(VOVworld) – President Barack Obama’s nominee to become the next US ambassador to Vietnam said on Tuesday that it may be time for Washington to consider lifting a ban on the sale and transfer of lethal weapons to Vietnam.

Ted Osius was appointed to be the next US ambassador to Vietnam

Ted Osius told his Senate confirmation hearing that Vietnam has made advances in a number of fields where the US is looking for improvements, including labor rights, the treatment of people with disabilities, creating more space for civil society and religious freedom. He said it was time to consider the possibility of lifting the ban. Osius is a veteran diplomat who has served in Indonesia, India, Vietnam, Thailand and the Philippines. His appointment as ambassador to Vietnam has to be confirmed by the Foreign Relations Committee and the full Senate.