kèm trong file attached bức thư nguyên văn. Quốc Hội Hoa KỲ Hạ Nghị Viện Washington, DC 20515 Ngày 19 tháng 11, 2009 Kính gởi Ngài Nguyễn Tấn Dũng Thủ Tướng Cộng Hòa Xã Hội Chủ Nghĩa Việt Nam Qua tòa đại sứ Việt Nam 1233 đường 20th , NW. #400 Washington, DC 20036 Thưa Thủ Tướng, Chúng tôi vừa được báo cáo là Lm Nguyễn Văn Lý bị tai biến mạch máu não lần thứ hai vào ngày 14 tháng 11, 2009. Chúng tôi cũng được biết Lm Lý đang được điều trị tại Hà Nội và gia đình Lm chỉ được hiện diện giới hạn để giúp Lm Lý những nhu cầu cần thiết. Trước tình trạng khủng hoảng sức khỏe này, chúng tôi khẩn thiết yêu cầu chính phủ Việt Nam trả tự do vô điều kiện cho Lm Lý; người mà chúng tôi tin là một tù nhân lương tâm trên căn bản đạo đức. Chính phủ phải cung ứng trị liệu cho Lm Lý tức thời, cũng như dài hạn. Gia đình của Lm Lý phải được tự do hiện diện để hổ trợ tinh thần, thể chất, cũng như giáo luật trong giai đoạn khó khăn này của Lm Nguyễn Văn Lý. Mấy ngày vừa qua, ngày 10 tháng 11, 2009, đại diện chính phủ Việt Nam đã gặp các viên chức thuộc Bộ Ngoại Giao Hoa Kỳ về vấn đề nhân quyền giữa hai quốc gia. Trường hợp Lm Nguyễn Văn Lý đã được đưa ra trong cuộc thảo luận và luôn là mối quan tâm sâu sắc của các DB, TNS và chính phủ Hoa Kỳ. Lm Nguyễn Văn Lý là một trong số nhiều công dân Việt Nam đã bị đàn áp vì lý do tranh đấu cho tự do tôn giáo và dân chủ. Ông đã bị đưa ra tòa không có luật sư biện hộ, bị nhốt tù nhiều lần. Thay mặt Lm Nguyễn Văn Lý, một lần nửa, chúng tôi đòi hỏi quí ông phải trả tự do cho Lm Lý. Cũng thay mặt cho vô số nạn nhân đang bị khắc nghiệt phê phán, ngược đãi, phải chịu đựng những án tù nặng nề, có khi là vô hạn định vì tôn giáo, chính kiến, cũng như những lý do cá nhân, chúng tôi đòi hỏi chính phủ Việt Nam tôn trọng lời cam kết của quí chính phủ với căn bản nhân quyền quốc tế và phải tôn trọng quyền làm người và tự do của người dân tại Việt Nam. Trân trọng, 6 Chữ ký của Christopher Smith, Loretta Sanchez Anh (Joseph) Cao, Zoe Lofgren Frank Wolf, Edward Royce   more »

Members of U.S House of Representatives again demand for Rev. Ly to be released Dân biểu Mỹ lại đòi thả linh mục Lý Rev Nguyen Van Ly suffered from stroke twice within this year Linh mục Nguyễn Văn Lý đã bị đột quỵ hai lần trong năm nay A group of six members of U.S. House of Representatives again sent a letter to Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung requesting for the release of dissident priest Nguyen Van Ly. Một nhóm sáu dân biểu Hoa Kỳ lại gửi thư cho Thủ tướng Nguyễn Tấn Dũng yêu cầu trả tự do cho linh mục bất đồng chính kiến Nguyễn Văn Lý. Mr. Ly has been hospitalized following the second stroke which resulted in half body paralysis. Up to now, it is informed that his health situation has got some improvement. Ông Lý vừa phải nhập viện sau khi liệt nửa người vì tai biến mạch máu não lần thứ hai trong năm. Tới nay, được tin sức khỏe ông đã tiến triển tốt hơn. The letter signed by Representatives Christopher Smith, Loretta Sanchez, Cao Quang Anh, Zoe Lofgren, Frank Wolf and Edward Royce dated 11/19/2009 notes: “We’ve received concerning information that Rev Nguyen Van Ly has got the second stroke on 11/14/2009”. Bức thư có chữ ký của các dân biểu Christopher Smith, Loretta Sanchez, Cao Quang Ánh, Zoe Lofgren, Frank Wolf và Edward Royce đề ngày 19/11/2009 viết: "Chúng tôi nhận được thông tin gây quan ngại, rằng linh mục Nguyễn Văn Lý bị đột quỵ lần thứ hai hôm 14/11/2009". OPEN ARTICLE FOR FULL BBC ARTICLE AND TRANSLATION   more »

Kính chuyển, vì có đoạn nói về CSVN. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 26, 2009 USCIRF Comment on State Dept. Religious Freedom Report WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) welcomes today’s release of the first International Religious Freedom Report of the Obama administration, and urges the prompt designation of “countries of particular concern” (CPCs) as well as implementation of targeted policies on those countries. ... The International Religious Freedom Act of 1998 (IRFA) requires the State Department to undertake an annual review of every country to “determine whether the government of that country has engaged in or tolerated particularly severe violations of religious freedom.” Any country meeting that threshold is to be designated a “country of particular concern,” and the U.S. government is required to take action to encourage improvements in each CPC country. IRFA provides a range of possibilities for such action, from negotiating a bilateral agreement to sanctions. “Both Democratic and Republican administrations have underutilized the ‘country of particular concern’ designation,” said Mr. Leo. “As documented in this first report under the Obama administration, religious freedoms are aggressively repressed in the nations that have been designated as CPC countries. But the facts outlined in the report demonstrate just as clearly that countries such as Pakistan and Vietnam meet the CPC statutory requirements and should be so designated.” USCIRF commissioners met with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in June regarding USCIRF’s continuing recommendation that she designate as CPCs the following 13 countries: Burma, Eritrea, Iran, Iraq, Nigeria, North Korea, Pakistan, People’s Republic of China, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and Vietnam. USCIRF also recommended that stronger actions be taken against the eight countries currently listed as CPCs by the State Department: Burma, Eritrea, Iran, North Korea, People’s Republic of China, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, and Uzbekistan. ............... A USCIRF delegation traveled to Vietnam in May 2009 and came away concerned about the level of police harassment of independent religious activity. USCIRF found the continued detention of religious prisoners of concern and coordinated government policies designed to suppress the growth of certain Buddhist, Hoa Hao, and Protestant groups, as evidence that Vietnam should be designated as a CPC. Since USCIRF returned, there have been detentions of Protestant religious leaders, police raids on Protestant churches and Buddhist monasteries, evictions of monks from monasteries, and violence used to dispel peaceful Catholic prayer vigils at disputed properties. “No more excuses can be made by the administration for not designating Vietnam as a CPC,” said Michael Cromartie, USCIRF Vice Chair. “There is clear evidence of severe religious freedom restrictions and the CPC designation worked in the past to bring out tangible change without hindering other bilateral interests.” USCIRF’s own assessments are presented in greater detail in our 2009 Annual Report, available at http://www.uscirf.gov. ********************************************************************************* OPEN FOR FULL ARTICLE AND VIETNAMESE TRANSLATION BY LE MINH (SYDNEY)   more »

