Currently released so far... 97115 / 251,287
Articles
Brazil
Sri Lanka
United Kingdom
Sweden
00. Editorial
United States
Latin America
Egypt
Jordan
Yemen
Thailand
Browse latest releases
2010/12/01
2010/12/02
2010/12/03
2010/12/04
2010/12/05
2010/12/06
2010/12/07
2010/12/08
2010/12/09
2010/12/10
2010/12/11
2010/12/12
2010/12/13
2010/12/14
2010/12/15
2010/12/16
2010/12/17
2010/12/18
2010/12/19
2010/12/20
2010/12/21
2010/12/22
2010/12/23
2010/12/25
2010/12/26
2010/12/27
2010/12/28
2010/12/29
2010/12/30
2011/01/01
2011/01/02
2011/01/04
2011/01/05
2011/01/07
2011/01/09
2011/01/11
2011/01/12
2011/01/13
2011/01/14
2011/01/15
2011/01/16
2011/01/17
2011/01/18
2011/01/19
2011/01/20
2011/01/21
2011/01/22
2011/01/23
2011/01/24
2011/01/25
2011/01/26
2011/01/27
2011/01/28
2011/01/29
2011/01/30
2011/01/31
2011/02/01
2011/02/02
2011/02/03
2011/02/04
2011/02/05
2011/02/06
2011/02/07
2011/02/08
2011/02/09
2011/02/10
2011/02/11
2011/02/12
2011/02/13
2011/02/14
2011/02/15
2011/02/16
2011/02/17
2011/02/18
2011/02/19
2011/02/20
2011/02/21
2011/02/22
2011/02/23
2011/02/24
2011/02/25
2011/02/26
2011/02/27
2011/02/28
2011/03/01
2011/03/02
2011/03/03
2011/03/04
2011/03/05
2011/03/06
2011/03/07
2011/03/08
2011/03/09
2011/03/10
2011/03/11
2011/03/13
2011/03/14
2011/03/15
2011/03/16
2011/03/17
2011/03/18
2011/03/19
2011/03/20
2011/03/21
2011/03/22
2011/03/23
2011/03/24
2011/03/25
2011/03/26
2011/03/27
2011/03/28
2011/03/29
2011/03/30
2011/03/31
2011/04/01
2011/04/02
2011/04/03
2011/04/04
2011/04/05
2011/04/06
2011/04/07
2011/04/08
2011/04/09
2011/04/10
2011/04/11
2011/04/12
2011/04/13
2011/04/14
2011/04/15
2011/04/16
2011/04/17
2011/04/18
2011/04/19
2011/04/20
2011/04/21
2011/04/22
2011/04/23
2011/04/24
2011/04/25
2011/04/26
2011/04/27
2011/04/28
2011/04/29
2011/04/30
2011/05/01
2011/05/02
2011/05/03
2011/05/04
2011/05/05
2011/05/06
2011/05/07
2011/05/09
2011/05/10
2011/05/11
2011/05/12
2011/05/13
2011/05/14
2011/05/15
2011/05/16
2011/05/17
2011/05/18
2011/05/19
2011/05/20
2011/05/21
2011/05/22
2011/05/23
2011/05/24
2011/05/25
2011/05/26
2011/05/27
2011/05/28
2011/05/29
2011/05/30
2011/05/31
2011/06/01
2011/06/02
2011/06/03
2011/06/04
2011/06/05
2011/06/06
2011/06/07
2011/06/08
2011/06/09
2011/06/10
2011/06/11
2011/06/12
2011/06/13
2011/06/14
2011/06/15
2011/06/16
2011/06/17
2011/06/18
2011/06/19
2011/06/20
2011/06/21
2011/06/22
2011/06/23
2011/06/24
2011/06/25
2011/06/26
2011/06/27
2011/06/28
2011/06/29
2011/06/30
2011/07/01
2011/07/02
2011/07/04
2011/07/05
2011/07/06
2011/07/07
2011/07/08
2011/07/10
2011/07/11
2011/07/12
2011/07/13
2011/07/14
2011/07/15
2011/07/16
2011/07/17
2011/07/18
2011/07/19
2011/07/20
2011/07/21
2011/07/22
2011/07/23
2011/07/25
2011/07/27
2011/07/28
2011/07/29
2011/07/31
2011/08/01
2011/08/02
2011/08/03
2011/08/05
2011/08/06
2011/08/07
2011/08/08
2011/08/10
2011/08/11
2011/08/12
2011/08/13
2011/08/15
2011/08/16
2011/08/17
2011/08/19
2011/08/21
2011/08/22
2011/08/23
2011/08/24
2011/08/25
Browse by creation date
Browse by origin
Embassy Athens
Embassy Asuncion
Embassy Astana
Embassy Asmara
Embassy Ashgabat
Embassy Apia
Embassy Antananarivo
Embassy Ankara
Embassy Amman
Embassy Algiers
Embassy Addis Ababa
Embassy Accra
Embassy Abuja
Embassy Abu Dhabi
Embassy Abidjan
Consulate Auckland
Consulate Amsterdam
Consulate Alexandria
Consulate Adana
American Institute Taiwan, Taipei
Embasy Bonn
Embassy Bujumbura
Embassy Buenos Aires
Embassy Budapest
Embassy Bucharest
Embassy Brussels
Embassy Bridgetown
Embassy Brazzaville
Embassy Bratislava
Embassy Brasilia
Embassy Bogota
Embassy Bishkek
Embassy Bern
Embassy Berlin
Embassy Belmopan
Embassy Belgrade
Embassy Beirut
Embassy Beijing
Embassy Banjul
Embassy Bangui
Embassy Bangkok
Embassy Bandar Seri Begawan
Embassy Bamako
Embassy Baku
Embassy Baghdad
Consulate Belfast
Consulate Barcelona
Embassy Cotonou
Embassy Copenhagen
Embassy Conakry
Embassy Colombo
Embassy Chisinau
Embassy Caracas
Embassy Canberra
Embassy Cairo
Consulate Curacao
Consulate Ciudad Juarez
Consulate Chiang Mai
Consulate Chennai
Consulate Chengdu
Consulate Casablanca
Consulate Cape Town
Consulate Calgary
Embassy Dushanbe
Embassy Dublin
Embassy Doha
Embassy Djibouti
Embassy Dili
Embassy Dhaka
Embassy Dar Es Salaam
Embassy Damascus
Embassy Dakar
DIR FSINFATC
Consulate Dusseldorf
Consulate Durban
Consulate Dubai
Consulate Dhahran
Embassy Guatemala
Embassy Grenada
Embassy Georgetown
Embassy Gaborone
Consulate Guayaquil
Consulate Guangzhou
Consulate Guadalajara
Embassy Helsinki
Embassy Harare
Embassy Hanoi
Consulate Hong Kong
Consulate Ho Chi Minh City
Consulate Hermosillo
Consulate Hamilton
Consulate Hamburg
Consulate Halifax
Embassy Kyiv
Embassy Kuwait
Embassy Kuala Lumpur
Embassy Kolonia
Embassy Kinshasa
Embassy Kingston
Embassy Kigali
Embassy Khartoum
Embassy Kathmandu
Embassy Kampala
Embassy Kabul
Consulate Krakow
Consulate Kolkata
Consulate Karachi
Consulate Kaduna
Embassy Luxembourg
Embassy Lusaka
Embassy Luanda
Embassy London
Embassy Lome
Embassy Ljubljana
Embassy Lisbon
Embassy Lima
Embassy Lilongwe
Embassy Libreville
Embassy La Paz
Consulate Leipzig
Consulate Lahore
