Hanoi (VNA) – The 2016 International Religious Freedom Annual Report of the US State Department still included some unobjective assessments and cited wrong information about Vietnam, according to Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Le Thi Thu Hang.
She made the remark at the ministry’s regular press conference in Hanoi on August 17 in response to a question regarding the US State Department’s release of the 2016 International Religious Freedom Annual Report.
Hang clarified that: “The consistent policy of the State of Vietnam is to respect and ensure the freedom of belief and religion, and following or not following any religions. This was enshrined in the Constitution and law of Vietnam and is ensured and respected in reality.”
That has created a very diverse life of religion and belief in Vietnam, she said, adding that Vietnamese law bans any religious and belief discrimination.
“The State of Vietnam has been implementing many concrete policies and measures to ensure that people fully benefit from the right to freedom of religion and belief, including the Law on Belief and Religion, which was approved by the National Assembly in November 2016 and will take effect in January 2018.”
[US State Department must respect truth about VN’s religion situation]
“The 2016 International Religious Freedom Annual Report of the US State Department had some adjustments to match the reality in Vietnam. However, it was a regret as the report still gave some subjective assessments and cited incorrect information about Vietnam,” the spokeswoman stressed.
At the conference, Hang also informed the press about several external activities of the country in the time ahead.-VNA
VNA