The spokesman of the Foreign Ministry, Le Dung, on February 23 critised the verdict of the US Appeal Court in New York , describing it as an “erroneous and unjust decision” which would arouse indignation among Vietnamese people.

Answering correspondents’ queries on Vietnam’s reaction over the court’s dismissal of the petition by Vietnamese Agent Orange victims against US chemical companies, Dung said the February 22 verdict denied the fact that AO/dioxin sprayed by the US armed forces during the Vietnam war left serious consequences on the people and environment in Vietnam, which have been confirmed by many research projects by international scientists, including US researchers.

“Regrettably, the verdict was issued at a time when the US government is making co-operation efforts with Vietnam to solve the aftermaths caused by AO/dioxin,” he said.

The spokesman also stressed that it was an urgent humanitarian task to deal with the aftermath, which continue to affect the social-economic situation in Vietnam almost 40 years after the war.

“Millions of Vietnamese and AO victims every day are still suffering physical and mental pains,” Dung said, demanding that the US companies producing AO/dioxin take responsibility and make a practical contribution to overcoming the aftermath of the toxic chemical for not only US veterans but also victims in Vietnam, which are their legal, spiritual and ethical obligations.

In conclusion, the spokesman said: “The demands of Vietnamese AO victims are completely legitimate. We believe that the international community, including US organisations and individuals, will continue to stand side by side with Vietnamese AO victims in the struggle for justice.” (VNA)