‘REUNIFICATION BY PEACEFUL MEANS’

Press, Volume CXIII, Issue 33155, 20 February 1973, Page 14

‘REUNIFICATION BY PEACEFUL MEANS’

i.Veif Zealand Press Association > WELLINGTON, February 19. A North Vietnamese trade union official who is also the Mayor of Hanoi declared in Wellington today that the Vietnamese people could carry out reunification of North and South by peaceful means.

Mr Vu Dinh was! speaking at Wellington i Airport after arriving for a short visit to New Zealand. He was accompanied by Mr Tran Thanh and an interpreter. Mr Dinh said reunification could be achieved but there must be no interference by outside Powers. He added that the continuance of fighting since the signing of the recent ceasefire was the work of "militarist and Fascist foes." “We cannot call it a continuance of the war because there is no attack from the

I Democratic Republic of Vietnam.” The North Vietnamese arrived from Sydney to a flower and fag welcome staged by about 50 people. OLD FRIEND They were greeted by a party of Wellington trade unionists and an old friend,, Mrs Freda Cook, who met Mr Dinh when she taught in! Hanoi schools from 1960 to 1968. Mr Dinh talked about the reunification of North and South at a press conference. He also noted New Zealand’s slom grant to help towards the reconstruction of both parts of Vietnam. “We welcome any aid from whatever country and whatever Governments who are

willing to help in healing the wounds of war.” he said. UNION SUPPORT Mr Dinh was asked about the significance of the first North Vietnamese visitors to New Zealand being trade unionists. “Our aim in visiting here was to thank those unions who have staged many actions in support of Vietnam. Our visit was aimed at strengthening further relations between New Zealand and Vietnam unions and between the two countries.” Would North Vietnam invite New Zealand trade union representatives to Hanoi? “This is a thing we are wishing for.” Mr Dinh said. MEETINGS The party later met the Mayor of Wellington (Sir Francis Kitts). Tomorrow morning they are scheduled to meet Federation of Labour executives and the Wellington Trades Council, and the National Union of Railwaymen Council.

Later in the day they will speak to the Wellington Waterside Workers’ Union and attend a reception at Victoria University.