HANOI, Vietnam — U.S. President Barack Obama on Monday lifted a half-century-old ban on selling arms to Vietnam.
Obama announced the full removal of the embargo at a news conference at which he vowed to leave behind the troubled history between the former war enemies and embrace a new era with a young, increasingly prosperous nation.
Obama steered clear of harsh condemnation of what critics see as Vietnam's abysmal treatment of dissidents, describing instead modest progress on rights in the one-party state.
Activists said his decision to lift the embargo destroyed the best U.S. leverage for pushing Vietnam on abuse.
"At this stage, both sides have established a level of trust and cooperation, including between our militaries, that is reflective of common interests and mutual respect," Obama said. "This change will ensure that Vietnam has access to the equipment it needs to defend itself and removes a lingering vestige of the Cold War."
Read Tuesday's Arkansas Democrat-Gazette for full details.