H. RES. 672 Calling on the Government of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam to release imprisoned bloggers and respect Internet freedom. ___________________________ IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES The Honorables LORETTA SANCHEZ and ZOE LOFGREN of California submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on _____________ RESOLUTION Calling on the Government of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam to release imprisoned bloggers and respect Internet freedom. Whereas the Internet is a tool to exercise freedom of expression and association, both of which are basic human rights; Whereas the Internet is a medium to share information freely, promote social and economic development, and connect Vietnamese citizens domestically and internationally; Whereas the Government of Vietnam created the Administration Agency for Radio, Television and Electronics Information in October 2008 and issued Circular 07 in December 2008 to restrict Internet freedom, censor private blogs, and compel information technology companies to cooperate with government efforts to monitor personal information of Internet users; Whereas the Government of Vietnam has imprisoned bloggers and numerous democracy activists who have distributed their peaceful views over the Internet; Whereas the Government of Vietnam continues to firewall external websites promoting democracy and human rights; and Whereas these actions violate individuals’ right to freedom of speech and expression: Now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the House of Representatives— (1) supports the right of Vietnamese citizens to access websites of their choosing and to have the freedom to share and publish information over the Internet; (2) calls on the Government of Vietnam to repeal Circular 07, Article 88, and similar statutes that restrict the Internet, so as to be in line with the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which the Socialist Republic of Vietnam is a signatory; (3) calls on the Government of Vietnam to be come a responsible member state of the international community by respecting individuals’ freedom of speech, freedom of press, and freedom of political association; and (4) calls on the Government of Vietnam to release all political prisoners, including but not limited to the following bloggers and cyber activists— (A) Le Cong Dinh; (B) Le Nguyen Sang; (C) Le Thi Cong Nhan; (D) Nguyen Van Hai (Dieu Cay); (E) Nguyen Xuan Nghia; (F) Ngo Quynh; (G) Nguyen Ngoc Quang; (H) Nguyen Thi Hong; (I) Nguyen Van Dai; (J) Pham Ba Hai; (K) Pham Thanh Nghien; (L) Pham Van Troi; (M) Tran Huynh Duy Thuc; (N) Truong Minh Duc; (O) Truong Quoc Huy; (P) Vu Hoang Hai; (Q) Nguyen Tien Trung; and (R) Vu Hung.   more »

Nghị Quyết 672 về Internet Freedom đòi hỏi CSVN phải tôn trọng quyền tự do internet đã được thông qua tại Hạ Viện QH Hoa Kỳ, nhờ vào sự vận động của Viet Kieu tại Hoa Kỳ October 21, 2009 Contact: Duy Hoang +1 (202) 470-0845 Viet Tan applauds passage of U.S. legislation supporting internet freedom in Vietnam Following show trials in Vietnam that saw the imprisonment of nine democracy and cyber activists, Viet Tan applauds the passage of H. Res 672, which calls on the Government of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam to release imprisoned bloggers and respect Internet freedom. With overwhelming bipartisan support, Congress stands with human rights supporters and digital activists who seek to promote freedom of information and expression in Vietnam. Since 2007, a systemic campaign against free speech by Vietnamese authorities has seen press freedoms curtailed, prominent journalists and bloggers arrested, and an overall crackdown on those who dare to speak out. Listed on the dishonor roll by the Committee to Protect Journalists as one of the “10 Worst Countries for Bloggers,” Hanoi is known for its repression of political dissent. However, with over 24 million citizen now turning to the Internet, the regime has stepped up its censorship of the web. Vital to Vietnam’s development, the Internet has the power to transform Vietnamese society, and in many ways it already has. In the absence of an independent media, citizens have turned to the Internet to follow the news and debate national issues. In addition to being a source of information, the Internet is also a potent organizing tool. While Hanoi continues to severely restrict freedom of association, de facto organizations in the form of social networks, discussion forums and issue-specific clubs are active online. Earlier this month, the Vietnamese authorities sentenced nine democracy activists who used the Internet to organize to a total of 59 years of imprisonment and probation. It is becoming increasingly clear that the walls used by the Hanoi regime to isolate and control the people are increasingly electronic rather than physical. By passing H. Res 672 today, the U.S. Congress sends a strong message to the Vietnamese Communist Party that arbitrarily stifling essential freedoms of expression and information is unacceptable. Viet Tan wishes to recognize the leadership of Representative Loretta Sanchez and the 21 Members of Congress who co-sponsored the Vietnam internet freedom resolution. The efforts of the United States government and other democracies are crucial in protecting and advancing free expression. As part of Viet Tan’s Internet freedom campaign, we will continue working with the international community and activists in Vietnam to: · Challenge legal statutes restricting freedom of expression · Urge technology companies not to give into Internet censorship demands · Support imprisoned bloggers and cyber activists ### -- Angelina Do Viet Tan www.viettan.org The mission of Viet Tan is to overcome dictatorship, build the foundation for a sustainable democracy, and demand justice and human rights for the Vietnamese people through nonviolent struggle based on civic participation.   more »

Statement in Support of H. Res. 672 Hon. Zoe Lofgren Wednesday, October 21, 2009 I rise today in support of H.Res. 672, a bill which I am proud to cosponsor. Introduced by my good friend, colleague, and co-chair of the Vietnam Caucus, Representative Loretta Sanchez, this legislation calls on the Vietnamese government to respect internet freedom and to release a number of jailed pro-democracy activists. I am deeply concerned about Vietnam’s human rights record, which shows no signs of improving. Just last month at its United Nations Universal Periodic Review, Vietnam rejected 45 recommendations from member states, including the release of peaceful prisoners of conscience and to lift internet and blogging controls and prohibitions on privately-owned media. This situation is unacceptable. We need to send a message to the Vietnamese government that the United States Congress does not condone its repression of free speech and democracy. Using anti-propaganda laws to silence opposition and maintain one-party control is not democracy and should not be tolerated. I strongly urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.   more »

East Asia and the Pacific: Remarks With Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Pham Gia Khiem After Their Meeting Thu, 01 Oct 2009 13:33:00 -0500 Remarks With Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Pham Gia Khiem After Their Meeting Hillary Rodham Clinton Secretary of State Treaty Room Washington, DC October 1, 2009 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SECRETARY CLINTON: Hello. Well, it was a pleasure to welcome Deputy Prime Minister Khiem to the State Department. I want to start by expressing the deepest sympathy of the United States for the loss of life and destruction of property caused across so many countries through the impact of Typhoon Ketsana. And as I told Minister Khiem, we stand ready to assist the people of Vietnam as they recover from this tragedy, just as we are working with the victims of the earthquakes, of the tsunamis. There have been a number of natural disasters that have caused great damage. I also reaffirmed to the minister the commitment of the United States to strengthen and deepen our relationship with Vietnam and the nations of Southeast Asia. We believe that this is a region vital to global progress, prosperity, and peace, and we are fully engaged with our partners in ASEAN on a wide range of challenges. Next year will mark the 15th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between our two countries. We can be proud of the progress we’ve made. I was very proud and am very fond of the memories of my own visit to Vietnam in 2000. Today, we had a productive discussion focused on many issues – we talked very fast – including our regular dialogues on security; trade; human rights, especially freedom of expression; humanitarian cooperation; natural disaster cooperation; the fact that Vietnam will be presiding over the Security Council this month, as well as chairing ASEAN in 2010. In the Security Council, we are working to advance nonproliferation, women’s rights, and other areas, and we’re going to work to deepen our already strong and growing economic ties. Last year, our two-way trade surpassed $15 billion. That is more than tenfold of an increase since our bilateral trade agreement went into effect in 2001. And the minister and I discussed areas where we’re going to expand our trade and economic cooperation. We will build on the work we did at the first Lower Mekong ministerial in Phuket, and there are many areas of not only bilateral but regional cooperation that we intend to explore. So again, Minister Khiem, thank you so much for being here. OPEN ARTICLE FOR FULL TEXT, INCLUDING COMMENTS ABOUT IRAN AND NUCLEAR PROLIFERATION MR. KELLY: Thank you. QUESTION: Thank you. FOREIGN MINISTER KHIEM: Thank you. PRN: 2009/984   more »

