FM Spokewoman on Amb. Peterson's resignation


On May 24, 2001, FM Spokeswoman Phan Thuy Thanh answers DPA & Reuters' question: Please provide Vietnam's comment on US Ambassador "Pete" Peterson's announcement that he intends to resign as ambassador on July 15. How does Hanoi view his 4 years in his post here?

Answer:

In diplomacy, usually the first ambassadors play an important role in building and promoting bilateral relations.

Seminar on Information technology in Vietnam held in California



May 23 (VNA) -- American officials, experts, entrepreneurs, and overseas Vietnamese specialising in information technology attended a two-day seminar on IT in Viet Nam held recently at Stanford University in the U.S. State of Carlifornia.

They discussed the development of IT in Viet Nam in recent years, pointing out both favourable and unfavourable conditions in the business environment in Viet Nam. They agreed that Viet Nam has great potential for success in software development.

Vietnam calls for early ratification of trade agreement (BTA)



Ha Noi, May 23 (VNA) -- Viet Nam has reiterated its stance that undue delay in ratification of the bilateral trade agreement (BTA) with the U.S. would harm the interests of entrepreneurs and hinder the normal development of relations between the two countries.

Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung told delegates at the opening ceremony of the ongoing ninth session of the National Assembly on May 23 that the BTA would be of mutual benefit.

Ho Chi Minh portrait book exhibited



Nhan Dan May 15, 2001: The Ho Chi Minh City Fine Arts Association and Vietnam Hewlett Packard exhibited a book; 'Ho Chi Minh's Portrait of an Artist' in the city on May 12.

The book created by two American war veterans David Thomas and Charles Fenn, is printed on poonah-paper, utilising various materials and images of the revolutionary life of President Ho Chi Minh.-ND

US Company grants 200 scholarships to poor students in Dong Nai




May 9 (VNA) -- Cargill Co. Ltd. of the U.S. has granted 200 scholarships, each worth VND 350,000 to outstanding students of the southern Dong Nai province who lack the means to pay for further education.

This is the second time in the 2000-2001 school-year the U.S. company, located in Bien Hoa Industrial Zone 2 in Dong Nai province, has provided such scholarships. Earlier, the company presented 500 gifts and 200 scholarships worth a total of VND 90 million.

US squad's killing of civilians exposed by witnesses



Ha Noi, May 10 (VNA) -- The massacre of innocent civilians at Thanh Phong hamlet on a February night 32 years ago, as admitted by former U.S. senator, Bob Kerrey, has been exposed by Vietnamese witnesses during their interviews with a group of foreign journalists who visited the hamlet on April 28.

The massacre came to light following the recent acknowledgement of Kerrey, who ordered the killing during his seven-member SEAL squad's mission to raid a meeting of local 'Viet Cong' leaders that night.

VN officials and businessmen attending talks on US customs


Ha Noi, May 10 (VNA) -- Vietnamese officials and business representatives are attending talks on U.S. customs regulations, especially those dealing with the textile and garment trade, in Ha Noi from May 9-11.

The talks, jointly organized by the Vietnamese Trade Ministry and the U.S. Customs Department and Embassy, are intended to provide Viet Nam with technical assistance for its regional and international integration.

American Red Cross presents gifts to Vietnam Red Cross



Ha Noi, May 7 (VNA) -- A ceremony was held today, May 7, at the headquarters of the Ford-Viet Nam Company in Cam Giang district, Hai Duong province, to deliver 15 cars presented in aid by the American Red Cross Society (ARCS) to the Viet Nam Red Cross (VNRC).

Among those present at the event were representatives from the Ford -Viet Nam Company, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, and the VNRC.

AmCham laments delay in trade pact ratification



Ha Noi, May 4 (VNA) -- U.S. business leaders in Viet Nam yesterday warned that any move to delay submission of the trade treaty between the two countries to the Congress would undermine bilateral relations, says VNS.

It would also damage U.S. influence in Southeast Asia, said Peter Ryder and Tome Siebert, chairmen of the American Chambers of Commerce in Ha Noi and Ho Chi Minh City.

The Amcham Viet Nam leaders criticised the new U.S. Trade Representative, Robert Zoellick, for delaying action on the Viet Nam-U.S. Bilateral Trade Agreement.

Nhan Dan' commentary on recommendations of US CIRF



Ha Noi, May 3 (VNA) -- Turning its back on public opinions, the U.S. Commission for International Religious Freedom has made an out of tune move, worsening the gradually improved relations between Viet Nam and the U.S., says the national daily Nhan Dan (People).

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