Consulate Lagos
Mission USOSCE
Mission USNATO
Mission UNESCO
Mission Geneva
Embassy Muscat
Embassy Moscow
Embassy Montevideo
Embassy Monrovia
Embassy Mogadishu
Embassy Minsk
Embassy Mexico
Embassy Mbabane
Embassy Maseru
Embassy Maputo
Embassy Manila
Embassy Manama
Embassy Managua
Embassy Malabo
Embassy Madrid
Consulate Munich
Consulate Mumbai
Consulate Montreal
Consulate Monterrey
Consulate Milan
Consulate Merida
Consulate Melbourne
Consulate Matamoros
Consulate Marseille
Embassy Nouakchott
Embassy Nicosia
Embassy Niamey
Embassy New Delhi
Embassy Ndjamena
Embassy Nassau
Embassy Nairobi
Consulate Nuevo Laredo
Consulate Naples
Consulate Naha
Consulate Nagoya
Embassy Pristina
Embassy Pretoria
Embassy Praia
Embassy Prague
Embassy Port Of Spain
Embassy Port Moresby
Embassy Port Louis
Embassy Port Au Prince
Embassy Podgorica
Embassy Phnom Penh
Embassy Paris
Embassy Paramaribo
Embassy Panama
Consulate Ponta Delgada
Consulate Peshawar
REO Mosul
REO Kirkuk
REO Hillah
REO Basrah
Embassy Rome
Embassy Riyadh
Embassy Riga
Embassy Reykjavik
Embassy Rangoon
Embassy Rabat
Consulate Rio De Janeiro
Consulate Recife
Secretary of State
Embassy Suva
Embassy Stockholm
Embassy Sofia
Embassy Skopje
Embassy Singapore
Embassy Seoul
Embassy Sarajevo
Embassy Santo Domingo
Embassy Santiago
Embassy Sanaa
Embassy San Salvador
Embassy San Jose
Consulate Surabaya
Consulate Strasbourg
Consulate St Petersburg
Consulate Shenyang
Consulate Shanghai
Consulate Sapporo
Consulate Sao Paulo
Embassy Tunis
Embassy Tripoli
Embassy Tokyo
Embassy Tirana
Embassy The Hague
Embassy Tel Aviv
Embassy Tehran
Embassy Tegucigalpa
Embassy Tbilisi
Embassy Tashkent
Embassy Tallinn
Consulate Toronto
Consulate Tijuana
Consulate Thessaloniki
USUN New York
USMISSION USTR GENEVA
USEU Brussels
US Office Almaty
US Mission Geneva
US Mission CD Geneva
US Interests Section Havana
US Delegation, Secretary
US Delegation FEST TWO
UNVIE
UN Rome
Embassy Ulaanbaatar
Embassy Vilnius
Embassy Vientiane
Embassy Vienna
Embassy Vatican
Embassy Valletta
Consulate Vladivostok
Consulate Vancouver
Browse by tag
AF
ADANA
ASEC
AFIN
AMGT
AE
AORC
AID
AR
AO
AU
ASEAN
AGOA
AFGHANISTAN
AFFAIRS
AMED
APER
ASECARP
APEC
AEMR
AS
AA
ANET
AFLU
ABLD
AL
ASUP
AJ
APECO
AMER
ABUD
AODE
AM
AFSN
AESC
AND
AG
ALOW
AROC
AVIANFLU
ATRN
ACOA
AEGR
AMGMT
AADP
AFSI
ACABQ
APRM
AZ
AIDS
ASE
AGAO
ADCO
ABDALLAH
ARF
AIDAC
ACOTA
ASCH
AC
ASEG
AGR
ACS
AMCHAMS
AN
AMIA
ASIG
ADPM
ADB
ANARCHISTS
ALOWAR
ARM
AUC
AINF
AINT
AORG
AY
AVIAN
AMEDCASCKFLO
AK
ARSO
ARABBL
ASO
ANTITERRORISM
ARABL
AOWC
AGRICULTURE
ALJAZEERA
AMTC
AFINM
AOCR
ABER
ARR
AFPK
ASSEMBLY
ASSK
AZE
AORCYM
AINR
AGMT
AEC
ACKM
APRC
AIN
ASCC
AFPREL
ASED
APERTH
ASFC
ASECTH
AFSA
AOMS
AORCO
ANTXON
ARC
AFAF
ADIP
AIAG
AFARI
AEMED
AORL
AX
ASECAF
AOPC
ASECAFIN
AFZAL
APCS
AMB
AGUIRRE
AEMRASECCASCKFLOMARRPRELPINRAMGTJMXL
AIT
ARCH
AMEX
ALI
AQ
ATFN
AMBASSADOR
AORCD
AVIATION
ARAS
AINFCY
ACBAQ
AOPR
AREP
ALEXANDER
ATRD
AEIR
AOIC
ABLDG
ASEX
AFR
ASCE
ATRA
ASEK
AER
ALOUNI
AMCT
AVERY
APR
AMAT
AEMRS
ASPA
AFU
AMG
ATPDEA
ALL
AECL
ACAO
ASECKFRDCVISKIRFPHUMSMIGEG
AORD
AFL
AME
ADM
ASECPHUM
AGIT
ABT
ASECVE
AGUILAR
AT
ABMC
ALZUGUREN
ANGEL
ASR
ANTONIO
BMGT
BEXP
BM
BG
BL
BA
BR
BTA
BO
BY
BBSR
BLUE
BK
BF
BTIO
BELLVIEW
BE
BU
BN
BH
BD
BC
BTC
BILAT
BT
BX
BRUSSELS
BP
BB
BRPA
BUSH
BURMA
BMENA
BESP
BIT
BBG
BGD
BMEAID
BAGHDAD
BEN
BIO
BMOT
BWC
BLUNT
BURNS
BUT
BGMT
BAIO
BCW
BOEHNER
BFIF
BOL
BASHAR
BIMSTEC
BOU
BIDEN
BZ
BFIN
BTRA
BI
BHUM
BOIKO
BERARDUCCI
BOUCHAIB
BORDER
BEXPC
BTIU
BTT
BIOS
BEXB
BGPGOV
BOND
BLR
CE
CG
CH
CVR
CASC
CU
CI
CD
CO
CDG
CB
CJAN
CPAS
COM
CVIS
CMGT
CT
CENTCOM
CNARC
CTERR
COUNTER
CHIEF
CDC
CTR
CBW
COUNTRY
CLEARANCE
CY
CA
CM
CS
CWC
CN
CITES
CF
CWG
CIVS
CFIS
CASCC
CROATIA
CONS
COUNTERTERRORISM
CASA
COE
CJ
CHR
CODEL
CR
CBC
CACS
CHERTOFF
CAS
CONTROL
CONDITIONS
CONDOLEEZZA
CITEL
CV
CLINTON
CHG
CZ
CON
CTBT
CEN
CRIMES
COMMERCE
CLOK
CRISTINA
CFED
CARC
CND
CTM
CARICOM
COUNTRYCLEARANCE
CBTH
CHINA
CSW
CICTE
CJUS
CYPRUS
CW
CAMBODIA
CENSUS
CIDA
CRIME
CBG
CBE
CMGMT
CAIO
CEC
CARSON
CPCTC
CEDAW
COMESA
CVIA
CWCM
CEA
COSI
CAPC
CGEN
COPUOS
CGOPRC
COETRD
CKGR
CFE
CQ
CITT
CIC
CARIB
CVIC
CLO
CAFTA
CVISU
CHRISTOPHER
CACM
CIAT
CDB
CIS
CUL
CHAO
CNC
CL
CSEP
COMMAND
CENTER
COL
CAN
CAJC
CUIS
CONSULAR
CLMT
CIA
CBSA
CEUDA
CAC
CROS
CIO
CPUOS
CKOR
CVPR
CONG
CONTROLS
CEPTER
CVISCMGTCASCKOCIASECPHUMSMIGKIRF
CDCE
DPOL
DEMARCHE
DHS
DR
DA
DISENGAGEMENT
DEMOCRATIC
DEFENSE
DJ
DY
DARFUR
DHRF
DEA
DTRO
DPRK
DO
DARFR
DOC
DRL
DK
DOJ
DTRA
DOMESTIC
DAC
DOD
DEAX
DIEZ
DEOC
DELTAVIOLENCE
DCOM
DMINE
DRC
DCG
DPKO
DOMESTICPOLITICS
DE
DB
DOT
DEPT
DOE
DHLAKAMA
DHSX
DS
DKEM
DAO
DCM
DANIEL
DEM
DAVID
DCRM
ETRD
EAGR
ETTC
EAID
ECON
EFIN
ECIN
EINV
ELAB
EAIR
ENRG
EPET
EWWT
ECPS
EIND
EMIN
ELTN
EC
ETMIN
EUC
EZ
ET
ELECTIONS
ENVR
EU
EUN
EG
EINT
ER
ECONOMICS
ES
EMS
ENIV
EEB
EN
ECE
ECOSOC
EK
ENVIRONMENT
EFIS
EI
EWT
ENGRD
ECPSN
EXIM
EIAD
ERIN
ECPC
EDEV
ENGY
ECTRD
EPA
ESTH
ECCT
EINVECON
ENGR
ERTD
EUR
EAP
EWWC
ELTD
EL
EXIMOPIC
EXTERNAL
ETRDEC
ESCAP
ECO
EGAD
ELNT
ECONOMIC
ENV
ETRN
EIAR
EUMEM
ENRGPARMOTRASENVKGHGPGOVECONTSPLEAID
EREL
ECOM
ECONETRDEAGRJA
ETCC
ETRG
ECONOMY
EMED
ETR
ENERG
EITC
EFINOECD
EURM
EENG
ERA
EXPORT
ENRD
