In his visit to Vietnam, President Clinton conveyed a clear, though not strong, message of support for human rights and freedom. However, it is also clear that the President believes strongly in opening Vietnam to the world as the best way to liberalize Vietnam. Therefore, his visit should be viewed as a starting point for a new stage of engagement. Although the President did not meet with any dissidents, Rep. Loretta Sanchez met with four prominent dissidents in Hanoi and two in Saigon. I believe that the people will become more active and more vocal in their demand for change.
Protests continue and have intensified both in the provinces and in Saigon and Hanoi.
In the provinces, during the last few weeks, hundreds of peasants traveled to provincial government headquarters to file their complaints, though in vain. Political dissidents have intensified their activities. The discontent of the people has become more open and more vocal, as people recognize that they can receive American and international recognition and support. The next step that the American government and public can take to promote freedom and human rights in Vietnam is to focus on helping to strengthen the people and the private sector in all areas of activities, including economic, cultural, educational, and informational realms. I think that the next Administration should support public as well as private programs and activities to promote the emergence of an open civil society.