Vietnam's President Likes St. Regis Monarch Beach, But Nobody Likes Him
Vietnam's president Nguyen Minh Triet made a trip to Laguna Beach, Calif. this weekend, making it the first time a leader of Vietnam has touched American soil since after the end of the Vietnam War. Triet hit up Starwood's St. Regis Monarch Beach, a popular luxury hotel amongst celebrities, rich people and now, politicians. The hotel is also where Triet hosted a reception for invited business leaders.
But the event was interrupted by about 2,000 demonstrators who marched against Triet's communist government for their consistent violation of human rights.
Demonstration leaders with megaphones walked up and down Niguel Road urging the crowd on. Many waved American and pre-Communist Vietnamese flags and held up pictures calling for the release of a prominent priest who has been jailed by Vietnamese authorities. One man carried a hanging effigy of Triet on a pole.
Still, we are sure Triet sought some solace in the hotel's 3,100 sq.ft. Presidential Suite which includes "multiple outdoor full ocean view balconies, including one large tiled terrace with a grand fireplace and outdoor speakers", butler service, a piano, a dining room for 10 people, and artwork by Picasso.
[Photo: LA Times]
Related Stories:
· Triet visit draws 2,000 peaceful protesters [MSNBC]
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