Catholics speak out for political change in Vietnam

Vietnamese intellectuals and Catholics have signed a petition for the end to single party rule.

At least 800 Vietnamese have called for constitutional reform, with the separation of state powers.  The appeal was joined by the bishop of Vinh and vicar general of Saigon. 

A petition such as this would have been unimaginable even a year or two ago. It also indicates that members of the Communist party in Vietnam recognize they cannot continue to develop the nation without serious constitutional reform, most importantly the eventual breakup of the one party system.