Indians should know best how to retain sovereignty : Madam Binh

Kolkata, Sep 4 (UNI) Indian politicians and common people will have to find a way to protect the country's sovereignty from any threat, former Vietnam Vice-President Madam Thi Binh said here today.

''I believe you (Indian people) and politicians will find the best way out to retain the national sovereignty. I do not know whether you believe it,'' she told reporters in reply to a question on the possibility of any threat to India's sovereign policies following the Indo-US nuclear deal.

Addressing a press conference, the legendary leader said though Vietnam had been ''subjugated in different periods by countries like France, Japan and the US,'' it was the countries' endeavour at present to develop a friendly relation with all of them.

'' But our core policy is not to allow any foreign nation to interfere in our internal affairs. We will retain our sovereignty at any cost,'' she affirmed.

The octogenaraian leader, who was leading a delegation here on a four-day visit on the occasion of Indo-Vietnam friendship festival, said the 'traditional friends' like India were on the priority list of Vietnam for strengthening bilateral ties.

She also recalled the unflinching support the people of India had extended to Vietnam during its struggle against the US.

In reply to a question, Madam Binh supported the cause of industrialisation saying this would benefit both farmers and labourers. She, however, observed that attempts should be made to acquire the available 'non profitable' agricultural land for this purpose.

''I think industry is necessary and land is needed for that purpose. This is not an issue concerning any particular section. I think importance must be given to the welfare of the population as a whole,'' she added.

UNI