VietNamNet Bridge – National Assembly (NA) Chairman Nguyen Sinh Hung said on May 20 lawmakers would be discussing the East Sea situation and exploring all legitimate measures to protect the nation’s sovereignty.

International delegates attend the opening of the NA’s seventh session in Hanoi on May 20 - Photo: TTXVN

Speaking at the opening of the NA seventh session in Hanoi on May 20 morning, Hung said the session opened at a time when the East Sea situation had become tense and complicated. China’s illegal placement of a giant drilling rig and escort ships, including military vessels, and aircraft within Vietnam’s exclusive economic zone and continental shelf seriously violated Vietnam’s sovereignty under international law.

“Such acts are gross violations of Vietnam’s sovereignty and the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, the Code of Conduct of Parties in the East Sea and high-level agreements between the two countries,” Hung stressed.

“Vietnamese people have strongly protested and the international community has showed support for what Vietnam is tackling (China’s illegal acts in the East Sea).”

Hung urged NA deputies to discuss whatever it takes to defend Vietnam’s sovereignty, and ensure stability and peace.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh told reporters after a hearing of the East Sea situation at the NA session that what is happening in the East Sea was complicated but also underscored Vietnam’s determination.

“We are determined to tackle the issue and demand China remove Haiyang Shiyou-981 rig from Vietnam’s exclusive economic zone and continental shelf.”

Minh said Vietnam is continuing resorting to diplomatic means to solve the dispute, including direct talks at different levels with China, but in response, China had deployed more escort ships to the area around the rig.

Minh said Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung would attend the 2014 World Economic Forum on East Asia in the Philippines from on May 21. The forum focuses on economic issues but there might be change due to the complicated situation in the East Sea.

Deputy Tran Ngoc Vinh from Haiphong said the country was concerned over the East Sea situation. “If China does not move its oilrig out of our waters though we have tried to do all we can, we should take the case to an international tribunal,” he said.

Deputy Duong Trung Quoc from Dong Nai Province insisted on diplomatic measures as a top priority, saying Vietnam should not do anything that might become a pretext for China to stir up conflict.

In addition to the East Sea situation as well as hearing and discussing socio-economic reports, NA deputies will comment on 16 draft laws, including the revised laws on enterprise, investment, social insurance, property trading, housing Law, civil status and identity card.

At the seventh session lasting until June 24, deputies are expected to pass 11 important draft laws on public investment, bankruptcy, health insurance, environmental protection, customs, immigration, and residency of foreign foreigners in Vietnam.

Besides, NA deputies will spend time considering amending Resolution 35/2012/QH13 on confidence vote for officials elected and approved by the NA and the people’s councils.

Source: SGT