Democracy, Human Rights, Refugees: U.S. Assumes Seat on the UN Human Rights Council Mon, 14 Sep 2009 10:02:50 -0500 U.S. Assumes Seat on the UN Human Rights Council Esther Brimmer Assistant Secretary, Bureau of International Organization Affairs Remarks Before the High-Level Session of the Human Rights Council New York City September 14, 2009 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Thank you, Mr. President. It is indeed an honor and a privilege to address the Council today on this important occasion for my country. The United States is pleased to join the rest of our colleagues on the Human Rights Council. It is with a sense of mutual respect that we take our place on the Council, next to the friends and partners we will work with to forge common ground on one of the most fundamental roles of the state: to protect and advance human rights. The charge of the Human Rights Council ties closely to the United States’ own history and culture. Freedom of speech, expression and belief. Due process. Equal rights for all. These enduring principles have animated some of the proudest moments in America’s journey. These human rights and fundamental freedoms are, in effect, a part of our national DNA, just as they are a part of the DNA of the United Nations. And yet, we recognize that the United States’ record on human rights is imperfect. Our history includes lapses and setbacks, and there remains a great deal of work to be done. But our history is a story of progress. Indeed, my presence here today is a testament to that progress, as is the Administration I serve. It is the President’s hope and my own that we can continue that momentum at home and around the world. Our decision to join the Human Rights Council was not entered into lightly, and was reached based on a clear and hopeful vision of what can be accomplished here. Our vision is not merely made in America, but rather reflects the aspirations embodied in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the mandate of the Human Rights Council itself. Building on those bedrock foundations, the United States’ aspirations for the Human Rights Council encompass several key themes. The first is universality. Last year we celebrated the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The principles contained there are as resonant today as they were when Eleanor Roosevelt led the Commission that enshrined them. We can not pick and choose which of these rights we embrace nor select who among us are entitled to them. We are all endowed at birth with the right to live in dignity, to follow our consciences and speak our minds without fear, to choose those who govern us, to hold our leaders accountable, and to enjoy equal justice under the law. These rights extend to all, and the United States can not accept that any among us would be condemned to live without them. The second is dialogue. The Human Rights Council is unique in its ability to draw together countries for serious, fact-based and forward looking debate on human rights abuses. We will strive for discussions that are thoughtful, focused and open to all viewpoints and perspectives. Geneva is the place for this critical dialogue, and the United States will be an active and constructive participant. This dialogue is a long-term proposition. We will not resolve our differences overnight, nor end abuses with the wave of a hand or even the passage of a resolution. Creativity, flexibility and sensitivity will be demanded all around. We approach this mindful of the long-haul, ready to devote the time it takes to build understanding and shared will to act. The third is principle. We have come together as Human Rights Council members on the basis of shared principles. Our challenge lies in taking these principles - reflected in the Universal Declaration and many other broad based human rights instruments - and applying them in an even-handed way to situations that defy easy resolution. Defending our core principles from compromise and applying them fairly under all circumstances will require steadfastness and courage from all of us. The fourth is truth. Make no mistake; the United States will not look the other way in the face of serious human rights abuses. The truth must be told, the facts brought to light and the consequences faced. While we will aim for common ground, we will call things as we see them and we will stand our ground when the truth is at stake. These four principles – universality, dialogue, principle and truth will guide us as we turn attention to a series of key issues in the coming months. The United States will work with others to address the most egregious human rights abuses at the Council. The United States is inspired by the impassioned demands of human rights defenders under siege around the world who look to us and to the Council for action. We are also motivated by the pernicious machinations of countries seeking to obscure and deny their abuses. Country-specific resolutions demonstrate our collective will to address some of the most important human rights situations around the world. They provide space for human rights defenders to carry out their valiant work and, through the work of the mandate holders, offer monitoring mechanisms and recommendations that can guide reform. We urge states to support the independence of human rights special procedures as vital resources in the fight for human rights. As President Obama expressed in his June speech in Cairo, the United States seeks to build cooperation based upon mutual interest and mutual respect. To that end, the United States is dedicated to working with other nations who share our commitment to protecting freedom of expression and fighting against discrimination and negative stereotyping. The HRC is designed to offer a forum for governments to address difficult issues, and it is vitally important that we find ways to work together on these themes. The United States believes that governments have a responsibility to condemn hateful speech and to promote respect and tolerance. We also believe fundamentally that that the best way to fight intolerance and hate is through open and free debate and discussion of ideas - in such an open environment hateful and racist remarks are held up to bright light of public scrutiny and seen for the scourge they are. We will ask others to stand with us in supporting the work of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, whose stature makes her an indispensible voice on human rights issues worldwide. The United States is proud to be the OHCHR’s top donor. The OHCHR, working through its local and regional offices, serves as an “early warning system” ringing alarm bells to draw attention to human rights abuses. The United States is dedicated to ensuring the operational independence of the OHCHR and will continue to support its technical assistance activities across the globe. As the United States seeks to advance human rights and fundamental freedoms across the globe, we embrace a commitment to live up to these ideals at home and to meet our international human rights obligations. Along these lines, the United States looks forward to the upcoming UPR process, which is an opportunity for both self-reflection and transparency. We anticipate a thought-provoking process with our colleagues on the Council and in civil society that culminates in a review that demonstrates progress as well as areas of unfulfilled potential. Finally, we will join with you to reinforce the importance of accountability and good governance within the Council, ensuring that our own operations and deliberations reflect the values we are entrusted to uphold. And we will seek to enhance the Council’s impact through a productive and effective review of the Council in 2011. We hope others will join us in approaching that process mindful of our shared principles but open to creative new approaches. International peace and security and global prosperity are strengthened when human rights and fundamental freedoms are respected and protected. We recognize and value the importance of this institution in promoting human rights norms and rallying our collective will to address human rights abuses where they occur. To this end, we have set a goal for this Council as elusive as it is simple. Progress. It is the same goal that my countrymen and women set for ourselves, and it is the same goal that we continue to hold ourselves to today. It is also, I believe, the most basic expression of what we all hope for in this Council today and going forward. So, to that end, let us endeavor to end this session with a more strengthened and robust human rights mechanism than we had before we gathered here today. Thank you.   more »

