Long Tan won't host Anzac Day event

Vietnam will not allow any official Anzac Day commemoration to be held at the Long Tan Cross site, but small groups on private visits will be given access.

The Vietnamese government has confirmed there will be no official Anzac Day commemoration at the Long Tan Cross site this year.

Veterans Affairs Minister Dan Tehan says small groups will still be allowed "low-key visits" to the site without media, under rules to be set by Vietnamese authorities.

"While disappointing, we respect Vietnam's right as a sovereign nation to determine the nature of commemorations held on its soil," Mr Tehan said in a statement on Friday.

Mr Tehan said Australia would continue to work with Vietnam on the issue and thanked the government for allowing access for small groups making private visits.

Visitors won't be permitted to wear medals or uniforms or carry banners or flags.

Potential visitors were warned last week this could be the outcome.

In August 2016, the Vietnamese government did not permit the planned Long Tan 50th anniversary commemoration service to take place at the site in Ba Ria-Vung Tau province.

But events were held in Australia, including at the War Memorial and Parliament House.

Australia lost 521 troops in Vietnam, including 18 at Long Tan.


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Source: AAP



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