Dr. Ngai Nguyen, the Vice Chairman of the Democratic Party of Vietnam, expressed his regrets to the Lantos family upon hearing of the death of Congressman Tom Lantos earlier today.
“Congressman Lantos was dedicated to improving human rights, religious freedom and democracy throughout the world and his words of encouragement and support for our efforts in Vietnam will always be remembered and treasured,” said Dr. Nguyen.
In a meeting with Congressman Lantos last Fall, Dr. Nguyen discussed the harshest crackdown on peaceful dissent by the Vietnamese Communist government in 20 years. The Vietnamese Communist Party arrested dozens of democracy and human rights activists and independent trade union leaders in 2007, reversing a temporary easing of restrictions in 2006.
Dr. Nguyen said he will never fully be able to express his gratitude for Mr. Lantos and his unwavering efforts on behalf of freedom for the people of Vietnam.
The Mission of the DPV is to persuade the Communist Party in Vietnam, through peaceful means, to improve democracy and human rights and allow multi-political parties, and freedom of the press and religion.
Mr. Lantos chaired the House Foreign Affairs Committee.
Contacts:
Overseas Office
Dr. Ngai Nguyen,
1-408-603-5030
ngainguyen@aol.com
