In June, we held annual high level discussions with Vietnamese officials here in Washington. Our sense was that these talks, held for the first time at the Assistant Secretary level and led by Assistant Secretary Koh on our side, were productive. Secretary Albright raised human rights issues prominently in her discussions with Vietnam's senior leadership last year and in her earlier visit in 1997. Since normalization began, Vietnam's central government has substantially reduced its intrusive behavior, and it is beginning to restrain heavy-handed provincial governments. Vietnam has released 20 religious or political prisoners from jail so far this year, including 12 Hmong Protestants and three Catholic priests.
Dissidents released from prisons still face harassment, but they can meet outsiders and supporters.
Without a doubt, greater freedom of religious expression and worship exists in Vietnam than during the two decades after 1975. Vietnam is also making progress toward meeting international standards on workers' rights. We expect further progress in the near future. In no small part, the progress we have seen can be attributed to Ambassador Peterson's persistent pursuit of our concerns, to our annual human rights dialogue, and to Ambassador Robert Seiple's advocacy for greater religious freedom. We can also credit cooperation between the Congress and the Executive.