VN consistent on human rights: FM
HA NOI (VNS)— The Vietnamese Foreign Ministry said yesterday that Viet Nam had a consistent policy of respecting, protecting and promoting human rights.
Ministry spokesman Luong Thanh Nghi made the statement while answering reporters' question regarding the US Lower House of Representatives' adoption of the Viet Nam Human Rights Act of 2012 (H.R. 1410) and Resolution H.R. 484 on Tuesday.
The resolutions called on the Government of Viet Nam to respect human rights.
"In past years, Viet Nam has obtained many achievements in securing human rights in all civil, political, economic, cultural and social areas - and this has been recognised by the international community," Nghi said.
Human rights' promotion and people's active involvement in all socio-economic aspects were important elements to the success of the renewal process in Viet Nam, he added.
Viet Nam and the US had seen positive progresses in relations in recent years, Nghi said, adding that both countries had regularly discussed issues of common concern, including human rights, in a spirit of frankness, constructiveness and mutual respect.
"This is the best way to increase mutual understanding and narrow any differences, contributing to developing relations for the benefit of both sides," the spokesman said.
Bill H.R. 1410 and Resolution H.R. 484 were based on erroneous and biased information on the enforcement of human rights in Viet Nam, Nghi said, adding that the adoption of the bill and resolution was "wrongful and goes counter to the development trend of Viet Nam-US relations".
Attack condemned
Viet Nam has strongly condemned the recent attack on the US Consulate General in Benghazi, Libya, that killed the ambassador Christopher Stevens and three other diplomats.
"We would like to convey our deep condolences to families of the victims," said a spokesperson for the Vietnamese Foreign Ministry yesterday when questioned about Viet Nam's reaction to the September 11 attack .
"We request that the Libya administration implement necessary measures to ensure safety for the diplomatic offices agencies of foreign countries and their staff in Libya," he added. — VNS