APRIL 19 MFA PRESS BRIEFING: SIX-PARTY TALKS, BDA,

UNCLAS BEIJING 002632

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL MNUC KS KN SU JA CA CO
SUBJECT: APRIL 19 MFA PRESS BRIEFING: SIX-PARTY TALKS, BDA,
SUDAN, CONVICTION OF HUSEYIN CELIL, UNSC REFORM, ILLEGAL
IMMIGRANTS IN COLOMBIA


1. Key points at the April 19 MFA Press Conference made by
MFA Spokesman Liu Jianchao were:

-- The spokesman repeated previous statements that the
relevant parties are close to solving the BDA issue, but some
technical questions remain.

-- China says now is "not the proper time" for sanctions
against Sudan.

-- The conviction of Huseyin Celil on charges of terrorism
fall within China's internal affairs and Canada cannot
interfere.

-- Despite consensus reached with Japan during PM Wen's
visit, China's stance on UNSC reform has not changed.

No New Information on BDA Issue
--------------


2. At the April 19 regular press briefing, MFA Spokesman Liu
Jianchao repeated previous statements that the relevant
parties are close to solving the BDA issue, but some
technical questions remain. Responding to a question on the
matter, Liu said he had no information on specific measures
taken by DPRK account-holders to retrieve funds.

"Not the Proper Time" for Sanctions on Sudan
--------------


3. The spokesman said now is "not the proper time" for
sanctions against Sudan. China reiterated its satisfaction
with consensus reached between Sudan and the UN on former
Secretary General Annan's plan and called for relevant

SIPDIS
parties to take constructive measures promoting this
"positive progress."

Uyghur, Canadian Citizen
--------------


4. Liu confirmed reports that Huseyin Celil was sentenced by
the Urumqi Intermediate Court to life in prison and lifelong
deprivation of political rights because of his organizing,
leading and participating in terrorist activities. Asked for
comment on Canada's calls for consular access to Celil, who
is a Canadian citizen, Liu stated the matter is an internal
affair of China and Canada has no right to interfere.
Regarding a possible visit to China by Canada's Foreign
Minister, the spokesman said relevant information will be
released when arrangements have been set.

No Change in Position on UNSC Adjustments
--------------


5. Asked if consensus reached during PM Wen's recent trip to
Japan led to a change in China's position on UN Security
Council reform, Liu responded that China's stance on said
reforms is the same. There are deep differences on this
issue at the present and patient, democratic negotiations are
still needed, said Liu. He added China is against "forced
reform plans of any kind" if such differences exist.

Illegal Immigrant Arrests in Colombia
--------------


6. China has noticed reports of Chinese citizens arrested in
Colombia and is against illegal immigration of all kinds,
stated Liu. The spokesman emphasized that illegal
immigration is an international issue with complicated
economic, social and political factors and efforts to
crackdown on such activity cannot depend on China alone.
Once the relevant persons are confirmed to be Chinese
citizens, China will cooperate in the process of
repatriation.
RANDT