VZCZCXRO4864
PP RUEHHM
DE RUEHHI #0303 0741011
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
P 141011Z MAR 08
FM AMEMBASSY HANOI
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 7411
INFO RUEHHM/AMCONSUL HO CHI MINH 4446
RHEHNSC/NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL WASHINGTON DC

UNCLAS HANOI 000303 
 
SIPDIS 
 
SENSITIVE 
SIPDIS 
 
STATE FOR EAP/MLS, AND DRL/AWH 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: KIRF PHUM PREL PGOV VM
 
SUBJECT:  GVN REACTS TO HUMAN RIGHTS REPORT 
 
¶1. (SBU) Summary: Foreign Ministry spokesperson Le Dung delivered 
the GVN's reaction to the 2007 Human Rights Report on March 13, 
calling it "regrettable" that the report is based on "false and 
prejudiced" information but adding that it is "normal" that the USG 
and GVN have differences on human rights issues.  Dung's remarks 
have been carried by Vietnamese media without additional commentary 
so far.  Full text of Dung's remarks is in para 2.  Initial press 
commentary has so far stuck to the MFA statement and not extended to 
editorial comment as was the case last year.  End summary. 
 
¶2. (U) Begin text of Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Le Dung's 
remarks: 
 
It is regrettable that the US Department State's 2007 Human Rights 
Report still does not give objective observations on the real 
situation in Vietnam and is based on false and prejudiced 
information. 
 
During the past years, Vietnam has made great achievements in 
ensuring and developing its citizens' freedom in all fields, 
including freedom of speech, freedom of press and freedom of 
information.  This can be clearly seen through the strong and 
diversified development of means of communication, especially the 
Internet.  These achievements have been recognized and highly 
appreciated by international community. 
 
The State of Vietnam always respects citizens' rights to freedom and 
democracy.  However, like in other countries, it is unacceptable if 
these rights are exploited to violate the law.  There is no 
political repression in Vietnam.  Nobody in Vietnam has been 
arrested for reasons relating to political views or religion; only 
those who violate the laws are handled in accordance with the laws. 
 
 
It is normal that Vietnam and the U.S. have differences in human 
rights issues.  We believe that increased exchange and dialogue on 
the basis of equality and non-interference in each other's internal 
affairs will help strengthen mutual understanding between Vietnam 
and the U.S. in this regard, contributing to promote the development 
of bilateral relationship in accordance with the Vietnam-U.S. Joint 
Statements in May 2005 and November 2006 by the two countries' 
high-level leaders. 
 
End text of remarks. 
 
¶3. (SBU) Dung's remarks were carried in full by Vietnam News Agency 
and picked up by major dailies.  Vietnam Television (VTV) broadcast 
the statement during its March 13 11:00 p.m. news program this year, 
as opposed to previous years when VTV has carried the statement on 
its more popular 7 p.m. prime time news program.  To date, papers 
and online news outlets have carried the statement without 
additional commentary in comparison to last year and previously when 
critical editorials and stories have run with the statement.  It is 
possible we will see these negative opinion pieces and articles in 
coming days and we will continue to monitor any additional coverage. 
 
 
¶4. (SBU) Comment: Dung's remarks are similar to those in response to 
last year's report, when he called it "regrettable" with "biased" 
remarks.  So far we have not seen anything like last year's 
editorial in the major daily Nhan Dan which called the 2006 report 
"lying and wrongful," a report that "violates the UN Charter and 
interferes with other countries' sovereignty," and "rudely 
interferes and tarnishes our country's image." 
 
MICHALAK