VIETNAM HUMAN RIGHTS NETWORK 14550 Magnolia St., Suite 203, Westminster, CA 92683 Tel.: (858) 837-2152; Email: vnhrnet@vietnamhuma nrights.net Website: www.vietnamhumanrig hts.net For Immediate Release (California, August 17, 2009) Vietnam Human Rights Network has just sent to President Barack Obama a letter requesting him to instruct the State Department to put Vietnam back on the list of Countries of Particular Concern (CPC), and to urge both the U.S. House of Representatives and the Senateto vote for the Vietnam Human Rights Act at their earliest convenience so that the President can sign it into law. In this letter, Nguyen Thanh Trang, head of the Vietnam Human Rights Network has reminded President Obama that since Vietnam's accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO), Hanoi has increased state control over all print and electronic media, including blocking the Internet access and jamming the signals of Radio Free Asia. It has also imprisoned dozens of individuals who have posted or distributed pro-democracy materials. Violations of freedom of religion in recent months are quite alarming. They include the following actions, among others: - There is a persistent pattern of intimidation and persecution of Pastor Nguyen Cong Chinh, a prominemt Mennonite leader of the House Churches in the Central Highland region; - Local police have, since June of this year, used thugs to harass and attack the Bat Nha Zen Monastery in Lam Dong Province; - Since last month, Catholic Priests and their followers of the Tam Toa Church in Dong Hoi have been assaulted by the police during their peaceful vigils against the destruction of their newly-built church by local authorities. The head of this world-wide human rights network also reminded President Obama that, over the last few years, the U.S. Congress has passed numerous resolutions condemning human rights abuses in Vietnam, but Hanoi continues to disregard them all. That is why his organization would like to request President Obama to initiate these two important actions so that the Communist authorities in Hanoi would undertand that their human rights violations can not be tolerated. ____________ _______ For more information, please contact Nguyen Thanh Trang at Email: nttrangvnhr@ hotmail; or Tel.: (858) 837-2152.   more »

http://www.theepochtimes.com/n2/content/view/20250/ WASHINGTON—Human rights organizations and some in the U.S. Congress are now demanding that Vietnam be placed back on the list of "Country of Particular Concern" (CPC), which would allow the U.S. to impose economic sanctions to pressure the regime to improve its human rights record. Three areas of concern that are being discussed are Vietnam’s record on religious freedom, women and child trafficking, and labor organizing. Presently, the U.S. State Department does not designate Vietnam as a “Country of Particular Concern” or CPC, although it did from 2004-2006. The new Obama administration provides an opportunity to make a new case for Vietnam’s CPC designation. To look into recent developments in Vietnam, the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission held a hearing, July 23, on the status of human rights and religious freedom in Vietnam. The Commission, consisted of a panel of congress members known for their human rights advocacy, including Chris Smith (R-NJ), Ed Royce (R-CA), James McGovern (D-MA), Anh “Joseph” Cao (R-LA), Dana Rohrabacher (R-CA), Loretta Sanchez (D-CA), Zoe Lofgren (D-CA), Frank Wolf (R-VA), and Joe Pitts (R-PA). The anger was palpable in the hearing room on Capitol Hill as the congress members vented harsh words for Vietnam’s religious and labor policies, and most expressed frustration at the State Department’s apparent unwillingness to get tough on Vietnam. And they were incredulous toward U.S. Ambassador to Vietnam Michael Michalak’s recent statement that there was a “lack of evidence” that Vietnam should be placed back on the CPC list. “When Vietnam was placed on the CPC list, we saw some positive changes. Unfortunately, when they were prematurely released in 2006, Vietnam ramped up its persecution,” said Representative Ed Royce. “It is unfortunate a representative of the State Department could not be here with us today. I would appreciate the opportunity to inquire why the administration is not far more engaged on the issue of religious freedom in Vietnam and elsewhere. I hope the State Department will take into account the testimony presented and the discussion that will take place today,” said Representative Chris Smith. UPDATE: Vietnamese translation by Le Minh, http://tiengnoitudodanchu.org/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=7881    more »

East Asia and the Pacific: Maritime Issues and Sovereignty Disputes in East Asia Wed, 15 Jul 2009 14:38:45 -0500 Maritime Issues and Sovereignty Disputes in East Asia Scot Marciel Deputy Assistant Secretary Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs Statement Before Subcommittee on East Asian and Pacific Affairs Committee, Senate Foreign Relations Washington, DC July 15, 2009 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chairman Webb and Members of the Committee, I am pleased to testify before you today on maritime and sovereignty issues in East Asia. The sea lanes that run through East Asia are some of the world’s busiest and most strategically important. They serve as the prime arteries of trade that have fueled the tremendous economic growth of the region and brought prosperity to the U.S. economy as well. Billions of dollars of commerce -- much of Asia’s trade with the world, including the United States – flows annually through those waters. Over half of the world’s merchant fleet by tonnage sails through the South China Sea alone each year. The United States has long had a vital interest in maintaining stability, freedom of navigation, and the right to lawful commercial activity in East Asia’s waterways. For decades, active U.S. engagement in East Asia, including the forward-deployed presence of U.S. forces, has been a central factor in keeping the peace and preserving those interests. That continues to be true today. Through diplomacy, commerce, and our military presence, we have protected vital U.S. interests. Our relationships with our allies remain strong, the region is at peace, and – as you know well -- the U.S. Navy continues to carry out the full range of missions necessary to protect our country and preserve our interests. Our presence and our policy have also aimed to support respect for international maritime law, including the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. Although the United States has yet to ratify the Convention, as you know Mr. Chairman, this Administration and its predecessors support doing so, and in practice, our vessels comply with its provisions governing traditional uses of the oceans. Issues surrounding maritime and sovereignty disputes in East Asia are multifaceted and complex. With your indulgence, Mr. Chairman, I am going to focus on three topics: --First, the multiple sovereignty disputes in the South China Sea; --Second, recent incidents involving China and the activities of U.S. naval vessels in international waters within that country’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ); --And finally, the strategic context of these distinct topics and how the United States should respond. China, Vietnam, Taiwan, the Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Brunei each claim sovereignty over parts of the South China Sea, including its land features. The size of each party’s claim varies widely, as does the intensity with which they assert it. The claims center on sovereignty over the 200 small islands, rocks and reefs that make up the Paracel and Spratly Islands chains. Sovereignty disputes notwithstanding, the South China Sea is largely at peace. Tensions among rival claimants rise and fall. To date, the disputes have not led to sustained military conflict. In 2002, the ASEAN countries and China signed the “Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea.” While non-binding, it set out useful principles, such as that all claimants should “resolve disputes…by peaceful means” and “exercise self-restraint,” and that they “reaffirm their respect for and commitment to the freedom of navigation in and overflight above the South China Sea, as provided for by the universally recognized principles of international law, including the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.” More importantly, the 2002 document signaled a willingness among claimants to approach the dispute multilaterally. We welcomed this agreement, which lowered tensions among claimants and strengthened ASEAN as an institution. It has not eliminated tensions, nor has it eliminated unilateral actions by claimants in the South China Sea, but it’s a start, and a good basis on which to address conflict in the region diplomatically. U.S. policy continues to be that we do not take sides on the competing legal claims over territorial sovereignty in the South China Sea. In other words, we do not take sides on the claims to sovereignty over the islands and other land features in the South China Sea, or the maritime zones (such as territorial seas) that derive from those land features. We do, however, have concerns about claims to “territorial waters” or any maritime zone that does not derive from a land territory. Such maritime claims are not consistent with international law, as reflected in the Law of the Sea Convention. We remain concerned about tension between China and Vietnam, as both countries seek to tap potential oil and gas deposits that lie beneath the South China Sea. Starting in the summer of 2007, China told a number of U.S. and foreign oil and gas firms to stop exploration work with Vietnamese partners in the South China Sea or face unspecified consequences in their business dealings with China. We object to any effort to intimidate U.S. companies. During a visit to Vietnam in September 2008, then-Deputy Secretary of State John Negroponte asserted the rights of U.S. companies operating in the South China Sea, and stated that we believe that disputed claims should be dealt with peacefully and without resort to any type of coercion. We have raised our concerns with China directly. Sovereignty disputes between nations should not be addressed by attempting to pressure companies that are not party to the dispute. We have also urged that all claimants exercise restraint and avoid aggressive actions to resolve competing claims. We have stated clearly that we oppose the threat or use of force to resolve the disputes, as well as any action that hinders freedom of navigation. We would like to see a resolution in accordance with international law, including the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. There are various other maritime-related disputes in East Asia. Japan and China have differences over EEZ limits in the East China Sea, and sovereignty over the Senkaku Islands. These disputes have drawn less attention than those in the South China Sea. We continue to monitor developments on all of these maritime disputes, as quarrels over sovereignty can escalate quickly in a region where nationalist sentiment runs strong. I would now like to discuss recent incidents involving China and the activities of U.S. vessels in international waters within that country’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). In March 2009, the survey ship USNS Impeccable was conducting routine operations, consistent with international law, in international waters in the South China Sea. Actions taken by Chinese fishing vessels to harass the Impeccable put ships of both sides at risk, interfered with freedom of navigation, and were inconsistent with the obligation for ships at sea to show due regard for the safety of other ships. We immediately protested those actions to the Chinese government, and urged that our differences be resolved through established mechanisms for dialogue – not through ship-to-ship confrontations that put sailors and vessels at risk. Our concern over that incident centered on China’s conception of its legal authority over other countries’ vessels operating in its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and the unsafe way China sought to assert what it considers its maritime rights. China’s view of its rights on this specific point is not supported by international law. We have made that point clearly in discussions with the Chinese and underscored that U.S. vessels will continue to operate lawfully in international waters as they have done in the past. I would note that there have been no further incidents of harassment by Chinese fishing vessels since mid-May. In closing, I would like to look at both these concerns – the EEZ concerns with China and the overlapping South China Sea claims – in a broader strategic context. Specifically, what do these issues signify for international law and for the evolving power dynamics in East Asia, and how should the United States respond? The Impeccable incident and the sovereignty disputes in the South China Sea are distinct issues that require distinct policy responses from the United States. On a strategic level, to an extent, both issues highlight a growing assertiveness by China in regard to what it sees as its maritime rights. In some cases, we do not share or even understand China’s interpretation of international maritime law. We believe that there are constructive ways, however, to tackle these difficult issues. With respect to freedom of navigation in the EEZ by U.S. naval vessels, we have urged China to address our differences through dialogue. Last month at the Defense Consultative Talks in Beijing, Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Michele Flournoy raised this issue, and the Chinese agreed to hold a special session of our Military Maritime Consultative Agreement (signed in 1998) to take up this issue and seek to resolve differences. In the case of the conflicting sovereignty claims in the South China Sea, we have encouraged all parties to pursue solutions in accordance with the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, and other agreements already made between ASEAN and China. The assertions of a number of claimants to South China Sea territory raise important and sometimes troubling questions for the international community regarding access to sea-lanes and marine resources. There is considerable ambiguity in China’s claim to the South China Sea, both in terms of the exact boundaries of its claim and whether it is an assertion of territorial waters over the entire body of water, or only over its land features. In the past, this ambiguity has had little impact on U.S. interests. It has become a concern, however, with regard to the pressure on our energy firms, as some of the offshore blocks that have been subject to Chinese complaint do not appear to lie within China’s claim. It might be helpful to all parties if China provided greater clarity on the substance of its claims. We need to be vigilant to ensure our interests are protected and advanced. When we have concerns, we will raise them candidly, as we have done over the pressuring of our companies. We note that China has taken a more conciliatory approach to resolving some disputes over its land borders. Last year, for example, China and Vietnam concluded a land border demarcation agreement. China’s general diplomatic approach to Southeast Asia has emphasized friendship and good-neighborliness. Likewise, China’s anti-piracy deployment to the Gulf of Aden has been a positive contribution to a common international concern. We are encouraged by these steps, and hope that China will apply the same constructive approach to its maritime rights and boundaries. We have a broad relationship with China, Mr. Chairman, which encompasses many issues of vital strategic importance to both countries. We agree closely on some issues; on others, we frankly have differences. Our bilateral relationship can accommodate and respect those differences, and address them responsibly through dialogue. Thank you for your time, and I am pleased to answer your questions.   more »