ECONEINVETRDEFINELABETRDKTDBPGOVOPIC
EGEN
EBRD
EVIN
ETRAD
ECOWAS
EFTA
ECONETRDBESPAR
EGOVSY
EPIN
EID
ECONENRG
EDRC
ESENV
ETT
EB
ENER
ELTNSNAR
ECHEVARRIA
ETRC
EPIT
EDUC
ESA
EFI
ENRGY
ESCI
EE
EAIDXMXAXBXFFR
EETC
ECIP
EIAID
EIVN
EBEXP
ESTN
EING
EGOV
ETRA
EPETEIND
ELAN
ETRDGK
EAIDRW
ETRDEINVECINPGOVCS
EPEC
ENVI
ELN
EAG
EPCS
EPRT
EPTED
ETRB
EUM
EAIDS
EFIC
EFINECONEAIDUNGAGM
EAIDAR
ESF
EIDN
ELAM
EDU
EV
EAIDAF
ECN
EDA
EXBS
EINTECPS
ENRGTRGYETRDBEXPBTIOSZ
EPREL
EAC
EINVEFIN
ETA
EAGER
EINDIR
ECA
ECLAC
ELAP
EITI
EUCOM
ECONEFINETRDPGOVEAGRPTERKTFNKCRMEAID
EARG
ELDIN
EINVKSCA
ENNP
EFINECONCS
EFINTS
ECCP
ETC
EAIRASECCASCID
EINN
ETRP
EAIDNI
EFQ
ECOQKPKO
EGPHUM
EBUD
ECONEINVEFINPGOVIZ
ENERGY
ELB
EINDETRD
EMI
ECONEFIN
EIB
EURN
ETRDEINVTINTCS
EIN
EFIM
ETIO
ELAINE
EMN
EATO
EWTR
EIPR
EINVETC
ETTD
ETDR
EIQ
ECONCS
EPPD
ENRGIZ
EISL
ESPINOSA
ELEC
EAIG
ESLCO
EUREM
ENTG
ERD
EINVECONSENVCSJA
EEPET
EUNCH
ECINECONCS
ETRO
ETRDECONWTOCS
ECUN
EFND
EPECO
EAIRECONRP
ERGR
ETRDPGOV
ECPN
ENRGMO
EPWR
EET
EAIS
EAGRE
EDUARDO
EAGRRP
EAIDPHUMPRELUG
EICN
ECONQH
EVN
EGHG
ELBR
EINF
EAIDHO
EENV
ETEX
ERNG
ED
FR
FREEDOM
FINREF
FJ
FI
FRELIMO
FOREIGN
FAA
FETHI
FAS
FTAA
FRB
FAO
FCS
FINANCE
FWS
FTA
FEMA
FDA
FLU
FRANCISCO
FBI
FORCE
FO
FARC
FK
FT
FCSC
FAC
FM
FMGT
FINV
FCSCEG
FARM
FERNANDO
FINR
FIN
FINE
FIR
FDIC
FOR
FOI
FCUL
FKLU
FMLN
FISO
FIXED
GM
GMUS
GG
GR
GE
GAZA
GT
GH
GZ
GJ
GLOBAL
GV
GABY
GOI
GA
GCC
GB
GY
GATT
GC
GUAM
GEORGE
GTIP
GOV
GOMEZ
GUTIERREZ
GL
GKGIC
GF
GU
GWI
GARCIA
GTMO
GN
GANGS
GIPNC
GAERC
GREGG
GUILLERMO
GASPAR
GERARD
GI
HK
HR
HUMANR
HUMAN
HO
HA
HUMANRIGHTS
HU
HHS
HIV
HUM
HRKAWC
HILLEN
HILLARY
HDP
HUMRIT
HSTC
HUMANITARIAN
HCOPIL
HADLEY
HURI
HL
HRETRD
HOURANI
HG
HARRIET
HESHAM
HI
HNCHR
HARRY
HRECON
HRC
HOSTAGES
HEBRON
HUMOR
HSWG
HYMPSK
HECTOR
HN
HYDE
HUD
HRPGOV
HIGHLIGHTS
ID
ILC
IS
IZ
ICAO
IMO
ITU
IR
IAEA
ICRC
IPROP
IT
IBRD
ISRAELI
IRAQI
ISSUES
ITRA
IV
IO
IGAD
IRAQ
IN
IMF
ICTR
ISCON
IADB
IDB
IEA
INR
IWC
ICCAT
ILO
INMARSAT
IOM
ICJ
IQ
ISPA
ITRD
IPR
INTELSAT
ISN
IAHRC
INTERNAL
IFAD
IICA
IHO
IRAN
IL
IRCE
IC
INTELLECTUAL
IRM
IE
ICTY
IDLI
IFO
ISCA
INF
INL
ISRAEL
INV
IBB
INFLUENZA
ISPL
ITER
ITIA
INRA
ISAF
IACHR
INTERPOL
IFR
IRS
INRB
IEF
ISAAC
ICC
INDO
IIP
IATTC
INAUGURATION
IND
INS
IZPREL
IACI
IEFIN
INNP
ILAB
IA
IMTS
ITALY
ITALIAN
IFIN
IRAJ
IX
ICG
IF
ITPHUM
ITA
IP
IACW
IK
IUCN
IZEAID
IRPE
IDA
ISLAMISTS
ITF
INRO
IBET
IDP
IRC
ISO
ICES
IRMO
ITPGOV
IQNV
IMSO
IRDB
IMET
INCB
IFRC
JA
JO
JP
JM
JCIC
JOHN
JE
JEFFERY
JS
JUS
JN
JOHNNIE
JAMES
JKUS
JOSEPH
JML
JAWAD
JSRP
JIMENEZ
JOSE
JKJUS
JK
JAPAN
KMDR
KPAO
KPKO
KJUS
KCRM
KGHG
KFRD
KWMN
KDEM
KTFN
KHIV
KGIC
KIDE
KSCA
KNNP
KHUM
KIPR
KSUM
KISL
KIRF
KCOR
KRCM
KPAL
KWBG
KN
KS
KOMC
KSEP
KFLU
KPWR
KTIA
KSEO
KMPI
KHLS
KICC
KSTH
KMCA
KVPR
KPRM
KE
KU
KZ
KFLO
KSAF
KTIP
KTEX
KBCT
KOCI
KOLY
KOR
KAWC
KACT
KUNR
KTDB
KSTC
KLIG
KSKN
KNN
KCFE
KCIP
KGHA
KHDP
KPOW
KUNC
KDRL
KV
KPREL
KCRS
KPOL
KRVC
KRIM
KGIT
KWIR
KT
KIRC
KOMO
KRFD
KUWAIT
KG
KFIN
KSCI
KTFIN
KFTN
KGOV
KPRV
KSAC
KGIV
KCRIM
KPIR
KSOC
KBIO
KW
KGLB
KMWN
KPO
KFSC
KSEAO
KSTCPL
KSI
KPRP
KREC
KFPC
KUNH
KCSA
KMRS
KNDP
KR
KICCPUR
KPPAO
KCSY
KTBT
KCIS
KNEP
KFRDCVISCMGTCASCKOCIASECPHUMSMIGEG
KNNB
KGCC
KINR
KPOP
KMFO
KENV
KNAR
KVIR
KDRG
KDMR
KFCE
KNAO
KDEN
KGCN
KICA
KIMMITT
KMCC
KLFU
KMSG
KSEC
KUM
KCUL
KMNP
KSMT
KCOM
KOMCSG
KSPR
KPMI
KRAD
KIND
KCRP
KAUST
KWAWC
KTER
KCHG
KRDP
KPAS
KITA
KTSC
KPAOPREL
KWGB
KIRP
KJUST
KMIG
KLAB
KTFR
KSEI
KSTT
KAPO
KSTS
KLSO
KWNN
KPOA
KHSA
KNPP
KPAONZ
KBTS
KWWW
KY
KJRE
KPAOKMDRKE
KCRCM
KSCS
KWMNCI
KESO
KWUN
KPLS
KIIP
KEDEM
KPAOY
KRIF
KGICKS
KREF
KTRD
KFRDSOCIRO
KTAO
KJU
KWMNPHUMPRELKPAOZW
KEN
KO
KNEI
KEMR
KKIV
KEAI
KWAC
KRCIM
KWCI
KFIU
KWIC
KCORR
KOMS
KNNO
KPAI
KBWG
KTTB
KTBD
KTIALG
KILS
KFEM
KTDM
KESS
KNUC
KPA
KOMCCO
KCEM
KRCS
KWBGSY
KNPPIS
KNNPMNUC
KWN
KERG
KLTN
KALM
KCCP
KSUMPHUM
KREL
KGH
KLIP
KTLA
KAWK
KWMM
KVRP
KVRC
KAID
KSLG
KDEMK
KX
KIF
KNPR
KCFC
KFTFN
KTFM
KPDD
KCERS
KMOC
KDEMAF
KMEPI
KEMS
KDRM
KEPREL
KBTR
KEDU
KNP
KIRL
KNNR
KMPT
KISLPINR
KTPN
KA
KJUSTH
KPIN
KDEV
KTDD
KAKA
KFRP
KWNM
KTSD
KINL
KJUSKUNR
KWWMN
KECF
KWBC
KPRO
KVBL
KOM
KFRDKIRFCVISCMGTKOCIASECPHUMSMIGEG
KEDM
KFLD
KLPM
KRGY
KNNF
KICR
KIFR
KM
KWMNCS
KAWS
KLAP
KPAK
KDDG
KCGC
KID
KNSD
KMPF
KPFO
KDP
KCMR
KRMS
KNPT
KNNNP
KTIAPARM
KDTB
KNUP
KPGOV
KNAP
KNNC
KUK
KSRE
KREISLER
KIVP
KQ
KTIAEUN
KPALAOIS
KRM
KISLAO
KWM
KFLOA
LE
LU
LH
LA
LG
LO
LY
LANTERN
LI
LABOR
LORAN
LTTE
LT
LAS
LAB
LAW
LVPR
LARREA
LEBIK
LAURA
LS
LOTT
LOVE
LR
LEON
LAVIN
LGAT
LV
LAOS
LOG
LN
LB
MOPS
MO
MARR
ML
MASS
MZ
MR
MNUC
MX
MV
MCC
MY
MEDIA
MTCRE
MG
MCAP
MOPPS
MP
MI
MK
MC
MD
MA
MU
MASC
MW
MT
MEPP
MN
MTCR
MH
MEPI
MIL
MNUCPTEREZ
MMAR
MICHAEL
MUNC
MDC
MPOS
MONUC
MAR
MGMT
MAS
MEPN
MENDIETA
MARIA
MONTENEGRO
MOOPS
MSG
MARITIME
MURRAY
MUKASEY
MOTO
MCA
MFO
MEX
MRSEC
MMED
MACP
MAAR
MINUSTAH
MCCONNELL
MAPP
MGT
MARQUEZ
MANUEL
MNUR
MCCAIN
MF
MOHAMMAD
MOHAMED
MNU
MFA
MILITANTS
MINORITIES
MTS
MLS
MILI
MIAH
MEETINGS
MERCOSUR
MED
MARAD
MNVC
MINURSO
MNUCUN
MIK
MARK
MBM
MPP
MILITARY
MAPS
MNUK
MILA
MTRRE
MACEDONIA
MICHEL
MASSMNUC
MUCN
MQADHAFI
MPS
MARRGH
MRCRE
MTRE
MORALES
MAP
MCTRE
MHUC
MOPSGRPARM
MOROCCO
MCAPS
NL
NU
NS
NI
NPT
NATO
NO
NG
NATEU
NSF
NZ
NAS
NP
NDP
NLD
NGO
NEPAD
NAFTA
NASA
NEA
NGUYEN
NIH
NK
NIPP
NONE
NR
NANCY
