VN policies ensure religious freedom

HA NOI — The State of Viet Nam has been implementing a variety of policies and measures to ensure that people fully enjoy rights to freedom of religion and belief.

The policies have created a climate of religious diversity throughout the country, the Foreign Ministry's spokesman Luong Thanh Nghi affirmed when answering reporters' questions regarding the US Department of State's "2011 International Religious Freedom Report".

"Over recent years, Vietnamese-US relations have developed on many aspects. Both sides have conducted frank and constructive dialogues on many issues, including freedom of religion and belief," he stressed.

"Viet Nam always welcomes US congressmen and governmental officials to visit so they can increase their understanding of the country's situation and take a clear and objective view of the religious beliefs and practices of the people," he added.

"Regrettably, although acknowledging Viet Nam's achievements in securing people's rights to freedom of religion and belief, there are biased remarks based on incorrect information in the US Department of State's report," the spokesman said.

"We hold that the US's objective and accurate views on Viet Nam's situation, including the freedom of religion and belief, will contribute positively to promoting the healthy development of Vietnamese-US ties in accordance with the interests and aspirations of both governments and peoples," Nghi noted. — VNS