photo recently removed from the Ho Chi Minh museum
Posted on 12/02/2004 9:40:22 PM PST by NormsRevenge
HANOI, Vietnam (AP) - Vietnam has prohibited an outspoken U.S. Congresswoman from visiting the communist country, saying a trip "would not serve Vietnam-U.S. relations," officials said Friday.
Rep. Loretta Sanchez from Santa Ana, California, was told in a letter sent via the U.S. Embassy in Hanoi that her visa application was rejected because she "altogether lacks objectivity and goodwill toward Vietnam," according to a statement from her office. "The Vietnamese National Assembly and Vietnamese public opinion share the view that a visit to Vietnam by Ms. Loretta Sanchez would not serve Vietnam-U.S. relations," according to a reprinted version of the letter accompanying the statement.
Sanchez, who represents the largest Vietnamese community in the United States, has been a vocal critic of Vietnam's human rights record and has backed House legislation calling on Vietnam to grant more political and religious freedom.
"I'm obviously disappointed with the decision, but I suppose I shouldn't be surprised," Sanchez said in the statement. "The socialist government of Vietnam has proved its intolerance in dealing with people who do not share its point of view. I think it's unfortunate that the government is unwilling to participate in a cooperative dialogue."
Vietnamese officials in Hanoi did not immediately comment.
The U.S. Embassy in Hanoi did not release any details but said it was the first time they were aware a member of U.S. Congress had been denied an entry visa to Vietnam.
This marks the second time Sanchez has been prohibited from visiting, the statement said. She has traveled to Vietnam before, however, and met with dissidents, including Thich Quang Do, deputy leader of a Buddhist church outlawed by the Vietnamese government.
International human rights groups and several countries have criticized Vietnam's human rights record. In September, the U.S. State Department listed Vietnam among the world's worst offenders of religious freedom, a designation that could result in economic sanctions.
Hanoi maintains that no one is persecuted for their religion and only lawbreakers are punished.
Maybe Jean FRancois Kerry could put a good word in for her. ;-)
Yep. Where's Kerry when you need him.
Is she a Democrat?
Yes, she is.
Si ,, urrr, Yes. :-)
photo recently removed from the Ho Chi Minh museum
They're just soar because their Franchurian Candidate didn't sell to American voters.
At least she's a Blue Dog.
http://baronhill.house.gov/bluedogs/mbr_profiles.htm
She's the one that unseated Bob Dornan.
Well, she will probably run for the U.S. Senate if DIFI decides not to. And Kaleephornia voters will probably elect her.
That's right... I wondered why her name was so familiar.
she will probably run for the U.S. Senate if DIFI decides not to
Bring It On !!! :-)
Funny thing is she beat 'B-1 Bob' out here amid many rumors of major fraud. Bob was a true hawk and entrenched Republican. Loretta is a Dem now fighting for the the rights of her constituents vs. a country where Kerry has many skeletons--LITERALLY. Ironic, someone on the same side of the aisle is JFnK's nemesis. I say we Freep Hanoi and get this lady a fact-finding tour ASAP. Although it would have been better in say Sept-Oct of this year....or if he runs in '08! Whatever it takes to shut up Lurch forever politically!
She's a dog alright, but she's certainly not a Blue Dog moderate.
Huh... Who'd've thought Sanchez DIDN'T share Viet Name's point of view?
I think we're overlooking something here. VietNam just might have the right idea!
Why don't we revoke the visas of all the diplomats in the US whose ideology is not in tune with our national interest? We could start with about 90% of the delegations currently at the UN and move on from there.
(I still think that's a great piece of commercial property we should be putting to better use!)
Look, she is doing the right thing. Vietnam sucks. But lots of other people on both sides of the isle are covering up for them. I'm partisan, but I still have to respect this. She called them socialists. It's a start.
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