OPEN LETTER TO PRESIDENT BUSH AND VICE PRESIDENT CHENEY

 

Memorial Day, May 28, 2007.

 

President George W. Bush and Vice President Cheney

The White House

1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW

Washington DC 20500.

 

Email: comments@whitehouse.gov

Email: vice_president@whitehouse.gov

 

Re: Nguyen minh Triet?s visit in June 2007

 

Dear President Bush and Vice President Cheney:

 

We express our grave concerns about the fact that you have approved a visit by Nguyen minh Triet to the White House, probably on June 22, 2007.

 

As a leader of the USA and also of the free world, you have several reasons to do so. Some people say that security for the region and for the world is one. Hanoi?s cooperation with the US in fighting the terror is another. And still, others explain that interest of business circles is a motive for you to make such decision.

 

This is a move you make to get close to the communist country. Briefly, for any or all reasons cited, you are the one who wants to raise the relationship between the USA and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam (SRV) up to a higher level . It is clear that you expect that the SRV becomes a close and loyal friend that cooperates with you. in achieving the goals.

 

In this letter, we do not discuss that expectation. However, we would like to raise the dark side of your decision and the consequence of it is an excessive burden on the Vietnamese people. Properly speaking, this is done at the expenses of the Vietnamese people.

 

In fact, last year, you allowed the name of the SRV to be removed from the CPC list, helped pass the PNTR bill, and then allowed it to join WTO, and yourself; you came to the APEC meeting in Hanoi. How have Hanoi leaders interpreted these facts? Let hear Vo van Kiet, former premier of the SRV and no 4 man in the Politburo of the communist party of Vietnam (CPV) say in The Communist Review No 123, issue of Feb.07 as follows: ?the fact that SRV joined WTO and that leaders of Major Powers were present at the APEC meeting held in Hanoi is an evidence that international communities recognize the leadership role of the party and the state in the process of integration?? Thus, the Party is a person who really holds overall power and achieve  political consensus which is a largest support to implement political system reforms.?

 

What does Kiet have in mind, when he makes this statement? Kiet wants to tell Vietnamese people and the whole world that   leaders of the major powers have conferred upon the Party full authority to act. And if anyone challenges the party about freedom and democracy, he will bear all burdens. An important thing in this situation should be noted that a picture of you, as a President of the USA making statements to the Vietnamese people when you stood under the statue of ?Uncle Ho? showed that USA is on their side. And this is evidence that President Bush was supporting their policy. It is no doubt that as a result, a massive campaign of systematic repression has been carried out since then.

 

In fact, tough stance began after SRV got into WTO.

 

At first, some members of the Thang TiꮠParty were arrested. Then in February 18, 07 Father Nguyꮠvan Ly?s house in Hu꠷as searched and then he was taken away, and placed under house arrest in a remote church.

 

On March 30, 2007, Father Ly and some others such as NguyꮠPhong, Nguyꮠbinh Thanh, Hoang thi Anh Dao and Le thi Hang were sentenced  to imprisonment for ?committing propaganda activities against the government? by the Hu꠴ribunal court.

 

In separate cases, the following were also prosecuted for spreading propaganda against the regime and also received imprisonment sentences:

 

All international Human Rights Organizations have strongly criticized the move.

 

On May 15, 2007 in Bruxelles, President of the European Union issued a Declaration on sentencing of human rights defenders, saying that ?the EU has noted with great concern that several peaceful human rights defenders have been arrested and given long prison sentences on charge of conducting propaganda against SRV.?

 

Germany and others strongly condemned such deplorable violations.

Now, as a president of the USA, you plan to receive Nguyꮠminh Tri괠at the White House under these circumstances, the communists would think that you approve their policy. Even, a status of a state visit is not granted or even if he is humiliated, he doesn?t care so long as he gets in the White House and has pictures taken with you.  This is a very important tactics for the CPV to hold on power.

 

We recommend that:

 

We hope that you understand the seriousness of these communist atrocities.

 

Sincerely,

 

The Vietnamese Americans.

 

 

Enclosures:

1)  Pictures of Father Ly at trial in Hue March 30, 2007.

 

 

 

2) List of Prisoners

 

INTERNATIONAL MOVEMENT FOR DEMOCRACY AND HUMAN RIGHTS IN VIETNAM.

 

C.P. 51520 Boul. Tachereau, G.P. J4V, 3N8, Quebec, Canada.

