Ambassador Meets Vietnam's Chief of Police, Signs

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 05 HANOI 000964 SIPDIS SENSITIVE SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL PGOV SOCI SNAR EAID ECON OSCI VM SUBJECT: Ambassador Meets Vietnam's Chief of Police, Signs Agreement Expanding Law Enforcement Cooperation Ref: Hanoi 943 HANOI 00000964 001.2 OF 005 Summary -------------- ¶1. (SBU) The Ambassador and Vice Minister of Public Security Le The Tiem signed April 26 the Amendment to the U.S.- Vietnam Letter of Agreement on Counternarcotics. Prior to the signing ceremony, the two discussed bilateral law enforcement cooperation and other issues, agreeing that both sides' efforts to date have been fruitful. However, the Ambassador stressed, the two countries can do more, and he urged MPS to sign the Memorandum of Understanding with the Drug Enforcement Administration. The Ambassador also requested the support of MPS in efforts to control the spread of HIV in Vietnam. On a trade-related note, the Ambassador observed that MPS could play a role in overcoming obstacles to the import of American motorcycles with large engines. End Summary. Law Enforcement Cooperation -------------- ¶2. (SBU) The Ambassador met April 26 with Vice Minister of Public Security (and head of Vietnam's police) General Le The Tiem to sign the Amendment to the U.S.-Vietnam Letter of Agreement (LOA) on Counternarcotics Cooperation (full text of agreement in para 12; original signed document pouched to EAP/MLS). Prior to the signing ceremony, the two discussed bilateral law enforcement and other issues for nearly 30 minutes. Congratulating Vice Minister Tiem for his recent re-election to the Communist Party's Central Committee (reftel),the Ambassador noted that Vietnam's reputation as a safe destination and place to live is in large measure thanks to the vice minister's efforts. That said, as our bilateral relationship deepens, and more Americans visit and live in Vietnam, there will be incidents involving cultural and other differences that could lead to problems. There have already been some such cases in Hanoi involving Americans, and we will continue to bring these to the attention of the authorities and cooperate with the Vietnamese police to mitigate against these kinds of problems, the Ambassador said. ¶3. (SBU) Thanking General Tiem for his ministry's assistance in bringing the LOA amendment to fruition, the Ambassador observed that both the United States and Vietnam can look back on our past cooperation with satisfaction and recognize the value in the types of training and exchanges that the LOA has been able to bring about. We hope that the Ministry of Public Security (MPS) can look ahead to the pending Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between MPS and the Drug Enforcement Administration and agree to sign it at an early date. Ultimately, we look forward to the day when we can go beyond training and information sharing and participate in mutually acceptable, coordinated activities to go after drug traffickers and money launderers. Any assistance that the Vice Minister could render in moving the pending MOU forward would be appreciated. With a rumored split of MPS into two ministries of police and State security in the offing, we are concerned that the MOU might get caught in the shuffle and languish in someone's in-box, the Ambassador added. ¶4. (SBU) Vice Minister Tiem agreed that bilateral law enforcement cooperation has been fruitful, and that the signing of the LOA amendment will reap further benefits in the future. Transnational crimes such as drug trafficking, trafficking in persons and terrorism impact global and regional stability. Developing countries like Vietnam are especially vulnerable and face many difficulties in addressing these issues. High-tech criminals are also beginning to appear in Vietnam. These are all areas in which Vietnam and the United States can work together, and Prime Minister Phan Van Khai's June 2005 visit to the United States helped to expand our law enforcement and security cooperation, Tiem said. ¶5. (SBU) Vietnam's police are working day and night to make Vietnam a safe destination, but this goal requires the support of all members of society and international cooperation, Tiem continued. Vietnam greatly appreciates the assistance the USG renders in this effort. Counterterrorism cooperation, particularly involving individuals who have tried to attack Vietnamese embassies or committed other terrorist acts, such as Ly Tong (who is currently in jail in Thailand),is especially welcome. Vietnam is grateful for USG assistance and support in the HANOI 00000964 002.2 OF 005 case of terrorist Nguyen Huu Chanh (who was recently arrested in Seoul on an Interpol warrant),Tiem said. (Note: Although U.S. law enforcement officials had exchanged information on Chanh's activities with their Vietnamese counterparts, the United States did not play a role in Chanh's arrest in Korea. Furthermore, the United States has not assisted Vietnam in the case of Ly Tong. End Note.) ¶6. (SBU) Drug control is a global issue on which all countries must cooperate, and the LOA amendment is a great step forward to increase mutual trust and understanding between the United States and Vietnam in this field, Tiem stressed. The two countries' functional agencies have already shared their training and experience, and MPS wants to go deeper in other areas. However, this must be done based on a legal framework that is approved by the National Assembly. Tiem himself visited DEA headquarters in 1998 and was able to meet with U.S. officials to discuss a number of issues of mutual interest. There are clearly areas in which the United States and Vietnam can cooperate further, such as in drug treatment. For example, Vietnam has a number of herbal and other remedies that might be worth sharing, Tiem observed. ¶7. (SBU) The Ambassador agreed that cooperation is the most effective way to tackle the regional and global issues that we face. Counterterrorism, trafficking in persons and counternarcotics are very