Washington, D.C. -- Congressman Neil Abercrombie today released the following statement at a news conference in Washington, D.C. about  the recent arrests in Vietnam of two American pro-democracy activists and the subsequent release today of one of the activists who is a resident of Hawaii:

“As a member of the Congressional Human Rights Caucus and a strong advocate for the assurance of basic human rights throughout the world, I want to express my serious concern over the recent arrest and detention by the Government of Vietnam of two United States Citizens, Dr. Nguyen Quoc Quan of California and Mr. Leon Truong of Hawaii. While we are very relieved with the release of Mr. Truong, we have yet to receive an official reason for his detention.

“The Government of Vietnam promised to improve its human rights record in January this year before joining the World Trade Organization and being granted permanent normal trade relations.  Yet, Dr. Quan and Mr. Truong were arrested in Vietnam on November 17, along with four other democracy activists.  The arrest of these American citizens and other peaceful activists raises serious question about Vietnam’s commitment to that pledge.  Moreover, the Government of Vietnam is preparing to become a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council in January 2008, and this is in direct conflict to the assurances they have made to the world community.

“Dr. Quan, Mr. Truong and others were planning to distribute flyers describing the basic guidelines for non-violent struggle.  They were seeking to improve the quality of life in Vietnam by replacing a dictatorship with a democracy and for that, they have been arrested and jailed. How is this a demonstration of Vietnam’s improved human rights record?

“Leon Truong is a resident of my district, Honolulu, Hawaii.  He immigrated to the United States in 1979 and devoted most of his time as a community activist while working and supporting his family. I am thankful for his release.  But, this does not excuse the actions of the Government of Vietnam.  Its human rights actions — including the detention of civilians without official explanation — demand improvement.

“I support peaceful efforts to promote and spread democracy, and I have signed letters to Secretary Rice and the Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung asking for their assistance in resolving this and releasing Dr. Nguyen Quoc Quan.”

-30-