Elderly tell the US to stop interfering
HANOI (July 24, 2003)— Viet Nam’s lawyers and elderly citizens have issued statements coming down heavily on proposed US legislation that links aid to Viet Nam with human rights.
The Lawyers Association, "strongly" rejected the amendment to the Foreign Relations Authorisation Act, said it seriously breaches the basic principles of international law and brazenly interferes in Viet Nam’s internal affairs.
The Elderly Association said while foreign humanitarian and non-humanitarian assistance and co-operation were welcome even from the US, they should be based on the principles of international law, mutual respect and non-interference in each other’s affairs.
The lawyers, saying the bill distorts the situation in Viet Nam, expressed appreciation for the 211 House representatives who voted against the amendment.
They called on US Senators, "in the basic and long-term interests of the two peoples, not to approve the amendment."The lawyers also urged American and international public opinion to be vocal against the amendment and try to block its passage.
In their statement, the elderly said the amendment badly distorted Viet Nam’s reality, hurt its people’s self-respect and interfered in the internal affairs of Viet Nam, a UN member. — VNS
