EAP A/S HILL WITH VFM ZHANG YESUI ON IRAN, DARFUR,

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 BEIJING 004801 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/20/2017 TAGS: PREL PGOV PARM PHUM IR IZ SU CH SUBJECT: EAP A/S HILL WITH VFM ZHANG YESUI ON IRAN, DARFUR, BURMA REF: A. 7/19 EAP-BEIJING EMAILS ¶B. 7/17 EAP/CM NIGHT NOTES Classified By: Ambassador Clark T. Randt, Jr. Reasons 1.4 (b/d). Summary -------------- ¶1. (C) Vice Foreign Minister Zhang Yesui told EAP A/S Hill July 20 that the Iran nuclear issue should be solved through dialogue, but China does not oppose "a certain level of pressure" on Tehran. China believes the UN Security Council members should first assess progress in Iran-IAEA negotiations before turning to the question of a resolution. On Darfur, Zhang said "controversial" elements in the UK draft will only serve to delay deployment of a hybrid peacekeeping force. China does not feel Chapter VII authorization should be a prerequisite to deployment. Furthermore, inclusion of sanctions in a Darfur resolution is "not appropriate as things stand now." Zhang said China stands ready to facilitate further dialogue between the United States and Burma. End summary. ¶2. (C) EAP A/S Christopher Hill, accompanied by Ambassador Randt, raised Iran, Sudan/Darfur and Burma (per refs) in a bilateral with Vice Foreign Minister Zhang Yesui July 20. Iran: U.S. Should Continue Dialogue with Tehran -------------- -- ¶3. (C) Responding to A/S Hill's points, Zhang said China understands well Iran's influence in Iraq. Iraq's future peace and security will depend largely on the actions of its neighbors. The start of U.S.-Iran dialogue at the ambassadorial level is a positive move. More dialogue between the U.S. and Iran will serve as a conduit for greater peace and stability in Iraq. ¶4. (C) Turning to the nuclear issue, Zhang reiterated China's position that the issue should be solved through dialogue and consultations. However, China does not oppose a "certain level of pressure" on Iran. It is important that the six countries (P5 plus Germany) remain united and send identical signals to Iran. Zhang described the U.S. and Chinese positions as essentially the same in that Washington and Beijing both want to preserve the integrity of the international non-proliferation order and both want to avoid Iran becoming a nuclear weapons state. A/S Hill agreed with Zhang about the need to avoid mixed signals. Iran should not be receiving pressure from some countries while others are trying to pursue normal relations. First Assess Iran-IAEA Negotiations, Then Do Resolution -------------- -------------- ¶5. (C) VFM Zhang said that at the core of the nuclear issue is the international community's lack of confidence in the peaceful nature of Tehran's nuclear program. Iran "obviously must make efforts to ease these concerns." If Iran and the IAEA can solve outstanding issues regarding Iran's nuclear program, then this will help restore international confidence in the peaceful nature of Tehran's nuclear program. The international community should first assess progress the IAEA and Iran make in their negotiations and then consider next steps by the Security Council. Sudan: We Must Encourage North-South Peace -------------- ¶6. (C) Zhang offered A/S Hill a brief rundown of Sudanese First Vice President Salva Kiir Mayardit's just-completed visit to Beijing. During the visit, according to Zhang, Sudan Foreign Minister Lam Akol Ajawin told the Chinese that southern Sudan faces two major problems: the return of refugees and the slow-pace of reconstruction. Failure to solve these problems, Zhang quoted Lam Akol as saying, would lead to disappointment among people in southern Sudan. Zhang said there was a risk that people in the south would lean toward separatism in the 2011 referendum. With this in mind, Zhang said China had announced additional economic aid for Sudan in connection with Kiir's visit. ¶7. (C) Zhang stressed that separatism is at the heart of Khartoum's concerns both in the south and in Darfur. A divided Sudan, Zhang observed, will not be good for Sudan or for peace and stability in the whole of Africa. The international community should thus encourage the Sudan's North and South to implement the peace agreement because the BEIJING 00004801 002 OF 002 peace process is so important to the unity of Sudan. In Darfur, VFM Zhang said, Khartoum truly believes that "Western forces" are behind the rebel groups, particularly since several rebel leaders reside in "certain European countries." Sudan also feels pressure because the number of rebel groups has increased from 14 to 24 in just a few years. Zhang encouraged the United States to engage in more direct discussions with Sudan to reduce these anxieties. The United States should tell Sudan directly that Washington has no interest in dividing Sudan, Zhang said. "Controversial" UK Draft May Delay Deployment -------------- ¶8. (C) Zhang stated that China hopes the UNSC will adopt a resolution on Darfur soon. The purpose of a resolution should be both to deploy the hybrid force and to encourage Sudan to move forward in the political process. "We must keep these two wheels running in parallel." Any resolution should be concise and balanced, and reflect a trilateral consensus between the UN, the African Union and the Government of Sudan. Some elements of the UK draft resolution are controversial and have not been agreed to by all parties. These controversial points will only lead to disputes that will ultimately delay deployment of the peacekeeping force. "Nobody wants to see" such a delay. Furthermore, inclusion of sanctions is "not appropriate as things stand now." If sanctions are included, then Khartoum will not cooperate in the deployment of the hybrid force or support the peace process. Nothing will be gained by passing a resolution that pushes Sudan back to its previous position, Zhang said. A/S Hill pushed back, saying that Sudan must do better, and governments must be held to a higher standard than rebel groups. Chapter VII Not A Deployment Prerequisite -------------- ¶9. (C) A/S Hill emphasized that unified Command and Control and Chapter VII are essential to ensure the protection of the hybrid force, including Chinese units. While agreeing that protection of the peacekeepers is important, Zhang said Chapter VII should not be a "prerequisite" for deployment. Burma -------------- ¶10. (C) Zhang praised recent bilateral contacts between the United States and Burma. China encourages the United States to continue these exchanges and is willing to facilitate additional meetings in Beijing. A/S Hill thanked China for its support, but cautioned that Burma must take additional steps, including allowing UN Special Advisor Gambari to meet with opposition figures, including Aung San Suu Kyi. Zhang responded that China will help the Burmese Government to make a positive gesture. RANDT