Nông Đức Mạnh

"During the revolution, we had to keep secrets to ensure the success and victory of the cause, to gain independence and unification. Now the party has won a leading role. I think everything should be governed by law. We don't want to keep secrets anymore."

"The party's leadership role is recognition of the revolutionary struggle of the party over half a decade. The party is the vanguard for the working class. What is in the Constitution is the burning desire and aspiration of all the people of Vietnam. So for the moment, we don't think about opposition parties."

"We are willing to discuss human rights issues with other countries based on mutual understanding and respect for fundamental principles of international law. But we do not accept the imposition of views from outside."

"Foreign investment is an important component of our economy. It helps move our economic structure toward industrialization and modernization, and accelerates our ongoing renovation (doi moi) process."

"We do not agree with any policy that nurtures and allows counterrevolutionary forces to carry out activities against Vietnam. We want the U.S. to cooperate with us. As you know we just ratified a trade agreement between the two countries. On the principle of non-interference and respect for national independence and sovereignty, there is no reason for the U.S. to allow or to nurture such groups to carry out activities against Vietnam. We are ready to discuss any of these issues."

"I firmly believe that the friendly neighborliness and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and China will be steadily and successfully developed in the 21st century, bringing ever-lasting peace and happiness to younger generations of the two countries."

"Political stability is the most important factor that will lead to improving the country's comprehensive renovation process in an effective and sustainable way."