FM Spokeswoman on US Postal Service' withdraw its brochure
MOFA's SPOKESWOMAN PHAN THUY THANH ANSWERS TO FOREIGN CORRESPONDENTS ON 20 AUGUST 2001
Question: What is Viet Nam's reaction to the US Postal Service's revoking of thousands of brochures with national flags including Viet Nam's on the cover page because some Vietnamese living in the US protested against such print of Vietnamese national flag on the brochure's cover page.
Answer:
We are in contact with the US Postal Service to verify this matter.
A flag with a five-pointed gold star in the middle of a red background is the national flag of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam (SRV). The SRV and the United States entertain diplomatic relations. Therefore, any intent to remove the Vietnamese national flag from any official publications which relate to Viet Nam and are published by affiliate agencies of the US government is a disrespect of international law, runs counter to the ongoing Viet Nam-US relationship and generates suspicion of the US policy of building friendly relations, mutual understanding and respect with Viet Nam.
It is our view that the US Postal Service, a US government agency should act in accordance with international law and the current status of bilateral relations. It should not be influenced by pressure from a minority of individuals who are deliberately doing harm to the improving relationship between Viet Nam and the Untied States.