Telephone: (514) 433-2875.    Fax: (514) 756-2447.

 

Web: http://www.tudongonluanonline.com

 

Email: humanrights-vn@hotmail.com

Email: info@tudongonluanonline.com

 

Following is the list of religious and political prisoners in Vietnam as of May 2, 2007.

 

1.       Bui Kim Thanh, Lawyer, member of The Vietnam?s Democratic Party XXI, resides at 152/43A Dien Bien Phu, P.25. Q.3, Saigon, advocated and supported the farmers - detained on Nov. 3, 2006 at the mental hospital in Bien Hoa, Room B4, Section 4, to stop her from exposing government unlawful land confiscation practices, within 4 days after arrest she was injected 20 times unknown medicine. Doctors at Cho Quan mental hospital certified she was normal

 

2.       Doan Huy Chuong aka Hoang Huy Chuong, born 1985, worker in Bien Hoa 2?s Industry Zone, member of the United Workers-Farmers Organization of Viet Nam, arrested Nov. 14, 2006 in Dong Nai, detained at B5 Prison in Dong Nai

3.       Doan Van Dien, father of Doan Huy Chuong, arrested Nov. 15, 2006, resides in Dinh Quan, born 1954, Mennonite, previously detained Sept 11, 06 for religious activities. Member of UWFO of Viet Nam

4.       Duong Thi Tron, 60 years old, wife of Mr. Nguyen Van Tho, Women Charity leader of Hoa Hao Buddhist Church of Dong Thap, detained Oct. 2, 2006 along with her husband Nguyen Van Tho, jailed in Cao Lanh, Dong Thap without trial. Residence in Hoa Tan hamlet, Tan Hoa village, Lai Vung district, Dong Thap

5.       Ho Thi Bich Khuong, farmer-rights advocate, detained Apr. 25, 2007 at an Internet cafe, Nam Anh village, Nam Dan district, Nghe An

6.       Hong Trung, born 1964, pastor of Worldwide Seventh-day Adventist Church , leader of For The People Party, detained one week by Gia Lai security police on Nov. 9, 2006, arrested Feb 22, 2007

7.       Huynh Nguyen Dao, journalist, pen name Huynh Viet Lang, leader of the People?s Democratic Party, arrested  Aug 15, 2006, jailed in 4 Phan Dang Luu, Saigon, born 1968, BA in philosophy

8.       Huynh Tan Phat, cyber dissident, accused of abusing the freedom and democracy rights under Article 258 of the Penal Code

9.       Le Ba Triet, business man, arrested Nov. 18, 2006 in Saigon, in suspicion with United Workers-Farmers Organization of Viet Nam, jailed in 4 Phan Dang Luu, Binh Thanh District, Saigon

10.    Le Nguyen Sang, MD, pen name Nguyen Hoang Long, founder of the People?s Democratic Party, arrested Aug 14, 2006, jailed in 4 Phan Dang Luu, Saigon

11.    Le Quoc Quan, lawyer,  resides in Nghe An, detained in Mar 8, 2007, his whereabouts is unknown, writer in human rights and democracy issues, visited US and attended NED?s seminars in early of Mar 2007, charged with violating article 79 of the penal code, attempting to overthrow the people?s government

12.    Le Thi Cong Nhan, 28, lawyer, Hanoi, interrogated several times since Sept 12, 06, detained Mar 6, 2007, charged with Article 88 of the Penal Code for ?propagandising against the Socialist Republic of Vietnam? for advocating human rights and democracy

13.    Le Trung Hieu, member of the People?s Democratic Party, arrested around Aug 25, 2006, jailed in Tien Giang

14.    Le Van Soc, leader, Hoa Hao Buddhist Church of Vinh Long province, detained Nov. 4, 2006, jailed in Cao Lanh, Dong Thap without trial. Residence in Dong Thanh A hamlet, Dong Binh village, Binh Minh district, Vinh Long

15.    Mai Thi Dung, 35 years old, 2005, jailed in Vinh Long, member of Hoa Hao Buddhist Church, detained Aug. 5, 2005, sentenced Sept. 27, 2005 for 5 years for disturbing the public order and against the government officials, along with her husband Vo Van Buu who got 7-year sentence, jailed in Xuan Loc, Dong Nai. She has a mother 76 and two children 14 and 11. Her mother?s address: Ms. Nguyen Thi Hue, No. 99, My Thanh hamlet, My An village, Cho Moi district, An Giang

