VIETNAM'S VIEWS ON THE NPT

UNCLAS HANOI 000112

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

FOR ISN/MNSA (DAVIS),GENEVA (CD),UNVIE (IAEA),USUN (POL),USNATO
(POL),USEU (POL)

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PARM AORC CDG ENRG KNNP MNUC PREL PGOV UNGA IAEA
NPT, VM

SUBJECT: VIETNAM'S VIEWS ON THE NPT

REF: A) STATE 6970, B) HANOI 76


1. (SBU) In a February 11 discussion with the MFA IO officer
responsible for non-proliferation matters, Vu Tran Phong, Deputy
PolCouns outlined U.S. priorities for the NPT in anticipation of the
third Preparatory Committee meeting in May prior to the NPT Review
Conference in 2010. He emphasized U.S. priorities as outlined in
ref. A, and asked for Vietnam's views on the Treaty. (Note: On
February 4, we provided Phong with the list of questions as a
non-paper. End note.)


2. (SBU) Phong declined to address ref. A questions one-by-one,
preferring instead to offer Vietnam's general position; however, in
the course of his presentation, and through subsequent conversation,
he addressed most of the points:


A. What are Vietnam's objectives for the NPT in general, and for
the current review process in particular?

Phong said that Vietnam strongly supports the NPT's objectives, but
emphasized that all three "pillars" -- disarmament,
non-proliferation, and the peaceful use of nuclear energy -- should
be given equal weight. Noting that he had been involved in
discussions in New York as the action officer on non-proliferation
matters for Vietnam's Mission at the UN, Phong said that Vietnam
shared U.S. "disappointment" that the last Review Conference in 2005
had not been more productive and hopes that the 2010 RevCon will be
more substantive.


B. What policies or actions regarding the NPT does Vietnam hope
to see from the United States?

Vietnam supports "complete and total disarmament," Phong said,
emphasizing that established nuclear states have particular
obligations under Article Six of the NPT and should undertake the 13
steps outlined in the 2000 RevCon.


C. What does Vietnam believe would represent a successful outcome
to the current NPT cycle ending with the 2010 Review Conference?
How important is it to reach consensus on substantive matters?

While not explicitly addressing consensus, Phong stressed that
Vietnam believes that "every Party must work together" to meet the
NPT's objectives.


D. Does Vietnam believe that NPT parties should take action to
address the NPT issues described below? What actions would Vietnam
support?

-- Noncompliance with the NPT, for example, on the part of Iran and
North Korea.

Vietnam takes noncompliance seriously, but believes that such
matters are best addressed through the NPT.

-- The prospect of Parties violating and then withdrawing from the
Treaty.

Referring to North Korea, Phong said that this was a "sensitive
matter." Phong emphasized that Vietnam strongly supports the
Six-Party Process, but cautioned that North Korea does not react
well to unilateral "pressure." He expressed hope that a new U.S.
Administration would adopt a more "flexible" approach through the
Six-Party Talks.

-- Fulfilling the Treaty's obligation for the fullest possible
international cooperation for the peaceful uses of nuclear energy
consistent with the Treaty's nonproliferation obligations.

Phong said that Vietnam fully supports this "pillar," including, he
emphasized, as it applies to Iran.

-- Fulfilling the Treaty's obligations to pursue negotiations
relating to nuclear disarmament.

Vietnam strongly supports all such negotiations, including the
Six-Party Talks and any possible discussions concerning Iran.

-- Transparency on the part of nuclear weapon states with regard to
their nuclear weapons forces and policies.

Phong said that Vietnam supports this, but underscored Vietnam's
position that the ultimate goal of the NPT is complete disarmament
of all states.

Michalak