NEGROPONTE
NRR
NERG
NSSP
NSG
NSFO
NE
NATSIOS
NFSO
NATIONAL
NTDB
NT
NCD
NTSB
NRC
NELSON
NAM
NH
NPG
NEC
NSC
NFATC
NMFS
NATOIRAQ
NAR
NZUS
NARC
NCCC
NA
NC
NEW
NRG
NUIN
NOVO
NATOPREL
NEY
NV
NICHOLAS
NPA
NW
NARCOTICS
NORAD
NOAA
NON
NTTC
NKNNP
NMNUC
NUMBERING
ODIP
OIIP
OPRC
OSCE
OREP
OTRA
OPET
OSCI
OVIP
OECD
OCII
OUALI
OPDC
OEXC
OFPD
OPIC
OFDP
OPCW
OECV
OAS
OM
OMIG
ODAG
OPREP
ORA
OIC
OEXCSCULKPAO
OIG
OASS
OFFICIALS
ORTA
OSAC
OIL
OIE
OEXP
OPEC
OPDAT
OMS
OES
OHI
OMAR
OCRA
OFSO
OCBD
OSTA
OAO
ONA
OTP
ORC
OAU
OXEC
OA
ODPC
OPDP
OVIPPRELUNGANU
OASC
OSHA
OPCD
OTR
OPPI
OPCR
OF
OFDPQIS
OSIC
OHUM
OSTRA
OASCC
OBSP
OFDA
OPICEAGR
OIM
OGAC
OTA
OTRAORP
OPPC
OESC
OCEA
OVP
ON
OPAD
OTAR
OCS
ODC
OTRD
OCED
OSD
ORUE
OREG
PHUM
PINR
PTER
PGOV
PREL
PREF
PL
PM
PHSA
PE
PARM
PINS
PK
PUNE
PO
PALESTINIAN
PU
PBTS
PROP
PTBS
POL
POLI
PA
PGOVZI
POLMIL
POLITICAL
PARTIES
POLM
PD
POLITICS
POLICY
PAS
PMIL
PINT
PNAT
PV
PKO
PPOL
PERSONS
PING
PBIO
PH
PETR
PARMS
PRES
PCON
PETERS
PRELBR
PT
PLAB
PP
PAK
PDEM
PKPA
PSOCI
PF
PLO
PTERM
PJUS
PSOE
PELOSI
PROPERTY
PGOVPREL
PARP
PRL
PNIR
PHUMKPAL
PG
PREZ
PGIC
PBOV
PAO
PKK
PROV
PHSAK
PHUMPREL
PROTECTION
PGOVBL
PSI
PRELPK
PGOVENRG
PUM
PRELKPKO
PATTY
PSOC
PRIVATIZATION
PRELSP
PGOVEAIDUKNOSWGMHUCANLLHFRSPITNZ
PMIG
PREC
PAIGH
PROG
PSHA
PARK
PETER
POG
PHUS
PPREL
PS
PTERPREL
PRELPGOV
POV
PKPO
PGOVECON
POUS
PGOVPRELPHUMPREFSMIGELABEAIDKCRMKWMN
PWBG
PMAR
PREM
PAR
PNR
PRELPGOVEAIDECONEINVBEXPSCULOIIPBTIO
PARMIR
PGOVGM
PHUH
PARTM
PN
PRE
PTE
PY
POLUN
PPEL
PDOV
PGOVSOCI
PIRF
PGOVPM
PBST
PRELEVU
PGOR
PBTSRU
PRM
PRELKPAOIZ
PGVO
PERL
PGOC
PAGR
PMIN
PHUMR
PVIP
PPD
PGV
PRAM
PINL
PKPAL
PTERE
PGOF
PINO
PHAS
PODC
PRHUM
PHUMA
PREO
PPA
PEPFAR
PGO
PRGOV
PAC
PRESL
PORG
PKFK
PEPR
PRELP
PREFA
PNG
PGOVPHUMKPAO
PRELECON
PINOCHET
PFOR
PGOVLO
PHUMBA
PRELC
PREK
PHUME
PHJM
POLINT
PGOVPZ
PGOVKCRM
PGOVE
PHALANAGE
PARTY
PECON
PEACE
PROCESS
PLN
PRELSW
PAHO
PEDRO
PRELA
PASS
PPAO
PGPV
PNUM
PCUL
PGGV
PSA
PGOVSMIGKCRMKWMNPHUMCVISKFRDCA
PGIV
PRFE
POGOV
PEL
PBT
PAMQ
PINF
PSEPC
POSTS
PHUMPGOV
PVOV
PHSAPREL
PROLIFERATION
PENA
PRELTBIOBA
PIN
PRELL
PGOVPTER
PHAM
PHYTRP
PTEL
PTERPGOV
PHARM
PROTESTS
PRELAF
PKBL
PRELKPAO
PKNP
PARMP
PHUML
PFOV
PERM
PUOS
PRELGOV
PHUMPTER
PARAGRAPH
PERURENA
PBTSEWWT
PCI
PETROL
PINSO
PINSCE
PQL
PEREZ
PBS
RS
REFUGEES
RW
RP
RELFREE
RO
REGIONAL
RIGHTS
REACTION
REPORT
RU
RENAMO
RIGHTSPOLMIL
REFORM
RM
REFUGEE
REL
RELATIONS
ROW
RREL
REGION
RATIFICATION
RBI
RICE
ROOD
RODENAS
RUIZ
RODHAM
ROBERT
RGY
ROY
REUBEN
RELIGIOUS
RUEHZO
RODRIGUEZ
RUEUN
RELAM
RSP
RF
RSO
RCMP
REO
ROSS
RPTS
RENE
REID
RUPREL
RMA
RI
REMON
RPEL
RFE
RFIN
RA
RAFAEL
RAY
RUS
RPREL
ROBERTG
RECIN
RAMONTEIJELO
SNAR
SP
SN
SMIG
SL
SOCI
SU
SG
SF
SENV
SZ
SOE
SCUL
SY
SO
SR
SYR
SE
SA
SW
SIPDIS
SCIENCE
SADC
SI
SCI
SOCIETY
SC
SAARC
STR
SECRETARY
SANC
SSH
ST
SNA
SGWI
SEP
SOCIS
SETTLEMENTS
SPECIALIST
SK
SHUM
START
STET
SCVL
SREF
SCHUL
SCUIL
SYRIA
SECURITY
SPCE
SYAI
SMIL
SOWGC
STEPHEN
SNRV
SKCA
SENSITIVE
SECI
SNAP
SPP
SCUD
SOM
SPECI
SMIGBG
SENC
SCRM
SGNV
SECTOR
SENVEAGREAIDTBIOECONSOCIXR
SENVSXE
SASIAIN
SACU
SENVSPL
SWMN
STEINBERG
SOPN
SOCR
SCOI
SCRS
SILVASANDE
SWE
SARS
SNARIZ
SUDAN
SENVQGR
SM
SNARKTFN
SAAD
SD
SAN
SIPRNET
STATE
SENS
SUBJECT
SFNV
SECSTATE
SSA
SPCVIS
SOI
SOFA
SCULKPAOECONTU
SPTER
SKSAF
SENVKGHG
SHI
SEVN
SANR
SPSTATE
SMITH
SCOM
SH
SNARCS
SNARN
SIPRS
SNARM
SIPDI
SCPR
SNIG
SELAB
SULLIVAN
SENVENV
SECDEF
SOLIC
SOIC
SPAS
SASC
SOSI
SEC
SEN
SENVCASCEAIDID
TU
TH
TW
TSPA
TRGY
TPHY
TBIO
TIFA
TS
TZ
TX
TSPL
TT
TK
TC
TINT
TERFIN
TERRORISM
TIP
TURKEY
TI
TECHNOLOGY
TNGD
TRSY
TRAFFICKING
TOPEC
TPSL
TP
TD
TR
TA
TIO
TREATY
TO
THPY
TECH
TRADE
TPSA
TG
TAGS
TF
TRAD
THKSJA
TVBIO
TNDG
TN
TBIOZK
TWI
TV
TWL
TRT
TWRO
TSRY
TTPGOV
TAUSCHER
TRBY
TRBIO
TL
TPKO
TIA
TGRY
TSPAM
TREL
TNAR
TBI
TFIN
TPHYPA
TWCH
THOMMA
THOMAS
TERROR
TRY
TBID
TPP
TE
THANH
TJ
TBKIO
UNGA
USUN
UN
UG
UNSC
UK
UP
US
UNCTAD
UNVIE
UNHRC
USTR
UNAMA
UNCRIME
UNESCO
UV
UNDP
UNHCR
UNCSD
UNCHR
UZ
USAID
UNEP
UNO
UNPUOS
UY
UNDC
UNCITRAL
UNAUS
UNCND
UA
UNMIK
USTDA
USEU
USDA
UNICEF
UR
UNFICYP
USNC
USTRRP
UNODC
UNRWA
UNOMIG
USTRPS
USAU
USCC
UNEF
UNGAPL
UNFPA
UNSCE
USSC
UGA
UEU
UNMIC
UNTAC
UNION
UNCLASSIFIED
USPS
UNA
UMIK
USOAS
UNMOVIC
UNFA
UNAIDS
UNCHC
USGS
UNSE
UNRCR
UNTERR
USG
UE
UAE
UNWRA
UNCSW
UNSCR
UNCHS
UNDESCO
UNPAR
UNC
UB
UNSCS
UKXG
UNGACG
UNREST
UNHR
USPTO
UNFCYP
USCG
UNIDROIT
UNSCD
UPU
UNBRO
UNECE
USTRUWR
UNCC
UNESCOSCULPRELPHUMKPALCUIRXFVEKV
VM
VE
VT
VETTING
VN
VZ
VIS
VC
VTPREL
VIP
VTEAID
VTEG
VOA
VA
VTIZ
VANG
VISIT
VO
VENZ
VAT
VI
VEPREL
VEN
WFP
WTO
WHO
WTRO
WBG
WMO
WIPO
WA
WI
WSIS
WHA
WCL
WE
WMN
WEBZ
WS
WAR
WZ
WMD
WW
WILLIAM
WEET
WAEMU
WM
WWBG
WWT
WWARD
WITH
WMDT
WTRQ
WCO
WEU
WALTER
WRTO
WB
WHTI
WBEG
WCI
WEF
WAKI
WHOA
WGC
Browse by classification
Community resources
courage is contagious
Viewing cable 02HANOI1222, RELIGIOUS REGULATION STRUCTURE IN VIETNAM
If you are new to these pages, please read an introduction on the structure of a cable as well as how to discuss them with others. See also the FAQs
Understanding cables
Every cable message consists of three parts:
- The top box shows each cables unique reference number, when and by whom it originally was sent, and what its initial classification was.
