Socialist Republic of Vietnam

The National Assembly of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam altogether rejects H.Res. 427 Resolution adopted on 19th November 2003 by the United States House of Representatives and the Resolution adopted on 20th November 2003 by the European Parliament on the so-called “situation of religious freedom in Vietnam”. These wrongful, negative resolutions do not serve the relations between the United States and the European Union on the one hand and Vietnam on the other.

Alleging false, inaccurate information provided by a handful of extremist elements who take advantage of the mantle of religion and in pursuit of political goals, distort the founding history of the Buddhist Church of Vietnam after the reunification of the country these resolutions slander the policies and practice of religious freedom in Vietnam. Today’s so-called “United Buddhist Church of Vietnam” is nothing but a grouping of individuals who are driven by personal ambitions and political motives to act against the nation’s interest. As a result of their blatant violation of the law and of their attempts to spur confrontation and sow division among the Buddhist followers, this grouping stands completely isolated from the Buddhist congregation and the national community of Vietnam.

Expressing the will of the Vietnamese people, the National Assembly of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam supports the consolidation and development of Vietnam’s relations with the United States and the European Union on the basis of mutual respect for their respective independence and sovereignty, of non-interference into each other’s internal affairs and of mutually beneficial cooperation on an equal footing.

In that spirit, the National Assembly of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam urges that the US House of Representatives and the European Parliament stop lending their support to actions that slander the actual situation of religion in Vietnam and undermine mutually beneficial cooperation with Vietnam. At the same time, the National Assembly of Vietnam consistently advocates the enhancement of mutual understanding and narrowing down of differences through dialogue with the US Congress and congressmen as well as with the European Parliament and its members, for the sake of the long-term interests of the nations concerned, and of peace, cooperation and development in the world.

Hanoi, November 25, 2003