Obama Lifts Ban on Selling U.S. Arms to Hanoi in a Bitter Irony for Vietnam Veterans
by
Wcbm
U.S. President Obama on Monday lifted a half-century ban on selling arms to Vietnam, a move that is raising concerns among some Vietnam War veterans.
“At this stage, both sides have established a level of trust and cooperation, including between our militaries, that is reflective of common interests and mutual respect,” said Mr. Obama in Hanoi during his first visit to the country. “This change will ensure that Vietnam has access to the equipment it needs to defend itself and removes a lingering vestige of the Cold War.”
He said every U.S. arms sale would be reviewed case by case to take into account Vietnam’s human-rights record.
