U.S. Cogressman changes attitude to Vietnam's human rights

Financial Times Information
Global News Wire - Asia Africa Intelligence Wire
Vietnam News Briefs
April 25, 2003

Robert R.Simmons, member of the US House of Representatives, openly expressed his satisfaction upon witnessing progress in promoting human rights in Vietnam and said he had changed his mind about the issue.

Mr Simmons, who recently concluded a visit to Vietnam to join in the search for the remains of US soldiers missing in action (or MIA), was among a number of US congressmen accusing the Vietnamese Government last year of violating human rights and suppressing religious groups and dissidents in the country.

He said he would not vote for the recent report on Vietnam's human rights being tabled by three US congressmen in the Lower House because he had altered his thinking. "That was due to my returning to Vietnam for the first time, which helped me to see changes being made," he said. Mr Simmons also said the report, although it may be approved by the House of Representatives, would face difficulties in the Senate where there are many pro-Vietnam members, such as John Kerry, John McCain and Chuck Hagel.

There are also many Senators that are veterans who have a good understanding of Vietnam as they have returned to visit the country, he said. They fully acknowledge that the report will damage friendly relations between Vietnam and the US if it is approved. More US congressmen should come to Vietnam to fully understand the country and its changes, Mr Simmons said. "The war has passed and both countries and peoples must go ahead to build a "stronger bridge" for future relationships."

During his trip to Vietnam, Mr Simmons held talks with the Vietnamese Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Dy Nien, Deputy Minister of Defense Nguyen Huy Hieu and Vice Chairman of the National Assembly Nguyen Phuc Thanh.

His search group has this time found several remains of US soldiers, including that of pilot Arnold E.Holm, a friend of Simmons.

Vietnam has so far handed over the remains of 800 MIA to the US since 1973. The finds were the result of a joint search by the Vietnam Office for MIAs and the US Joint Task Force-Full Accounting.