(VOVworld) - The President of the France-Vietnam Friendship Parliamentarians Group, Pascal Deguilhem, spoke highly of Vietnam’s efforts to deal with disputes in the East Sea through peaceful means and dialogue. Hosting a press conference in Hanoi on Tuesday, he stated that his group raised its voice on May 3, expressing its concern about China’s illegal placement of oil rig Haiyang 981 in Vietnam’s waters, which triggered new tensions in the East Sea.

NA Vice Chairman Huynh Ngoc Son receives President of the France-Vietnam Friendship Parliamentarians’ Group, Pascal Deguilhem. Photo:VNA

The group holds out hope that China and Vietnam will find a peaceful solution to the issue in accordance with international law. Pascal said France has consistently pursued a policy that respects international law and the use of dialogue to resolve differences. He added that his group has briefed the French Foreign Minister on the East Sea situation and called on all parties to practice restraint and avoid any use of force that could harm civilians.