The US says more research is needed

The committee will look into new areas of research - such as the nature and causes of birth defects in Vietnam, and ways to reduce exposure to dioxin in the environment.

Experts say dioxin is continuing to contaminate people 30 years after the US stopped spraying it over forests in south and central Vietnam.

But the BBC's Clare Arthurs says the US is reluctant to acknowledge any link between dioxin and people born with disabilities.

Cancer in rats

Rather than carrying out expensive tests to determine dioxin contamination, Professor Nhan said priority should be given to taking immediate steps to help victims.

Agent Orange was used to destroy jungle cover

"Anyone with a modest knowledge of science would know that these sort of toxic substances harm the human body and the environment," he said.

He said many Vietnamese had "died in bitterness" without compensation.

"So we can't keep silence any longer or wait for scientific evidence before making compensation," he said.

US forces sprayed millions of gallons of Agent Orange on Vietnam during the war that ended in 1975, to deny communist soldiers jungle cover.

The US stopped spraying in 1971 after it was discovered that it contained the most dangerous form of dioxin, TCDD, and caused cancer in rats.

Studies have shown that dangerous concentrations remain in some parts of Vietnam.

The four-day conference which ended in Hanoi on Wednesday helped establish the facts, said Professor Nhan

"The more evidence, the clearer and more undeniable the responsibility," he said.