RELIGIOUS FREEDOM: MFA PREPARING LETTER TO

C O N F I D E N T I A L HANOI 002295

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

DEPARTMENT FOR EAP/MLS, DRL/IRF

E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/07/2016
TAGS: PREL PGOV PHUM KIRF VM
SUBJECT: RELIGIOUS FREEDOM: MFA PREPARING LETTER TO
AMBASSADOR HANFORD

REF: HANOI 2245 AND PREVIOUS

Classified By: Ambassador Michael W. Marine per 1.4 (b),(d)


1. (C) MFA Americas Department Deputy Director Le Chi Dzung
told Pol/C September 7 that his office is currently drafting
a letter from Vice Foreign Minister Le Van Bang to
Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom John
Hanford. Although the contents of the letter are not yet
final, the letter would: 1) commit to continue the
U.S.-Vietnam dialogue on the subject of religious freedom; 2)
pledge that the GVN will pursue further positive actions
similar to ones it has taken to date; 3) state that progress
in northern Vietnam and the Northwest Highlands will go on;
and, 4) stress that Vietnam's existing legal framework on
religion is a good foundation for further efforts in this
area. The letter may be ready for transmission as early as
next week, Dzung noted.


2. (C) Comment: It is welcome news that the MFA is working
to respond to Ambassador Hanford's request (septel) for a
letter from VFM Bang on the issue of religious freedom.
Although the MFA may not use the term "roadmap" to describe
this message to Ambassador Hanford, as a description of GVN
intentions in the area of religious freedom in the coming
months, it may nevertheless fill the bill. End Comment.
MARINE