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Growing protests in Vietnam against an American human rights bill
Growing protests in Vietnam against a human rights bill passed by the U.S. House of Representatives are threatening to derail a trade agreement and harm delicate ties between the two countries.
In recent days, scores of Communist Party-controlled civic groups and newspapers have denounced the bill, which would ban non-humanitarian aid to Vietnam unless Hanoi makes progress on human rights.
Groups representing women, farmers, lawyers and others denounced the bill as "brazen interference" in Vietnam's affairs and called on the Senate to reject it.
Holding up banners and signs, more than 1,000 Communist Youth League members rallied in Ho Chi Minh City Saturday against the bill.
Vietnam's Foreign Ministry has sharply condemned the bill, saying America itself is guilty of violating basic rights during the Vietnam War, while Trade Minister Vu Khoan has indicated that Vietnam may delay ratification of a trade agreement if the bill is passed into law.
The bill was passed overwhelmingly by the House on Sept. 6. On the same day, the House also approved a bilateral trade agreement that is widely expected to substantially boost commerce between the former foes.
Vietnam is one of only a handful of nations without normal trade relations with America, a status which allows lower tariff rates.
To become law, both measures must be passed by the Senate, while the trade pact must also be approved by Vietnam's National Assembly.
19/09/01 12:48:55 | ABC Radio Australia News
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