16.    Nguyen Bac Truyen, lawyer, 37, central member of the People?s Democratic Party, detained Jan 2007 in prison 4, Phan Dang Luu, Saigon

17.    Nguyen Binh Thanh, sentenced Mar. 30, 2007, 5 years in prison and 2 years under house arrest for association with Father Ly and being a member of the Progression Party

18.    Nguyen Ngoc Quang: Resided in 8th District, Saigon, member of 8406 group, interrogated Aug 5, 6, 10/06, detained Sept 2, 2006at B34 Prison, 237 Nguyen Van Cu, district 1, Saigon

19.    Nguyen Phong, sentenced Mar. 30, 2007, 6 years in prison and 3 years under house arrest for association with Father Ly and being a leader of the Progression Party

20.    Nguyen Tan Hoanh, founder of the United Workers-Farmers Organization of Viet Nam (UWFO), arrested Nov. 15, 2006 in Dong Nai province, detained at B5 Prison in Dong Nai, born 1984, was a worker at Seafood Import/Export Company in Dien Ban, Quang Nam, moved to Saigon, leader of several labor strikes

21.    Nguyen Thanh Phong, 35 years old, member of Hoa Hao Buddhist Church, detained Aug. 5, 2005 along with his wife Nguyen Thi Ha, sentenced Sept. 27, 2005 for 6 years for disturbing the public order and against the government officials, jailed in Xuan Loc, Dong Nai, nephew of Mr. Vo Van Thanh Liem

22.    Nguyen Thi Ha, 32 years old, member of Hoa Hao Buddhist Church, detained Aug. 5, 2005, sentenced on Sept. 27, 2005 for 4 years by An Giang?s court for disturbing the public order and against the government officials, along with her husband Nguyen Thanh Phong who got 6-year sentence, jailed in Xuan Loc, Dong Nai. She has a mother 74, two children 12 and 10. Her mother?s address: Ms. Le Thi Ut, No. 74, My Thanh hamlet, My An village, Cho Moi district, An Giang

23.    Nguyen Thi Thanh, 50 years old, member of Hoa Hao Buddhist Church, detained Aug. 5, 2005, jailed in Vinh Long without trial. Residence in Phu Yen, Tuy Hoa

24.    Nguyen Thi Thuy Trang, young lawyer in the Ho Chi Minh City office of Quan & Brothers, detained in Mar 7, 2007 at Nọ 4 Pham Dang Luu

25.    Nguyen Thi Tuyet, worker and member of the United Workers-Farmers Organization of Viet Nam, joined several labor strikes in Dong Nai, arrested Nov. 15, 2006 in Saigon, situation unknown

26.    Nguyen Tuan, artist/painter, arrested Nov. 18, 2006 in Saigon, in suspicion with United Workers-Farmers Organization of Viet Nam, jailed in 4 Phan Dang Luu

27.    Nguyen Van Dai, 38, lawyer, detained Mar 6, 2007, prisoner No. 849V, cell 1719, prison No. 1 of Hanoi Security at Cau Dien, charged with Article 88 of the Penal Code for ?propagandising against the Socialist Republic of Vietnam? for advocating human rights and democracy

28.    Nguyen Van Dien, 63 years old, member of Hoa Hao Buddhist Church, detained Aug. 5, 2005, sentenced Sept. 27, 2005 in An Giang for 7 years for disturbing the public order and against the government officials, jailed in Xuan Loc, Dong Nai. Contact: Mr. Nguyen Van Tho, No. 523, Hoa Tan hamlet, Tan Hoa village, Lai Vung district, Dong Thap

29.    Thaddeus Nguyen Van Ly, 61, Catholic priest, sentenced Mar. 30, 2007, 8 years in prison and 5 years under house arrest, charged with Article 88.1.C of the Penal code for ?production, storage, and distribution of anti-government materials against the Socialist Republic of Vietnam? for publishing the Freedom of Speech magazine

30.    Nguyen Van Ngoc, leader The Vietnamese Patriots Group, arrested Feb 28, 2007 in Dong Nai province, location unknown

31.    Nguyen Van Tho, 62 years old, leader, Hoa Hao Buddhist Church of Dong Thap province, detained Oct. 2, 2006 along with his wife Duong Thi Tron, jailed in Cao Lanh, Dong Thap without trial. Residence in Hoa Tan hamlet, Tan Hoa village, Lai Vung district, Dong Thap

