LookAtVietnam – The fourth meeting of the Viet Nam-US Joint Advisory Committee (JAC) on issues related to Agent Orange (AO)/dioxin convened in Ha Noi on September 8.

Photo: VNN

In his address to the meeting, US Ambassador to Viet Nam Michael Michalak reviewed achievements that had been gained since the last JAC meeting in September 2008 in health care and environmental remediation.

Environmental repair

Michalak said following the third JAC meeting, USAID and local organisations in the central city of Da Nang signed a number of co-operation agreements to supply healthcare services, rehabilitation activities and support and assistance for programmes tailored to people with disabilities.

Referring to environmental remediation, the US Ambassador said relevant agencies had received bidding documents for environmental assessments of mitigation projects at Da Nang airfield.

He expressed his hope that this JAC session would continue to develop scientifically based advice for lawmakers in the two countries. He also stressed his desire for more technical discussions within JAC that would help lead to decisions on how to address contamination and its impacts on the people.

Nguyen Xuan Cuong, Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, said over the past 10-plus-years, based on their own efforts, the Vietnamese Government and people have tried hard to overcome the consequences of AO/dioxin in spite of their economic difficulties.

“Viet Nam has prioritised dioxin remediation in the most affected areas in order to prevent further exposure to the deadly chemical and improve the health of the people,” said Cuong.

He hoped the fourth JAC meeting would establish specific activities for the two governments so that positive steps for AO/dioxin victims and the contaminated environment could be taken as soon as possible.

Cuong acknowledged the support and care given by foreign countries and non-governmental organisations, including the Ford Foundation, the Viet Nam Veterans Memorial Fund, the United Nations and others.

VietNamNet/Viet Nam News