U.S. Representatives to Vietnam: Let Dissidents Go, page 1

Vietnam took center stage once again in American politics. With few nay votes, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a resolution to ask the Vietamese government to free activist Pham Hong Son along with thirty other protesters from prison. The prisoners support democratic and religious freedom. Within the measure, the congressmembers also called for a re-evaluation of human right's abuses, most namely freedom of the press. They urged if Vietnam does not consider these actions, then their desire to expand trade with other countries may be quashed.

news.yahoo .com
WASHINGTON (AFP) - The US House of Representatives called on Vietnam to free jailed cyber-dissident Pham Hong Son and other democracy and religious activists.

In a near-unanimous resolution, the House said that US authorities should inform Hanoi that if it wishes to join the
World Trade Organization, it must adhere to the rule of law and respect freedom of the press.

The resolution also said that the detention of Pham and some 30 others named, and continuing human rights violations, are not in Vietnam's interest and remain an obstacle to better relations between Washington and Hanoi.

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It is fascinating how Vietnam still remains within the center of American politics. And in this move, the story is relevant because even after the troops left this area in the world, the need to push "democratization" still goes on. Do you think Vietnam will abide by the U.S. in this matter? Or, will old feelings still linger long after the war is over?

[edit on 4-9-2006 by Djarums]

[edit on 11-4-2006 by asala]