Geneva, Switzerland, July 2, 1998: The Swiss Committee for Vietnam's Democracy (COSUNAM) organized a conference at the International Conference Center of Geneva to address the economic crisis in South Asia, its effect on Vietnam's economy, and the prospect of a market economy in a democratic Vietnam.
Among the participants at this Conference were Mayor Michel Rossetti, of Geneva City; Congressman Jean-Claude Vaudroz, Chairman of the Democratic Catholic Party; Congressman Pierre Marti, Congresswoman Ste'phanie Ruegsegger; Chairman Alexandre Djokitch of the World Association of Civil Servants in Geneva; Mr. Mathieu van Berchem, a journalist from the Tribune de Geneve...and many Vietnamese representatives, including Secretary General Nguyen Ngoc Duc and Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Bao of the Free Vietnam Alliance.
Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Bao briefed the audience on the current situation in Vietnam. According to various international analysts, its grave socioeconomic condition renders the country a timebomb if no concrete and systematic reform is taking place soon.
Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Duc analyzed the situation in light of the Asia's economic crisis, citing cases of failure to implement the necessary political and economic reforms by various countries in the region. He also took the opportunity to introduce the FVA's "Roadmap to a Democratic and Developed Vietnam", a proposal to help solving Vietnam's current problems.
A lively discussion ensued with many questions and suggestions surrounding the FVA's roadmap. Mr. Rossetti commended the humane approach of the Proposal, and hoped the Roadmap would be the key to lead Vietnam to a new era.
Mr. Oppikofer, chairman of COSUNAM, urged the Swiss government and media to support the Free Vietnam Alliance in its effort for the democratization of Vietnam. He also called on the participants to endorse a declaration of support with their signatures.
News of the conference was reported by various members of the Swiss media, including the major daily Tribune de Geneve.