Agent Orange case inspires lawyers

(11-03-2009)

President Nguyen Minh Triet receives International Association of Democratic Lawyers chairman Jitendra Sharma. — VNA/VNS Photo Nguyen Khang

HA NOI — The decision by the US Supreme Court to refuse the lawsuit lodged by Vietnamese Agent Orange victims against US producers of the toxic chemical used during the Viet Nam war has strengthened the International Association of Democratic Lawyers (IADL)’s determination to mobilise international support for the victims, said the association chairman Jitendra Sharma.

He made the statement during a reception given by President Nguyen Minh Triet in Ha Noi yesterday.

Chairman Sharma briefed Triet on IADL activities in support of the fight to get justice for Vietnamese AO victims.

He said the IADL and the Viet Nam Association of Victims of Agent Orange are striving to organise a hearing at the court of international opinion in Paris, which convenes in May this year.

A number of international lawyers have agreed to join the board of judges and supervisors at this hearing, he said.

Chairman Sharma said that the IADL was actively working with the Viet Nam Bar Association in preparation for the upcoming 17th IADL congress, scheduled to be held in Ha Noi in June.

He stressed the importance of the congress to the IADL and said this was the first time the congress was being held in an Asian country.

President Triet expressed his thanks to the IADL for its support and assistance to Viet Nam during its struggle for national independence, particularly in the fight to seek justice for AO victims.

The state leader stressed that bringing the sufferings of the AO victims to the court of international public opinion was an action of those who love peace and social equity, and wish to clarify the responsibility of the US.

Although AO victims’ fight for justice still faces many obstacles, the determination of the IADL will make the voice of justice move the world, he said. — VNS

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