VIETNAM FORMALLY AGREES TO HUMAN RIGHTS DIALOGUE

UNCLAS HANOI 000385 SIPDIS SENSITIVE SIPDIS STATE FOR EAP/MLS, DRL/IRF E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL KIRF PHUM PGOV VM SUBJECT: VIETNAM FORMALLY AGREES TO HUMAN RIGHTS DIALOGUE ¶1. (SBU) Vietnam's MFA formally agreed to hold the next round of the bilateral Human Rights Dialogue on May 29, 2008 in Hanoi, Vietnam. In dipnote 158/NG-TCQT, the unofficial translation of which follows below, the MFA also reports that its delegation will be represented by an unspecified Assistant Foreign Minister. Still pending are the MFA's input on the dialogue's agenda and the composition of the GVN delegation. ¶2. (SBU) Begin text of note: The Department of International Organizations, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Vietnam presents its compliments to the Embassy of the United States of America in Hanoi and with reference to the note No. 0352/08 dated 27 March 2008 concerning the US-proposed date of the 13th round of the Vietnam - US Human Rights Dialogue, has the honor to confirm its agreement that the Dialogue will be held on the 29th of May, 2008 in Hanoi, Vietnam. The Vietnamese Delegation will be led by an Assistant Foreign Minister of Vietnam. With regards to the composition of the Vietnamese delegation and the specific topics to be raised by the Vietnamese side, the Department of International Organizations, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Vietnam shall inform the Embassy of the United States of America in Hanoi as early as possible. The Department of International Organizations, Ministry of Foreign Affairs avails itself of this opportunity to renew to the Embassy of the United States of America the assurances of its highest consideration. End text of note. MICHALAK