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

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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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