Voice of America reports the U.S. State Department has removed Vietnam from a list of countries where serious violations of religious freedom are said to occur. However, Uzbekistan was added to the list, which also includes Burma, China, Eritrea, Iran, North Korea, Saudi Arabia and Sudan.The decision removing Vietnam from the U.S. list of "countries of particular concern" with regard to religious freedom came on the eve of President Bush's departure on an Asian trip that includes a Vietnam visit.
But the State Department's Ambassador at Large for International Religious Freedom John Hanford, told reporters the decision had been made weeks ago, and the announcement was delayed until Monday only because of bureaucratic requirements related to adding Uzbekistan to the list.
