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. BEIJING 00004893 002 OF 002 RANDT