International Workshop Titled Paracel - Spratly Archipelagos: Historical Truth and Exhibition

PRESS RELEASE

International Workshop titled “Paracel - Spratly Archipelagos: Historical Truth” and Exhibition titled “Paracel - Spratly Archipelagos:The inseparable territory of Viet Nam”

(Da NangCity, 19-21 June 2014)

Following the International Workshop on “The sovereignty over Paracel and Spratly archipelagos: Historical and Legal Aspects” held in April 2013 in Quang Ngai City, Pham Van Dong University and Da Nang University will co-organise an International Workshop titled “Paracel - Spratly Archipelagos: Historical Truth” on 19-21 June 2014 at Grand Mercure Hotel located at Lot A1, Zone of the Villas of Green Island, Han River, Hai Chau District, Da Nang City, Viet Nam.

There will be around 100 participants including international and Vietnamese scholars, researchersattending the workshop. The content of the workshopwill focus on the following issues: 1. Introduction to Paracel and Spratly archipelagos; 2. The nature of dispute over the two archipelagos and its impacts on peace and security in Asia-Pacific region; related events on 19 January1974 and 14 March 1988; 3. Viet Nam’s acquisition and exercise of sovereignty over Paracel and Spratly archipelagos in the light of international law; 4. Prospects and solutions for the disputes over Paracel and Spratly archipelagos, including transitional solutions such as cooperation and joint development, and cooperation on less sensitive areas.

At the workshop, on 21 June, participants will take part in a round table talk on China’s recentplacement of oil rig Haiyang Shiyou 981 in Viet Nam’s Exclusive Economic Zone and continental shelf.On the same day, anexhibition titled “Paracel - Spratly Archipelagos:The inseparable territory of Viet Nam” will be held at the Museum of Da Nang.At the exhibition, there will bedocuments and objects firstly published in Viet Nam, which are historical proofsconfirm that Viet Namhasestablished andimplementedits sovereignty overthe two archipelagoesof Paracel and Spratlypeacefully, continuously sincecenturies.

In addition, theorganizerwillalsoarrangesomesightseeing activities and meetingthewitnessesforthe workshopparticipants.

The organizer is pleased to announceandinvitereporters to participate and report on those events (registration form attached). Registration deadlineis on June 16th, 2014. Reporters’ related fees will be paid by their press agencies.

For further information,Vietnamese reporters will contactthe organiser and foreign reporters contact the Press Division, Press and InformationDepartment-Ministryof Foreign Affairs(Tel: 0437992259, 0437993103; Fax: 0438234137; E-mail: )./.