(VOVworld) - All Vietnamese workers have been transported out of war zone to safe shelters in Libya. Foreign Ministry spokesman Le Hai Binh told the press on Thursday that 907 workers have returned home and 294 others have been moved to neighboring countries. He said active work is under way to bring all home: “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has instructed its missions in relevant countries to support Vietnamese workers repatriation. They will be provided with urgent and maximum support from us and the Ministry of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs to leave Libya for home.”
Regarding Thailand’s Immigration Authority’s recent requirement of tourist visa application for Vietnamese citizens and others since August 12, Binh said earlier visa exemption agreement signed by Vietnam and Thailand in 2000 waives visa for ordinary passport holders from both countries if they stay in the other country for less than 30 days. Vietnamese Embassy in Thailand  and the Consulate Department in Hanoi have worked with relevant Thai agencies to verify the information.

Regarding China’s recent publication of a book on the unjust 9-dotted line claim in the East Sea, Binh once again reiterated Vietnam’s undisputable sovereignty in Hoang Sa (Paracel) and Truong Sa (Spratly) Islands. He ruled out all other territorial claims on the two archipelagoes, saying that they absolutely invalid.