VZCZCXRO4480
RR RUEHHM
DE RUEHHI #2497/01 2720857
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 290857Z SEP 06
FM AMEMBASSY HANOI
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 3552
INFO RUEHHM/AMCONSUL HO CHI MINH 1893
RHEHNSC/NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL WASHINGTON DC

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 HANOI 002497 
 
SIPDIS 
 
SENSITIVE 
SIPDIS 
 
Department for EAP/MLS 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: PREL PGOV VM
SUBJECT: CHARGE REVIEWS POTUS-RELATED ISSUES WITH MFA 
 
 
¶1. (SBU) Summary: On September 28, the Charge met with MFA Acting 
Director of Americas Department Pham Van Que to discuss a range of 
bilateral issues in the run-up to the President's visit.  Reviewing 
the contents of the NSC draft Joint Statement with Que, the Charge 
described our hopes for progress in each substantive area mentioned 
in the document.  On establishment of a Peace Corps program, Que 
reported that GVN decision making was progressing and that a Peace 
Corps visit would be welcomed soon.  The Charge stressed the need to 
conclude a detailed agreement.  The two discussed the Dalat Nuclear 
Fuel Conversion project, the Proliferation Security Initiative, the 
status of pending commercial deals, the need for better law 
enforcement cooperation, and the Maritime Agreement.  The Charge 
urged that the cases of three detained Amcits be resolved 
expediently and transparently, reiterated our desire to learn more 
about moves related to religious freedom, and queried Que about news 
of a second round of amnesty releases.  Que engaged on all issues, 
sometimes constructively, but no new ground was broken.  We will 
continue to press on all issues.  End summary. 
 
Focus on the President's visit 
------------------------------ 
 
¶2. (SBU) The Charge began the meeting by noting that much remains to 
be accomplished in the seven weeks before the President arrives in 
Hanoi.  He reported that the White House site survey team had just 
completed successful trips to Hanoi and Ho Chin Minh City in 
preparation for the President's visits.  Turning to substantive 
issues that remain to be worked out in advance of the President's 
trip, the Charge reviewed in detail the draft Joint Statement.  He 
stressed that in order for it to be a meaningful document, it must 
highlight concrete examples of cooperation, not just include general 
statements. 
 
Peace Corps 
----------- 
 
¶3. (SBU) Concerning the Peace Corps, the Charge noted USG 
frustration over the slow pace of progress in negotiations to date 
toward agreements necessary to establish a program.  Although a 
significant amount of work has been done, there remain differences 
that must be resolved quickly for the Peace Corps to figure in the 
POTUS visit.  Washington has said that, without signed agreements, 
there will be no announcement of a Peace Corps program during the 
President's visit. 
 
¶4. (SBU) Que replied the MFA is working with the Prime Minister's 
office and is waiting for final instructions on the Peace Corps 
proposal.  MFA has learned, however, that the Ministry of Education 
and Training (MOET) has been designated as the GVN counterpart 
organization to coordinate the program with the Peace Corps.  This 
decision was made because MOET already has past experience in 
managing similar programs, thus simplifying the process of approval. 
 When Charge countered that Peace Corps will require specific 
treatment regarding its status, Que quickly added that the MFA 
understands this and would remain intensely involved, despite MOET's 
lead.  Que hopes the GVN will invite a Peace Corps representative to 
Hanoi for further negotiations, perhaps as early as the first week 
in October.  Que shared his "personal hope" that a final agreement 
could be reached in October to allow for an announcement during the 
President's visit.  He also made the point that Peace Corps and the 
GVN need to gain experience working together before expansion 
occurs, but "understands" the Peace Corps' interest in quickly 
expanding the number of volunteers beyond ten.  The MOET will have 
the necessary authority to carry out the GVN's obligations as the 
Peace Corps' counterpart agency, Que promised. 
 
Counterterrorism: Dalat Nuclear Project and PSI 
--------------------------------------------- --- 
 
¶5. (SBU) The Charge recounted his meeting on September 26 with 
Ministry of Science and Technology Vice Minister Thang (septel), 
during which Thang signaled that the United States and Vietnam would 
not reach formal agreement on the Dalat nuclear fuel conversion 
project before the POTUS visit.  The Charge explained to Que that 
the Dalat project is particularly important because of the 
inadequate security for its highly enriched uranium and the risk 
that it could fall into terrorist hands.  Moving ahead before the 
POTUS visit would be a strong demonstration of our shared 
non-proliferation stance. 
 
