November 20, 2007
The Honorable Condoleezza Rice
United States Department of State
2201 C Street, NW
Washington, DC 20520
Dear Secretary Rice:
The reported arrests of two United States Citizens, Dr. Nguyen Quoc Quan and Mr. Truong Van Ba (Leon), in Vietnam on November 17, 2007 has me deeply concerned. I request your immediate assistance to investigate these cases and ensure that their rights as United States citizens are upheld. One of the citizens, Dr. Nguyen Quoc Quan, appears to be a constituent of my Congressional District.
On August 14, 2006, the Government of Vietnam arrested another United States citizen, Mr. Cong Thanh Do, and held him on unlawful charges in Vietnam. Mr. Do, a constituent of Congresswoman Lofgren, was eventually returned to his family in the United States, and the State Department is to be commended for their involvement in securing the release of Mr. Do.
It is extremely disappointing to learn that the Government of Vietnam has arrested United States citizens in Vietnam for reportedly having a peaceful discussion. I wish to request that you work to return these citizens to the United States. Furthermore, it must be conveyed to the Government of Vietnam that the arbitrary detention of United States citizens is unacceptable.
Thank you for your efforts. Any information you can provide on the status of Dr. Nguyen Quoc Quan and Mr. Truong Van Ba will greatly appreciated.
Sincerely,
Daniel E. Lungren
Members of Congress