Vietnam Response on UNSC Summit

UNCLAS HANOI 000972 SIPDIS FOR EAP/MLS MARC FORINO E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL PGOV KNNP SUBJECT: Vietnam Response on UNSC Summit REF: 09 HANOI 858; 09 STATE 88789 ¶1. On September 16, Foreign Ministry Assistant Director General Mai Phan Dzung delivered to PolChief a letter from Vietnamese President Nguyen Minh Triet to POTUS confirming Triet's attendance at the UNSC Summit on nuclear non-proliferation. In his letter (see paragraph two for informal translation),Triet expresses Vietnam's willingness to work with the international community to stem the proliferation of nuclear weapons, and agrees the Summit offers an important opportunity to strengthen international cooperation in this important area. ¶2. Begin text: Hanoi, September 16, 2009 Mr. President: It is my pleasure to receive your invitation to the Summit of the United Nations Security Council on nuclear non-proliferation and nuclear disarmament to take place on September 24 in New York during the month that the United States holds the Council's presidency. Non-proliferation and disarmament of nuclear weapons is a task crucial to the survival of mankind. The progress on the matter has strong implications on the assurance of international peace and security as much as it reflects a long-lasting cherished aspiration of human beings. As a country that underwent many losses of war itself, Vietnam fully understands and seeks to make its own contribution to this cause. Vietnam shares the common concern on the current deadlock in negotiations on nuclear disarmament and the challenges against the process of non-proliferation of these destructive weapons. In that context, I agree with Your Excellency that the upcoming Summit of the Security Council is extremely significant as an opportunity to strengthen international cooperation and further promote the Council's role in the pursuit of a nuclear-weapon-free world. Recognizing the importance of the Summit, on the basis of Vietnam's consistent policy for peace, arms-race prevention and considering the mutual relationship between our two countries, I am honored to inform Your Excellency that I will head the Vietnamese delegation to participate in the Summit. Vietnam's high-level delegation will make its best contribution to the success of the Summit. I avail myself of this opportunity to renew to Your Excellency the assurances of my highest consideration. Signed Nguyen Minh Triet President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam End text. ¶3. Post sent the original diplomatic note to EAP/MLS via the diplomatic pouch. Michalak