Duc H. Vu's Blog: The second statement from 20 civil society organizations in Vietnam

Tuesday, May 13, 2014

The second statement from 20 civil society organizations in Vietnam

We, 20 civil society organizations initiated the call for the peaceful protests on May 11, 2014, to condemn the blatant acts of aggression carried out by the Chinese authorities in the East Sea, would like to thank all compatriots and organizations for your prompt response and participating in the recent protests in Hanoi, Saigon and elsewhere. We also thank the security forces for keeping the public order during the protests. Although many groups with different views involved in the protests, we all only have one common call in our hearts, which is the love for the country, and it was the catalyst that made the events a great success.

Definitively, our ultimate goal is: The HD-981 rig must withdraw from the continental shelf and the exclusive economic zone of Vietnam.

Therefore:

We praise your courageous actions and reiterate our call upon all Vietnamese compatriots and organizations to continually organize and participate in the activities to protest and condemn the aggression and incursion carried out by the Chinese authorities. The focus of these activities is to conduct demonstration, marching, peaceful and orderly rally that will deliver the following three main objectives:

1. To condemn and protest against the acts of invasion from the Chinese authorities, and demand China to immediately withdraw the HD-981 oil rig from the continental shelf and the exclusive economic zone of Vietnam.

2. To urge the Vietnamese authorities to take concrete and definitive measures, which have been started on the front to protect the sovereignty, to pursue diplomatic and legal confrontations.

3. To demand the release of the patriotic citizens jailed for their activisms aimed to protect Vietnam’s sovereignty against Chinese aggression.

In addition, let us, hand in hand, expand these activities:

- Making visits and raising funds to support and assist the law enforcement forces of Vietnam which are bravely confronting the aggression of China in the East Sea, especially the families of the victims affected by this tragedy.

- Making contributions to promote the support of the governments and people around the world with regard to the illegal and aggressive actions of the Chinese authorities that seriously violate the sovereignty of Vietnam and international laws, and threaten the peace in the region.

- Making campaigns to convince the public offices not to obstruct any patriotic activities, and encourage people to remain steadfast on the struggle through peaceful actions. Our principle is resolutely not to accept the use of violence.

Pursuing the ultimate goal: "The HD-981 rig must withdraw from the continental shelf and the exclusive economic zone of Vietnam," the protest activities and marches will be conducted weekly on Sundays at 9:00 a.m. at locations to be announced.

Placing the Fatherland above all, we, in solidarity, are calling for participation, support, and suggestions from all compatriots, organizations, associations, and social groups, which are engaging in activities for these common goals.

Co-signed by:

1. Basam News

2. Vietnam Path Movement

3. Danlambao

4. Dan Luan

5. Vietnam Civil Society Forum

6. Vietnamese Political and Religious Prisoners Fellowship Association

7. Democracy Brotherhood

8. Religious Rights Defender Association

9. The Needy Peer Assistance Group (Bau-Bi-Tuong-Than Group)

10. Interfaith Committee for Refugee and Human Rights Concerns

11. Bloc 8406