More evidence for dioxin victims’ lawsuit against US

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(VOV) - The Vietnam Association of Victims of Agent Orange/Dioxin (VAVA) has collected more evidence for the victims’ lawsuit against the US, said VAVA Vice President Tran Xuan Thu in a recent interview granted to VOV.

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VOV: Does VAVA intend to pursue the lawsuit against American chemical companies or struggle for justice in another direction as the lawsuit has lasted seven years without achieving final results?

Mr Thu: Despite the passage of time, the association will continue to seek justice by legal means. We know there remains a lot to be done. First we are urging the US House of Representatives to compensate both American and Vietnamese victims of AO/dioxin. Then we request the US Congress and Administration to give compensations or subsidies for the victims.

The verdict by the US Supreme Court in New York takes effect only in this state. Even though the court rejected the lawsuit lodged by the Vietnamese victims, Vietnam can still sue in another state of the US.

Preparations are being made for the final stage. The lawsuit is expected to come to the fore again in late 2011 or early 2012.

VOV: US courts rejected much of the evidence provided by Vietnam in previous lawsuits. What is new evidence to give them?

Mr Thu: We have gathered a wide range of new evidence for the lawsuit.

There is no doubt that the US wants to shirk its legal responsibility and keep the lawsuit in a state of deadlock. The final results depend on not only the defendants but also the US government’s sense of responsibility.

VOV: Dioxin-related diseases recognized by the US are all found in Vietnam. Are they considered as part of the convincing evidence for VAVA’s legal proceedings?

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