A year ago, Dr. Le Duy Can from Canada visited his son Le Truong Son and his family in Silver Spring, Maryland. While visiting this school, Dr. Le noticed the red flag of the Communists being displayed to represent the Vietnamese students going to this school. Dr. Le took a pro-active stand and explained to the Principal that only the Vietnamese Heritage Flag is honored by the Vietnamese refugees in the United States and elsewhere in the world. Prior to Dr. Le, a son of Mr. & Mrs. Dau Thanh Van of SBTN, who was a 5th grade student then, also voiced his concern to her. After Dr. Le’s intervention, the Principal graciously showed her understanding and compassion by replacing the red Communist flag with the Yellow Vietnamese Heritage flag, which was provided by Mr. & Mrs. Tuy Le, from Virginia. In appreciation of the Principal's understanding of Vietnamese heritage, Cait James (Le Truong Son’s wife) organized a Traditional Vietnamese Dance Club with the collaboration of Professor Kim Oanh, Tieu Anh Dang, and Tran Chau Le, to teach 28 students of Rolling Terrace Elementary School Vietnamese Dances. The Club of 28 elementary students practiced diligently every week 6 weeks. The first performance was on June 9, 2009, and was a big hit. Parents and students at the school were in for a wonderful and joyous treat. The show was recorded by Mr. Van and broadcast nationwide by SBTN, D.C. Some parents immediately signed up their children to join the Vietnamese Traditional Dance Club next school year. Our hats off to Cait. We sincerely thank Professor Kim Oanh, Tieu Anh Dang, and Tran Chau Le, for all their professional guidance, time, efforts, and dedication in bringing Vietnamese traditional dance to the Community. Genie Nguyen Ngoc Giao Founding Chair, Voice of Vietnamese Americans (VVA) http://voiceofvietnameseamericans.blogspot.com/2009/06/vietnamese-americans-brought.html   more »

ÐẢNG DÂN CHỦ NHÂN DÂN The People's Democratic Party http://ddcnd.org/main/ July 07, 2009 The Honorable Barbara Boxer United States Senate Washington, D.C. 20520 Dear Senator Boxer: Re: Vietnam’s ongoing of crackdown dissidents and violation of human rights. On the occasion of your effort to reintroduce The Vietnam Human Rights Act (S.1159) to address human rights abuses in Vietnam, including religious and political persecution, I am writing this letter to call your attention to Vietnam’s on going crackdowns of dissidents and violations of human rights. - On June 13, 2009, Vietnam arrested attorney Le Cong Dinh, Mr. Tran Huynh Duy Thuc, Mr. Le Thang Long, Ms. Tran Thi Thu and Ms. Le Thi Thu Thu. All were accused of violating Article 88 of the Penal Code of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, which alleged “dissemination of propaganda acts against The Socialist Republic of Vietnam”. In fact, these individuals are pro-democracy activists who bravely raise their voices to promote democracy and freedom for Vietnam. - On July 7, 2009, Vietnam continues to arrest two more dissidents, Mr. Tran Anh Kim in Ha Noi and Mr. Nguyen Tien Trung in Saigon. Both also were accused of violating Article 88. - In addition, five democratic activists including writer Nguyen Xuan Nghia, teacher Vu Hung, Mr. Ngo Quynh, Mr. Pham Van Troi and Ms. Pham Thanh Nghien were incarcerated in Hanoi since September 2008 without trials. All were accused of the same violation as the above-named detainees. Being a member of United Nations Security Council, yet Vietnam continues to commit serious human rights abuses. Using detention to silent dissidents and fragrantly disregarding internationally respected human rights values. To date, many Vietnamese pro-democracy activists such as Father Nguyen Van Ly, lawyers Nguyen Van Dai, Le Thi Cong Nhan, Nguyen Bac Truyen, Tran Quoc Hien, Le Quoc Quan, Dr. Le Nguyen Sang, journalists Huynh Nguyen Dao and Truong Minh Duc, writer Tran Khai Thanh Thuy, Ms. Le Thi Kim Thu and many others have been arrested and suppressed for the peaceful expression of their political views. - We call on Vietnam's government to accept open and direct dialogue with opposing political party; to end all baseless allegations and arbitrary detentions of pro-democracy activists. We urgently ask that they release these pro-democracy activists immediately. - The People’s Democratic Party strongly protests and condemns the Vietnamese authorities for their repressive acts and call on the US Senators to urgently pass The Vietnam Human Rights Act (S.1159). Sincerely, Cong Thanh Do, Spokesperson of The People’s Democratic Party cc: Members of US Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, Sen. John Kerry, Sen. Richard Lugar, Sen. John Barrasso, Sen. Benjamin Cardin, Sen. Robert Casey, Sen. Bob Corker, Sen. Jim Demint, Sen. Christopher Dodd, Sen. Russell Feingold, Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, Sen. John Isakson, Sen. Edward Kaufman, Sen. Robert Menendez, Sen. James Risch, Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, Sen. Jim Webb and Sen. Roger Wicker. Members of US Congressional Caucus on Vietnam: Reps. Zoe Lofgren, Loretta Sanchez, Chris Smith and Anh “Joseph” Cao.   more »

