and that [m]ost religious leaders in Vietnam attributed these positive changes to the [country of particular concern] designation and the priority placed on religious freedom concerns in U.S.-Vietnamese bilateral relations . (14) However, the 2013 Annual Report concludes that since the designation as a country of particular concern was lifted from Vietnam in 2006, religious freedom conditions in Vietnam remain mixed , and therefore recommends to the Department of State that Vietnam should be redesignated as a country of particular concern. (15) Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Baer likewise testified that [i]n Vietnam the right to religious freedom, which seemed to be improving several years ago, has been stagnant for several years . 3. Imposition of sanctions on certain individuals who are complicit in human rights abuses committed against nationals of Vietnam or their family members (a) Definitions In this section: (1) Admitted