Friday, July 14, 2006

US Pacific Commander Visits Vietnam

Admiral William Fallon, the head of the US armed forces' Pacific Command, seen here in May 2006, was to start a four-day visit to Vietnam to discuss security issues with senior government and defence leaders, the American military said.(AFP/POOL/Elizabeth Dalziel)

Pochin Choeung
Voice of America
Washington
13/07/2006


The commander of all U.S. forces in the Pacific says he wants to expand his understanding of the situation in Vietnam, and to get to know the country's new leaders, during a visit that started today. VOA's Al Pessin reports from Hanoi.

Admiral William Fallon says the United States has several goals, as it tries to develop military relations with Vietnam. One is related to the top American priority, worldwide -- fighting terrorism.

"The more security and the more stability that we have, the less opportunity for the bad actors to take over and, as the terrorists are wont to do, thrive in those places where there is insecurity."

Admiral Fallon is following up on a visit to Vietnam, several weeks ago, by U.S. Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld. During that visit, the secretary and his Vietnamese counterpart agreed to expand military relations. As a result of that agreement, two Vietnamese officers are studying English in the United States. For that to happen, the two countries had to sign a cooperation agreement, American officials hope a further agreement can be signed to facilitate additional military contacts like the port visit by two U.S. navy ships in Vietnam earlier this month -- the fourth such visit in as many years.

The two countries also have an annual defense dialogue among mid-level officers, which will have its third session later this year.

Officials note that even the limited military contact with Vietnam has resulted in some real benefits, including quick approval by Hanoi for U.S. military aircraft to fly over Vietnam, last year, as they delivered relief supplies to tsunami victims.

But Admiral Fallon says there does not seem to be much interest in Vietnam in expanding such contacts and he has no particular list of suggestions to present during his meetings here. He also says his visit and the American desire to expand military exchanges, has another motivation.

"We would hope that, by continuing to expand economic opportunities and look(ing) to expand other relationships between the countries, that we would encourage the kinds of things that would result in more and more personal freedoms and systems that are much more compatible with those that we enjoy in our country."

Admiral Fallon will be the first senior U.S. official to meet some of Vietnam's new leaders. The national assembly installed the new president and prime minister, late last month. They built their reputations on supporting pragmatic economic policies and fighting corruption.

The admiral recognizes that -- although economic and diplomatic contacts between the United States and Vietnam have developed relatively well since relations were restored 15 years ago -- there is a reason military relations continue to lag behind.

"There is a history here, certainly very well known to me, as I was here 35 years ago in the middle of the Vietnam War. And, I would like to see personally how that's changed."

The admiral was a fighter pilot during the war and this is his first visit back to the country since then.

15 comments:

Anonymous said...

All right Vietnam, you are playing the right card again. You defeated USA imperialism in 1970's by being a close alie with Russia (China was a paper Tiger at that time which Cambodia King choose China whole heartly and see what he ended up with? City of Gosts). Now to defeat China Vietnam is taking USA side. What will happen to Cambodia? Taking China side again just like the old day the old 1.7 million deads. First one was Cambodian mistake, second mistake is a stupidity and dumbo. Cambodia you never learns. This time you are deserved. Anywhere US move in, it will be a war. Terrorism is just an excuse. North Korea and China are what these admirals trying to stop.

Anonymous said...

When the old king is gone there is hope. We don't really have to have anything to do with China and North Korea or when the KRT is over, the world will know who is the real looser.

Khmer needs new government that is capable of maintaing peace,independence,respect and be a fine partner to other country in the region and beyond.

It's a new Dawn.

Anonymous said...

To 10:44a.m

Your last sentence,I don't think you know what you are talking about.

The twin towers of world trade in New York was demolished,done,gone and finished. Did you know by whom?

Our helpful friends China and North Korea didn't seem to care too much. Instead, The NK tested the Nuclear Bombs that would scrar the US's strong allied " Japan and South Korea "to death. You aren't being an understanding man at all.

If we want someone to give a damm about us. We'd better be helpful in this case. So please weigh your word and action carefully and don't be jealous,if the Veit is the winner again.

Hopefully the Viet will change itself to a free democracy country instead of that old and ugly communist state. God save us all from ruining!

Anonymous said...

Don't be stupid. The viet is smart to have tight with U.S. This way The Viet can crab more lands from Ah Kvak and Ah Chhourk Sihanouk.

Ah Sihanouk is a master of communist. He even named the street in Phnom Penh as Kim Ill Sung, asshole.

All Cambodian leaders are assholes. Their holes are so big that they have million dollars in their bank account.

Anonymous said...

I can careless about all of you talking about! The real problem is in the stomach! United States is seeking economic opportunity anywhere in the world! Recently, American oil Company Chevron is drilling oil in Cambodia will worth in billion of dollars in the coming years! I will tell you and it is all about economic! This is a new economic war and it is more powerful than the Atomic Bomb! And China saw United States moved into Cambodia and China is doing the same thing that is looking for oil too!Then you have Japan,Korea,Thailand,Vietname..who else?