Amnesty International USA Group 19 members Jean Libby jlibby@alum.calberkeley.org Fax: 1-650-618-8603 Senator Barbara Boxer 112 Hart Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510 Dear Senator Boxer, Thank you for your leadership in seeking the release of imprisoned Father Nguyen Van Ly in Vietnam. Amnesty International USA Group 19 recently mailed petitions with 780 signatures to President Nguyen Minh Triet in care of the Vietnamese Embassy in Washington asking for the release of Father Ly. The petition campaign was bilingual. We circulated them among Vietnamese Americans in San Jose and in Westminster, with grateful response. I have enclosed copies as examples. Your efforts along with thirty-six colleagues in the United States Senate will surely help in alleviating conditions of political imprisonment in Vietnam. Although the Vietnamese government ignores communications from Amnesty International USA, and treated the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom with rudeness and refusal to allow them visitation, protocol does require that they reply to Senators. Group 19 in Palo Alto, which was founded by the late Ginetta Sagan, has adopted Father Ly as an Individual at Risk campaign. We are greatly encouraged to continue our efforts in seeking his release.by your leadership He has been imprisoned regularly for seventeen years since 1983. His recent imprisonment has been more than two years in solitary confinement. With sincere gratitude, Jean Libby, case coordinator for Individual at Risk The Reverend Nguyen Van Ly Group 19 Amnesty International USA Letter from Senators attached Cc: U.S. State Department, Vietnam Desk, Washington, D.C.   more »

From: U.S. Department of State Subject: East Asia and the Pacific: Vietnam: Arrest of Lawyer Le Cong Dinh To: editor@vietamreview.net Date: Monday, June 15, 2009, 3:21 PM East Asia and the Pacific: Vietnam: Arrest of Lawyer Le Cong Dinh Mon, 15 Jun 2009 17:09:31 -0500 Vietnam: Arrest of Lawyer Le Cong Dinh Ian Kelly Department Spokesman, Office of the Spokesman Bureau of Public Affairs Washington, DC June 15, 2009 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The United States is deeply concerned by the arrest by Vietnamese authorities of lawyer Le Cong Dinh on June 13 on charges of “distributing propaganda against the state.” Vietnamese officials have stated that Dinh was arrested because of his defense of pro-democracy activists and his use of the Internet to express his views. Mr. Dinh is a well-respected member of the Vietnamese and international legal communities, and a former Fulbright scholar. No individual should be arrested for expressing the right to free speech, and no lawyer should be punished because of the individuals they choose to counsel. Vietnam’s arrest of Mr. Dinh contradicts the government’s own commitment to internationally-accepted standards of human rights and to the rule of law. We urge the Government of Vietnam to release Mr. Dinh immediately and unconditionally, as well as all other prisoners in detention for peacefully expressing their views. PRN: 2009/597 # # # N.B. Trong một cuộc phỏng vấn riêng với đài VOA bên lề cuộc gặp mặt Việt kiều đang sinh sống ở thủ đô Washington, Đại sứ Hoa Kỳ tại Việt Nam Michael Michalak cho biết ông “quan tâm và muốn tìm hiểu kỹ hơn” vụ luật sư Lê Công Định bị bắt. Trích: “Tôi biết Lê Công Định. Tôi nghĩ đó là một trong những luật sư giỏi nhất Việt Nam. Ông Định từng làm việc với chính phủ, các công ty, những người muốn bày tỏ chính kiến và rất nhiều người khác nữa… Có thể nói là luật sư Định từng làm việc với mọi thành phần trong xã hội nên tôi thấy khó có thể tin được là ông câu kết với các thế lực thù địch.” -------------- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------   more »

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE Office of the Spokesman For Immediate Release June 8, 2009 2009/564 Media Note Joint Statement U.S.-Vietnam Political, Security and Defense Dialogue Washington, D.C. Acting Assistant Secretary of State for Political-Military Affairs Greg Delawie and H.E. Mr. Pham Binh Minh, Standing Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, met in Washington, D.C., on June 8, 2009 to discuss bilateral and regional security issues, reflecting the increasingly close relationship between the United States and Vietnam. The talks marked the second U.S.-Vietnam Political, Security and Defense Dialogue and built upon the success of the inaugural Dialogue in Hanoi held in 2008. The 2009 U.S.-Vietnam Political, Security and Defense Dialogue confirmed the increasingly robust bilateral relationship between the United States and Vietnam based on friendship, mutual respect, candor, and shared commitments to ensure a peaceful, stable, and secure Asia-Pacific region. The United States and Vietnam affirmed that cooperation with respect to international and regional security challenges is a natural byproduct of our growing political, economic, cultural, and social ties and helps to guarantee our economic prosperity. The participants in the 2009 Political, Security and Defense Dialogue addressed multiple areas in which the two nations can further strengthen the bilateral relationship. The Dialogue also focused on peacekeeping operations and training, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, maritime security, counterterrorism and counternarcotics cooperation, border security, nonproliferation, and exchanges of high-level visits. The participants also discussed ways to increase understanding between the two militaries. The U.S.-Vietnam Political, Security, and Defense Dialogue is a regular dialogue on security issues of mutual and regional interest, held on an annual basis, and aimed at deepening our bilateral relationship. US ambassador rejects bill on Vietnam’s human rights 22:45' 09/06/2009 (GMT+7) VietNamNet Bridge – The US has no interest in putting Vietnam back onto the list of Countries of Particular Concern (CPC) regarding religion, Radio Free Asia (RFA) quoted the US Ambassador to Vietnam as saying. Ambassador Michael Michalak made the remark at a recent meeting with the Vietnamese community in California to discuss human rights in Vietnam . While rejecting the US Commission on International Religious Freedom’s proposal to return Vietnam to the list of CPC over religion, Michalak said that the US Department of State stated that there was not enough evidence to put Vietnam back on the list. He briefed those attending on the real situation of human rights in Vietnam as well as the results of economic cooperation between the two countries. According to the diplomat, more than 12,000 Vietnamese students have come to study in the US during the first half of his term of office.    more »

