- Regular Press Briefing by MOFA’s Spokesperson on 22nd October 2009

Regular Press Briefing by MOFA’s Spokesperson on 22nd October 2009

THE 11TH REGULAR PRESS CONFERENCE
(Hanoi, 22nd October, 2009)
----------

ANNOUCEMENTS

1. Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung to attend the 15th ASEAN Summit in Hua Hin, Thailand October 23-25, 2009.

Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung will lead Vietnam's delegation to attend the 15th ASEAN Summit and other related summits between ASEAN and its partners, namely the ASEAN+1, ASEAN+3 and the East Asia Summit (EAS) in Hua Hin, Thailand October 23 to 25, 2009. Under the theme of “Community of Action, Community of Connectivity and Community of Peoples”, the summits will focus on the followings:

- Ways and means to bring to life the ASEAN Charter and acceleration of the building of ASEAN Community in accordance with the Roadmap adopted at the 14th ASEAN Summit.

- Enhancement of cooperation within ASEAN as well as between ASEAN and its partners so as to deal with global challenges, such as the financial - economic crisis, food - energy security, environment and climate change, disasters and epidemics, etc.

- Exchange of views on regional and international issues of common interests and concerns.

With its particiation, Viet Nam wishes to contribute to promoting solidarity and connectivity in ASEAN and to further boost the multi-facet cooperation between ASEAN and its partners; cultivating the partners’ support and assistance for its security and development goals, particularly in its community building and fight against global challenges; maintaining and enhancing the importance of the Association in the region.

At the ASEAN - 15 Summit, Viet Nam will brief other member states on its preparatory works for assuming the ASEAN Chairmanship in 2010.

Question from AFP:

What is Vietnam's reaction to U.S. House of Representatives Resolution (H.Res. 672) on Internet freedom in Vietnam passed on October 21st, 2009, calling Viet Nam to release bloggers arrested recently?

Answer:

Viet Nam rejected the U.S. House of Representatives Resolution H.Res. 672. Information in the Resolution is ill-founded and inobjective. The passage of a resolution in the U.S. House of Representative on an issue of Viet Nam's internal affairs is not in line with practice in international relations or with the growing Viet Nam - U.S. relations.

The Vietnamese State always respects and safeguards fundamental freedoms of its citizens, including freedom of press, freedom of speech. In Viet Nam, no one is arrested, detained or convicted for expressing their political views. Favorable conditions is created for the use of Internet and Internet development has never been at a faster pace. Vietnam has 22 million users, or more than 25% of the population, a higher percentage versus average growth rate in Asia (18.17%). The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) has ranked Viet Nam in Top Ten of countries with highest rate of Internet development during 2002 - 2007.

In Vietnam, state management in electronics information is to guarantee that this sector operates in accordance with the laws, enjoy healthy development, contributing actively to the information exchange and increased understanding about the stability and growth of the country and society.

Question from AFP:

Could you please verify the allegation that said Mrs. Tran Khai Thanh Thuy was harassed and detained by Vietnamese security force when she traveled from Hanoi to Hai Phong in the morning of October 8th 2009? Why was she detained and what is her condition now?

Answer:

Details of her violations were already available in the Vietnamese media.

The allegation that said she was harassed and detained by Vietnamese security force on her way from Hanoi to Hai Phong in the morning of 8th October 2009 is false.

Investigation Police of Dong Da District, Hanoi initiated a criminal case of Ms. Tran Khai Thanh Thuy on charge of “cause injury to other person on purpose”, as prescribed in Article 104, the Penal Code of Viet Nam. At present, Ms. Thuy is detained by Investigation Police of Dong Da District for investigation.

Question from Radio Voice of Vietnam :

What is Vietnam's reaction to the news that the Indonesian House of Representatives on September 30th 2009 passed the amended 2004 Fisheries Law, which authorizes Indonesian patrol ships to open fire at or sink foreign fishing boats operating illegally in Indonesian waters?

Answer:

We are deeply concerned about this information.

It is our view that violations by foreign fishermen who infringe upon Indonesian waters should be handled with humanity, in line with the international laws, Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) in 2002, bilateral agreements, solidarity among ASEAN and friendship between Indonesia and other countries, especially in the absence of a demarcation on the sea between Indonesia and other countries.

Question from AFP: Is it Viet Nam's belief that Thailand will be successful in hosting and maintaining security for the upcoming ASEAN Summit and other related summits? Is there any concern about Thailand politics?

Answer: The Government of Thailand has shown their strong determination in preparing and organizing successfully the 15th ASEAN Summit and other related summits. Viet Nam wish the host country Thailand will have measures to maintain highest security and safety for the summits. Viet Nam and other ASEAN countries will join hands with Thailand for the success of the summits.

We wish Thailand will overcome the difficulties at the present, continue to develop in stability for the sake of Thai people and peace, stability in the region.

Back

Top page