GVN REACTS TO HUMAN RIGHTS REPORT

UNCLAS HANOI 000303 SIPDIS SENSITIVE SIPDIS STATE FOR EAP/MLS, AND DRL/AWH E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: KIRF PHUM PREL PGOV VM SUBJECT: GVN REACTS TO HUMAN RIGHTS REPORT ¶1. (SBU) Summary: Foreign Ministry spokesperson Le Dung delivered the GVN's reaction to the 2007 Human Rights Report on March 13, calling it "regrettable" that the report is based on "false and prejudiced" information but adding that it is "normal" that the USG and GVN have differences on human rights issues. Dung's remarks have been carried by Vietnamese media without additional commentary so far. Full text of Dung's remarks is in para 2. Initial press commentary has so far stuck to the MFA statement and not extended to editorial comment as was the case last year. End summary. ¶2. (U) Begin text of Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Le Dung's remarks: It is regrettable that the US Department State's 2007 Human Rights Report still does not give objective observations on the real situation in Vietnam and is based on false and prejudiced information. During the past years, Vietnam has made great achievements in ensuring and developing its citizens' freedom in all fields, including freedom of speech, freedom of press and freedom of information. This can be clearly seen through the strong and diversified development of means of communication, especially the Internet. These achievements have been recognized and highly appreciated by international community. The State of Vietnam always respects citizens' rights to freedom and democracy. However, like in other countries, it is unacceptable if these rights are exploited to violate the law. There is no political repression in Vietnam. Nobody in Vietnam has been arrested for reasons relating to political views or religion; only those who violate the laws are handled in accordance with the laws. It is normal that Vietnam and the U.S. have differences in human rights issues. We believe that increased exchange and dialogue on the basis of equality and non-interference in each other's internal affairs will help strengthen mutual understanding between Vietnam and the U.S. in this regard, contributing to promote the development of bilateral relationship in accordance with the Vietnam-U.S. Joint Statements in May 2005 and November 2006 by the two countries' high-level leaders. End text of remarks. ¶3. (SBU) Dung's remarks were carried in full by Vietnam News Agency and picked up by major dailies. Vietnam Television (VTV) broadcast the statement during its March 13 11:00 p.m. news program this year, as opposed to previous years when VTV has carried the statement on its more popular 7 p.m. prime time news program. To date, papers and online news outlets have carried the statement without additional commentary in comparison to last year and previously when critical editorials and stories have run with the statement. It is possible we will see these negative opinion pieces and articles in coming days and we will continue to monitor any additional coverage. ¶4. (SBU) Comment: Dung's remarks are similar to those in response to last year's report, when he called it "regrettable" with "biased" remarks. So far we have not seen anything like last year's editorial in the major daily Nhan Dan which called the 2006 report "lying and wrongful," a report that "violates the UN Charter and interferes with other countries' sovereignty," and "rudely interferes and tarnishes our country's image." MICHALAK