MFA PROTESTS AMBASSADOR'S REMARKS CONCERNING DEMOCRATIC

UNCLAS HANOI 002624 SIPDIS SENSITIVE SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PHUM PREL PGOV VM SUBJECT: MFA PROTESTS AMBASSADOR'S REMARKS CONCERNING DEMOCRATIC POLITICAL MOVEMENT REF: HO CHI MINH 1145 ¶1. (SBU) Summary: On October 11, MFA Americas Department Acting Director General Pham Van Que called in the Charge to protest remarks about the Vietnamese political movement 8406 Bloc made by the Ambassador during an October 2 Radio Free Asia interview. According to Que, the remarks caused a negative reaction among some in the GVN, who misinterpreted them as USG support for regime change in Vietnam. The Charge reaffirmed U.S. support for peaceful freedom of expression in general, and for the 8406 Bloc's right to advocate for political change. At the same time, he assured Que that the USG does not support any anti-regime group in Vietnam. End summary. MFA Reacts Strongly to Remarks in Support of 8406 Bloc -------------- -------------- ¶2. (SBU) MFA Americas Department Acting Director General Pham Van Que opened the October 11 discussion by raising the Ambassador's interview with a Radio Free Asia reporter, which appeared on the RFA website on October 4. Acting DG Que specifically referred to the Ambassador's remarks about the 8406 Bloc and noted that the group is trying to form a political party this year and has called for regime change. Que said the Ambassador had expressed support for freedom of expression, and also supported the activities of people belonging to that group. ¶3. (SBU) Que said the statement had caused negative reactions among some people in the GVN. The interview's contents expressed the "wrong intention" of the United States, which is particularly surprising because the Ambassador is usually very positive. The Ambassador's meetings with Vietnamese groups in the United States are politically sensitive. But, the Ambassador's statements could be viewed as encouragement by the U.S. Government of what this group is attempting to undertake in Vietnam. It has an impact on U.S.-Vietnam relations, especially at a time when the GVN is working hard to prepare for the President's visit and to make progress on the "many issues that the U.S. side has recently raised with the GVN." U.S. Supports the Principle of Free Speech -------------- ¶4. (SBU) The Charge responded that the topic of Que's discussion was not a surprise since the External Relations Office in Ho Chi Minh City had already made similar comments to a ConGen representative (reftel). Que is correct in describing the Ambassador as a strong supporter of an improved U.S.-Vietnam relationship. Furthermore, the USG supports the right of individuals to peacefully express political views. The USG's understanding is that the 8406 Bloc is a political group. The Charge emphasized that the USG does not support, materially or otherwise, any anti-regime group in Vietnam. The Ambassador's remarks would reinforce the group's right to make political statements in peaceful ways, an activity that the United States and the international community do not regard as a crime in any way, the Charge stressed. ¶5. (SBU) Que replied that the GVN has expressed the position many times that it can not tolerate the expression of political views advocating the overthrow of the current regime in Vietnam. Perhaps the U.S. Government does not understand that, as a result of having to overcome war and revolution, Vietnamese society is not as stable as U.S. society. The GVN is trying to enhance the rights of people, including their freedom and democracy, but at the same time trying to keep Vietnam safe. It is a policy for the good of the Vietnamese people. Referring to a discussion a couple months ago between the Ambassador and VFM Le Van Bang about the activities of the 8406 Bloc, Que noted that the Ambassador had said that the Embassy will pursue a low-key response to the 8406 Bloc. The statement in the Radio Free Asia interview was not low-key, Que averred. A statement of support for the 8406 Bloc sends the wrong signal to some in the GVN. ¶6. (SBU) When the Charge replied that the Ambassador's remarks should not be misread to suggest the U.S. Government wants instability in Vietnam, Que said it is hard to explain this to some people in the GVN. The Ambassador's use of the phrase "call for political change" in Vietnam has caused serious concern. Because of the history of our relations, the GVN is working hard to build confidence. In light of remarks such as the Ambassador's, it is both hard to explain efforts to build relations with the United States and hard to respond to criticism that some within the GVN are pro-American and soft on America, Que concluded. MARINE