FM Spokeswoman on reparations to victims in Thanh Phong
On June 25,2001, Foreign Minister Spokeswoman Phan Thuy Thanh answered question from Reuters: Could you comment on a news story in which Attorney John DeCamp demanded that Kerrey establish a foundation in reparations to victims' families in Thanh Phong.
Answer:
We understand that the sufferings borne by our compatriots in Thanh Phong village Ben Tre province are incomparable. We understand the significance of attorney John DeCamp's deeds and respect the will and aspiration of the victims' families in Thanh Phong.
The war of aggression waged by the United States in Vietnam left extremely heavy consequences. Mr. Bob Kerrey's revelation is only one specific case. In the future, there might be similar revelations. We are of the view that the best way for Mr. Bob Kerrey as well as other American war veterans to find peace of mind is to take realistic and practical actions to contribute to healing the war wounds that they caused in Vietnam.
Prompted by the tradition of humanitarianism and reconciliation, in relations with the United States as well as with countries that used to have a hostile time with Vietnam, we advocate continuing cooperation, strengthening mutual understanding, promoting better relations between Vietnam and the United States, thus resolving consequences left by the past.
