Rod Grams: “last week I hosted a meeting of the International Committee for a Free Vietnam [ICFV] which resulted in the drafting and…”

“last week I hosted a meeting of the International Committee for a Free Vietnam [ICFV] which resulted in the drafting and presentation of a resolution which promotes democracy in Vietnam, particularly individual freedoms and human rights. Joining us were Parliamentary leaders from Europe, Canada, and Australia. Since Vietnamese leaders will hold their Eighth Party Congress in June, it is important that we communicate the reforms recommended in the resolution to the Vietnamese, to continue the dialogue begun as we continue to normalize our relations with Vietnam. While at the meeting, I was disturbed to learn that a distinguished member of the group Col. Bui Tin, a former member of the Vietnamese Communist Party, received a death threat which was alleged to originate from Vietnamese Government sources. He is not the only one who has received these threats, but he is the only one with whom I am personally acquainted. It was very disappointing to me to hear this, just at the time we hope to improve our relationship with Vietnam. Col. Bui Tin, a resident of Europe, has done nothing but advocate democratic reforms in Vietnam, consistent with the first-amendment rights we have in our country. He does so out of concern for the people of Vietnam, where he was a soldier for over 37 years.”