- The middle box contains the header information that is associated with the cable. It includes information about the receiver(s) as well as a general subject.
- The bottom box presents the body of the cable. The opening can contain a more specific subject, references to other cables (browse by origin to find them) or additional comment. This is followed by the main contents of the cable: a summary, a collection of specific topics and a comment section.
Discussing cables
If you find meaningful or important information in a cable, please link directly to its unique reference number. Linking to a specific paragraph in the body of a cable is also possible by copying the appropriate link (to be found at theparagraph symbol). Please mark messages for social networking services like Twitter with the hash tags #cablegate and a hash containing the reference ID e.g. #02HANOI1222.
| Reference ID | Created | Released | Classification | Origin |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 02HANOI1222 | 2002-05-15 10:42 | 2011-08-25 00:00 | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | Embassy Hanoi |
This record is a partial extract of the original cable. The full text of the original cable is not available.
151042Z May 02
2002HANOI01222 - UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED PTQ8326
PAGE 01 HANOI 01222 01 OF 05 151046Z
ACTION EAP-00
INFO LOG-00 NP-00 AID-00 AMAD-00 CIAE-00 DOEE-00 SRPP-00
DS-00 EB-00 ED-01 OIGO-00 FBIE-00 UTED-00 VC-00
HHS-01 H-01 TEDE-00 INR-00 IO-00 LAB-01 L-00
VCE-00 MOFM-05 MOF-01 AC-01 NSAE-00 NSCE-00 OIC-02
OMB-01 OPIC-01 PA-00 PM-00 PRS-00 ACE-00 P-00
SP-00 SSO-00 STR-00 TEST-00 TRSE-00 USIE-00 PMB-00
DSCC-00 PRM-00 DRL-02 G-00 NFAT-00 SAS-00 /017W
------------------AEB821 151047Z /38
FM AMEMBASSY HANOI
TO SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 6460
INFO AMCONSUL HO CHI MINH CITY
SECDEF WASHDC
AMEMBASSY BEIJING
AMEMBASSY PHNOM PENH
AMEMBASSY VIENTIANE
USCINCPAC HONOLULU HI
UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 05 HANOI 001222
SIPDIS
SENSITIVE
STATE FOR EAP/BCLTV AND DRL/RF
STATE PASS TO USCIRF
SECDEF FOR ABLAGG
UNCLASSIFIED
PAGE 02 HANOI 01222 01 OF 05 151046Z
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: KIRF PGOV PHUM SOCI VM HUMANR RELFREE
SUBJECT: RELIGIOUS REGULATION STRUCTURE IN VIETNAM
¶1. (U) SUMMARY: RELIGIOUS REGULATION IN VIETNAM IS
CHARACTERIZED BY AN EVOLVING BUREAUCRATIC AND LEGALISTIC
APPROACH. WHILE THE SRV CONSTITUTION PROTECTS RELIGIOUS
BELIEF (AND NON-BELIEF), THE GVN THOROUGHLY REGULATES
RELIGIOUS GROUPS AND RELIGIOUS PRACTICE UNDER THE PREMISE OF
MAINTAINING THE LEADING ROLE OF THE COMMUNIST PARTY OF
VIETNAM (CPV). THE CPV SETS GENERAL POLICY TOWARDS
RELIGION, WHILE A SUB-CABINET LEVEL GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE ON
RELIGIOUS AFFAIRS (CRA) IS RESPONSIBLE FOR IMPLEMENTING
NATIONAL POLICY. LOCAL GOVERNMENTS HAVE A PROMINENT AND
SOMETIMES INVASIVE ROLE IN MANAGING RELIGIOUS GROUPS AND
ACTIVITIES WITHIN THEIR BORDERS. END SUMMARY.
REIGNING ON HIGH: THE COMMUNIST PARTY
--------------------------------------
¶2. (SBU) THE MOST RECENTLY PUBLICIZED CPV CENTRAL
COMMITTEE DOCUMENT ON RELIGION -- DIRECTIVE 37/CT/TW OF JULY
2, 1998 -- ASSERTS THAT RELIGIOUS FOLLOWERS AND
ORGANIZATIONS ARE GENERALLY REQUIRED TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE
"GREAT NATIONAL UNITY" OR THE "GREAT UNIFIED PEOPLES BLOC."
ACCORDING TO A COMMENTARY ABOUT DIRECTIVE 37 ON THE CPV'S
WEB SITE, THIS CAN BE "REASONABLY" VIEWED AS THE
"NATIONALIZATION" OF RELIGIONS. THE CPV'S CENTRAL COMMITTEE
POLITICAL REPORT TO THE NINTH PARTY CONGRESS IN APRIL 2001
DESCRIBED FAITHS AND RELIGIONS AS "THE SPIRITUAL NEED OF A
UNCLASSIFIED
PAGE 03 HANOI 01222 01 OF 05 151046Z
SEGMENT OF THE POPULATION." IT ALSO NOTED THAT RELIGIOUS
FOLLOWERS ARE "OBLIGED TO FULFILL THEIR DUTIES AS CITIZENS
TOWARD THE HOMELAND . . . " THE POLITICAL REPORT DID NOT
REPRESENT ANY CHANGE OF POLICY FROM DIRECTIVE 37; BOTH
CALL FOR MORE COMPLETE LEGISLATION ON FAITHS AND RELIGIONS.
WHEN ASKED ABOUT REPORTS THAT THE CPV IS UPDATING ITS
RELIGION POLICY, CPV AND GVN OFFICIALS HAVE BEEN UNWILLING
TO COMMENT, WHILE NOT DENYING THAT A NEW POLICY MAY BE IN
THE WORKS.
¶3. (U) THE CENTER FOR RELIGIOUS STUDIES OF
THE HO CHI MINH NATIONAL POLITICAL ACADEMY -- THE MAIN PARTY
SCHOOL -- OFFERS TRAINING TO MID- AND SENIOR-LEVEL CPV
MEMBERS, INCLUDING GVN OFFICIALS. (ITS OFFICIALS HAVE,
HOWEVER, BEEN UNABLE TO MEET WITH EMBOFFS IN RECENT MONTHS,
CLAIMING BUSY TRAVEL SCHEDULES AND OTHER OBLIGATIONS.) THE
CENTER ALSO UNDERTAKES RESEARCH AND "THEORETICAL WORK" ON
RELIGION. ACCORDING TO LUU DAT TUYET OF THE ACADEMY'S
INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT, THE CENTER "CARRIES ON A
DIALOGUE" WITH THE GVN'S CRA. THE CENTER WAS ONLY
ESTABLISHED IN THE LATE 1990'S AND APPARENTLY HAS NOT YET
TRAINED A LARGE NUMBER OF OFFICIALS, ESPECIALLY BELOW THE
NATIONAL LEVEL.
¶4. (U) CPV OFFICIALS CLAIM THAT THERE IS NO EXPLICIT BAN
ON RELIGIOUS BELIEF AMONG CPV MEMBERS, AND OFFER ANECDOTAL
ACCOUNTS OF EVEN SENIOR CPV OFFICIALS VISITING TEMPLES AND
CHURCHES (ALTHOUGH NOT CLEARLY FOR RELIGIOUS VERSUS TOURIST
ACTIVITIES). FEW, HOWEVER, SEEM TO PARTICIPATE OPENLY IN
RELIGIOUS LIFE OR ADMIT SUCH BELIEFS. HOWEVER, SIX OF THE
26 NATIONAL ASSEMBLY (NA) CANDIDATES IN THIS YEAR'S ELECTION
UNCLASSIFIED
PAGE 04 HANOI 01222 01 OF 05 151046Z
WHO DECLARED RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION ARE CPV MEMBERS (1
CATHOLIC, 3 BUDDHISTS, AND 2 KHMER "BA NI"). SENIOR MONK
THICH THANH TU, ALSO VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE CENTRAL BUDDHIST
SANGHA AND HIMSELF A NON-CPV NA CANDIDATE, CLAIMED TO POLOFF
THAT "NO" BUDDHIST MONKS WERE PARTY MEMBERS BECAUSE
"MATERIAL CONCERNS" ARE INCOMPATIBLE WITH BEING A MONK.
(NOTE: NONETHELESS, VIETNAMESE BUDDHIST MONKS HAVE A LONG
HISTORY OF INVOLVEMENT IN POLITICAL AFFAIRS. END NOTE.)
THERE ARE UNVERIFIED REPORTS THAT SOME MEMBERS OF THE
OFFICIAL CAO DAI AND HOA HAO LEADERSHIP ARE ALSO CPV
MEMBERS. THE CPV, THROUGH THE VIETNAM FATHERLAND FRONT
(VFF), ENSURES THAT A BROAD CROSS-SECTION OF SOCIETY,
INCLUDING RELIGIOUS BELIEVERS, IS REPRESENTED IN THE
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY, AND THIS YEAR'S CANDIDATES INCLUDE
BUDDHIST MONKS, CATHOLIC PRIESTS, AND PROTESTANT MINISTERS.
