APRIL 24 MFA PRESS BRIEFING: SIX-PARTY TALKS, BDA,

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 BEIJING 002746 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL MNUC KS KN IN PK AF RS SUBJECT: APRIL 24 MFA PRESS BRIEFING: SIX-PARTY TALKS, BDA, FOOD CONTAMINATION, TIBET, CHINA-INDIA BOUNDARY TALKS, PAKISTAN FM VISIT, YELTSIN'S DEATH ¶1. Key points at the April 24 MFA Press Conference made by MFA Spokesman Liu Jianchao were: -- Technical questions remain on the Banco Delta Asia issue, specifically how DPRK parties can acquire their money through normal transfer of funds. -- Liu made no comment on whether FDA officials would receive visas to investigate reports of contaminated food products in China. -- Accusations of increased religious persecution in Tibet were discarded as groundless. -- China calls exchange of ideas during the 10th round of boundary talks with India deep, candid and friendly. -- China and Pakistan exchanged ideas on Afghanistan during Pakistan FM Aziz' visit to China. -- The MFA expressed deep condolences over the death of former Russian President Yeltsin who was called a true friend to the Chinese people who contributed greatly to the Sino-Russian bilateral relationship. No New Information on BDA Issue, 6-Party Talks -------------- - ¶2. At the April 24 regular press briefing, MFA Spokesman Liu Jianchao again stated that some technical questions remain on the BDA issue, specifically how DPRK parties can acquire their money through normal transfer of funds. Asked for an update on the progress and possible resumption of Six-Party Talks, Liu reminded reporters of the Fifth Round's success and the commitment of all parties to implement the initial actions of the February 13 Joint Document. Additionally, he called for cooperative attitudes and efforts to denuclearize the Korean peninsula at an early date. Liu did not respond to a question asking for comment on Japanese criticism of the DPRK's sincerity in shutting down the Yongbyon facilities. FDA To Investigate Melamine in China? -------------- ¶3. When asked if FDA officials would receive visas to visit China for the purpose of investigating melamine-tainted food products, Liu referred questions to the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine. Groundless Accusations of Persecution in Tibet -------------- - ¶4. The spokesman expressed China's strong anger at accusations by the NGO International Campaign for Tibet of increased religious persecution in Tibet, discarding the claims as groundless. Asked for information on the whereabouts and personal freedom of the boy chosen by the Dalai Lama as the Panchen Lama, Liu said he is living a free life just like other youths in China. India Border Talks -------------- ¶5. China and India had a deep, andid and friendly exchange of ideas during the 10th round of boundary talks, said Liu. EVFM Dai Bingguo represented China at the talks and met with Indian leaders and Foreign Ministry officials. Both sides have made joint effors to promote the process and the two countries are enjoying greater cooperation and mutual trust. The next round of talks will be held in China. China, Pakistan Exchange Ideas on Afghanistan -------------- ¶6. During Pakistan PM Aziz'svisit to China, the two sides exchanged ideas on Afghanistan and both countries are making joint efforts to promote the peace, stability and development of the region, said Liu in response to questions regarding a China-Pakistan common strategy on Afghanistan. China and Pakistan are friendly neighbors committed to further developing their strategic partnership, Liu added. "Deep Condolences" Over Yeltsin's Passing Away -------------- ¶7. The spokesman expressed the MFA's deep condolences over BEIJING 00002746 002 OF 002 the death of former Russian President Yeltsin and praised him as a true friend to the Chinese people who contributed greatly to the Sino-Russian bilateral relationship. Liu was unaware of whether leaders from other countries were invited to attend tomorrow's funeral service, adding if a China sends a telegraph of condolences the MFA will release the relevant information. RANDT