MARCH 22 MFA PRESS BRIEFING: SIX-PARTY TALKS,

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 BEIJING 001966 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL PHUM MNUC KN KS JP CH FR SU SUBJECT: MARCH 22 MFA PRESS BRIEFING: SIX-PARTY TALKS, BANCO DELTA ASIA, OLYMPICS BOYCOTT OVER DARFUR, JAPAN ¶1. Key points made at the March 22 MFA press conference were: -- The Six-Party Talks continued with bilateral meetings despite reports that DPRK VFM Kim Kye-Gwan was at the airport ready to depart Beijing. -- The Talks have run into "unexpected" technical and procedural problems regarding the transfer of funds in resolving the Banco Delta Asia issue. -- The Spokesman refuted questions about the feasibility of meeting deadlines from the February 13 Initial Action Agreement, stating that there was no reason to lose confidence. -- French groups that have proposed a boycott of the 2008 Olympics over Darfur do not understand China's position on the issue. -- Premier Wen's upcoming visit to Japan will be "ice-thawing" in that it will help China and Japan push forward cooperation, even though some difficult issues linger. 6PT: Talks Continue Despite Reports About DPRK -------------- - ¶2. MFA Spokesman Liu Jianchao announced at the opening of the March 22 regular press briefing that the Six-Party Talks are continuing with bilateral meetings involving all six parties, despite media reports that DPRK lead negotiator Kim Kye-Gwan had been seen at the airport ready to depart Beijing. ¶3. The spokesman said the Six-Party Talks have run into "unexpected" technical and procedural problems regarding the transfer of funds in resolving the Banco Delta Asia issue. However, Liu said consensus has been reached between the DPRK and United States from a political perspective, adding that the resolve of all parties on commitments made in the Joint Statement and February 13 agreement remains unchanged. Further, he refused to place blame for the hold-up on any party, maintaining that all sides must consider some reasonable concerns of all other parties. Asked if China would handle the BDA issue outside the framework of China's new anti-money laundering law in the interests of pushing forward the Talks, Liu said the solution must be in accordance with law and reasonable to all parties. ¶4. Liu deflected questions on the feasibility of meeting deadlines determined in the February 13 agreement, stating there was no reason to lose confidence and that all goals are expected to be met sooner or later. All parties should continue their positive, joint efforts and honor commitments made in the February 13 document. Asked if China would handle the BDA issue outside the framework of China's new anti-money laundering law in the interests of pushing forward the Talks, Liu said the solution must be in accordance with law and reasonable to all parties. ¶5. Progress has been made at this round of Talks, Liu said, noting that the first of three unspecified items that VFM Wu Dawei outlined at the opening of this round of Talks has been "finished." There has been an initial exchange of views on the other two items and parties are treating these sensitive issues seriously, even though the items have yet to be discussed in depth. French Athletes to Boycott Olympics, Protest Darfur -------------- -------------- ¶6. Asked about recent reports that French athletes preparing for the 2008 Olympics may boycott the games to protest China's inaction on Darfur, Liu said China welcomes all nations to participate in the Olympics and believes the French parties do not have a clear understanding of China's position on Darfur. All parties concerned should work through dialogue and consultation to solve the Darfur issue while maintaining Sudan's sovereignty and territorial integrity. China is playing a constructive role in the issue, including the Four-Point Proposal President Hu outlined after talks with President al-Bashir. China hopes Sudan will actively discuss the Darfur issue, Liu said. Premier Wen's "Ice-thawing" Visit to Japan -------------- ¶7. China attaches great importance to PM Wen's upcoming visit to Japan and sees bilateral relations developing in a positive direction, said Liu. An increase in Chinese news BEIJING 00001966 002 OF 002 reports about Japan is normal and unrelated to a change in government policy, Liu responded when asked about the recent trend by a Japanese reporter. Liu characterized PM Abe's recent visit to China as "ice-breaking" and Wen's planned visit as "ice-thawing." Despite some lingering issues, both sides must push forward cooperation in all areas to promote the long-term stable development of bilateral relations. RANDT