PRC/SUDAN: AMIS-UNPKO TRANSITION FOR DARFUR

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 BEIJING 015378 SIPDIS SIPDIS DEPT PLEASE PASS TO EAP FOR CHRISTENSEN; AF A/S FRAZER; IO FOR A/S SILVERBERG; NSC FOR WILDER, COURVILLE E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/25/2026 TAGS: PREL PTER PGOV KPKO PHUM CH SU UN SUBJECT: PRC/SUDAN: AMIS-UNPKO TRANSITION FOR DARFUR REF: A. A) KHARTOUM 1666 ¶B. B) USUN 1349 (NOTAL) ¶C. C) KHARTOUM 1565 Classified By: Deputy Chief of Mission David S. Sedney. Reasons 1.4 (b/d). Summary -------------- ¶1. (C) The Sudan government must agree to the terms of a transition from African Union Mission in Sudan (AMIS) peacekeepers to a United Nations peacekeeping operation (UNPKO) before any transition proceeds, MFA Deputy Director for West Asia and North Africa Weng Meihui told Poloff, explaining PRC views on "re- hatting" AMIS. The PRC believes the Sudan government seeks a Chapter VI mandate for any Darfur UNPKO as a means of saving face, but perhaps a Chapter VI resolution with Chapter VII elements could be negotiable. POLOFF underscored the urgency for all parties help stop the violence in Darfur and do what is necessary to establish peace in Sudan. End Summary. ¶2. (C) POLOFF discussed PRC views on Darfur and the transition from AMIS to UN peacekeepers from MFA West Asia and North Africa Department Deputy Director Weng Meihui on July 25. DPA Represents Progress... -------------- ¶3. (C) The Darfur Peace Agreement (DPA) represents significant diplomatic progress and establishes a solid foundation for peace, Weng said. China appreciates the United States' and others' efforts that resulted in the DPA. Implementation is critical. Non-signatory rebel groups should be urged to join. China understands that both holdout rebel groups view the DPA positively. ...But Sudan Must Agree To Darfur PKO -------------- ¶4. (C) Drawing on prepared talking points, Weng said the transition from AMIS to a UN peacekeeping operation (PKO) in Darfur is critical but very sensitive and is at an impasse. China's clear position is that the Sudan government must agree to the transition before proceeding, United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1679 notwithstanding. If the Sudan government agrees, the transition will be smooth. The impasse over Sudan government objections to a UNPKO can only be resolved by listening to the concerns of the Sudanese government. POLOFF responded that the United States has invested considerable diplomatic and financial support in the peace effort in Sudan and the status quo is not acceptable. It is critical that all parties, including China as well as Sudan, take meaningful action to stop the violence. The need to do so is urgent. PRC: Sudan Wants Chapter VI -------------- ¶5. (C) Sticking to his talking points, Weng said the Sudan government is primarily concerned about Chapter VII authority for a UNPKO in Darfur. The Sudan government does not want non-AMIS international troops in Darfur without its consent. The Sudan government has not closed the door on a UNPKO for Darfur, but needs a way to save face. Sudanese media reports indicate the Sudan government hopes for a Chapter VI resolution, which would allow the Sudan government to "save face" and facilitate the transition. Weng said he could not say whether a Chapter VI resolution with Chapter VII elements (as per UNMIS's mandate under UNSCR 1590) would be acceptable, but noted that in May State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan agreed with Sudan's Foreign Minister that China and Sudan would be "flexible" and "practical" on Darfur. China Warns Against "Imposing" PKO -------------- BEIJING 00015378 002 OF 002 ¶6. (C) Weng said the UN should aim to conduct humanitarian operations that help the Sudanese people. In doing so, Sudan's history must be considered. Colonialism's legacy has left the Sudanese people suspicious of any foreign military presence in Sudan. If a foreign military presence operates in Sudan without the consent of the Sudan government, Sudanese people will "resist." Sudan's president and parliament strongly object to a UNPKO in Darfur and people throughout Sudan are protesting the imposition of a UNPKO in Darfur. China believes President Bashir has fully considered the matter. The Sudan government exercises significant influence with the population and its position greatly affects public opinion, Weng said. POLOFF reiterated the importance of all parties taking cooperative action now to end the violence and move toward a meaningful peace. PRC Aid to Sudan -------------- ¶7. (C) Weng said that during Premier Wen Jiabao's June 17-24 trip to Africa, China gave USD one million to the African Union to support AMIS and USD 2.5 million to support the Darfur peace process. RANDT