Mr Thu who will lead a VAVA delegation to the first oral argument at the US Court of Appeals in New York told VOVNews in a recent interview that four Vietnamese Agent Orange/Dioxin (AO) victims will be present at the proceedings. They are Nguyen Thi Hong from southern Dong Nai province, Nguyen Van Qui from northern Hai Phong port city, Vo Thanh Hai from central Thua Thien-Hue province and Nguyen Muoi from the former imperial city of Hue. Among them, Qui was one of the first Vietnamese AO victims who lodged the suit against US chemical companies.

VOVNews brings you excerpts from the interview.

VOVNews: Could you brief us on the initial results of the lawsuit?

Second, the US Government has agreed to address the consequences of toxic chemicals sprayed in Vietnam. Though levels of assistance remain unknown, there are first signs that the victims will receive aid soon. Several US companies have insisted that the US take the responsibility for dealing with the consequences.

It will take time for the two sides to compare notes, but I believe that justice will prevail in favour of the Vietnamese side in the end. However, it is not an easy task because the case takes place in the US, and with their great potential, defendants can gather forces against the plaintiffs. No matter how difficult it is and how long it takes, we will pursue the case till the end with strong support from not only the association but also international friends. 

VOVNews: What will be argued during the proceedings?

Mr Thu: The court will consider the rulings by the Court of First Instance and will deliver conclusions regarding the appeal by the Vietnamese plaintiffs. Of course, the court will also consider the defendants’ evidence. We have made thorough preparations to defend our arguments presented earlier at the Court of First Instance, and at the same time, to dismiss the defendants’ claims and prove that the conclusions made by the Court of First Instance were not correct. 

VOVNews: How have you prepared for the case since we know little about the US legal system?

Mr Thu: It is the first oral argument from which the court will make a certain decision. To date, lawyers defending Vietnamese plaintiffs have prepared documents with new evidence in favour of the plaintiffs. According to the US law, US lawyers representing Vietnamese plaintiffs will stand for arguments instead of the plaintiffs themselves. Of course, these lawyers have discussions with the Vietnamese side in advance.

The fact is that we had known very little about the US legal system until we received assistance from US lawyers, the International Association of Democratic Lawyers and the US Democratic Lawyers Council. Now we have got a better understanding of the US law and regulations. We completely trust US lawyers because some of them were anti-war campaigners during the Vietnam War. We hope they will act for justice, not for their private purposes. 

VOVNews; Three years have elapsed since Vietnamese victims sued US chemical companies and the lawsuit has received strong support from around the world. Could you elaborate on the support and its impacts on the lawsuit?

Mr Thu: That is correct. Seven lawyers in France, the UK, the US and other countries have demanded in their letters that the US Government support the lawsuit. Meanwhile, many scientists have affirmed that the chemicals sprayed by the US army had bad impacts on the ecological environment, human health and soil, and that these chemicals could cause cancer and other serious illnesses. In addition, many politicians including those from the Communist Parties and left-wing parties have voiced support for the lawsuit. People, including those living in France, Germany, the UK, Italy, the US and Venezuela have established associations to organise rallies and fundraisers in support of the victims. Movements are in full swing in Japan and the Republic of Korea.

VOVNews: While pursuing the lawsuit, what has VAVA done to support AO victims’ lives?

Mr Thu: All the victims receive monthly State allowances ranging from VND100,000 to VND800,000 per person. Their relatives who have been affected by the chemicals also receive State subsidies.

Since its establishment, through its activities, VAVA has called for support from domestic and foreign philanthropists to pour aid into the association or directly into families of the victims. Many associations have been established inside and outside the country, in the US and France, for instance, to provide physical and material support for the victims. Many international organisations have frequently held talks about Agent Orange and raised funds for the victims. Many international friends and overseas Vietnamese have even come to the victims’ houses, providing them with production tools or taking care of them their whole lives.