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H.Res. 243, Calling on Vietnam to Immediately and Unconditionally Release Political Prisioners


HOUSE RESOLUTION 243 MAY 2, 2007

CALLING ON THE GOVERNMENT OF THE SOCIALIST REPUBLIC OF VIETNAM TO IMMEDIATELY AND UNCONDITIONALLY RELEASE FATHER NGUYEN VAN LY, NGUYEN VAN DAI, LE THI CONG NHAN, LE QUOC QUAN  AND OTHER POLITICAL PRISIONSERS AND PRISIONERS OF CONSCIENCE, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

Prime Sponsor: Rep. Christopher H. Smith
H.Res. 243 Agreed to by the House on May 2, 2007


SUMMARY OF RESOLUTION

Condemns the arbitrary arrests of Father Nguyen Van Ly, Nguyen Van Dai, and Le Thi Cong Nhan by the government of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and calls for their immediate release, as well as the immediate release of all other political and religious prisoners.

Condemns the violations of the freedoms of speech, religion, movement, association, and the lack of due process in Vietnam.

Challenges Vietnam's qualifications to be a member of the U.N. Security Council unless the government of Vietnam begins to respect human rights and fundamental freedoms.

Urges the government of Vietnam to consider the implications of its actions for the broader U.S.-Vietnam relationship.

Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the United States should: (1) make a top concern the immediate release, legal status, and humanitarian needs of Father Nguyen Van Ly, Nguyen Van Dai, and Le Thi Cong Nhan, and use funds from the Human Rights Defenders Fund to assist with their legal defense and the needs of their families; (2) urge the government of Vietnam to comply with international standards for basic freedoms and human rights; (3) make clear to the government of Vietnam that it must adhere to the rule of law and respect the freedom of religion and expression in order to broaden its relations with the United States; (4) re-impose on Vietnam the country of particular concern designation if Vietnam harasses, detains, and arrests religious leaders and religious-motivated rights defenders and activists; and (5) initiate new foreign assistance programs to advance the capacity and networking abilities of Vietnamese civil society.

Text of H.Res. 243 [.pdf]