MFA Protests Ambassador's Remarks in Support of Greater

UNCLAS HANOI 003021 SIPDIS SENSITIVE SIPDIS DEPT PASS TO EAP/MLS; DRL/AWH E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL PHUM KPAO VM SUBJECT: MFA Protests Ambassador's Remarks in Support of Greater Political Freedom Ref: Hanoi 2624 ¶1. (SBU) During a roundtable with foreign correspondents on December 13, the Ambassador spoke on the issue of human rights, freedom of expression and the GVN's treatment of activists and others who peacefully voice their POLITICAL views. Responding to a reporter's question about the activities of newly formed groups (such as Bloc 8406) calling for POLITICAL change, the Ambassador said, "I think that the people who belong to groups like 8406 have the power of their convictions. The strength of their convictions is such that they are willing to speak out, but I think that they are true patriots. They want the best for Vietnam, and the growth of democracy at a pace that Vietnam is ready for and the Vietnamese people want is something that we support." These remarks were widely reported in press accounts. ¶2. (SBU) On December 14, MFA Americas Department Pham Van Que informed the DCM that the MFA would soon release a statement "protesting" the DCM's remarks. Later in the day, MFA Spokesman Le Dung released the following statement: Begin text of MFA statement: A law-governed State requires all of its citizens to respect and abide by its laws and those who intentionally violate them must be punished in line with the country's laws. I don't understand to which country the Ambassador was referring to when he talked about these "patriots." The Vietnamese State, together with its public opinion, disapprove strongly of any outside encouragement to Vietnamese citizens to violate the country's laws. The ties between Vietnam and the United States have made important strides over the recent years. We hope that the RELATIONS will continue to be maintained, developed and strengthened towards a constructive, friendly and cooperative partnership on the basis of equality, friendship, mutual respect and mutual benefit. End text of MFA press statement. ¶3. (SBU) Comment: This statement echoes a similar MFA protest in October after the Ambassador spoke on the importance of POLITICAL freedom during an RFA interview. Embassy officers were told then that certain GVN officials, especially in the security sector, were upset with the Ambassador for encouraging those calling for political change. Press coverage in Vietnamese-language papers of the Ambassador's latest comments did not include mention of his remarks to the foreign press on POLITICAL freedoms (although the English-language Vietnam News made a brief reference to them). The Ambassador's statements on bilateral RELATIONS and commercial ties garnered prominent placement in Vietnam's print media. End Comment. MARINE