All of you smart people out there and please tell me how did United States beat the USSR in the cold war? Oh duh! It is economic stupid!At the end the USSR went bankrupt and can't even feed their own people and the Vietcong had to withdraw their troop from Cambodia!ahahah

Ok you said that Japan and South Korea scared to death of the North Korea missiles. Yes there are some truth to that but the North Korea can't even feed their own people!ahahah These day United States don't even pay attention to North Korean anymore!ahahah Now tell me why did United States pay more attention to Iran nuclear program but not to North Korean nuclear?

With all the promise discovery of the black gold and the billion of dollars pour into Cambodia and my hope is that Cambodia will not repeat what had happened to Nigeria! There are had been constant civil war going on in Nigeria since the discovery of the black gold by Chevron!

Now that Chevron had learned alot about their dealing with Nigeria and I hope it will not be repeated in Cambodia!

With AH HUN SEN at the helm and corruption left uncheck and Cambodian people continue to be poor and the rich get richer! It is ripe for civil war or coup! Who need the ballot box when every Cambodian want a piece of the pie!ahahahaha

My prediction is that Cambodia will be cursed with the discovery of the black gold! May God bless Cambodian people!

Anonymous said...

To 2:01p.m

I learn something new today.
Thank you

Please tell me more about North Korea.
If NK is so poor and can even feed themself, why Can NK be honest and truthful about it?
I don't know what news you are getting from, but just a few days ago two more long range missels tests were conducted by NK and got all the people in Washington and half of the world's blood pressure up.

This is what I don't understand and nervous about. You know everytime our old King Goes to NK or Piyongyang, i'm really worry for his safety and our country's position. Thanks God no one accusing or taking him as a spy. The man is just a man. He is old and not well. He just go there for peace,but it worries me.

You need to go there and tell him ( our old KIng )that he put himself in a bad place. He needs to Help bring NK to the negociating table to clear out his name of being a bad guy.
Sure,it was an economic problem and the little untrueful NK is not being helpful to himself or others by being stuburn, too proud and voiceless. Please don't tell me that NK wants to be the next Saddam Hussein. I wouldn't want to see our King or our country getting caught up with that tangle. Would you?

Anonymous said...

The khmer king choose the wrong side. he chose China and Nord Korea as his best friend. Just take a look at Nord Korea today. How people live under his best friend regim? Mr:Kim has no food to feed his own people. How kim could help Cambodia? And the communist China one country two system. They alway invite khmer leader to visit Beijing. What kind of advice khmer leader take from Beijing?

Anonymous said...

Hello this is anomnymous 10:14 (first one). All super-power are tricky countries. They have to be this way in order to remain their Tyran. In 1980's, Reagan defeated Russia by being friend with China. Defeated Iran by being friend with Iraq. Defeat Iraq by being friend with Soudi Arabia. Kuwait was just a buffer zone. To defeat China this time, US must be friend with India. Bush's doctrine is shifting economy trade from China to Vietnam and India. China is slowely isolated. Just like 911, north Korea's missiles testing was US strategy to have an excuse to move military bases closer to China. 911 and North Korea misille crisis are created by CIA. You know their job since 1950 how they bought Prep Inn and Som Sary (Rainsy's father). North Korea doesn't have money and resources to do what they just did unless secretly helped by South Korea which backed by CIA. 911 were all commited by Saudi which funded by ???? you heard it all on the news... 911 classified over classified.. everything was known ahead of time.. to control oil pipes.... Anyhow the war in S/E Asia is what I care. Republicans will lose their power on the next 2 terms while democrate rebuilding US-Iraq relationship and deficit. Repulican slowely shift their focus on China in the next two democrate terms. In 2015, it will be another histrical even (showdown between 2 super powers) just like 911 but this time with China... When China is all destroyed. Russia will become the next super power that US will have to face in 2040. Every 30 years, US needs a major wars. World war II, Korean war, Vietname war, South America war, Mid-east war, next one will be North East war. In 2040, new democratic China and North Korea will US close alies to defeat Russia. To defeat India, US will use Parkistan..... While we are busy working paying taxes, they use our taxes money to draw 100 years plan... To keep your Tyrant, you killed my parents took me here. You're training some of us now to kill my new generation there... and we still thank you you for what you did to me.

Anonymous said...

To 12:20a.m

What you wrote isn't bad. I'm just hoping that you are not a true predictor or true prophet.

I believe in the world's new rule and order. That new rule and order are meant for peace and properity of everybody on earth to enjoy.
It's just too bad and wasteful that some of the stuburn people and country don't understand or get it and that is why there is war.

Everybody should be able to make friend instead of the enemy. God gave us voice. Why not talk things up? clear out the bad air? or find a better the way for better tomorrow?.

