Question 1: Viet Nam has recently turned down US Representative Loretta Sanchez's visa application to visit Viet Nam. Why?

Answer:

In the past years, Viet Nam - US relations have witnessed encouraging advances in many fields and through different channels, including that between the US Congress and the Vietnamese National Assembly, as demonstrated by the increasing number of US Congressmen who visit Viet Nam and vice-versa. For the sake of promoting relations of cooperation based on an equal footing, mutual benefit and mutual respect, Viet Nam's National Assembly extends consistent support to US - Viet Nam exchanges and dialogue conducted in an open spirit and with good will. In that spirit, Viet Nam has welcomed many US Congressional and staff delegations. Regrettably however, Ms. Loretta Sanchez altogether lacks objectivity and good will toward Viet Nam. The Vietnamese National Assembly and Vietnamese public opinion share the view that a visit to Viet Nam by Ms. Loretta Sanchez would not serve Viet Nam - US relations.

Question 2: Would it not help Representative Loretta Sanchez gain a better understanding of Viet Nam and its policies if she were allowed to visit Viet Nam?

Answer:

Ms. Loretta Sanchez has already had two opportunities to visit Viet Nam in 1999 and 2000. Differences of views on specific issues are a normal thing between nations and states and we have had frank and constructive discussions with US Congressional delegations, including some who in fact disagreed with us. However, Ms. Loretta Sanchez has never shown any constructive objectivity or any real interest in moving the bilateral relations forward both during those two visits and in her subsequent deeds and statements. Regrettably, we cannot but conclude that thus far, such a visit would not serve any useful purpose either for Viet Nam or for Viet Nam - US relations.

Question 3: Are you not worried that the decision not to grant an entry visa to Representative Loretta Sanchez might send a negative message about Viet Nam's openness?

Answer:

I believe that most Americans wish to set the past aside and to develop relations with Southeast Asian nations including Viet Nam. That a handful of people keep trying to oppose such relations cannot and should not be allowed to undermine the broad interest of strengthening the equal and mutually beneficial bilateral cooperation. I am travelling in the US in December and would be prepared to meet with Representative Loretta Sanchez if she deemed it might help narrow down differences and find common ground.