Lê Đức Thọ

Lê Đức Thọ (14 October 1911 – 13 October 1990) was a Vietnamese politician and diplomat. He was a key figure in the Vietnam War peace negotiations and was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1973, which he declined.

Early Life

Lê Đức Thọ was born in Nam Định Province, French Indochina. He became involved in revolutionary activities at a young age and joined the Indochinese Communist Party in 1930. He was imprisoned by the French colonial authorities from 1930 to 1936 and again from 1939 to 1944.

Political Career

After his release, Lê Đức Thọ became a prominent leader in the Viet Minh, the organization that fought for Vietnamese independence from French colonial rule. He played a significant role in the August Revolution of 1945, which led to the establishment of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam.

During the First Indochina War, Lê Đức Thọ was a senior official in the Vietnamese Communist Party and was involved in organizing resistance against the French.

Paris Peace Accords

Lê Đức Thọ is best known for his role in the Paris Peace Accords, which were intended to establish peace in Vietnam and end the Vietnam War. He was the chief negotiator for the Democratic Republic of Vietnam and worked alongside Henry Kissinger, the United States National Security Advisor.

In 1973, Lê Đức Thọ and Henry Kissinger were jointly awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for their efforts in negotiating the ceasefire agreement. However, Lê Đức Thọ declined the prize, citing the ongoing conflict and lack of peace in Vietnam.

Later Life and Legacy

After the Vietnam War, Lê Đức Thọ continued to hold significant positions within the Vietnamese Communist Party and the government. He retired from politics in the late 1980s and passed away in Hanoi in 1990.

Lê Đức Thọ is remembered as a skilled negotiator and a dedicated revolutionary who played a crucial role in Vietnam's struggle for independence and peace.

References

• "Lê Đức Thọ - Biographical". NobelPrize.org.

External Links

• Lê Đức Thọ on Britannica