Kết quả chuyến công tác tại Việt Nam của phái đoàn USCIRF Trà Mi, phóng viên RFA 2009-06-03 Ủy ban của Hoa Kỳ về Tự do Tôn Giáo Quốc tế USCIRF vừa hoàn thành chuyến thăm Việt Nam kéo dài hai tuần để tìm hiểu về thực trạng tự do tôn giáo. Kết quả chuyến đi lần này ra sao? Ủy ban đã ghi nhận được những gì? Tiến sĩ Scott Flipse, chuyên gia cao cấp về phân tích chính sách, kiêm giám đốc các chương trình Đông Á, thuộc Ủy ban USCIRF, đã dành cho Trà Mi cuộc phỏng vấn sau đây. Về nội dung chuyến đi, Tiến sĩ Flipse cho biết: “Đây là chuyến thăm lần thứ tư của Ủy ban Hoa Kỳ về Tự do Tôn Giáo Quốc tế đến Việt Nam, kể từ năm 2003 tới nay. Chuyến đi lần này bắt đầu từ ngày 12/5 đến 21/5. Chúng tôi đi từ Sài Gòn đến Hà Nội, rồi đến các tỉnh khu vực Tây Bắc như Sơn La và Điện Biên. Trọng tâm của chuyến đi là tìm hiểu về tình hình tự do tôn giáo và những nhân quyền căn bản liên quan như quyền tự do bày tỏ quan điểm và tự do tập họp, vốn là những yếu tố quan trọng giúp đảm bảo quyền tự do tôn giáo.” Những điểm đáng chú ý Trà Mi: Ông có gì chia sẻ về chuyến đi này. Có gì đáng chú ý so với các chuyến đi trứơc không, thưa ông? Tiến sĩ Scott Flipse: Hồi đầu tháng 5, tức khoảng một tuần trứơc khi lên đường đi Việt Nam, chúng tôi đã công bố phúc trình thường niên, trong đó nêu ra nhiều dữ kiện, cả tích cực lẫn tiêu cực và một số vấn đề đang tiếp diễn liên quan đến tự do tôn giáo tại Việt Nam. Dấu hiệu tích cực mà chúng tôi ghi nhận được qua chuyến đi này là nay có nhiều tín đồ đi hành lễ tại các chùa chiềng, nhà thờ Công giáo và nhà thờ Tin lành hơn trứơc. Còn điểm đáng lưu ý mà chúng tôi ghi nhận đựơc là chính quyền có ý muốn cản trở những tín đồ cải đạo bằng sự hăm doạ và kỳ thị, cũng như ngăn cản những hoạt động tín ngữơng độc lập, đặc biệt là của Giáo hội Phật giáo Việt Nam Thống nhất và Phật giáo Hoà Hảo. Ngoài ra, bất kỳ vị lãnh đạo tinh thần nào dám mạnh dạn lên tiếng đề nghị cải tổ chính trị hay pháp luật, hoặc nêu ý kiến về các vấn đề liên quan đến công lý xã hội, chỉ trích nhà nước đều gặp rắc rối với chính quyền cả. Trà Mi: Những điều Ủy ban USCIRF thắc mắc và quan tâm được nhà nứơc Việt Nam hồi đáp ra sao, thưa Tiến sĩ? Tiến sĩ Scott Flipse: Chúng tôi tương đối bằng lòng về các cuộc tiếp xúc thẳng thắn với giới chức Việt Nam. Tuy nhiên, có những vấn đề chúng tôi nêu lên mà không một quan chức nào, dù là cấp tỉnh hay cấp xã, đưa ra được lời giải đáp. Chẳng hạn như tại sao người này bị cầm tù, tại sao một số ngừơi cải đạo lại bị chính quyền hăm doạ, v.v… Điều này cũng dễ hiểu thôi. Trong các cuộc gặp gỡ giữa chúng tôi với giới chức cấp cao như Ngoại trưởng, Thứ trưởng, chúng tôi đều có đề cập đến các vấn đề và các trường hợp quan tâm. Có được câu trả lời cụ thể hay không, không quan trọng bằng việc chúng ta nêu lên quan ngại để chính quyền Việt Nam biết rằng thế giới bên ngoài đang theo dõi chặt chẽ những việc này. Trà Mi: Còn về cuộc gặp giữa Ủy ban USCIRF của Hoa Kỳ với Ban Tôn giáo Chính phủ Việt Nam thì như thế nào, thưa tiến sĩ? Tiến sĩ Scott Flipse: Chúng tôi rất ấn tựơng. Họ đã sắp xếp nhiều cuộc gặp cho chúng tôi, trong đó có cả cuộc gặp với Linh mục Nguyễn Văn Lý và Luật sư Nguyễn Văn Đài trong nhà tù. Chúng tôi rất hài lòng về các cuộc tiếp xúc với Ban Tôn giáo Chính phủ. Tuy nhiên, chúng tôi cũng nhận thấy rằng khả năng của họ còn hạn chế trong việc ngăn chặn các hành động hăm doạ, sách nhiễu đối với các thành phần thiểu số cũng như đối với các sinh hoạt tôn giáo độc lập. Không phải là họ không có tầm ảnh hưởng đối với những thay đổi, nhưng có thể thấy rằng có vài người trong chính phủ Việt Nam muốn thúc đẩy Việt Nam tiến lên một xã hội vận hành theo nguyên lý pháp luật. Cũng có những người muốn cải tổ. Đó chính là những ngừơi chúng tôi muốn gặp gỡ và giao lưu. Thực tế sinh hoạt tôn giáo Trà Mi: Trong một cuộc phỏng vấn mới đây với chúng tôi, Phó Trưởng Ban Tôn giáo Chính phủ Việt Nam nhấn mạnh rằng để đánh giá tình hình tự do tôn giáo tại Việt Nam, Ủy ban USCIRF không nên nhìn vào những cá biệt mà nhìn vào sự vận động toàn cục của tôn giáo Việt Nam qua các thời kỳ, cũng như đừng nêu lên những vấn đề đã cũ như của Giáo hội Phật giáo Việt Nam Thống nhất hay các trường hợp như của linh mục Nguyễn Văn Lý..v..v. Ý kiến của ông thế nào? Tiến sĩ Scott Flipse: Chúng tôi đã thảo luận với Phó Trửơng Ban về vấn đề này và chúng tôi không cho rằng chúng tôi nhìn vào những trường hợp cá biệt đơn lẻ. Tại Bangkok, chúng tôi phỏng vấn vài nhà sư Khmer vừa được phóng thích. Chúng tôi đi lên Điện Biên gặp những ngừơi Hmong theo đạo Tin lành. Chúng tôi nói chuyện với các tu sĩ nhà thờ Thái Hà, các tu sĩ đạo Hoà Hảo và các nhà sư của Phật giáo Việt Nam Thống nhất. Chúng tôi không tin rằng những trừơng hợp chúng tôi ghi nhận là những trường hợp đơn lẻ. Đây là những vấn đề phổ biến ở nhiều nơi, dù là thành thị hay tại những khu vực từng có vấn đề về tự do tôn giáo trong quá khứ. Vì vậy, chúng tôi sẽ nêu lên những điểm mà chúng tôi thấy có tiến bộ cũng như đề cập những trường hợp đáng quan tâm. Chúng tôi hứa với Ban Tôn giáo Chính phủ Việt Nam rằng khi ghi nhận một trường hợp nào đáng quan tâm, chúng tôi sẽ liên hệ với họ hỏi thăm ý kiến của họ trứơc khi chúng tôi có những bứơc kế tiếp. Trà Mi: Theo chính quyền Việt Nam, những trường hợp đơn