This record is a partial extract of the original cable. The full text of the original cable is not available.

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 HANOI 001759 
 
SIPDIS 
 
DEPARTMENT FOR CA/OCS/CI, CA/OCS/ACS/EAP, CA/OCS/PRI, 
CA/VO/F/P AND EAP/BCLTV, L/EAP, Bangkok for DHS/DD, Ho Chi 
Minh City for CONS and DHS OIC 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: KOCI CVIS CASC PREL VM
SUBJECT: VIETNAM:  MEETING WITH JUSTICE MINISTRY ON 
ADOPTIONS 
 
REF: A) Diplomatic Note, Vann-Savage email June 19th, 2003, 
 
B) draft Protocol, Vann-Savage email June 19th, 2003, C) 
State 177624 and previous 
 
1.(U) Summary.  Consul delivered the diplomatic note and 
revised protocol (refs A and B) to Ministry of Justice (MOJ) 
official on July 1.   The official noted that the relevant 
section in MOJ that handles adoptions is reorganizing.  It 
is possible that this reorganization will cause delays and 
backtracking.  End Summary. 
 
DIPNOTE 
------- 
 
¶2.  (U) Consul delivered the Embassy's diplomatic note (ref 
A) and the revised "Protocol" on adoptions (ref B) to Mr. 
Binh, Vice Director of the International Cooperation of MOJ 
on July 1, 2003.  She expressed the USG's hope to move 
forward carefully, but as quickly as possible to reach 
concurrence on a document that will protect the interests of 
the children and adoptive parents alike. 
 
¶3.  (U) In turning over the diplomatic note, Consul briefly 
highlighted the reasons why the USG is required to work 
towards some form of document other than an "agreement." 
She requested confirmation in writing from the MOJ that a 
document other than a bilateral agreement will be 
acceptable.  She also stated that the diplomatic note 
verifies the authority of employees of the US Embassy and 
Consulate to negotiate this document with the guidance of 
the Ambassador and certain offices of the USG.  In addition, 
Consul encouraged the GVN to accede to the Hague Convention 
on International Adoptions. 
 
NEW DRAFT PROTOCOL 
--------- 
 
¶4.  (U) At the same meeting Consul delivered the new draft 
(ref B) noting its new title ("protocol") and more formal 
format.  She also told Binh about the extensive references 
to US and GVN laws which confirm the legal authority of this 
document and that it will be fully acceptable throughout the 
USG. 
 
REACTION 
-------- 
 
¶5.  (U) Binh said that he would study the documents with the 
relevant authorities from other ministries, and respond. 
Binh welcomed the diplomatic note and the suggestion of a 
new title and format for the document.  He also agreed that 
the best way to negotiate is with Embassy officials.  As 
reported earlier, he confirmed that negotiations are carried 
out at the expert level (first round), government level 
(designated by the Prime Minister), and state level 
(designated by the President).  Acquiring GVN designation 
for the government and state level rounds is a lengthy 
process.  According to Binh, the most critical negotiation 
is the first negotiation at the expert level, and he is 
hopeful that negotiations can be completed in this round. 
 
¶6.  (U) Binh promised that the relevant authorities would 
study the Protocol at earliest time possible, but he noted 
that due to an ongoing reorganization at MOJ, getting 
attention to the document might take a bit longer than 
usual. 
 
REORGANIZING AT MOJ 
------------------- 
 
¶7.  (U) During the meeting, Binh described the ongoing 
reorganization of the international adoptions function at 
MOJ.  He stated that his Department, International 
Cooperation, would be divided into 3 bureaus - International 
Relations, International Law, and a Bureau for International 
Adoptions, according to Decree 62, which was issued 
approximately two weeks ago.  (A copy will be provided 
separately.)  This decree will be effective as of July 12, 
¶2003.  He noted that the reorganization is still unclear and 
MOJ will have to issue decisions stipulating the structures, 
rights and responsibilities of these new offices.  The 
Bureau of International Adoptions will be responsible for 
negotiating and signing adoption `agreements'.  Until July 
12th, Binh will remain responsible for adoptions 
negotiations.  Binh thinks that because thus far he has only 
worked as a negotiation team leader, he may not be assigned 
to the new Bureau.  He does believe that even if not 
assigned permanently, he will be asked to serve as an 
advisor and consultant for the Bureau during its first days. 
Binh stated that although the structure of MOJ is changing, 
work continues. 
 
COMMENT 
------- 
 
¶8.  (U) Comment.  This reorganization may cause delays and 
backtracking, particularly if written confirmation of GVN 
willingness to proceed on a document that is not an 
"agreement" is not received by the July 12th changeover 
date.  A worst-case scenario would be that we have to start 
over again at square one.  The GVN is known to change its 
mind from day-to-day with the only rationale being, `that 
was yesterday, this is today'.  Until a decision is 
confirmed in writing, it cannot be taken as a certainty. 
Delays will certainly occur as new staff are identified and 
get up to speed.  Mission intends to update adoptions 
information on our websites to reflect the likelihood of 
increased delays before any potential protocol can be signed 
with the GVN.  End comment. 
BURGHARDT