VN protests foreign intervention into her internal affairs

"We have many times affirmed that the Vietnamese State always respects the democratic rights and freedoms of individuals," said Lê Dũng. "In Vietnam, no one has been arrested due to their political views or religious reasons; only those who violate Vietnamese laws are punished in conformity with our laws."

The Spokesman pointed out that some individuals have recently made use of the cloak of democracy and freedom to break Vietnamese laws and the Vietnamese State's policies, sabotaging security, social order and stability. "The punishment of law violators is a normal practice and is in line with both Vietnamese and international laws," he added.

Mr. Lê Dũng emphasized that significant progress has been made in the Vietnam-US relations in order to build a constructive partnership, friendship and multifaceted cooperation on the basis of equality, mutual respect and benefits.

"The two countries share common interests in deepening the bilateral cooperation on a broad, stable and effective foundation," he said. "We are willing to have frank and open talks on issues of the US's concern in order to increase mutual understanding between the two sides and not let differences affect our development."

By Nguyên Hồ