Vietnam regrets that the 2006 U.S. State Department Report on Human Rights still has biased remarks on Vietnam's situation, a local spokesman said on Wednesday.

"It's our state consistent policy to promote and protect human rights, considering it an important element for sustainable development toward the goal of building a strong country with wealthy people in an equal, democratic and civilized society," Ministry of Foreign Affairs' spokesman Le Dung said while answering questions on Vietnam's reaction to the report.

Vietnam has also done its utmost to ensure the implementation of human rights through building and improving the legal system, undertaking concrete measures for economic, social and cultural development, he said, adding that the country has gained many significant achievements in improving the exercise and facilitation of its citizen's rights and freedoms in all fields.

However, as in other countries in the world, the dissemination of information which violates moral principles, fine traditional values and customs and other laws is not allowed in Vietnam, Dung noted.

Given differences in political regime, development level, cultural values and historical background, various countries, including Vietnam and the United States, inevitably hold different viewpoints and approaches to human rights, he said.

"In our opinion, the two sides should intensify contacts and dialogues to promote mutual understanding in the interest of the people of the two countries," the spokesman said.

Source: Xinhua