DEMARCHE DELIVERED: VIETNAM URGED NOT TO SUPPORT

UNCLAS HANOI 001248 SENSITIVE SIPDIS FOR EAP/MLS, DRL/MLGA, IO/RHS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL PHUM PGOV VM SUBJECT: DEMARCHE DELIVERED: VIETNAM URGED NOT TO SUPPORT NON-ACTION MOTIONS ON IRAN, BURMA, AND DPRK ¶1. (SBU) In a November 7 discussion, the MFA International Organizations officer responsible for UN Third Committee and human rights issues, Phung Thi Lan Huong, said that while Vietnam as a matter of principle remains firmly opposed to country-specific resolutions, she would pass along our strong recommendation that Vietnam vote against -- or at least abstain, or not be present during -- no-action motions on Iran, Burma, and the DPRK. ¶2. (SBU) In delivering reftel points, Deputy PolCouns emphasized the egregious nature of human rights violations in all three countries, noting, per reftel, that the Iran resolution was a particular priority. He also stressed that as a procedural matter, the use of no-action motions itself represents a serious problem, since their sole purpose is to stifle debate. MICHALAK