PRC/IRAN: MFA READOUT OF JALILI VISIT TO BEIJING

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 BEIJING 000235 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 01/23/2028 TAGS: PARM PREL MNUC ETRD CH IR SUBJECT: PRC/IRAN: MFA READOUT OF JALILI VISIT TO BEIJING Classified By: Political Minister Counselor Aubrey Carlson. Reasons 1.4 (b/d). ¶1. (C) SUMMARY: Iranian National Security Advisor Saeed Jalili said during his January 17-18 visit to Beijing that the recent U.S. National Intelligence Estimate "proves" the peaceful nature of the Iran nuclear program, the MFA told us January 23. Jalili acknowledged past "ambiguities" regarding Iran's nuclear program, but said this did not mean that Iran had a nuclear weapons program. Jalili warned that "any unfriendly moves" would negatively affect Iranian cooperation with the IAEA and that new UN SANCTIONS would only push Iran to pursue nuclear weapons. Chinese officials stressed the need for direct talks to resolve the issue on the basis of "commitment-for-commitment, action-for-action," and proposed to the Iranians negotiation modalities such as 5-plus-1 and 6-plus-1 arrangements. END SUMMARY. ¶2. (C) MFA West Asia and North Africa Department Director General Song Aiguo briefed PolOff January 23 on Iranian National Security Advisor Saeed Jalili's January 17-18 visit to Beijing. DG Song said that the Iranian side proposed the visit and during his stay Jalili met State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan and Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi. Iranian Vice Foreign Minister Mahdi Safari, who accompanied Jalili on the visit, also met with PRC Assistant Foreign Minister Zhai Jun. Jalili: Iran Playing Positive Role in Region -------------- ¶3. (C) DG Song reported that Jalili began his meetings by outlining Iran's vision for the Middle East, stressing that Iran believes it is a major positive influence in the Middle East and the Gulf region in particular. Iran, Jalili said, is playing a positive role in ensuring the stability of the international energy supply and in maintaining peace in the region. NIE Proves Iran's Innocence -------------- ¶4. (C) Song said Jalili told Chinese officials that the meetings during IAEA DG ElBaradei's January 11-12 visit to Tehran were "positive" and Iran is committed to strong cooperation with the IAEA. Jalili told Chinese officials that the National Intelligence Estimate (NIE) "proves" the peaceful nature of the Iranian nuclear program and there is now "no doubt" about Iran's past nuclear activities. Jalili acknowledged past "ambiguities" regarding Iran's nuclear program, but said these did not indicate Iran had a nuclear weapons program. Jalili said Iran is "actively cooperating" with the IAEA to clarify these ambiguities within the timeframe agreed to with the nuclear agency. As for future issues, Jalili emphasized that the peaceful nature of Iran's nuclear activities can best be ensured by IAEA safeguards. "Outstanding Issues" to be Resolved by March -------------- ¶5. (C) DG Song reported that Jalili pledged to resolve outstanding issues before March so that the IAEA can indicate positive progress in its next report. Jalili said when this positive report is released the international community should recognize and support Iran's efforts. Jalili emphasized with his Chinese interlocutors that Iran is a party to the Nonproliferation Treaty as well as the IAEA and is willing to implement "earnestly" all "relevant regulations." Jalili repeated his insistence, however, that Iran has the right to the peaceful use nuclear energy. Jalili warned that "any unfriendly moves" will negatively affect Iranian cooperation with the IAEA. He stressed such moves include UN SANCTIONS and continued unwarranted accusations that Iran is developing nuclear weapons. Jalili said new UN SANCTIONS would only push Iran to pursue nuclear weapons, Song reported. Song added, however, that Jalili declined to outline specific measures the Iranians would take. China Urges Talks, Proposes Framework Ideas -------------- ¶6. (C) Song said China used the visit to continue its efforts for a "proper settlement" of the Iranian nuclear issue. He said that Chinese officials emphasized to Jalili that they remain committed to the integrity of the international nonproliferation regime and a negotiated, diplomatic settlement. China will continue to play a "proper role." The Chinese side noted the increasing opinion among the BEIJING 00000235 002 OF 002 international community for a resumption of direct talks to resolve the issue and urged the Iranians to take measures that would enable the resumption of such talks. New Negotiation Modalities -------------- ¶7. (C) DG Song said China urged Jalili to consider seriously new negotiation modalities, including 5-plus-1 and 6-plus-1 arrangements. Chinese officials also stressed that Iran should cooperate with the current P5-plus-1 members on the basis of "commitment-for-commitment, action-for-action." Jalili replied that Iran is willing to undertake all of its obligations, but reiterated Iran's right to the peaceful use of nuclear technology. China also urged Iran to implement the IAEA Additional Protocol. DG Song said the Chinese clearly asked that Iran's nuclear program be transparent "to facilitate a return of the issue to the IAEA framework." Song said Jalili did not offer an immediate response on negotiating arrangements, but noted that the Iranians did not reject the two proposed modalities. Song said he personally felt Iran might be persuaded to join such a framework. Jalili Hopes for Talks, but Cautiously -------------- ¶8. (C) Song said Jalili was "appreciative" of all of China's suggestions. Jalili said Iran would take steps to resolve "outstanding issues." Jalili said Iran hopes to restart negotiations with the international community "as soon as possible." Song said Jalili said specifically that talks could restart immediately or could wait until the release of the IAEA DG's report. Jalili said Iran hopes to know the "real considerations" of all parties, and expressed the Iranian demand that any conditions agreed to for the resumption of talks should not be changed once negotiations are underway. Enrichment Issues -------------- ¶9. (C) Turning to uranium enrichment, DG Song said China expressed concern over the ratio of enrichment, and Jalili agreed that all enriched uranium should be subject to IAEA safeguards to guarantee for the international community the peaceful nature of the nuclear program. China Wants Dual-Track Approach -------------- ¶10. (C) DG Song reiterated that China remains committed to a "dual-track" solution to the Iranian nuclear issue: both within the UNSC and outside of it. He cautioned that relying solely on the UNSC to resolve the issue will only push the Iranians to carry out more uranium enrichment. Song expressed hope that Iran will take voluntary steps to reinvigorate negotiations and said Chinese officials stressed to Jalili that China and the international community want to see a negotiated settlement. He said China urged Jalili to take responsibility and "take a step forward" to create new space for a negotiated settlement. For his part, Song lamented what he perceives is a continuing need for the international community to develop a "strategy," agreed upon by all relevant parties, for dealing with the Iranian nuclear issue. He expressed hope that all parties would coordinate to reinvigorate efforts "outside of the UNSC." RANDT