Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
06BEIJING8804
2006-05-11 11:36:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Beijing
Cable title:  

PRC/LEBANON: SYRIA-LEBANON RESOLUTION IN SECURITY

Tags:  PREL UNSC LE SY CH 
pdf how-to read a cable
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OO RUEHCN RUEHGH
DE RUEHBJ #8804 1311136
ZNY CCCCC ZZH
O 111136Z MAY 06
FM AMEMBASSY BEIJING
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 5016
INFO RUCNDT/USMISSION USUN NEW YORK IMMEDIATE 1321
RUEHOO/CHINA POSTS COLLECTIVE
RUEHAM/AMEMBASSY AMMAN 0175
RUEHLB/AMEMBASSY BEIRUT 0145
RUEHEG/AMEMBASSY CAIRO 0203
RUEHDM/AMEMBASSY DAMASCUS 0273
RUEHTV/AMEMBASSY TEL AVIV 1926
RUEHJM/AMCONSUL JERUSALEM 0623
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).

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