Cablegate: Vietnam: Further Discussions About Gpoi Training

VZCZCXRO9447
RR RUEHHM
DE RUEHHI #0597 1420935
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 210935Z MAY 08
FM AMEMBASSY HANOI
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 7863
INFO RUEHHM/AMCONSUL HO CHI MINH 4747

UNCLAS HANOI 000597

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: KPKO MARR MASS PREL PGOV VM
SUBJECT: VIETNAM: FURTHER DISCUSSIONS ABOUT GPOI TRAINING

Ref: A) 07 Hanoi 2120 B) May 2 Blackshaw-Eckstrom email

1. On May 8, poloff and DATT met with MOD External Relations
Department Senior Colonel Nguyen Dinh Huy to reiterate the USG's
previous invitation to the GVN to participate in the Global Peace
Operations Initiative (GPOI)(Ref A) and to provide a list of
possible GPOI training courses (Ref B). Senior Colonel Huy
indicated that GVN agencies are studying the issue of Vietnamese
participation in peace support operations closely. He added,
however, that a timeframe for GVN participation in GPOI remains
undetermined, but that he would submit the list of GPOI training
options to senior MOD leadership and wait for its decision.

2. On May 21, poloff discussed the GPOI training course options with
MFA International Organizations Department Specialist To Anh Tuan.
(Note: MFA has the lead within the interagency working group that is
considering GVN participation in peacekeeping operations.) Tuan
accepted the list of possible training courses, saying it would be
considered by appropriate officials. On May 7, poloff also
delivered the list of GPOI course options to MFA Americas Department
Section Chief Lai Thai Binh.

MICHALAK

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