Obama prods Vietnam on human rights, saying it's not a threat to stability

Ho Chi Minh City

US President Barack Obama chided Vietnam on political freedoms on Tuesday after critics of the communist- run government were prevented from meeting him in Hanoi - a discordant note on a trip otherwise steeped in words of amity between the former foes.

Mr Obama announced on Monday that Washington was scrapping its embargo on the sale of lethal arms to Vietnam, clearing the biggest hurdle remaining between two countries that have been drawn together by concern over China's military build-up.