EN Official Journal of the European Union CE 88/96

(2004/C 88 E/0101)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2552/03

by Jules Maaten (ELDR) to the Commission

(4 August 2003)

Subject: The case of Vinh Binh Trinh in Vietnam

Following the Commission's answer to my Written Question E-1223/01 (1) on the fate of the Dutch citizen of Vietnamese origin, Mr Vinh Binh Trinh, who, as a ‘boat-people’ refugee, stared a successful business in the Netherlands and subsequently established a business in his country of origin, but was convicted on false charges and had his businesses confiscated, I now put the following supplementary questions:

1. Has the European Commission since become aware of reports to the effect that the provincial authorities in the Vung Tan province have been involved in corruption, that the person who laid false allegations against Mr Trinh has admitted to having done so, and that the Central Organisation of the Internal Affairs Ministry in Hanoi has reopened investigations into this case?

2. Is the European Commission prepared emphatically to urge the authorities in Vietnam to rehabilitate Mr Trinh?

3. Is the European Commission aware whether similar cases of corruption have been brought to light that have affected investors from the European Union, and whether the Vietnamese authorities are also prepared to intervene in those cases?

Answer given by Mr Patten on behalf of the Commission

(16 September 2003)

Following Written Question E-1223/01 by the Honourable Member, the Commission has been following the case of Mr Trinh through its Delegation in Hanoi. According to its most recent information, the policeman who arrested Mr Trinh was arrested for corruption himself. Moreover, the main witness against Mr Trinh has withdrawn his testimony in writing. However, the Commission has no confirmation yet that the Vietnamese authorities have reopened the case.

The Commission is not aware that the case of Mr Trinh or other cases have had a negative impact on European investment in Vietnam. However, corruption and lack of transparency continue to be some of Vietnam's most pressing issues in the reform process. The Government of Vietnam has taken decisive measures against corruption as part of the public administration and legal reform programmes, which are under implementation and to which the Member States and the Commission have offered their support. The promotion of good governance, best administrative practice and a properly functioning judiciary system are priorities for Community co-operation with Vietnam under the Country Strategy Paper 2002-2006.

The competence to intervene in this case lies primarily with the Dutch authorities. The Commission's policy towards Vietnam is to encourage and support continued progress on human rights, democratisation and good governance, and to raise concerns where abuses occur or where the situation deteriorates. The Commission works closely with the Member States in monitoring developments in the country. It participates in all Union démarches to the Government of Vietnam on human rights issues. The Commission will continue to follow Mr Trinh's case, together with the Diplomatic Missions of the Member States in Vietnam.

(1) OJ C 350 E, 11.12.2001, p. 95.