http://english.people.com.cn/90001/90777/6256301.html

How much are you donating to help our Korean brothers, SoCal?

Where can we donate to help out Korean flood victims?

Hey, this is great news. Vietnam has strong relationship with North Korea and Korea as a whole.

I am not crazy about a strong relationship with the DPRK crazies. Yeah, we should be polite to them but we should keep them well away from us - It doesn't take much to set them off.

I can't help seeing this a bit like "brainwashed Romney". but yeah a few years ago, NK condemned Vietnam for ruining ideological friendship for sending NK refugees to SK. However, they gradually change their stance now as Vietnam consistently help them with food & such. After 1989, Vietnam diplomacy changed dramatically and become very sophisticated and practical. We don't shy away from countries that the U.S. has problems with such as Belarus, Venezuela, Cuba, Iraq, Iran... Remembering how the trade embargo didn't help, Vietnam subtly diversifies with these kinds of relationships, h. After all, Vietnam will be a member of UN Security Council next year, we ought to contribute our parts, and hopefully, leave the term with some positive marks.

papabearvn, are you absolutely positive about this ? being an elected member of UN Security Council is only a handful with 5 permanent nations and 10 other temp. Eventhough with temp status, it's still far-fetched for Vietnam since she's only emerging recently in SEA region.

Yes, Vietnam did applied and I think got selected.

Any source ? 'cause the source I got says Vietnam was nominated and would be required 2/3 of votes in order to admit as non-permanent member. The votes won't be in until this October so it is still in the air.

My source

No source, I thought Vietnam got the vote for the seat but apparently just a nomination. You're right.

Vietnam is the only candidate in Asia region while in other regions there are 2 candidates. Vietnam still need approvals from 2/3 nations in the UN but that's pretty much done since nations of world will support the nominees of the respective regions. In the latest interview with the new US Ambassador Michael Michalak, he already mentioned about things Vietnam will face when she becomes a member of UN Security Council.

http://english.vietnamnet.vn/interviews/2007/09/738685/
....
In APEC year, Vietnam had difficult choices but they did that job very well and earned the respect of their colleagues.
I think when Vietnam becomes an impermanent member of the United Nations Security Council, Vietnam will face new choices: the questions about Myanmar, Kosovo, Iran, Iraq and other global issues will put new choices before Vietnam.
But I completely believe that Vietnam will succeed at the United Nations like it did at APEC.
...
You can be proud of this but it means that the expectation of the world on Vietnam is rising.
For the United Nations, as I have said, Vietnam can be requested to play the role of leadership in many issues that Vietnam has not performed before.
For ASEAN, Vietnam can play an important leadership role. For APEC, Vietnam played a very significant role in 2006 and it can continue that role with enthusiasm like in 2006.
I know that is not an easy mission but I will do everything to support Vietnam.
...

Do you still want to donate ?

here's the website: http://www.samaritanspurse.org/ Make your donation there.

toooswt,

how much did you donate?

I donated you.

Isn't that the most horrible thing that you could do?

It was the best decision I have ever made in my life. Unfortunately, they will be receiving the most horrible thing ever.

Toooswt,

You are tooomean.

How was that mean?

Oh well. All I can do is wish you best of luck.

Without you around, I'm very fortunate. No need for luck.