Association Supports AO Victims

President Truong Tan Sang has praised the Viet Nam Association of Victims of Agent Orange (AO) and dioxin (VAVA) for its efforts in support of victims of the war-time toxin. During a meeting with the association Dec 24, President Sang asked members of the association to provide advice to the Party and State on addressing the consequences of use of the toxic chemicals during the war. Sang also called on Vietnamese people at home and abroad, as well as international friends, to continue supporting Agent Orange and dioxin victims. VAVA President Sen. Lieut. Gen. Nguyen Van Rinh said the organization has established relations with some 500 organizations and individuals in 30 nations throughout the world in its struggle for justice for victims of Agent Orange. About 80 million litres of herbicides, mainly Agent Orange containing dioxin, were sprayed over South Viet Nam during the Viet Nam War. Nearly 4.8 million Vietnamese people were exposed to dioxin and around 3 million suffer from health problems today. (Vietnam News Dec 25)