Socialist Republic of Vietnam

(VNS, March 19, 2003)

Peace, stability and development without interference are essential conditions to protect and promote human rights, affirmed Dao Viet Trung, assistant to the Vietnamese Foreign Minister, on March 19.

Mr Trung is the head of the Vietnamese delegation to the UN High Commission's meeting being held in Geneva.

He said that exercising human rights should be an essential part of each nation's history, tradition, customs and culture.

He was deeply concerned about the threat of war in Iraq, saying that Vietnam shares the world's aspiration to reduce the threat of war. He called upon the United Nations to play its role and take responsibility.

"As a nation that suffered the sorrows and sacrifices of war, Vietnam has always supported a political solution to problems in international relations in accordance with the UN Charter and international law. We must avoid war for its loss of life and property and the disorder its causes in world peace, stability and economy," Mr Trung said.

He stressed that Vietnam calls for an immediate end to violence and a fair and long-term solution to the conflict in the Middle East to ensure fundamental national rights for the Palestinian people. "Vietnam calls for an end to embargo policies towards countries such as Cuba, in a bid to help people in these countries overcome difficulties and develop their countries," Mr Trung added.

The delegation leader affirmed that Vietnam prioritises human rights and fundamental national rights of peace, independence, freedom and happiness. He said Vietnam has been striving unceasingly for the goal of a prosperous people, a strong country and an equitable, democratic and civilised society".

Vietnam has made important achievements in many fields during the past 17 years of renovation with the most remarkable results being the improved living standard of people and the building of a law-governed state. Vietnam has paid attention to socio-economic development in mountainous and far-flung areas to help improve the living standard of people in these areas and ensure their rights.

Vietnam has been implementing an external policy of peace and independence. The country is boosting its external relations to co-operate with international and regional organisations as well as nations worldwide and become a trusted partner of the international community.

This is the third time Vietnam has attended the Human Rights Commission as an official member. Vietnam will continue to do its utmost together with the international community for a peaceful, independent and equitable world. (VNA)