FRANCE ON CHINA/TAIWAN OIE DISPUTE: POSTPONEMENT

UNCLAS PARIS 002136 SIPDIS SIPDIS SENSITIVE E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL EAGR AORG TW CH FR EUN SUBJECT: FRANCE ON CHINA/TAIWAN OIE DISPUTE: POSTPONEMENT IDEAL, BUT WON'T VOTE AGAINST CHINA REF: A. STATE 67444 ¶B. BERLIN 1043 SENSITIVE BUT UNCLASSIFIED. Please treat accordingly. ¶1. (U) POL Deputy delivered ref A demarche May 23 to MFA Bureau of International Organizations Affairs PDAS-equivalent Marc Giacomini, stressing the U.S. preference for delaying a vote on a China-sponsored resolution pending negotiation between China and Taiwan of a mutually acceptable solution that would allow both countries to participate fully in the OIE. ¶2. (SBU) Giacomini responded that a delay as envisioned by the U.S. would be the ideal solution. At the same time, he judged it improbable. He said it would be necessary to persuade the OIE presidency of the desirability of a delay (without saying so, he implied that this might be difficult). And citing Chinese impatience to move forward, he suggested that the PRC might well insist on an early vote on the resolution in any case. ¶3. (SBU) Asked about the status of EU deliberations, Giacomini stated that discussions would be held the afternoon of May 23. He was not optimistic that the EU would reach consensus, saying its position would in all likelihood remain "open," i.e., there would be no common position, and member states would be free to differ. When queried as to France's position, Giacomini responded that France "would await the results of the debate." POL Deputy asked if French indecisiveness was the result of a lacking instructions in the wake of the recent change of government; Giacomini said this was not the case. Giacomini suggested that it might be possible for the EU to issue a declaration even in the absence of an agreed position, although, on reflection, he admitted this would be unusual. ¶4. (SBU) Giacomini asked how the U.S. would vote if push came to shove China forced a vote. POL Deputy responded that his instructions did not cover that contingency. Giacomini indicated that France "would not vote against the (Chinese) resolution." ¶5. (SBU) Giacomini indicated his willingness to remain in contact as consideration of the issue continued. POL Deputy undertook to provide him with a copy of the U.S. non-paper to ensure his full appreciation of our position. ¶6. (SBU) We have been approached repeatedly by the Taiwanese Representation, which is fully briefed on the issue,and we have informed them on the substance of the French position. Please visit Paris' Classified Website at: http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/eur/paris/index.c fm STAPLETON