Belgium reaffirms its commitment to support the victims of Orange agent in Vietnam
In an interview with the Vietnamese Information Agency in Brussels, on the occasion of the day for the victims of agent Orange/Dioxine (August 10), Joseph-Michel de Grand Ry, former Honorary Consul of Vietnam in Belgium, expressed his deep solidarity with the Vietnamese victims of this scourge.
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| Joseph-Michel de Grand Ry, former Honorary Consul of Vietnam in Belgium. |
| Photo: VNA/CVN |
The former honorary consul of Vietnam in Belgium affirmed the unwavering support of the Belgian people and its political leaders with international efforts deployed to overcome the consequences of war in Vietnam.
De Grand Ry notably underlined the importance of the official visit of King Philippe of Belgium, in Vietnam last April. According to him, the sovereign was deeply upset by the devastating consequences of agent Orange on the victims, whom he met during his visit.
The former diplomat recalled that the Orange agent remains one of the heaviest and lasting consequences of the conflict, still affecting millions of families. Its toxic effects could still be felt for two or three decades, he said.
Faced with this tragedy, he praised the exceptional resilience of the Vietnamese victims and the many solidarity initiatives carried out in Belgium. Among them, annual fundraising collections organized by Chris Geyskens, president of the Belgian branch of the Association of Victims of Orange/Dioxine of Hôi An, through caritative golf tournaments. Other Belgian organizations also pursue long -term support programs, mobilizing donors and partners.
| Agent Orange is one of the most serious and lasting consequences of the conflict, still affecting millions of families over several generations. |
| Photo: VNA/CVN |
In terms of popular diplomacy, Grand Ry stressed that television reports on victims have greatly aware of Belgian public opinion, encouraging many citizens to demand greater international responsibility, especially from Belgian and American governments.
Currently, high -level discussions are underway within the House of Representatives of Belgium and the French National Assembly, with a view to adopting a resolution condemning the use of chemical weapons in wartime and calling for increased international support for Vietnam.
The former consul said he was confident about the upcoming adoption of this text by the House of Representatives of Belgium: “After seeing these overwhelming images, politicians agree on the urgency of acting”he said. If it is voted, it would be the second Belgian parliamentary resolution in favor of the victims of Agent Orange.
In conclusion, De Grand Ry reaffirmed his personal commitment and that of many Belgian organizations and citizens to accompany Vietnam in its fight against the consequences of war. It is not only a question of compassion, but a real moral responsibility, as persons in love with peace and justice, so that a people never undergo such a tragedy, he insisted.
VNA/CVN