AUSTRALIANS FOR FREE VIETNAM
On January 19, 1997, the formation of the Australians For a Free Vietnam (A.F.F.V.) Committee was officially announced in Sydney, Australia. Along with its counterparts in other countries around the world, this Committee is to support the Vietnamese in their struggle for freedom and democracy.
The Chairman of the A.F.F.V. is Marks Stevens, an attorney working for the Australian Social Ministry. The Vice-Chairman is Professor Manny Poularas. Both are members of the Australian Democratic Party and have attended numerous demonstrations and other activities for a free Vietnam. The Secretary is Dang Quoc Sung, a member of the Free Vietnam Alliance in Australia.
Below is the A.F.F.V. press release following the announcement ceremony.
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Australians for a Free Vietnam (A.F.F.V.)
President : Marks Stevens
Vice-President : Manny Poularas
General Secretary : Dang Quoc Sung
19 Hopman Street - Greystanes NSW 2145 - Australia
Tel & Fax : (02) 9631 9280
PRESS RELEASE
On the 19th of January this year, in response to continued violations of human rights in Vietnam, a new association called "Australians for a Free Vietnam" (A.F.F.V.) was formed.
The association will seek the support of all prominent Australians from various walks of life irrespective of religious denomination, ethnicity, racial background or political creed.
A.F.F.V. will advocate non-violent means to bring about democracy in Vietnam, freedom of expression, of worship, of the press, and free elections under the auspices of the United Nations.
A.F.F.V. believe that human rights are universal and that vested interests should not be allowed to use cultural differences as a smoke screen to excuse "profits before principles".
A.F.F.V. will seek to make all Australians more aware of human rights violations in Vietnam and put pressure on the Australian Government to be more conscious when dealing with Vietnam.
Many Australians take their democratic freedoms for granted and need to be made more aware of suffering of ether people under brutal regimes such as Vietnam where no dissident is tolerated. In their struggle for democracy and human rights, Vietnamese people both in Australia and inside Vietnam appreciate the support given to them by Australians i.e. A.F.F.V. and similar associations in France, Belgium, Norway, Switzerland, Canada and the United States.
A.F.F.V. will hold its first official meeting in May 1997.
Australians for a Free Vietnam (A.F.F.V.)
19 Hopman Street Greystanes NSW 2145 Australia