I have just read your press briefing of remarks by Jay Lefkowitz, Special Envoy for Human Rights in North Korea. I have also read your briefing on talks in China by Deputy Secretary John Negroponte. My question: is there a Special Envoy for Human Rights in Vietnam? Conditions are present to warrant such an envoy: a) the House of Representatives has passed HR 3096, which specifically states that Human Rights are a serious issue in Vietnam, authored by Congressman Chris Smith of New Jersey. H.R. 3096 would authorize funding, totaling an estimated $20 million over the 2008-2010 period, to promote freedom, democracy, and human rights in Vietnam. It allocates for implementing the bill $11 million in 2008 and $20 million over the 2008-2012 period. b) It is clearly seen that the Communist government of Vietnam steps up imprisonment of political opposition to the regime, even though it is peaceful. This is especially shown in the case of Le Thi Cong Nhan, a 28-year old attorney who is the spokesperson for the Progression Party, who seek change by referendum. I would appreciate any information of State Dept. assignment to Human Rights in Vietnam. Thank you, Jean Libby, editor VietAm Review   more »