Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
06HANOI250
2006-02-06 09:48:00
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Embassy Hanoi
Cable title:
EAP A/S Hill's Meeting with Vietnam VFM Le Van Bang
how-toVZCZCXRO6791 RR RUEHCHI RUEHDT RUEHHM DE RUEHHI #0250/01 0370948 ZNR UUUUU ZZH R 060948Z FEB 06 FM AMEMBASSY HANOI TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 0671 RUEHHM/AMCONSUL HO CHI MINH CITY 0443 RUEHZS/ASEAN REGIONAL FORUM COLLECTIVE RUEHIN/AIT TAIPEI 1305
UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 HANOI 000250
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SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV PREL PHUM CB BM CH VM
SUBJECT: EAP A/S Hill's Meeting with Vietnam VFM Le Van Bang
HANOI 00000250 001.2 OF 002
UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 HANOI 000250
SIPDIS
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV PREL PHUM CB BM CH VM
SUBJECT: EAP A/S Hill's Meeting with Vietnam VFM Le Van Bang
HANOI 00000250 001.2 OF 002
1. (SBU) Summary: During his January 13 meeting with Vice
Foreign Minister Le Van Bang, EAP A/S Christopher R. Hill
underscored the importance of making progress in next week's
WTO talks, urged Vietnam to improve its human rights
situation and welcomed Vietnam's role in regional structures
such as APEC and ASEAN. The United States also values
Vietnam's views on regional issues such as Burma, Cambodia
and China. VFM Bang emphasized that bilateral relations are
at their best and expressed his confidence that the United
States and Vietnam will be able to build upon last year's
successes in a wide range of areas. VFM Bang also expressed
Vietnam's commitment to engaging with the United States on
human rights and religious freedom concerns. According to
the Vice Foreign Minster, China continues to have a "big
brother" presence in the region. End Summary.
2005: "Best Ever" in Bilateral Relations
--------------
2. (SBU) Vice Foreign Minister Le Van Bang welcomed EAP A/S
Hill to Hanoi on January 13, saying that 2005 was the "best
year ever" in U.S.-Vietnam relations. The two countries had
succeeded in raising the level of cooperation in the areas
of the military, security, economy, science, education,
humanitarian work and health care. Based on this, 2006 will
be a year of "still better bilateral relations." Vietnam is
eager to improve the level of its cooperation with the
United States in the larger regional context, VFM Bang said.
3. (SBU) A/S Hill relayed the positive spirit in Washington
towards Vietnam following the historic visit of Prime
Minister Pham Van Khai to the United States last year, which
continues to resonate as Vietnam prepares to host the APEC
summit in November. A/S Hill also underscored the United
States' commitment to developing relations with Vietnam as a
valued friend. He relayed plans by the Secretary to attend
the Asian Regional Forum (ARF) this year in Kuala Lumpur and
the U.S. anticipation of a stronger role for Vietnam in
ASEAN and the ARF.
WTO on the Horizon
--------------
4. (SBU) A/S Hill reiterated the need for Vietnam to be
pragmatic and move forward aggressively on its desire to
accede to the World Trade Organization (WTO),noting that
WTO membership would reap tremendous benefits for Vietnam.
Hanoi must move quickly on WTO talks and not lose sight of
reaching this goal by the time it hosts APEC. VFM Bang
agreed that it would be a unique opportunity for Vietnam to
host APEC with its WTO membership in hand. Vietnam has made
its "political determination" on WTO and now the negotiators
must work out the details.
Human Rights and Religious Freedom
--------------
5. (SBU) Turning to religious freedom and human rights, VFM
Bang acknowledged that the GVN must work with the United
States to address concerns, such as its designation as a
Country of Particular Concern (CPC) and overall matters
related to religious freedom and human rights. He said that
he welcomed Congressman Chris Smith's visit to Hanoi in
December 2005 and plans to write a letter pledging Vietnam's
commitment to address the three areas the Congressman
raised: trafficking in women and children, abortion and
religious freedom. VFM Bang also referred to the GVN's new
legal framework on religion, but admitted that some local
governments may have yet to take them seriously. The
Vatican is pleased with progress on religious freedom in
Vietnam, exemplified by the recent ordinance of 57 new
priests, the VFM said.
6. (SBU) A/S Hill asked the Vice Foreign Minister to review
our list of imprisoned political dissidents, and singled out
Dr. Pham Hong Son, noting that Vietnam's willingness to show
progress in this area will help to advance bilateral
relations. Responding that he had put all his political
weight on last year's amnesties, VFM Bang said he has no
information about when the next amnesty will be. This
process is considered on a year-by-year and case-by-case
basis, but the GVN will work in close consultation with the
Embassy on prioritizing the list and addressing concerns.
Big Brother China
--------------
7. (SBU) VFM Bang praised the United States for successfully
HANOI 00000250 002.2 OF 002
reaching out to Asian countries last year, particularly
ASEAN members. He said Vietnam views this as a positive
sign that the United States is making its presence felt in
the region, thereby giving more confidence to Asian
countries to deal on a more equal footing with countries
like China that had an "overwhelming" presence.
