GVN MAKING PROGRESS ON UN CONVENTIONS ON TERRORISM

UNCLAS HANOI 002185 SIPDIS SENSITIVE SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PTER UNTERR PREL VM SUBJECT: GVN MAKING PROGRESS ON UN CONVENTIONS ON TERRORISM ¶1. (SBU) On August 25, Poloff met with MFA International Law and Treaties Department Desk Officer Vu Thi Mai Lien and asked for an update regarding Vietnam's progress concerning the four UN conventions against terrorism to which Vietnam has not become a party. Lien said the GVN is taking final steps to accede to the Convention Against the Taking of Hostages and the Convention for the Suppression of Terrorist Bombing. The Ministry of Public Security is the responsible agency within the GVN for these conventions. ¶2. (SBU) The instruments of accession were submitted to and approved by the Prime Minister, who in turn submitted them to the State President for his approval, Lien continued. According to the 2005 Law on Conclusion, Accession to and Implementation of Treaties, the president has the discretion to either sign the treaties or to submit them to the National Assembly for its approval. Lien said the timing depends on the president, but she thought the treaties will be finalized soon. ¶3. (SBU) The remaining two conventions, On the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material and On the Marking of Plastic Explosives for the Purpose of Detection, are the responsibility of the Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST). While Lien said these conventions are "under consideration" and would follow the procedures specified by the above-mentioned Law on Treaties, she would not estimate a time frame for submission to the Prime Minister. ¶4. (SBU) Comment: We will follow up with MOST on the status of the two remaining conventions. MARINE