NOVEMBER 28 MFA PRESS BRIEFING: SIX-PARTY TALKS,

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 BEIJING 024126 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL KN CH PK EC CY SU SUBJECT: NOVEMBER 28 MFA PRESS BRIEFING: SIX-PARTY TALKS, HU-BUSH CONVERSATION, DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS WITH NICARAGUA, ISRAEL-PALESTINE CEASE-FIRE, ECUADOR PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION, DARFUR, VISIT BY CYPRUS PRESIDENT ¶1. Key Points at the November 28 MFA Press Conference were: -- This afternoon in Beijing the heads of the Six-Party Talks delegations from China, the United States and the DPRK held meetings, including bilateral and trilateral talks, on the resumption of the Six-Party Talks but no date has yet been set for the resumption. -- Hu Jintao and President Bush conversed by phone, exchanging ideas on the United States-China relationship and issues of common interest. -- China is prepared for the establishment of normal state-to-state relations with Central American countries currently without formal diplomatic ties to China. -- The Israel-Palestine ceasefire is a "constructive and active step towards peace in the Middle East." The Palestine issue is the core of broader Middle East problems. -- Cyprus President Tassos Papadopoulos will hold a state visit to China December 4-8 at the invitation of Hu Jintao. China, United States and DPRK Discuss Six-Party Talks, No Date Set -------------- -------------- ¶2. MFA Spokesperson Jiang Yu said EAP A/S Christopher Hill, Vice Foreign Minister Wu Dawei and DPRK Vice Foreign Minister Kim Gye-gwan held meetings today in Beijing to exchange ideas on the Six-Party Talks and issues of common interest. The meetings included both bilateral and trilateral meetings, but Jiang repeatedly deflected questions regarding bilateral meetings between the United States and DPRK envoys and why a Russian envoy did not attend the talks. VFM Wu also met with Kenichiro Sasae of Japan and Vice Foreign Minster Chun Young-Woo of the ROK. DPRK to Re-enter Six-Party Talks Boldly after Nuclear Test -------------- -------------- ¶3. Asked to comment on DPRK VFM Kim's statement that the DPRK can re-enter the Six-Party Talks boldly after taking the necessary defensive measures through the nuclear test and stressing that the DPRK is now a nuclear nation, Jiang said that China's position is consistent, clear-cut and firm in opposing the proliferation of nuclear weapons and in supporting the denuclearization of the Korean peninsula. China believes the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty (NPT) and UNSC Resolution 1718 have clearly stated the consensus of the international community and hopes that all parties can take full use of this opportunity to take flexible and constructive attitudes for an in-depth exchange of ideas so as to create conditions for the re-launching and early success of the Six-Party Talks. Hu, Bush Converse by Phone -------------- ¶4. In response to a question regarding the contents of last night's phone conversation between President Hu and President Bush, Jiang said the two heads of state discussed United States-China relations and issues of common interest. China Welcomes Diplomatic Ties with Central American Countries -------------- -------------- ¶5. China is prepared to have normal state-to-state relations with the countries of Central America currently without formal diplomatic ties to China based on the five principles of peaceful coexistence and the UN Charter, said Jiang when asked for comment on Nicaraguan President-elect Daniel Ortega's expressed interest in establishing diplomatic relations with China. Joint Statement and Free Trade Agreement from Hu's Visit to Pakistan -------------- -------------- ¶6. Jiang said that President Hu's successful visit to Pakistan furthered China and Pakistan's all-weather friendship and strategic cooperative partnership and culminated in the issuing of a joint statement. She emphasized that the two countries' bilateral relationship is an example of peaceful cooperation between regional neighbors. Jiang also mentioned the signing of a free trade agreement and a five-year cooperative plan during the visit. BEIJING 00024126 002 OF 002 Israel-Palestine Conflict the "Core of the Middle East Problems" -------------- -------------- ¶7. Answering a reporter's questions regarding the Palestine-Israel ceasefire and commemoration of the UN International Day of Solidarity with the Palestine People, Jiang said that the ceasefire was a "constructive and active step towards peace in the Middle East." She emphasized that the Palestine issue is the core of broader Middle East problems and should be settled through political consultation on the basis of UN resolutions and the support of establishing the independent state of Palestine. China Supports Peaceful Transition of Power in Ecuador -------------- --- ¶8. Responding to a reporter's question about the election of Rafael Correa as Ecuador's President, Jiang noted that the official announcement has not yet been released. She said China believes Ecuador can realize a peaceful transition of power and the new government can ensure stability while promoting economic and social development. China Ready to Make Constructive Efforts in Darfur, Key Moment is Now -------------- -------------- ¶9. China is ready to make constructive efforts in order to realize the peace and stability of the Darfur region and hopes all parties can maintain the momentum of dialogue with candid and frank communication to reach a solution on the issue, said Jiang when asked for comment on the possible discussion of Darfur at the African Union Summit set to take place in Abuja, Nigeria on November 29. China appreciates the diplomatic efforts of all parties and believes that now is a key moment for solving the issue, Jiang stated. Reports of China's Investment in Korean China Town are False -------------- -------------- ¶10. Asked for comment on reports that the Chinese government will invest $5 billion to establish China Town in South Korea's Jeju Island, Jiang said the MFA has paid attention to the reports, but found them to be false. Cyprus President to Visit China -------------- ¶11. At the invitation of President Hu Jintao, Cyprus President Tassos Papadopoulos will hold a state visit to China December 4-8. Randt