8. (SBU) Acknowledging that China is important to Vietnam,
VFM Bang said that the two countries must work together
closely, but that Vietnam would not have its ambitions
dampened by its "big brother." Vietnam feels the heat of
China's "heavy-handed actions" in the same way that Japan
and Taiwan do. Still, Vietnam must nurture its relations
with China as it does with the United States. A/S Hill
responded that the United States is committed to good
relations with China and has no desire to create conflict
between China and its regional neighbors, including Vietnam.
Political progress in China has not kept pace with economic
progress, and it must deal with that reality as it moves
ahead, A/S Hill noted.
Other Regional Neighbors
--------------
9. (SBU) While discussing Burma and North Korea, Bang was
quick to distance Vietnam from the two countries, stressing
that they are in a separate political and economic
territory, one which Vietnam feels fortunate to have left
behind years ago. Vietnam is interested in opening its
country, inviting the growth of democracy and implementing
economic reforms, while manifesting its independence, steps
that Burma and North Korea should follow.
10. (SBU) Hill expressed concerns about human rights issues
in Cambodia and asked Bang for advice on interacting with
Prime Minister Hun Sen. Bang responded that Hun Sen is
pragmatic and nationalistic, but wants to be in control of
his country. He further suggested that building a comfort
level of communication and inviting Hun Sen to visit the
United States could help strengthen the U.S. message. China
has been infusing Cambodia with cash, including a recent $13
million non-conditional gift, that demonstrates its growing
influence there, he warned.
APEC and the Year Ahead
--------------
11. (SBU) A/S Hill reiterated Vietnam's hosting of APEC and
WTO prospects all point to a positive year ahead. A/S Hill
invited Bang to the U.S. for a discussion of regional issues
as well as preparations for APEC and the President's visit.
VFM Bang thanked Hill for frank and fruitful discussions,
and pledged Vietnam's commitment to strengthening APEC. He
also underscored Vietnam's eagerness to host the President
on his first visit to Vietnam, suggesting visits to an HIV-
AIDS project and an MIA-POW accounting site on the fringes
of APEC meetings.
12. (U) Participants:
United States
--------------
Assistant Secretary Christopher R. Hill
Ambassador Michael W. Marine
EAP Special Assistant Kamala Lakhdhir
Pol/C Marc Knapper
PAS Julie Chung (notetaker)
Vietnam
--------------
Vice Foreign Minister Bang
Assistant Foreign Minister Nguyen Duc Hung
Americas Department Deputy Director Nguyen Ba Hung
Americas Department Deputy Director Nguyen Anh Dzung
U.S. Desk Director Nguyen Hoanh Nam
U.S. Officer Lai Thai Binh
13. (U) A/S Hill has cleared this message.
BOARDMAN
SIPDIS
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV PREL PHUM CB BM CH VM
SUBJECT: EAP A/S Hill's Meeting with Vietnam VFM Le Van Bang
HANOI 00000250 001.2 OF 002
1. (SBU) Summary: During his January 13 meeting with Vice
Foreign Minister Le Van Bang, EAP A/S Christopher R. Hill
underscored the importance of making progress in next week's
WTO talks, urged Vietnam to improve its human rights
situation and welcomed Vietnam's role in regional structures
such as APEC and ASEAN. The United States also values
Vietnam's views on regional issues such as Burma, Cambodia
and China. VFM Bang emphasized that bilateral relations are
at their best and expressed his confidence that the United
States and Vietnam will be able to build upon last year's
successes in a wide range of areas. VFM Bang also expressed
Vietnam's commitment to engaging with the United States on
human rights and religious freedom concerns. According to
the Vice Foreign Minster, China continues to have a "big
brother" presence in the region. End Summary.
2005: "Best Ever" in Bilateral Relations
--------------
2. (SBU) Vice Foreign Minister Le Van Bang welcomed EAP A/S
Hill to Hanoi on January 13, saying that 2005 was the "best
year ever" in U.S.-Vietnam relations. The two countries had
succeeded in raising the level of cooperation in the areas
of the military, security, economy, science, education,
humanitarian work and health care. Based on this, 2006 will
be a year of "still better bilateral relations." Vietnam is
eager to improve the level of its cooperation with the
United States in the larger regional context, VFM Bang said.
3. (SBU) A/S Hill relayed the positive spirit in Washington
towards Vietnam following the historic visit of Prime
Minister Pham Van Khai to the United States last year, which
continues to resonate as Vietnam prepares to host the APEC
summit in November. A/S Hill also underscored the United
States' commitment to developing relations with Vietnam as a
valued friend. He relayed plans by the Secretary to attend
the Asian Regional Forum (ARF) this year in Kuala Lumpur and
the U.S. anticipation of a stronger role for Vietnam in
ASEAN and the ARF.
