APRIL 17 MFA PRESS BRIEFING: TORCH RELAY, DALAI

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 BEIJING 001490 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL PGOV SOCI PHUM CH JA SUBJECT: APRIL 17 MFA PRESS BRIEFING: TORCH RELAY, DALAI LAMA, CNN APOLOGY, ETC. ¶1. Key points at the regular April 17 MFA press briefing: -- The torch relay in Pakistan was "warm and grand," and the people of India have "shown their enthusiasm for the relay." -- The Beijing Olympic Committee will arrange a specific media group to cover the Mount Everest leg of the torch relay, which will then provide the "signal" free of charge. -- The Dalai Lama side "has shown no positive response," and thus "seriously undermined the basis for contact and dialogue" with the Chinese Government. -- The Government of the Tibet Autonomous Region "will make an assessment of the situation and decide in accordance with local conditions" when to allow press back into Tibet. -- Regarding commentator Jack Cafferty's comments, CNN should "take the issue seriously, take back its vicious remarks and make an apology to the people of China." -- There has been a "new development" which shows "the political will to move ahead on the (Six-Party Talks) process." Why no Torch Relay Protests in Non-democratic Countries? -------------- -------------- ¶2. At the regularly-scheduled MFA press briefing April 17, MFA Spokesperson Jiang Yu said the 2008 Olympic torch relay has allowed more Asian countries to experience the "fun and joy" of the torch relay. Jiang characterized the torch relay leg in Pakistan as "warm and grand," and said the people of India have "shown their enthusiasm for the relay." She said she expects the Indian Government will take effective measures to ensure a safe and smooth relay. Jiang emphatically disagreed with a reporter's comment that there is a message in the fact that all democratic countries in which the torch relay has thus far occurred have had "major protests," while events have run smoothly for the legs run in non-democratic countries. Jiang said the torch relay is an inappropriate venue to pursue political goals and specifically noted that the "so-called peace and nonviolence" of the "Tibetan independence forces" has been exposed to the world for the "deceit and true nature of their violent activities." ¶3. Repeatedly emphasizing that the torch relay is a Beijing Olympic Committee (BOCOG)-lead issue, the spokesperson did not clearly comment on a Japanese media question which implied Japan had refused a PRC request to allow PRC security 
officials to run escort for the torch relay in Nagoya next week. Jiang twice delivered incoherent answers regarding foreign press coverage of the Everest leg of the torch relay, but said that BOCOG will "organize the group (of media) for the official signal for the video pictures," and would in turn "provide the signals free of charge to the media." Dalai Lama Side Not Showing Sincerity for Dialogue -------------- -------------- ¶4. The PRC has shown "maximum sincerity and patience," Jiang averred, while the Dalai Lama side "has shown no positive response," and thus "seriously undermined the basis for contact and dialogue." Jiang twice delineated three activities the "Dalai Lama clique" must cease in order to show their sincerity for dialogue: 1) efforts to split the motherland; 2) efforts to sabotage the Olympics; and 3) instigation of violent activities. "Only on this basis can we have the dialogue again," she said. Foreign Press Challenges in China -------------- ¶5. Jiang said China welcomes the world press to come cover the Beijing Games. "We will honor our commitment for the Games and facilitate the coverage of foreign media in China," she claimed, but then continued, "At the same time, we hope that during their reporting work, they can uphold the principles of objectiveness, balance and fairness." ¶6. Responding to a reporter's query on the apparent indefinite delay of a May 1 commitment to allow reporters back into Tibet, Jiang said the Government of the Tibet Autonomous Region "will make an assessment of the situation and decide in accordance with local conditions." ¶7. Jiang reported that MFA Information Department Director General Liu Jianchao "launched solemn representation" to the BEIJING 00001490 002 OF 002 CNN Beijing Office Director last evening. Jiang called the CNN apology "insincere" and said CNN commentator Jack Cafferty's comments were an effort to "sow discontent between the Chinese Government and people." "We cannot accept it (the apology) at all," she said, and called on CNN to "take the issue seriously, take back its vicious remarks and to make an apology to the people of China." Lawyers not allowed to see Hu Jia for Appeal? -------------- ¶8. An Agence France Presse reporter pressed Jiang twice for clarification on the Hu Jia case, claiming Hu had been denied the right to see a lawyer to assist in his appeal. Jiang repeatedly claimed China is a country governed by law, that Hu's case had been dealt with in accordance with Chinese law and that any further questions should be addressed to judicial authorities. Jiang said that as an official of the Chinese Government, she had "no right to interfere with judicial affairs." ¶9. A New York Times reporter queried Jiang on the whereabouts of a Tibetan who works for the state-run TV station in Qinghai, Jamyang Kyi, who, "according to wire reports and his family," has been missing since April 1. Jiang said she had not heard of the case, but emphasized that Chinese law "fully protects freedom of speech" and claimed, "Only if someone goes against the law will they be punished by the law." Six Party and P5 Plus 1 Talks -------------- ¶10. Asked about the outcome of United States-DPRK talks in Singapore and the implications for the schedule of Six-Party Talks, Jiang admitted there had been a "new development" which shows "the political will to move ahead on the process." China will "follow the relevant situation and make suggestions for the proper resumption of talks at the proper time." ¶11. Jiang also reported that the P5 plus 1 political directors agreed to resolve the Iranian nuclear issue by diplomatic channels. Jiang called the talks "in depth and candid" and said the countries agreed to enhance diplomatic efforts to seek a "long-term and comprehensive proper solution" of the Iranian nuclear issue. PICCUTA