GVN CONSIDERS RESUMPTION OF HUMAN RIGHTS DIALOGUE

UNCLAS HANOI 001303 SIPDIS SENSITIVE STATE FOR EAP/BCLTV and DRL E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PHUM PREL PGOV VM HUMANR SUBJECT: GVN CONSIDERS RESUMPTION OF HUMAN RIGHTS DIALOGUE Ref: A) State 98765, B) May 28 Jackson-Zaring email ¶1. (SBU) DCM delivered Ref A demarche to MFA International Organizations Department Director General Pham Binh Minh on June 3. The DCM noted that the Department would like to restart the dialogue as early as mid-July in Washington, with the Vietnamese delegation headed by a representative at the Vice Minister level and containing participants from a number of other ministries (Ref. B). The dialogue was suspended due to the Department's view that there was not enough progress in specific areas, and we would hope that this round would deal with concrete issues. ¶2. (SBU) DG Minh said that "it would be good to begin again," and that he would pass the USG proposal to MFA leadership. Minh brought up some areas where he would like to see "further clarification" from the Department about restarting the dialogue. As the last round was held in Washington, "my people" will question why we should hold it there again now. Charge noted that DAS Dugan had held meetings on human rights issues in Hanoi last November, though Minh replied that had not been a real dialogue session. Minh recalled that the GVN had proposed resumption of the dialogue two years ago and suggested at that time it could be held at the Vice Minister level. However the GVN would want to be sure that State Department counterparts will also be at a suitable level. If the USG delegation were headed by a DRL P/DAS, perhaps an MFA Director General - such as Minh himself - would be a more appropriate counterpart. ¶3. (SBU) On the question of timing, Minh said that the MFA International Organizations Department was extremely busy in July and August preparing for UNGA and researching questions of U.N. reform. He understood that it can be difficult to find appropriate counterparts in Washington in August, and he expressed his view that November or December may be more workable dates. The dialogue would be conducted on an "equal footing," with each side proposing items for the agenda. ¶4. (U) The DCM agreed to seek further clarification on these issues from Washington and reply to the IO Department as soon as possible. MARINE