JOINT DEMARCHE ON GLOBAL INITIATIVE TO COMBAT NUCLEAR

UNCLAS HANOI 000436

SIPDIS

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PTER KNNP MCAP PINR PINS PARM PREL VM
SUBJECT: JOINT DEMARCHE ON GLOBAL INITIATIVE TO COMBAT NUCLEAR
TERRORISM DELIVERED

REF: A) State 21535 B) State 27320


1. (SBU) On March 7, Poloff met with MFA International Law and
Treaty Department specialist Nguyen Dang Thang to discuss reftels'
points and urge GVN participation in the Global Initiative to Combat
Nuclear Terrorism (the "Initiative"). Per Ref A's instructions,
Russian Embassy First Secretary Sergey Sokolov also attended.
Poloff delivered Ref A points and handed over Ref B's readout from
the Ankara meeting on the Initiative. Sokolov delivered copies of
the Statement of Principles and the Co-Chairs' Statement from the
Ankara meeting. Sokolov noted that, in light of the GVN's recent
efforts to raise its international profile, such as its candidacy
for a UNSC seat, endorsement of the Initiative would be an
appropriate step.


2. (SBU) Thang welcomed the information and documents about the
Initiative and said he would prepare a report on it for
consideration by senior MFA leadership. He reiterated the GVN's
position condemning all forms of terrorism and urging the
international community to redouble counterterrorism efforts
consistent with international law and the UN Charter. He asked that
the GVN be updated on the list of additional Initiative endorsees.

MARINE