Ben Cardin

It would be my intention, when we consider a 123 agreement on Vietnam, to move a parallel resolution on human rights.

The basic protection of human rights should always be at the table in U.S. negotiations.

Why are we interested in making this type of information available to a country that abuses the rights of its own citizens?

I find that very disappointing. I think, as I pointed out before, there is mutual benefit.

I want to know what you are doing to enhance the change in Vietnam and other countries on basic internationally recognized human rights protections.

It is in the U.S. interest to negotiate these agreements.

We have a fundamental commitment to Israel's security and to stand with Israel whenever and wherever it is under threat.

National security very much depends upon stable regimes respecting human rights, and that we need to be more open about that and making that more of a priority.

I would just urge you in the strongest possible terms to work with Congress so that we are together on the strategy moving forward with Iran.

In Tunisia, the Ukraine, it was about corruption; it was not about who was President or who the government was.

Senator McCain and I have authored legislation that would make the Magnitsky sanctions global.

I think there is bipartisan support for the comments that we must be together.

Our relationship with Azerbaijan is important not just to our two countries, but to Azerbaijan's neighbors and the wider region.

Our greatest hope is that you reach a comprehensive agreement that prevents Iran from having a breakout capacity for a nuclear weapon.

I would just call to your attention President Park's recommendation for using an OSCE type dialogue mechanism for northeast Asia.

They will have on their law books crimes that under international standards should not be crimes, but people just expressing their peaceful disagreements with government and they should be able to do that.

I particularly want to thank their families.

Good governance is central to development.

We want a peaceful resolution of the territorial issues. We do not take sides on who is right, but we do take sides on it being handled in a peaceful manner and not through unilateral actions such as what China did.

I thank you and I thank again all four of you for your testimony and your appearance here.

Congress plays a vital role in turning our difficult past with Vietnam into a promising future.

Transparency is going to be critically important here.

We are not doing a country any favors if we are participating in just feeding a corrupt regime.

We have China's attention right now. This is a problem they cannot hide from.

I hope also you will work closely with us in Congress and keep us informed and be prepared to accept advice from us as this issue unfolds because it is a major concern.