CHINESE CHARGE ZHANG YUEBANG MARCH 23 MEETING WITH

C O N F I D E N T I A L ADDIS ABABA 000939 SIPDIS SIPDIS DEPT FOR AF/FO, AF/RSA E.O. 12958: DECL: 03/28/2012 TAGS: PREL MOPS AU SUBJECT: CHINESE CHARGE ZHANG YUEBANG MARCH 23 MEETING WITH USAU AMBASSADOR TO DISCUSS DARFUR Classified By: AMBASSADOR CINDY COURVILLE, REASONS 1.4(B) AND (D) ¶1. (C) Summary: At his request, Chinese Charge Zhang Yuebang called on Ambassador Courville on March 23 to discuss Darfur and hear Ambassador's views. He thought the Darfur situation was at critical point -- it could improve or deteriorate badly. Zhang was primarily interested in drawing us out on issues. End Summary. ¶2. (C) Discussion: Zhang mentioned that China had been approached in New York to participate in Darfur peace efforts; PRC had made no decision yet. AMB pressed him that China should use its influence with Bashir to get him to cooperate with UN and AU, and to help with AU efforts in Somalia. (C) Zhang raised the argument that the rebels and their divisions were responsible for some of the problems. Ambassador agreed, but said that the Sudanese, as a government, bear greater responsibility. They should end their support for the Janjaweed and cooperate to implement the HSP and hybrid phases of peacekeeping. In the meanwhile, those who are working to end rebel divisions should coordinate their efforts. (C) Zhang referred to the objections Bashir raised in his March 6 letter regarding nonconformity of the HSP plan with the DPA, and the issue of who commands. Ambassador dismissed the first as a real problem that should impede implementation. USAU Mil Rep pointed out that there had been agreement between UN and the AU that the AMIS Force Commander will be an African. (C) Zhang briefly raised the issue of Somalia, noting it was dangerous. Ambassador agreed that a collapsing Somalia would endanger the region, and urged China to help through providing humanitarian aid and/or supporting peackeeping efforts. Zhang said that China was considering how to provide help. (C) Zhang and Ambassador Courville agreed to stay in touch and exchange views periodically. ¶3. (C) Way Forward: Ambassador Courville recommended that China: -- Urge Bahsir to accept the HSP and hybrid force -- Use its influence to reassure and persuade Bashir to choose the best course -- Consider participating in some way to support the peacekeeping efforts in Darfur COURVILLE YAMAMOTO