MAKING RULES: THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
------------------------------------
¶5. (SBU) ARTICLE 84, SECTION 5, OF THE REVISED 1992
CONSTITUTION GIVES THE NA THE AUTHORITY TO DECIDE STATE
POLICIES ON ETHNIC COMMUNITIES AND RELIGIONS. SINCE
RELIGION IS CONSIDERED A "SOCIAL PHENOMENON," SUCH
LEGISLATION FALLS UNDER THE NA COMMITTEE ON SOCIAL AFFAIRS,
UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED PTQ8329
PAGE 01 HANOI 01222 02 OF 05 151047Z
ACTION EAP-00
INFO LOG-00 NP-00 AID-00 AMAD-00 CIAE-00 DOEE-00 SRPP-00
DS-00 EB-00 ED-01 OIGO-00 FBIE-00 UTED-00 VC-00
HHS-01 H-01 TEDE-00 INR-00 IO-00 LAB-01 L-00
VCE-00 MOFM-05 MOF-01 AC-01 NSAE-00 NSCE-00 OIC-02
OMB-01 OPIC-01 PA-00 PM-00 PRS-00 ACE-00 P-00
SP-00 SSO-00 STR-00 TEST-00 TRSE-00 USIE-00 PMB-00
DSCC-00 PRM-00 DRL-02 G-00 NFAT-00 SAS-00 /017W
------------------AEB82E 151047Z /38
O 151042Z MAY 02
FM AMEMBASSY HANOI
TO SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 6461
INFO AMCONSUL HO CHI MINH CITY
SECDEF WASHDC
AMEMBASSY BEIJING
AMEMBASSY PHNOM PENH
AMEMBASSY VIENTIANE
USCINCPAC HONOLULU HI
UNCLAS SECTION 02 OF 05 HANOI 001222
SIPDIS
SENSITIVE
STATE FOR EAP/BCLTV AND DRL/RF
STATE PASS TO USCIRF
SECDEF FOR ABLAGG
UNCLASSIFIED
PAGE 02 HANOI 01222 02 OF 05 151047Z
WHICH IS CURRENTLY WORKING WITH THE CRA TO DRAFT A NEW LAW
TO REPLACE GVN DECREE 26 OF AUGUST 19, 1999, PRESENTLY THE
PRIMARY LEGAL DOCUMENT ON RELIGION. ACCORDING TO NGUYEN VAN
NGOC, CRA VICE CHAIRMAN, THE PRIME MINISTER APPROVED A DRAFT
OF THE LAW IN JULY 2001 AND SENT IT TO THE NA STANDING
COMMITTEE. THE NA WAS EXPECTED TO HAVE ENACTED THE LAW
DURING ITS TENTH SESSION, BUT APPARENTLY RAN OUT OF TIME
GIVEN THE DEBATE ON CONSTITUTIONAL REVISIONS, RATIFICATION
OF THE BILATERAL TRADE AGREEMENT, AND OTHER MORE PRESSING
ISSUES.
¶6. (SBU) THE NEW MEASURE MIGHT MORE EASILY BE ENACTED BY
THE NA STANDING COMMITTEE AS AN "ORDINANCE" IF IT APPEARS
UNLIKELY THAT THE NEW FULL NA (TO BE ELECTED MAY 19) WILL BE
ABLE TO PASS A MORE AUTHORITATIVE "STATE LAW" IN THE NEAR
FUTURE. RELIGIOUS FIGURES, INCLUDING THICH THANH TU AND
PAUL JOSEPH CARDINAL PHAM DINH TUNG (ALSO ARCHBISHOP OF
HANOI), SEPARATELY HAVE ADMITTED TO POLOFFS THAT THEY WERE
GIVEN THE OPPORTUNITY TO COMMENT ON A DRAFT OF THE LAW IN
THE AUTUMN OF 2001. NEITHER, HOWEVER, COULD PREDICT ITS
OUTCOME, OFFERED DETAILS ABOUT THEIR VIEWS, OR WERE WILLING
TO ASSESS WHAT, IF ANY IMPACT THEIR COMMENTS WOULD HAVE.
¶7. (SBU) ACCORDING TO THE CRA'S NGOC, THE LEGISLATION WILL
CORRECT SOME OF THE RECOGNIZED PROBLEMS WITH DECREE 26,
WHICH EVEN HE AND OTHERS DESCRIBED AS "INCOMPLETE." THE
UNCLASSIFIED
PAGE 03 HANOI 01222 02 OF 05 151047Z
LEGISLATION WILL ALSO CLEARLY CONFIRM THE NA'S OWN
CONSTITUTIONAL AUTHORITY OVER RELIGIOUS POLICY, ACCORDING TO
COMMITTEE ON SOCIAL AFFAIRS VICE CHAIRMAN LE QUOC THANH.
THANH SAID THAT ONE OF THE PROBLEMS WITH WHICH THE COMMITTEE
HAS BEEN WRESTLING IS HOW TO DEFINE "SUPERSTITION." DECREE
26 OUTLAWS SUPERSTITIOUS PRACTICES WITHOUT PROVIDING
EXAMPLES. (NOTE: UNDER CPV DIRECTIVE 37, SUPERSTITION IS
TO BE "CRITICIZED AND ELIMINATED." END NOTE) NGOC INCLUDED
LACK OF DEFINITIONS AMONG DECREE 26'S SHORTCOMINGS AND ALSO
LAMENTED THAT THE DECREE DID NOT ALLOW THE GVN TO INSPECT
THE FINANCES OF RELIGIOUS GROUPS IN ENOUGH DETAIL. HE NOTED
THAT, IN DRAFTING THE NEW LAW FOR SUBMISSION TO THE NA, THE
CRA HAD STUDIED THE LAWS ON RELIGION OF OVER 35 COUNTRIES.
FINAL SAY: THE PRIME MINISTER
------------------------------
¶8. (U) THE PRIME MINISTER HAS ULTIMATE AUTHORITY OVER MANY
DECISIONS DEALING WITH RELIGION, ACCORDING TO VARIOUS
SOURCES. ONLY THE PRIME MINISTER MAY DECIDE WHETHER TO
AUTHORIZE A RELIGIOUS GROUP, SUCH AS IN THE 2001 FORMAL
RECOGNITION OF THE SOUTHERN EVANGELICAL CHURCH OF VIETNAM
(SECV). COMPLAINTS ABOUT VIOLATIONS OF THE CONSTITUTIONALLY
PROTECTED FREEDOM "TO BELIEVE OR NOT TO BELIEVE" IN A
RELIGION MAY BE INVESTIGATED BY THE CRA AT THE PRIME
MINISTER'S DIRECTION, BUT ONLY THE PRIME MINISTER MAY TAKE
ACTION BASED ON THE FINDINGS OF SUCH AN INVESTIGATION,
ACCORDING TO CRA CHAIRMAN LE QUANG VINH. DECREE 26 ALSO
RESERVES A NUMBER OF OTHER POWERS FOR THE PM, INCLUDING:
-- APPROVAL OF APPOINTMENTS TO THE OFFICES OF MOST VENERABLE
(FOR BUDDHIST LEADERS), CARDINAL, BISHOP, AND CURATE AND
UNCLASSIFIED
PAGE 04 HANOI 01222 02 OF 05 151047Z
EQUIVALENTS;
-- APPROVAL OF RELIGIOUS CONFERENCES AND CONVENTIONS
INVOLVING MORE THAN ONE PROVINCE;
-- APPROVAL OF THE ESTABLISHMENT OF CLERGY TRAINING
INSTITUTIONS; AND,
-- WHETHER TO ALLOW RELIGIOUS GROUPS TO RECEIVE "PURELY
RELIGIOUS AID" FROM OVERSEAS.
OVERSIGHT: THE COMMITTEE ON RELIGIOUS AFFAIRS
---------------------------------------------
¶9. (U) WITH A REORGANIZATION OF RELIGIOUS OVERSIGHT BY THE
GVN AND VFF IN THE EARLY 1990'S, THE GOVERNMENT CRA WAS SET
UP IN 1993 AND REPORTS DIRECTLY TO THE PRIME MINISTER. IT
HAS SUB-CABINET-LEVEL RANK AND IS THE LINE AGENCY
RESPONSIBLE FOR IMPLEMENTING RELIGIOUS POLICY. IT ALSO
ADVISES THE GVN ON RELIGIOUS POLICY. ACCORDING TO NGUYEN
THE DOANH, DIRECTOR OF THE CRA INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
DEPARTMENT, THE CRA HAS BETWEEN 120 AND 150 EMPLOYEES IN
HANOI. (THERE ARE CRA-EQUIVALENTS ALSO ON THE PROVINCIAL
AND DISTRICT LEVELS WORKING ON THE STAFFS OF THOSE LOCAL
GOVERNMENTS, NOT DIRECTLY FOR THE CRA. SEE PARAS 14-15)
THERE ARE SEVERAL ADMINISTRATIVE UNITS, INCLUDING AN
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS DIVISION RESPONSIBLE FOR ALL CONTACT
UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED PTQ8330
PAGE 01 HANOI 01222 03 OF 05 151047Z
ACTION EAP-00
INFO LOG-00 NP-00 AID-00 AMAD-00 CIAE-00 DOEE-00 SRPP-00
DS-00 EB-00 ED-01 OIGO-00 FBIE-00 UTED-00 VC-00
HHS-01 H-01 TEDE-00 INR-00 IO-00 LAB-01 L-00
VCE-00 MOFM-05 MOF-01 AC-01 NSAE-00 NSCE-00 OIC-02
OMB-01 OPIC-01 PA-00 PM-00 PRS-00 ACE-00 P-00
SP-00 SSO-00 STR-00 TEST-00 TRSE-00 USIE-00 PMB-00
DSCC-00 PRM-00 DRL-02 G-00 NFAT-00 SAS-00 /017W
------------------AEB834 151047Z /38
O 151042Z MAY 02
FM AMEMBASSY HANOI
TO SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 6462
INFO AMCONSUL HO CHI MINH CITY
SECDEF WASHDC
AMEMBASSY BEIJING
AMEMBASSY PHNOM PENH
AMEMBASSY VIENTIANE
USCINCPAC HONOLULU HI
UNCLAS SECTION 03 OF 05 HANOI 001222
SIPDIS
SENSITIVE
STATE FOR EAP/BCLTV AND DRL/RF
STATE PASS TO USCIRF
SECDEF FOR ABLAGG
UNCLASSIFIED
PAGE 02 HANOI 01222 03 OF 05 151047Z
WITH FOREIGNERS.
