On the recordDecember 15, 2010
I have no doubt in my mind in terms of the concerns that have been expressed by my colleagues, as well as the substance of this proposed resolution; but I do have some concerns. While I fully understand the concerns reflected in the resolution, which was introduced almost 2 years ago, it is based on what I believe is information that somewhat did not indicate the progress that Vietnam has made over the recent years. I think if we look at the statement that was made by our current Ambassador to Vietnam, U.S. Ambassador to Vietnam, Mr. Michael Michalak, in his speech that he gave before the Human Rights Day Event at the U.S. Embassy and the American Center of Vietnam just this month, a couple of weeks ago, 'Another area where over the past 3 years I have seen strong improvements is religious freedoms where individuals are now largely free to practice their deeply felt convictions. Pagodas, churches, temples, and mosques throughout Vietnam are full.'
