JUNE 26 MFA PRESS BRIEFING: SIX-PARTY TALKS, A/S

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 BEIJING 004301 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL EFIN UNSC KS KN JA IZ CI TU PK CH SUBJECT: JUNE 26 MFA PRESS BRIEFING: SIX-PARTY TALKS, A/S HILL PROPOSALS, FM YANG TO DPRK, IRAQI PRESIDENT VISIT, ZOELLICK TO WORLD BANK, PAKISTAN KIDNAPPINGS, LEBANON BOMBING ¶1. Key points at the June 26 MFA Press Conference were: -- The MFA thanked all parties for their efforts in solving the BDA issue, but gave reporters no information on when the Six-Party Talks would resume. -- IAEA DDG Heinonen will brief Beijing on his trip to the DPRK upon its completion and China holds an open attitude to "relevant proposals" of peace mechanisms in Northeast Asia. -- China condemns the attacks on UN peacekeepers in Lebanon on June 24, offers its condolences and is ready to work with the international community to realize peace and stability in Lebanon. -- China congratulates Robert Zoellick on his appointment as World Bank president. Six-Party Talks, IAEA, Long-Term Peace Mechanism -------------- --- ¶2. At the June 26 regular MFA press briefing, spokesman Qin Gang announced that the BDA issue has been resolved and thanked all parties for their constructive efforts, but gave reporters no information on when the Six-Party Talks would resume. IAEA DDG Heinonen will brief Beijing on the IAEA trip to the DPRK upon its completion, said the spokesman. Asked for details of the denuclearization process in the DPRK, Qin replied only that all sides would implement the initial actions spelled out in the February 13 Joint Document. The agenda and topics of FM Yang's upcoming trip to the DPRK are still under discussion. The MFA has taken note of reports on a North Korean woman forcibly taken to Japan, said Qin in response to a reporter's question. ¶3. Asked for comment on A/S Hill's proposals of a peace mechanism for the Korean Peninsula as well as a broader security dialogue for Northeast Asia, Qin responded that ideas for the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and long-term regional peace and stability were set in the 2005 Joint Statement and February 13 Joint Document to which all parties have commitments. China holds an open attitude as long as relevant proposals are conducive to the peace and stability of the Korean Peninsula and Northeast Asia, Qin stated. Killings of UN Peacekeepers Condemned -------------- ¶4. China condemns the attacks on UN Peacekeepers in Lebanon on June 24 and offers its condolences, the spokesman announced at the beginning of the press briefing. China hopes local authorities bring those responsible to justice and is ready to work with the international community to realize peace and stability in Lebanon at an early date. Calls for Peace on Turkey-Iraq Border -------------- ¶5. As a UNSC Permanent Member, China hopes that all countries respect Iraq's sovereignty and territorial integrity and resolve differences through peaceful means, said Qin responding to calls by Turkish media for China's position if military operations were carried out against the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) in northern Iraq. Asked if China recognized the PKK as a terrorist organization and if discussions with Iraqi President Talabani included the potential operation, Qin said he did not know of the group and provided no details on the meetings. China hopes factionalism and religious strife in Iraq can be overcome to allow for economic development and stability. Zoellick to Lead World Bank, Improve Cooperation -------------- --- ¶6. China congratulates Robert Zoellick on his appointment as World Bank president, believes cooperation will move forward under his leadership and hopes the organization will abide by its institutional role and positively contribute to world development and poverty relief, Qin said when asked about the news. BEIJING 00004301 002 OF 002 9th East China Sea Consultations Ongoing -------------- ¶7. MFA DG for Asian Affairs Hu Zhengyue and Japan MFA DG for Asian and Oceanian Affairs Kenichiro Sasae are holding the 9th China-Japan Consultations on the East China Sea in Tokyo today to exchange ideas on join development plans, Qin said when asked to comment by the Japanese press. China hopes joint efforts can be made to demonstrate the important consensus reached by both sides in the consultation and realize a sea of friendship, cooperation and peace. Strengthen EU Cooperation -------------- ¶8. China's position on the EU arms embargo has not changed, Qin said when asked if it would be discussed at the upcoming EU-China Summit in November. China hopes as Portugal ascends to the EU presidency, the new leadership can make a positive contribution to EU-China relations and further strengthen cooperation based on a cooperative strategic partnership in various fields. Kidnappings in Pakistan, Copper Strike in Chile -------------- -- ¶9. Chinese hostages taken in Pakistan all had legal business licenses and China always advises its citizens to abide by local laws when abroad, said Qin when asked if the seven Chinese massage parlor workers kidnapped were engaged in illegal sexual activity. Asked if Chinese companies would negotiate with striking copper miners in Chile, Qin replied that he was not aware of the situation. RANDT