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