high among the USG's priorities. Over the past 18 months, bilateral cooperation has greatly improved, but it is still not as strong as it should be. We have seen tremendous progress, but there is still room to grow. During President Bush's meeting with Prime Minister Khai last year, law enforcement was an issue of discussion, and the PM's trip set a new standard of cooperation to which we should strive. President Bush will visit Vietnam in November, and our leaders will ask whether we have met this new standard. We now have a good report to present, but we could create an even better one over the next six months, the Ambassador observed. Medication-assisted Treatment, HIV/AIDS -------------- ¶8. (SBU) Drug addiction, and how to turn drug addicts away from narcotics, is a major interest of the United States and a key aspect of our efforts to assist Vietnam in its struggle against HIV/AIDS. Medication-assisted treatment such as methadone has helped people to overcome drug addiction, and this is a subject worth further discussion with MPS and others within the GVN working on this issue. Furthermore, as Vietnamese society changes, and as attitudes towards sexuality change, the GVN needs to step up its efforts to ensure that its young people have access to the means to protect themselves from HIV and other diseases. MPS can play a key role in ensuring that places where young people congregate and meet such as bars and discos have condoms available. Right now, some 100 people a day are infected with HIV in Vietnam, and most of them are not using injected drugs. As the epidemic transforms, we must change our tactics to deal with it. This cannot be done without the full support of the police, the Ambassador underlined. ¶9. (SBU) VM Tiem expressed his full agreement, noting that the GVN and local governments are doing their utmost to ensure that drug addicts have access to drug treatment centers, vocational training and future employment opportunities. Every level of Vietnamese officialdom is providing resources to tackle this problem. To address the spread of HIV/AIDS, the GVN has a number of harm reduction programs, including efforts to provide condoms in public places and high-risk areas where people meet. The GVN also provides syringes to drug users, the Vice Minister explained. Police Motorbikes -------------- ¶10. (SBU) The Ambassador stressed the USG's full support for Vietnam's WTO aspirations, adding that the import of motorcycles with large engines is one area in which the United States and Vietnam do not yet see eye-to-eye. The police, with its need for this kind of bike, may be able to play a role and assist with overcoming the obstacles to importing them. Tiem replied that the police indeed need fast bikes to chase criminals, and that MPS "already has a plan." HANOI 00000964 003.2 OF 005 The Signing Ceremony -------------- ¶11. (SBU) Prior to signing the LOA amendment, Vice Minister Tiem presented a statement that reflected his remarks to the Ambassador. Vietnam-U.S. law enforcement cooperation has been to date been fruitful, he said, and the LOA amendment will allow both sides to expand their efforts to tackle narcotics-related problems. A television crew from Vietnam Television covered the ceremony, and there were a number of still photographers and reporters at the event. One representative press piece from the Vietnam News Agency reads as follows: The US Government will disburse an additional 500,000 USD for the training of drug squads in Viet Nam for 2006-07, according to a deal signed by Deputy Minister of Public Security Sen. Lieut. Gen Le The Tiem and US Ambassador Michael W. Marine in Ha Noi on April 26. The deal is an amendment to the letter of cooperation agreement on drug control between Viet Nam and the United States dating back to February 26, 2004. Over the past two years, the project has helped facilitate three training courses for police, customs officers, border guards, investigators and lawyers and organize a fieldtrip to the US for Vietnamese drug squads, thus strengthening their working capacity. The new amendment aims to intensify the training of drug squads for Viet Nam, the signing of which, as said by Deputy Minister Tiem, has demonstrated the two Governments' determination to fight against drug crimes. For his part, Ambassador Marine pledged further support for Vietnamese legal enforcement agencies in order to boost bilateral cooperation in the fight against trans-national crimes, especially in drug control. End press piece. The LOA Amendment -------------- ¶12. (SBU) Begin text of LOA Amendment. Original document pouched to EAP/MLS, pouch #4047358. AMENDMENT TO ANNEX 3 OF THE LETTER OF AGREEMENT ON NARCOTICS COOPERATION SIGNED ON 11 DECEMBER, 2003 AND FEBRUARY 26, 2004 BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT OF THE SOCIALIST REPUBLIC OF VIETNAM AND THE GOVERNMENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA ¶I. GENERAL The Government of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, represented by Vice Minister of Public Security Colonel General Le The Tiem and the Government of the United States of America (USG),represented by Ambassador Michael W. Marine, (each individually, a "Party." Or collectively, the "Parties") jointly agree to modify, amend Annex Three of the letter of agreement on counternarcotics cooperation between the Government of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and the USG, signed in English in Los Angeles on December 11, 2003 and signed in Vietnamese in Hanoi on February 26, 2004, hereinafter called (the "Agreement"): To provide additional funds in the amount of USD 500,000, in addition to the amount of assistance already committed by the USG for the Government of Vietnam in the LOA on Counternarcotics Cooperation to replicate the Counternarcotics Training Program identified in Annex Three of the Agreement three times in 2006-2007 and to conduct specialized counternarcotics training in coordination with the U.S. Embassy and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration's International Training