Tue, Sep. 18, 2007
By JIM ABRAMS
Associated Press Writer
WASHINGTON --Future increases in U.S. nonhumanitarian aid to Vietnam would be tied to improvements in the Hanoi government's human rights record under legislation approved by the House Tuesday.
Supporters of the legislation, passed 414-3, said it was in response to Vietnam's recent crackdown on citizens speaking out for political, religious and human rights.
"Sadly, in recent months, the human rights situation in Vietnam has deteriorated and become substantially worse and a new ugly wave of brutal oppression has been launched by Hanoi," said Rep. Chris Smith, R-N.J., sponsor of the legislation.
He said the Vietnam government has tracked down and jailed many of the people who last year signed a declaration outlining humanitarian and human rights aspirations for the country.
The legislation, which must still be considered by the Senate, prohibits any increase in nonhumanitarian assistance to Vietnam over fiscal year 2007 levels unless the president certifies that Vietnam has made significant progress in its human rights record. The president must also confirm that Vietnamese officials are not involved in human trafficking.
The Congressional Research Service has estimated that the United States this year is providing Vietnam with about $8 to 12 million in nonhumanitarian aid.
The measure also approves the spending of $4 million over two years to help individuals and organizations that are promoting human rights and nonviolent democratic change in Vietnam. Another $10.2 million is set aside for measures to stop Vietnam's jamming of Radio Free Asia.
It states that it is U.S. policy to offer resettlement to Vietnam nationals, including members of the Montagnard group, who are eligible for refugee programs but were previously denied entry because of administrative error or other circumstances beyond their control.
Voting against the bill were Republicans Jeff Flake of Arizona, Tom Tancredo of Colorado and Ron Paul of Texas.
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The bill is H.R. 3096
Supporters of the legislation, passed 414-3, said it was in response to Vietnam's recent crackdown on citizens speaking out for political, religious and human rights.
"Sadly, in recent months, the human rights situation in Vietnam has deteriorated and become substantially worse and a new ugly wave of brutal oppression has been launched by Hanoi," said Rep. Chris Smith, R-N.J., sponsor of the legislation.
He said the Vietnam government has tracked down and jailed many of the people who last year signed a declaration outlining humanitarian and human rights aspirations for the country.
The legislation, which must still be considered by the Senate, prohibits any increase in nonhumanitarian assistance to Vietnam over fiscal year 2007 levels unless the president certifies that Vietnam has made significant progress in its human rights record. The president must also confirm that Vietnamese officials are not involved in human trafficking.
The Congressional Research Service has estimated that the United States this year is providing Vietnam with about $8 to 12 million in nonhumanitarian aid.
The measure also approves the spending of $4 million over two years to help individuals and organizations that are promoting human rights and nonviolent democratic change in Vietnam. Another $10.2 million is set aside for measures to stop Vietnam's jamming of Radio Free Asia.
It states that it is U.S. policy to offer resettlement to Vietnam nationals, including members of the Montagnard group, who are eligible for refugee programs but were previously denied entry because of administrative error or other circumstances beyond their control.
Voting against the bill were Republicans Jeff Flake of Arizona, Tom Tancredo of Colorado and Ron Paul of Texas.
---
The bill is H.R. 3096
6 comments:
I don't think Vietnam need any international aids anymore. To enforce Vietnam to respect Human right, USa need to economic sanction as a mean is far better than conditional aids. International aids to Vietnam is just like a cream for their cakes only.
I agree with you 447Pm. Hit them where it hurt the most, economic.
USA has never learned ,how vietnam cheated on them,
I also somewhat agree with anon. @ 4:47 AM. However, Cambodia will suffer more because Vietnam will continue to suck harder on Cambodia, and Hun Sen can't do a damn thing about it. Unless the U.S. is willing to do everything to protect Cambodia from bleeding.
USA started the war in vietnam. Lost it to vietnam. Destroy cambodia from the result of vietnam war. And now kisses vietnam azz without properly researching.
Bunch of stupid idiotz
After all Uncle SAM is the world SUPER POWER and he has responsibility to look after smaller nations like Cambodia for a small favor.
To deny Uncle Sam’s role in the world is to deny the role of United Nations!
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