¶10. (SBU) FIVE DIVISIONS SPECIALIZE IN THE MAJOR
RECOGNIZED RELIGIONS -- BUDDHIST, CATHOLIC, PROTESTANT, CAO
DAI, AND HOA HAO (THE LATTER APPARENTLY ALSO COVERS SMALLER
GROUPS SUCH AS ISLAM, POSSIBLY THE BAHA'I, AND POTENTIALLY
ANY OTHER FAITHS WITH FEW FOLLOWERS IN VIETNAM). NOT ONLY
DO THESE FIVE DIVISIONS ADMINISTER LAWS ON RELIGION, THEY
ARE ALSO RESPONSIBLE FOR UNDERTAKING NEGOTIATIONS WITH STILL
UNOFFICIALLY RECOGNIZED RELIGIOUS GROUPS. MOST NOTABLY,
NEGOTIATIONS ARE UNDERWAY FOR RECOGNITION OF SOME
"UNDERGROUND" PROTESTANT GROUPS, SUCH AS THE BAPTISTS.
THERE IS NO KNOWN DIALOGUE, HOWEVER, WITH THE UNITED
BUDDHIST CHURCH OF VIETNAM, OR WITH CAO DAI OR HOA HAO
GROUPS AND INDIVIDUALS WHO HAVE REJECTED PARTICIPATION IN
THEIR RELIGIONS' RESPECTIVE OFFICIAL BODIES. THE CRA ALSO
MUST ENSURE THAT ANY RELIGIOUS GROUPS APPLYING FOR
RECOGNITION COMPLY WITH ALL OF THE REQUIREMENTS OF DECREE
¶26. ONCE THE CRA IS SATISFIED (AS WAS THE CASE IN 2001 WITH
THE SECV), IT RECOMMENDS A FORMAL DECISION IN FAVOR BY THE
PRIME MINISTER.
¶11. (U) IN APRIL 1999, THE CRA SET UP A PUBLISHING HOUSE
UNDER ITS AEGIS TO CENTRALIZE ALL RELIGIOUS PUBLISHING IN
VIETNAM. BEFORE THAT DATE, IT WAS POSSIBLE TO PUBLISH
RELIGIOUS MATERIALS AT OTHER LEGAL PUBLISHING HOUSES, WHICH
UNCLASSIFIED
PAGE 03 HANOI 01222 03 OF 05 151047Z
ARE NOW FORMALLY BANNED FROM SUCH RELIGIOUS PUBLISHING. THE
CRA'S NGOC SAID THAT THE CRA'S PUBLISHING HOUSE BENEFITS
RELIGIOUS GROUPS BECAUSE IT HAD PREVIOUSLY BEEN DIFFICULT TO
GET "PROFIT-ORIENTED" PUBLISHERS TO PRINT RELIGIOUS
DOCUMENTS. SOME RELIGIOUS FIGURES HAVE NOTED THAT IT IS NOT
NOW PARTICULARLY DIFFICULT TO OBTAIN BASIC RELIGIOUS TEXTS
SUCH AT THE BIBLE OR THE KORAN THROUGH THE RELIGIOUS
PUBLISHING HOUSE, ALTHOUGH SOME PROTESTANTS IN HANOI
COMPLAINED PRIVATELY IN 2001 ABOUT ONGOING SHORTAGES OF BOTH
BIBLES AND HYMNALS. THERE ARE REPORTS ABOUT A PRINTING OF
NEW TESTAMENTS, APPARENTLY AIMED PRIMARILY AT THE RECENTLY
RECOGNIZED SECV CHURCHES. MOSQUE OFFICIALS IN HANOI NOTED
THAT THE PUBLISHING HOUSE HAD ESSENTIALLY PRINTED A KORAN
FOR EACH KNOWN MUSLIM IN THE COUNTRY IN 2000 AND HAD NO
ONGOING PUBLISHING OF MUSLIM MATERIALS. (NOTE: IT IS
ILLEGAL TO BRING IN "REACTIONARY" MATERIALS -- SOMETIMES
DEFINED BY CUSTOMS OFFICIALS TO INCLUDE BIBLES AND OTHER
RELIGIOUS MATERIALS -- INTO THE COUNTRY FROM OVERSEAS. END
NOTE)
¶12. (U) VICE CHAIRMAN NGOC ADDED THAT THE CRA MEDIATES
SPECIAL PROBLEMS FACED BY RELIGIOUS GROUPS. NGOC CLAIMED
THAT THE CRA HAD ARRANGED A MUTUALLY SATISFACTORY SETTLEMENT
BETWEEN A CARMELITE MONASTERY AND A COMPANY SEEKING TO BUILD
A WATER PARK ON LAND WHERE THE MONASTERY HAD CULTIVATED
ORCHARDS FOR MANY YEARS. HE CLAIMED THAT THE CRA ALSO
ASSISTED RELIGIOUS GROUPS IN THEIR BUREAUCRATIC DEALINGS
WITH OTHER GOVERNMENT AGENCIES, FOR INSTANCE OVER BUILDING
PERMITS. NGOC AND OTHER OFFICIALS HAVE SAID THAT LOCAL GVN
OFFICIALS, ESPECIALLY IN REMOTE PROVINCES, ARE SOMETIMES NOT
FAMILIAR WITH LAWS ON RELIGION AND "MAKE MISTAKES"; THE CRA
UNCLASSIFIED
PAGE 04 HANOI 01222 03 OF 05 151047Z
HELPS THEM TO UNDERSTAND THE PROVISIONS OF DECREE 26, HE
NOTED.
¶13. (SBU) THE CRA ALSO SUPERVISES CLERGY TRAINING
INSTITUTIONS (SEPTEL) IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE MINISTRY OF
EDUCATION AND TRAINING AS WELL AS PROVINCIAL AUTHORITIES.
RELIGIOUS FIGURES HAVE STATED TO EMBOFFS THAT AT LEAST THE
THREE MAIN BUDDHIST ACADEMIES AND SIX CATHOLIC SEMINARIES DO
CONTROL THEIR OWN BUDGETS AND THAT FUNDING TO CARRY OUT
TRAINING ACTIVITIES COMES FROM THE RELIGIOUS GROUPS
THEMSELVES. THE MINISTRY OF EDUCATION AND TRAINING NEITHER
SUPPORTS CLERGY TRAINING INSTITUTIONS FINANCIALLY, NOR SEEKS
TO CONTROL THEIR BUDGETS, ACCORDING TO THESE SOURCES.
DAY-TO-DAY REGULATION: LOCAL GOVERNMENT
---------------------------------------
¶14. (U) UNDER DECREE 26, THE CRA IS RESPONSIBLE FOR
REGULATING ANY RELIGIOUS ACTIVITIES THAT CROSS PROVINCIAL
BOUNDARIES, BUT CHAIRMEN OF PROVINCIAL AND DISTRICT PEOPLE'S
COMMITTEES HAVE AUTHORITY OVER LOCAL ACTIVITIES. SINCE MOST
RELIGIOUS ACTIVITIES ARE LOCAL, THIS MEANS LOCAL GOVERNMENTS
CARRY OUT THE BULK OF RELIGIOUS REGULATION. DECREE 26
SPELLS OUT MANY OF THE REGULATED ACTIVITIES, BUT DOES NOT
UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED PTQ8331
PAGE 01 HANOI 01222 04 OF 05 151048Z
ACTION EAP-00
INFO LOG-00 NP-00 AID-00 AMAD-00 CIAE-00 DOEE-00 SRPP-00
DS-00 EB-00 ED-01 OIGO-00 FBIE-00 UTED-00 VC-00
HHS-01 H-01 TEDE-00 INR-00 IO-00 LAB-01 L-00
VCE-00 MOFM-05 MOF-01 AC-01 NSAE-00 NSCE-00 OIC-02
OMB-01 OPIC-01 PA-00 PM-00 PRS-00 ACE-00 P-00
SP-00 SSO-00 STR-00 TEST-00 TRSE-00 USIE-00 PMB-00
DSCC-00 PRM-00 DRL-02 G-00 NFAT-00 SAS-00 /017W
------------------AEB83A 151048Z /38
O 151042Z MAY 02
FM AMEMBASSY HANOI
TO SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 6463
INFO AMCONSUL HO CHI MINH CITY
SECDEF WASHDC
AMEMBASSY BEIJING
AMEMBASSY PHNOM PENH
AMEMBASSY VIENTIANE
USCINCPAC HONOLULU HI
UNCLAS SECTION 04 OF 05 HANOI 001222
SIPDIS
SENSITIVE
STATE FOR EAP/BCLTV AND DRL/RF
STATE PASS TO USCIRF
SECDEF FOR ABLAGG
UNCLASSIFIED
PAGE 02 HANOI 01222 04 OF 05 151048Z
ALWAYS SPECIFY THE RELEVANT AUTHORITIES. FOR INSTANCE, "THE
COMPETENT STATE AGENCY" MUST AUTHORIZE ANY RELIGIOUS
ACTIVITIES OUTSIDE RECOGNIZED PLACES OF WORSHIP OR THE
ANNUALLY REGISTERED PROGRAM, BUT WHICH SPECIFIC AGENCY HAS
THAT ROLE IS NOT CLEAR. AMONG THE OTHER MATTERS CONTROLLED
BY LOCAL AUTHORITIES ARE:
-- PERMISSION TO ENTER A RELIGIOUS LIFE AFTER BACKGROUND
INVESTIGATION (PROVINCE LEVEL);
-- REGISTRATION OF A RELIGIOUS GROUP'S ANNUAL ACTIVITIES
(E.G. THE ANNUAL CYCLE OF EVENTS AT A PAGODA OR CHURCH)
(DISTRICT OR PROVINCE LEVEL);
-- TRANSFER OF CLERGY WITHIN A PROVINCE (PROVINCE LEVEL);
-- APPROVAL OF ORDINATION OR INVESTITURE OF TITLES OF ANY
LEADER NOT REQUIRING PRIME MINISTERIAL APPROVAL (PROVINCE
LEVEL);
-- APPROVAL OF CONFERENCES OR CONVENTIONS WITHIN A PROVINCE
(PROVINCE LEVEL);
-- PERMISSION TO RAISE FUNDS (PROVINCE LEVEL); AND,
-- APPROVAL OF BUILDING CONSTRUCTION, REPAIR, AND RENOVATION
(LEVEL DEPENDS ON SCALE OF ACTIVITY).
