April 17, 2007
Geneva – Switzerland. A Viet Tan delegation, headed by Chairman Do Hoang Diem, received a warm welcome from the Parti Démocrate-Chrétien (PDC or Christian Democratic Party) at its central office in Geneva.
In his welcoming statement, Philippe Glatz, President of the Parti Démocrate-Chrétien, acknowledged the common goal between Viet Tan and the PDC as both parties established their foundations on human values and advocacy for the betterment of society.
“We will never forget your enthusiastic support for the democracy movement in Viet Nam in the past years, and it is also you who have tirelessly helped the Vietnamese refugees in Switzerland for the past two decades,” said Mr. Do.
“For many years, Viet Tan and the Parti Démocrate-Chrétien have been maintaining close collaborative relations where both parties have advocated for basic human rights and democracy. We hope that this friendship between the two parties would become stronger in time and would lead to the friendship between the Swiss and Vietnamese people.”
To better inform the Parti Démocrate-Chrétien about the human rights situation in Viet Nam, the Viet Tan delegation conducted a presentation giving an overview of the democracy movement including the latest political crackdown by the Vietnamese communist authorities. The famous picture of Father Nguyen Van Ly with his mouth gagged by police at his trial on March 30th was also shown.
Both Pierre Marti, former president of the Geneva City Council, and Jean-Marc Comte, elected representative of Grand-Saconnex City, were recognized for their many contributions to the activities of Viet Tan and the common values shared by both parties.
As a gesture of goodwill and friendship, Mr. Do presented Pierre Marti and Jean-Marc Comte with honorary membership in Viet Tan. Both men were touched and pledged their continued support.
At a later reception, the Viet Tan delegation also met with Anne-Marie Von Arx, elected representative of the PDC and candidate for the Administrative Council of the City of Geneva. During the meeting, Mr. Do discussed the current economic, social and political situation in Vietnam with Mrs. Von Arx and journalists who were attending the reception.