WTO on the Horizon
--------------
4. (SBU) A/S Hill reiterated the need for Vietnam to be
pragmatic and move forward aggressively on its desire to
accede to the World Trade Organization (WTO),noting that
WTO membership would reap tremendous benefits for Vietnam.
Hanoi must move quickly on WTO talks and not lose sight of
reaching this goal by the time it hosts APEC. VFM Bang
agreed that it would be a unique opportunity for Vietnam to
host APEC with its WTO membership in hand. Vietnam has made
its "political determination" on WTO and now the negotiators
must work out the details.
Human Rights and Religious Freedom
--------------
5. (SBU) Turning to religious freedom and human rights, VFM
Bang acknowledged that the GVN must work with the United
States to address concerns, such as its designation as a
Country of Particular Concern (CPC) and overall matters
related to religious freedom and human rights. He said that
he welcomed Congressman Chris Smith's visit to Hanoi in
December 2005 and plans to write a letter pledging Vietnam's
commitment to address the three areas the Congressman
raised: trafficking in women and children, abortion and
religious freedom. VFM Bang also referred to the GVN's new
legal framework on religion, but admitted that some local
governments may have yet to take them seriously. The
Vatican is pleased with progress on religious freedom in
Vietnam, exemplified by the recent ordinance of 57 new
priests, the VFM said.
6. (SBU) A/S Hill asked the Vice Foreign Minister to review
our list of imprisoned political dissidents, and singled out
Dr. Pham Hong Son, noting that Vietnam's willingness to show
progress in this area will help to advance bilateral
relations. Responding that he had put all his political
weight on last year's amnesties, VFM Bang said he has no
information about when the next amnesty will be. This
process is considered on a year-by-year and case-by-case
basis, but the GVN will work in close consultation with the
Embassy on prioritizing the list and addressing concerns.
Big Brother China
--------------
7. (SBU) VFM Bang praised the United States for successfully
HANOI 00000250 002.2 OF 002
reaching out to Asian countries last year, particularly
ASEAN members. He said Vietnam views this as a positive
sign that the United States is making its presence felt in
the region, thereby giving more confidence to Asian
countries to deal on a more equal footing with countries
like China that had an "overwhelming" presence.
8. (SBU) Acknowledging that China is important to Vietnam,
VFM Bang said that the two countries must work together
closely, but that Vietnam would not have its ambitions
dampened by its "big brother." Vietnam feels the heat of
China's "heavy-handed actions" in the same way that Japan
and Taiwan do. Still, Vietnam must nurture its relations
with China as it does with the United States. A/S Hill
responded that the United States is committed to good
relations with China and has no desire to create conflict
between China and its regional neighbors, including Vietnam.
Political progress in China has not kept pace with economic
progress, and it must deal with that reality as it moves
ahead, A/S Hill noted.
Other Regional Neighbors
--------------
9. (SBU) While discussing Burma and North Korea, Bang was
quick to distance Vietnam from the two countries, stressing
that they are in a separate political and economic
territory, one which Vietnam feels fortunate to have left
behind years ago. Vietnam is interested in opening its
country, inviting the growth of democracy and implementing
economic reforms, while manifesting its independence, steps
that Burma and North Korea should follow.
10. (SBU) Hill expressed concerns about human rights issues
in Cambodia and asked Bang for advice on interacting with
Prime Minister Hun Sen. Bang responded that Hun Sen is
pragmatic and nationalistic, but wants to be in control of
his country. He further suggested that building a comfort
level of communication and inviting Hun Sen to visit the
United States could help strengthen the U.S. message. China
has been infusing Cambodia with cash, including a recent $13
million non-conditional gift, that demonstrates its growing
influence there, he warned.
APEC and the Year Ahead
--------------
11. (SBU) A/S Hill reiterated Vietnam's hosting of APEC and
WTO prospects all point to a positive year ahead. A/S Hill
invited Bang to the U.S. for a discussion of regional issues
as well as preparations for APEC and the President's visit.
VFM Bang thanked Hill for frank and fruitful discussions,
and pledged Vietnam's commitment to strengthening APEC. He
also underscored Vietnam's eagerness to host the President
on his first visit to Vietnam, suggesting visits to an HIV-
AIDS project and an MIA-POW accounting site on the fringes
of APEC meetings.
12. (U) Participants:
United States
--------------
Assistant Secretary Christopher R. Hill
Ambassador Michael W. Marine
EAP Special Assistant Kamala Lakhdhir
Pol/C Marc Knapper
PAS Julie Chung (notetaker)
Vietnam
--------------
Vice Foreign Minister Bang
Assistant Foreign Minister Nguyen Duc Hung
Americas Department Deputy Director Nguyen Ba Hung
Americas Department Deputy Director Nguyen Anh Dzung
U.S. Desk Director Nguyen Hoanh Nam
U.S. Officer Lai Thai Binh
13. (U) A/S Hill has cleared this message.
BOARDMAN