Januray 13, 2015
Press Release
WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez (CA-46), co-chair of the Congressional Caucus on Vietnam, today spoke with Ted Osius, the recently appointed U.S. Ambassador to Vietnam. During the call Rep. Sanchez emphasized the need for human rights reforms before closer economic ties like the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP). Specifically, Rep. Sanchez called for the release of human rights lawyer Le Quoc Quan and other prisoners of conscience. She also advocated for increased internet freedom, which is an essential way for families to communicate and for the U.S. to obtain insight into Vietnam.
“I had a productive conversation with Ambassador Osius today,” said Rep. Sanchez. “Vietnam continues to commit egregious human rights violations and the United States must send a strong message that its actions are unacceptable. As the list of detained bloggers and prisoners of conscience gets longer and longer, it is more important than ever that Vietnam understand that respect for human rights is required of any bilateral partner. I am glad that the Ambassador told Vietnam’s President and Prime Minister that their continued poor behavior after the U.S. lifted the lethal weapons ban is intolerable. We must continue to advocate on behalf of civil society and speak out for the protection of human rights for all individuals in Vietnam.”
Source:Loretta Sanchez page
