Socialist Republic of Vietnam

Sept. 20, 2001 Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Phan Thuy Thanh anwsered questions from reporters on approval of Bilateral Trade Agreement and Vietnam Human Right Act as follows:


1. AP: Please advise if Viet Nam will reconsider the approval of the Bilateral Trade Agreement if the US Senate approves the Vietnam Human Rights Act?

Answer:

The "Viet Nam Human Rights Act" is a wrongful legislation that flagrantly distorts the actual situation in Vietnam, grossly interferes into Vietnam's internal affairs, runs counter to the UN Charter and fundamental principles of international law, creates a precedent of linking economic and trade relations to unacceptable political conditions. Viet Nam vehemently opposes this legislation and demands that it not be approved.

If the US Senate approves this legislation, that will constitute a serious mistake, running counter to the interests of both countries, doing harm to the relationship between the two countries. Viet Nam absolutely rejects this act.

The Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) resulted from efforts made by both Vietnam and the United States, was concluded on the basis of respect for independence, sovereignty, equality and mutual benefit and meets the interest of both countries. Vietnam will consider the approval of the BTA in accordance with Viet Nam's law provisions.

2. Reuters: Is there any link whatsoever between the approval of the BTA and the approval of the Viet Nam Human Rights Act by the US House of Representatives?

Answer:

The most important thing is that this irrational legislation must not be approved.

We hope that the American people and Senators supportive of improving relations with Viet Nam will support Viet Nam's position on this issue and take practical measures and actions to prevent the Senate from approving this legislation.

Vietnamese businesses have right assessments on the approval of the BTA by the US House of Representatives and considers this a necessary step to bring the agreement into effect. However, Vietnamese businesses also have deep understanding of and are very outraged by the approval of the so-called "Viet Nam Human Rights Act" by the House of Representatives, which creates a precedent of linking economic and trade relations to unacceptable political conditions. This wrongful action will have a direct impact on economic, trade and investment interests of Vietnamese and American businesses.


AP and Reuters: After the BTA is approved by the US Senate, when will Viet Nam rarify it?

Answer:

The President of Viet Nam has forwarded the BTA to the National Assembly for consideration.

Viet Nam will consider the ratification of the BTA in accordance with Viet Nam's law provisions.