Political Quotes

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank my distinguished colleagues who have joined me as cosponsors of the resolution I introduced to designate May 11, 1994, as ``Vietnam Human Rights Day.'' This day commemorates the fourth anniversary of the Manifesto of the Non-Violent Movement for Human Rights in Vietnam, issued by Dr. Nguyen Dan Que, a human rights advocate and political prisoner being held in solitary confinement in Vietnam. He was the first member of Amnesty International in Vietnam and arrested by the Socialist government in 1978 for rebellion against the regime, even though his protests were solely nonviolent. With his case in mind, along with thousands of others, such as those of Buddhist monks and religious leaders, the resolution calls upon Hanoi to respect basic human rights, accept a multiparty system, and restore the right of the Vietnamese people to choose their own form of government through free and fair elections. While this resolution does not take binding action, it has become an issue of great importance to Vietnamese throughout our Nation and in Vietnam. The passage of Vietnam Human Rights Day is a symbol of American resolve in the area of foreign policy. First, it confirms the necessity of placing human rights at the center of United States policy toward Vietnam and reminds us of what we stand for as a nation.”