US plans Hanoi `embassy'
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Washington - The United States yesterday announced plans finally to open political liaison offices - embassies in all but name - with Vietnam today, and to sign two agreements settling property and other claims left over from the Indochina war.
Christine Shelly, State Department spokesman, told reporters that the move fulfilled an announcement made by President Bill Clinton when, on 3 February 1994, he lifted the two-decade-old trade embargo against Vietnam and declared his intention to open a liaison office in Hanoi at a later date.
She emphasised, however, that today's action does not constitute the establishment of formal diplomatic relations with Vietnam and noted that that will only come after further progress in accounting for American servicemen still missing in action from the conflict.
Vietnam is a sensitive subject for the Clinton administration. Conservative US politicians, some war veterans' groups and families of more than 2,000 missing US servicemen oppose the President's moves to improve relations. n
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments