U.S. legislator urges human rights during Vietnam visit

U.S. legislator Zoe Lofgren, who represents San Jose, urged Sec. of State Condoleeza Rice to press human rights during the upcoming visit to the United States of Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister Vu Khoan and Foreign Minister Pham Gia Khiem. In a letter posted at her website, she highlighted the cases of Nguyen Van Dai and Fr. Nguyen Van Ly, and cited the U.S. Commission on International Freedom's report on religious repression in Vietnam. The letter was signed by Lofgren, along with congress members Chris Smith, Tom Davis, Loretta Sanchez and Jeff Fortenberry. With the exception of Fortenberry, all are co-chairs of the Vietnam Caucus in the House of Representatives.

Source: Zoe Lofgren website, March 12.