Mr Dung was answering correspondents’ questions regarding a US House of Representatives’ Resolution (dated May 2) calling for the release of individuals found to be violating Vietnamese law.

He said: “We have many times reiterated that the Vietnamese State always respects the rights of the individual. No one in Vietnam is arrested due to their political views or religion; only those who violate our country's laws, and in turn we process them in line with our laws.”

“Recently, there have been individuals using the cloak of democracy and freedom to violate Vietnamese, thus undermining security, social order and stability. The punishment imposed on law breakers is a normal action and is in accordance with both Vietnamese and international laws.

Dung stressed that Vietnam-US relations has recently seen important progress in building a constructive partnership and friendship on the basis of equality and mutual respect and benefit.

He said: “Our two countries share a common interest in developing the bilateral relationship on a broad, stable and effective basis. We are willing to hold frank and open dialogues on issues of US concern in order to boost mutual understanding between the two sides and not let differences affect our shared development.”

VNA