¶6. (SBU) Que responded that the Dalat project is still undergoing 
interagency review within the GVN, which includes MFA input.  He 
asked for basic information about the program, such as how many 
other countries have been involved in similar projects and what it 
will mean to Vietnam to lose its only HEU facility.  The Charge 
promised to supply Que with the information, but noted that this 
information has already been provided to the GVN and that the two 
governments have been discussing the project since 2004. 
 
 
HANOI 00002497  002 OF 002 
 
 
¶7. (SBU) The Charge noted the importance of having Vietnam associate 
itself with the Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI).  Que agreed 
that the United States and Vietnam share the objective of preventing 
the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, but made no 
additional substantive comment regarding PSI.  He did state that 
Vietnam is interested in finding some way in the Joint Statement to 
indicate that the two nations share goals and are working together 
in this area, perhaps - for now -- by noting joint efforts to 
enhance security at the Dalat research reactor site. 
 
Law Enforcement Cooperation 
--------------------------- 
 
¶8. (SBU) The relative lack of GVN law enforcement cooperation, and 
the overly cautious attitude of Vietnamese law enforcement agencies 
to share (in some cases) even basic information, is noted in the 
United States, the Charge told Que.  Law enforcement cooperation 
needs to improve in order to address important money laundering and 
other issues.  A draft MOU between DEA and the Ministry of Public 
Security (MPS) is languishing in the MPS.  It seems that, with 
enhanced coordination within the GVN, this very basic document could 
be ready for signing before the President's visit.  Que lamented 
about the GVN bureaucracy, saying it takes too long to clear items 
through the many agencies.  (Note septel on Charge's September 29 
discussions with MPS on this topic.) 
 
Commercial Deals/Maritime Agreement 
----------------------------------- 
 
¶9. (SBU) In connection with U.S.-Vietnam commercial activity, the 
Charge noted the intensity of media attention that will surround the 
President's visit.  It will be an ideal time to highlight to 
important audiences that, despite Vietnam's huge trade surplus with 
the United States, the commercial relationship is also important to 
citizens of the United States.  Signing deals in the limelight of 
the November visit will send a strong message that Vietnam is a 
growing market for U.S. exports.  Que agreed that trade should be a 
"two-way street."  The Charge noted concerns that the GVN has yet to 
schedule the signing of the Maritime Agreement, which we understood 
was ready for signature in August.  Que promised to check into the 
matter. 
 
Detained AmCits deserve fair treatment 
-------------------------------------- 
 
¶10. (SBU) The Charge underscored concerns being expressed about the 
well-being of three U.S. citizen prisoners detained for over one 
year without charge on suspicion of links with Nguyen Huu Chanh. 
One senator has placed a hold on PNTR consideration due to the case 
of one of the detainees.  Detention without charge, medical concerns 
and lack of apparent movement in these legal cases raise issues that 
we ask the GVN to address.  GVN prosecutors need to complete their 
investigation and, if there is no case against the detainees, 
release them.  The GVN should also provide the detainees with 
adequate medical care.  Que's only response was that the 
investigation process "takes time." 
 
Human rights cases 
------------------ 
 
¶11. (SBU) The Charge noted press reports of an upcoming "second 
round" amnesty in late October, noting that the release of two 
Vietnamese prisoners identified as "prisoners of concern" would be 
welcomed.  Que responded that reports of a second amnesty were 
incorrect, and that the next round would take place in relation to 
the Tet festivities early next year.  The Charge also urged Que 
about the need for relevant GVN agencies to provide us with regular 
updates on developments in the area of religious freedom, 
particularly GVN efforts to register more new churches. 
 
¶12. (SBU) Comment: The Charge left a copy of the draft Joint 
Statement and a non-paper on the AmCit detainees with Que.  Post is 
double-tracking all the issues discussed with the respective lead 
ministries and agencies to push for progress. 
 
ALOISI