PRC/LEBANON: SYRIA-LEBANON RESOLUTION IN SECURITY

C O N F I D E N T I A L BEIJING 008804 SIPDIS SIPDIS USUN FOR PHEE E.O. 12958: DECL: 05/11/2016 TAGS: PREL UNSC LE SY CH SUBJECT: PRC/LEBANON: SYRIA-LEBANON RESOLUTION IN SECURITY COUNCIL REF: STATE 74598 Classified By: Political External Unit Chief Edgard Kagan. Reasons 1.4 (b/d). ¶1. (C) The PRC is concerned about "expanding" UNSCR 1559 and setting precedents for the Security Council involving itself in calling for establishment of diplomatic relations as well as demarcation of borders, is disappointed that the P-3 have not shared a draft text of the proposed resolution but is open to discussion of a "balanced" resolution. After coordinating with UK Embassy colleagues, who had not received an instruction, and our French Embassy colleagues, who said they were instructed to approach the PRC on their own, Poloffs delivered reftel points to MFA IO Department UN Division Deputy Director Yao Shaojun May 11. ¶2. (C) First expressing surprise that neither France nor the United States was able or willing to share a copy of the draft resolution, Yao stated that the PRC supports Lebanon's independence and territorial integrity but is concerned about "expanding" the requirements of a UNSCR that garnered only nine votes. Poloffs responded that a UNSCR is a UNSCR, regardless of the number of votes. Yao then commented that Beijing has qualms about the Security Council involving itself in bilateral issues between two sovereign states that are not in conflict. The PRC questions whether it is appropriate for the UNSC to push sovereign states that are not in conflict to establish diplomatic relations or to demarcate their borders. These are issues that are best addressed through bilateral discussions based on mutual interests, according to Yao. Poloffs responded Syrian reluctance to hold such bilateral consultations makes a follow-on resolution necessary and that there is a clear request from PM Siniora. ¶3. (C) Asked about the PRC's bottom line, Yao said Beijing is uncomfortable with expanding UNSCR 1559 but believes that should a follow-on resolution be necessary, it should be balanced. He suggested that at the very least, such a resolution should acknowledge Syria's withdrawal of its forces from Lebanon, which Beijing believes was the most important element of UNSCR 1559. ¶4. (C) In a separate conversation, MFA IO Department UN Division Director Yang Tao told Poloff that while Beijing questions the need for a follow-on resolution, the PRC would be open to discussing a "narrow and balanced" resolution should it be clear that such a step would really support regional peace and stability. RANDT