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