What is the word good Communication mean? and what is the purpose behind it? and please apply the word love,understanding and respect to it. I think, we will be o.k. All of us! and in the year of 2020 we will go the planet Mar. We are going there to find many wonder things that are true benificial to mankind.

The Sky is the limit!!!! Dream peaceful!, dream free! and dream wonder!!!!

Anonymous said...

To: 8:54PM

If you had look at the news lately, Iran get more publicity on their nuclear program and the Super Power even offer Iran economic incentive and new advance civilan nuclear technology to drop their nuclear program!

The North Korean is not getting any of the incentives like the one they offered to Iran. The North Korea was pretty upset and to make worse United States don't even negotiate or talk to North Korea!ahahah This is a look down on North Korean.ahahah

Listen our King is too old to do any damage to Cambodian politic especially dealing with North Korea! If I were you I would be worry about AH HUN SEN and his clans. Cambodia had been delaying economically for 30years and Cambodia can't afford another 30 more years. I will be one happy person if AH HUN SEN and the Vietcong legacy ended in 2008!

Don't worry be happy.

Anonymous said...

to 4:09am

I'm listening and becareful with the blind spot.

To Mr.In charge of Cambodia today " AHS "

I believe that if we let a string going out long enough, it will get tangled up.

Mr.In charge, you are like a string. You let bad things happen to Khmer people over and over. You need to make some major major changes and pay attention to the US Embassy in Phnom Penh. The American did not spend millions of dollars establishing that entire block of building for housing a bunch of ducks or pigs or dogs.

Please let me tell you also that the list of bad things that you had done to poor Khmer people is getting longer and longer. Soon or later it will tangle up. It does that all by itself just like the string.

Taking my advice or not is your choise. You know that you can be a goner and on your own! You perhap will hang yourself or quit.

When that day comes,i'm also one more happy person!
and You too 4:09am stay well and stay happy.

Anonymous said...

Anonymous 3:06 AM, I'm not sure how old you are. 50 years living thru many wars gave me enough insight. There were people moved out from Cambodia before 1975 and live until now. There were people went back from France to Cambodia to be killed by communists. Why? predict or having vision to see will keep country survive will keep individual alive. Do not realize on god nor love when facing with Hitler, Starlin, communists, and muslim. They do not reason. Either run away from them or control them. On the other hand never trust super-power. To reach their objectives, they always make friend with their old enemies.. Look how many American soldiers died to defend the freedom of south Vietnam, now their own leaders are making deal with their killers? There are no different between Evil and Devil, just make sure do not get caught in between.

Anonymous said...

Are you saying about American?.

American are like that. Nothing writing on the stone.Thing that don't work they change. They do it for the better. Many country and poeple must get use to being tough and if they don't, that's too bad.

Do you thing the Veit are all happy being partner to the US right now?. They probably scare to death. American aren't dump.You watch and the one in Phnom Penh. I wonder what goes in their minds right now?.

Please have faith and think of our National Tree " Deum Tnout ". The American love their Christmas Trees. They are straight and simple.Ours too is the same. Think of something that we have in common and share the interest. I wouldn't be so afraid all the time and don't disvalue and sad about being paying tax.A good and productive citizen is capaple of making millions. The more money they made the more tax they can pay to help their country and you know, American governmemt taxed the rich.They loves and honor rich citizens. Unlike others that lower the status of their citizens to the lowest of the low and cann't draw a penny from it. No wonder,they cann't figure out why they can never be raising above. That is all I have to say. I will also take your advice for a consideration. Thanks

Anonymous said...

Anonymous 6:56 PM,
Communist are evils, capitalist are devil they destroyed environment for money. Hurricanes, earthquicks, global warming are now destroying them. They used democracy as an excuse to invade another countries. You need to read a book calls "Deliver Us From Evil" the peacekeepers, Warlords, and World of Enless Conflict. Billions of $$ are making from selling weapons... I afraid you are cought between the Evil and the Devil. If you live in Cambodia in 1970's, you would be killed. If you live in America, your sons could be in Iraq right now ready to be killed. Taxes, rich provides jobs to poors are all republican/Democate's bullshit. Both parties are working for corporations. Employees lost their pension and medical deduction is now reaching record high. Those politicians are flying jets, mullions $$ garanrtee pension plan. Be smart believe no evil believe no Devil. Both are using you. They don't even attend your son's funeral nor their sons are allowed to join military... They caused high unemployment so more poor getto fill their military quota... I sincerely thanks for your consideration. Believe no politicians no religious leaders. They are so corrupt in churches you can't believe if you hear what I heard. They even rape a small child.....

Anonymous said...

Do whatever that is best for you and follow your instinct,Bud.

I like my Donold Trump book. I found my Sunshine in it. I probably won't let go for a while and with my luck I will find a new one.

Life makes sence when you and I know what we are doing. Best Wishes!