AMBASSADOR DISCUSSES OLYMPIC PROTEST ZONES AND

C O N F I D E N T I A L BEIJING 001749 SIPDIS STATE FOR EAP/CM, DRL NSC FOR WILDER E.O. 12958: DECL: 05/07/2028 TAGS: PREL PHUM KOLY CH SUBJECT: AMBASSADOR DISCUSSES OLYMPIC PROTEST ZONES AND HUMAN RIGHTS DIALOGUE WITH PRC AFM LIU JIEYI Classified By: Deputy Political Section Chief Ben Moeling. Reasons 1.4 (b) and (d). ¶1. (C) The Ambassador spoke with Chinese Assistant Foreign Minister Liu Jieyi May 7 and stressed the importance the USG places on the upcoming U.S.-China Human Rights Dialogue. He told AFM Liu that he hopes the Dialogue will show tangible results. AFM Liu responded that the Chinese Government also attaches "great importance" to the Human Rights Dialogue, and that he hopes that "through cooperation, not confrontation," the two sides can "advance the cause of human rights." The Chinese are preparing for the Dialogue "in that spirit," he added. ¶2. (C) The Ambassador said the United States encourages China to consider establishing set-aside areas for demonstrators and protestors to express their views peacefully during the Olympic Games. He noted that establishing "protest zones" would help the Chinese Government meet its commitments to the International Olympic Committee on addressing human rights concerns, show Chinese tolerance for dissent and at the same time allow Chinese authorities to control protestors. AFM Liu thanked the Ambassador for the suggestion and said that Chinese authorities will deal with "such situations in accordance with the law." RANDT