¶15. (U) MOST, BUT NOT ALL, PROVINCES AND DIRECT-RULE
CITIES HAVE ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES DEDICATED TO RELIGIOUS
AFFAIRS THAT REPORT TO THE CHAIRMEN OF THE PROVINCIAL
PEOPLE'S COMMITTEES. THESE OFFICES ARE OFTEN COMBINED WITH
ETHNIC MINORITY AFFAIRS OFFICES. THE PROVINCIAL PEOPLE'S
UNCLASSIFIED
PAGE 03 HANOI 01222 04 OF 05 151048Z
COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN USUALLY HOLDS GREATEST LOCAL DECISION-
MAKING POWER. WHILE CRA CHAIRMAN VINH CONFIRMED THAT
RELIGIOUS POLICY IS SUPPOSED TO BE CONSISTENT AND UNIVERSAL
THROUGHOUT VIETNAM, HE ADMITTED THAT IN PRACTICE TREATMENT
OF RELIGIOUS GROUPS MIGHT VARY CONSIDERABLY FROM PROVINCE TO
PROVINCE, DEPENDING ON THE ATTITUDE (OR DEGREE OF KNOWLEDGE)
OF LOCAL AUTHORITIES. FOR INSTANCE, UNDER ARTICLE 7 OF
DECREE 26, THE CRA'S NGOC NOTED, ONE IS PERMITTED TO PRAY
AND CARRY OUT RITES WITHIN THE FAMILY. IN SOME PLACES, NGOC
AND OTHERS SAID, LOCAL AUTHORITIES HAVE ALLOWED "HOUSE
CHURCHES" TO MEET UNDER THIS RUBRIC, WHILE OTHERS HAVE NOT.
ENFORCEMENT: MINISTRY OF PUBLIC SECURITY
-----------------------------------------
¶16. (U) THE MINISTRY OF PUBLIC SECURITY (MPS) IS NOT
DIRECTLY RESPONSIBLE FOR RELIGIOUS AFFAIRS, BUT IT PROVIDES
THE MECHANISM TO ENFORCE MUCH GVN POLICY ON RELIGION.
ACTING UNDER INSTRUCTIONS FROM LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND THE
SUPREME PEOPLE'S PROCURACY, MPS HAS THE POWER TO DETAIN
INDIVIDUALS SUSPECTED OF VIOLATING LAWS, INCLUDING THOSE ON
RELIGION, OR MORE NEBULOUS REGULATIONS ABOUT HARMING
NATIONAL SOLIDARITY. MPS ACTS TO "ENSURE THE SAFETY AND
ORDERLINESS" OF RELIGIOUS GATHERINGS, ACCORDING TO MPS VICE
MINISTER NGUYEN VAN HUONG, BUT HE STRESSED THAT MPS HAD NO
INDEPENDENT ROLE WHERE RELIGION IS CONCERNED. MPS PERSONNEL
ARE WIDELY BELIEED TO MONITOR RELIGIOUS GROUPS, SOMETHING
HUONG CKNOWLEDGED AS PART OF THE MINISTRY'S "NORMAL"
FUNCTION.
RALLY THE RELIGIOUS TROOPS: VFF
UNCLASSIFIED
PAGE 04 HANOI 01222 04 OF 05 151048Z
-------------------------------
¶17. (U) ACCORDING O BUDDHIST LEADER (CONCURRENTLY VICE
CHAIRMAN OFTHE VFF'S RELIGIOUS COUNCIL) THICH THANH TU, THE
VFF HAD THE PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITY FOR OVERSIGHT OF AND
LIAISON WITH RELIGIOUS GROUPS BEFORE THE ESTBLISHMENT OF
THE CRA. RELIGIOUS GROUPS WERE WELOME TO JOIN THE VFF,
NOTED VFF GENERAL SECRETARYTRAN VAN DANG. (NOTE: IT IS
UNCLEAR IF THE OFFIIAL CAO DAI MANAGEMENT COUNCIL OR THE
HOA HAO REPRESENTATIVE COMMITTEE ARE AFFILIATED WITH THE
VFF BUT MUCH EVIDENCE POINTS TO THEIR WORKING IN CLOS
COORDINATION WITH, IF NOT UNDER THE SUPERVISION OF, THE
PROVINCIAL VFF IN TAY NINH AND AN GIANG PROVINCES,
RESPECTIVELY. END NOTE) AN AUGUST 1999 VIETNAM NEWS
ARTICLE LISTED THE EVANGELICAL CHURCH OF VIETNAM (NORTHERN),
THE VIETNAM BUDDHIST SANGHA, AND THE COMMITTEE FOR
SOLIDARITY AMONG VIETNAMESE CATHOLICS AS MEMBER VFF
ORGANIZATIONS. RELIGIOUS LEADERS AND RELIGIOUS BELIEVERS
ALSO HOLD VFF OFFICES AT VARIOUS LEVELS.
COMMENT
-------
¶18. (SBU) GVN REGULATION OF RELIGION IS EVOLVING AND EVEN
UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED PTQ8332
PAGE 01 HANOI 01222 05 OF 05 151048Z
ACTION EAP-00
INFO LOG-00 NP-00 AID-00 AMAD-00 CIAE-00 DOEE-00 SRPP-00
DS-00 EB-00 ED-01 OIGO-00 FBIE-00 UTED-00 VC-00
HHS-01 H-01 TEDE-00 INR-00 IO-00 LAB-01 L-00
VCE-00 MOFM-05 MOF-01 AC-01 NSAE-00 NSCE-00 OIC-02
OMB-01 OPIC-01 PA-00 PM-00 PRS-00 ACE-00 P-00
SP-00 SSO-00 STR-00 TEST-00 TRSE-00 USIE-00 PMB-00
DSCC-00 PRM-00 DRL-02 G-00 NFAT-00 SAS-00 /017W
------------------AEB83E 151048Z /38
O 151042Z MAY 02
FM AMEMBASSY HANOI
TO SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 6464
INFO AMCONSUL HO CHI MINH CITY
SECDEF WASHDC
AMEMBASSY BEIJING
AMEMBASSY PHNOM PENH
AMEMBASSY VIENTIANE
USCINCPAC HONOLULU HI
UNCLAS SECTION 05 OF 05 HANOI 001222
SIPDIS
SENSITIVE
STATE FOR EAP/BCLTV AND DRL/RF
STATE PASS TO USCIRF
SECDEF FOR ABLAGG
UNCLASSIFIED
PAGE 02 HANOI 01222 05 OF 05 151048Z
INCREASING IN SOPHISTICATION, WITH NOTABLY MORE FLEXIBILITY
THAN A DECADE OR TWO AGO. THE GVN IS GOING TO GREAT LENGTHS
TO DRAFT A COMPREHENSIVE LAW ON RELIGION, PERHAPS PARTIALLY
IN RESPONSE TO US AND OTHER CRITICISMS REGARDING RELIGIOUS
FREEDOM IN VIETNAM (ALTHOUGH IT IS IMPOSSIBLE WITHOUT
REVIEWING THE DRAFT LEGISLATION TO ASSESS WHETHER SUCH
GREATER COMPREHENSIVENESS IS ACTUALLY FAVORABLE TO A MORE
FREE RELIGIOUS LIFE). A COMPREHENSIVE LAW WITH SPECIFIC
REGULATIONS MIGHT HELP MAKE SUPERVISION OF RELIGIOUS GROUPS
AND ACTIVITIES MORE TRANSPARENT AND LESS SUBJECT TO LOCAL
INTERPRETATION. THE BOTTOM LINE ON RELIGIOUS GROUPS -- AS
WELL AS ON OTHER SOCIAL ORGANIZATIONS AND MOVEMENTS --
REMAINS, HOWEVER, THAT IN THE EYES OF THE CPV AND GVN, THE
PRESERVATION OF SOCIAL UNITY AND NATIONAL SOLIDARITY, AND OF
THE OVERALL AUTHORITY OF THE CPV, SUPERSEDES PERSONAL
FREEDOMS WHENEVER THERE ARE CONFLICTS.
BURGHARDT
UNCLASSIFIED