PRC/IRAN: CHINA OFFERS COMPROMISE SOLUTIONS TO P5

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 BEIJING 004893

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 03/15/2016
TAGS: PREL PARM KNNP IR EU AORC CH
SUBJECT: PRC/IRAN: CHINA OFFERS COMPROMISE SOLUTIONS TO P5
DISAGREEMENTS ON A UNSC PRESIDENTIAL STATEMENT

Classified By: Deputy Political Chief Robert Griffiths. Reasons 1.4 (b/
d).


1. (C) Summary: The PRC is prepared to adopt what it
believes are compromise solutions to the current P5
disagreements over the text of a UNSC Presidential Statement
(PRST),according to MFA International Organization
Department Division Director Yang Tao. Noting Ambassador
Wang Guangya,s discussions in New York, Yang said China
supports setting a timeframe of 30 days for Iran's
compliance, incorporating specific details from the February
4 IAEA Board of Governors resolution into the PRST and
reporting Iran's reply or review of Iran's compliance to the
IAEA first. The PRC and the United States are in agreement
that Iran cannot be allowed to possess nuclear weapons and
that the UNSC should send Iran a strong signal. However,
Beijing remains skeptical of what should come after a PRST.
The MFA seeks clarification of the U.S. position on a joint
PRST discussion in New York, saying that Beijing is willing
to have a P5 plus 1 discussion between the Political
Directors but opposes including the Permreps in such a
discussion. Iranian presidential envoy Larijani is visiting
Beijing to discuss the nuclear issue and bilateral relations.
End Summary.

PRST Solutions
--------------


2. (C) The PRC has three solutions to the current P5
disagreements over the text of a UNSC Presidential Statement
(PRST),according to MFA International Organization
Department Division Director Yang Tao. In a March 15
meeting, Yang told poloffs that a report on Iran's compliance
within 14 days of the PRST would not give Iran enough time to
take corrective actions. At the same time, Beijing agrees
that a timeframe is necessary to demonstrate to Iran UNSC
resolve. Yang argues that a 30-day period between the PRST
and an IAEA report on Iran's compliance will still allow for
a diplomatic solution to the current standoff. Yang also
stated that Beijing supports references to the February 4 BOG
resolution in the PRST. The February 4 resolution set clear
requirements for Iran and Tehran needs to respond to them.
The PRC argues that UNSC involvement in the Iran dispute
should underpin and bolster the international stature of the
IAEA and the NPT, therefore the PRST should specifically
support the IAEA BOG recommendations on Iran. Along the same
line, Yang said any report on Iran's nuclear program should
be made first to the IAEA in order to maintain the authority
of the IAEA and NPT on nuclear issues. At a minimum, such a
report should be presented simultaneously to the IAEA and the
UNSC.

PRC Position Not Changing
--------------


3. (C) Yang reiterated that the PRC and the United States are
in agreement that Iran cannot be allowed to possess nuclear
weapons and this position will not change. Iran's failure to
reverse its course has disappointed Beijing. Yang stressed
that Beijing continues to pressure Tehran and noted that
Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing's message to Iranian Foreign
Minister Motaki that "only Iran can help Iran" is also being
delivered in New York. Yang stated that the MFA's West Asian
and North African Affairs Department is handling the current
visit of Iranian presidential envoy Larijani. The two sides
will discuss the nuclear issue, as well as bilateral
relations. Yang said that attempting to work with Iran has
been very frustrating for the MFA.

But Skeptical of Sanctions
--------------


4. (C) Beijing remains skeptical of what should come after a
PRST. Yang said that sanctions are "not in touch with
reality" and said that the threat of sanctions historically
has never worked. Pointing out the unprecedented opposition
Iran is currently facing from its "friends and enemies," Yang
said that it is imperative to maintain P5 unity and to keep
up the "comprehensive pressure" on Iran.

Germany's Role in the P5 Consultations
--------------


5. (C) Noting plans for a P-5 Political Directors meeting in
New York, Yang said Beijing supports including Germany but
opposes including the UN Permreps if Germany is going to
participate. He stressed that this would subject the P-5 to
future pressure by other interested parties who believe they
are entitled to participate in P-5 consultations in New York.
Yang asked for clarification of the U.S. position on a joint
meeting that would include Germany to discuss the PRST.
Poloffs undertook to report Yang's question.

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