Section. The full project descriptions and project goals are described in Sections II and III below. All other obligations, terms, and other conditions contained in the letter of agreement, signed in English in Los Angeles on December 11, 2003 and signed in Vietnamese in Hanoi on February 26, 2004, shall remain applicable and in full force and effect. II. PROJECT DESCRIPTIONS HANOI 00000964 004.2 OF 005 The Counternarcotics Training is designed to increase the Government of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam's capability to detect and interdict narcotics at the nation's air and seaports. This three-phase program will build on the knowledge, skills and abilities created in the July 2004 iteration of this project by expanding the geographical coverage of the program to the other major air and seaports in Vietnam: Ho Chi Minh City, Danang and Haiphong. Toward that goal, the Government of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and the USG will take actions and commit resources on an annual basis as authorized by their respective legislative processes to support this effort. Actions to be taken in each of three iterations of the program include: -- Travel to an appropriate port in the United States to expose key front-line General Department of Customs staff to U.S. best practices in counternarcotics; -- A week-long training seminar for front-line Customs supervisors in the target port cities, taught by U.S. Customs Personnel and incorporating practical techniques; -- A follow-on availability for U.S. Customs experts to answer practical questions and assist with counternarcotics enforcement for up to one week following the training course. The planned duration of this project is one year (three one- month iterations, spaced at four month intervals),following which Vietnam's major air and seaport facilities will be staffed with Customs enforcement officers who are familiar with the latest techniques and methodologies for detecting and interdicting drugs. The provision of funding beyond the current fiscal year is conditioned upon satisfactory progress toward project goals and the availability of funds authorized and appropriated on a year-to-year basis by the U.S. Congress and approved by the USG Department of State, Bureau for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL). The counternarcotics specialized training is intended to provide training for participants assigned to active drug enforcement units with operational duties. Toward that goal, the Government of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and the USG will take actions and commit resources on an annual basis as authorized by their respective legislative processes to support this effort. This training would build on the assistance contained in the main LOA document and would reach additional counternarcotics officers. The training will occur during 2006 at a time agreeable to both parties. III. Project Goal and Achievement Verification The long-term goal of the Counternarcotics Training project is to reduce drug trafficking into Vietnam. The annual goal for this year's funding is to have at least one narcotics seizure with related arrests directly related to the training program from each of the ports that receive counternarcotics training, and to achieve a 50 percent improvement in the knowledge, skills and abilities of training participants. Progress toward achievement of the project goal will be measured in terms of seizure reports showing at least one training-related seizure with related arrests at each port and KSA evaluation tests done pre- and post-training. Methods of verification of project achievement include official records of arrests and conviction of narcotics law violators and seizures and destruction of drugs. The goal of the DEA training courses is to assist the government of Vietnam to combat and prevent illicit narcotics trafficked into Vietnam from outside by elevating the skill level of its counter-narcotics offices in tactical safety and operational planning. Additionally, this training will foster trust and cooperation between Vietnamese and U.S. Law Enforcement Counter-Narcotics Agencies including DEA. The outcome of this training initiative is expected to enhance Vietnam's overall regional strategic plan to combat the flow of illicit drugs, and specifically address training needs of the Vietnamese Police related to operational planning and officer safety. Sustainability: HANOI 00000964 005.2 OF 005 The Government of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam agrees to send participants to this training who will remain in their agencies for at least two years. The Vietnamese authorities are encouraged to implement appropriate legislative mechanisms to facilitate effective law- enforcement techniques and use the knowledge from the training to implement and enhance counter-narcotics efforts throughout the country. Methods of verification will include a six-month follow-up by SODC, the Ministry of Public Security of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and the U.S. Embassy to review implementation and effectiveness of the program. IV. Program Evaluation Officials of the Government of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and the USG will meet within one month after each training iteration to discuss progress. A written report of such meetings will be prepared and provided to the respective parties. Progress toward achievement of the DEA project's goals will be measured by an increase in the skills and abilities of participating Vietnamese law-enforcement officers to plan and conduct high risk operations in support of arresting drug traffickers and seizing illicit narcotics. The success of this project will also be measured, at least in part, by the various Vietnamese Counter-Narcotics Units' cooperative efforts with the DEA Country Office. This modification/amendment is done in duplicate at Hanoi, Vietnam, this day of (month) of 2006, in English and Vietnamese languages, both texts being equally authentic. End text of amendment. MARINE