MARCH 20 MFA PRESS BRIEFING: SIX-PARTY TALKS,

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 BEIJING 001887 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL PHUM MNUC KN RS IR JA CH AS PP FR SUBJECT: MARCH 20 MFA PRESS BRIEFING: SIX-PARTY TALKS, BANCO DELTA ASIA, IRAN, KIDNAPPINGS IN NIGERIA, WEN TO JAPAN, HU TO RUSSIA, VISITS, HUMAN RIGHTS BEIJING 00001887 001.2 OF 002 ¶1. Key points made at the March 20 MFA press conference were: -- The Sixth Round of Six-Party Talks opened with bilateral consultations and an opening ceremony. China hopes the agreement reached on Banco Delta Asia will be conducive to the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. The Spokesman noted that the DPRK is ready to shut down and seal the Yongbyon reactor and said China hopes all parties adhere to the principle of action for action. -- China is concerned about the Iranian nuclear issue, but had no comment on reports about Russia stopping uranium shipments. -- Two more Chinese citizens have been kidnapped in Nigeria and China calls on Nigeria to prevent such incidents. -- Premier Wen's April visit to Tokyo is on track despite media speculation on the comfort women issue. -- President Hu will visit Moscow March 26-28 to attend the China Year in Russia. -- Norwegian PM Stoltenberg will visit China March 25- ¶28. Chinese VFM Lu will visit Australia, Papua New Guinea and other countries soon. Politburo member Li Changchun is visiting Latin America March 19-April 5. -- Liu had no comment in response to questions about human rights implications of an extradition treaty between China and France or about possible talks with Vatican officials. China Hopes BDA Issue Resolved Properly -------------- ¶2. MFA Spokesman Liu Jianchao said at the March 20 regular press briefing that China hopes the agreement reached regarding frozen DPRK accounts in Banco Delta Asia will be conducive to the overall goal of the Korean Peninsula's denuclearization. The United States should work with the Macau SAR Government to fully resolve the situation while ensuring Macau's financial stability. He declined to respond to a question asking whether the MFA had changed its position from last week that China "regrets" the handling of the issue. Six-Party Talks "Complicated" -------------- ¶3. Bilateral consultations were held this morning as part of the Six-Party Talks, Liu said. VFM Wu opened the Talks by spelling out the mission and purpose of this round of Talks. The process may be long and complicated, but China hopes all parties honor their February 13 agreements and solve issues of concern. On the issue of a possible meeting of foreign ministers, he said the parties need to consult further. China announced no firm date for completion of this round of Talks. ¶4. Responding to a question on VFM Kim's remarks about the DPRK's relationship with the IAEA, Liu said China noticed Kim's remarks, realizes the DPRK is ready to shut down and seal the Yongbyon reactor and to accept monitoring and supervision by the IAEA. China hopes all parties will honor the "principle of action for action." The Spokesman avoided answering questions about DPRK VFM Kim Kye-gwan's criticism of Japan as not eligible for participation in the Talks, but acknowledged that substantial differences remain between the DPRK and Japan. Iran: Russia Withholds Uranium -------------- ¶5. China is concerned about the Iran nuclear issue, BEIJING 00001887 002.2 OF 002 Liu said when asked to comment on Russia's decision to withhold shipments of enriched uranium to Iran. China hopes the Iran nuclear issue can be resolved through diplomatic efforts. Any UNSC action should be conducive to those effort. Liu reaffirmed China's opposition to nuclea proliferation. Third Kidnapping in Nigeria -------------- ¶6. Prompted byChinese news media, Liu announced that two more Chinese citizens have been abducted by unknown assailants in Nigeria. The regularity of these cases prompted MFA to request the Nigerian government pay attention to this issue and take measures to prevent future kidnappings. The MFA has released information about safety on its website and advises its citizens abroad to exercise more caution. Safety of citizens is a top priority for China and every effort will be made for the safe return of those kidnapped, said Liu. Wen's Japan Visit Still on Track -------------- ¶7. Media reports that PM Wen's April visit to Japan will be shortened due to the furor over PM Abe's comfort women remarks was dismissed by Liu as "speculation." China and Japan are consulting closely regarding the visit. PM Wen will discuss China-Japan history issues during the visit. Wen's visit to the ROK is not a new addition to the trip. Hu to Visit Russia -------------- ¶8. At the invitation of President Putin, President Hu will visit Russia from March 26-28 and attend the China Year in Russia opening ceremony. Visits: Norway PM, Chinese to Australia, Latin America -------------- -------------- ¶9. At the invitation of PM Wen, Norway PM Stoltenberg will visit China from March 25-28. Following up on a previous announcement that VFM Lu Guozeng will visit Australia and the Pacific soon, Liu said VFM Lu is visiting at the invitation of various nations in the region, will exchange views with his counterparts and will promote deeper cooperation in the region. He ducked a question whether Lu would discuss mining investments in Papua New Guinea and Australian uranium exports to China. ¶10. Politburo Standing Committee member Li Changchun's visit to five Latin American countries from March 19 to April 5 is not confined to central government officials but includes provincial government officials from China and meetings with state and local officials in Latin America. Liu referred reporters to the Communist Party's International Department for more information. Human Rights: Extradition Treaty, Vatican Talks -------------- -- ¶11. China and France are in close consultation about an extradition treaty, but will announce its content after it is finalized, Liu said in response to a question about the human rights implications of such a treaty. Liu had no comment when asked about a reported meeting between Chinese and Vatican officials. RANDT