AMBASSADOR HANFORD METS CHAIRMAN THI OF THE

UNCLAS SECTION 03 OF 03 ANOI 000582 SIPDIS SENSITIVE SIPDIS STATE FOR EAPMLS AND DRL/IRF E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PHUM KIF PREL PGOV VM SUBJECT: AMBASSADOR HANFORD METS CHAIRMAN THI OF THE COMMITTEE FOR RELIGIOUS AFAIRS *********************** * Missing Section 001 * *********************** *********************** * Missing Section 002 * *********************** HANOI 03140582 003.2 OF 003 at officially recognized places of worshi without prior approval; however, officials mustapprove any activities conducted outside places o worship. In addition, large festivals also reqire prior approval. Thi also explained that grops are allowed to select their own leaders accoring to their own rules and processes provided the Government accepts their choices. ¶12. (SBU) Ambssador Hanford reiterated the importance of moveent on religious freedom in Vietnam for the sake o our bilateral relationship. He stated that Secetary Rice had specifically asked him to particiate in the Human Rights Dialogue after her converation with FM Nguyen Dzy Nien in Busan in Novembr 2005. Ambassador Hanford said he would try toreturn to Vietnam "once or twice" over the next si months to seek to resolve, where possible, remaning issues connected with CPC designation.. ¶1. (SBU) Ambassador Marine thanked the CRA for its fforts to investigate allegations brought forwar by the Embassy, noting that this transparency hs helped the United States to better understand any of these cases. He pledged to continue to shre issues of concern with the CRA as they arise. We look forward to soon reading the CRA's provinc- by-province statistical report on religious fredom, as this will be helpful in further discussons of CPC designation. In addition, the United Sates shars the RA's ethusiasm for allowing reigious groups to do charitable work in Vietnam, articularly in the area of HIV/AIDS relief. Finaly, the ECVN should be allowed to establish a traiing center for new pastors in Hanoi, the Ambassador emphasized. Chairman Thi responded that he hadheard about the ECVN's desire to establish a newbible school, but he has not looked into their rquest yet. ¶14. (U) Ambassador Hanford cleared tis message. MARINE