In spite of the repeated declarations of the Vietnamese authorities, the situation of fundamental liberties in Vietnam and, in particular, of freedom of religion, continues to give grounds for extreme concern. The European Parliament adopted, on 20 November, a Resolution in which it asks the Vietnamese authorities immediately to put an end to policies of repression against Buddhists and Catholics and adopt without further delay all the necessary reforms to guarantee a legal status to both. The EP urges the Vietnamese government to release immediately all citizens detained on grounds of their faith and respect the freedom of worship of all religious groups. The Council and the Commission are invited to use all the political and diplomatic means at their disposal to ensure that freedom of worship become a reality in Vietnam, and to exercise vigilance to ensure that the clauses on human rights included in trade agreements and treaties be rigorously complied with. Lastly, the diplomatic representatives of the EU in Vietnam are invited to show concern for the cases of exponents of the unified Buddhist church being held in prison or in house arrest and pay particular attention to the situation of freedom of worship in the country. Lastly, the Resolution recommends the sending of a delegation of the EP to Vietnam to evaluate the religious situation, in particular as regards the unified Buddhist church.