32.    Nguyen Van Thuy, Youth leader, Hoa Hao Buddhist Church of Vinh Long province, detained Nov. 22, 2006, jailed in Cao Lanh, Dong Thap without trial. Residence in Dong Thanh hamlet, Dong Binh village, Binh Minh district, Vinh Long

33.    Nguyen Vu Binh, sentenced 7 years, imprisoned since 2003 in Ba Sao prison, seriously sick with very high blood pressure and digestive system disorder

34.    Pham Ba Hai: Resides in Hoc Mon, stopped travel to India for work, member of 8406 group, detained Sept 8, 2006 in Thai Binh then transported to B34 prison

35.    To Van Manh, 55 years old, member of Hoa Hao Buddhist Church, detained Aug. 5, 2005, sentenced Sept. 27, 2005 for 6 years by An Giang?s court for disturbing the public order and against the government officials, jailed in Xuan Loc, Dong Nai. He has a wife and 3 children. Wife?s address: Ms. Le Thi Bich, No. 93, An Thai hamlet, My An Hung village, Lap Vo district, Dong Thap

36.    Tran Khai Thanh Thuy, born 1960, writer, pen name Nguyen Thai Hoang, interrogated and detained Sept 3, 06, arrested April 21, 2007 for propaganda against the government (Article 88 Penal Code), resides in Long Bien, Hanoi

37.    Tran Quoc Hien, speaker of the United Workers-Farmers Organization of Viet Nam, 8406 Group, arrested Jan 12, 2007 and detained at 4 Phan Dang Luu, Saigon

38.    Tran Thi Le Hang aka Nguyen Thi Le Hong, founder of United Workers-Farmers Organization of Viet Nam, arrested Nov. 15, 2006 in Dong Nai province, detained at B5 Prison in Dong Nai, born 1959, farmer and worker, involved in several labor strikes

39.    Tran Thanh Phong, 35 years old, jailed in Vinh Long, member of Hoa Hao Buddhist Church, detained Aug. 5, 2005, sentenced on Sept. 27, 2005 for 6 years by An Giang?s court along with his wife Nguyen Thi Ha who got 4-year sentence. He has a mother 74, two children 12 and 10. His mother?s address: Ms. Le Thi Ut, No. 74, My Thanh hamlet, My An village, Cho Moi district, An Giang

40.    Tran Tuan, painter

41.    Trinh Quoc Thao, leader of The Vietnamese Patriots Group, arrested Feb 28, 2007 in Dong Nai province, location unknown

42.    Truong Quoc Huy, 25-year old, member of 8406 group, reside in 10th District, Saigon, detained 9 months without trial from Oct. 19, 2005 to Jul. 7, 2006, released for over 1 month, re-arrested Aug. 18, 2006, a cyber dissident, accused of abusing the freedom and democracy rights under Article 258 of the Penal Code jailed in B4, 237 Nguyen Van Cu, Saigon

43.    Truong Van Suong, life sentence, Ba Sao prison

44.    Vo Van Buu, 37 years old, member of Hoa Hao Buddhist Church, self-immolation Aug. 5, 2005 but was saved, sentenced Sept. 27, 2005 in An Giang for 7 years for disturbing the public order and against the government officials, jailed in Xuan Loc, Dong Nai. His wife, Mai Thi Dung, also sentenced for 6 years by the same court. He has a mother 76 and two children 14 and 11. His mother?s address: Ms. Nguyen Thi Hue, No. 99, My Thanh hamlet, My An village, Cho Moi district, An Giang

45.    Vo Van Thanh Liem, 60 years old, member of Hoa Hao Buddhist Church , detained Aug. 5, 2005 along with nephew Nguyen Thanh Long, sentenced Sept. 18, 2005 for 6 years for disturbin g the public order and against the government officials, jailed in Xuan Loc, Dong Nai. Residence in Long Dien A, Cho Moi, An Giang

46.    Vu Hoang Hai, Reside in 4th District, Saigon, member of 8406 group, interrogated, beaten, neck injury, detained Sept 5, 2006

47.    Vuong Quoc Hoai, in Ha Tay, Protestant pastor (Muc Su Co Doc Phuc Lam), Son Ha Democracy Youths Group, joined the Progressive Party, interrogated Sept 13, 06 and detained at unknown location

48.    Vu Van Hung, teacher at public high school Bich Hoa, Ha Tay, born 1966, reside in Ha Dong, detained April 18, 2007 for democracy and human rights advocate.