VIETNAM ON RIGHTSIZING THE IAEA SFEGUARDS BUDGET

UNCLAS HANOI 000647 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL ABUD KNNP TRGY OVIP OPDC VM IAEA SUBJECT: VIETNAM ON RIGHTSIZING THE IAEA SFEGUARDS BUDGET REF: STATE 13752 ¶1. (U) In response to reftel letter from Deputy Secretary Armitage and demarche on rightsizing the IAEA safeguards budget, Standing Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Dinh Bin responded in a letter dated March 17, 2003 indicating Vietnam's support for general and complete disarmament, the need for adequate resources for the IAEA along with further consultation among member states on this proposal, and the importance of a balance in funding between safeguard and technical assistance activities. Full text in para 2. ¶2. (U) Quote Ministry of Foreign Affairs Socialist Republic of Vietnam Hanoi, 17 March, 2003 Dear Mr. Deputy Secretary, I would like to thank you for the letter dated 7 February 2003 with regard to the proposal of the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to increase the IAEA's regular budget for safeguard in 2004-2005. Vietnam has for many years supported general and complete disarmament, especially nuclear disarmament and non- proliferation. Vietnam's signing of the Non-Proliferation Treaty (1982) and Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (1996) and being a party to the Treaty on South East Asia Nuclear Weapon Free Zone (1995) have all demonstrated our commitment and contribution in the joint efforts of the international community toward eliminating nuclear weapons and a peaceful and more secure world. I am also of the view that nuclear energy has to be utilized for peaceful purposes and in service of human life. The Agency, in fulfilling its mandates effectively, needs to be provided with adequate resources. In this regard, the DG's proposal is very important, but it requires that all member states work together to reach an agreement on the issue. In addition, it is worth noting that a balance should be taken into account in allocating funding for safeguard and technical assistance activities. Please accept, Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration. Sincerely yours, //s// Nguyen Dinh Bin Standing Deputy Minister The Honorable Richard L. Armitage Deputy Secretary U.S. Department of State Washington, DC USA end quote PORTER