The Internet is developing strongly in Vietnam and the countryalways creates favourable conditions for Internet activities, saidForeign Ministry spokesperson Nguyen Phuong Nga.

Ngamade this statement while answering reporters’ questions on Vietnam ’sresponse to US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s speech at theGeorge Washington University on Feb. 15 on Internet freedom,mentioning Vietnam , at the ministry’s regular meeting in Hanoi onFeb. 17.

According to Nga, by December 2010, thenumber of Internet users in Vietnam had reached nearly 26.8 million,accounting for 31.11 percent of the country’s population. More than 1.5million had their own blogs.

However, like othercountries, all information on the Internet must abide by the law so thatit does not affect the country’s customs, social morality, public orderand national security, said the spokesperson.

“InVietnam , the freedom and democratic rights of all people, includingfreedom of information and speech, are clearly written in theconstitution and law, and are assured to be carried out,” Nga affirmed.

In Vietnam , all citizens are protected by the lawbut at the same time they must respect the law, she said, adding thatany person who violates the law would be treated justly under the legalregulations.

“We believe that in relations amongcountries, every difference should be exchanged in a constructive spiritof mutual respect and understanding, with no intervention in eachother’s internal affairs,” Nga stressed./.