lẻ đó không phản ánh bức tranh tổng thể về tự do tôn giáo tại Việt Nam, mà chính sự vận động toàn cục của vấn đề tôn giáo Việt Nam qua các thời kỳ mới thể hiện tình hình chung. Xin nghe quan điểm của ông? Tiến sĩ Scott Flipse: Văn bản chính thức của Bộ Ngoại giao tại buổi kiểm điểm nhân quyền định kỳ toàn cầu của Việt Nam hôm 8/5 vừa qua cũng nói rằng có những khiếm khuyết nhất định về tự do tôn giáo tại Việt Nam. Chúng tôi không nhìn vào những khiếm khuyết nhỏ nhặt mà quan tâm đến bức tranh toàn diện. Chúng tôi tin rằng Việt Nam có chính sách bảo thủ ngăn cản các hoạt động tôn giáo độc lập và cản trở những ngừơi mới theo đạo. Đó là những vấn đề mà chính quyền Việt Nam cần phải xem xét vì chúng không phù hợp với các tiêu chí quốc tế về tự do tôn giáo, tự do tập họp, và tự do bày tỏ quan điểm. Trà Mi: Nhưng Hà Nội vẫn khẳng định rằng những khiếm khuyết đó chỉ do chính quyền các cấp địa phương chưa thực hiện đúng, chứ không phải do chính sách của nhà nước… Tiến sĩ Scott Flipse: Đó không phải là góc nhìn của chúng tôi. Chúng tôi đã thu thập những văn bản từ chính quyền trung ương về chính sách này rằng nhà nứơc Việt Nam một mặt tuyên bố tạo điều kiện cho nhu cầu về tôn giáo, nhưng đồng thời có những biện pháp đối với các sinh hoạt tôn giáo độc lập và những người mới theo đạo, cũng như nhắm vào những người cổ suý ôn hoà cho sự cải tổ nhân quyền và dân chủ như luật sư Đài, linh mục Lý, hay những tù nhân tôn giáo theo đạo Hoà Hảo mà chúng tôi đang quan tâm. Trà Mi: Về tình hình tại Thái Hà, nhà nước Việt Nam khẳng định đó thuần tuý là việc tranh chấp đất đai gữa chính quyền với giáo hội, không liên quan gì đến vấn đề tự do tôn giáo. Ông nghĩ sao? Tiến sĩ Scott Flipse: Chúng tôi đã đến tận Thái Hà để xem xét xem khía cạnh nào của vấn đề liên quan đến tự do tôn giáo. Quyền đựơc có đất đai cho các sinh hoạt tôn giáo là vấn đề quan tâm của tất cả mọi cộng đồng tôn giáo. Tuy nhiên, chúng tôi nhìn vấn đề Thái Hà ở khía cạnh là quyền bày tỏ quan điểm một cách ôn hoà, quyền được tổ chức các buổi cầu nguyện tập thể ôn hoà yêu cầu công lý của giáo dân, giáo sĩ ở đây đã bị nhà nước vi phạm, cản trở bằng võ lực. Người Công giáo có nhiệm vụ thể hiện quan điểm công khai về những vấn đề liên quan đến đạo đức và công lý xã hội trong các buổi tập trung tập thể. Thành quả chuyến đi? Trà Mi: Có những báo rằng nhiều ngừơi bị sách nhiễu, bị công an câu lưu thẩm vấn, và bị cấm cản không cho tiếp xúc với phái đoàn của Ủy ban Tự do tôn giáo quốc tế của Hoa Kỳ. Phái đoàn có ghi nhận những trừơng hợp này chăng, và có nêu vấn đề với Hà Nội không? Tiến sĩ Scott Flipse: Chúng tôi đã bày tỏ sự quan ngại về những trường hợp này tại nhiều điểm dừng chân của mình. Hồi đáp của chính quyền địa phương là đó chỉ là những trường hợp đơn lẻ, hoặc những người đó có liên quan đến các hoạt động chính trị chống đối nhà nứơc, chúng tôi đều phản đối những luận điệu đó. Chúng tôi nêu lên các vụ việc như luật sư Lê Trần Luật bị giữ chân suốt đêm, không gặp được chúng tôi. Mục sư Quang của đạo Tin lành Mennonite bị hộ tống từ khách sạn của chúng tôi trọ. Tại Điện Biên Phủ, trong chuyến thăm một giáo đoàn ngừơi Hmong theo đạo Tin lành, đã có 3 vụ đụng xe liên tiếp xảy ra trên đường chúng tôi đi. Dù chúng tôi không nghĩ rằng chính quyền dàn xếp các việc này, nhưng chúng tôi nghĩ rằng chúng hoàn toàn không cần thiết. Bởi lẽ chúng tôi đã nhận thấy những tiến bộ và cũng biết cả những trì trệ về tự do tôn giáo của Việt Nam, cho nên những chuyện như thế này chỉ mang lại những ảnh hưởng không hay cho những tiến bộ đạt đựơc mà thôi. Trà Mi: Câu hỏi cuối cùng, thưa tiến sĩ, ông đánh giá về hiệu quả chuyến đi Việt Nam lần này của Ủy ban USCIRF như thế nào và Ủy ban có dự định sẽ thực hiện những chuyến đi như vậy thường xuyên hơn? Tiến sĩ Scott Flipse: Đây là chuyến thăm lần thứ 4, và chúng tôi muốn duy trì lâu dài. Chúng tôi đã yêu cầu được biết về bất cứ hành động thay đổi hay bổ sung nào về Sắc lệnh tôn giáo của Việt Nam và Hà Nội đã đồng ý. Chúng tôi cũng hứa sẽ cung cấp thông tin cho họ về bất cứ trường hợp nào quan tâm. Tóm lại chuyến đi có thành quả cụ thể. Thể hiện sự quan tâm của bên ngoài đối với tự do tôn giáo của Việt Nam là điều cần thiết. Và điều quan trọng đối với mối quan hệ Việt-Mỹ là tự do tôn giáo đựơc bảo vệ. Trà Mi: Sau chuyến đi này, liệu sẽ có thay đổi gì chăng đối với đề nghị bỏ tên Việt Nam trở lại danh sách CPC các quốc gia cần đặc biệt quan tâm về tự do tôn giáo, thưa tiến sĩ? Tiến sĩ Scott Flipse: Chúng tôi đưa ra đề nghị này ngày 1/5 và đề nghị đó vẫn không có gì thay đổi. Chúngn tôi có thể bỏ đề nghị đó bất cứ lúc nào trong năm, nhưng ngay lúc này, chúng tôi không thay đổi gì đối với đề nghị đó. Vào ngày 8/6 tới đây, Ủy ban chúng tôi sẽ có cuộc gặp gỡ với Ngoại trưởng Hoa Kỳ Hillary Clinton và sẽ trình bày về chuyến đi Việt Nam vừa qua và những giải pháp giúp cải thiện quan hệ Việt-Mỹ với mối quan tâm về nhân quyền và tự do tôn giáo. Trà Mi: Xin chân thành cảm ơn ông Scott Flipse đã dành cho chúng tôi cuộc phỏng vấn này. ------------------------------------- Tiến sĩ Scott Flipse là chuyên gia cao cấp về phân tích chính sách, kiêm giám đốc các chương trình Đông Á, thuộc Ủy ban của Hoa Kỳ về Tự do Tôn Giáo Quốc tế trụ sở tại thủ đô Washington DC.   more »