WASHINGTON, Sep 18, 2007 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Immediately following the passage of H.R. 3096, a bill to promote freedom and democracy in Vietnam, Dr. Ngai Nguyen, a physician in San Jose, California and the Vice Secretary of the Democratic Party of Vietnam, met in Washington D.C. with key members of the United States Congress and sponsors of the legislation to thank them for their continued support of improved human rights in Vietnam.

H.R. 3096 condemns the ongoing human rights abuses in Vietnam, and prohibits increased U.S. non-humanitarian assistance to the Government of Vietnam unless there is verifiable evidence that the Vietnamese Government has made substantial progress towards the release of its political and religious prisoners. In addition, this legislation requires that the Vietnam government respect the rights to freedom of religion, freedom of press and returns all confiscated properties.

Dr. Nguyen met with the sponsors of the legislation to include Members Tom Lantos, Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, Dana Rohrabacher, Ed Royce and Zoe Lofgren, all of whom said they would work with their colleagues in the U.S. Senate to ensure its passage.

According to Congressman Ed Royce, "the people of Vietnam should know they are not forgotten, and the Congress will do everything possible to assist in bringing about a free and democratic Vietnam."

SOURCE: Democratic Party of Vietnam

Democratic Party of Vietnam

Nguyen Xuan Ngai, 310-463-8610

ngainguyen@aol.com